|
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. |
| DOES IT MATTER HOW I PRAISE MY CHILD? | |
There are certainly ways to make praise more effective in teaching, as well as encouraging good behaviors and improving self-esteem in children.
An expert offers advice on the best way to reinforce positive behavior.
| | NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: COMMIT TO SAVING FOR EDUCATION WITH A 529 | |
Jeff Turcotte – New Mexico Education Trust Board
It’s that time of year to make resolutions! Saving for your loved one’s education is one of the most achievable goals you can set by regularly contributing to their 529 Education savings account with The Education Plan. A 529 account can be used for a wide range of educational expenses, from K-12 tuition and certain expenses, college expenses, vocational training and even accreditation and continuing education classes. By contributing to a 529 education savings account, you will not only help your child better afford their educational future but also experience tax advantages for yourself. You pay no federal taxes on earnings or withdrawals, as long as 529 funds are used for qualified educational expenses. And, contributions are compounded, meaning that any earnings are reinvested in the savings account, and can grow over time. If you are a New Mexico resident, you may also claim as an annual state income tax deduction all contributions to the account. Traditional savings accounts do not provide these tax advantages.
Start your resolution today! Whether your child is a newborn or a teen, open a 529 account with any amount (as long as your contribution does not go over the lifetime maximum of $500,000 per beneficiary) and propel them to their bright educational future. Opening an account with The Education Plan is easy and only takes about 15 minutes. You may choose many ways to fund your account, including direct banking withdrawal, or ask your employer if they are offering direct payroll deductions. Also, relatives and friends may help support your resolution by gifting into your child’s 529.
The New Mexico Education Trust Board is the governing body for New Mexico’s 529 educational savings programs. Gary L. Gordon is the Chairman of the Board and Natalie Cordova serves as Executive Director.
| | | | EPA SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANT | |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $3.2 million in funding for locally and regionally focused environmental education grants is now available under the Environmental Education (EE) Grant Program. EPA will award grants between $200,000-$250,000 each, up to 16 grants nationwide.
These grants support hands-on projects that help people better understand environmental challenges in their own communities and take practical steps to address them. Funded projects will focus on environmental education efforts that use modern tools, including artificial intelligence, to help identify problems early, monitor water quality, and prevent future water contamination before it affects families and neighborhoods. Funded projects will also provide participants the skills necessary to make informed decisions to take responsible actions toward environment stewardship.
Applications are due on March 3, 2026.
| | Did you miss last semester's webinar with Swank Movie Licensing USA? Watch this recording to learn more about legally showing movies at your events, and great ideas for using movies to increase family engagement! | | | REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 17 | | AL ROKER ANNOUNCED AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR 2026 NATIONAL PTA CONVENTION | |
National PTA is excited to bring back an in-person national convention! The 2026 convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., June 18-20. This year's theme, Together Again: PTA Lights the Way for Every Child, celebrates PTA's mission to illuminate educational pathways for all children.
Attendees will sharpen their skills in engaging workshops, build lasting connections in networking spaces and become inspired by noteworthy speakers, including keynote speaker Al Roker! You may know him from NBC’s Today, but he’s also an author and a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs, inspired by his journey as the parent of a son with autism.
We hope to seeing you in Pittsburgh!
| | SENATORS DISCUSS SCHOOL TECH LIMITS AMID YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS | Senators stressed the need for federal solutions to address a mental health crisis tied to social media and technology use among children and teens during a hearing held by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Proposed solutions from senators and hearing witnesses spanned from completely ditching 1:1 devices and ed tech in schools to banning young children and teens from going on social media altogether. | | TIPS FOR TEACHING YOUR KIDS HOW TO USE AI | Artificial Intelligence (AI) has snuck into our kids’ lives. From homework help to “for you” recommendations to chatbots, kids and teens are encountering – and interacting – with AI. While many parents may fear the new technology and are concerned it will have a negative impact on their child, it can be an incredible learning tool when used purposefully, thoughtfully, and responsibly. Here are some practical tips for teaching your students how to use AI in a healthy, age-appropriate way. | | HOW THE CHANGING SEASONS CAN IMPACT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH | The temperatures are LOW and the urge to isolate is HIGH. If you feel like this cold weather is messing with your head, you aren't imagining things. Winter can make your world feel smaller, leading to isolation and lower energy. From soaking up what little sunlight we have to fighting the urge to stay under the covers, read our guide to navigating your mental health during the chilliest part of the year. | | | | MOTT MILLION DOLLAR CHALLENGE: WHERE BOLD IDEAS WIN BIG | |
Kids and teens everywhere have world-changing ideas that deserve the spotlight, and the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is their chance to shine. This national pitch competition invites K-12 students to submit a simple 30-90 second video sharing an idea that betters their very own school, home, or community.
Students can enter individually or in teams of up to three, and $1 million in prizes will be awarded across the competition! Submissions are due February 27, 2026.
Fast facts
- Incredible $1 million prize pool.
- Open to any kid or teen in grades K-12 in the United States.
- It’s really easy to enter — a simple 30-90 second pitch video is all that’s needed.
- YEI is here to help. Let us know if you need educator or student support for your program by contacting Jessica Dragar.
| | |
Send photos and a short paragraph about your great event to NMPTA
(nmpta@newmexicopta.org) for a chance to be featured in the PTA SPOTLIGHT!
| | |
PTA SPOTLIGHT
ARROYOS DEL NORTE, RANCHOS DE TAOS, NM
| | |
The Arroyos del Norte PTA is grateful for the growing and heartfelt involvement of grandparents in our school community. What began with just a few has quickly expanded, as grandparents enthusiastically encourage and recruit other grandparents to join in. Their shared energy, wisdom, and willingness to lend a hand have created a supportive network that strengthens every event and activity we take on. This ripple effect of involvement helps bridge generations, brings added warmth and continuity to our school, and shows our students the power of community. We deeply appreciate the dedication and spirit our grandparents bring, and we’re excited to see this wonderful group continue to grow.
Image 1: Diane and Antonio Medina, founders of The ADNE PTA Ancianos.
Image 2: Diane, Renee, and Sylvia helping out for a field trip.
| | 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. | | | | |
