New Mexico Parent Teacher Association Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 1, 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.

GET FUNDING AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR PTA WITH NATIONAL PTA GRANTS

Imagine your school bursting with fun, enriching activities that engage students and families alike. With National PTA grants and programs, this vision can become a reality! Right now through Oct 1, 2024, PTAs can apply for funding to help host National PTA programs in the areas of STEM, the arts, digital safety, healthy lifestyles, and more! It can cover food, transportation, materials, and translation services to help reach the whole community. Best of all, no prior grant writing experience is required. Ready to transform your school community? Learn more and apply at PTA.org/Grants. Together, let’s create a vibrant, inclusive environment where every student can thrive!

Over $1 million in funding is available. NMPTA can help you prepare your grant! Remember, applications are due Oct 1, 2024.

Learn more about National PTA grants and awards

NEW MEXICO PTA WANTS YOUTH LEADERS

PTA will always be committed to the interests of our youth. It's important that NMPTA works directly with young people to hear their voices loud and clear. We're building a Youth Committee, and we're interested in learning from the youth in your community. We're looking for youth who are:

15-18 years old
eager to share their points of view
residents of New Mexico
supported by their caregivers to join the NMPTA Youth Committee

Note that being at a school with a PTA is not required. Those that join the Youth Committee will have the opportunity to join Land of Enchantment PTA.

Apply now

BACK-TO-SCHOOL RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS' MENTAL HEALTH

"As students return to school and their routines, it’s important to provide youth with the support they need for a successful back to school season.

"While some students may be excited for school, others may feel anxiety or 'back-to-school jitters.' The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has created resources to help educators, parents and caregivers, and trusted adults navigate these common but complex emotions.

"Check out the Back to School Field Guide to learn more about the resources available."

Get the Back to School Field Guide

Image credit: Ernesto Eslava from Pixabay

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE MATTERS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

In order for children to get the most out of their educational journey, it's important for them to attend school. Of course, school is where they learn academics, career and college readiness, and life skills. It's also a place where students can get needed resources like food, counseling, social support, and more.

"It is increasingly evident that students are missing more school than ever before. The New Mexico Public Education Department is committed to supporting students in getting to school and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Everyone has a role in ensuring students attend school regularly."

Learn more about the Be Here NM campaign for school attendance

GREAT WAY TO GROW YOUR MEMBERSHIP: SET A MEMBERSHIP THEME

Most of us love a good theme, such as for a party or in your home decor. Membership drives are no exception. Setting a theme for your membership drive is one exciting way to attract new members. Be creative and inclusive and people should see how fun it would be to join your PTA.

By using this and other tips about attracting members to your PTA, you should be well on your way to meeting the Early Bird Membership Challenge goal: report 75% of your 2023-2024 membership numbers by Sept 25, 2024. If you meet this goal, your PTA will be entered into a drawing for $200!

Learn more about membership drive themes

Obtenga más información sobre los temas de membresía

WE ARE HERE FOR OUR PTA LEADERS

PTA leaders are the strength of the PTA. You do so much to support the PTA mission and the children in your community. We appreciate all you do.

Don't forget: NMPTA needs to know who your leaders are. Please report all of your officers in Givebacks by Sept 30, 2024 and keep the list updated throughout the year.

National PTA offers excellent leadership trainings in Thrive. All officers need to take one Thrive course by Sept 30. Although it's a compliance requirement, it also provides truly useful information to help you run your PTA.

Remember, you are never alone in this PTA journey. Join NMPTA's and National PTA's Local Leader Facebook groups to ask questions, get advice, and be each other's cheerleaders.

View compliance requirements for leaders

Image credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

YOUR SCHOOL CAN BECOME A GRIEF-SENSITIVE SCHOOL

New York Life’s Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative (GSSI)® is part of a nationwide effort to better equip educators and other school personnel to care for grieving students.

Through GSSI, New York Life GSSI Ambassadors® connect with schools in their local communities to raise educators’ awareness of the impact and prevalence of grief among school-age children and direct them to critical resources that are especially designed for education practitioners.

Schools and/or districts that agree to become a Grief-Sensitive School® will receive the “Grief-Sensitive” designation, which is accompanied by a grant and other resources to help them build a more robust culture of grief support and resiliency.

Learn more about Grief-Sensitive Schools

NMPTA ANNUAL SPONSORS

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