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Happy March Everyone! Spring is here!

March always seems to be a busy time: middle of the school year, programs, events, advocacy (whether session is starting or wrapping up), spring break, and of course our real jobs and life itself. No matter how busy we get, we need to remember to stop and smell the blooming flowers, take that deep breath of fresh air and a take a little time for self care. We cannot pour from an empty cup, so we have to take the time to rest, relax and recharge, so we can replenish our cups. It is okay to say "not right now" when we need to, it is important that we know and respect our limits. This newsletter is being sent later than usual because I too took some time to rest, relax and recharge over Spring Break. Now it is full steam ahead. ALL ABOARD the PTA Training Express. We hope you will join us at this year's Leadership Convention; there is more information in this email and registration will open on or before April 1, 2022.

We are mid-way through our school year...how are you doing? How are your members doing? Remember our communities have been going through a lot - have you checked in with them? Did you take a pulse check to see what is needed to ensure the PTA is providing the appropriate programming, events and resources for them? It is always good to check in with our members and school community so they know their PTA is still here for them. Thank you so much for all that you are doing for ALL Children; you are appreciated!

Keep up the great work. I know it is not always easy or fun, but it can and should be! We are PTA Proud and here for each other. That is what makes us family and has kept our association going for 99 years!

We are gearing up to celebrate 125 years of National PTA! Members of Florida PTA will be serving as delegates to the National PTA Hill Day Experience and Convention in National Harbor, Maryland. If you are interested in attending you can find more information here: https://www.pta.org/home/events/National-PTA-Convention-Expo/agenda

With thanks and appreciation,
Jennifer "Jen" Martinez
President | Florida PTA
Leadership Convention 2022
Florida PTA Leadership Convention
July 21-24, 2022
The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
The resort is located at:
1500 Masters Boulevard, Championsgate, FL 33896

Due to the location and popular demand of this resort, hotel reservations are now open so members attending can reserve their room(s).
Book now to ensure you have a room onsite, no funds are needed to reserve a room at this time.

Just in from our pre-convention site visit.
All pre and post convention dates have now sold out.
The dates available for hotel rooms are 7/21-7/24.
7/24 will look grey on the calendar but it is available as a check out date
not a stay over date.
The hotel also reported to us they are 100% sold out. The only remaining rooms are the rooms in the Florida PTA room block. Make sure you are using our special link to book hotel rooms.

Please use this link to the Florida PTA special hotel pricing page. Make your reservations now to ensure your PTA discounted pricing. Booking through the resort online or directly with the resort will not allow you to take advantage of the discounted pricing. Many of the suites and villas are booked already, book today to ensure you have a room on site.

Average room prices will range from $159-$309, depending on size, location, and style. You can arrive early or extend your stay with the reduced rates depending on room type and availability.

Parking is free for those staying at the resort and for anyone that lives close and chooses to drive over daily.

The resort fee has been reduced to $9 and when you book your hotel room it will be reflected in the pricing.

All workshops, ticketed events, exhibitors, and General Meetings will be in one building located within just steps of each other. This hotel has ELEVATORS and lots of restrooms! We know that sounds silly, but it is a refreshing change of pace for us.

Stay tuned for more details and information!
Join the conversation in the event on Facebook click here

We look forward to seeing you there!
#FindYourPath
Would you like to order a #FindYourPath shirt for Leadership Convention?

Click this link to place your order.
Leadership Convention Special Service Project
Increase Your Membership/Awards
Submitting your membership dues each month ensures your PTA will stay in compliance and will have an accurate delegate representation at our Leadership Convention.
Visit the Florida PTA Awards page to check out and apply for all of our Awards! There are awards given for membership levels, programs, volunteers, and much more!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
In recent years, many of our PTA units have taken on the task of prioritizing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). We applaud you! There is wonderful work being done, and it’s time for everyone to hear about it. If your unit hasn’t begun yet, perhaps you have, and you don’t realize it. There are several ways to put a DEI lens on aspects of your school community. All it takes is curiosity, intent, & initiative. The perfect time is NOW!

What is Florida PTA DEI Week?
We declared March 7 – 14 “DEI Week!” Be bold! Take a chance, try something new & you may be pleasantly surprised. Did you take photos & videos of your event, please share them with us and post to social media using the hashtag #FLPTADEIWEEK. This way we can celebrate your wonderful work. If you did not host an event yet, can you commit to hosting something related to DEI before the end of the year?
Supporting Our Students
At a time when youth are struggling with mental health more than ever, the war in Ukraine has now taken center stage in our minds and hearts compounding the challenges faced by youth. Children may have questions about their safety or security, may worry about loved ones, or may face discrimination for being perceived as Eastern European. The National Association of School Psychologists developed this document to assist caregivers and educators with supporting youth affected by the war in Ukraine. School psychologists around the state remain available to assist families should they need further support for their youth.
Membership Has Its Benefits!
There are many benefits of becoming a PTA/PTSA Member. But many times we look at the “What do I get out of being a PTA/PTSA Member?”
While National PTA offers discounts to Members, It’s great to come up with benefits at your Local Unit!
 
Here are some Ideas that you may find beneficial:
 
  • Create Partnerships within your local community that will benefit your PTA/PTSA Members.
  • Offer Membership Perks to Families for Free Entry or Discounted Entry to PTA/PTSA hosted events.
  • Give PTSA Student Members a discount on School Events.
  • Host a School Wide Incentive and/or Class Incentives for reaching a Membership Goal.
  • Provide the Teachers and Staff within your school a sign for their door to proudly display that they are PTA/PTSA Members.
  • Offer Grants to the Teachers and Staff for Joining.

Being a PTA member has its perks. Please visit this page on the National PTA site to see how you can take advantage!
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendar for these upcoming Florida PTA Dates. Watch for more details about each event as the date comes closer.

4/23/22: Student Reflections Celebration (virtual)
6/14-6/19/22: National PTA Convention with the Legislative Conference, National Harbor, Maryland
**7/21-7/24/22: Florida PTA Leadership Convention, Orlando, Florida (new dates and location!)

We look forward to seeing you throughout the year at our various events, whether in-person or virtual; there is sure to be something for everyone! If you have any questions about any of the events, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at: [email protected]
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ShopPTA.com sells official PTA and PTSA logo apparel, membership items, awards, gifts and more. All products are offered through each of the participating State PTA organizations. Visit shoppta.com for all your PTA needs!