Exciting Opportunity for PTA Families – Webinar Friday May 19th

National PTA and AT&T have teamed up to help close the “homework gap” and ensure all families in Missouri have the resources they need for kids to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Access from AT&T gets families in low income communities connected to affordable internet access at home for as low as $9.99 per month.  Interested in learning more? Join an informational webinar Friday, May 19th at 12pm ET. Register now.

National PTA and AT&T have teamed up to help close the “homework gap” and ensure all families in Missouri have the resources they need for kids to succeed in the classroom and beyond.  Access from AT&T gets families in low income communities connected to affordable internet access at home for as low as $9.99 per month. Interested in learning more? Visit PTA.org/digitalaccess.


National PTA Statement on FY2017 Appropriations Bill

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 9, 2017)—President Trump signed a spending bill that funds federal programs and services through September 2017. The bill cuts overall funding for education by $1 billion and does not include funding for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program.

“National PTA is extremely disappointed that funding for education is reduced by an astounding $1 billion and that the SFECs program is not funded in the bill,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “Opportunity starts and ends with access to a great education. Federal investment in education and family engagement are critical to children and the nation’s long-term success.”

National PTA is disappointed that the bill cuts vital funding for public education by $1 billion, including a $200 million cut to teacher and principal professional development grants among many other education programs. However, the association is encouraged to see that an additional $100 million is designated for Title I—which aids schools with high percentages of children from low-income families—as well as an additional $90 million for special education grants through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The association is also pleased that $400 million has been designated for Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants to ensure students receive well-rounded educational opportunities, learn in healthy and safe school environments and have opportunities to use technology in the classroom.

Funding for family engagement programs like SFECs is a top priority for National PTA, particularly as the Every Student Succeeds Act is being implemented. The SFECs program would provide states and districts with the capacity to support implementation and enhancement of meaningful family engagement policies and initiatives.It would also empower parents and families with the resources they need to ensure their children are provided the best opportunities to thrive and learn. Family engagement in education has demonstrated direct benefits to student achievement and school improvement.

“National PTA is encouraged by the increases for Title I and special education,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “However, we are deeply concerned about the decrease in overall funding for education and the lack of funding for the SFECs program. National PTA remains committed to advocating to ensure Congress and the Administration adequately invest in public education and family engagement programs in fiscal year 2018. We must make every child’s potential a reality in order to improve our nation’s economic competitiveness.”

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 Disappointed with Relaxation of Nutrition Standards for School Meals

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 4, 2017)—The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week that it is relaxing nutrition standards for foods served to students, including requirements for whole grains, milk and sodium levels.

“Schools meals are an important source of the nutrients students need to grow properly and perform well in school. Schools are also where children learn and reinforce health behaviors that they will carry into adulthood,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “National PTA is disappointed that the Administration has relaxed nutrition standards for school meals. Ensuring children have access to nutritious foods in schools is critical to their health and success.”

In 2010. Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve the nation’s child nutrition programs. Since implementation of the law in 2012, more than 52 million children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program have benefited from healthier school environments. Research shows that since the passage of the law, nearly 80% of schools offer two or more vegetables at lunch, and students are eating 16% more vegetables with their meals.

“Currently, one in six adolescents is obese, while one in five faces hunger on a daily basis,” added Bay. “Critical progress has been made to provide children with healthier foods in schools. It is important that we build on this progress and do not go backward.”

National PTA and its constituent associations have been working at the federal, state and local levels to strengthen programs that promote healthy school environments and enhance the nutritional health of the nation’s children. In fall 2016, National PTA awarded over $60,000 in grants to schools and PTAs across the country to help improve the quality of, access to and participation in school meals. The association also released a School Meals Leader’s Guide to help PTAs, school leaders, food service professionals and families partner on school meal improvements efforts. Additionally, National PTA has been advocating for improved school nutrition standards, guidelines and programs as well as for resources to update the equipment needed to serve healthy school meals.

“PTA leaders, members and families play an important role in helping schools implement improved meal and snack offerings,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “At the national, state and local levels, it remains a top priority of PTA to advocate for improved school nutrition standards as well as ensure families and schools collaborate to strengthen programs that make a difference for the health, well-being and long-term success of our nation’s children.”

For more information on National PTA’s efforts to ensure all children have a healthy environment in which to thrive and learn, visit PTA.org/SchoolMeals.

 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


2017 National PTA Reflections Winners Announced!

Missouri Winners!!

Film Production (High School Division):
Award of Merit, Marissa Kraus,  2,000 Miles, Hickman High School PTA, Missouri

Literature (Middle School Division):
Award of Excellence, Caleigh Albani, Fur Elise, Lakeview Middle School PTA, Missouri

Literature (Primary School Division):
Award of Merit, Yordanos Miller, A Story of Me When I was Adopted, Tiffany Ridge Elementary PTA, Missouri

Music Composition (High School Division):
Award of Excellence, Ben Rouder, Choices, Rock Bridge High School PTSA, Missouri

National PTA News
2017 National Winners Announced!
This past school year, thousands of students across the country and in U.S. schools overseas contributed their original works to be considered for PTA’s highest honor in the arts.
It is our privilege to announce the 2017 National PTA Reflections Awards in the areas of
Special Artist, Dance Choreography, Film Production,
Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.
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Learn more about national prizes and upcoming events!
Questions? Email [email protected].
National PTA Headquarters
1250 N. Pitt Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: (703) 518-1200
Toll Free: (800) 307-4PTA
Fax: (703) 836-0942

1250 N. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314