NEWSFLASH
Pack Your PTA Backpack: Resources for a Strong, Suppor ted Star t to the New School Year
PTA's mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
CONTENTS
Pack Your PTA Backpack: Resources, Ready to Go!
Inside this edition, you’ll find helpful folders with resources to kick off the school year with confidence. Want to dig a little deeper? We’ve also included handy links so you can explore each topic more when you're ready. Grab what you need and get going—your back-to-school toolkit is here!
Engagement & Inclusion
President’s Corner
Welcome Back!
As we begin another school year together, I want to say welcome back and thank you for everything you do for children and families in your community. Whether you're a seasoned leader or stepping into a new role, your energy, creativity, and dedication make all the difference—and I’m so glad you're part of this work.
Last year, we focused on “Deep Roots, Strong Foundation,” honoring our shared mission and long history That foundation helped us stabilize and regrow in a time when many of our units were rebuilding. This year, I invite you to build on that momentum as we lean into our new theme: “Strength in Every Branch – Celebrating the unique contributions of every family and community member.”
Just like a tree draws strength from every single branch, our PTA is strongest when everyone has a place. That includes parents, caregivers, educators, alumni, business partners, retirees, and neighbors—everyone who cares about helping children thrive. The more voices we include, the more powerful our advocacy becomes.
We’re here to support you and your team with something new—PTA Power Hours! These virtual sessions are designed to help you tackle challenges, explore fresh ideas, and strengthen your leadership toolkit, all while connecting with other PTA leaders.
I’ll be visiting councils and units throughout the year and hope to meet even more of you— whether at an in-person event, a virtual session, or through your stories and photos in the Newsflash. If there’s a way I can support your work, don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you’re ready to grow your own leadership journey, we’re always looking for passionate folks to join us at the state level. There’s room for everyone to contribute.
Let’s make this year one where every branch gets stronger. I’m proud to be on this journey with you.
Level Up: Training & Events to Get You Going
Before you explore the rest, be sure to start here first! This folder includes details about upcoming in-person and virtual training sessions designed to help you start strong.
P P WER WER MichiganPTA Hours
��
Introducing PTA Power Hours
Michigan PTA is excited to launch PTA Power Hours a year-long series of live, one-hour virtual learning sessions designed to give PTA, PTSA, and Council leaders the tools, confidence, and connections they need to thrive
September 2025
Tue, Sep 2 (7:00–8:00 PM) — Individual Units Office Hours
Speaker: Lisa Roscoe, VP of Unit Support Support and guidance for individual PTA units Register here
Thu, Sep 4 (7:00–8:00 PM) The Backbone of Your PTA: Understanding Bylaws
Speaker: Aundra Simpkins, Secretary
Each Power Hour is focused, practical, and interactive. Whether you’re a brand-new leader, returning with years of experience, or simply curious about strengthening your unit, these sessions are built for YOU
�� What to Expect:
Expert Guidance Learn directly from Michigan PTA leaders and guest experts on key leadership, membership, and compliance topics
Actionable Tips Walk away with strategies you can immediately use in your PTA work.
Open Q&A Ask questions, share ideas, and learn from other leaders across the state
Flexible & Accessible Sessions are only an hour long (7–8 PM), making it easy to fit professional learning into your busy schedule.
�� Why Attend:
Stay informed about essential PTA requirements and best practices.
Gain inspiration and new ideas to engage families, grow membership, and strengthen your unit
Build a support network by connecting with other leaders who share your challenges and goals.
Think of Power Hours as your monthly leadership boost quick, energizing sessions that help you stay on track, solve problems, and lead with confidence, all while keeping the mission of PTA at the heart of the work
Understand bylaws and how to keep your PTA in compliance Register here
Tue, Sep 9 (7:00–8:00 PM) Membership Mania: Fun Ideas
Speaker: Maryanne VanHaitsma, VP of Membership
Creative ways to boost membership through fun drives and challenges Register here
Thu, Sep 11 (7:00–8:00 PM) Who's Robert & Why Does He Make the Rules?
Speakers: Tonya Whitehead, President & Jenna McMechan, President-Elect
Intro to Robert’s Rules of Order and structured meetings Register here
Mon, Sep 15 (7:00–8:00 PM) New Unit Social Hour: Running an Effective Meeting
Speaker: Candi Drouilard, VP of Unit Development
Learn how advance preparation, clear structure, and strong communication create productive and engaging PTA gatherings Register here
Tues, Sept. 16 (7:00–8:00 PM) Council Officers Office Hours: Connect & Get Support
Speaker: Lisa Roscoe, VP of Unit Support
Council leaders get personalized guidance and collaboration to strengthen PTA units and explore shared standards. Register here
Thurs, Sept. 18 (7:00–8:00 PM) Fundraising & Raffles
Speaker: Sandy Winkler, Treasurer
Best practices for fundraising plus guidance on securing raffle licenses Share ideas with other PTAs. Register here
Tues, Sept. 23 (7:00–8:00 PM) Alyssa’s Law and School Safety in Michigan
Speakers: CENTEGIX & Lori Alhadeff, Make Our Schools Safe
Join us for an important 30-minute conversation about school safety and the pending Alyssa’s Law legislation in Michigan X Register here
Tue, Sept 23 (7:00–8:00 PM) Standards of Affiliation
Speaker: Lisa Roscoe, VP of Unit Support
Understand PTA Standards of Affiliation, key requirements, and how to maintain good standing Register here
October 2025
Thu, Oct 2 (7:00–8:00 PM) Minute Taking 101
Speaker: Aundra Simpkins, Secretary
Learn how to capture clear and concise meeting minutes Register here
Thu, Oct 9 (7:00–8:00 PM) Filing the IRS 990 Form (under $50k)
Speaker: Sandy Winkler, Treasurer
Step-by-step guidance for Form 990-N (e-postcard). Register here
Thu, Oct 16 (7:00–8:00 PM) — Leading for Board Cohesiveness
Speakers: Tonya Whitehead, President & Jenna McMechan, President-Elect
Strategies for building a strong and collaborative board Register here
Tue, Oct 21 (7:00–8:00 PM) Council Units Office Hours: Connect & Get Support
Speaker: Lisa Roscoe, VP of Unit Support
Time for units with Councils to connect directly with Michigan PTA leadership. Register here
Thu, Oct 23 (7:00–8:00 PM) — Filing the IRS 990 Form (over $50k)
Speaker: Sandy Winkler, Treasurer
How to submit IRS Form 990-EZ for larger PTAs Register here
Tue, Oct 28 (7:00–8:00 PM) Unlocking PTA
Resources: Programs & Grants Made Easy Speaker: Kathy Carter, VP of Programs How to find programs, apply for grants, and support your school using PTA.org resources. Register here
Thu, Oct 30 (7:00–8:00 PM) — Givebacks
Speakers: Lisa Roscoe, VP of Unit Support & Maryanne VanHaitsma, VP of Membership Basics of PTA’s online membership tool Register here
November 2025
Tue, Nov 4 (7:00–8:00 PM) New Unit Social Hour
Speaker: Candi Drouillard VP of Unit Development Teamwork and collaboration in PTAs Register here
Thu, Nov 6 (7:00–8:00 PM) Unit Support Q&A
Speaker: Lisa Roscoe, VP of Unit Support Interactive Q&A to address PTA unit challenges Register here
Tue, Nov 11 (7:00–8:00 PM) Beyond the Sign-Up
Speaker: Maryanne VanHaitsma, VP of Membership Strategies to grow membership and keep families engaged Register: here
Thu, Nov 13 (7:00–8:00 PM) Sunshine Funds
Speaker: Sandy Winkler, Treasurer IRS requirements for PTAs providing community support. Register here
Mon, Nov 17 (7:00–8:00 PM) — Mission Focused –Resolving Conflicts
Speakers: Tonya Whitehead, President & Jenna McMechan, President-Elect Approaches to resolving conflicts and staying missionfocused Register here
Tue, Nov 18 (7:00–8:00 PM) Council Officers
Office Hours: Connect & Get Support
Speaker: Lisa Roscoe, VP of Unit Support Roundtable for Council leaders to connect, share, and strengthen PTA units. Register here
Tue, Nov 25 (7:00–8:00 PM) — Individual Units
Office Hours
Speaker: Lisa Roscoe, VP of Unit Support Support and guidance for individual units Register here
A job well done to Michigan PTA local units that earned the 2024-2026 National PTA School of Excellence designation for their effective family-school partnerships.
MLK Crusaders PTSA, Detroit, MI
Meadow Brook Elementary PTA, Rochester Hills, MI
West Middle School PTSA, Rochester Hills, MI
September 8-12: Go back to school with National PTA and check out our program opportunities and tools to help plan your school year, engage your community and offer support for students and families.
Sept. 10: Join Meta 7-8 p.m. EDT for a virtual workshop session on how to build community with Meta products, create connections and build your PTA's digital presence. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from Meta's Team and ask questions live! PTA leaders at all levels are invited! Topics will include: Overview of Facebook, Instagram and Threads; Meta's Fundraising Tools; Creative Best Practices; Tips for Account Management; and more! Even if you can't join us live, please RSVP for the event to be added to the list. Meta will share resources and tips post-event to everyone.
Sept. 30: Submit your workshop proposals for National PTA’s 2026 Legislative Conference by 11:59 p.m. PDT. LegCon is National PTA’s annual policy and advocacy conference, and we are seeking thought leaders and mission partners to help PTA advocates hone their advocacy skills. Learn more and apply now at PTA.org/CallforPresenters.
Visit PTA.org/Events for a full calendar of what's coming soon.
TIME SENSITIVE
ApplybySept.24at11:59p.m.PDT
NationalPTAisofferingfundingtoover650PTAs/PTSAstohelpconductprogramsfor familiesintheareasofdigitalsafety,STEM,healthylifestyles,theartsandyouthand familyengagement Theapplicationperiodisnowopen Byansweringafewquestions, yourPTAcanbeeligibletoreceiveprogramfundingtohelpcoverexpenseslikefood, transportationandtranslationservicestoensureallfamiliescanparticipate.Thereare alsograntopportunitiesspecificallyforhighschoolPTAs/PTSAstosupportyouth engagement!Nopriorgrant-writingexperienceisneeded VisitPTA.org/Grantstolearn moreandapplybySept.24at11:59p.m.PDT.
✅Nogrant-writingexperienceneeded
✅Simpleapplicationprocess
✅Bigimpactforyourschool
⭐ Funding Guarantee for PTAs/PTSAs Serving High School Students!
Any high school PTA/PTSA serving families and students in 9th-12th grade that is not selected to receive funding for a National PTA program will be guaranteed to receive a $100 contribution from National PTA to offset the costs to run a National PTA program within their school community
Drop-in Q&A Sessions Registration
National PTA will be hosting drop-in Q&A sessions to share information and answer your questions about how to get funding to support your local programs:
Wednesday, Sept 10, 2025, 12-1:00 p m
EDT Register here
Thursday, Sept 18, 2025, 8-9:00 p m
EDT Register here
Fall 2025 National PTA Program Grants
Over $1 million available for PTAs to support programs like STEM, arts, healthy lifestyles, digital safety with funding to assist with costs like childcare, food, transportation, or translation. (Deadline: Sept. 24 at 11:59p.m. PDT.)
PTA Connected: Build Up and Belong, Sponsored by Discord
This program is for high school students (13+) and their parents/caregivers 20 local PTAs/PTSAs will be selected and each will be awarded $2,000 in funding Build Up and Belong brings teens and their parents/caregivers together to explore the use of technology as a communication and relationship tool; discuss ways to build belonging and positive communities in our digital world; learn how to navigate privacy and safety on digital platforms; and have interactive conversations as a family about online scenarios, experiences and expectations. Learn more.
PTA Connected: Create with Kindness, Sponsored by TikTok
This program is for high school students (13+) and their parents/caregivers. Selected local high school PTAs/PTSAs will each be awarded $3,000 in funding (an initial payment of $2,750 and an additional payment of $250 after all grant requirements have been met) DCR/community/state PTAs or SEPTAs will receive $5,000 in funding This program will bring high school families together for an open and interactive discussion with teens on their online experiences and equip families with practical information and resources to enhance online safety as teens use various digital platforms PTAs who apply for this program are eligible to participate in add-on programming by agreeing to meet additional requirements Learn more
PTA Connected: Be Internet Awesome, Sponsored by Google + YouTube
This program is for parents/caregivers of middle school students. 50 local PTAs will be selected and each will be awarded $1,500 in funding (an initial payment of $1,250 and an additional payment of $250 after all grant requirements have been met). Be Internet Awesome programs engage parents and caregivers in meaningful peer-topeer conversations about raising children in an online world. Learn more. Continued
Fall 2025 National PTA Program Grants
PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go!, Supported by AT&T
This program is for parents/caregivers of elementary school students. 230 local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,500 in funding (an initial payment of $1,250 and an additional payment of $250 after all grant requirements have been met). To be considered for funding, PTAs must hold their programs in-person. At-home programming will not be supported Ready, Tech, Go! will help parents and caregivers navigate online challenges through meaningful peer-to-peer discussions about screen readiness and ways to promote healthy and responsible device use PTAs who apply for this program are eligible to participate in add-on programming by agreeing to meet additional requirements Learn more
PTA Connected: The Smart Talk, Sponsored by Norton (Part of Gen)
This program is for students of all grades/ages and their parents/caregivers 20 local PTAs will be selected and each will be awarded $1,500 in funding All programs must be completed by the end of March 2026. The Smart Talk enables kids ages 5-17 and their parents/caregivers to collaborate in making household decisions and rules around device use, digital safety, privacy, communication and media. Guided by the dynamic programming of The Smart Talk tool, each family will create a personalized technology agreement based on their individual responses. Learn more.
STEM + Families Science Festival, Sponsored by Bayer Fund
Active Opportunities for 2025–2026
This program is for elementary school students and their parents/caregivers 40 local PTAs will be selected and each will be awarded $1,500 in funding Science Festivals empower PTAs with resources to host hands-on, fun STEM experiences that bring students and families together and help families experience and explore activities in STEM To be considered, PTAs must hold their programs in-person Learn more
STEM + Families Propelling Our World
This program is for elementary school students and their parents/caregivers 20 local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding Propelling Our World provides hands-on engineering design challenges that bring students and families together and helps all kids experience and explore. Learn more.
Fall 2025 National PTA Program Grants continued
Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement, Sponsored by the Family of Mary Lou Anderson
This program is for all grades and ages 2 local PTAs will be selected, and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding. Reflections helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life Learn more
PTA Healthy Minds, Sponsored by the New York Life Foundation
This program is for students of all grades/ages and/or their parents/caregivers. 75 local PTAs will be selected and each will be awarded $1,250 in funding Healthy Minds supports PTAs in connecting their school community with mental health resources and programming Learn more
2025–2026 Vape‑Free Futures Challenge Grant
Aug 20 through Sept 24 at 11:59 p m PDT
The Vape-Free Futures Challenge Grant provides district and council PTAs with $2,500 of support from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to conduct grassroots advocacy on the issue of vaping and e-cigarette use. Challenge grantees will select one of the following pathways: providing testimony to their identified decisionmaker(s), raising public awareness through a media outreach campaign with their identified messenger(s) or coordinating a vape-free townhall event with their identified partner(s). Learn more
High School PTSA/PTA Youth Engagement Capacity Building Funding
Aug 20 through Sept 24 at 11:59 p m PDT
New this year, National PTA is offering $5,000 each to up to 20 PTAs/PTSAs as part of the High School PTSA/PTA Youth Engagement Capacity Building (YECB) funding opportunity to help engage youth This grant opportunity is exclusively for high school-affiliated PTSA/PTAs aimed at building capacity to better engage youth in youth-led and/or youthcentered mission-aligned projects within their PTSA/PTA, local campuses and/or communities Learn more
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-invest-in-mi-kids/
at University Place
East Lansing, MI
Marriot
Because Thriving Kids Start with Safe, Supported Schools.
From sniffles to safety plans, we know that student success starts with well-being.
Health, Wellness & Safety
Health in School
Flu Prevention
Tips and tools to help families and schools prevent flu outbreaks and keep students healthy.
https://www.pta.org/ home/familyresources/health/Flu -Prevention
Hunger
r e s o u r c e s
Safe Drinking Water
Learn how PTAs can support food access through programs like school meals and webinars on food insecurity.
Information on lead exposure risks in school and home tap water, and guidance for advocacy.
https://www.pta.org/ home/familyresources/health/Hu nger
Obesity Prevention
Chronic Conditions
Ideas for promoting nutrition and physical activity among families and school communities.
Resources for managing health needs like allergies or diabetes to enable full participation at school.
https://www.pta.org/ home/familyresources/health/Saf e-Drinking-Water
https://www.pta.org/ home/familyresources/health/Ob esity-Prevention
https://www.pta.org/ home/familyresources/health/Ch ronic-Conditions
Substance Misuse
Discussing Difficult Situations
Tools to help parents talk to kids about alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and drug misuse prevention.
Guidance for talking with kids about traumatic or troubling news in an ageappropriate way.
https://www.pta.org/ home/familyresources/health/Su bstance-Abuse
https://www.pta.org/ home/familyresources/health/Dis cussing-DifficultSituations-WithYour-Children
�� Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
· Seizure Action Plan Coalition
https://www seizureactionplans org
Free templates, guides, and awareness tools to prepare individualized seizure action plans for school
· Epilepsy Foundation School Resources
https://www epilepsycom/school
Includes training for staff, safety protocols, and accommodations guidance
· Managing Epilepsy Well (CDC)
https://www cdc gov/epilepsy/childrenschool/index htm
Tips for parents and schools to support students with epilepsy
Asthma
· Back-to-School with Asthma (AAFA)
https://www.aafa.org/back-to-school-withasthma/
Checklist, emergency plan templates, and asthma-friendly schools guidance.
· CDC Healthy Schools – Asthma Management https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/asthma/ind ex.htm
Best practices and policy strategies for managing asthma in school settings.
�� Diabetes
· Safe at School Campaign – American Diabetes Association
https://diabetes.org/safeatschool
Legal protections, care plans, and school training resources.
· School Diabetes Care Plan Templates https://diabetes.org/tools-support/diabetescare/school
504 Plan and Individualized Health Plan guidance and forms.
Back-to-School Resources for Chronic Conditions
�� Allergies & Anaphylaxis
· FARE Back-to-School Headquarters
https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/backschool-resources
Printable checklists, classroom safety plans, and emergency action plans.
· CDC Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodalle rgies/index.htm
Offers national best practices and training tools.
�� General Chronic Health Needs
· Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
https://www.parentcenterhub.org/health/ Comprehensive guides to 504 Plans, IEPs, and chronic illness accommodations.
· National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
https://www.nasn.org/nasnresources/practice-topics/chronic-healthconditions
Guidance for school nurses and parents to collaborate on chronic care management.
· Got Transition? – Health Care Transition Toolkit
https://www.gottransition.org
For older students managing health independence and school transitions.
A Note from the Vice President of Programs
Happy Summer!
Whether you're in the middle of planning your local elections or have recently wrapped them up, I hope you're finding time to relax and recharge.
As we gear up for the new school year, I want to share a few important updates and reminders:
�� Michigan PTA Awards
Each year, we recognize outstanding individuals and local units with awards such as Member of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and Educator of the Year. Award applications will be available at the start of the school year so keep an eye out and start thinking about who in your community deserves to be celebrated! When the time comes, please be sure to follow the submission guidelines carefully.
�� Reflections Program
Get ready for another exciting year of the Reflections arts contest! This beloved program encourages creativity in visual arts, dance, literature, film, music, and photography. Stay tuned for details so your unit is ready to promote and support student participation from the start.
�� National PTA Grants & Programs
Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for grants through National PTA. These can support a variety of events and initiatives Visit the National PTA website regularly for the latest grant announcements.
Important: Your unit must have completed the Standards of Affiliation to be eligible so be sure to check that off your list!
�� Resources for Local Units
Looking for inspiration or support for your upcoming meetings and programs? The National PTA website offers a wealth of resources that can help you plan engaging and effective events. Be sure your incoming board is aware of what's available and how to access it
As always, our goal is to help every PTA unit succeed. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to me at programsvp@michiganpta org
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the summer!
Warmly,
Kathy Carter
Michigan PTA Vice President of Programs
WELCOME TO GIVEBACKSOVERVIEW FOR NEW LEADERS
HOSTING YOUR FUNDRAISERS THROUGH GIVEBACKS
STORE: SELLING PRODUCTS ONLINE & IN-PERSON
TREASURER'S GUIDE TO GIVEBACKS
COLLECTING MEMBERSHIP DUES & STAYING IN COMPLIANCE
COMMUNICATION: CONTACTS, NEWSLETTERS, & MESSAGES
BUILDING YOUR PUBLIC PRESENCE: WEBSITE BUILDER & SUPPORTER CAUSE PAGE
Overview for new users/officers. Learn to log in and explore features
Learn to use Crowdfunding and Athon tools with sample fundraisers
How to set up and manage products for online and in-person sales
Covers dues payments, reconciliation, Stripe fees and payouts
30-minute session on entering members, paying dues, and compliance basics
Manage contacts and send newsletters/messages through Givebacks
Customize your website and supporter cause page for visibility
DOCUMENTATION & SUPPORT Search help articles or contact support via chat/email
VIDEO GUIDES (New!)
Step-by-step video tutorials covering Givebacks and Shop to Give
https://info giveba cks com/worksho ps
https://info giveba cks com/worksho ps
https://info giveba cks com/worksho ps
https://info.giveba cks com/worksho ps
https://info giveba cks.com/worksho ps
https://info giveba cks.com/worksho ps
https://info giveba cks com/worksho ps
https://help.giveb acks.com
https://help giveb acks com/en/coll ections/4570996video-guides
https://info givebacks co m/workshops
https://info givebacks co m/workshops
https://info.givebacks.co m/workshops
https://info givebacks co m/workshops
https://info givebacks co m/workshops
https://info givebacks co m/workshops
https://info.givebacks.co m/workshops
https://help.givebacks.co m
https://help givebacks co m/en/collections/457099 6-video-guides
Treasurer Tips
It’s a new (school) year! Here are a few reminders to make sure your PTA treasury is ready to go:
Complete the Financial Review (audit) of the 2024-2025 fiscal year Follow your bylaws for establishing a review committee or selecting a CPA An audit worksheet template is available on the Michiganpta org website, under the Local Leader Resources section Upload the financial review form to Givebacks – Compliance – Submissions
Submit the IRS 990 annual information return when the financial review is complete You’ll file the IRS 990-N (if gross receipts ≤ $50,000) or 990-EZ (if gross receipts $50,001-$199,999) Upload the proof of filing to Givebacks – Compliance – Submissions
Transfer the owner of the Stripe account used in your Givebacks store to the new treasurer Givebacks provides detailed instructions on how to change the owner Tip: plan to do this when both the old and new treasurers are available to coordinate entering 2-factor confirmation codes!
Update the signatures on the bank account(s). Check your bylaws to see which three officers are designated as signers Schedule an appointment at the bank and ask what documentation they require Usually you’ll need a copy of the minutes of the meeting where the new signers were elected and a letter on PTA letterhead stating who is coming off the account, who is being added, and who remains on the account
Prepare a budget for 2024-2025, if this wasn’t done at the May or June meeting Check your bylaws and standing rules for who develops the budget (e g executive board, a budget committee) The budget can then be presented to the membership for approval at your September meeting and you can begin spending money
At the first meeting of the school year, you’ll want to present most of this summer work to the membership and make it official
Present the 2024-2025 year-end treasurer’s report, the financial review and the 990 to the membership for approval These are official documents that should be recorded in the minutes of the meeting when the membership approves them
Present the 2025-2026 budget, if it wasn’t approved in May or June, to the membership for approval
Please contact me if you have any questions Here’s to a great 2025-2026 PTA year!
Sandy Winkler Treasurer, Michigan PTA treasurer@michiganpta org
For a downloadable, full-size version with clickable links, visit: michiganpta.org/ptaleader-resources
Michigan PTA on the Road Michigan PTA on the Road
We enjoy getting out and engaging and meeting PTA leaders, members, community and partnering organizations for visits, events or presentations.
To request attendance from a Michigan PTA State board member, please complete this form to ensure we best meet your needs. As a volunteer board, we will do our best to fulfill your request and will get back to you shortly about your request.
If you need additional help or have other question, please use our unit support contact at info@michiganpta.org or 734-975-9500
We look forward to connecting with you soon!
Submit your request here
NEW! Canva Templates to Grow PTA Membership
Use these Canva flyer and graphic templates as a starting point to get creative in growing your PTA’s membership! The second page of each template has a completed example to help give you inspiration. Be sure to fill out the templates with info specific to your PTA and add in creative elements to make them more eye-catching!
Our PTA Needs You
Introduce anyone to your PTA and why they should join
Flyer (en español)
Graphic for Instagram (en español)
Graphic for X or Facebook (en español)
Reasons You Belong
Encourage anyone to join your PTA by sharing with them the specific ways that your PTA supports the school and community.
Flyer (en español)
Graphic for Instagram (en español)
Graphic for X or Facebook (en español)
Membership Goal Thermometer
Encourage anyone to help your PTA meet a membership goal
Flyer (en español)
Graphic for Instagram (en español)
Graphic for X or Facebook (en español)
Did you know? Canva provides nonprofits, like PTAs, free access to all the premium features of Canva Pro..Apply for Canva Nonprofits Eligibility guidelines
Roles and responsibilities of PTAvs principal, what principals value about PTA, how to approach a principal and what a great partnership looks like
Why Principals Appreciate PTA
Atrue partnership rooted in collaboration and mutual support
Consistent and effective communication with school communities
Working hand in hand to elevate school excellence
Astrong voice advocating for all children
The ability of PTAto turn ideas into action
“In my experience, (PTA) has been the single most powerful connection between community and school.”
- Angela Hodges, Principal, Wiley Middle School, Leander, TX
"On our own, we reach a certain limit. With PTA’s support, we elevate that to a whole new standard.”
- Thomas Santo, Principal, Zane North Elementary School, Collingswood, NJ
Principals’ Messaging Suggestions
Craft messaging that emphasizes collaboration:
“We want to work with you—the staff and students—to create excellence in this school.”
“We will lead that discussion in the community.”
“Let’s talk together—PTA and principal—to move forward.”
To view National PTA’s entire interactive document - PTA Value and Principals, visit pta.org/home/run-your-pta/membership-resources/micro-learning-videos
SCHOOL NEEDS PTA Why Your
Faced with shrinking budgets and growing class sizes, not to mention high standards for teacher and student performance-schools today need the support of families and the community PTA can help
Harness the power of PTA to:
Increase family engagement and volunteerism
Implement programs to engage families in student success or school improvements
Qualify for grants and awards to support your school
Communicate with families more efectively
Partner with other community organizations
Enhance fundraising efforts
Realize measurable results in student achievement
PTA is at the forefront of boosting parent involvement everywhere Use PTA's National Standards for
Families are essential partners to schools in the shared mission to help every child reach their full potential.
PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships set the bar for how schools and parent organizations work together to support student success.
The Standards have contributed to greater awareness and capacity for improving family-school partnerships across the country and internationally for over 20 years.
Getting Started with the Standards
Explore the National Standards
Tools for Leaders and School Districts
Webinar Series Research
Engagement & Inclusion
pta.org/familyguide-education
Recursos en Español – National PTA
PTA.org está disponible en español
PTA Nacional se complace en anunciar que PTA org está disponible en español a través del traductor de Google. Para traducir el sitio web, seleccione español en la barra del menú desplegable en la parte superior derecha de la pantalla en cualquier página de nuestro sitio web. Comparta esta novedad con otras PTA para alcanzar a nuestros miembros de habla hispana como otra herramienta para apoyar a las familias hispanas en la comunidad escolar.
Además, contamos con los siguientes recursos en español
Intercesión
Video Sobre los Estándares Académicos Fundamentales con Subtítulos en Español
Guías Para Familias
Guías de Evaluación por Estado
Guías Para Padres para Fomentar el Éxito Escolar (2 pág.)
Guías Para Padres para Fomentar el Éxito Escolar (4 pág )
La Participación de Familias en la Ley Cada Estudiante Triunfa (ESSA)
¿Qué Significa la Ley Cada Estudiante Tiene Éxito para Mi Hijo?
6 Claves Para Captar la Participación Familiar en ESSA
¿Cuál es la Diferencia? Ningún Niño se Queda Atrás y ESSA
Preguntas Que Deberían Hacer los Defensores de PTA Acerca de la ESSA
Guías Sobre el Proceso Electoral
Lista de las Actividades Permisibles
Presentación de Candidatos
Las Organizaciones Sin Fines de Lucro y los Plebiscitos
Guía Para Padres Sobre Privacidad de Datos
En la Escuela
Escuela de Excelencia
Preguntas Frecuentes
Reflexiones
Boletín Promociónal para Escuelas/Líderes de PTA sobre Reflexiones
Experiencia de Lectura Familiar
Recursos para el Evento
STEM + Familias
Organizar un Noche de Matemáticas
Estilos de vida saludable
Recursos para el Balance de Energía
Recursos Para la Participación de Familias
Estándares Nacionales de la PTA
Boletín sobre la Descripción General de los Estándares Nacionales
Para Líderes de PTA
Directorios
Oficinas Estatales
Liderazgo de PTA Nacional
Declaración de National PTA Sobre DACA
Preguntas Frecuentes: Estudiantes y las Familias Inmigrantes en la Escuela
Por Qué Su Escuela Necesita una PTA
101 Maneras
Recursos para Marketing de PTA de Hoy
Biblioteca de eLearning:
Guía de Inscripción para Aprendizaje Electrónico
Conceptos Básicos de Membresía
Conceptos Básicos de PTA
Conceptos Básicos para las Juntas Directivas
Presidente de la Unidad Local
Secretario de la Unidad Local
Otros Recursos Disponibles en Español
Nuestros Niños
Sea un Héroe del Aprendizaje
Ponte en Marcha para Jugar 60 min
The Peter R Marsh Foundation, established in 2003, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Camas, Washington Each year, the Foundation awards over 1,000 Scholarships and Grants to students, teachers and schools across the country
prmfoundation org/pathways-club-grant/
Connect With Michigan PTA
President
Tonya Whitehead, PhD
President@michiganpta org
President-Elect
Jenna McMechan PresidentElect@michiganpta.org
Immediate Past President
Tracey Troy TroyT@michiganpta.org
Secretary Aundra Simpkins Secretary@michiganpta.org
Treasurer
Sandy Winkler Treasurer@michiganpta.org
VP of Children’s Advocacy
Currently Vacant ChildAdvocacyVP@michiganpta.org
VP of Unit Support
Lisa Roscoe UnitSupportVP@michiganpta.org
VP of Communications
Beth Hulett CommunicationsVP@MichiganPTA org
VP of Membership
Maryanne VanHaitsma MembershipVP@michiganpta.org
VP of Unit Development
Candi Drouillard UnitDevelopmentVP@michiganpta.org
Interim VP of Programs & Services
Kathy Carter (Past President) ProgramsVP@michiganpta.org
VP of Engagement
Sharene Nathan EngagementVP@michiganpta.org
VP of Events Currently Vacant EventsVP@michiganpta.org facebook.com/everychildonevoice
Michigan PTA Leadership Community
Michigan PTA Advocacy
Michigan PTA Reflections Network
MichiganPTA.org 734-975-9500 34405 West Twelve Mile Road Suite 136 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 info@michiganpta.org
Michigan PTA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Group
Michigan PTA Membership Group
