Programs

Reflections

Welcome to the 2020-2021 Reflections year as we ask our children and youth to express the theme “I Matter Because…”

Thank you for volunteering to lead this enriching cultural arts program for the students in your community, especially in these challenging times! Illinois PTA is proud to be able to offer this National program to our students. We also sincerely appreciate each Local Reflections Chair, Council Chair, District and Region Chair, and all the individuals who believe in this program and the impact the arts can make for our students.

The Reflections Art Program is a rewarding experience for students, parents, and volunteers. Students are invited to create works of art in any of seven different arts categories, reflecting upon a different theme each year. Illinois PTA’s goal is to support our leaders in maximizing the positive impact on students, while providing tools to help guide you through the program from start to finish. Considering safety is utmost for all involved, so we offer you both physical and virtual options for submitting your entries this year.

All Reflections participation forms and rules are found on this website under “Leadership Resources – Reflections”. “Leadership Resources” is password protected and Reflections Chairs should contact their local PTA President for the password to gain access to Reflections participation information.

Questions? Contact reflections@illinoispta.org

Reflections Theme Advancers

2019-2020 Illinois PTA Reflections National Advancers and Honorable Mentions

National PTA School of Excellence

National PTA School of Excellence is a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.

Enrollment for the 2020-2021 National PTA School of Excellence program is NOW OPEN (June 1 – Oct. 1)

Illinois PTA introduces our Family STEAM booklet!

This project is a collaboration between Illinois PTA and the Illinois State University Classrooms in Action team. The Family STEAM booklet contains projects that are geared to do at home, with the family.

These projects provide science, technology, engineering, art components and math education, and are more fun than a worksheet! While they are geared for grades K-5, adults and older children may even find themselves having fun too.

SPOTLIGHT

It is with the deepest regret that Illinois PTA, will be canceling our annual SPOTLIGHT event scheduled for May 3, 2020 at Millikin University. Given the latest developments of the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak and the most recent recommendation by the Center for Disease Control, we must be mindful of the potential risks to our members and guests the event could have.

2019 Highlights

Know How to Talk to Your Teen About Instagram

Social media plays a big role in teens’ lives today. It’s where they connect with friends and family, celebrate major milestones, share everyday moments, and discover new passions and interests.

To help teens use social media safely and responsibly, National PTA and Instagram have partnered up to create this guide for parents and guardians.

Family Reading Experience

It doesn’t have to be National Reading Month to host a PTA Family Reading Experience. Check out our NEW, interactive approach that engages the whole family in reading activities!

Parents take part in the fun with their kids and leave the event with a deeper understanding of the simple ways they can support literacy. National PTA has partnered with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) to provide literacy expertise and activities to host an engaging and effective Family Reading Experience.

STEM & Families

National PTA’s STEM + Families initiative increases access to STEM education and careers, especially among under-represented youth, by developing, evaluating and sharing effective ways to engage families in STEM experiences, while working with partners to improve access to STEM school and community learning environments. PTA’s vision is that all students have the family and community support needed to access and pursue STEM opportunities and careers.

What Does It Mean to be PTA Connected?

Parenting in the digital age is complex.

PTA Connected strives to help children act safely, responsibly and thoughtfully online.

National PTA has been a partner to parents on digital parenting topics for over 5 years, exploring in-depth the issues that are on the minds of today’s families, and connecting parents with tools, research and supports to make the best decisions for their children.

Connect for Respect

Research shows that one of the most effective ways to prevent bullying behavior is to create a positive school climate. School climate encompasses everything that contributes to a student’s experience with a school—from the physical building to policies, staff and peer culture.

Use the Connect for Respect (C4R) Toolkit to guide your PTA/PTSA in engaging students in improving the school climate and reducing bullying.