PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships

Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community—Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class.

Standard 2: Communicating effectively—Families and school staff engage in regular, two-way, meaningful communication about student learning.

Standard 3: Supporting student success—Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support students’ learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.

Standard 4: Speaking up for every child—Families are empowered to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.

Standard 5: Sharing power—Families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.

Standard 6: Collaborating with community—Families and school staff collaborate with community members to connect students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation.

Go to the National PTA website for more information and resources to build family-school partnerships.

It was a party that was out of this world!
Niji-Iro Families met in the gym for a brief presentation followed by an evening of stargazing, led by physics professor and first grade parent Jesse Mason. Mr. Mason lead the night as students and families discovered the fall night sky.
Moon pies, popcorn and drinks were available for sale for a nominal fee.

It looks like everyone had a great night!

The Livonia PTSA Council was able to participate in the League of Women Voters candidates forum in September. A link to footage of the Candidates Forum for Livonia School Board held back on September 29th, 2016 can be found below. The forum was presented to showcase the candidates running for these respective positions for the November 8th, 2016 Election. Moderator was Paula Bowman of the LWV.

Sponsored by The League of Women Voters of Northwest Wayne County, which serves the communities of Canton, Garden City, Livonia, Northville, Plymouth, Redford, Sumpter Township, Van Buren Township, Wayne and Westland, Michigan. For more non-partisan candidate and election information or to join the League of Women Voters, visit their website at: www.lwvnww.org or call 734-421-4420.

To view the forum, follow this link:
https://youtu.be/hD_9eMzB7Qg

Have you wondered about what you can do as a PTA during election season? Please refer to the following graphics, provided by the National PTA to find out what you can and can not do when election season comes around:

As a PTA Unit (or officer) - you MAY NOT endorse any candidate for office.

If you would like more information, please head to this website: www.nonprofitvote.org

Juvenile Justice Bill Passes Through U.S. House of Representatives

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 382–29 to pass the Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act (H.R. 5963) last week. Endorsed by National PTA, this bill would reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) and improve the nation's juvenile justice system. Specifically, the bill would improve the current law to:

• Incorporate more family and community-based services and alternatives to incarceration
• Keep detained youth separate from adults while they are awaiting trial

Learn more about the bill.

The following information is due to Council for PEP points:
November 1 - Submit your Policies & Procedures OR Standing Rules to Council
November 15 - Submit proof of your 990 to MI PTA AND to Council

Please EMAIL your information to pep@livoniaptsacouncil.org

You can always submit a Newsletter article for PEP points - email newsletter@livoniaptsacouncil.org

Check your PEP standing here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1N1eozIoje9x408vhkSmI-2ZTUHLWy5SsqJjeP-BX0qM/edit?usp=sharing

October
17 - LPS BOE meeting @ BOE offices

November
8 - Election Day - LPS NO SCHOOL
14 - LPS BOE meeting @ BOE offices
16 - Livonia PTSA Council EB meeting @ Frost Middle School 6 pm
- Livonia PTSA Council workshop @ Frost Middle School 7 pm
16/17 - Livonia PTSA Council Reflections entries due
23-25 - Thanksgiving Break - LPS NO SCHOOL