New Mexico Parent Teacher Association Newsletter

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

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.

NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

November was proclaimed National Native American Heritage Month in August 1990. This is a time to celebrate and appreciate the history of the Indigenous people who originally inhabited the Americas and continue to impact U.S. culture today. Take time this month and all year to show appreciation for the rich Native American culture, traditions, contributions, and accomplishments; and learn about Native American history through community storytelling, music, dance, and art. Share this information with your children to show that we support our Native American community for generations to come.

Learn more about Native American Heritage Month

SUPPORT YOUNG ARTISTS WITH THE REFLECTIONS PROGRAM

Sign your PTA up to participate in Reflections! It’s not too late to host this art program at your school. Watch our webinar to learn details, and apply for a grant to help your PTA celebrate your student artists. Students at schools without a PTA can join the Land of Enchantment PTA to participate in the program.

Learn more about the Reflections art program

MEET THE MEMBERSHIP CHALLENGE AND GET A $25 SHOP PTA CREDIT

This quarter's membership challenge is to report 100% of last year's membership by December 25, 2024. Every PTA that accomplishes this goal will earn a $25 Shop PTA credit.

Looking for easy ways to make the membership ask? Take this free,15-minute PTA online course, "5 Ways to Make the Membership Ask," and learn how to quickly and easily imbed membership into everything your PTA is already doing.

1. Be visible at all events

2. Make the most of every PTA communication

3. Optimize your online presence

4. Maximize your PTA flyers

5. Intentionally seek in-person asks

Learn more about the current membership challenge

POWER FOODS FOR ATHLETIC KIDS

If you’re a caregiver to a student athlete, you know that it takes more than three meals a day to keep active bodies moving and performing at their best. Kids participating in sports or exercising for more than an hour a day need to fuel themselves with extra protein and replenish lost fluids with water and sports drinks.

But what kids power themselves with is critically important for healthy, active and growing bodies. Read about 10 power foods to add to your grocery list.

Learn about 10 power foods

Image credit: Shutterfly

2024 TAMARA S. WHEELER SPECIAL EDUCATION GRANTS

Every year, Elevate the Spectrum celebrates and honors 10 amazing educators by offering $250 grants to be used to elevate and support students on the autism spectrum across New Mexico. The funds can be used to purchase much needed items such as sensory tools, inclusive field trips, equipment, and more.

Grant applications will be accepted now through November 30, 2024.

Learn more about the T.S. Wheeler Special Education grants

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH EVICTION TO SUPPORT CHANGES IN THE LAW

The New Mexico Center for Housing Law (NMCHL) is working on a bill that would seal eviction records. If it passes, this law would make it easier for people to find housing again after they've been evicted. NMCHL is gathering stories from those who have been evicted or have been threatened with eviction to elevate lived experiences and voices of our families to lawmakers. We hope these stories will emphasize how crucial housing stability is to educational outcomes for children and their families. If you or anyone you know is willing to share these stories, please share the Google forms below.

Share your experience

Comparta su experiencia

Image credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Send a message to learn more about the Soaring Minds Network

NEXT WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY SUPPORT SOCIAL IS NOVEMBER 13

GET HELP WITH PREPARING YOUR IRS-990

IRS-990s are due to the IRS by November 15, 2024. Do you have any last minute questions, need help filing, or want additional guidance? Come to one of our Q&A sessions open to all New Mexico PTAs!

NMPED'S BLACK EDUCATION ACT'S POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS SERIES

This Powerful Partnerships series, led by the Black Education Act, is designed to strengthen vital connections between families and schools by providing a space for caregivers to connect with each other, NMPED administrators, and youth development experts. Build community and receive essential information and resources to empower families to advocate effectively for children’s academic and holistic success in New Mexico public schools.

Learn more about the Powerful Partnerships series

ENTER THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S POWER YOUR FUTURE CHALLENGE TO WIN $5000 FOR CTE

Every person — and every career — uses energy. Whether in agriculture, culinary arts, business operations, or health sciences, everyone can be part of a clean energy future. The U.S. Department of Education invites career and technical education (CTE) teams to submit action plans to the Power Your Future Challenge that will advance the use of clean energy in local schools and communities. This challenge is all about students’ creative ideas for clean energy solutions. Ideas don’t have to be implemented before or after the submission deadline. Up to 10 winning teams will receive an equal share of the $50,000 prize pool. Submissions are due by November 19, 2024 at 8:00 pm. You can take a quick tour of the submission form, register for the challenge, and check out available resources. Direct questions to hello@ctemomentum.com.