March 22, 2017- In This Issue:

Dear PTA members,
This e-newsletter is filled with New Mexico PTA's "ASKS".  Read this newsletter for more information about:

 - "ASKS" for you to submit your PTA's best project or program for the New Mexico PTA Proud! awards.  We want to celebrate your success at the New Mexico Convention in May!! See the application for free registration information.

 - "ASKS" for you to consider attending the National PTA Convention on a scholarship. The expense paid trip will provide opportunities for you to bring back so many great ideas to your local PTA.  In addition, by serving on a NMPTA Committee, you will have a chance to contribute to the success of the work that NMPTA does everyday.

 - "ASKS" for you to celebrate your membership success by submitting the March membership form with a combined increase of 17 members since January 1, 2017.  There is a prize!!

 - "ASKS" for your Executive Committee to take National PTA e-learning classes for a chance to win a FREE 4-pack to the New Mexico PTA Convention.

 - "ASKS" for you to continue your education, offer a scholarship to a deserving student, and offer a scholarship to a hard working teacher.  Consider applying for one of the available scholarships and let your PTA members know about the scholarships. 

 - "ASKS" for you to attend the New Mexico PTA Convention.  Take advantage of the Early Bird registration!  This is an amazing opportunity to network with other PTA members and learn from each other.  Work with your school principal to see if Title I funds are available to assist your members in attending.  The Professional Development that you receive at Convention is a legitimate use of Title I funds and PTA funds.  

Don't delay - take advantage of these "ASKS" today!!  The New Mexico PTA Board of Directors looks forward to hearing from YOU!


Spring eLearning Challenge

The New Mexico PTA Board of Directors encourages all local unit PTA leaders to take the e-learning classes offered on the National PTA website www.pta.org/elearning

This is your PTA's chance to win free registration for 4 people to attend the New Mexico PTA Convention, 

A $450 value

Enter Today!

Please follow this link for more information

NMPTA Proud! Awards 2016-2107 
Applications Available Now!

New Mexico PTA is pleased to announce that applications are available for the NMPTA Proud! Awards program for 2016-2017.  Based on the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships this awards program encourages all New Mexico PTA schools to submit entries in one or more categories describing how  the PTA at your school successfully Welcomed All Families, Communicated Effectively, Supported Student Success, Spoke Up for Every Child, Shared Power, and Collaborated With  Community. So fill out the  application form today!  Anyone can submit an entry. The deadline for entries is  April 7, 2017.  If you have any questions please contact Jeanne Grazier, NMPTA VP for Membership at  membership@newmexicopta.org

New Mexico PTA 102nd Annual Convention
Celebrating 102 Years
of Family Engagement
and Advocacy




Dear PTA Members, 

The New Mexico PTA Board and Convention Committee would like to extend a personal invitation to each of you to attend the upcoming 102nd Annual NMPTA State Convention. This year the Convention will be held on at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North Hotel. Please see attached pdf   Convention at a glance
Some highlights of this year's Convention will be dynamic speakers, an exhibitors showcase, the Reflections celebration, informative workshops, and special recognition of the NMPTA Proud! Awards winners. Professional development for all members enables your PTA to be successful. The Convention is open to all members, not just PTA officers. 
NMPTA uses an online registration system. Click here to register: ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM and click here to print the payment form: PAYMENT FORM.
Please plan to spend both days with us to take advantage of all the sessions and activities!
We look forward to meeting each and every one of you!
Wendy Licon
NMPTA Convention Committee Chair
May May 5-6, 2017
Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North
5151 San Francisco Rd NE,
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-3333

Book your group rate for 2017 Annual PTA Conference Block
Delegates are responsible for their own accommodations. Limited space available at the
Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North
Please Request NMPTA Room Rate of $99.00 (+ tax). Must Be Reserved By April 20, 2017


2016-2017 Land of Enchantment PTA Scholarships Program - for students, parents, and educators
Sponsored by Mountain America Credit Union



Attention PTA Members!

Since 1915, the mission of New Mexico PTA has been to initiate, support, enrich and advocate for the critical role of adult involvement in the education and life experiences of children throughout the state of New Mexico.

The New Mexico PTA is pleased to announce that the 2016-2017 Land of Enchantment PTA Scholarships program has been expanded to include high school seniors, parents, and educators with a history of advocating for others in their school or community.  For more details and information check out the application available here and online on our website, www.newmexicopta.org  today!  Applications must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2017.

 
 
Land of Enchantment PTA Scholarship to attend the National PTA Convention 

2016-2017 Land of Enchantment PTA Student Scholarship

2016-2017 Land of Enchantment PTA Parent/Guardian Scholarship

2016-2017 Land of Enchantment PTA  Educator Scholarship






A Letter from Martin Heinrich

Dear Friend,
As someone who went to public school and who is sending my sons to public schools, I believe that all children deserve an opportunity to benefit from a great public education. All the potential we could ever ask for sits in classrooms and homes across New Mexico. But until we invest in our next generation, that promise will continue to languish.
There is concrete action that you can take right now to fight for New Mexico's public school students. The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) just released its state education plan. I encourage you to participate in the 30-day public comment period before the deadline closes on March 31, 2017.
You can participate in NMPED's public comment period by reading the plan and submitting comments here or by emailing essa.nmrising@state.nm.us
One of the major faults of No Child Left Behind was the lack of community input and engagement. During consideration of the Every Student Succeeds Act, the overhaul of No Child Left Behind we passed in Congress in 2015, I fought to ensure your voice would be reflected in state accountability plans submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.
The new law includes several provisions that require stakeholder consultation and input. NMPED held several town hall sessions while putting its plan together to fulfill this requirement. And by law, NMPED must allow the public to submit comments to its plan and demonstrate comments were taken into account before submitting a final plan to the U.S. Department of Education.
It is important that every student, teacher, parent, and community has a chance to reflect on and shape New Mexico's plan. I encourage all of you to become involved in this process. I sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to make sure the U.S. Department of Education holds NMPED accountable for listening to your concerns and ideas.
I will continue fighting to ensure that every student in New Mexico has access to a quality education, regardless of their background or zip code.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator


New Parent Resource: Ready for the Test

Finally, Spring is in the air! This means longer days and more sunshine - and it also means your child's annual state test is coming up.
 
As the test approaches, it's important to understand why it matters, and what you can do to help your child succeed. Along with grades and classroom work, this test is another measure to see how your child is gaining the skills needed to succeed in the next grade.
 
Learning Heroes is bringing you simple ways to help your child feel confident and ready for the test!
  • Bealearninghero.org : Our new website, now available in English and Spanish, includes the following features to help your child's academic, social, and emotional learning:
    • An interactive homepage featuring a seasonal campaign to keep you up to date with what's happening in classroom;
    • Improved resources including the Readiness Roadmap and Learning Tools to give you the information you need and practice tools for your child;
    • A #bealearninghero in action spotlight with advice from parents like you!
  • Ready for the Test:  Developed with the National PTA and Scholastic, the Spring campaign includes:
    • A fun and informative Ready for the Test comic strip;
    • Simple actions you can take to help your child prepare for the state test;
    • State-specific resources including your state's practice test and more.
 
We also invite you to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for helpful information and to share and get advice from other parents using #bealearninghero.