Make sure when you are planning your programs this year you keep in mind the Six National Standards for Family-School Partnerships and remember that PTA is about Family Engagement, NOT fundraising. Here are the National Standards and some great ideas to help you meet those standards:
Standard 1—Welcoming All Families into the School Community
Establish a PTA welcoming committee responsible for identifying ways to make all families feel welcome – Make a welcome kit for new parents with a school directory and information about the PTA
Standard 2—Communicating Effectively
Make use of all channels of communication: newspapers, radio, text messaging, school and PTA websites, social networks, Facebook, etc…Make sure all information is communicated in languages and formats to reach all parents
Standard 3—Supporting Student Success
Work with school leadership to conduct workshops for parents and students on study skills, individual curriculum areas, standardized tests, and college and career planning
Link all events to student learning
Standard 4—Speaking Up for Every Child
Involve parents in ongoing training on topics such as being an effective advocate, identifying and supporting learning styles, etc…
Standard 5—Sharing Power
Work with students, parents, teachers, school and community leaders, and businesses to develop a parent/family involvement policy
Standard 6—Collaborating with Community
Reach out to a broad base of partners in and around the school to help achieve your desired results
Check out the National Standards Implementation Guide for guidance on this website - http://www.pta.org/Documents/National_Standards_Implementation_Guide_2009.pdf
And if you are planning events to meet all of these standards, your PTA can qualify for State PTA Awards – it’s just that simple. Many PTA’s qualify for these awards but never receive them because they do not apply. Check Nevada PTA” website, www.nevadapta.org for next year’s award packet which will be available by the end of June.
Award Entries for the 2012-2013 year are Due to the Nevada PTA Office by March 1, 2013 at 3pm.
