the ohio pta voice_march 2016 issue

7/24/2019 The Ohio PTA Voice_March 2016 Issue

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The Ohio PTA Voice

Table of Contents:

Pg. 1 -Note from the President

Pg. 3 -Family Engagement

Pg. 4 -Frequently Asked

Questions

Pg. 7-

Council Activities

Pg. 8 -Irish American Heritage

Pg. 9 -Inspirations in Education

Pg. 10 -Bylaws Amendments

Pg. 11 -Membership Madness

Pg. 13 -Advocacy News

Pg. 16 -Board of Directors

Page 1 March 2016

Advertising in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by Ohio PTA

Note from the President...

Ohio PTA

40 Northwoods Blvd Ste A

Columbus, OH 43235-4718

(614) 781-6344

Fax: (614) 781-6349

[email protected]

A powerful voice for all children A relevant resource for families and communities

A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child

Greetings Family,

I hope all of you have been keeping warm and safe.

As your President, I feel very privileged to be able to attend events on yourbehalf. On January 21, 2016, I had the honor to attend Attorney General,Mike DeWines program called Ideas That Work, Fighting the DrugEpidemic in Ohio. The event was held at Mt. Herman Missionary BaptistChurch in Columbus, Ohio. A total of 800 police officers, firefighters,coroners, and some school officials were present. Mike DeWinecommented that he held the event at a church to signify that it takes acommunity of parents, churches, schools and emergency personnel toovercome the drug epidemic in Ohio. This emergency meeting wasorganized in three and a half weeks. Attorney General DeWine presentedstatistics that in 2014, 2,482 individuals had died in Ohio from unintentionaldrug overdoses. This was a 17 percent increase over 2013. Mothers wholost children due to overdose are the leaders of the grassroots effort.

There were 7 panels of experts . Their topics were the following:

1.

Naloxone (an antidote for unintentional overdoses)

2. Addiction in Jails -Addressing detox3. BCI Crime Scene Training4. Task Force Update5. Wraparound Services6. Effective Use of Online Tools7. Community Solutions

Sarah Smith, Director of Start Talking, whose mission is to build a drug-free future, was present. She provided 10 tips to start talking to yourchildren about drugs. They were the following:1. Talk frequently

2.

Show interest

3. Be careful what you say4. Be careful how you say it5. Know the facts about drugs/alcohol/tobacco6. Be respectful and genuine7. They talk, you listen8. Scare tactics dont work9. Control your emotions10.Take advantage of teachable moments

Continued...
http://www.pinterest.com/carolynnficke/ohio-pta/https://twitter.com/OhioPTAhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-PTA/173741572509


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The Ohio PTA VoicePage 2 March 2016


The Family of Addicts, a non-profit organization, had a presence at theconference. The Director of Advocacy, Valerie Brod was present. Hermessage was that parents and communities need to pay attention tochildren. If children are struggling in school, have no friends, and haveproblems at home, they need counseling. These children need moreattachment back to the community and need more education about drugs.

The message that went straight to my heart was the sheriff from LorainCounty. He spoke about pregnant women that were addicts while servingtime in jail. In 2014, Lorain County had 5 pregnant women in their jail but in2015, there were 26 pregnant women in their jail. The thought that went tomy head was how do we as a PTA make these unborn childrens potential areality?

The conclusion was from Mike DeWine, Ohios Attorney General. Hismessage for the day was that arresting addicts does not work. To end thisepidemic in Ohio, there must be community action and services provided toaddicts and their families.

You can do your part -Start Talking to all of your kids today. Take care ofthe children in your community. They just might need to know that someonecares.

SheilaOhio PTA President 2015-2017

P.S.-I hope to see all of my family at the Ohio PTA Convention onApril 8-10th!!!!!!!!!
http://www.ohioamblyoperegistry.com/http://www.theschoolnewslettercompany.com/


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What is Your Schools Policy to Promote Family Engagement?

The State Board of Education of Ohio recognizes parents andfamilies as childrens first and most important teachers. When parents enrolltheir children in school, from preschool through high school, theresponsibility of education and care is shared with the school and the

community. Partnerships among families, schools and communities that arechild-centered and family-strengthening can engage, guide and motivatestudents to be productive citizens in a global society (http://education.ohio.gov). PTA is a key partner for continuous schoolimprovement. Ohio PTA promotes family engagement through activities thathighlight the National Standards for Family-School Partnership. Theseinclude welcoming all families, communicating consistently and effectivelybetween family and school, supporting student success, empoweringfamilies to speak up for every child, sharing power in decisions that affectchildren and collaborating with community members to expand learningopportunities, community services and civic participation (http://www.pta.org).

A model parent and family involvement policy established by theState Board of Education has been in existence for several years. Localschool boards are encouraged to incorporate the recommendationsincluded in this policy, which serve to enhance existing parent involvementpolicy requirements stated in recent legislation. PTAs can look at theirschool policy and provide feedback to their schools on how local practicesand programs are doing with regard to family engagement. When familiesand schools work together for students, everyone wins. To view the State ofOhio Parent Involvement policy, go to http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guid.

Pam Bonnett

Director of Family-School Partnership

Email: [email protected]
http://education.ohio.gov/http://education.ohio.gov/http://education.ohio.gov/http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Parents-Involved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guidhttp://education.ohio.gov/http://education.ohio.gov/http://www.theschoolnewslettercompany.com/


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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How should I answer the question Whats the differencebetween PTA and another parent group?

A. PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America

comprised of 22,000 schools and four million families. As part of thisnationwide network, parents have a voice in decisions that impact theirchildren, not only in their individual schools, but also at the district,

state and national levels. This mission is unique to PTA. Other parentgroups work on behalf of children within their school yard, but have no

organized way to impact decisions beyond the fence.

The differences between PTAs and other parent groups are many, butwe have one similarity. All parent-school groups form to supportchildrens education. We commend all of the caring adults who join a

parent group to support student learning and develop positive

partnerships with their schools officials. PTA believes, however, thatthe issues that affect our children today extend beyond their individual

schools.

Many of the benefits our children receive today, such as universal

kindergarten, the National School Lunch Program and a juvenile justicesystem, were accomplished as a result of PTAs advocacy; a parentgroup working alone would likely not be able to impact issues like

these.

Q. What sets PTA apart from other parent groups?

A. PTA is a thriving child advocacy association. Our four millionmembers form a nationwide network of families united in their

commitment to improving the education, health, and safety of all

children. We speak with one voice for every child.

PTA is more connected, dedicated, and advocacy-minded than ever

before. We do not limit ourselves to bake sales; we strive for

meaningful policy changes and educational improvements. The resultsof our mission benefit all children nationwide, even those who do not

attend a PTA school. PTAs working to bring healthy options to their

school cafeterias band together to help influence the national nutritionstandards for school breakfasts and lunches. PTAs worried about schoolsafety pool their ideas and take their shared concerns to the school

board to secure systemic improvements. And PTAs facing school budget

cuts rally to preserve state and federal appropriations for education.

Continued...
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Moreover, PTAs have access to several benefits, including dozens of

national programs, experts, and turnkey resources. PTAs also are

provided regular updates and advice in the form of e-newsletters, e-blasts, social media, PTA.org, Our Children magazine, a robust back-to-school kit of resources, webinars and e-learning courses.

Additionally, PTAs are eligible for prestigious national awards andmillions of dollars in grants to help build their capacity and skills and

make a difference in their school community. Partners and sponsors,

like LifeLock, Lifetouch, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation andAmazon Kindle, make their benefits and cost savings available to PTAsnationwide as well.

All members are invited to participate in PTA conventions (national andstate) as well as our legislative conferences. Administrative factors alsoset PTA apart from other parent groups. PTA offers a national and state

infrastructure with staff to assist PTAs in securing nonprofit status, filinggovernment paperwork, creating bylaws, purchasing low-cost insuranceand training leaders. These support services are available at no

additional cost after membership.

Q. Some parents just want to help their child at school, so whyshould they form a PTA at their school?

A. Many of the decisions that impact childrens education are not madeby educators at their schools. These decisions frequently come from

district or state officials. PTA gives parents a united and powerful voice,a seat at the table where decisions are made, and the tools to influence.Below are two illustrations of Ohio PTAs mission in action.

Ohio PTA was instrumental in obtaining legislation which mandated

that school districts develop policies for parent involvement in the

schools.

Ohio PTA advocated for the implementation of and education

of parents and community members about Common Core Standards.

Continued...


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Q. What is the best way to present The PTA Advantage online

and through PTA communications?

A. National PTA has four preferences for communicating about The PTAAdvantage.

1. Avoid using the PTO acronym as if it were a brand name. We prefer

for you to use unaffiliated parent groups as a generic category.2. Focus more on the difference in mission between PTA and unaffiliated

parent groups.3. Focus less on the convenience and administrative benefits of PTA

membership. While practical considerations, these attributes are not asinspiring as our mission.

4. Avoid comparison charts. We recommend that you review and revise

your website and membership materials as soon as possible to reflectthis guidance.

Q. Can other parent groups use the PTA name? What aboutcompanies that use the name in their marketing or promotions?

A. Groups cannot use the PTA name without our prior written approval.PTA has become a part of American vocabulary, in the same way that

people might call any soft drink Coke or any facial tissue Kleenex.

Like these brands, PTA is protected with a number of federal trademarksand has been so for more than 100 years. Companies cannot use thePTA name in any manner that claims or could reasonably be inferred to

suggest a relationship that does not exist. Companies may, however,

reference PTA in statements of fact; for example, Company X can statethat it offers services to PTAs.

Q. What should I do if I see other people and groups using thePTA name?

A. If you see the PTA name used in an inappropriate way or have related

questions, please contact LaWanda Toney, National PTA Director ofStrategic Communications, at [email protected] or (703) 518-1242. Please

attach a screen shot or link to the PTA name in use.

Venezuela RobinsonDirector of [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Council Activities

Effective councils strengthen their local PTA units, promote membership,develop future leaders, and serve their school districts. How do theyaccomplish these goals?

Councils Strengthen Local Units

By structuring their meetings to allow time for units to discuss programs,compare methods, and exchange ideas

By presenting best practices for nominating, writing bylaws andcomplying with the Ohio PTA Standards of Affiliation

By developing a council wide calendar to coordinate unit meeting datesand activities

Councils Develop Future Leaders

By informing units of new e-learning courses from National and OhioPTA

By hosting an Ohio PTA workshop By encouraging attendance at Ohio PTA events such as District

Conference, Leadership Training, and Convention

Councils Promote Membership

By designating a membership chair to help with Ohio PTA Bronze Awardapplications

By working with unit chairs to design great campaigns By sponsoring a membership increase competition

Councils Serve their Schools and Communities

By building a relationship with school district officials and functioning as

an ongoing two way communications channel

By providing a forum for educating parents on issues such as newstudent assessments, school closings, or levies

By developing coalitions with other groups to meet community needssuch as fostering drug awareness or improving traffic safety

By increasing family engagement through PTA programs such as FuelUp and Play 60, Take Your Family to School Week and the FamilyReading Experience

Councils Build Traditions/Pride

By holding a Founders Day celebration

By coordinating the Reflections program, teacher grant funds, and

scholarship programs

By leading service projects such as Stuff the Bus By promoting advocacy through school board candidates nights,

updating members on legislative issues, and serving on school districtcommittees

Share your councils successful ideas and programs with us. [email protected].
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Irish-American Heritage Month

March has been designated Irish-American Heritage Month and that seems tobe quite appropriate since St. Patricks Day is March 17. But what is St.Patricks Day? March 17 is the Catholic feast day of Irelands patron saint,

the cleric Patrick (386-

461). It is also a public holiday in the Republic ofIreland, the Ulster province of Northern Ireland, the UK and two Canadianprovinces. In the US, many larger cities celebrate by hosting a St. PatricksDay parade. Many of us are aware of St. Patricks Day parades, eatingcorned beef and cabbage or celebrations that boast green-colored beverages,but there are other traditions that are connected to Irish-American HeritageMonth. In Chicago the river runs green and during President Obamas term,the White House fountain on the South Lawn has been dyed green in honorof St. Patricks Day. President Obama is one of nineteen US Presidents whohave claimed Irish heritage. There is also a ceremony, referred to as theShamrock Ceremony, which takes place at the White House. Every year, on

March 17, the Taoiseach (the title of Irelands prime minister) travels to theWhite House with a bowl of shamrocks that is presented to the President.

This tradition has been carried out for over 60 years!

The tradition began in 1952, when John Hearne, the Irish Ambassador sent abox of shamrocks to President Truman. Over the years the ceremony wasused to highlight political issues, including the Northern Ireland peaceprocess during President Clintons term which resulted in the Good FridayAccord of April 10, 1998 (which called for Protestants to share politicalpower with the minority Catholics, and gave the Republic of Ireland a voicein Northern Irish affairs). Since the mid 90s the event has become quite

large and has included some of the best Irish musicians and entertainers.

St. Patricks Day may just be one of the worlds most celebrated holidays.There are city-sponsored events to celebrate the holiday in Japan, Australia,Canada, Malaysia, Great Britain and the US, as well as in Ireland (of course).The largest parades are held in Dublin, New York City, Montreal andBoston. The Irish have migrated all over the world with over 4.5 millioncoming to the United States. The first celebration of St. Patricks Day in theUS was in Boston in 1737. The first in New York City was held at the Crown

and Thistle Tavern in 1756.

Many of Irish heritage fought during the Revolutionary War, there wereseveral Irish brigades in the Civil War and at least 8 of the 56 signers of the

Declaration of Independence were Irish.Today, over 30 million Americans

are of Irish descent. Perhaps in no other nation is the Irish immigrantpresence felt as keenly as here, where an ethnic and religious holiday hasexpanded to embrace all Americans. After all, itseems, on St. Patricks Day, just about everyone inthe US is a little bit Irish.

Jeanne Groetz-ShocklingDirector of Diversity and Inclusion


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Inspirations in Education

Are you ready for our Ohio PTA Family Reunion taking place April 8-10 inColumbus?! In honor of those who will be participating in the workshops,networking, and information sharing sessions, this months Inspirations in

Education are Convention attendees! Why? Because those of us who are ableto journey to the states capital to become better advocates for all children

across Ohio keep public education a viable choice for EVERY Child!

PTA leaders attend Convention not to waste unit dollars on a few, but to learnabout the various tools and resources for PTA members and bring them backto strengthen local advocacy efforts on behalf of children. Everyone knowsthat PTAs are not just fundraising machines to entitle their own students to funparties, but dedicated community leaders that utilize all available resources to

build better public school districts for all students!

Hope to see all of you fabulous Inspirations in Education at the Ohio PTA

Convention in April!

The Education Committee is always looking for more members. Call or email

the Ohio PTA office or email [email protected] join.

Tip of the Month: Did you know that ESSA was just reauthorized byCongress? What is ESSA? Well, it stands for Every Student Succeeds Act andit updates the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. When it waslast revised, it was called No Child Left Behind. Part of the challenge to statesis creating school accountability systems. This means PARENTS,TEACHERS, and other stakeholders will be given the opportunity to helpshape Ohios plan. Arm yourself with information about ESSA on the Ohio

Department of Educations website. http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-

Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSA

Jackie Arendt

Director of Education
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAhttp://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSAmailto:[email protected]


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Proposed Ohio PTA Bylaws Amendments

A number of amendments to the Ohio PTA Bylaws will be presented formember approval at the Ohio PTA Convention, April 8-10. This is youropportunity to speak up -only Convention attendees can vote on these

amendments. Most of these amendments update the bylaws to include andclarify the National and Ohio PTA Standards of Affiliation.

There are two amendments that more directly affect units and require a moredetailed understanding of the reasons for their proposal.

Ohio PTA Dues Increase

Article V, Section 4.

Strike $1.75 and replace with $2.50 to read:

The Ohio PTA portion of each members dues shall be $2.50.

Why is the Ohio PTA Board of Directors recommending a dues increase?

It has been 10 years since members voted to increase the Ohio portion ofPTA dues and in that time, the cost of living has risen by 55% according theU.S. government. Increased costs in combination with declining membershiphas made it difficult to provide the services our units need and want and alsoto fulfill our mission of advocating for all children in Ohio. An increase indues would allow us to continue conducting leadership training conferencesand workshops at the state, district and local levels and offering assistance tounits and councils through our field service team of district advisors. Wewould like to extend our membership outreach to more rural and urban areas

and develop new programs that educate members on building a diverse andinclusive PTA, family engagement practices, government reporting require-

ments and advocating for children and families.

Ohio PTA Scholarships

Article VII, Section 2a

Strike in a school district which has at least one or more and replace with

which is and strike units and replace with unit to read:

Ohio PTA General Scholarship: The recipient of the scholarship must be astudent graduating from a public high school which is a PTA/PTSA unit in

good standing with Ohio PTA: and.

Why is the Ohio PTA Board of Directors recommending this change?

We believe that Ohio PTA scholarships, which are funded by PTA membercontributions, should be given to students in schools that support our mission

through PTA membership and service.

All proposed amendments can be found at ohiopta.orgunder the Events tab.
http://www.ohiopta.org/http://www.ohiopta.org/http://www.ohiopta.org/


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MARCH

MEMBERSHIP

MADNESS

When we think of March Madness, we think of the college basketball teamscompeting to move forward in their divisions. We all wait to see which teams willfill the brackets each day and advance to the Final Four. I challenge you to think ofMembership in the same way. Perhaps you have met your goal of a 5% increase ormore; perhaps you are still working on it. Everyone has an equal chance of fightingfor a spot in the PTA Final Four. This month, we would like to present another

unit Membership Challenge! Turn in 16 more members in the month of March

and be entered into a drawing to win a cash prize for your unit to be announced

at Convention! Why 16 you ask? The tournament starts with the Sweet

Sixteen teams and so we will have a goal of 16 Sweet New Members per unit!

You will receive one entry for every 16 new members. Turn in 32 members, get

two entries, 48 members gets you three entries, etc. Invite people to be a part of

your Sweet Sixteen and help your unit and Ohio PTA achieve thechampionship. The prizes for our Final Four will be $100, $50, and two $25

prizes! We set a goal for this year of 70,000 members and we are at just about

85% of that goal!

Spring is also a time when we get ready for warmer weather and brighter

days. It is a time of rejuvenations and new beginnings. We should think of our PTA

Membership campaigns in the same way. Utilize this time of year to begin planning

for the next school year. Who will be a part of your Membership Committee? What

families will be moving on to another building or into yours? What will be your

goals and incentives? It is so important to remember that membership is a year-long

event and planning ahead can make the work of the committee for next year thatmuch easier. This is the time to drum up some fresh ideas for next year but also to

engage parents to ask them why they have not yet joined your unit this year.

Remember to make it personal and place a phone call or talk to people at a school or

PTA event. Send a newsletter to highlight what events your unit has already provided

this year as well as dates of upcoming events. Many units choose to use each event

as a chance to gain new members. The event may be at no cost for those that are

already members and at the price of a membership for others. When people come to

the event willing to pay and find out they not only get admission but also a PTA

membership, it really makes it worth their while. It is a great way to reach potential

members who may not have been aware of what kind of programs the PTA supports.

Thank you to everyone who has been able to join a Membership Committee

Conference Call this year! Our next call will take place Monday, March 14 at 7:30

p.m. Also, please check out the Membership Blog at ohiopta.blogspot.com! Thank

you to our Director of Communications, Venezuela Robinson for creating the blog!

Happy Spring!

Angela RevayDirector of Membership


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Nominating Committee / Elections Check

Can your unit or council check off the above items? If so, you should

send the names, addresses, and EMAIL addresses of the elected

2016-2017 PTA (PTSA) officers to the Ohio PTA office [email protected]

If you cant check off those items, is it because your election of

officers will occur this month or in April or May? Check your bylaws

to determine when your election of officers should be held this

school year.

The nominating process and an election are requirements of

every PTA including Ohio PTA and National PTA.

Invite Ohio PTA to your school district to present workshops about

nominating/elections, parliamentary procedures, financial reviews,

membership recruitment, bylaws, social media, etc. Units/councils

can utilize this FREE training at any time. We have resources

online that can assist you, too. http://www.ohiopta.org/

PTARESOURCESRunningYourPTA.aspx

Do you have questions or concerns? Feel free to email or call the

Ohio PTA office.

Venezuela Robinson

Nominating Committee Chairperson
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.ohiopta.org/PTARESOURCESRunningYourPTA.aspxhttp://www.ohiopta.org/PTARESOURCESRunningYourPTA.aspxhttp://www.ohiopta.org/PTARESOURCESRunningYourPTA.aspxhttp://www.ohiopta.org/PTARESOURCESRunningYourPTA.aspxhttp://www.ohiopta.org/PTARESOURCESRunningYourPTA.aspxmailto:[email protected]


13/16



Advocacy News

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)"With this bill, we reaffirm that fundamentally American idealthat everychild, regardless of race, income, background, the zip code where they live,

deserves the chance to make of their lives what they will." President Barack Obama

On December 10, 2015, President Obama signed the Every StudentSucceeds Act (ESSA). This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-oldElementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nations nationaleducation law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for allstudents.

ESSA highlights:

Holding all students to high academic standards that prepare them forsuccess in college and careers.

Ensuring accountability by guaranteeing that when students fall behind,states redirect resources into what works to help them and their schoolsimprove, with a particular focus on the very lowest-performing schools,high schools with high dropout rates, and schools with achievementgaps.

Empowering state and local decision-makers to develop their own strongsystems for school improvement based upon evidence, rather thanimposing cookie-cutter federal solutions like the No Child Left Behind Actdid.

Reducing the often onerous burden of testing on students and teachers,making sure that tests dont crowd out teaching and learning, withoutsacrificing clear, annual information parents and educators need to makesure our children are learning.

Providing more children access to high-quality preschool. Establishing new resources for proven strategies that will spur reform

and drive opportunity and better outcomes for Americas students.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was signed into lawin 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who believed that "fulleducational opportunity" should be "our first national goal." From itsinception, ESEA was a civil rights law.

In recognition of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)slegacy as a civil rights law, the bipartisan bill upholds critical protections for

Americas disadvantaged students. It ensures that states and school districtswill hold schools to account for the progress of all students and prescribesmeaningful reforms to remedy underperformance in those schools failing toserve all students. It excludes harmful portability provisions that wouldsiphon funds away from the students and schools most in need, andmaintains dedicated resources and supports for Americas vulnerable children

including students with disabilities, English Learners, Native Americanstudents, homeless children, neglected and delinquent children, and migrantand seasonal farmworker children.


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ESSA also ensures that states and districts continue the work theyve begunthis year to ensure that all students including students from low-incomefamilies and students of color have equitable access to excellenteducators.

The Ohio Department of Educationhas begun preparing for implementation

of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in the 2017-2018 school

year. Successfully implementing ESSA will require months of planning andinput from key stakeholders, including district superintendents. Thedepartment is working on an implementation time line and has begun meetingwith superintendents. In the meantime, you can begin sharing your ideas andquestions at [email protected]. Users of the department's websitealso can sign up to receive information on ESSA as it becomes available. Formore information on ESSA, go to www.education.ohio.gov,www.whitehouse.gov, www.ed.gov, www.aft.org, www.learningfirst.org,www.pta.org.

2016 Budget Bill

In December, President Obama signed into law a spending bill for fiscal year2016 that would appropriate $1.067 trillion for the next ten months. Thespending bill increases funding for the U.S. Department of Education by $1.2billion dollars along with a $500 million increase to Title I, $415 millionincrease to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a $570million increase to the Head Start program.

State Legislative Updates

The House Education Committee opened hearings on HB 420,sponsored byRep. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson). This legislation would prohibit the OhioDepartment of Education (ODE) from including students who opt out of state

assessments in calculations of certain grades in the state report card. Thecommittee heard both sponsor and proponent testimony on the bill. Asubstitute version of the bill was accepted that includes the followingprovisions that would:

Require ODE to issue two sets of scores for the 2014 -2015 school year, oneincluding opt outs and one without opt outs

Provide penalties for teachers who encourage parents to opt their childrenout of state exams (one-year license suspension and possible misdemeanorcriminal charge for discussing opt-out as an option).

The House Education Committee also heard sponsor testimony on HB 410,with Reps. Jeffrey Rezabek (R-Clayton) and Bill Hayes (R-HarrisonTownship). HB 410 seeks to address habitual and chronic truancy andcompulsory school attendance by promoting interventions over suspensions.

A companion bill is being developed in the Senate.

HB 212 is pending in the House Education Committee. Sponsor testimonywas presented in November 2015 by Rep. Andrew Thompson (R-Marietta).This legislation proposes to repeal the current academic content standards aswell as the current teacher evaluation system. HB 212 also would makechanges to the statewide assessment system.


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SB 247 was introduced in 2015 by Senators Edna Brown (D-Toledo) andPeggy Lehner (R-Kettering). This bipartisan bill would require schooldistricts to allow alternative summer meal sponsors to use school facilities toprovide food service for summer intervention services under certainconditions. This bill is pending in the Senate Finance Committee.

SB 230was introduced in 2015 by Sentaor Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman).

This bill address Youngstown community and Youngstown City Schoolsconcerns with House Bill (HB) 70 and seeks broader community input andreporting of proposed actions of the academic distress commission andaddresses time lines, expectations and reporting requirements. This bill ispending in the Senate Finance Committee.

Highlights of the bill include:

Involves the community in the CEOs district improvement plan Adjusts academic expectations, clearly defines performance standards

and delays CEO actions by one year to allow for adjustment time

Embraces the original intent of HB 70 for community learning centers

Ensures transparency and accountability with the CEO and districtimprovement plans

Supports educators and staff

In other news in OhioDr. Lonny J. Rivera became Ohios interim superintendent of publicinstruction on Jan. 1, 2016. Dr. Rivera replaced Richard Ross, who retired atthe end of 2015.

State Representative Andy Brenner (R-Powell) was appointed on 10/22/15to serve as chair of the House Education Committee.

Join Us!The Advocacy Committee is always looking for more members! Ifyou are a unit or council president or advocacy/legislative chair, make sureyour name is on the Advocacy listserv also! To learn more about PTAadvocacy or to join the advocacy committee, contact the Ohio PTA office at614.781.6344 or email advocacy@ohiopta.


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Your PTA Board of DirectorsEXECUTIVE BOARD

President

Sheila Ragland

614-351-8083

[email protected]

President-elect

Susan Hans

440-243-8776

[email protected]

VP Leadership-Interim

Venezuela Robinson

440-786-9855

[email protected]

VP Field Service

Lisa Weaver

330-825-8252

[email protected]

Secretary/Treasurer

Suzie Smith-Rios

614-878-3596

[email protected]

DIRECTORS

AdvocacyTandra [email protected]

DiversityJeanne [email protected]

FSPPam Bonnett440-781-2927

[email protected]

Bylaws & SRulesCindy Schanz330 329-6335bylawsandstand-

[email protected]

EducationJackie [email protected]

HWSLisa [email protected]

CommunicationsVenezuela Robinson440-786-9855communica-

[email protected]

EventsLinda Read330-923-7248

[email protected]

MembershipAngela Revay216-328-9668

[email protected]

DISTRICT ADVISORS

District 3

Lois [email protected]

District 11

Debbie [email protected]

District 17

Carol [email protected]

District 7Dana [email protected]

District 12Maria [email protected]

District 18Shannon [email protected]

District 10Terry Hickey

[email protected]

District 13Rebecca Gawsyszawski

[email protected]

OFFICESue Owen

[email protected] Gookin

[email protected]

Immediate Past PresidentLisa Mack216-691-2990

[email protected]

Vacant Advisor Positions: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 19.If anyone is interested in serving on the Ohio PTA Board of Directors, contact Venezuela Robinson at communica-

[email protected]. Job descriptions and an application are posted on the Ohio PTA website.

the ohio pta voice_march 2016 issue

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