New Mexico Parent Teacher Association Newsletter

October 30, 2025

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.

COVER YOUR ASSETS

Your event is decorated, everyone has arrived, the fundraiser is making money, everyone is happy.  But then someone gets hurt and you realize that you forgot to purchase insurance...now what? What if you discover some of the fundraising money was stolen? Don’t put yourself in that situation. Come to this learning workshop to find out how to protect yourself and your PTA. Join us Thursday, November 13, at 7pm.

AIM will discuss the liability our PTA’s face, what coverages are available, and offer any guidance on what you need to do to protect yourself.

FIVE ACTIONABLE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S MENTAL HEALTH

It is natural to worry about your child’s wellbeing. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, approximately 1 in 5 adolescents (aged 12 and 17) had a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition in 2023. A Pew Research Center survey from the same year showed that mental health sits atop the list of parental concerns. Forty percent of parents with children under 18 were extremely or very worried their children might struggle with anxiety or depression. Another 35% were similarly concerned about their children being bullied. For parents who share these concerns, here are five actionable ways you can support your child’s mental health. 

THE PEOPLE'S TREE IS COMING TO ALBUQUERQUE

Join us for a special holiday gathering on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 4–6 p.m. at Balloon Fiesta Park, as we welcome the People’s Tree on its journey to Washington, D.C.

This family-friendly celebration will bring together families, organizations, and community leaders. Enjoy hot chocolate, music, and a festive photo booth as we spread holiday cheer and celebrate the season. This is a free event with items from local vendors available for purchase.

History of the U.S. Capitol Tree

In 1964 the Speaker of the House, John W. McCormack, suggested to the Architect of the Capitol that a Christmas Tree should be placed on U.S. Capitol Grounds. A 24-foot Douglas Fir was then purchased from Buddies Nurseries of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, and planted on the West Lawn following the holiday season. Each year, the tree was decorated, and a tree-lighting ceremony was held.  

The tradition remained until 1967, when the tree succumbed to severe root and wind damage. Following this, two more attempts to plant trees on the West lawn were made, but unfortunately, they remained unsuccessful. This then prompted the Architect of the Capitol to turn to the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to provide a Christmas Tree.  

Since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service and the Architect’s office have selected the Christmas Tree from various national forests in the United States.

SCAN TO FIND PARKING

SEPTEMBER 30 WAS THE COMPLIANCE DEADLINE

Did you know that September 30 was the deadline for your PTA to turn in (almost) all of the annually required compliance documents? The only deadline left for this school year is November 30 when your PTA's proof of 990 filing is due.

• Bylaws can be amended at any time, but it is required every three years.
• Membership should be reported monthly through your PTA's Givebacks account.
• Elected Officers and appointed Board Members should be listed in Givebacks.
• A membership-approved budget should be uploaded in Givebacks.
• The internal financial review form for the 2024-2025 treasurer's books should be uploaded in Givebacks.
• Proof of insurance should be uploaded in Givebacks.
• Each of your PTA's four elected officers need to complete a free, online Thrive training. Certificates of completion should be uploaded in Givebacks.

Please contact the NMPTA Office or your PTA's Board Mentor with any questions. We want to help you get in compliance!

Why is compliance important?

• To maintain your PTA's 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. Donors ask for proof of your non-profit's good standing before giving.
• To be eligible for grants, scholarships, contests, and programs from National PTA and New Mexico PTA.

VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE FOR LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL

Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.

Afterschool programs have risen to the moment to provide critical supports for youth and families during the pandemic — from innovative virtual programming to meals to caring for children of essential workers to wellbeing check-ins. We need to celebrate and recognize their efforts and call attention to the importance of afterschool supports in the school year ahead.

Emil Ardelean, from Onate Elementary School, represented the parent voice at a recent roundtable discussion.

• American After 3pm in New Mexico
• Legislative Education Study Committee's Policy Brief on OST

1ST QUARTER MEMBERSHIP CHALLENGE

Fourteen PTAs in New Mexico qualified for the 1st Quarter Membership Challenge by reporting 75% or more of their 2024-2025 membership total by September 25. Two PTAs were randomly chosen to receive donations for their PTA.

There's a different Membership Challenge each quarter, so click below to see what your PTA could win!

AWARD DEADLINE NOVEMBER 2

The deadline for National PTA’s Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Outstanding Advocacy Awards is almost here! Nominate your PTA or an outstanding advocate who’s paving the way for equity, inclusion and positive change.

SHOW THE VALUE OF PTA THROUGH PICTURES

Take pictures at all events and activities your PTA organizes or supports. These images can then be used for social media posts, flyers, posters, letters and more. Customize the You Belong in PTA pieces with your own pictures. Always include an invite to join your PTA!

SPACE CAMP SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION WINDOW IS OPEN

All of us here at Space Camp wanted to let you know that the Summer 2026 Scholarship application window for our 5 Camps (Space Camp, Aviation Challenge, Cyber Academy, Robotics, and Space Academy for Educators) in Huntsville, Alabama is now open and accepting applications! We awarded over 600 scholarships last year alone due to the generosity of our corporate sponsors and private donors! We are awarding tuition-only scholarships to students who may need help due to financial need or students who excel in the classroom. Educators can apply to Camp, too! Any expenses (travel costs, flight suits, etc…) will be at the winner’s expense. This opportunity leaves the Solar System on December 5, 2025. Winners will be announced in late February 2026.

NMPTA ANNUAL SPONSORS

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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.