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October 2024

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Hello Amazing Florida PTA Leaders,

 

As we embark on another school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact that our Florida PTA has on our children, schools, and communities. It is through our collective efforts that we can advocate for every child, support our teachers, and foster an environment where families feel connected and empowered. 

 

One of the most significant ways we can strengthen our association and amplify our voice is by growing our membership. Each new member enriches our collective power and influence, enabling us to champion the needs of our students more effectively. As leaders, we understand that membership is not just about numbers—it's about creating a vibrant community united in purpose, and membership is year-round 365+ days. 

 

The Value of Membership

  • Advocacy and Representation: As members of the PTA, we have a powerful voice in advocating for educational policies and resources that benefit our children. With each new member, we strengthen our ability to influence decision-makers at the local, state, and national levels.
  • Resources and Support: Membership grants access to a wealth of resources, including training, workshops, and materials that can help our local organizations thrive. We provide our members with tools to effectively engage families and communities, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table.
  • Networking and Community Building: Joining the PTA connects families to a network of supportive individuals who share a common goal: the well-being and success of our children. This collaboration fosters strong relationships among parents, educators, and community leaders.
  • Empowerment and Leadership Development: Membership offers opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Whether through serving on a committee or taking on a leadership role, members gain valuable skills that can benefit their schools and communities.

The Importance of Growing Membership

 

Growing our membership is crucial for several reasons:

  • Increased Influence: A larger membership base enhances our ability to advocate for critical issues affecting our schools and communities. The more voices we have, the stronger our message becomes.
  • Sustainability: A robust membership ensures the long-term sustainability of our programs and initiatives. It allows us to secure funding and resources needed to support our work.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Expanding our membership enables us to welcome diverse perspectives and experiences. A diverse PTA is better equipped to address the needs of all families within our schools.
  • Community Engagement: More members mean more opportunities for community involvement, events, and initiatives that bring families together and strengthen the school environment.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the school year, I encourage each of you to reach out to families within your schools and communities. Share the value of PTA membership and the transformative impact we can have together. Consider hosting membership drives year-round, informational sessions, or events that showcase the benefits of joining our association.

 

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to PTA. Together, let’s continue to grow our membership, strengthen our collective voice, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

 

Warmest regards,

Maxine Lewers President Florida PTA

Denise Nicholas Florida PTA Vice President of Membership Development

Since 1999, there have been more than 400 school shootings, and more than 378,000 students have experienced gun violence at school in the US alone (Source: Washington Post). In September, at the request of National PTA, Florida PTA President Maxine Lewers, VP for Leadership Development, Karen Mazzola, and Legislative Chair Tracey Strecker joined security leaders and practitioners in Orlando to learn more about the Key Principles and Practices for School Threat Assessment Teams, digital

mapping regarding campus security technology, and the importance of collaboration for safety and security recommendations. National School Security Standards have been developed by a diverse team of 50 global experts from various disciplines over the last two years and has a projected launch date in mid to late 2025.


This comprehensive framework addresses critical areas including physical protection measures, behavioral threat assessment and management, and school emergency operations planning which has the potential to shape the future of school safety.

Florida PTA is honored to be invited to be a part of the review process in early 2025. We will continue to keep you posted.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%.


For more information, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation Website.

October 10th is World Mental Health Day. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.


Information for Leaders

Thrive (National PTA's elearning hub) has a variety of new courses tailored to help local PTA leaders. Check out our local leader kit for more resources and join Membership Mania to learn about embedding membership into everything.

For over 25 years, Box Tops has given families an easy way to earn cash for schools—with products they already buy! Download the app!

Every year, National PTA hosts an annual Reflections Theme Search Contest to select one student theme to inspire student artists as they participate in the national Reflections program. Themes are selected two years in advance. Students can participate in the Reflections Theme Search Contest by submitting a completed theme idea form to Florida PTA by November 1, 2024. For details, please see the Theme Search Form found on our website. The Theme Search Form can be submitted via email to reflections@floridapta.org.

The student who submits the winning entry will receive $100 prize from National PTA.


Apply now for the Early Bird Award! This award is earned by a PTA submitting an application and remittance form for state and national dues for 100% membership or any amount over last year’s membership. Dues must be paid and received in the Florida PTA Office on or before October 1st for the Golden Early Bird, November 1st for the Silver Early Bird, or December 1st for Bronze. Visit our website for more information: floridapta.org/florida-pta-awards

School of Excellence


Did you know? Over 40 years of research shows that increased family engagement is directly linked to school improvement and student achievement! 

By enrolling in the School of Excellence Program, your PTA and school administrators make a year-long commitment to create a strategic action plan for school improvement, all based on PTA's National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. 


 The program helps PTAs to:

  •  Strengthen family-school partnerships
  •  Build inclusive, welcoming school communities
  •  Attract new, action-oriented members
  •  Gain step-by-step guidance to meet goals & earn recognition

Enroll in National PTA's School of Excellence Program here!


For further details, including a training presentation and a host of other resources, please click this link.

Around the State...

Resolutions

Visit the Resolutions page on our website!

From National PTA

National PTA's Healthy Minds program helps make mental health an everyday priority by providing resources to help your child adapt, grow and thrive throughout the school year. Find helpful tools.

Get inspired by real stories from PTAs (en español) that have advanced racial justice, economic justice and disability advocacy in their schools and districts.

AIM - Association Insurance Management

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Contact Us

407.855.7604

www.floridapta.org

info@floridapta.org

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