In a PTA survey, 49% of respondents said the reason people don’t join PTA is that no one asked them to. The way we ask people to join needs to be personal, powerful, and meaningful. Yet, even with the passion we have for PTA’s Mission, asking other people to join can seem daunting. Why is … Continue reading How Do You Increase Your PTA’s Membership? Just Ask!
Judging and Paperwork and Packaging, Oh My!
It’s time to start collecting all of those Reflections projects to get them ready for the next level. There are a few steps to keep in mind at this point of the program. Judging Please remember that you only need to judge if you have collected more projects that you can pass along to the … Continue reading Judging and Paperwork and Packaging, Oh My!
NBC News Education Nation Parent Toolkit
Research has shown that those with high emotional intelligence have better attention skills and fewer learning problems, and are generally more successful in academic and workplace settings. NBC News Education Nation has created a Parent Toolkit contains parent resources for each stage of your child’s education from Pre-K to 12th Grade. It now contains resources … Continue reading NBC News Education Nation Parent Toolkit
Smart Snacks at Home
Your kids come out of school and ask the inevitable question, “Can I have a snack?” The fact is that kids need to refuel approximately every four hours to keep their energy up and snacking is not bad. It’s what you decide to give them that matters the most. Cookies, chips, and soda can sometimes … Continue reading Smart Snacks at Home
Smart Snacks in School
A webinar was presented on September 18, 2014 about eating healthier in the school environment, presented by Stephanie Simms from National PTA and Nancy Lyons of the US Department of Agriculture. Starting in school year 2014-15, all foods sold at school during the school day will need to meet nutrition standards. The Smart Snacks in … Continue reading Smart Snacks in School
November is National Runaway Prevention Month
Approximately 1.6 to 2 million troubled teens between the age of 13 and 17 run away from home each year. The most common reason that troubled teens runaway is family resistance over such issues as curfew, truancy, behavior, dress code, academic performance, and the teen's choice of friends. Troubled boys and troubled girls also may … Continue reading November is National Runaway Prevention Month
Eight Hidden Keys to Help Your Child Succeed in School
Here are eight not-so-obvious results from recent studies on how you can help your child succeed in school. Praise work, not results. Children need positive reinforcement, but it’s important how you praise your child’s efforts in school. Numerous studies have shown that children who are praised for their work ethic are better able to solve … Continue reading Eight Hidden Keys to Help Your Child Succeed in School
Ten Tips on Marketing Your PTA on Facebook from National PTA
Facebook is a great way to do social media marketing for your PTA. Facebook is perfect for brand awareness because it is free advertising and promotion for your local PTA, it allows you to share information with your members, it will enable you to start conversations on various topics, and it gives them the chance … Continue reading Ten Tips on Marketing Your PTA on Facebook from National PTA
Healthy Food Choices in Schools: Nutrition + Active Play + Parenting = SUCCESS
A webinar on September 17, 2014 debuted a new curriculum developed by the Collaboration for Health, Activity and Nutrition in Children’s Environments (CHANCE) at Cornell University entitled Healthy Children, Healthy Families: Parents Making a Difference (HCHF). This curriculum was developed to combat unhealthy weight gain, to promote healthy eating and activity, and to reduce chronic … Continue reading Healthy Food Choices in Schools: Nutrition + Active Play + Parenting = SUCCESS
Money for Future Teachers Available!
What? The Illinois PTA has two scholarships available throughout the state each year. The top prize is $3,000 and the runner up is $2,000. Who? Any public high school senior that has a GPA of 3.0 or better. They must be enrolled in the education field or an education-related field (e.g., to become a school … Continue reading Money for Future Teachers Available!
Advocacy in Action: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know about the Choking Game
Today we can celebrate our recent progress on our 2013 Resolution on Prevention of Asphyxiation Games (the Choking Game). Today we are another step closer to eliminating participation in this dangerous activity. The joint efforts of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Illinois PTA have brought two important publications in this … Continue reading Advocacy in Action: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know about the Choking Game
10 Keys to a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference
You are your child’s first and most important teacher, and now that your child is in school, you need to partner with the other teachers in your child’s life to work towards your common goal—to have your child learn and do well. A great place to start that collaboration is your child’s parent-teacher conference. Here … Continue reading 10 Keys to a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference
New Concussion Law to Protect High School Athletes
Friday night high school football is as much a part of the fall as cider and raking leaves. A new law signed by Governor Pat Quinn adds new protections for high school athletes regarding concussions. The law requires the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to develop and implement an online training program on concussion awareness … Continue reading New Concussion Law to Protect High School Athletes
The End to Bullying Starts with YOU!
Bullying has become a major problem in our communities and our schools. Where does it end? With us, parents, school staff, community partners, law enforcement, and yes, even students. Preventing bullying is everybody's business, so why not work together to do it? Studies have shown that 43% of teens have either been physically bullied or … Continue reading The End to Bullying Starts with YOU!
Enhanced PE Frequently Asked Questions
We recently covered how the new Illinois Enhanced Physical Education (PE) Standards are leading the nation in focusing on improved fitness in children as a way to increase academic achievement. While the standards don’t take effect until next school year, school districts are developing their programs, policies, and curricula now. Here are six frequently asked … Continue reading Enhanced PE Frequently Asked Questions
New Enhanced PE Standards Coming in 2015-2016
In August 2013, a task force led by State Superintendent Dr. Chris Koch and Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck proposed revisions to the Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health to improve and increase physical education (PE) classes. The six revised goals and two new standards that were adopted incorporate the latest … Continue reading New Enhanced PE Standards Coming in 2015-2016
Overcoming Membership Challenges—Ideas from the Illinois PTA Online Membership Chat
Illinois PTA understands there are challenges to PTAs in recruiting and retaining members. We believe we can best address these challenges by communicating with you, the local unit members, in finding out what works for your PTA and what doesn’t. On September 4th, Illinois PTA hosted an online membership chat that discussed why people join … Continue reading Overcoming Membership Challenges—Ideas from the Illinois PTA Online Membership Chat
5 Social Media Tips for Fab Fall Fundraisers
What's your PTA’s big fall fundraiser - a carnival, book fair, chili cook-off, garage sale? Whatever it is, using popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram can rally parents, extend your reach, recognize sponsors and boost profits! Plan it! Starting 4-5 weeks before the event, map out a detailed Social Media Plan. … Continue reading 5 Social Media Tips for Fab Fall Fundraisers
What New Things Your Kids are Doing Online This Year
Common Sense Media has a helpful article on the various new apps and websites that teens are using, how they’re using it, and what you as a parent can do to ensure your child is being safe online with each of them. From fairly well-known apps like Snapchat to anonymous question sites and cringepics, teens … Continue reading What New Things Your Kids are Doing Online This Year
National PTA and LifeLock Launch #ShareAwesome Contest
You experience awesome every day, and PTA wants you to share it! Snag a photo and tag it with #ShareAwesome anytime between September 15 to November 30 on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for a chance to win a tablet or $2,500 scholarship! #ShareAwesome is a new campaign from National PTA with the support of LifeLock … Continue reading National PTA and LifeLock Launch #ShareAwesome Contest
One Voice Illinois 