Resources for advocacy on behalf of children and youth, developing parent skills, and encouraging parent and public involvement in public schools. Be a PTA Member! Join us today! Membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission and purposes of Parent Teacher Association. Individual members may belong to any number of PTAs and pay dues in each. Every person who joins a local PTA® automatically becomes a member of both the state and national PTAs. Together we are a powerful voice for children. With your help, we can continue to work toward PTA's goal of a quality education and nurturing environment for every child. Connecticut 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. REPORT YOUR OFFICERS /CHANGES FOR 2026- 2027 President and Treasurer Training Due By November 15 Training Slides are Available in Officers Only Section 2027 Outstanding Educator & Volunteer Awards Applications for the Outstanding Educator and Outstanding Volunteer Awards will be available soon! We look forward to celebrating the dedicated educators and volunteers who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and communities across Connecticut. Please check back here soon for application details, deadlines, and additional information. Anchor 1 PTA SONG FOR ALL! CLICK IT Shop with us! Visit the CT PTA Store! Gifts for everyone! Mission & Values of the PTA Collaboration: We will work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to broaden and enhance our ability to serve and advocate for all children and families. Commitment: We are dedicated to children’s educational success, health, and well-being through strong family and community engagement, while remaining accountable to the principles upon which our association was founded. Diversity: We acknowledge the potential of everyone without regard, including but not limited to: age, culture, economic status, educational background, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, legal status, marital status, mental ability, national origin, organizational position, parental status, physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and work experience. Respect: We value the individual contributions of members, employees, volunteers, and partners as we work collaboratively to achieve our association’s goals. Accountability: All members, employees, volunteers, and partners have a shared responsibility to align their efforts toward the achievement of our association’s strategic initiatives. THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS

National PTA Address: 1250 N Pitt St Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone:(703) 836-0011 www.pta.org National PTA Officers 2026-2029 Dr. William Datema (MO) – National PTA President Shaton Berry (MI) – National PTA President‑Elect Tiffany R. Foster (NC) – National PTA Secretary‑Treasurer Rachel Burke (IN) – National PTA Vice President of Advocacy Bonnie Cannon (GA) – National PTA Vice President of Membership Howie Berman , CAE, Executive Director, National PTA Michele Burnett , Executive Assistant, Associate Project Manager Amy Lorenz , Deputy Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives Elizabeth Rorick , Deputy Executive Director, Government Affairs & Communications Paul Rensted , Officer, Human Resources James Thomasell , Chief Financial Office

MEMBERSHIP CHALLENGE 2021 December News Sample Teacher Letter to Support PTA CT PTA 2020 Membership Challenge Winners Below

COMMON CORE COMMON CORE STANDARDS Kindergarden First Grade Second Grade Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade Sixth Grade Seventh Grade Eight Grade High School Math High School English Connecticut PTA has had and continues to have a leading role in the discussions regarding the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI or Common Core). Connecticut PTA is taking the primary role as the source for parent and community education about the Common Core educational standards. We are in regular communication with education officials and leaders to address concerns of stakeholders and to assist in communications to and from parents and community members. We are especially interested in assisting parent leaders in educating their constituents about what Common Core truly is, why Common Core is being implemented and how it may change their child's educational experience. Please contact us if you would like further information.

WHY JOIN THE PTA Why your school needs a PTA Member Benefits Student Leadership Focusing on the "T" in PTA Get Connected. There’s no better way to know what’s happening in your school. Discover Great Resources. The PTA offers a variety of programs designed for parents as well as students. Tap into a Network. PTA functions are opportunities to meet other parents and teachers, building rapport and discussing issues that are on your mind. You can share ideas, concerns, and experiences. Watch Yourself Grow. By volunteering with your PTA, you put your skills and hobbies to use for a noble cause—your child and all children in the community. Speak Up. PTA can be a way for you to more effectively suggest change at your child’s school. Witness Improvement. By getting involved at your child’s school you’ll be part of the solution, helping make positive changes. Local PTAs play an important role by supporting building improvements through advocacy and play an important role in fundraising for curriculum based programs and social events. Be a Role Model. By becoming a PTA member, you’ll be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education. Enjoy Substantial Benefits. Individuals and local units can take advantage of a host of benefits from PTA membership including discounts and offers from member benefits providers and sponsors, magazine subscriptions, leadership training, e-newsletters and much more.

Thank You for a Great IKEA Day! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for CT PTA’s IKEA Day! We loved connecting with families, PTA leaders, and our community while sharing information, building relationships, and supporting our local PTAs. Your enthusiasm and support helped make the event a success, and we are so grateful to everyone who stopped by and participated. We hope to see you again next year for another great IKEA Day! Thank you for being part of the CT PTA community!

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DEIJ Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-Justice Melinda Gladden CT PTAs VP of Inclusivity and Outreach office@ctpta.org Translated CT PTA Specific FORMs are available for our PTA OFFICERS SECTION Click here to Visit PTA.org Diveristy and Inclusion webpage! New! PTAs Leading the Way in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Explore the efforts of three PTAs that have advanced racial justice, economic justice and disability advocacy in their schools and districts. PTAs Leading the Way in Diversity Equity and Inclusion Las PTA lideran el camino de la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión

CT PTA Reflections Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that encourages students in preschool through 12th grade to: explore the world around them through creativity develop artistic literacy by describing how their art relates to the theme express themselves and gain confidence Students create art based on a theme. This year’s theme is... National PTA Reflections Program – 2027 Theme We are proud to share that the 2027 National PTA Reflections Theme, even more exciting this theme was a winning entry that comes from right here in Connecticut! The 2027 theme was created by a talented student from Wilton High School, whose creativity and voice stood out among submissions from across the country. Their original theme will inspire thousands of students nationwide to explore the arts and express themselves through the Reflections program. Please join us in celebrating this outstanding achievement and the incredible talent of all our Connecticut students. We look forward to seeing how this theme comes to life through art, music, literature, dance, photography, and film in the year ahead. Don’t have a school or town chair? No problem. Email Reflections Annie at ReflectionsCTPTA@gmail.com Official Rules for all entries Dance Choreography Film Literature CT PTA Reflections Entry Form For school and town chairs: February 1st, 2027 All winning entries and information due to Connecticut National PTA has a new and improved Reflections website. All information needed to run a program is now on one page: https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/startyourprogram promotional materials (posters, social media graphics) Local Leader Guides paper entry forms if needed more! Accessible Arts Visual Art Photography Music Composition ? Questions Contact CT PTA Reflections Chair Anne T Bausher reflectionsctpta@gmail.com Love the Reflections program? Join the CT PTA Reflections Committee - Email Office@CTPTA.org For Information 2026 Reflections Program https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecticutPTAReflections 📸 The photos from our Reflections 2026 Award Night are now ready for viewing! What a wonderful evening celebrating the creativity and talent of our amazing students. A special thank you to our sponsor, Irvin Simon, for helping capture these memories and preserving the smiles, celebrations, and special moments from the night. 💙✨ Take a look and relive the memories with us! IMG_7836 refelctiosn 2026 IMG_7839 IMG_7836 1/12 2026 Reflections Award Recipients Full List here 1. Click this link: https://irvinsimon.box.com/s/k50izcb7q0wwefvjoqmi7pi9fi7h3q2i 2. Enter password: S52909A! 3. Click “OK.” 4. Click the "Download" button and you're all set!

The Region Director The Region Director's most important job is to provide two-way communication from the local units and councils to the Connecticut State PTA Executive Committee and back. What are "Regions"? In order to facilitate better communication with our members, Connecticut PTA has has divided the state into seven geographical regions: REGION 1 – GREATER HARTFORD AREA North to MA, east to Ashford/Mansfield, south to Rocky Hill, west to Simsbury/Granby REGION 2 – SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT North to Marlborough, Andover, Sprague, Voluntown; east to Rhode Island; south to Long Island Sound, west to the Connecticut River REGION 3 – SOUTH-CENTRAL CONNECTICUT North to Cromwell, Cheshire, Oxford; east to Haddam, Deep River, Old Saybrook; south to Long Island Sound; west to Seymour, Derby, Milford REGION 4 – SOUTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT North to Sherman, Brookfield, Newtown; east to Shelton, Stratford; south to Long Island Sound, New York City; west to New York State REGION 5 – CENTRAL-WESTERN CONNECTICUT North to New Hartford, Canton; east to Avon, New Britain, Berlin; south to Beacon Falls Southbury, Southington; west to Washington, Bridgewater, Southbury What does a Region Director do? The primary duties of a Regional Director, within a region, are as follows: Provide two-way communication from the local units and councils to the Connecticut State PTA Executive Committee and back Promote the Mission, Purpose, and Objects of PTAServe on the Connecticut State PTA Executive Committee and the Connecticut State PTA Board of Directors Attend Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings Attend leadership trainings specific to the positions of Regional Director and member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee Promote the purposes and goals of the Connecticut State PTA Attend Connecticut State PTA sponsored activities as a member of the Executive Committee Encourages attendance of local units and councils at Connecticut State PTA sponsored programs Oversee expenditure of and accounts for the region funds as provided by the Connecticut State PTA approved annual budget Interpret PTA policy and positions for local units and councils Assist local units in the formation of a council when appropriate Facilitate communication between local units and councils Contact each local unit at least once annually Provide assistance as requested by local units, using the Board of Directors as a resource∞ Recommend PTA member(s) within the region for appointment by the Executive Committee to the position of deputy regional director. Each Regional Director is allotted up to two deputy regional directors as needed and requested by the Regional Director Work with the Vice-President of Leadership to develop and implement at least two region-wide leadership training opportunities for local units and councils annually Work with the Vice-President of Membership to supervise the organization of new local units and take necessary actions with delinquent and defaulted units Represent the Connecticut State PTA at the request of the Connecticut State PTA President within the region and, at times, in other areas of the state. How is a Region Director Chosen? The Nominating Committee for Regional Directors, prepares a slate of Regional Directors prior to the Annual Meeting in the same manner as the slate of officers is prepared per the Connecticut State PTA Bylaws. Region Directors must reside within the region s/he represents and be a member of a PTA within that region. Annual Meeting delegates may only vote for a Regional Director from their own region. Want to learn more? If you would like to contact your Region Director, click here to find out what region your local unit is in, and who your Region Director is. For more information on becoming a Region director, contact the CT PTA office.

Why Become a PTA Member? When you join a local Connecticut PTA Unit, you become part of the largest and oldest child advocacy organization in the country. Your membership helps strengthen your local school while giving families a powerful voice at the local, state, and national levels . Your Membership Makes a Difference Advocate for Children Support policies and programs that improve education, health, safety, and the well-being of every child. Support Your School Community PTA members help create meaningful opportunities for students and families through events, programs, and volunteer initiatives. Stay Informed Receive valuable resources, leadership training, advocacy updates, and information to help you support your child and school. Build Connections Meet other parents, caregivers, educators, and community members who share a commitment to helping children succeed. Develop Leadership Skills Whether you volunteer occasionally or serve as an officer, PTA provides opportunities to strengthen leadership, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills that benefit both your school and your community. Be Part of Something Bigger Your membership supports the work of your local PTA while also strengthening Connecticut PTA and National PTA's efforts to advocate for every child. Membership is for Everyone PTA membership is open to everyone who cares about children—parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, school staff, students, business leaders, and community members. You don't have to volunteer to be a member. Simply joining helps support our mission. Join Today Together, we can make every child's potential a reality. Become a PTA member today and help create stronger schools, stronger families, and stronger communities. How To Join Ask at your Local School Join Nutmeg (statewide) PTA Contact Connecticut PTA Connecticut PTAs Membership Team 2025-2027 Vice President of Membership- Lisa LaBelle Director of Membership- OPEN