Hello Advocates,
As we recognize the critical role that parents and teachers play in shaping the future of our society, I want to take the time to commend all local PTAs and PTSAs for your dedication to creating a positive learning environment for all children. We encourage you to continue your efforts in developing strong partnerships between parents, community stakeholders and educators, advocating for the needs of our schools, and promoting the well-being of our learners. Your work is instrumental in creating a wonderful educational experience for all students, and I am confident that together, we are making lasting impact on the future of our nation.

Florida’s first local unit PTA was chartered in 1921 in Jacksonville, Florida.  In just two years Florida had enough local PTA units to establish a state association. Since 1923 Florida PTA has supported millions of parents and families through its members, coalitions and partnerships and has a history of landmark advocacy.  Florida PTA continues to focus on social and educational programs that inspire an importance on family engagement in all schools and communities.

This month we will celebrating Founders Day at our General meeting on February 25th!

“DID YOU KNOW?”
Historically PTA Has Been Instrumental In:
Seat Belts
Kindergarten
Polio Vaccines
Bicycle Helmets
Child Labor Laws
School Bus Safety
Public Health Services
Enacting A Juvenile Justice System
Promoting The Dangers of Smoking
Supporting The Family & Medical Leave Act
Developing Content Based TV Ratings System
Working For Increased Public School Funding
Creating Hot Lunch Programs in Public Schools
Standardizing School Checkups & Immunization Program
And so much more! Find out more.

Information from Florida PTA

LegCon has a new look! Join us this year as we gather together at the capitol to meet with legislators and advocate for ALL children. This year we will begin our time together on Sunday evening, March 9th, with a dinner and a discussion about our priorities, current bills, and talking points. On Monday we encourage attendees to schedule meetings with their legislators. We will also share opportunities to attend committee meetings on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday will be optional for those who would like more time to meet with legislators and attend committee meetings. Legislative Committee members will be available all day Monday to answer any questions you may have throughout the day.
Cost will include dinner on Sunday, lunch on Monday, and a t-shirt.
Please click here to register!

Graduating Seniors

Florida PTA is excited to announce the launch of our annual scholarship program. This program recognizes and supports outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The application window is open and will remain until February 28th, 2025. We encourage all 12th-grade students to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their achievements and aspirations.
Apply now!

The Duval County Council of PTAs (DCCPTA) knows your Future is Calling! For well over a decade, DCCPTA has provided scholarships for graduating high school seniors to offset the cost of their postsecondary education. This year will be no exception! Through generous donations from our local units, community partners and sponsors, a minimum of five (5) $500 nonrenewable (one-time) scholarships will be available. Graduating seniors representing PTSAs throughout Duval County are encouraged to apply.
The application deadline is Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 5pm.
Please access the on-line application and related documents/instructions here.

Local Units
Local units who have not submitted officers for the 2024-25 year please do so here.
Have you had elections yet? Learn more about elections here.
If you have already submitted officers for 2024-25 and just need to make a change, you can do so here.

Information from National PTA

Feb. 24-28
Start brainstorming how you’ll show your support of public education in honor of Public Schools Week! Whether it’s thanking a special educator or shouting out your school on social media, let’s celebrate the impact of public education.

TIPS & TOOLS

Membership Tip: Celebrate 128 years of National PTA on PTA Founders’ Day! Feb. 17 is Founder’s Day share the PTA story with education leaders, elected officials and families in your community. Post about it on your social media channels using the hashtag #GrowPTA with an ask to join their local PTA. Create your special invitation using the You Belong in PTA resources and send it to your local school board members and elected officials, asking them to join your PTA to support the great work your PTA does on behalf of all children.

National PTA’s NEW Public Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress (2025 –2027) are now available! For the next two years, we will be championing policies and funding in three categories:

 Supporting those that support the safety and well-being of all children
 Supporting those that support all families and center the perspective
and needs of families
 Supporting those that support our nation’s schools

Please utilize these priorities in your own federal, state and local advocacy efforts. They will also help inform the specific legislation we will be championing as part of National PTA’s  LegCon 2025 .

Together Everyone Achieves More.

Sincerely,
Tiffanie Graham
President
Duval County Council of PTAs and PTSAs