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New Mexico Parent Teacher Association Newsletter | The mission of NMPTA is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. |
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Student engagement in PTA activities is essential for creating a vibrant and inclusive school community where every student feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
When students actively participate in PTA events and initiatives, several benefits emerge:
- Student Voice and Empowerment
- Enhanced Family-Student Relationships
- Skill Development
- Sense of Belonging
- Positive School Culture
| | | | SPECIAL GIVEAWAY JUST FOR NEW MEXICO PTAS | |
Shared movie experiences spark conversation, laughter, and lasting memories. Learn more about movie events for your school with a Swank Movie Licensing USA Annual license.
Special Giveaway Just for New Mexico PTAs
Order your license by October 31 and you’ll be automatically entered to win a brand-new popcorn machine. It’s the perfect way to make your next event even more unforgettable. Every active New Mexico PTA will be added to the drawing.
| | 7 ESSENTIAL MONEY LESSONS EVERY CHILD SHOULD LEARN | Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to wait until they get their first job. Think of financial education as a long-term investment—each lesson builds on the last, giving your children time to practice and grow their understanding along the way. These seven money lessons can grow with your children, adapting to their age and maturity level. Start with the basics when they’re young, and by the time they’re ready to take full financial responsibility, they’ll have the confidence and knowledge to make smart money decisions. | | | THE BEST CARPOOL APPS FOR PARENTS | |
As parents, we rely on the convenience of school buses during our morning routine. Opting for one means fewer cars on the road and less stress and traffic at school dropoff—plus, it’s an easy way to teach your kids the value of time management.
Carpooling can offer the same benefits, but who wants to take the time to start and manage a spreadsheet (or add keeping track of text chains)? That’s where carpool apps can be a lifesaver. We explored five of the most popular back-to-school carpool apps to see how they can help busy families.
| | GET RECOGNITION FOR YOUR PTA'S IMPACT | |
We know advocates and PTAs across the country have been hard at work making strides in child advocacy and championing diversity and inclusion. Nominations for National PTA's Outstanding Advocacy Awards and Jan Harp Domene Awards are now open at PTA.org/Awards!
The National PTA Outstanding Advocacy Awards honor state, local and individual PTA advocates for taking action to make a difference for the education, health, safety and well-being of every child. The awards are presented to PTA advocates in four categories:
- Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award
- Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy Award
- Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award
- Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year Award
The Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Awards recognize PTAs that best demonstrate outstanding achievement in the areas of diversity and inclusion, as well as efforts to end discriminatory practices.
| | UPDATED POSITION STATEMENTS | |
National PTA’s Board of Directors recently voted to approve updated versions of two of our association’s position statements.
Originally adopted in 1990, National PTA’s Position Statement on the Health of Children & Youth and Family Access to Care provides guidance around ensuring that all children and families have access to quality healthcare, nutrition and wellness support. The updated position explores topics like insurance coverage, Medicaid/CHIP, pediatric dental care, SNAP/WIC, childhood vaccinations, youth mental health and more.
Originally adopted in 1996, National PTA’s Position Statement on the Education of Students with Disabilities provides guidance around ensuring that every child, regardless of disability, has the support needed to thrive, including access to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. The updated position emphasizes the importance of access and inclusion, family engagement, funding, accountability, transition planning, positive school discipline and more.
| | EXCELLENCE IN FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AWARD | AASA, in partnership with National PTA, is again recognizing superintendents who have implemented exemplary best practices to integrate family engagement across strategic plans, budgets and district infrastructure. Submit a nomination for the Excellence in Family Engagement Award today. | | NEW MEXICO SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE CANDIDATES | |
New Mexico PTA is proud to announce that the following PTAs have registered for the National PTA School of Excellence designation. The NMPTA Board looks forward to supporting them as the PTAs work through the designation process to engage families in their school communities.
ERNEST STAPLETON ELEMENTARY
LEW WALLACE ELEMENTARY
PUESTA DEL SOL ELEMENTARY
HOOVER MIDDLE
DESERT WILLOW ELEMENTARY
COTTONWOOD ELEMENTARY
ALVARADO ELEMENTARY
DENNIS CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY
CIEN AGUAS INTERNATIONAL
DOUBLE EAGLE ELEMENTARY
| | PACKING HEALTHY AND BUDGET-FRIENDLY LUNCHES FOR KIDS | |
Keeping school lunches both exciting and affordable can be a challenge for busy families. With a little creativity and planning, parents can send their children to school with meals that are nutritious, fun, and wallet-friendly. In the coming months, we will share the latest tips and resources to help make lunchtime a success.
Balance All Five Food Groups
Aim to include protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy in every lunch. See USDA’s MyPlate for guidance.
- Protein: Lean meats, eggs, yogurt, legumes, cheese sticks.
- Whole Grains: Whole-grain bread, crackers, rice cakes, pasta, rice or unbleached wheat tortillas, homemade granola bars.
- Fruits & Vegetables: A colorful mix in slices, sticks, or integrated into dishes.
- Dairy: Milk, yogurt, or cheese for calcium and vitamin D.
| | This document contains information about and from public and private entities and organizations for the reader’s information. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by NMPTA of any entity or organization or the products or services offered, or views expressed. This publication also contains hyperlinks and URLs created and maintained by outside organizations. They are provided for the reader’s convenience; however, NMPTA is not responsible for the accuracy of this information. | | | | |
