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.

The CDC has developed a set of resources called Parents for Healthy Schools to help schools and school groups (e.g., parent teacher associations (PTA), parent teacher organizations (PTO), school wellness committees) engage parents to create healthy school environments. These resources will: 1. Educate parents about: o school nutrition environment and services; o school-based physical education and physical activity; and o managing chronic health conditions in school settings. 2. Provide parents with practical strategies and actions to improve the school health environment. 3. Provide suggestions for ways to track progress in engaging parents in changing the school health environment. The information regarding this important resource for parents can be found using the link below: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/parentengagement/parentsforhealthyschools.htm Please contact me if you have any questions. CSDE Terese Maineri Educational Service Specialist Connecticut State Department of Education Office of Student Supports and Organizational Effectiveness Bureau of Health/Nutrition, Family Services and Adult Education Telephone: 860-807-2145 Fax: 860-807-2127

PTA Treasurers What is a Treasurer? The treasurer is the authorized custodian, elected by the members, to have charge of the funds of the PTA organization. The treasurer receives and disburses all monies as prescribed in the local bylaws. The treasurer sees that all authorized bills are promptly paid and gives a financial accounting at regular intervals. It is imperative that the treasurer maintains accurate records. Without good records, individuals involved with collecting and handling the PTA's funds will not be protected when any questions arise. Standard accepted financial procedures must be used when keeping records so that proper audits can be conducted. All treasurers should be bonded. Upon taking office, the treasurer should do the following: Be sure that the books have been audited before accepting them. Check the files and records received from the retiring treasurer. Ask about missing records at once. Become familiar with the duties outlined in the bylaws. Secure the signatures of new officers authorized to sign checks, and file the signature cards with the bank. Check on the bonding and liability procedures. Study PTA Money Matters and note pertinent references in the National PTA Handbook. Top 10 Ways to Protect YOUR PTA against Embezzlement (from Association Insurance Management) 1. Money should never be kept at a treasurer’s home. 2. Two people should always count the money, and both should sign the receipt verifying the amount. 3. Two signatures should be required on all checks. 4. Have someone who does not have check signing authority review the bank statement monthly before giving it to the treasurer. This person is looking for red flags including: checks showing up in non sequential order, checks made out to cash, cash withdrawals, checks written out to non- approved venders, checks written for non- approved expenses, checks written out to individuals. 5. Never sign a blank check or a check made out to “cash”. 6. The Treasurer should arrange to deposit the money in the bank as soon after the conclusion of the project as possible. 7. Money should be deposited into the PTA’s bank account daily, even if a project is ongoing. 8. All bills must be paid by check, never cash. 9. Conduct an annual audit of the books. 10. Make sure that you have a Bond Policy and make sure to follow the requirements to guarantee coverage. For more on Treasurers, refer to your Finance Guide.

National PTA In Person and At Home Programs & Grants Available for PTAs! National PTA provides PTAs free, engaging, educational, and fun In Person and At Home programs that have been proven to build the knowledge, skills, and habits children need to realize their full potential. PTAs can visit PTA.org/Programs to learn more! Visit PTA.org/Grants

NATIONAL PTA UPCOMING EVENTS 2027 National PTA Convention June 17-19 National PTA's 2027 Convention will be held in Grapevine, Texas, June 17-19. Through engaging sessions, inspirational speakers and impactful connections, Convention will provide attendees with actionable strategies, innovative ideas and resources they can immediately apply within their PTAs and communities. PTA leaders and members will leave empowered to strengthen their associations and better serve children, families and communities. Annual Convention

Outstanding Educator & Volunteer Awards 2027 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. Congratulations To Connecticut PTA's 2026 Outstanding Educators and Volunteers...... "Dawn Hochsprung" Elementary School Principal Joseph Apicella Orange Ave PTA Superintendent Dr. Susie Da Silva Ridgefield Council High School Assistant Principal Cora Munoz Wilbur Cross PTA Middle/ High School Assistant Principal Michelle Salvas PHACT PTA Middle School Teacher Riley D'Agostino John Read PTA Support Staff Nick Decesare Hamden SEPTA Elementary School Teacher Sarah Levesque Spencer PTA High School Teacher Karen Abbey PHACT PTA Paraprofessional Jamie Bairaktaris John Read MS PTA Parent Volunteer Robin Foley Lillie B Haynes PTA PTA President Aarika Friend Booth Hill School PTA PTA President Beatrix Eriksen John Read MS PTA BOD Member Sarah Lefebvre Cheshire SEPTA/Doolittle PTA