Northwest ISD Council of PTAs

Greetings!

I am so proud of the PTAs of Northwest ISD. It is clear that our community of parents, educators and community members are committed to the PTAs mission to make every child's potential a reality. Community events, parent education programs and Reflections art contests are in full swing! All of these PTA events and programs help to build community in our schools and help to support student success. Thank you for showing your support for PTA!

But don't forget that PTA is a grassroots organization that relies on an engaged membership to keep our voice strong on issues that matter to kids, families and public schools. By now, most of our usual supporters have already joined PTA because they know how much membership matters. So it is time for us to turn our attention to those who have not joined PTA yet. Maybe these potential members haven't been asked or maybe we have failed to convince them of the importance of membership in PTA.

I hope you will think of some new ways to invite new members to join PTA in October. To help get you started, here are a few PTA Membership Myths; Debunked. And see our new Council Logo below!

Thanks as always for your support of PTA!

1. MYTH: Joining the PTA won’t make an impact on my child’s life.
   FACT: Not only does membership put you in direct communication with other parents and teachers, it also shows your child that you are interested and invested in their education experience. Your membership can benefit your child in many different ways!

2. MYTH: Joining the PTA or attending a meeting means I have to volunteer.
   FACT: The PTA appreciates everyone’s membership, and there will be opportunities to get involved, but no pressure. Just pass along the signup sheet if you are unable to participate.
   You will not be sucked in to a black hole of volunteering! No judgment here.

3. MYTH: I don’t have time to join the PTA.
   FACT: Joining the PTA doesn’t mean you must commit your time. You can share your gifts and talents in many ways, such as sharing your suggestions, networking opportunities, or financial support. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that any support makes a difference!

4. MYTH: PTA membership never expires so I only have to join once.
   FACT: The PTA is required to pay State and National membership dues every school year. Your PTA membership is valid for the one school year only!

5. MYTH: Dads never join the PTA.
   FACT: The PTA has been fortunate enough to have many incredible Dads (and grandparents and other caring adults) join our organization. A strong PTA needs the support of everyone! Anyone who cares about the students and the school belongs in the PTA!

6. MYTH: The PTA is only for stay-at-home parents and teachers with nothing else to do. FACT: All PTA members must find a balance between everyday responsibilities and the important role of supporting our students and school.
   Most members are juggling the bills, chores, kids, sports and homework, just like you!

7. MYTH: The PTA already has all the help it needs so I’ll just join and attend the events. FACT: Volunteers are the foundation and strength of any successful PTA.
   New volunteers are always welcome and encouraged to participate!

8. MYTH: I have to be on the board or a committee to join and make a difference.
   FACT: You do not have to serve on the PTA board or committee to join the PTA and make a difference. We are a diverse community that requires the participation of everyone to be successful! Your smile and wonderful support will more than suffice!

9. MYTH: The PTA won’t be interested in my ideas or suggestions.
   FACT: New ideas are always welcome! It’s important to keep our PTA fresh and exciting!
   Let’s all work together to find new ways to engage our students and enrich their experience at school.

We at Northwest ISD Council of PTAs, seek to fulfill our mission statement by being a member-based organization that helps empower families with programs and trainings and advocating for all children. The core of PTA boils down to Membership, Programs and Advocacy. We work hard at Council to make sure each thing we do is intentional and can be supported by this statement. We are all volunteers working to make our communities better for all children. Thank you for the role you play in helping us all do this!

Northwest ISD Council of PTAs Advocacy

Advocacy Chair – Joe Washam (Justin Elementary School)

Cell & Text: 817-975-7530

www.facebook.com/pg/NISDCouncilofPTAsAdvocacy

Email: nisdptaadvocacy@gmail.com

Constitutional Amendment Election – November 5, 2019

The state of Texas has an upcoming constitutional election on November 5th, 2019. There are 10 proposed Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, but Proposition 7 is the measure with the greatest direct impact on public education.

On October 1st, 2019, the Northwest ISD Council of PTAs Executive Board voted to formally support passage of Proposition 7 on the November 5, 2019 Constitutional Amendment ballot.

What you’ll see on the ballot: “The constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions to the available school fund.”

What it means: Current law says this fund can distribute $300 million a year to schools around the state; this amendment would increase that to $600 million a year. This amendment in in response to legislation passed in the 2019 session increasing funding for schools.

Constitutional Amendment Election - November 5, 2019 - Sample Ballot

www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/sample-ballot-november-5.pdf

Explanatory Statements for the November 5, 2019 Constitutional Amendment Election

www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/2019-explanatory-statements.pdf

Last day to Register to Vote – October 7th, 2019

Last day to Receive Application for Ballot by Mail – October 25th, 2019

Early Voting Oct. 21st - Nov. 1st

Visit your resident county election website for voting locations and sample ballots.

Wise County elections: http://www.co.wise.tx.us/315/Elections

Tarrant County elections: http://access.tarrantcounty.com/en/elections.html

Denton County elections: https://www.votedenton.com/upcoming-election-information/

2019 voter guide to state constitutional amendments on the ballot in Texas:

https://communityimpact.com/guides/houston/the-woodlands/news/top-stories/2019/10/01/your-2019-voter-guide-to-state-constitutional-amendments-on-the-ballot-in-texas/

Texas PTA has announced that they have found a cloud-based software to meet our membership and financial needs to replace PT Avenue that will no longer available as of December 2019.

Texas PTA is recommending that you use PTAEZ for cloud-based membership tracking and financial management tools. PTAEZ is a product of Gray Step Software, Inc. and comes highly recommended by California PTA, whose size and scope of needs are comparable to those of Texas.

Membership Tracking / JoinPTA.org Members
PTAEZ is working with Texas PTA to develop the free membership tracking component and we anticipate a launch date of December 2019. Once we transition the processing for JoinPTA.org members to our internal system, Texas PTA will record those members in your PTA’s PTAEZ membership roster. We’re confident moving these processes to our own database will help ensure accuracy and timely reporting.

Cloud-Based Financial Management
PTAEZ has an existing financial management system that is ready for any PTA wanting to begin their subscription. Texas PTA has provided PTAEZ with information to ease the setup of your account. Texas PTA will be following up their recommendation to use the Financial Management software with instructions how to transition your PTA to the new program.

Be on the lookout for more information in the next few weeks on PTAEZ and how you can utilize their cloud-based software to support your needs for the remainder of the school year.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me, Norma Meyers, at nmeyers.pta@gmail.com.

Reflections has been a staple arts program in many schools for over 50 years. Through the efforts of our Local PTAs, millions of students have found a creative outlet in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.

With positive recognition as the focus of this program, rather than competition, students of all ages and abilities can experience the benefits of creative expression and help in finding their own voice in telling their unique story.

Started in 1969 by Mary Lou Anderson, then Colorado PTA President, Reflections has grown to be one of the largest nationwide programs of its kind, with more than 200,000 students participating annually.

For Eligibility, Rules and Forms, go here:

https://www.txpta.org/reflections-participation

For Coordinator Resources, go here:

https://www.txpta.org/reflections-leader-resources

Local Entries due to Council: November 26, 2019, by close of day.

Start brainstorming now on which themes you plan to recommend next school year. Remember, there is no limit to how many different themes you can enter.

Reflections Theme Entry Form: https://www.formsite.com/txpta/form335/index.html –

Deadline to submit your themes is November 5, 2019!

When suggesting a theme, judges take into consideration:

• Theme is unique, inspiring and unlike past program themes.
• Theme is focused without being too narrow or too broad.
• Theme is clear, concise and appropriate for all grade levels.
• Theme is applicable to all arts categories.
• Theme promotes PTA values.
• Theme is relevant in 2 years.
• Past themes and duplicate entries are not considered.

Here are some fantastic programs and resources for your families and schools to use!

The NISD Family Involvement office wants to bring FREE programs to your PTA!

The Office of Family Involvment is available to partner with your PTA to bring Practical Parent Workshops to your parents and school community. Please reach out to Cynthia to talk about what types of programs you need...she and her team of parent educators are eager to assist you. Cynthia can be reached at 817-698-1343 or celliott@nisdtx.org OR

Use this link to fill out a Practical Parent Workshop request. When you click on the link, scroll down to see a list of all the current available programs. There are lots to choose from!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchH_9-fG4IZbYpwyIoILZYivU-CERb_R06xu8gqCo4ndKovw/viewform

For more than a century, Texas PTA’s primary goal has been to support Texas students and faculty members in reaching their full potential through continuing education. More than $500,000 has been awarded to graduating high school seniors and faculty members since the scholarship program began.

With $25,000 available each year, Texas PTA awards $1000 to eligible high school seniors and up to $500 scholarships to eligible faculty members at any school level that has a PTA/PTSA on their campus. These scholarships are made possible by the commitment of our half a million members and volunteers who understand that creating an environment of active, engaged families can make the difference in education.

In keeping with our work in building strong family-school partnerships, Texas PTA's scholarship process focuses on the impact an applicant's family, teachers, and PTA have had on their goals to continue their education or training.

The application period will remain open through November 15, 2019 (New dates)

Info linked here: https://www.txpta.org/scholarships

Are you applying for a Texas PTA scholarship?

• Applications are open to PTA/PTSA members in a school with a PTA on their campus.
• Applicant’s name must appear on a roster as a current PTA/PTSA member at their school.

Are you a PTA Leader? Scholarship eligibility for applicants depends on you!

• PTA/PTSA must be Active with Texas PTA by December 1, 2019.
• A roster with the applicant’s name must be received by the Texas PTA State Office by December 1, 2019.
• Download the Scholarship Toolkit and spread the word on campus!

Who will be joining Granger, Beck, Lance, Steele and Northwest in applying for School of Excellence?

The deadline to apply is October 15 (extended from the original October 1 date).

Council will be hosting a Schools of Excellence information session on October 8 at 11am at the Administration Building.

Send a representative from your PTA if you would like to learn more.

Follow these links for more info.

https://www.pta.org/home/programs/National-PTA-School-of-Excellence

https://www.pta.org/home/programs/National-PTA-School-of-Excellence/State-PTA-School-of-Excellence-Library

Email: northwestisdcouncilpta@gmail.com
Website: northwestisdcouncil.my-pta.org
Location: P.0. Box 42, Roanoke, TX 76262
Facebook: facebook.com/northwestisdcouncilpta
Twitter: @twitter_nwcouncilpta