Massachusetts PTA Partners with Project Bread

November 18, 2020 by Stephanie Gray

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FREE MEALS FOR ALL KIDS & TEENS THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA has extended a number of program flexibilities in order to allow meal providers to continue serving free meals to all children and teens throughout this school year. No registration or ID is required, and meals will be available through June 30, 2021. Please refer to the MA meal finder map at www.meals4kids.or/meals, which shows the hundreds of meal sites throughout the Commonwealth where families can easily access free meals for their children. This resource provides site addresses and hours for all sites that are considered “open sites,” which means that they serve meals to any child or teen (they do NOT have to be enrolled in a particular district) and it is updated regularly with new sites. Please help spread the word as wide as possible about these important changes in school meal programs so that more Massachusetts children and teens will have access to healthy meals this year.

Project Bread’s Child Nutrition Outreach Program, alongside the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE,) works to increase participation in two underutilized federal child nutrition programs, the National School Breakfast Program and the Summer Food Service Program (known as Summer Eats in Massachusetts). Together, we strive to ensure that all children in Massachusetts have access to nutritious meals, working directly with school districts and meal providers to provide technical assistance and innovative solutions to ensure these programs make the most impact on the children who need them. To find other food resources, please call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 or visit www.projectbread.org/get-help.

MA PTA Stands with National on Racial Inequity and Injustice

June 18, 2020 by Stephanie Gray

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., (June 2, 2020)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Leslie Boggs and National PTA Executive Director Nathan R. Monell, CAE:

“National PTA condemns the inequitable and brutal treatment of all African Americans in this country. No human being should be subject to what we saw happen to George Floyd last week. Millions of people are outraged by the killing of another unarmed black man, and like so many Americans, we mourn the recent deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other African Americans who died, unable to achieve their full potential in life.

“This ongoing problem of unequal justice has led to protests across this country and continues to have a profound effect on African Americans and communities of color, who feel hurt, frustrated, angry and afraid. Our nation must do better, and PTA stands with those who peacefully seek to inspire meaningful change.

“While we understand significant reforms are needed to create lasting change that will end the systemic discrimination and injustices that have existed for far too long, PTA has a rich legacy in coming together to help solve the toughest problems facing our children and families. PTA can help lead the way with our collective voice.

“For over 120 years, PTA has been the conscience of this country, speaking on behalf of our nation’s most valuable and vulnerable resource⁠—our children. This year, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unification of the National Parent Teacher Association and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, we recognize we are experiencing times that mirror why the unification was necessary. It is imperative that we remain united and supportive during this difficult time.

“Our transcendent goal has always been to change the lives of children for the better and we will continue to ensure our society values and protects every child. We encourage PTA members and all concerned citizens to speak out and demand that every child be afforded the opportunity to make their potential a reality. Together, we can move above and beyond the perceived division of our diverse experiences and build a shared experience—the experience of working together as human beings, intent on building a better nation and world for our children’s future.”

2019 MA PTA Health Summit

June 4, 2020 by Madison Estes

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A Message During Trying Times

April 1, 2020 by Stephanie Gray

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Over the last few months, the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have rippled across the world. We are seeing an unknown virus raise its ugly head, take thousands of lives across the world and we still do not have all the answers, but we are getting closer to what may actually be the problem. All of us are frightened and unsure, but we are resilient and sturdy. Despite the challenges we all face, there are many, many stories and expert health and safety information that teach us, embrace us and give us strength. As parents, educators, care givers, guardians, health care workers, community members and government; we must take care of our children, for they are the hope and Spring of our future.

To that end, The Massachusetts PTA Health, Wellness and Safety committee would like to share with you information, articles, websites, stories and links that many of the committee members have researched for you to assist, educate and keep you informed about all of this COVID-19.It is important for us to stay informed so that we can take care of our children, not just yours and mine but the whole of society’s children. Millions of people around the world are staying home and at a safe distance from each other to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is a crucial time to combine our efforts to build and strengthen meaningful connections. We have an opportunity to provide comfort and healing to those who may feel vulnerable or alone.
Sharing knowledge, information and experiences with others will bring us closer and keep us steadfast.

Please see the message from our National PTA President:

“While our utmost priority during this crisis is the health and safety of all students, educators, staff and families, we are also committed to making sure our communities have what they need during this challenging time,” said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. “Our nation’s families and educators have many questions and concerns, and we hope the information and resources on this webpage help them navigate this crisis.”

National PTA launched a comprehensive webpage, which features resources, tools and information to support families and educators amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Located at PTA.org/COVID-19 , the goal is to help communities navigate the emerging challenges the pandemic has presented, while meeting the educational and social and emotional needs of all students, educators and families.

Let us also direct you to additional articles, websites and videos that will help and provide answers:

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Children and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children.html

COVID-19 print resources in multiple languages
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html

COVID-19 website
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

The AAP Parenting Website
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx

From Health Care for All Massachusetts ( HCFA).

For Health Help and Insurance

https://www.healthcareforall.org

From the Mass.gov website:

Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19?_ga=2.183441378.599039932.1584891220-1747971150.1579119003

Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus (COVID-19) (for parents and teachers)
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19

COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses (for parents)
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-resources-and-guidance-for-businesses

We hope that this information will help you and we will continue to bring you additional resources to help all of us together get through this. I would like to just leave you with some words that always inspire and comfort me. I hope that they will for you also.

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” Michelle Obama

Stay well and strong,

Jackie Coogan, Chairperson and the Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee

MA PTA Health Webinar – Are Screen Devices Chipping Away at Your Child’s Building Blocks to Success? January

December 26, 2019 by Stephanie Gray

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Parents want the best for their children – academic and career success near the top of the list. But, just as Big Tech tells us they have all the answers, they are also manipulating kids with data-collecting games and learning apps, and advertising from social media influencers which is disguised as content. Join Jean Rogers and David Monahan of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) for a deep dive into just what developmental pieces are being eroded when children develop excessive and screen habits—and specific ideas on what parents and teachers can do to minimize the impact.

Take home skills:

How apps are manipulating children by exploiting their trust in beloved characters for profit.
How CCFC is protecting children’s privacy through advocacy at the FTC and partnership with other organizations.
How for-profit online preschools are displacing critical play-based programs that develop executive functioning skills, social-emotional learning and essential whole body activities for coordination, self-regulation, and strength.
How AI is reducing kids’ ability to think critically and become problem solvers.
How the Children’s Screen Time Action Network supports practitioners, educators, and parents who want to learn more and take action.

Tune in for a lively and enlightening dialogue. There will be time for viewer questions as well. For more information and to register, click here.

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