One of the Founding Mothers of

Parent Teachers Association(PTA),

Alice Mclellan Birney

told us

"to all mankind and to all womankind, regardless of race, color, or condition, to recognize that the republic's greatest work is to save the children"

National PTA Denounces Latest Mass Layoffs

in the U.S. Department of Education

Association urges the Administration to reverse the layoffs and preserve the Department's critical role

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Oct. 14, 2025)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Yvonne Johnson and National PTA Executive Director Howie Berman, MA, CAE:

“Last week, another round of mass layoffs was conducted in the U.S. Department of Education, reportedly eliminating most of the staff from both the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Office of Special Education. This follows March's historic layoffs, which cut nearly half the Department's positions, and came after the Supreme Court's July ruling allowing federal government layoffs to proceed.

For More Information

Join National PTA in sending an urgent message to Congress to demand the Administration reverse the layoffs and preserve the critical role of the U.S. Department of Education.

Have you been interested in Reflections but have questions? Are you struggling with supporting your program? Have you been doing an awesome job and want to share examples or ideas? Do you just want to brainstorm with fellow Reflections leaders?

Join one of our upcoming drop-in Reflections Chats!

Monday, Nov 3rd from 6-7 pm JOIN HERE

Wednesday, Nov 12th from 6-7 pm JOIN HERE

Important Deadlines:

Promote the Theme search (for 2027-2028) with your schools. Have students submit themes for consideration to me via email at s.lewis@masspta.org by November 1st, including all of the information in this form: fillale-theme-search-form_reflections.pdf
The Massachusetts State deadline is Sunday, February 1st, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Reach out if you have any immediate questions! s.lewis@masspta.org

National PTA Position Statement:

THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN & YOUTH AND FAMILY ACCESS TO CARE:

PTA believes that health is based on the quality of life of the whole child -- emotional, mental, physical, and social. PTA recommends all elements be considered before optimum health can exist.

Therefore, PTA supports public policies and legislation to develop and fund programs that improve children, youth, and family health, including school-based health centers and providing equitable access to quality, affordable health care for all children, youth, and families.

PTA supports efforts to ensure that all children and youth in our nation can start school ready to learn and receive the nutrition and health care needed to arrive at school with healthy minds and bodies.

See More Information Here

A message from the

Massachusetts Department of

Elementary and Secondary Education

For immediate release

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Public Hearings to Review Statewide K-12 School Finance Formula

Five listening sessions will take place across Massachusetts in October and November

EVERETT — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a series of public listening sessions to solicit feedback on the Chapter 70 school finance formula, the primary funding program that establishes how Massachusetts distributes education aid to cities and towns. The listening sessions are part of a Chapter 70 Local Contribution Study included in the state’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget and conducted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services (DLS).

See More Info and Dates Here

30th Annual MIAP Pediatric Immunization Skills Building

Conference

This is a reminder that you are invited to attend the 30th Annual MIAP Pediatric Immunization Skills Building

Conference on Wed.

November 5, 2025.

This Conference is organized by the Massachusetts Immunization Action Partnership (MIAP) – The Massachusetts Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and individuals who share the mission to protect all citizens from vaccine-preventable diseases.

The conference is one month away!

It's not too late to register!

For more information and to register,

visitour conference website today.

On November 5th, providers and advocates will meet for the annual MIAP Conference to support Massachusetts’ efforts to improve pediatric immunization rates.

See Link for More Information

The Search is still on for MA PTA President- Elect.

If you have been in Leadership for several years now in a PTA Local Unit and would ;like to serve as a Board member and /or MA PTA President.

Please consider , joining this wonderful Team at MA PTA.

Contact:

k.cureton@masspta.org and or k.deroche@masspta.org.

Also you may respond to info@masspta.org

For More Information on Book Banning Please National PTA Information Here

Everyone enjoying 2025 MA PTA Annual Meeting.

Hope you mark your 2026 calendars now.

We would love to hear your Input and Help!

Annual Meeting Date

April 11, 2026

is now Official

We have lots of possibilities with Health Summit happening on April 10th and then Reflections later in the Afternoon with a Dinner for everyone attending all of the festivities with The Health Summit Conference Members , Reflection Parents and Children as well as the PTA Annual meeting attendees.

Please Join US

More Information as we build this Project.

Send your ideas and thoughts soon. We would love to hear from YOU!