National PTA Expands STEM Initiative with New Collaboration with Mathnasium

National PTA Expands STEM Initiative with New Collaboration with Mathnasium

With Bayer as the lead corporate supporter for the “S” in STEM,

Mathnasium joins initiative to provide support for the “M”

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (June 16, 2016)—National PTA is pleased to announce it has joined forces with Mathnasium as part of its science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and family engagement initiative. With more than 650 learning and enrichment centers nationwide, Mathnasium helps make math come alive for students across all ages and ability levels. Through this collaboration, Mathnasium will support National PTA in the development and deployment of resources, activities and events that engage students and families in STEM—particularly math—experiences.

“Through its personalized programs, Mathnasium seeks to make math fun and understandable for every child,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “We are thrilled to have Mathnasium join our STEM initiative and collaborate to engage families and inspire children’s love of math.”

National PTA launched its STEM education and family engagement initiative in fall 2015 with the founding support of Bayer USA Foundation. The goals of the initiative are to fill a critical gap in STEM education, increase access to STEM experiences for all students and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

“We know—and decades of research proves—that family engagement is essential to children’s achievement. We also know that families play an important role in helping students navigate educational and career decisions and are influencers of students’ perceptions of what’s possible for their futures,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “Family engagement is critical to strengthen STEM education, support student success in STEM and inspire children to pursue STEM careers.”

Through the initiative, 100,000 STEM experiences will be delivered over the next three years that engage entire families in hands-on activities—both in schools and at home. The effort will include a focus on urban areas and among girls and underrepresented youth.

“Mathnasium is proud and honored to forge an alliance with National PTA. As a founding sponsor of National PTA’s STEM initiative, we’re especially excited to help PTA inspire the next generation of STEM professionals and help lay the foundation for the association to deliver 100,000 STEM experiences for families in communities and schools across the country,” said Peter Markovitz, founder and chief executive officer of Mathnasium. “This invaluable opportunity to collaborate with dedicated educators and parent leaders heralds an exciting new chapter for our company as we carry out our mission to help every child understand—and master—math.”

National PTA will continue expanding its initiative through collaborations with other sponsors representing the “T” and “E” in the STEM acronym as well as through existing and new alliances with education and industry leaders working across all STEM disciplines.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About Mathnasium

Mathnasium, the nation’s leading math-only learning center franchise, specializes in teaching kids math in a way that makes sense to them. The result of 40+ years of instruction and research, the Mathnasium Method has transformed the way children understand and appreciate math—whether they’re ahead of the curve, performing at grade level, or falling behind. Franchising since 2003, Mathnasium has become one of the fastest-growing educational franchises, with a new center opening each week. There are more than 700 Mathnasium franchises in the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit http://www.mathnasium.com or call 1-877-601-MATH.

Media Contact:

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

(703) 518-1242, [email protected]

Why Does My PTA Need Insurance?

View our online or mobile version here.

Why Does My PTA Need Insurance?

One of the biggest questions that most PTAs face today is “Why does my PTA need insurance?” That’s a great question and one that every PTA should ask itself as an organization. There are many misconceptions about insurance when it comes to PTAs. Did you know that you, as an individual member of the PTA or an officer of the PTA could be held personally liable for an accident that occurs at one of your events? Personal Liability means that your personal assets could be at risk if you were sued because of something that happened at one of your PTA events. Are you willing to put your checking account, your savings account, possibly your 401(k) or even your assets at risk for your PTA?

Insurance not only protects your PTA, but also protects you as an individual, especially when there is limited coverage through your homeowner’s insurance. When thinking about your personal insurance policies, you wouldn’t expect your Homeowners Insurance Policy to pay if you were in an automobile accident. Nor would you expect your Health Insurance Policy to pay if your home burned down.

Each one of your personal insurance policies does something totally and distinctively different. The same thing is true concerning PTA Insurance policies. Officers Liability insurance doesn’t cover your PTA against embezzlement, nor does your General Liability policy cover if your PTA’s fundraising t-shirts are stolen. There are five different insurance policies offered to PTAs that have totally different objectives. Those policies are:

General Liability
Accident Medical
Bonding (Commercial Crime)
Property
Officers Liability (Non-Profit Association Professional Liability)

To learn more, visit AIM’s booth (#2006) in Orlando!

Common Misconceptions:

PTAs are immune from liability because of their non-profit status
The school’s insurance covers the PTA for all of its events.
Liability protects the PTA from all risks.

Additional Questions

Should you have additional questions that we haven’t answered, please feel free to contact us through one of the ways listed below or come see us at booth 2006 at the Think BIG… Think PTA! 2016 National Convention & Expo!

Association Insurance Management, Inc.

PO Box 742946

Dallas, TX 75374-2946

(800) 876-4044 or (214) 360-0801

Fax: (214) 360-0802

Email: [email protected]

Website: AIM-companies.com

This Sponsored Eblast is Brought to You By

AIM(1).PNG

National PTA Headquarters

1250 N. Pitt Street

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

PTA.org

Phone: (703) 518-1200

Toll Free: (800) 307-4PTA

Fax: (703) 836-0942

E-mail: [email protected]

This email contains third party content from our sponsor.
National PTA does not endorse any commercial entity, product or service.

Student Artists Honored Nationally for Letting Their Imaginations Fly in 2015-2016 Reflections Program

Students to be recognized at 2016 National PTA Convention & Expo in Orlando, Fla.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 11, 2016) — National PTA is pleased to announce the winners of its 2015-2016 Reflections® arts in education program. Seven students from across the country have been honored with the Outstanding Interpretation Award, and nearly 200 students have been recognized with Awards of Excellence and Merit. The awards honor creative interpretations of the theme “Let Your Imagination Fly” in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

“Participation in the arts inspires creativity and self-expression while building children’s confidence and sense of accomplishment. Involvement in the arts is also closely associated with students’ academic achievement, social and emotional development and civic engagement,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “We applaud all of the students who participated in the 2015-2016 Reflections program, and we are thrilled to recognize the award winners for their talent and artistic ingenuity.”

During the 2015-2016 school year, nearly 300,000 students from more than 8,000 schools nationwide and in U.S. schools overseas submitted original works to be considered for PTA’s highest honors in the arts. Outstanding Interpretation Award recipients will receive an $800 scholarship to further their artistic talents. An additional $200 will be awarded to each Outstanding Interpretation Award recipient’s local PTA to support arts and cultural exploration in their community. Award of Excellence recipients will receive a $200 scholarship. All award recipients receive a medallion and certificate.

The following students have been recognized with the Outstanding Interpretation Award:

Micah Diana Williams
Old Town Elementary School, Round Rock, Texas
Special Artist: “No Limits With Imagination”

Effie Tutko
Sammamish High School, Bellevue, Wash.
Dance Choreography: “Everybody Rules Their World”

McKyna Woerner
Corner Canyon High School, Draper, Utah
Film Production: “Kou’s Crane”

Christian Foggie
Oakview Elementary School, Fountain Inn, S.C.
Literature: “Dan’s Adventure”

Camilo Gonzalez-Sol
Richard Montgomery High School, Takoma Park, Md.
Music Composition: “Study in Magenta: Songs for a Sunday Dream”

Roshan Muthugomu
Chamblee Middle School, Chamblee, Ga.
Photography: “Unleashing the Creative Side”

Mackenzie Smith
duPont Manual High School, Louisville, Ky.
Visual Arts: “When an Artist Imagines”

These students will present their works on stage at the 2016 National PTA Convention & Expo, Saturday, July 2 during an awards celebration. In addition to being recognized at the 2016 National PTA Convention & Expo, the 2015-2016 Reflections award recipients will also be honored in a ceremony on Jan. 10, 2017 at the U.S. Department of Education’s LBJ Building in Washington, D.C. The ceremony will open an exhibit of their artwork, which will be displayed in the building through the end of February 2017.

Each year, the National PTA Reflections program encourages students of all ages to explore and be involved in the arts in an educational way. Through the program, National PTA and PTAs across the country urge students in preschool through grade 12 to create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choice—dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts—that reflect on the annual theme. There also is a special artist division to provide all students the opportunity to participate in the program. Submissions are reviewed by visual, literary and performing art experts, and students are recognized for their artistic ingenuity in bringing the theme to life.

“The National PTA Reflections program has inspired millions of students to explore their talents and be involved in the arts for nearly 50 years,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “National PTA remains committed to ensuring all students have the opportunity to experience the arts, as it is essential to helping them reach their full potential and preparing them for long-term success.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

National PTA Applauds 2016 National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes

Hayes and other educators from across the country honored at the White House

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 4, 2016) — Last evening, President Barack Obama honored Jahana Hayes as the 2016 National Teacher of the Year in a special ceremony at the White House. Hayes teaches history at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Conn. She was selected to receive the honor for her commitment to the importance of service-learning and ensuring students are prepared to achieve success in life. In addition to Hayes, other educators from across the country were also selected for personal recognition by President Obama, including Jennifer Doll-Fowler, a second-grade teacher in Omaha, Neb. and president of Nebraska PTA.

“Jahana, Jennifer and teachers like them across the country have an immense impact on the lives and futures of our nation’s children,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “National PTA congratulates Jahana on her recognition as the 2016 National Teacher of the Year and applauds her, Jennifer and all teachers for the hours they spend and efforts they make to ensure every child reaches his/her full potential and is prepared for long-term success.”

Hayes strives to send students into the world not just academically prepared but as conscientious and productive members of society. Connecting lessons learned in school to real life is an integral part of her instruction. As the 2016 National Teacher of the Year, Hayes is committed to engaging people who have not traditionally been part of the conversation to join in the effort to prepare well-rounded students for success—in school and beyond.

The National Teacher of the Year is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a national selection committee representing leading education organizations, including National PTA. The National Teacher of the Year program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

In addition to being a part of the National Teacher of the Year program, National PTA designates the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week to thank, support and elevate these real life superheroes for their important contributions and the difference they make for children nationwide.

“Our teachers give so much,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. “It is vital that teachers have our support and that we honor and thank them during Teacher Appreciation Week and all year round for going above and beyond for our kids.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth.

Media Contact
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA
[email protected], (703) 518-1242

National PTA, NEA and GoFundMe #ThankATeacher to Honor the Important Contributions of Educators Nationwide

May 2-6 marks Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate these real-life superheroes and spotlight their impact on the lives and futures of our nation’s children

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 2, 2016) — Teachers touch the lives of millions of children every day, and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. To thank, support and elevate teachers and the important contributions they make, National PTA, the National Education Association (NEA) and GoFundMe encourage everyone to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6) and National Teacher Day (May 3).

“Teachers are real life superheroes. They make an immense difference in the well-being and long-term success of children nationwide,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “As a parent, I know firsthand the profound impact that teachers have on the lives and futures of students. It is important that we honor and thank them for the countless hours they spend and steadfast efforts they make to ensure every child reaches his or her full potential—in school and beyond.”

During Teacher Appreciation Week, everyone is urged to recognize and thank these real-life superheroes by:

Sharing a photo or story of a special teacher in their life on social media with the hashtag #ThankATeacher
Sending heartfelt letters, cards and messages of appreciation
Creating artwork, poems and video messages
Recognizing teachers with awards
Decorating schools and teacher’s lounges
Hosting surprise assemblies and other events
Volunteering in classrooms and giving back to teachers

Also as part of Teacher Appreciation Week, anyone can start a GoFundMe “Thank A Teacher” fundraising campaign and garner donations from communities across the nation to help provide critical classroom supplies and materials. GoFundMe will make matching donations of $100 each to campaigns that benefit teachers and students. To be eligible for the matched donation:

GoFundMe campaign must be created by May 8 and include #ThankATeacher in the description
$100 in total donations must be raised
At least five individual donors must contribute to the campaign by May 13

“Our teachers give so much and often spend their own money to ensure their students have access to supplies and resources and receive the best possible education,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. “It is vital that teachers have our support, and that we give back to them. We encourage everyone to start a GoFundMe campaign and be a superhero for a teacher.”

National PTA has designated the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week since 1984. For decades, NEA has celebrated National Teacher Day on Tuesday of the first full week of May.

For more information about Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day, visit PTA.org/ThankATeacher or NEA.org/TeacherDay. You can also view a special video message from National PTA President Bay and NEA President Lily Eskelsen García.

About National PTA

About NEA

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than three million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

Media Contact:

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

(703) 518-1242, [email protected]