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Did you know that PTA is, at its heart, an advocacy organization? We have representatives in the halls of our nation’s Senate, Congress, and the White House, and every state legislative hall. PTA contacts work with representatives from coast to coast. What’s our goal? To make sure every child and family in this country has a voice in what ultimately affects them. So, how does this affect YOU? Let’s take a look.
Let’s start with the PTA’s push to get universal free meals for all students in a post-pandemic world. This is still a national desire on the part of PTA and they are still working at making that happen. Here in New York State, though, we’ve already won a huge battle. After lobbying law makers and the governor, the PTA was able to secure free school meals for schools that fall into the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The work isn't done though. PTA still wants universal, across the board free meals, and will keep pushing towards making that happen. Here’s a link to the district food service site for more information.
How does the state decide who falls within the CEP standards? They look at the free and reduced applications received from the district and see which ones meet the threshold to provide meals.
How does that affect Frontier School? As a result, Big Tree Elementary, Cloverbank Elementary, and Blasdell Elementary will all meet the threshold and each child will receive free breakfast and lunches for the 23/24 school year. Here’s a link to the district food service site for more information.
Frontier Central District Food Service
What about the High School, Middle School, and Pinehurst? For this last round of threshold review, these 3 schools did not meet the criteria. Going forward, we urge parents and caretakers to fill out the free and reduced lunch application even if you don’t believe you qualify.
Why is it important to fill out the free and reduced lunch application even if I know I don’t qualify? Because these applications are used for so much more than finding if you qualify for reduced lunch costs. Albany and DC use the information contained on these applications to find qualifications for a myriad of programs, funding, and needs. This affects the whole district. A prime example is the new CEP meal program. So fill out those applications….print it at the link below.
NYS Free and Reduced Lunch Application
National PTA
What is the National PTA focused on for Federal legislation right now? The National PTA is laser focused this year on gaining support for the following topics that directly affect students and families. Including your's. Here's the list and links to more information on each.
1) Building and supporting Family Engagement centers. Bringing Parents and Families to the Table
2) Federal Investments in Education. Helping All Children Reach Their Fullest Potential
3) Gun Safety and Violence Prevention. Sensible Solutions to Gun Violence
4) Child Nutrition. Education Starts Early
5) Safe, Supportive, and Inclusive Schools. Fostering a Positive Learning Environment
6) Investing in School Infrastructure. Our Nation, Our Communities, Our School Buildings
There are many federal legislation proposals on the table that affect your child's education. Here's a link to find the PTA list. Key Legislation List
What can you do to support the PTA voice? You can "Take Action" by contacting your representatives and letting them know you support the bills in front of them.The National PTA has four main focuses for the 23/24 law-making year. These include addressing childhood trauma, ending gun violence to protect our children, fighting proposed cuts to essential educational programs for children, and supporting the Bill of Rights for Students and Parents Resolution. Here's a link for more information on all of these "asks".
NYS PTA
Every year, NYS PTA issues "asks" that are the focus of the legislative year.
What's an "ask"? An "ask" is just that. That's what the PTA is asking NYS law makers to consider adding to the legislation and the state budget for that year.
What are the current "asks"? The 23/24 "asks" have not been released as of yet, but here is information on the 22/23 "asks" and a link to the PDF for more info on each.
1) Support for Public Education
2) Safe and Nurturing Environments
3) Parent and Family Engagement
2022-2023 NYS PTA Legislative Priorities
Every year, PTA issues a calendar of advocacy events and actions that everyone can take to help advocate for children, schools, and families. Here's a copy of last year's calendar.Advocacy Calendar PDF
