Alabama PTA Welcomes You!
Our Hearts and prayers go out to the families in Oklahoma!
Tonight I write simply to ask that you keep the families of the communities in the Mid-West so devastated by tornados over the last several days in your thoughts. Oklahoma has been particularly hard hit and as I pen this email rescuers are still combing through debris at Plaza Towers Elementary, which took a direct hit. Briarwood Elementary in Moore suffered extensive damage as well. Anna King, Oklahoma PTA President, and I have had the opportunity to talk late this afternoon. Anna serves as a first aid responder, so she is in the midst of the damaged area. I have pledged National PTA's full support as Oklahoma PTA moves forward to seeking ways to be of support and service to these communities and families affected by the devastation. Anna asked that we all keep the children and their families in our prayers. Now is a time for our PTA family across the Nation and around the world to draw closer together to support those who have suffered much in the last two days as they begin to rebuild their lives. Take care -each of you,
Congratulations to all of our Outstanding Educators, Family Partner Award Recipients, and Reflections Winners. Job well done.
Congratulations to our new Executive Committee!
Tanya Campbell(Secretary), Donna McCurry(Treasurer), Andrea Price(VP Legislation), Donna Thomas(VP Membership), Pam Berry(VP Programs), Marvin Lucas(VP of Leadership), & Becky Vansant( ALPTA President)
- Important New Grant Opportunity from National PTA!
- We are pleased to announce that the National PTA has received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to continue our work on the Common Core Standards Iniative for the next two years! Ten state PTA and four school districk PTA have participaed in this important work since 2009, and we will be launching an additional three states in 2013 as part of our 4th wave of grantees. Your state could receive grant funding, resources and staff support to train leaders and members on the Standards and critical advocacy skills that will advance all of your work! Applications are due by the Close of business (4 pm) on June 7, 2013. Pleace visit us at www.pta.org/commoncore
Free Access to Colonial Williamsburg's Online Field Trip, "Founders or Traitors"
Colonial Williamsburg is offering an electronic online field trip called, “Founders or Traitors” as a gift to the nation. Free access will be available to registrants for one year, beginning May 1, 2013. This online field trip provides teachers with unique resources to engage students in the study of citizenship and the values that shaped our nation.
“Founders or Traitors” explores the later part of 1776, which were “the times that try men’s souls.” Join Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge as they meet with British admiral Lord Howe, hoping to end the American rebellion peacefully. Meet the signers of the Declaration of Independence and discover the risks they took. Register Now at http://giftnation.history.or
National PTA announces Healthy Lifestyle grants. To learn more or apply please click on this link. Good-Luck!
Congratulations to our 2012-2013 National PTA Award Recipients. Amy Dennis will receive an Award of Excellence in Photography and Aija Abele will receive an Award of Merit in Dance!
Believe, Dream, Inspire
The theme for PTA’s 2013–14 Reflections Program is Believe, Dream, Inspire. This theme was submitted through the Reflections Theme Search Contest by Julie Lampert of Waverly Park PTA, located in East Rockaway, New York.
“My Inspiration for the theme came from my experience in competitive sports. I hope that students across the country will strive to make their dreams become a reality,” Julie writes.
Each fall, thousands of students submit concepts for a future Reflections theme to their State PTA organizations. Your State PTA will select five themes to submit to the National PTA for consideration in the 2015–16 National PTA Reflections theme contest.
Complete an entry form and submit your concept according to your state PTA’s guidelines. All entry forms and information is available under the FYI tab of our website.
2013 National Convention
Join us June 20-23, 2013 at the 117th Annual National PTA Convention & Exhibition in Cincinnati, Ohio where more than 1,000 attendees—representing every U.S. state PTA congress—gather to learn, network and become re-energized as volunteer advocates for all children. National PTA will be proposing bylaw changes. Please click on the link below for information.
NPTA 2013 Proposed bylaw changes
Automated External Defibrillators - Proposed Resolution
Meningococcal Disease Vaccine - Proposed Resolution
School Recess - Proposed Resolution
New Officer Forms for local units and councils available now!
May 27 - Memorial Day
Memorial Day is typically celebrated with barbecues and outdoor family fun, but let’s make sure to take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of our fallen military heroes. The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. We've put together this list of resources for your classroom:
The Meaning of Memorial Day (2012) - Time for Kids
Volunteer to Help Veterans and Military Families
Activity: Share Your Message through USO
Pinterest Update
We have added a Exercise and Healthy Eating board to Pinterest. Find great sites and activities to help you and your students be fit and healthy.
Alabama PTA
The Alabama PTA is the strongest statewide organization working exclusively on behalf of children and youth. Founded in 1911, Alabama PTA's primary objective is to strengthen the family unit through parent involvement.