President's Message
We understand that everyone has had some challenges over the last 9 months. Whether they are personal, professional, and in so many cases both, we want to send our thankful wishes for you as part of the PTA family. We aren't seeing who we want to see in person, we aren't going where we want to go in person, but we can still take this time of Thanksgiving week to take a breath, take a break, and please know that our thoughts are with all of you. We will "see" and hopefully hear from you before the end of the year as important PTA work continues but until then "Happy Thanksgiving" to all of you!
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Bylaws News & Updates
As our units continue to meet the challenges COVID-19 has presented for virtual and in-person meetings, Virginia PTA continues to seek ways to streamline the administrative work of our local units and councils. Therefore, the VAPTA Executive Committee recently met to approve the following:
- All local units and council bylaws due for revision between July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 will remain effective until June 30, 2021.
- Electronic Meeting approval for local units will remain in effect until June 30, 2021.
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Request for Proposed Amendments to Bylaws
The Virginia PTA Bylaws committee is requesting any PTA/PTSA to submit any proposed amendments to the Virginia State PTA bylaws for local units and councils.
Request for Proposed Amendment template is now available. Deadline for any proposed amendment submission is December 15, 2020.
Proposed amendments approved by the Board of Directors will be voted on at our Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 20, 2021 to be held virtually.
How are changes made to the non -pounded area of the bylaws? Pounded (#) items are not changeable and non-pounded language may be changed by submitting proposed amendments to any area of the Virginia, Council and/or Local Unit Bylaws - this opportunity only comes once a year.
This is not a request for proposed amendments to your own specific Council and Local Unit bylaws.
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We Need You!
Virginia PTA Seeking Officers for 2021-2023
The Virginia PTA Nominations Committee is now accepting applications from those interested in serving as a 2021-2023 Virginia PTA elected officer or Standing Committee Chair. Eligibility and responsibility requirements of officers under the current Virginia PTA bylaws. Responsibilities of Standing Committee Chairs can be found here.
Nominations will remain open and accepted no later than Friday, December 18, 2020, 5:00 PM Eastern time.
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Resolutions Submissions Due Jan. 11th
Do you know of a situation or concern which affects children and youth and requires a statewide solution? Virginia PTA encourages you to elevate your research and proposed action, opinion or needed solution by submitting a resolution for consideration by Virginia PTA's General Membership at our Annual Meeting on March 20th.
To be considered, all resolutions must be submitted using the Virginia PTA resolutions template and be signed by the President or Director of a local unit, council or district that is in good standing. Submitted resolutions will be reviewed by the Virginia PTA Resolutions Committee to determine if the submission criteria are met and whether or not National PTA or Virginia PTA have already addressed the issue through a different resolution or position statement. Visit our resolution writing toolkit to get started. Please send any questions to Jenna Alexander, VP of Advocacy at [email protected].
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Child Advocate of the Year Nominations Due Feb. 11th
Do you know someone who has made a significant positive impact for children or a school community through their advocacy efforts? We want to shine a spot light on their work and inspire others to take action for students.
We will recognize nominees at our March 2021 Annual Meeting and highlight one special individual, youth, elected official, local unit, council and district as our Virginia PTA Child Advocates of the Year! We look forward to celebrating these special people and their work with you!
NOMINATIONS DUE: FEBRUARY 11, 2020
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REFLECTIONS THEME SEARCH WINNERS |
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2019-2021 Board of Governance |
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Executive Committee
President, Donna Colombo
President-Elect, Pam Croom
VP Advocacy, Jenna Alexander
VP Membership, Kirsten Shabanowitz
VP Programs, Scott Rhyne
VP Training, Michelle Leete
Secretary, Sharon Abernathy
Treasurer, Kathy Harrison
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Committee Chairs
Bylaws - Russ Harrison
Family Engagement - [Vacant]
Health & Safety, Jenna White
Nominations - Tony Shivers
Reflections - Katie Sprouse
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District Directors- Cont'd
Fredericksburg - Sara Case [Interim]
Hunt - Kirsten Shabanowitz
Northern VA - Hamid Munir
Patriot - Sara Case
Peninsula - Mychael Willon
Richmond - Wanda Green
Roanoke - Nicole Sheppard
Southeastern - Lynn Dula
Tidewater - Shelly Jones
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