Archive for the PTA News Category

The Delaware Department of Education reminds high school seniors and their families that although a useful IRS online tool is unavailable, they still should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). IRS officials are working to fix the data retrieval tool on fafsa.gov and StudentLoans.gov but anticipate it will be unavailable for several weeks. The tool provides tax data that automatically fills in information for part of the FAFSA as well as the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan application. “Families still can apply for financial aid at this time,” said Shana Payne, director of the department’s Higher Education Office.

Local parent leaders join Delaware PTA State Leadership at the 2017 National PTA Legislative Conference in D.C. where they will meet with Senator Carper, Senator Coons and Representative Blunt- Rochester to advocate for a no voucher system; demanding public funds for public schools and increases in family engagement initiatives. Looking forward to seeing this advocacy in action upon their return.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (March 1, 2017)—Last evening, President Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress, outlining his vision for the country. In the address, President Trump called for the passage of school choice legislation. National PTA supports educational choices within public schools to meet the needs of all students and believes parents and families should be involved in all aspects of public school choice plans. However, there is a difference between public school choice programs and the use of taxpayer dollars for private school voucher programs. “National PTA opposes any private school choice system—tax credits, vouchers or deductions—that would drain

PTA family, We are sharing this critical “Take Action Letter” to mobilize our community in support of House Bill 12, which extends critical funding to special education students in kindergarten through third grade. Please take a moment to send this letter to Governor Carney by clicking the link below, and then share the link with your friends & family. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/increase-special-education-services-in-delaware?source=direct_link& Delaware PTA has long supported efforts to support adequate funding for special education students and we know that early intervention is critical to student success. We have strengthened our position on our advocacy efforts in our proposed 2017-18 Legislative Priorities

Please join Delaware PTA in congratulating the winners of the 2016-17 Reflections program!  This year’s theme was ‘What is Your Story?’  The winner in each category will be competing at the National PTA level.   National PTA winners will be announced on May 1, 2017.  You may see the complete list at PTA.org/Reflections in the “Gallery and Awards” section on that date.  These students’ accomplishments will be honored at the Reflections Award Ceremony on Monday, April 10th at 6pm at Newark High School.   Their entries will be displayed for all to admire.  Family, friends and the public are welcome to attend. 

The National PTA Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant provides up to $1,000 in matching funds to support local PTA arts projects within their school community. Funded projects will increase access to learning opportunities in the literary, media, visual and/or performing arts for at-risk or underserved audiences. Arts projects must actively engage families and community partners to strengthen family-school partnerships. (Eligible applicants must be a PTA in good standing, as determined by the State PTA.) Deadline is March 17th. Grant period is Sept. 1, 2017 to Jun. 15, 2018. Apply today: Mary Lou Anderson Art Grant

PTAs and schools across the country host family-focused events Feb. 13-17  ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 15, 2017)—National PTA has designated Feb. 13-17 PTA Take Your Family to School Week to encourage families to visit their child’s school and strengthen partnerships between parents, teachers and administrators. PTAs and schools nationwide are hosting a variety of events and activities to promote family engagement in education. The timing of the week honors the day PTA was founded, Feb. 17, 1897. “For 120 years, National PTA has encouraged families to get more involved in their child’s education, as it is proven to have a positive