February 2, 2022
Diversity Tip: Using Inclusive Imagery
It’s the start of a new year and the season to commit to improving. If you set resolutions, hopefully they’re still going strong. And hopefully one of your goals includes doing more great things for your PTA.
We encourage you to add “mindful communication” to your 2023 goals. 
In October, NMPTA presented on “Growing Your PTA through Mindful Communication,” in which we shared snippets of 8 tips to communicate mindfully.
We’d like to tackle each tip, one by one, throughout 2023, starting with using inclusive imagery.
A key thing to remember in selecting inclusive images is to avoid ones that stereotype people in any way–whether they’re considered “good” stereotypes or “bad.” 
Context matters, of course, but if you’re picking generic (or stock) photos, avoid things like showing someone who’s African American engaged in conflict, an Asian person excelling at math, or a gay person marching at Pride. We are more than our stereotypical depictions, so it’s really important to expand our portrayals of one another. 
Identify images that represent the makeup of the members of your community and society at large. 
Remember, “family” is more than the typical depiction of a mom, dad, and 2.5 biological kids. It can be a single mom and child, two dads and 5 kids, a foster family, grandparents raising their grandchildren….There are too many wonderful configurations to possibly name them all. Remember, the PTA is here to support all children and their communities. Every child deserves to see their family depicted positively and overtly through the PTA’s choice of images.
If you’re ready to make this a priority for your PTA, Wired Impact gives 5 tips for selecting or creating diverse imagery. Also, the National PTA website has wonderful resources for all things related to Diversity, Equity, and
Photo credit: Image by April Bryant from Pixabay 
New Podcast Episode: Overcoming Math Anxiety
Do you start sweating when your kids ask for help with math homework? In the latest episode of our Notes from the Backpack podcast, we sat down with Eugenio Longoria Sáenz, founding director of the Center for Family Math at the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE), who shares how you can overcome your own math anxiety and help your child learn how to approach math with curiosity and an open mind. Listen now.
Talking to Toddlers
Communication kids will actually respond to.
General, Virtual Tutoring Opportunity

PED announces its new tutoring service in partnership with Paper that focuses on mathematics, language arts , and science. The program offers students in grades preK-8 from New Mexico Title I Schools access to free academic support from tutors on a secure platform. Participating students will receive 20 hours of tutoring at no cost to families. Features include:
  • Virtual tutoring.
  • Can be scheduled before, after or during school.
  • All learning abilities.
Parents can sign students up here. 



Elevate Scholarship
Become a Member




NEW! Your PTA’s membership link at www.newmexicopta.org! Visitors to New Mexico PTA’s website now have the option to join any local PTA in New Mexico! Follow the “Become a Member” link in the top right corner to view the page. Please check your PTA’s link to make sure it points to the correct page. Remember: anyone can be a member! To make corrections, or for help setting up your PTA’s online join page, email vp.membership@newmexicopta.org
Did you want to make a difference for the environment this school year?

Check out this guide with 10 ideas for ways you can reduce food waste in your child’s lunch. Decreasing food waste in school cafeterias by just 3% would have positive environmental impacts comparable to taking 12,400 passenger vehicles off the road for a year. Families can contribute to a more sustainable world by trying out these tips: https://pirg.org/resources/10-tips-for-reducing-food-waste-in-your-childs-lunch-this-school-year/

This resource was created by the Public Research Group’s (PIRG) Food and Agriculture team. We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to educate the public about key issues and advance policy solutions to pressing problems. You can learn more here: https://uspirg.org/. If we can provide any additional support or resources to help your communities fight food waste, please let us know! 


 
Physical address: 
1730 University Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106

Mailing address:  PO Box 14706 Albuquerque, NM 87191

Office Number: 505-881-0712
Disclosure: This email contains sponsored content from third parties.
New Mexico PTA does not endorse any commercial entity, product or service.
Thank You to Our Sponsors

Gold Level


Silver Level