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Utah PTA Education Commissioner
The Education Commission can encompass many different areas of focus and we want to help you zero in on the topics that are most useful to you. We will also try to keep current on events that might complement the activities of your school. Our Resource Guide and Parent Guides for core education standards may also help you to become the person at your school with answers regarding education.
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In addition, during the 2012-2013 school year, we will be emphasizing three specific areas: family engagement in education, support for special needs students and their families, and college and career preparation to prevent dropouts. We will look for greater help for secondary PTAs this year. Watch for more information on these topics. |
I would love to hear from you about what has been effective in supporting education in your school and community.
Deon Turley
E-mail: deon@utahpta.org
Phone: 801-261-3100
Have You Heard?
Current short spots for events or programs related to education
Look for purple text for information for parents. PTA leaders can use this for newsletters or email to parents. Look for red text for information for PTA leaders. Blue text indicates an online link.
*Elementary PTA leaders: We hope you received and distributed the Summer Reading Calendars from the Governor's Office? Encourage summer reading to prevent a reading set-back when school starts.
*If your school plans to hold one or more literacy activities or events during the next year, now is the time to schedule them. Find information on Jumpstart's Read For the Record (October), KUED's Reading Marathon (November), Read Across America (March--Dr. Seuss' Birthday!), or Drop Everything and Read "DEAR" (April -- Beverly Cleary's Birthday!). Remember, 20 minutes a day can do a lot. Good luck!
*Hey, secondary school leaders! Thinking ahead to next year with an eye on promoting Math among your students? Consider hosting national math contests at your school, such as the AMC, MathCounts, NA&T, and USAMTS. The website for the AMC is a little tricky to navigate for beginners; they seem to assume that you already know what is what! That's why I linked you to the FAQ page. Through the end of June, new schools and those that have been absent for the past three years can use the coupon code "50MM13All" to register for all four of next year's national contests for just fifty dollars total. See the STEM programs page for dates of the competition tests.
*Could your school use additional computers? Here is a way you can help provide them: The Federal Government requires that used, surplus equipment, that is useful for education, be made available to schools or non-profit educational entities. It is called the Computers For Learning program Ownership is transfered at no cost to the school but the school must pay for shipping and handling. Click here for details about how to apply to receive computers and other peripherals.
*Help your children learn how credit card debt works -- both for and against you! Find great information about using credit cards at Credit Card Facts at the Mint.org site. On the left side menu, you will find features, such as an interactive credit card debt calculator, and across the top is a tab called Pointers for Parents. Help your students to be wise consumers with this great resource!