Are you prepared to join the #VirtualRally for Education on Thursday?
Tune in tonight for a General Assembly Preview.
When we raise our voices together,
we can raise the bar for all students across Virginia!
TONIGHT
(Tuesday Jan 12 | 7:00pm - 8:30pm)
Join us to take a deep look at the basics of education funding, Virginia PTA's legislative priorities and the staffing and equity changes recommended by the Virginia Board of Education. We'll also talk about how the General Assembly works, how to follow the action, contact your legislators, and amplify our priorities. 
#VirtualRally THIS THURSDAY
Raise the bar! Join the rally!
The General Assembly Session starts this Wednesday. Help bring attention to education issues by joining the Virtual Rally for Education this Thursday!

  • Post a picture or a 10 second video sharing a top priority for you or your school PTA.

  • Tag a PTA and/or two friends.

  • Tag your legislators.

  • Share a post!

Please Tag @VirginiaPTA and use the following hashtags;

#TakeAction4Kids #VAPTAAdvocacy #VirtualRally #SchoolStaffing&Equity
ADVOCACY LEARNING LAB WEBINARS
Part 1: Building an Advocacy Climate in Your School


Part 3:
Testing: Measuring Student Growth and School Success
(Thurs. January 21st, 7:00 - 8:00pm)
Join the Virginia Department of Education and Virginia PTA for this special webinar that will help parents understand state and federal testing requirements, the indicators used to accredit schools and what to expect if your school doesn't meet the standards. We will also explore the impact of COVID -19 on school accreditation and changes the Virginia Board of Education is considering as part of the standard revision process.  
VDOE Presenters:  Shelley Loving-Ryder, Assistant Superintendent, Department of Student Assessment, Accountability, and ESEA & Julie Molique, Director, Office of Accountability
Part 4:
General Assembly Wrap-Up and Bringing Advocacy Home
(Thurs. Feb 25th, 7:00 - 8:00pm)
Join us to get an update on what happened in this General Assembly Session, how you can maintain a relationship with your legislator and ways that you can bring new legislation and ideas back to your community to enact change through your local school board.
CONSTITUENT CONNECTIONS
Share Your Story. Ask your legislator to support education funding!
Dates and times will be based on legislator availability. Meetings are typically 15-20 minutes during the day.

Your District Advocacy Chair or member of the Advocacy Committee will contact registered attendees with detailed information about how to participate in the meetings with your legislator. 
QUICK REFERENCE FOR THIS SESSION
Important Dates for the 2021 General Assembly Session

  • Wed. Dec 16th - Governor's Budget Announcement
  • Wed. Jan 6th - House and Senate Budget Hearings
  • Thurs. Jan 7th - Learning Lab: Part 1
  • Tues. Jan 12th - Learning Lab: Part 2 
  • Wed. Jan 13th - 2021 General Assembly Starts
  • Thurs. Jan 14th - #VirtualRally                 
  • Jan 18th - Feb 5th - #ConstituentConnections.  
  • Thurs. Jan 21st - Learning Lab: Part 3 
  • Thurs. Feb 25th - Learning Lab: Part 4 
AWARD A CHILD ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR!
Do you know someone who has made a significant positive impact for children or a school community through their advocacy efforts? 

Virginia PTA wants to shine a spotlight on their work and inspire others to take action for students.

NOMINATIONS DUE:
FEBRUARY 11, 2020

Questions? Contact Jenna Alexander, Vice President of Advocacy (Advocacy@vapta.org)