Michigan PTA October 2023 Newsflash Newsletter

MICHIGAN PTA’S NEWSLETTER FOR LEADERS

NEWSFLASH IN THIS ISSUE TRAINING RESOURCES FOR NEW AND EXISTING LEADERS MEMBERSHIP MATERIALS MUSIC THERAPY ADVOCACY NATIONAL PTA PROGRAMS CONVENTION 2024

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK!

OCTOBER

2023

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CONTENT

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PTA E-LEARNING

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PTA LOCAL LEADERS KIT

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THRIVE

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E-LEARNING

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MEMBERSHIP TOOLKITS

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MICHIGAN PTA RESOURCES

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GIVEBACKS TRAINING

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FISCAL FITNESS – TIPS FOR TREASURERS

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IRS 990 - FAQ

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CONVENTION IS COMING!

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JMUSIC THERAPY

11/12

ADVOCACY

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PRONOUNCING STUDENT NAMES

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

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NATIONAL PTA PROGRAMS MEMBERSHIP MYTHS AND TRUTHS

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PTA E-Learning Training and Resources for running your PTA/PTSA One of the benefits of being part of a national organization is the wealth of resources that are available to you.

These websites provide online classes, reference materials, and videos to help you learn about your specific position – and about PTA in general!

Note that most of the sites require that you have a National PTA or Michigan PTA user ID to login. It is easy to create an ID. If you have one from last year, you may be asked to update your PTA affiliation information.

Check out some of these resources on the following pages.

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PTA Local Leaders Kit This is the most comprehensive reference you could ask for!

Featuring the topics Mission, Leadership, Finance, Membership, Fundraising, and Communications, the Local Leader Kit has something for everyone. Each topic has multiple subsections and concludes with a page of “Templates, Tools & Resources” (TTR). Look for the Quick Reference Guides in each topic’s TTR, a PDF file which summarizes the website in a handy single document. ptakit.org

pta.org/home/run-your-pta/thrive Thrive is PTA’s newest training resource, designed to be used at your own pace and while on-the-go. You’ll find short courses on Brand & Mission, Leadership, Advocacy, Program Planning, Fundraising, Goal-setting and more! Look for the courses that are labeled “For all Leaders,” “For all members,” and “For local leaders.”

Check back often – new courses are being added.

pta.org/home/run-your-pta/elearning These online courses are gradually being updated on the Thrive platform, but are still useful references. After taking the courses (use your National PTA user ID to log in), you can download the course material for future reference.

Understand More About PTA’s Mission * Become an Amazing PTA Leader * Gain Nonprofit Management Skills Grow PTA Membership & Resources Advance PTA’s Mission (Family Engagement; Advocacy; Programs) * Great training for early in the school year for your new (and returning) board members!

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Membership toolkits National PTA has two membership campaigns with lots of supporting graphics, flyers, and tips FREE for your PTA/PTSA to use.

PTA For Your Child / How Do You PTA? pta.org/home/run-your-pta/membershipresources/membership-campaign

You Belong in PTA pta.org/home/run-your-pta/membershipresources/reasons-you-belong

Michigan PTA resources Looking for state-specific PTA/PTSA guidelines? The michiganpta.org website is the place to go. Local unit leaders can register for a Michigan PTA user ID (different from your National PTA ID) to access bylaws templates, get information about Standards of Affiliation, and more!

Free training for Givebacks (formerly MemberHub) MemberHub is now Givebacks! Except for the name and brand colors, everything remains the same! Givebacks is the required platform for submitting your membership dues and standards of affiliation to Michigan PTA. But Givebacks also offers an online store, fundraiser hosting, member communication, file storage, newsletters and much more!

If you are new to Givebacks or have a different PTA role this year, take advantage of the free live and recorded online workshops the Givebacks team provides.

Find out more about these workshops and register here: nfo.givebacks.com/workshops Welcome to Givebacks Hosting Your Fundraisers through Givebacks Online Store & Website: Building Your Public Presence Collecting Dues & Staying in Compliance A Treasurer's Guide to Givebacks Communication: Managing Contacts, Newsletters, & Messages Shop To Give: Join the Movement The Givebacks Help Center has answers to almost every question you might have. Visit support.givebacks.com any time, day or night!

Fiscal Fitness – Tips for Treasurers It’s a new school year and there’s lots going on! Please make time to check these important items off your Treasurer list to get off to the best start!

Good-bye 2022-2023 Most likely your fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. Check your bylaws! The outgoing and incoming treasurers should work together to “get it done”!

Prepare the 2022-2023 year-end treasurer’s report Arrange for the Financial Review / Audit Prepare and file the IRS 990 report.

See the FAQ. Submit the completed audit and the 990 to Michigan PTA through the Givebacks (formerly MemberHub) Compliance section.

Transfer materials and electronic access to accounts (bank, Stripe (for Givebacks store payments), email, OneDrive, GoogleDrive, ...), software (spreadsheets, Quickbooks), etc. to the incoming treasurer.

Hello 2023-2024 Update signatures on the bank account(s). Check your bylaws to see which three officers are designated as signers.

You will need a copy of the minutes of the meeting where the new signers were elected.

It is also helpful to provide the bank with a letter on PTA letterhead stating who is coming off the account, who is being added, and who remains on the account.

Plan a budget for 2023-2024 and present it for approval by the members.

Submit the approved 2023-2024 budget to Michigan PTA through Givebacks (MemberHub).

First PTA meeting of 2023-2024 The year-end treasurer’s report, coupled with the financial review and the 990 filing are official records of the PTA/PTSA. As soon as they are complete, you’ll want to present these documents to the membership and make it official.

Here’s to a smooth start to 2023-2024! If you have questions, please ask.

Sandy Winkler Treasurer, Michigan PTA treasurer@michiganpta.org

IRS 990 - FAQ

Q: What is the IRS 990?

A: The 990 is the form charitable organizations use to report their financial information to the IRS. Q: Which form do I file?

A: It depends on your PTA’s gross receipts (income) $50,000 or less, file the 990-N “electronic postcard” $50,001-$200,000, file the 990-EZ Over $200,000 file the 990 IRS details can be found here.

Q: When is the 990 due?

A: November 15th, if your PTA’s fiscal year ends June 30. You can file it any time after the end of the fiscal year. Do it now, while you are fresh off your audit

Q: Is it hard to file the 990-N (ePostcard) and how do I file it?

A: No! It is super easy. You need only 8 pieces of information (see below and IRS info).

Employer identification number (EIN), also known as a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Tax year (calendar or fiscal filer) Legal name and mailing address Any other names the organization uses Name and address of a principal officer Website address if the organization has one Confirmation that the organization's annual gross receipts are $50,000 or less If applicable, a statement that the organization has terminated or is terminating (going out of business) Follow the instructions on the IRS website, which includes a link to the online submission page and how to create an account. There is also a stepby-step PDF instruction book, IRS Publication 5248.

Q: Is it hard to fill out the 990-EZ or 990?

A: Probably, for most people. Unless you are a CPA or love filing your own taxes and reading IRS documents, you will probably want to have a tax professional help your PTA complete and file the 990-EZ or 990.

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Convention is coming April 19-21st, 2024! Budget now!

Why should you send representatives to convention?

Get new ideas to bring back to your unit!

Learn about state and national advocacy initiatives that affect your school.

Make sure your unit gets a say in the future of PTA. Be inspired and energized by other PTA members As you prepare for the new year, don’t forget to include in your budget money to send leaders and members to the convention. If you plan for a shared hotel room for 1 night you can expect expenses to be around $250 per person (for early registration). If you already set your budget for the year, no problem, you can always change it at a general membership meeting. Your treasurer or any other member can motion to add or adjust a line item as needed.

You’ll love this year’s location! DoubleTree by Hilton Detroit/Dearborn, 501 Southfield Freeway, Detroit, MI 48228

Include Music Thera-PTA this school year by sharing what music or sounds have assisted you emotionally and mentally.

Develop a list and have a group discussion or individually self-reflect. Your Music Thera-PTA can be daily, once a week, monthly, or however you want it to fit your schedule.

MUSIC

Let us get ready to joyously in our hearts “Fall” into Autumn’s blissful sounds through Music Thera-PTA. We have coined the phrase Music Thera-PTA to denote how music or sounds can be therapeutic for students, parents, and teachers. According to Psychology Today, music therapy can help cope with trauma, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, boost memory and cognitive function, and increase joy.

THERAPY

Below are a few music and sounds that students have stated are soothing and enjoyable for their Music Thera-PTA: The constant hum of a fan The squeaky sound of my grandparents rocking chair Sound of the blowing wind Early morning bird sounds Creating music You Say (song by Lauren Daigle) Let It Go (song from the movie Frozen) Sound of the ocean Create tapping sounds on an object Play an instrument What are some of your favorite music or sounds for Music Thera-PTA? Cheers to Autumn!

Lachelle Thomas, Vice President of Student Involvement Email: studentinvolvementvp@michiganpta.org

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ADVO “You can’t change the

Key Advocacy highlights from the 2023 National PTA Convention: National PTA defines advocacy as “the act of educating and mobilizing individuals and organizations to take actions that will improve the education, health, and well-being of children and youth”. National PTA believes that advocacy is essential to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education and the support they need to thrive.

Great quote: from our previous National PTA Vice President of Advocacy, Collin Robinson: “You can’t change the system from outside the system.”

Important thought: Support for gender diverse kids is a matter of their survival.

Big News: The two Michigan PTA Resolutions we submitted to National last year were both ratified by the membership during this year’s virtual National PTA Convention!

Resolution on Safe Storage of Firearms Resolution on Seizure Safe Schools Now that they are approved, PTAs across the nation may use our resolutions to advocate with their local school board, state legislature, congressional legislators. The National PTA Legislation Committee may reference our Resolutions when considering congressional legislation to support

In addition, National PTA Advocacy has updated the following guidance for us to use in advocacy at the local and state levels across the country: Position Statement – Libraries and Educational Material National PTA believes that students need access to information in order to explore and experience the diversity of ideas in a pluralistic society. PTA recognizes and supports the rights of parents to guide their children in choosing appropriate reading and educational materials. PTA supports teachers in developing classroom libraries to include appropriate reading and educational materials. PTA also supports the rights of both public libraries and school libraries to provide factually correct and historically accurate information and materials that are free of censorship based on bias, partisanship or doctrinal disapproval.

Resolution – Recognition of LGBTQ Individuals as a Protected Class National PTA and its constituent associations seek and support legislation that creates a safe, supportive and accepting environment in schools, specifically with training for educators and other school related professionals to support all students, and updated health education standards that deal with the issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

CACY system from outside the system.”

Michigan PTA VoterVoice 2022/2023 Report: In the past year, we had 27,269 contacts in VoterVoice, our online software for state advocacy communication. There were 11 total advocacy actions, and 26 broadcast communications were sent. This represented 719 new contacts over the previous year, with 90 new advocates.

Two advocacy campaigns included "Oppose the two Let MI Kids Learn Petitions", with 208 messages sent, and "Call to Action: Seizure Safe Schools Action Alert", with 89 messages sent.

Broadcasts included communications sending our three approved resolutions from the July 2022 Michigan PTA Convention to our legislature and administration, registration announcements for Michigan PTA Advocacy Day in March, and Michigan PTA Convention in April, and a summary of our Advocacy Day successes to our legislators.

Stay connected!

Find and follow Michigan PTA Advocacy on Facebook (for safety, this is a private group and you must answer questions to be approved as a member). To receive action alerts, sign up for Michigan PTA VoterVoice at www.votervoice.net/MIPTA/home, and sign up for National PTA VoterVoice at www.pta.org/home/advocacy/takeaction. We also send advocacy information emails to PTA leaders in Michigan many times throughout the year, so make sure that your PTA unit has someone designated as Advocacy Chair in GiveBacks (fka MemberHub).

Please contact childadvocacyvp@michiganpta.org with any advocacy questions Additional updates from the federal level: This summer, the National PTA held its 126th convention virtually. Just like at the state level, National PTA votes on board members, bylaw changes, and resolutions, as applicable. This year was a board election year as National PTA Vice President of Advocacy Collin Robinson (OR) ended his term. Rose Accera (NJ) began in this position for the 2023-26 term. She will host bimonthly meetings for Federal Legislative Chairs throughout each school year, updating us on National PTA advocacy and what is happening at the federal level.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Michigan PTA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee We are working on a mission statement for the Michigan PTA DEI Committee. We plan to start an informational campaign about cultural competencies (definitions) and the introduction of representative community members to build empathy.

We will begin posting/emailing this information out regularly at the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year.

We also plan to create two surveys: the first is a survey template that we will provide for teachers to use in their classrooms/schools to identify their students’ understanding of DEI issues, and the second will be for our members to give us feedback, and be given out periodically throughout the school year to help identify patterns of growth or deficit.

National PTA offers the following DEI toolkit that can help you learn about diversity, equity and inclusion issues, discuss these topics in your community and take action to more effectively serve ALL children and families, with a focus on historically marginalized and underrepresented populations: pta.org/home/run-your-pta/DiversityEquity-Inclusion

Michigan PTA DEI Committee Meetings for the 2023/2024 school year will be on second Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom You must register, and you may register for a single meeting at a time, or as many as you like. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrd2tqzksGNcpr0p8bB5HX6Nd4kzPbYYv If you are interested in joining the DEI Committee for 2023/2024, both adult and student prospective volunteer forms are available at michiganpta.org/volunteer-opportunities (this page is public, so that anyone may access it). Once you have filled out the appropriate form, your application will be reviewed at the next Michigan PTA Board of Directors meeting. If approved, you will be notified by the Committee Chair, and invited to the next meeting of the committee. You will also be notified if your application was not accepted for any reason. If you are interested in auditing a committee meeting or two, before deciding whether to apply, please contact the Committee Chair of that committee for permission and meeting details.

Please email diversity@michiganpta.org with any questions or suggestions.

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School of Excellence enrollment is open through October 15, 2023.

The National PTA School of Excellence program is an improvement and recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs, families and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students. By enrolling in this program, your PTA and school administrators are making a yearlong commitment to identify and implement an action plan for school improvement based on National PTA's National Standards for Family-School Partnerships and informed

by National PTA’s Center for Family Engagement.

Learn more and follow the steps at the School of Excellence website to enroll.

School of Excellence program FAQ (en español)

National PTA Programs Still looking for a great program for your students and families? National PTA offers many programs that your PTA/PTSA can incorporate into your family engagement activities this year. The programs are preplanned programs – with lists of the steps to take and supplies you’ll need!

List of PTA Programs

STEM + Families Explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with our family-friendly, interactive activities!

Healthy Lifestyles Offer educational resources and engagement opportunities that empower students and families to make better-informed health decisions!

PTA Connected Help children, teens and families act safely, responsibly and thoughtfully online using these tools and resources!

Family Reading Experience Engage families in fun, interactive activities that teach core reading skills!

National PTA announces funding opportunities every summer, usually in August, related to many of these programs. While this year’s grant applications closed Oct. 4, you can still visit this webpage to learn about the process and be prepared for next year!

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FEELING STRESSED OR OVERWHELMED WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON? Get help by telling a trusted adult or contact OK2SAY. OK2SAY is confidential and available 24/7.

8-555OK2SAY 855565-2729 ok2say.com

President- Tracey Troy president@michiganpta.org President-Elect- Tonya Whitehead, PhD whiteheadt@michiganpta.org Secretary- Jenna McMechan secretary@michiganpta.org

652729 (OK2SAY)

Search “OK2SAY”

ok2say@mi.gov

MichiganPTA.org @EveryChild 734-975-9500 P.O. Box 510535 Livonia, MI 48151

VP of Student Involvement- Lachelle Thomas studentinvolvementvp@michiganpta.org VP of Membership- Open membershipvp@michiganpta.org VP of Advocacy- Jenn Garland childadvocacyvp@michiganpta.org

Treasurer- Sandy Winkler treasurer@michiganpta.org

VP of Communications- Beth Hulett communicationsVP@MichiganPTA.org

VP of Outreach & Support- Lisa Roscoe outreachsupportvp@michiganpta.org

VP of Programs & Services- Susie Crafton craftons@michiganpta.org