Spring is here, and with it comes assessments. For third through eighth graders, that means the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). For high school juniors, that means the SAT. Just like some schools may play up the assessments with pep rallies and such while others treat them as simply another … Continue reading Helping Your Child Prepare for Assessments
7 Keys to Creativity
When we think about creative people, we tend to think of artists, writers, painters, and the like, but creativity is an essential part of almost everything we do. Whether it is figuring out the best bridge design to span a river or cooking dinner for our family, the opportunity to be creative is always there. … Continue reading 7 Keys to Creativity
The Free-Range Kids Project
Chances are that when you were a kid, you did not have “helicopter parents.” You might have gotten yourself to and from school. On a Saturday, you might have headed out the door once the cartoons were over, only to return for lunch, dinner, and when the streetlights turn on. But as parents now, we … Continue reading The Free-Range Kids Project
How to Raise an Honest Kid
Kids lie. It’s a part of growing up, and if you’re thinking, “Not my kid!” research shows that parents do not really know when their child is lying. While we all want to have our children grow up to be honest, we also know that we can’t just say don’t lie because we all have … Continue reading How to Raise an Honest Kid
How Your PTA and Families Can Support National Reading Month
March is National Reading Month, and kicks off with Read Across America Day on March 2, Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Your PTA and families can support reading both at school and in the home. Reading is a critically important skill for students to develop, and children who read 30 minutes each day progress faster and do … Continue reading How Your PTA and Families Can Support National Reading Month
New Illinois ABLE Program Helps Families with Special Needs
Raising a child with special needs can be expensive. Last week, Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs unveiled the Illinois ABLE plan to help families save for future expenses. The plan was developed by the National Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Alliance, a consortium of 13 states that worked with Congress and state legislatures … Continue reading New Illinois ABLE Program Helps Families with Special Needs
President’s Corner
As the year continues, I know everyone is really busy with this year’s school activities. The Illinois PTA has worked with the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative for many years and I would like to encourage you to have your children write about their favorite Male role model. All children from grades K-12 can now enter this awesome … Continue reading President’s Corner
Parenting Your Teen in an Age of Social Media
Social media is one of the great parenting challenges since most of us grew up well before social media and always connected devices were common. Teaching your child how to be responsible online will continue to be a struggle as new social media platforms create new challenges. National PTA’s The Smart Talk, created in partnership … Continue reading Parenting Your Teen in an Age of Social Media
IRS Releases Updated Form 990-EZ
As 501(c)3 organizations, PTAs are required to file some type of Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) every year. That form is due on the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of their fiscal year. For PTAs whose fiscal year ends June 30th, the filing deadline is November 15th. PTAs … Continue reading IRS Releases Updated Form 990-EZ
The Woke PTA’s Guide to Advocacy
The last few weeks have seen an unprecedented level of civic engagement. Huge demonstrations have drawn out people who have never marched. Congressional switchboards have received more calls than ever before. Your PTA may have many members who are now looking for ways to advocate on behalf of children through PTA. Here’s a guide to … Continue reading The Woke PTA’s Guide to Advocacy
Cyberbullying is Not a Technology Issue
Cyberbullying—bullying behavior committed through social media, apps, and other online activities—is increasingly common. According to several research studies, over half of teens say they have been victims of cyberbullying. Illinois PTA has provided information for families on cyberbullying and how to identify the warning signs of cyberbullying. Because of its online nature, it’s easy to … Continue reading Cyberbullying is Not a Technology Issue
National PTA Provides New Resources for PTA Advocates
PTA is the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy organization, with a legacy of work that has improved the lives of every child in this country. On Friday, January 27, National PTA announced its 2017 Federal Public Policy Agenda with a Facebook Live event (view recording). As part of this announcement, National PTA released … Continue reading National PTA Provides New Resources for PTA Advocates
Plan Your PTA Take Your Family to School Week Event Now
Founders’ Day, February 17th, celebrates the legacy and work of Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, and Selena Sloan Butler to improve the lives of children. The date marks the first National Congress of Mothers, held in Washington, D.C. in 1897. As part of that celebration, National PTA designates the week that includes Founders’ Day … Continue reading Plan Your PTA Take Your Family to School Week Event Now
How to Help Your Child with Writing Assignments
Learning to write well can be difficult for children, but it is a critical skill that they will likely use every day as adults. From holding a pencil correctly and forming letters to spelling, punctuating, and using grammar correctly to conveying their ideas, there are many tasks when writing that a child can struggle with. … Continue reading How to Help Your Child with Writing Assignments
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week runs from January 23rd to 29th. It is a program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to connect students with scientists and other experts to counteract the myths and misinformation about drugs and alcohol that teens get from the … Continue reading National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
SB550 Becomes Law, Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water
Senate Bill 550 (SB550), the Preventing Lead in Drinking Water bill, was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner on Monday, January 16, 2017. The bill has been a key focus for Illinois PTA advocacy this past year, and its passage is a win for the children of Illinois. It is also a reminder that … Continue reading SB550 Becomes Law, Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water
Is Your Child Sleep Deprived?
Sleep is critical to healthy physical and psychological development for children. According to JAMA Pediatrics, the long-term effects of lack of sleep in children include poor diet, sedentary behavior, obesity, reduced immunity, stunted growth, mental health issues (including depression and suicidal tendencies), and substance abuse. Children ages 6 to 13 need 9 to 11 hours … Continue reading Is Your Child Sleep Deprived?
ISBE Unveils New Friendlier Website
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides a wealth of information for families, teachers, administrators, and community members on their website. However, finding the information you were looking for used to involve navigating an extremely complicated series of menus and links, backing up from dead ends, and sometimes futile searches. However, right before the … Continue reading ISBE Unveils New Friendlier Website
Snow Day Activities and Resources
Snow days are great when you’re a kid—a day off from school to play in the snow! But for a parent, it can be a challenge to keep the kids busy throughout the day. Edutopia has resources for teachers and families to turn snow days into learning opportunities. Here are some highlights. How Snowflakes are … Continue reading Snow Day Activities and Resources
4 New Year’s Resolutions for PTA Leaders
The start of a new calendar year is about the midpoint of the PTA year. Your PTA may have been less active during the holiday season when so many other events are going on at school and in life. Now that the new year is beginning, it is a good time to reflect on what … Continue reading 4 New Year’s Resolutions for PTA Leaders
One Voice Illinois 