PTA Mission: To Make Every Child’s Potential a Reality by Engaging and Empowering Families and Communities to Advocate for All Children

SAVE THE DATE TO TAKE ACTION National PTA has endorsed both the Senate and House versions of the Student and Student Athlete Opioid Misuse Prevention Act. Congresswoman Esty is one of the lead sponsors with Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) and Rep. John Larson (D-CT). Her staff has asked below if any parents might be interested and available to participate in a press conference her office is hosting in CT on June 12th in the district. More details will follow. Please email Judy Goldberg, VP of Government Relations at ctptagovrelations@yahoo.com if you are interested in attending. Esty, MacArthur, and Larson Introduce Legislation to Curb Opioid Addiction Among Students Bill seeks to reduce the risk of opioid addiction among students and student athletes WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5), a member of the bipartisan Opioid Task Force in the House, introduced legislation to address concerns about the rising use of opioid drugs among student athletes. Esty’s bill is the House companions to Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-NH) bill in the Senate. The Student and Student Athlete Opioid Misuse Prevention Act, which she introduced with Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) and Rep. John Larson (D-CT), would augment current drug prevention programs to allow schools, communities, and youth athletic associations to provide evidence-based prevention programing to reduce the risk of opioid addiction and overdose among students and student athletes. “In cities and towns throughout central and northwest Connecticut, families have shared with me devastating stories of confronting opioid addiction,” Esty said. “We must take steps to ensure our communities affected by this epidemic have access to the prevention resources and services they need to assist students and allow student athletes to recover and move forward. To halt the terrible impact that drug addiction is having on our schools and universities, we must also work to prevent folks from becoming addicted in the first place. I’m committed to working across party lines to ensure that we heal everyone we can.” “The rising number of preventable opioid deaths in our country, especially among young people who have their entire lives ahead of them, is a national tragedy. I thank my colleagues Reps. Esty and MacArthur for their leadership on this issue. We must continue to fight this terrible scourge that is plaguing our communities and shattering so many lives. In order to so, we must invest in the preventative measures that are required to reduce the risk of opioid misuse amongst our student athletes who are often at higher opioid abuse risk when prescribed pain medication,” said Larson. The bill would also authorize the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to provide funding to support prevention programs for students and student athletes, as well as training for teachers, administrators, trainers, coaches, and athletic directors, specifically targeted at mitigating the risk of opioid addiction and overdose. Esty’s bill has support from the National Parent Teacher Associations (PTA). In 2015, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) released a report that found that 23 percent of college athletes reported receiving a prescription for pain medication. Overdose deaths for those 19 and younger increased 165 percent from 1997 to 2012. Esty was a member of the bipartisan Opioid Conference Committee for the House and Senate versions of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) in 2016. The legislation authorized $77.9 million per year from fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and devoted funds for treatment and recovery services, alternatives to prison for nonviolent offenders, law enforcement initiatives, and programs to prevent overdose deaths and improper prescriptions. Two Esty-sponsored provisions on consumer and provider education about the risk of prescription opioid addiction were included in the final legislation. Here is National PTA’s Position Statement concerning opioids: https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/pta's-positions/Individual-Position-Statements/Position-Statement-Recommendations-Regarding-Prescription-Opiate-Abuse-Awareness-and-Prevention

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Incorporation Why is this so important to your PTA and your own personal assets? PTAs involved in various activities must recognize the responsibilities that the members and officers of the organization have in conducting the affairs of that organization. Incorporating your PTA will protect and limit the liability of your individual members. A Corporation is an impersonal entity created by law that can own assets and incur liabilities therefore protecting the personal assets of members representing the mission of the organization and their assets cannot be seized in the settlement of any claims. Consult with the CT PTA office for further information on how to incorporate your PTA. To protect your members and your unit, your unit should also carry liability insurance.

Nutmeg Statewide PTA (NSPTA) is the statewide unit of the Connecticut PTA (CTPTA), chartered in 1989 with support from National PTA. NSPTA connects individuals who care about statewide issues affecting the health, education, and well-being of Connecticut’s children and youth. A key priority is building a scholarship endowment for graduating seniors pursuing careers that serve children and families. Since 2000, NSPTA has awarded over $13,500 in scholarships. 2026 NUTMEG PTA ANNUAL MEETING Thursday, June 4, 2026, CT PTA:60 Wellington Road, Milford CT This meeting will be held at 5:00pm followed by the CT PTA Annual Meeting Register Today! Join NUTMEG Today!! Donate to Nutmeg Statewide PTA Endowment Fund History of the NSPTA In 1988 when Carol Duggan was the CT PTA State President, National PTA was interested in increasing membership and asked state PTAs for ideas by offering grants to fund pilot projects. CT PTA applied for and received a grant to survey past State Board members and CT PTA Life Achievement Award recipients to see if there was interest on their part in participating in CT PTA. Nutmeg was born. NSPTA was chartered on Founders’ Day, 1989, by CT PTA with 15 founding members. It was CT PTA’s first statewide unit. NSPTA was written into the CT PTA Bylaws and adopted by the CT PTA membership at the 1989 Annual Convention. In addition, the unit was to provide service to the state organization when needed, plan for the 100th anniversary of CT PTA in 2000 and develop a scholarship endowment fund. NSPTA for the 100th convention created, printed and distributed a history of CT PTA which is posted on the CT PTA website. NSPTA also placed a wreath on CT PTA Founder’s grave on the actual day in December when National PTA signed the CT PTA charter. The endowment fund was created in 1998 when Joseph Pearson, a former board member and career education activist, left $85,000 to NSPTA upon his death. Until then, the balance of the membership fees constituted the fund. The first scholarship in the amount of $5,000 was awarded at the 100th meeting. NSPTA membership is a solid core members who join annually for $20.00 and others who may join so that they can go to NPTA Convention or they have a special issue they want to bring forward at the CT PTA Convention or they are a non-PTA SEPTA in need of PTA affiliation before that statewide unit accepts them. NSPTA pays the membership fees to the state and national and the balance of $15.00 is deposited directly into the endowment fund as we have been able to find donors to provide postage and paper. Every other year, NSPTA does additional fundraising through a matching grant program. Two years ago this brought in an additional $1,000 plus the grant of $1,000. On the off year, the members of the NPTA State Presidents’ Club are invited to join as a Founders’ Day gift to NSPTA. The Endowment Committee meets twice a year. NSPTA has evolved into a scholarship vehicle for CT PTA. Three scholarships are awarded annually. The amount varies depending on NSPTA's income. The Carol P. Duggan Nutmeg PTA Scholarship The Joseph Pearson The Janet E. Petkus Grant - funded by Carol Duggan's family Scholarship instructions and applications are distributed to PTA High schools Career centers or Guidance offices of eligible high schools. We accept only one applicant per PTA/PTSA.

CONNECTICUT PTA VICE PRESIDENT of ADVOCACY Jim Accomando 203-526-4232 office@ctpta.org Find Your Legislator 2026-03-03_14-32-25_735 2025-99 Describe your image 2026-03-03_14-32-25_735 1/8 Leaders from Connecticut PTA proudly traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2026National PTA Legislative Conference (LegCon) — joining PTA advocates from across the country to elevate the voices of children and families. During our visit, CT PTA representatives met with members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation and legislative staff to discuss the issues that matter most to our students, schools, and communities. Together, we advocated for policies that support public education, student well-being, family engagement, and equitable opportunities for every child. PTA advocacy ensures that parents, caregivers, and educators have a seat at the table where decisions are made. We are honored to represent Connecticut families and bring their voices directly to Capitol Hill. 💙 Every child. One voice. Top CT school priorities are emerging. Statewide cellphone ban, AI and more targeted By Livi Stanford | lstanford@courant.com | Hartford Courant staff PUBLISHED: January 28, 2026 at 5:30 AM EST When Connecticut lawmakers convene for the legislative session Feb. 4, they will try to address a number of problems plaguing schools: federal funding cuts, inflation, soaring special education costs and cell phones. Leaders of the Education Committee plan to file legislation this session to increase the Education Cost Sharing formula to align with inflation and to implement a statewide ban on cell phones in schools. How schools should or should not use artificial intelligence is also a subject of discussion. Click here for more NATIONAL PTA RESOURCES National PTA takes action Position Statements and Resolution Public Policy Priorities Take-action Opportunities Federal Legislation Sample Letters to Policymakers School Safety- Family Resources CONNECTICUT PTA IS THANKFUL FOR THE LOBBYING FIRM INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTAL STRATEGIES 9 Depot Street, MIlford, CT https://www.igovstrat.com James A Amann - Manager Partner Michael Rell- Partner Connecticut PTA was proud to attend CABE Luncheon in November, 2025. A wonderful opportunity to connect with education leaders, celebrate partnerships, and continue our shared commitment to supporting every child, every family, every school. Thank you, CABE, for bringing us together.

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VoterVoice Dear CT PTA community, One of the jobs of every PTA is to be an advocate for children in our communities. The CT PTA has that same charge. To that end, we have a great new tool at our disposal that makes it even easier for us and for YOU to advocate for the issues important to children in our state. VoterVoice is back and if you're someone who would like to hear about the very latest actions we have identified as opportunities to reach out to your lawmakers, you can sign up right here to join us there! Regards, Jim Accomando Vice President of Advocacy CTPTA Just click here to get involved as an advocate! PTA Mission To Make Every Child’s Potential a Reality by Engaging and Empowering Families and Communities to Advocate for All Children.

MEMBERSHIP FLYERS 10 Reasons to Belong > go Why your school needs a PTA> go Myth vs Truth> go Membership dues help you succeed > go Zooming into Membership Kit The Zooming into Membership Kit teaches your region, district, council or state PTA how to organize and host Zooming into Membership events. We share examples, templates, ideas and best practices from other PTAs who have done it. Here is how it works: Read What You Need to Know about Zooming into Membership (en español ) or watch the video and then check out the eight steps below to find out how to use the Kit

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Connecticut PTA History Frances Sheldon Bolton founded the Connecticut Congress of Mothers in 1900, three years after the National Congress was organized Washington, D.C. in 1897. Utilizing the same Goals and Objects of the National Congress, Connecticut's mothers directed their efforts toward bringing the system of education closer to excellence and making the home environment a positive and healthy experience for the children and youth. CT PTA's record of accomplishments for the well being of all children and youth is impressive. It has helped the secure child labor and school attendance laws; juvenile courts; maternal and child health services; public school kindergartens; school lunches; funds for enrichment education programs, libraries, and vocational education; juvenile delinquency research and control; and other legislation that benefits children and school. Our members continue to identify the to the interests of children and to take action to achieve the PTA's legislative objectives. Since its founding, three crucial areas have formed the framework of the PTA and have given direction to all its efforts for children: advocacy, service and parent education. As children's need have changed, the CT PTA's specific objectives have been redefined, but these three traits have remained constant. Children need the PTA as much today as they did in 1900, and their needs will be as great in five, ten, twenty years. To achieve the goals of our founder and our present leaders, our organization is continuing work on projects begun and is reaching out into new areas of concern. Problems of children and families in the urban setting; standardized testing and minimal competency standards; teacher preparation and in service training; school finance; special need of single-parent families and teenage parents; the energy crisis and the schools; hazardous materials in the environment; and utilizing technology in today's schools for tomorrow's workplace have been concerns throughout the years and continue to be concerns. CT PTA is proud of its past and traditions it has established. It is dealing with conditions of the present with courage and vigor; and it looks to the future with a strong commitment, knowing that children will always need friends and advocates who will speak out and take action on their behalf. International Connections As early as the fall of 1897, Alice McLellan Birney suggested international connections for the National Congress of Mothers. She was corresponding with women in many foreign countries about their ways of reaching and teaching mothers. Requests for information about the growing Congress had already been received from England, China, Japan and the Netherlands. Belgium invited the Americans to take apart in an international meeting on home education in 1905. With the cooperation of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was chairman of the Congress' Advisory Council, the national convention body voted in 1905 to hold the First International Congress on the Welfare of the Child in 1908 in Washington, DC. A letter was sent to 48 countries accompanied by a letter from the U.S. State Department. Twelve countries from four continents were represented, as were 32 U.S. states. A second International Congress was held three years later in conjunction with the Congress of Mothers' 150, annual convention. A third and final International Congress met in April 1914 at the Congress' 18th annual convention, including representatives from Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Bulgaria and Germany. The Congress' influence continued to spread around the world, where child welfare and mothers' organizations were organized under various names. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Mothers' Club expanded its activities for under privileged children; India and Japan promoted mother's study groups; and Canada organized the Canadian Federation of Home and School. In 1927, the International Federation of Home and School was founded in Canada on the University of Toronto campus with the National PTA president serving as the international group's president as well. At the end of World War II, General MacArthur invited the PTA to help establish a Japanese PTA as a means of democratizing that country. The National Congress of Parents and Teachers organized the European Congress of Parents, Teachers and Students in 1958 to serve parents of children in Department of Defense schools. A number of units were active in Hong Kong during the early 1980s but later disbanded. Then in 1991, the Pacific Congress of American Parents, Teachers and Students was granted a charter, making it the 53rd congress and in 1998 the 54th congress, the U.S. Virgin Islands, was chartered. The Connecticut PTA is proud of its past and the traditions it has established; it is dealing with conditions of the present with courage, and vigor; and it looks to the future with a strong commitment, knowing that children will always need friends and advocates who will speak out and take action on their behalf. Read Full History Here

JOIN US !! AND BE AN EXHIBITOR AT OUR BEST EVENT EVER! SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 *NEW LOCATION* Quinnipiac University 377 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION . This premier event brings together PTA leaders, educators, and community members from across Connecticut for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. Connect directly with PTA leaders, educators, and parents who make decisions for their schools and communities. Showcase your products or services to an engaged and highly relevant audience. Increase your organization’s visibility through event marketing, social media, and program materials.  Build lasting relationships with community partners and supporters of education. Interested in being a Sponsor? Did you know, Sponsorship includes a table at our Symposium and Expo Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities Early Registrations and returning exhibitors that are Paid in Full Before June 1, 2026 will be eligible to receive a free Business card size Ad in our Program Book Questions?

CT PTA TEAMS UP WITH IKEA TO BRING PTA MEMBERS 15% SHOPPING DISCOUNT! THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! thank y ou