MiPTA Newsflash February/March 2024

MICHIGAN PTA’S NEWSLETTER FOR LEADERS

NEWSFLASH IN THIS ISSUE FRAN ANDERSON SCHOLARSHIP REFLECTIONS TREASURER TIPS MEMBERSHIP MANIA TAKE ACTION DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION CONVENTION AND MORE

FEBRUARY/MARCH

2024

The application period for the Fran Anderson Scholarship is now open, with a deadline of April 1, 2024 .

For questions regarding the scholarship, please contact the committee chair, Barb Blanchard, at barbjblan@aol.com The Fran Anderson Michigan PTA Scholarship was created to recognize high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership and advocacy skills through participation in PTA. A minimum of one $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year, and additional scholarships and/or scholarships of varying amounts are awarded based on available funds.

The late Fran Anderson, past Michigan PTA President, always demonstrated the highest level of advocacy for all children, and her leadership continues to have a positive impact on Michigan PTA. To honor her many years of being a champion for children, the scholarship was named in her honor.

Scholarship recipients are selected by a committee comprised of Michigan PTA Past Presidents based on the following criteria: PTA/PTSA involvement, essay, community service, additional activities, academics, and letters of recommendation.

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CONTENT

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CONVENTION

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ARE YOU THE MISSING PIECE?

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APPRECIATION AWARDS

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FOUNDERS’ DAY

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WHY YOUR SCHOOL NEEDS PTA

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INFORMATION SHARING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK

11-12

REFLECTIONS

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TREASURER TIPS

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MEMBERSHIP MANIA

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DEI

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TAKE ACTION

17-20

ADVOCACY

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MICHIGAN PTA’S 106TH

ANNUAL CONVENTION One Community

When: April 19-21st, 2024

Where: Doubletree Detroit-Dearborn 5801 Southfield Fwy Detroit, MI 48228

One Voice

PARTNERING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Why: Everyone has a different reason for coming to the convention, but common themes include: Community - finding like-minded people to help support you as you support children.

Inspiration - vendors, workshops, and speakers are all intended to provide you with tools and information to effect change at your local schools.

Fun - there is lots of time for fun and laughs between all the serious business.

Sneak Peaks: Youth Vaping Epidemic Artificial Intelligence and Schools Melissa Lambert Michigan’s 2023-24 “Model 21st Century School Library” Award Winner

Registration Open: Full registration includes all sessions, all meals Sat and breakfast & lunch on Sunday. $150 - Early Bird Rate through March 1st $200 - Regular Rate through April 1st $400 - Late Registration after April 1st.

REGISTER NOW! michiganpta.regfox.com/mptaconv2024 Page 3

Are you or someone you know

the missing piece?

Nominations are open for state-level leaders!

Submit an application today.

The Michigan PTA Nominations Committee is seeking candidates for a range of positions for elections at the 2024 Annual Convention, including President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and various Vice President roles such as Membership, Unit Development, Unit Support, Outreach & Events, Children's Advocacy, Programs & Services, and Communications.

Once these positions are nominated, the Nominating Committee will also seek motivated volunteers to recommend for Michigan PTA Committees.

The Michigan PTA Nominating Committee comprises a team of five members, chaired by MaryAnn VanHaitsma (Royal Oak), along with Kathy Carter (Allen Park), Celestine Sanders (Southfield), and Will Parrish (Southfield).

Visit: forms.office.com/r/reU4GHU1Zf

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Michigan PTA Awards Distinguished Service Award, Michigan Honorary Lift Membership, Council Member of the Year, Acorn Award: These are just a few recognitions available through the Michigan PTA. MIPTA is dedicated to supporting and promoting the education and well-being of all children, and their awards program is just one way they achieve this mission.

The Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals who have significantly contributed to their local PTA or the larger Michigan PTA organization. The Michigan Honorary Life Membership recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the education and welfare of children and youth. The Council Member of the Year Award is given to an outstanding PTA council member who has gone above and beyond in their service to their council and community. Finally, the Acord Award recognizes students who have made exceptional contributions to service, advocacy, and leadership.

5-10 Work Day Processing Page 5

2-Day Rush Available

Recognizing exceptional contributions to advocacy, as well as engaging and empowering families and communities to support all children.

Michigan Honorary Life Membership: Certificate + Pin The Michigan Honorary Life Membership (MHL) is for persons who have made worthy contributions to the welfare of children and youth. It is an honorary award only and does not carry active voting privileges. $70.00

Distinguished Service Award: Certificate + Pin A Distinguished Service Award (DSA) may be given to persons who have shown tireless dedication to the cause and extraordinary service on behalf of children and youth. $30.00

Council Member of the Year Award: Certificate + Pin The Council Member of the Year Award (CMY) honors outstanding council-level leadership, a commitment to children’s advocacy, and a genuine passion for PTA. $50.00

Acorn Award: Certificate + Pin The Acorn Award (AA) honors student service, advocacy, and leadership. AWARDED TO YOUTH ONLY $25.00

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Founders’ Day Founders’ Day (Feb. 17) is when we celebrate the legacy and work of our founders—Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst and Selena Sloan Butler—to better the lives of every child in education, health and safety. It is a time to reflect and take pride in our achievements, and renew our commitment to be a: powerful voice for all children; relevant resource for parents; and strong advocate for public education.

Our founders represented women of imagination and courage.

They had a simple idea—to improve the lives and future of all children. They understood the power of individual action, worked beyond the accepted barriers of their day, and took action to change the world for all children.

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A Podcast for Parents, by Parents

REAL EXPERTS. REAL PARENTS. REAL CONVERSATIONS.

Through the unique combination of expert, parent and educator guests, each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development—all in parent-friendly language.

There are over 75 episodes on the website and on your favorite podcast platforms.

Recent episodes include Advocating for an Accurate, WellRounded Curriculum Playground Politics: How Kids Make Friends Social Media 201: Embracing the Digital World

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pta.org/reflections

Thank you for your contribution to the PTA’s Reflections program!

Ways to Spread the Word About Your Student Artists

For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections program has provided opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, over 300,000 students across the nation in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a studentselected theme.

There are many ways to announce winners, distribute awards and showcase works for the whole school and community to enjoy.

Announce winners on PTA/school website and in newsletters and social media Award certificates, ribbons and/or prizes Showcase student works at PTA and school board meetings and display student works throughout school and community venues (e.g., school lobby, local library, community arts centre).

Invite school leaders, policy makers and community leaders to celebration events to meet families and learn more about PTA’s support for arts education.

Your investment has furthered the reach and impact of the Reflections program and provided an arts-rich learning experience for your local unit or council. Thank you for supporting student success and advocating for the arts. Volunteers like you embody the PTA mission—to make every child’s potential a reality.

Pauline Kim Reflections Chair, Michigan PTA Susie Crafton VP for Programs & Services, Michigan PTA

inati

For all your Reflections needs visit https://stores.shoppta.com/mipta

Treasurer Tips Hot Topics Survey!

What treasurer’s topics do you need to know more about? I’ll cover your key interest areas in a webinar, future newsletter, or Convention workshop – or all three! Please submit your suggestions using this form: https://forms.office.com/r/7fhn1EZRiD

Money Handling at your PTA Here are some best practices to make sure your hard-earned funds are safely deposited and properly spent. You can find more information at the PTA Local Leader Kit: https://www.pta.org/local-leader-kit/finance/handling-money Incoming Funds Deposit immediately (as soon as possible). For multi-day events, such as a book fair, deposit daily.

Two people count funds at events and sign a cash tally sheet verifying the amount of the deposit.

Endorse checks immediately “for deposit only to the _____ PTA, Account # ….”

Record the transaction: use duplicate deposit slips, issue cash receipts Use your PTA’s bank account for your PTA, and only for your PTA (not for the school or a club)

Standards of Affiliation It’s not too late to complete your Standards of Affiliation (SOA) requirements. These are especially important if you have students who are participating in the Michigan PTA Reflections art program!

Treasurers, you are responsible for many of the SOAs: budget, audit/financial review, 990, paying the annual unit dues, paying the membership remittances. Most of these items should be uploaded in Givebacks / Compliance Manager / Enter Submissions. Please work with your president to complete the SOA checklist. Thank you!

Paying Expenses Check your bylaws and standing rules that govern your PTA’s payments policy Require itemized bills and receipts with all payment requests Pay authorized bills by check, never by cash Never pay bills based on a "Statement of Account." Only pay bills from an original invoice.

Two signatures should be required on all checks (usually the President and Treasurer). Check signers should not be related by marriage or in any other way.

Never sign a blank check or a check made out to "cash."

Sales Tax Units that have collected sales tax in 2023 must submit their annual payment to the State of Michigan by February 28th. Sales tax will be the subject of a future newsletter!

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Start the new year strong with Membership Mania! Join this National PTA program to connect with other passionate leaders, get exposed to free and professionally developed resources and naturally integrate membership into all things PTA. One local leader who has completed the journey shared: “Through our participation in Membership Mania, our PTSA increased our membership by 341% over last year.”

Complete exciting challenges and activities to win prizes!

Membership Tip: Thank your members for joining! Thanking your PTA members when they join is most important, but don’t stop there. Thank them during PTA events for their support and in all communications. Thank them at the end of the year with a member recognition event, goodie or discount at a PTA event. Use our cutomizable You Belong in PTA resources and sample letters/templates for sample branded graphics and language.

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Michigan PTA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The Michigan PTA DEI Committee is proud to present two surveys we have developed: A survey for PTA members (identifying what their biggest DEI issues are and what they need most help with, at every level): https://forms.gle/auVQBNcBa4zGAUkj9 A survey for students (to identify their understandings of DEI issues): https://forms.gle/bsVciSur7f5ABvK89 These surveys are anonymous (unless you choose to share contact information) and will remain open through March 1, 2024. The Committee will then summarize and share the survey results.

Our next DEI Committee meeting is Wednesday, February 14, 2024 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

Michigan PTA DEI Committee Meetings for the 2023/2024 school year are 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/tJcrd-2tqzksGNcpr0p8bB5HX6Nd4kzPbYYv Please email diversity@michiganpta.org with any questions or suggestions.

Every unit must submit bylaws AND the meeting minutes from when they were approved every three years.

For more details about bylaws visit: michiganpta.org/pta-leader-resources Page 15

Take Action: Urge Congress to Support Legislation Addressing Childhood Trauma Did you know that there are about 73 million children in the United States and an estimated 46 million of them will be impacted by violence, crime, abuse or psychological trauma in a given year?

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Take Action: Urge the U.S. Senate to Reinstate the Assault Weapons Ban & Pass Critical Background Check Legislation For the first time, firearms are now the leading cause of death for children under the age of 19. The U.S. Senate is currently considering common-sense gun safety legislation, and our nation's schools, communities and families cannot wait.

Take Action: Urge Congress to Fund Critical Programs Supporting Children, Families, and Schools!

The long-term success of our nation depends on quality federal investments in our education system.

Take Action: Urge Your Representatives to Co-sponsor the Bill of Rights for Students and Parents Resolution On March 8, 2023, hundreds of PTA advocates from across the country met with their members of Congress for National PTA's 2023 Legislative Conference (LegCon). Join fellow parents and caregivers in advocating for welcoming, supportive, and inclusive schools for all families.

pta.org/home/advocacy/take-action

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Happy New Year!

by Carin Meyer

One thing to look forward to this year is National PTA’s Legislative Conference which will be held in Washington DC from Tuesday, March 5th to Thursday, March 7th. Any PTA member is welcome to join us in Washington DC, when we will be with PTA advocates from around the country and beyond. On Tuesday we will gather to hear about and discuss the bills and issues that we will be discussing in our legislative meetings with our Michigan Congressional Members, on Wednesday we head to Capitol Hill spending the day meeting with Michigan Members of Congress and/or their staff, and on Thursday we will meet again with fellow advocates to debrief. Many have heard me tell this story before, but my first year attending I went basically on a whim not knowing what to expect. Being surrounded by folks who also are passionate about the PTA mission and getting to discuss this with members of Congress made me all that much more excited and dedicated to the mission of PTA. If you are considering joining us please do not hesitate to reach out to me for more information at fedlegchair@michiganpta.org. You can also find out more and register at https://www.pta.org/home/events/National-PTALegislative-Conference.

Michigan PTA Vice President of Children’s Advocacy Job Description [Three-year term. Must be a member of a local PTA/PTSA or Great Lakes PTA. To be eligible for nomination or election, must have previously served at least one year on the Committee for Children’s Advocacy, or exhibit documented experience in the area of Advocacy.]

Member of the Michigan PTA Board of Directors and Executive Committee: The Board of Directors meets monthly.

Board reports are due the week before each meeting.

Submits to the Board of Directors annually a plan of work that includes a budget for the annual Advocacy Day event (within 30 days after assuming office).

Submits a written report of activities for meetings of the Board of Directors and the Annual Convention.

Represents the Michigan PTA on state legislative issues.

Promotes grassroots education and advocacy to all members of Michigan PTA at the council and local level.

Works on legislative issues to promote the mission of Michigan PTA and National PTA. Collaborates with the VP of Events to plan and execute the annual Michigan PTA Advocacy Day event.

Creates and presents Workshop(s) at Convention and Summer Leadership Academy.

Assists local unit and council legislative and advocacy chairs.

Coordinates and distributes the annual Advocacy Awards.

Submits content for the Michigan PTA NewsFlash newsletter (Published every other month, articles due by the tenth of each odd month).

Chief contact for VoterVoice (maintains database, issues Action Alerts and other content as needed).

Chair of the Advocacy Committee: Meets monthly, and as needed.

Works with Federal Legislative Chair.

Moderates the Michigan PTA Advocacy Facebook Group (private group).

Chair of the Resolutions Committee: This committee only meets if there are any resolutions submitted.

Prepares resolutions for approval by Board of Directors.

Coordinates the development of position statements for review by the Board of Directors.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Michigan PTA President.

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ADVOCACY Infrastructure Study Report

by Carin Meyer Defining FLC The National PTA Legislative Conference is coming up in March, and it is an excellent opportunity to answer the question: what is a Federal Legislative Chair? A Federal Legislative Chair (or FLC) is a National PTA position for each statewide and territory PTA. While this position is filled by each state's PTA President and Board, the FLC is in contact with National PTA regarding Federal advocacy issues.

Every two years, with each new Congressional Session, National PTA creates a Public Policy Platform, which guides the issues that National PTA advocates on. That is not to say we do not advocate on other issues - position statements, resolutions, and the PTA mission are also used. Still, the platform helps lead areas of focus and drives National PTA's Calls to Action and Legislative Conference (LegCon) Asks. In addition to attending LegCon (either in person or virtually, depending on the year), the Federal Legislative Chair is responsible for acting on and communicating the Calls to Action, Contacting Members of Congress to hold meetings for LegCon, following up after meetings and reaching out when advocacy issues arise in other times throughout the year.

The Federal Legislative Chair may also be the point of contact when the National PTA asks a state PTA to take action on a particular issue or when a relevant national organization is looking to work with a state PTA. Due to the nature of this position, the FLC is an active member of the advocacy committee and works with the VP of Children's Advocacy, making sure that they, as well as the committee members, are fully informed about what is happening at the National level and supporting work at the state level.

Writing it out seems like a lot, but I promise that I have been thankful to have been able to serve as the Michigan PTA FLC. While it can be challenging, it has been extremely rewarding in ways too numerous to write in one article. If I could go back in time, I would do it all again. If you are interested in advocacy, I would first challenge you to know that you are probably already doing it if you are reading this. I would be sincerely excited to have you join the advocacy team!

In Michigan, school districts have two ways to fund infrastructure projects (such as building updates, repairs, and improvements): by taking money from the general fund or asking families in their school district to support a bond or sinking fund. Monies taken from the general fund reduce the amount of money districts can spend on educational needs, like teachers and academic supplies, and the passage of a bond or sinking fund is not guaranteed. This modeling system, which at best leaves wide discrepancies between the school buildings that Michigan's students walk into daily, can leave students in deteriorating buildings that cannot meet today's technological education needs.

That is why the School Finance Research Collaborative asked the state for funding and access to get an accurate picture of infrastructure needs in each school district and building. Using Michigan companies, there will be a statewide infrastructure study of all public K-12 buildings in 2024, beginning in January. This study was not mandatory - districts had to agree to take part. Nearly 95% of districts agreed to do so. This study aims to see the condition of buildings throughout the state and determine if it is more cost-effective to bring them up to specific health, safety, and wellness standards or replace entire buildings. This will help the state's future planning.

Once the districts have been evaluated, each district will receive a report, most likely at some point in the first half of 2025.

The Michigan PTA supports this research and is looking forward to the report. We have advocated for many years at the state and federal levels to include schools in infrastructure bills and as part of educational budgets. We know that students learn best when they have access to healthy, safe buildings that can meet today's educational needs. This study does not guarantee that districts will receive the support they need to maintain and improve their buildings. Still, it is a first step in recognizing the impact that buildings have on student learning.

2024 Michigan PTA Advocacy Day in Lansing Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Michigan PTA’s Legislative Platform – Now and Moving Forward We invite you to have a voice in developing the focus of Michigan PTA’s 2024-2025 Legislative Platform Learn About Emerging Issues Agenda (in Heritage Hall, under the Capitol itself): 8:00 a.m. – Registration open, light continental breakfast, coffee, water 9:30 a.m. – Program begins 1:30 p.m. – Box lunch (can be eaten on the go or in the room) 2:00 p.m. – Program end 2:30 p.m. – Leave room *Attendees are encouraged to set up meetings with their legislators at any time from 1:30 p.m. on.

Join us! Registration is now live on GiveBacks ($25 per person, $10 per student) and the information there will be updated as we confirm speakers, topics, sponsors, etc. Please register

by March 1, 2024. https://michiganpta.memberhub.gives/michiganptaadvocacyday2024 Michigan PTA’s Advocacy Day is focused on grassroots advocacy – the cornerstone of PTA! Since our founding, PTA has recognized the importance of advocacy in improving the lives of our nation’s children. Attend Advocacy Day to become more effective advocates, and to share your knowledge with others. This is a great opportunity for both adults and students to learn new skills.

2024 Legislative Priorities: ASK 1. Health & Wellness ASK 2. School Safety ASK 3. Increased and sustained school funding If you have any questions or suggestions, please email childadvocacyvp@michiganpta.org ____________________________

Resolutions Resolutions call attention to a problem and a need for action on a particular issue. They are a major source of policy for the Michigan PTA and its units and councils. If a problem or situation has statewide implications affecting children and youth and warrants PTA action, a convention resolution is one way to authorize action. Local, council, or the Michigan PTA Board of Directors or committees may submit resolutions. This year, the deadline for submitting Resolutions ahead of the 2024 Michigan PTA Convention is February 15, 2024.

Resolutions must meet the following criteria: Be in accordance with PTA purposes and policies Be prepared according to criteria specifically described in the Michigan PTA Position Statements and Resolutions guidelines Follow National PTA guidelines, if the resolution is to be forwarded to the National PTA The position must be well-researched using credible and current information from multiple independent sources.

Please contact childadvocacyvp@michiganpta.org if you have any questions. *Michigan PTA is preparing to present A RESOLUTION TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OF ILLEGAL DISPOSABLE NICOTINE VAPOR PRODUCTS MARKETED TOWARD MINORS for consideration at the April 19-21, 2024 Michigan PTA Convention.

ADVOCACY DAY MARCH 12, 2024

r e t s i g e R now!

8:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.

Lansing We invite you to have a voice in developing the focus of Michigan PTA’s 2024-2025 Legislative Platform and learn about emerging issues.

Michigan PTA’s Advocacy Day is focused on grassroots advocacy – the cornerstone of PTA! Since our founding, PTA has recognized the importance of advocacy in improving the lives of our nation’s children. Attend Advocacy Day to become more effective advocates, and to share your knowledge with others. This is a great opportunity for adults and students to learn new skills.

Agenda: 8:00 a.m. – Registration open, light continental breakfast 9:15 a.m. – Group photo on the West steps 9:30 a.m. – Program begins 11:00 a.m. – Box lunch 2:30 p.m. – Leave the room Attendees to meet with their state legislators in the afternoon

Registration is $25 for adults and $10 for students and closes March 1, 2024!

Info: michiganpta.org/advocacy-day-2024 Questions? childadvocacyvp@michiganpta.org Michigan State Capitol, Heritage Hall 100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933

Michigan

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

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