President's MessageHoliday greetings to you! As we are drawing to the close of 2020, there is so much to reflect on. Much of it hasn’t been very positive - it’s been a difficult year, to say the least! I have something to share with you, though, that will hopefully peak your curiosity and lift your spirits… A couple of weeks ago a gentleman in Raleigh contacted me saying that he had been cleaning out a relative’s attic and had come across PTA record books from the old Murphy School in Raleigh. The Murphy School was built in 1916 and is still standing today on Person Street, now housing senior apartments. The books contained the PTA secretary’s minutes from 1919-1940, and he wondered if Wake PTA Council would like to have them. I met this gentleman to pick up the books, and spent much of the next few days reading through them. What I found myself looking at was a one hundred year old record of one of the very first PTAs in North Carolina, and a fascinating piece of Wake County history! The first pages spelled out the Murphy School PTA’s bylaws, their newly elected officers, and plans they had to support the school community that year. It was a snapshot in time of dedicated and concerned parents going about the business of PTA, just as we are still doing today. There were even some familiar names among those pages - Miss Conn was the school’s principal, and Miss Lacy was one of its teachers - women who impacted public education in our county and later had schools named for them. Some topics recorded in the minutes were strikingly resonating. At one meeting in 1920, the head of the Wake County Health Department spoke to the PTA about the importance of keeping children safe from highly contagious diseases, and how parents and teachers should report cases and isolate themselves if they became sick (this was not long after the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918). How much time have we spent talking about the very same thing?? Even what must have seemed mundane to these parents in 1919 is familiar to a present-day PTA leader; raising funds for playground equipment, ensuring all children had access to a healthy lunch, granting the principal’s request for money to buy more chairs for the cafeteria. One particular note recorded in the minutes landed close to home for me, personally. It spoke of the meeting being concluded successfully and then members spending time sharing refreshments so everyone could get acquainted with one another. How many connections and friendships have we made through PTA while serving snacks at a hospitality table, or setting up booths for a carnival, or pouring over a budget, or working the cash register at a book fair? I have without a doubt found some of my best friends through serving together on PTA. I am sharing this story with you because it’s an interesting bit of history. But I also hope that you will take a minute here at the end of the year to pause and reflect on your role as a PTA leader. You have stepped up to be part of something much bigger than yourself - just as parents have been stepping up for 100 years before you. Yes, this year has been frustrating, and at times you’ve wanted to pull your hair out. We are tired of Zoom meetings, it’s challenging to keep families engaged or get them to volunteer, we are worried about our students and teachers, and we want to get back to our normal routine. Sometimes - especially this year - PTA work can be a bit exhausting. Just for a moment, though, please feel the tie that connects you 100 years back through time to generations of past PTA leaders that cared enough about their children and their school communities to give of their time and service. You are doing good work. Thank you. (And take good minutes at your meetings, because who knows who might be reading them 100 years from now!) With warmest wishes, Amy *We are researching the best place for these record books to ultimately land so that they can be properly archived and available for viewing as important historical documents. We will let you know when final decisions are made! NC Families for Testing ReformWednesday, Dec 9 7-8pm: STOP Mandatory In-Person Standardized Testing During COVID-19 Are you interested in learning more about what alternatives you have if you do not want to send your child to school for face-to-face testing? NC Families for School Testing Reform is hosting a virtual workshop on Wednesday December 9 at 7pm. You will hear hear from parents, students, and educators regarding mandatory in-person standardized tests during the pandemic, and what you can do about it. Information about options will be offered to parents and students facing these in-person exams. To register please follow this link, tinyurl.com/HighStakesNC and see the FaceBook event page for more details. NC Families for School Testing Reform is a parent led advocacy group focused on fewer tests, fairer tests, and fruitful tests. https://nctestingreform.org/ Health and WellnessNational PTA is Dedicated to Improving the Health and Wellness of Families The National PTA's Healthy Lifestyles program offers educational resources and engagement opportunities that inform students and families on ways to make better-informed health decisions.
Check out the National PTA's Website to learn more. https://www.pta.org/home/programs/Healthy-Lifestyles Download the Healthy Lifestyles Calendar (2020-21) Download Healthy Lifestyles Calendar (2020-2021) to learn ways you can support your school and families in making healthy decisions. Dec 1 - 7: National Handwashing Awareness Week Check out this video from the Poe Center for Health Education on proper handwashing. Feel free to share via email and social media with your families. Proper Handwashing (ENGLISH): https://youtu.be/xITIASd4CG8 Lavado Correcto De Las Manos (SPANISH): https://youtu.be/XcMSvqlIxig Lock Your Meds For more information on how to store, monitor, and dispose of medications safely, visit https://www.poehealth.org/medicationsafety/. Presentations and resources are available including lock boxes and medication disposal kits. Wake County PTA Council Q&A SessionsTake Aways from Our November Sessions Are Gift Cards Allowed?
Remember: PTA funds must be spent on PTA purposes. Check to make sure that new activities are aligned with the PTA’s purposes and are a part of your approved budget. What Fundraisers Are You Doing This Year?
Next Session: December 14 at 7:30pm How is Your PTA Board Doing? Register Today! Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Wake PTA Council DEI committee provides support through coaching, education, resources, and a place for local units to come together to brainstorm and share best practices. We will be hosting a series of monthly workshops to give local PTA DEI leaders a forum to receive the support mentioned above. Please use the Google Form to sign-up for our monthly workshops. Wake PTA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee Workshop Series 2020-21 A Google Meet link will be sent out a couple of days prior to the meeting. If your local PTA DEI chair and/ or PTA Leadership has not yet signed up to be included in our communications, please fill out the following Google Form: Wake and Local PTA DEI Committee Sign-up Form If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephanie Mitchell at mitchellsteph2011@gmail.com . Reflections 2020-21: I Matter BecauseAll Reflections entries have been submitted. We had a total of 458 entries this year! We will judge these entries during December and have the results by January 5. Thank you to everyone who participated! If you have questions, please contact Reflections chair, Ashley Keener at reflections@wakepta.org. We Need You!The Wake County PTA Council is looking for volunteers for these committees:
Fri-YAY Shout Out!Do you know of a Wake County PTA that is doing something amazing? Let us know! Please fill out this form, and include a photo if possible. PTA leaders - don't be afraid to toot your own horn! We will give shout-outs on social media on Fridays to celebrate the difference PTAs are making in our schools. ** Please include elementary, middle or high school since there are several schools with the same name! For examples of previous shout outs, check out the Shout Out page on the Wake County PTA website. MemberHub GivebacksThe MemberHub Givebacks program is an easy way to raise money for your PTA. Simply add offers from businesses to your e-store in MemberHub and your PTA gets up to 20% donated back on every purchase. This program is automatically included in your MemberHub store, so it is easy to activate and make it easy for parents to get great deals. For more information, see MemberHub Givebacks. Wake County Public SchoolsFood Distribution: Every Meal Matters Meals are free for ALL students and each day one lunch and one breakfast may be picked up. Participation is extremely beneficial for CNS as they do not receive funding and are only reimbursed for meals that are picked up. This means participation mutually benefits those picking up the meals and CNS. Immunizations and Health Assessment Records Are Due! Reminder: Immunization and Health Assessment Records Grace Period Ends Dec. 31 After multiple extensions, Tuesday Dec. 1 was the state deadline for students to submit a certification of immunization and a school health assessment. The 30-day grace period will end December 30, 2020. After the 30-day grace period, a student would have to be excluded from in-person and remote learning until compliant with these legal requirements. If a new student moves into the district, they have 30 calendar days from their first date of attendance, whether attending remotely or in-person. NCPTANCPTA Gates Team Hosts Virtual Town Hall: Virtual Learning During a Pandemic: Are we Surviving or Thriving?Saturday, December 12 from 10-2 The NCPTA Gates Team is pleased to invite you to join us for our final virtual town hall of the year entitled: Virtual Learning during a Pandemic: Are we Surviving or Thriving? During the event, we will take a closer look at how effective our State has been in response to administering virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be joined by a panel of parents, school, district and state representatives, who will share their experiences and feedback on how our State has responded to virtual learning in the midst of the pandemic. Download and share the flyer. The event will occur via Zoom. Register now! Spanish Virtual Townhall December 12 from 6-7om TownHall will occur via NCPTA Facebook live pages No Pre-Registration Required The NCPTA and NCPTA Gates team in collaboration with Que Pasa will be facilitating a virtual townhall panel discussion for Spanish speaking families on December 12th from 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm. The event will examine how effective our State has been in response to administering virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will broadcasted via Que Pasa, Society of Professionals, and NCPTA Facebook live pages. No pre-registration will be required, participants will simply visit the Facebook page of their choice from the options listed above to tune into the event! Webinar Jan 11 7:30pm Diversity and Inclusion Register Today! State-Level Reflections Theme Winners from Wake County! National PTA Reflections sponsors a student-focused Theme Search Contest annually to determine a future program theme. Congratulations to these Wake County students who were announced as state-level winners for the Reflections 2022-2023 Theme Search. The winners below have moved on to the National level. Fingers crossed the next Reflections theme will come from a North Carolina student! “Do the Impossible” Tara Nambi, Carnage Middle School, Raleigh “My superpower is...” Zoe Powell, Green Elementary School, Raleigh “A Matter of Perspective” Tara Nambi, Carnage Middle School, Raleigh Wake County Honor Roll Recipients Congratulations to these Wake County PTAs who sent in dues by November 15 and had total number of members equal to or greater than last year’s membership. Amazing work! Banks Road Elementary School Cedar Fork Elementary Crossroads Flex High Fred J. Carnage GT Magnet Middle School Fuller Magnet Elementary PTA Ligon Magnet Middle School PTA Millbrook Magnet High School Moore Square PTSA Partnership Magnet Elementary PTA South Garner High PTSA WYWLA PTSA For a complete list of Honor Roll Recipients, see the NCPTA Website. Wake County Blue Key Winners Congratulations to all these Wake County PTAs who turned in their membership dues to the state by October 15. A.B. Combs Elem. School PTA A.V. Baucom Elementary School PTA Abbotts Creek Elementary PTA Aldert Root Elem. School PTA Alston Ridge Elementary PTA Apex Elementary School PTA Apex Friendship High PTSA Apex Middle School PTA Apex Senior High School PTSA Athens Drive High School PTSA Aversboro Elementary School PTA Ballentine Elementary School PTA Banks Road Elementary School PTA Brassfield Road Elem. School PTA Briarcliff Elementary School PTA Brier Creek Year-Round Elementary PTA Brooks Elementary School PTA Broughton Community High School PTSA Buckhorn Creek Elementary PTA Carnage GT Magnet Middle School PTSA Carpenter Elementary School PTA Carver Elementary School PTA Cary Elementary School PTA Cary Senior High School PTSA Centennial Campus Mdl School PTSA Conn Elementary School PTA Creech Road Elementary School PTA Davis Drive Elementary School PTA Davis Drive Middle School PTA Dillard Drive Elem. School PTA Dillard Drive Middle School PTA Douglas Creative Arts-Sci. Mag PTA Durant Road Middle School PTA East Garner Magnet Middle PTSA Enloe High School PTSA Farmington Woods Elem. School PTA Forest Pines Drive Elementary School PTA Forestville Road Elementary PTA Frances Lacy Elem. School PTA Fred A. Olds Elem. School PTA Fuller GT Elementary School PTA Fuquay-Varina Elem. School PTA Fuquay-Varina High School PTSA Fuquay-Varina Middle School PTSA Garner Magnet High School PTSA Green Hope Elementary School PTA Green Hope High School PTSA Green Level High School PTSA Harris Creek Elementary PTA Heritage High School PTSA Heritage Middle School PTA Highcroft Drive Elementary PTA Hilburn Drive Academy PTA Holly Grove Elementary School PTA Holly Grove Middle School PTSA Holly Ridge Elementary School PTA Holly Ridge Middle School PTA Holly Springs Elem. School PTA Holly Springs High PTSA Hortons Creek Elementary PTA Hunter GT Elementary School PTA J.W. York Elem. School PTA J.Y. Joyner Elem. School PTA Jeffreys Grove Elem. School PTA Jones Dairy Elementary School PTA Kingswood Elementary School PTA Laurel Park Elementary PTA Lead Mine Elementary School PTA Leesville Road Elementary PTA Leesville Road High School PTSA Leesville Road Middle School PTSA Lewis H. Powell GT Elem. PTA Lincoln Heights Magnet Elem. PTA Lufkin Rd. Yr-Rd Middle School PTA Lynn Road Elementary School PTA Martin Middle School PTA Middle Creek Elementary School PTA Mills Park Elementary PTA Mills Park Middle School PTSA Moore Square Museums M.M.S. PTSA Morrisville Year Rd. Elem. PTA Neuse River Middle School PTA North Garner Middle School PTSA North Ridge Elementary School PTA Northwoods Elementary School PTA Oak Grove Elementary School PTA Oakview Elementary School PTA Oberlin Middle School PTA Olive Chapel Elementary School PTA Panther Creek High PTSA Parkside Elementary School PTA Partnership Elementary School PTA Pine Hollow Middle School PTSA Pleasant Grove Elementary PTA Pleasant Union Elementary Sch. PTA Rand Road Elementary School PTA Reedy Creek Middle School PTA Richland Creek Elementary PTA Rolesville Elementary School PTA Sanford Creek Elementary School PTA Scotts Ridge Elementary PTA South Garner High School PTSA South Lakes Elementary School PTA Southeast Raleigh Elementary School PTA Southeast Raleigh High School PTSA Swift Creek Elementary School PTA Timber Drive Elementary School PTA Trilogy School PTA Turner Creek Elementary School PTA Underwood GT Elem. School PTA Vena Wilburn Elem. School PTA Wakefield Elementary School PTA Wakefield High School PTSA Washington GT Elem. School PTA Weatherstone Elementary School PTA Wendell Creative Arts & Science Magnet Elem. PTA West Cary Middle School PTSA White Oak Elementary School PTA Wildwood Forest Elem. School PTA Wiley International Elem. PTA Willow Springs Elem. School PTA WYMLA PTSA WYWLA PTSA Yates Mill Elementary School PTA Zebulon GT Elem. School PTA For a complete list of Blue Key winners, see the NCPTA website. National PTASpotlight Your PTA Achievements at LegCon 2021: March 9-12
Proposals due by Dec 8 at 11:59pm Submit your state, regional and/or local PTA to conduct a Spotlight presentation, where they will share how your PTA advocated for kids on issues that impact their education and well-being. Presentations should focus on issues included in National PTA’s Public Policy Agenda and include strategies and tactics that other PTAs can emulate. All Spotlights will be pre-recorded and shown at our Virtual Legislative Conference Tuesday, March 9, 2021. For a list of requirements and the rubric or to submit your proposal, Spotlight Your PTA Achievements at LegCon. President's Message
Greetings to you all! I hope that you have been enjoying the cooler fall weather and that your PTA is running smoothly! Even though this is not a normal school year, I hope that you are focusing on what your PTA can accomplish over the things you won’t be able to do this year. There are, no doubt, struggles that we are facing with our operations, budgets, fundraising, and programs. Some PTAs are still struggling to find people to fill officer and committee positions. If you are in this situation, please know that your PTA is not alone. Wake PTA Council is here to help and support you, so please reach out to us! THANK YOU ADVOCACY COMMITTEE! On behalf of WCPTA I would like to say a HUGE thank you to our Advocacy chair Lisa Mead and her committee for the excellent job they did in holding voter education forums over the past month! These forums were broadcasted live and posted afterward so that voters could learn the positions of candidates for school board, NC House and Senate, and more. Part of our advocacy work is encouraging voters to know the issues on the ballot that will affect them and to offer non-partisan opportunities for candidates to share their views. The recorded videos have been viewed almost 2000 times! Great job to Lisa and everyone involved for your hard work that made this possible! JOIN COUNCIL Again, I’d like to remind you that we have waived the annual $50 fee for joining Council this year. Unfortunately, many PTAs have not yet joined Council despite the fees being waived! Council membership is free this year, but it is not automatic. Please fill out this form so that we have your contact information and can share the many resources that can help you have a successful year with your PTA. STAY IN GOOD STANDING One of the ways that Wake PTA Council can support you is to make sure that you remain in good standing with NCPTA. PLEASE do not jeopardize your 501(c)3 nonprofit status by not complying to the Uniform Bylaws! We are finding that far too many PTAs are “winging it” with elections, operations, and finances, and the last thing we want is for you to lose your charter for not following these rules! We are currently reviewing the compliance report provided by NCPTA, and we will reach out if we see that your unit is currently not in good standing so we can support you in fixing any problems. Again, PLEASE reach out to us as soon as you see there is an issue - that’s what we are here for! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: National PTA website is home to a lot of useful resources for units. If you have not yet registered for the PTA Boot Camp, register at www.PTAKit.org. Once you are registered, your PTA Boot Camp will be launched. As a PTA Boot Camp member, you will be invited to join NEW “PTA Leaders Only” closed group on Facebook. It is a great page with a variety of topics posted by units from across the country/world. Check it out! Thanks again for all that you do to advocate on behalf of children everywhere. At the end of the day, remember “why you PTA!” Advocating for you, Amy Election Day is Tuesday, Nov 3 Polls are open on Tuesday from 6:30am-7:30pm. You must be in line by 7:30pm to vote. For more information, see the Wake County Board of Elections site. Wake County PTA Q&A Sessions Tuesday, November 10 7:30 to 8:30pm PTAs: Restrictions on the use of non-profit (501c3) funds As a non-profit business, there are restrictions on how funds are to be used. Do you know what they are? Are gift cards allowed? Can you donate money to a family in need? Join us to learn more about these and other funding questions. Join with Google Meet meet.google.com/xji-ueov-dax Meeting ID meet.google.com/xji-ueov-dax Phone Numbers (?US?)?+1 347-352-3228? PIN: ?479 595 282#? More phone numbers Thursday, November 19 7:30 to 8:30pm How is your PTA board doing? 2020 has been quite the year. We are learning to do a lot of things differently at work, home and at school. Do you have questions or concerns? Do you need motivation or guidance? Drop in during our Q&A session. Join with Google Meet meet.google.com/nei-yvbi-kms Meeting ID meet.google.com/nei-yvbi-kms Phone Numbers (?US?)?+1 435-776-5085? PIN: ?820 534 329#? More phone numbers Reflections 2020-21: I Matter Because The theme for this year's competition is "I Matter Because ...". For more information, see the Reflections page on the Wake County PTA website or contact Reflections chair, Ashley Keener at reflections@wakepta.org. As of October 21, we have 58 schools that are planning on taking part in Reflections. The Reflections deadline to submit Artwork to the county has been pushed back to November 23rd. If any chairs have questions they should email me at reflections@wakepta.org and refer to Memberhub's Wake County PTA Reflections hub, https://wakepta.memberhub.com/hub/WakePT06819 Special Artist Division DID YOU KNOW that the PTA Reflections Program has a SPECIAL ARTIST DIVISION? The Special Artist Division welcomes all grades and all abilities and offers non-artistic accommodations (e.g. adaptive technology; transcribing; holding a camera) for students to participate fully in PTA Reflections.
Fri-YAY Shout Out! Do you know of a Wake County PTA that is doing something amazing? Let us know! Please fill out this form, and include a photo if possible. PTA leaders - don't be afraid to toot your own horn! We will give shout-outs on social media on Fridays to celebrate the difference PTAs are making in our schools. ** Please include elementary, middle or high school since there are several schools with the same name! PTA Officers: Important Reminders Did You Add Your PTA Officers to MemberHub? Remember: Load your Officers into MemberHub even if they did not change. Each year, every unit needs to input their Officers into MemberHub.
If you need help, you may email treasurer@wakepta.org for assistance. PTA Units: Join the Wake County PTA Council The Wake County PTA Council has waived their normal $50 annual fee to join the council. We would love to see all units join our council, so please take advantage of this free year by completing the Membership Form (NOTE: You have to complete the form to actually “join” the council this year). Mark Your Calendars
NCPTA The NCPTA has great resources for local PTAs. Check out these upcoming opportunities! Grant Opportunities NCPTA School Meal Challenge Mini Grant Program: Lunch Box Edition...DEADLINE TODAY! (Nov 2) The 2020-2021 NCPTA ‘Healthy Schools’mini grant application is open! These grants are up to $1,000 for PTA units or councils in good standing. The grant funding will be used for to fund a project or event that will be used for school nutrition engagement and building awareness/support for school nutrition programs at your local school(s) across the state. We look forward to seeing your applications! Click here to apply today! NCPTA Webinars TONIGHT! PTA President-Leading Your PTA: Monday, November 2, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. Join NCPTA as we discuss the role and responsibility of PTA President. Click here to register. You can also go to this page to learn about future webinars. Calling All Student Members of PTSAs! North Carolina PTA is creating a Youth Council and is looking for representatives from across the state. If you know a youth who is active in your PTSA or would be interested, please contact Amy Jones at president@wakepta.org ASAP! Here is the information from NCPTA: Qualifications for the Youth Council Representatives
The goal of the Youth Engagement Committee is to help cultivate youth leaders and to engage more youth to become PTSA members in their schools and community. The youth members will assist the youth council representatives in planning the two events/activities. The goal of the Youth Council Representatives is to create a pipeline of youth leaders to matriculate into youth members of NCPTA Board of Directors and the NCPTA Youth Engagement Committee. The adult committee members will help guide the youth in their conversations, thought process, and decision making as they discuss ideas on how to make PTA more appealing and relevant to youth. The adults are the advisors and the youth will be responsible for the planning and decision making from the youth perspective. This committee should reflect the voice of the youths in NC being presented by the youth. President's Message
Greetings Wake PTA Family, and Happy Fall!! This is Amy Jones - please allow me to introduce myself as the newly elected Wake County PTA Council President. I am honored and excited to serve you, and want to express my sincere gratitude for Kassandra Watson’s leadership as I step into. I have served on the Council for the past two years as the VP of Leadership and Training, and for three years as the Chairperson for our Night of Stars Volunteer Recognition event. I have two sons in 11th and 7th grade, and served for many years on the PTA board at their elementary school. I was also a teacher for 12 years. Supporting public schools and the families who attend them is my calling and passion! As we head into October of this school-year-like-no-other (as we all are getting a little tired of saying), some PTAs are adapting and finding ways to connect with their school families, while other PTAs are finding it challenging to get things going. While it’s frustrating that we cannot meet in person, this pandemic has afforded us the greater flexibility of meeting with more units online with much fewer schedule and travel constraints. Please do not hesitate to contact us if your unit is in need of some assistance from our council! In case you are not sure what a PTA council does... A council is an organized group of three or more local PTA units affiliated with NCPTA for the purpose of promoting conferences, communications, leadership development, and coordination of the efforts of such local PTA units. The PTA council’s main purpose is to promote the welfare of children and youth. The Wake County PTA Council provides unity, strength and promotes all PTA units in the communities of Wake County. We are committed to serving, empowering and encouraging all of our members by being an integral part of the National PTA, NCPTA, our school board, superintendent, administration, teachers & staff, parents, businesses and especially our children. We are trustworthy advocates who want to ensure that all Wake County families are engaged in every child’s success. This year, WCPTA is waiving our normal dues of $50 due to the pandemic. We would love to see 100% unit membership from PTAs and PTSAs across the county, but understand that fundraising efforts and budgets have been disrupted since last March. Even though we are waiving fees, we still need units to complete this form so that we can keep track of membership. If you have any questions on council membership, please reach out to myself at president@wakepta.org or our treasurer, Gary Lewis, at treasurer@wakepta.org. In the subject line, please put “Council Membership” and we will respond as soon as possible. A big “thank-you” to all of our units who have already joined! Please remember that there are many resources available to PTA leaders online! NCPTA has a Lifeline for Leaders webinar every month. This month’s topic was “PTA Financial Basics and Budget Preparation” on Monday, October 5, 2020. The full webinar schedule and archived training sessions can be found here. In addition, National PTA has numerous resources to assist your unit with any topic. Thank you to all of you for all that you do to ensure that every child’s potential becomes a reality - together we can make a difference! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have issues, concerns, or questions. Wishing you all a happy fall and a successful PTA year!! Advocating for you, Amy Did You Add Your PTA Officers to MemberHub? Remember: Load your Officers into MemberHub even if they did not change. Each year, every unit needs to input their Officers into MemberHub.
If you need help, you may email treasurer@wakepta.org for assistance. PTA Units: Join the Wake County PTA Council The Wake County PTA Council has waived their normal $50 annual fee to join the council. We would love to see all units join our council, so please take advantage of this free year by completing the Membership Form (NOTE: You have to complete the form to actually “join” the council this year). If your unit plans to participate in the annual Reflections program, you need to fill out the form and pay the $25 Reflections fee. Here is the invoice letter for your Reflections fee. Early Voting Starts Thursday, Oct 15 Early voting starts Thursday, Oct 15 and runs through Saturday, Oct 31. For dates, times, and locations, see the Wake County Early Voting site. PTA Advocacy: Candidate Forums The Wake County PTA Advocacy Committee and local units recently conducted several candidate forums for the November elections. Several of these sessions were recorded and available for viewing on the Advocacy YouTube channel.
For details, please 'like' our Facebook page and subscribe to the WakePTA Advocacy YouTube Channel. Reminder: PTA’s cannot endorse candidates, but can provide voter information as long as all candidates are represented. Join the New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee We are inviting PTA members to join our Wake PTA Divisity, Equity, and Inclusion Meting. This is a new committee, and we are recruiting members. If you are interested in becoming a member, join nus for our first meeting on October 15, 2020 at 7pm via Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/gtg-qauc-qdd Reflections 2020-21: I Matter Because **Payments for Reflections fees must be postmarked by October 31, 2020 in order to participate. The theme for this year's competition is "I Matter Because ...". For more information, see the Reflections page on the Wake County PTA website or contact Reflections chair, Ashley Keener at reflections@wakepta.org. To participate in Reflections, you must be a member of Wake PTA Council. Please complete the Membership Form and send your Reflections fee of $25 to: Wake PTA Council WCPSS – Crossroads II 110 Corning Drive Cary, North Carolina 27518 Reflections: National Theme Search National PTA Reflections sponsors a student-themed Theme Search Contest annually to determine a future program theme. Students can submit ideas for the 2022-2023 Reflections Theme. The student who submits the winning entry at the National level of judging will receive $100 from National PTA and his or her theme will be used to spark creativity during the 2022-23 National PTA Reflections Program! Themes must be submitted online to NCPTA by October 31, 2020. Submit here! 2020 Color of Education Summit The Public School Forum of North Carolina, the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, and the Center for Child and Family Policy at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke is hosting this event. There are four sessions in October and each session is a different topic. For more information, see colorofeducation.org. Mark Your Calendars!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, InterAct is hosting a series of presentation via Eventbrite. These events are free and open to the public. Join us! Registration is required. Use links below to complete registration. October 15 @ 2pm: Domestic Violence 101 October 22 @1pm: Effects of Domestic Violence on Children and What We Can Do October 29 @ 2pm: Hear Their Voice: A Q & A with Survivors  On September 23 the Wake County PTA Council will be hosting a virtual candidate forum for those running for school board in the November election. All candidates were invited to participate in this event. Questions have been submitted in advance. It will be broadcast on the WakePTA Advocacy You Tube Channel and on Facebook @Wakepta.
The submission date for Wake County Reflections is November 11, 2020  Are you ready to take your PTA game |
| A. B. Combs Elem. School PTA Abbotts Creek Elementary PTA Alston Ridge Middle School PTSA Apex Friendship High PTSA Apex Friendship Middle PTSA Briarcliff Elementary School PTA Brooks Elementary School PTA Carroll Middle School PTA Cary Elementary School PTA Cary Senior High School PTSA Enloe High School PTSA Fred A. Olds Elem. School PTA Fuquay-Varina High School PTSA Fuquay-Varina Middle School PTSA Green Level High School PTSA Harris Creek Elementary PTA Heritage High School PTSA | Heritage Middle School PTA Hilburn Drive Academy PTA Holly Ridge Elementary School PTA Hortons Creek Elementary PTA J.W. York Elem. School PTA Ligon GT Middle School PTA Martin Middle School PTA Middle Creek High School PTSA Moore Square Museums M.M.S. PTSA Morrisville Year Rd. Elem. PTA Northwoods Elementary School PTA Reedy Creek Middle School PTA Rolesville Elementary School PTA Wakefield High School PTSA Walnut Creek Elementary PTA West Millbrook Middle School PTA Wiley International Elem. PTA WYMLA PTSA |
Find out all you need to know about the March 3rd Super Tuesday. Especially important to Wake voters are the district changes. Find your sample ballot, and vote!
Is your PTA in compliance with NCPTA Bylaws?
Section 11.5 Checks. All bills of this local PTA shall be paid by check. Checks must be signed by two of no more than four officers authorized by the board of directors to sign checks, except that none of these officers so authorized shall be related, and at least one of these authorized officers shall be the Treasurer. The signing of blank checks is prohibited.
No school employee should have signature authority on PTA checks unless they are a duly elected PTA officer.
The PTA can’t give ‘money to the school or any person or organization without a specific use for the money. The IRS and your members hold the PTA accountable for the use of that money.
Failure to comply with NCPTA bylaws could result in a loss of your PTA Charter and 501(C)3 status.
Section 11.5 Checks. All bills of this local PTA shall be paid by check. Checks must be signed by two of no more than four officers authorized by the board of directors to sign checks, except that none of these officers so authorized shall be related, and at least one of these authorized officers shall be the Treasurer. The signing of blank checks is prohibited.
No school employee should have signature authority on PTA checks unless they are a duly elected PTA officer.
The PTA can’t give ‘money to the school or any person or organization without a specific use for the money. The IRS and your members hold the PTA accountable for the use of that money.
Failure to comply with NCPTA bylaws could result in a loss of your PTA Charter and 501(C)3 status.
Join us as the Poe Center, the Wake County Public School System, Wake County Human Services, and the American Heart Association continue to move the needle and make a healthy difference in the lives of Wake County residents. At the first Tobacco-Free Community Forum, the Triangle community imagined the possibilities of a tobacco-free community.
We invite all to the second Tobacco-Free Community Forum. The purpose of the forum is to educate, empower, and engage.
Join us as we:
Where: Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, 2600 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610
When: March 21st, 2020, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Questions? Contact Virginia Johnson at v.johnson@poehealth.org.
Click Here to Register: www.poehealth.org/events/tobacco-free-community-forum-2020/
We invite all to the second Tobacco-Free Community Forum. The purpose of the forum is to educate, empower, and engage.
Join us as we:
- Hear from leading experts on the current trends and health impacts of the vaping epidemic.
- Discuss policies that facilitate tobacco-free environments.
- Create action plans for a healthier community.
Where: Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, 2600 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610
When: March 21st, 2020, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Questions? Contact Virginia Johnson at v.johnson@poehealth.org.
Click Here to Register: www.poehealth.org/events/tobacco-free-community-forum-2020/
| Concerned about the dangers of vaping and impacts of nicotine and other substances used in vaping products on adolescents? Check out the How to Talk to With Your Kids about Vaping Guide from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Still have more questions and concerns? Contact the WCPTA Health and Wellness Committee at healthandwellness@wakepta.org to schedule a program for your PTA. |  |
March is:
 | National Nutrition Month National Nutrition Month Campaign Toolkit This handy toolkit includes tip sheets, games and activities, press releases and planning materials including Smart Snacking Tips for Kids, worksheets, and healthy tips for eating out. |
 | National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (March 30 - April 5) National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW), an annual health observance week, connects teens with experts to SHATTER THE MYTHS®about drugs and alcohol, with more than 2000 local events every year. National Drugs & Alcohol Chat Day, held during NDAFW, provides an online opportunity for thousands of students from around the country to communicate directly with NIDA scientists in a Web Chat, asking questions about drugs and alcohol. |
#YouthCulture – A Workshop Series for Parents
The Poe Center’s #YouthCulture workshop series is designed to empower parents/guardians by providing up-to-date information on substance use prevention, internet safety, and relationships to support healthy choices.
The adult program series is for adults only.
During each session there will also be a separate Youth Program that complements adult workshop. The youth series is for youths only.
All sessions are located at the Poe Center for Health Education, 224 Sunnybrook Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27610.
Feel free to attend any and all workshops. There will be light snacks and door prizes!resources.
CLICK TO REGISTER: www.poehealth.org/events/youthculture-workshop-series-at-the-poe-center-2020/
The adult program series is for adults only.
During each session there will also be a separate Youth Program that complements adult workshop. The youth series is for youths only.
All sessions are located at the Poe Center for Health Education, 224 Sunnybrook Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27610.
Feel free to attend any and all workshops. There will be light snacks and door prizes!resources.
CLICK TO REGISTER: www.poehealth.org/events/youthculture-workshop-series-at-the-poe-center-2020/
Start planning ahead for April:
- Alcohol Awareness Month. Visit TalkItOutNC.org to learn tips on how to talk to your child about alcohol and sign the pledge to commit to talking to your child.
- Autism Awareness Month. Learn more and find out what local chapters are doing at Autism Society of North Carolina.
- National Every Kid Health Week )April 20-24)
Did you remember to nominate your PTA's Star Volunteer to be recognized at a the Wake County PTA Council's Night of Stars on April 30th? No worries - the deadline for nominations has been extended to March 7th. Click HERE for the nomination form. We can't wait to see you and celebrate! WCPTA’s Night of Stars - FAQs
The Parents’ Guides to Student Success were developed by teachers, parents and education experts in response to the Common Core State Standards that more than 45 states have adopted.
Created for grades K-8 and high school English, language arts/literacy and mathematics, the guides provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in order to be prepared for college and career. Guides for grades K-High School are available in both English and Spanish.
Created for grades K-8 and high school English, language arts/literacy and mathematics, the guides provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in order to be prepared for college and career. Guides for grades K-High School are available in both English and Spanish.
Responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and Navigating Elections:
March 9, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
Do you have questions about the duties and responsibilities of the Nominating Committee? Do you want to know how to create a slate of officers for your elections? Do you need help on how to hold elections? Join NCPTA to learn how to work effectively as a nominating committee and learn the steps to holding elections. Register here.
March 9, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
Do you have questions about the duties and responsibilities of the Nominating Committee? Do you want to know how to create a slate of officers for your elections? Do you need help on how to hold elections? Join NCPTA to learn how to work effectively as a nominating committee and learn the steps to holding elections. Register here.
All students who participated in the Reflections contest are invited!
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