By Melissa Cancro, Programs Coordinator
Arts
In Arts, Reflections is the headline for this time of year.
We can’t wait to see what the students around the state have created! This year’s theme was Heroes Around Me. We are excited to see who the students picked as their heroes and how they artistically interpreted this theme.
Regions flooded the NYS PTA state office with boxes full of student Reflections entries. These submissions have to be checked and prepared for the state judges.
It is a quick turnaround, because National PTA needs to receive all state winners’ artwork by March 1 for their judging.
Around May 1, National PTA will let us know which of our state winners received a National PTA Award of Excellence or Award of Merit.
Awards
The Jenkins Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Education is a $3,000 award given over 4 years to a senior attending a SUNY college for a baccalaureate degree in education -OR- attending a 2-year SUNY community college before transferring to a baccalaureate degree program in education at a 4-year SUNY college.
Ninety-eight students applied for the Jenkins Scholarship this year. These students are all passionate about teaching. Many are already volunteering or interning in their chosen field. Best of luck to all our Jenkins applicants!
More awards with upcoming deadlines:
- Leadership Development Award in Honor of Jane Skrzypek: This award is given in recognition of outstanding PTA volunteerism and leadership. Applications are due to your region director by June 15.
- Family Engagement Award in Honor of Jami-Beth Knapp: This award recognizes an individual or group of individuals who demonstrate innovative and unique strategies to encourage and involve parents as equal partners in their child’s education. Applications are due May 15.
- Teacher Fellowship for Graduate Study in Memory of Richard Gazzola: The purpose of this award is to encourage excellent teachers to update their professional knowledge, gain more techniques and skills to use in their classrooms, and expand their professional perspective. The fellowship grant is $3,000 for coursework taken after the application is submitted. Applications are due June 15.
PARP
If you haven’t planned a Pick a Reading Partner [or PARP] program at your school or library, it is not too late. In fact, March is a great time to hold a PARP program.
March is National Reading Month so it is a natural fit. If you need any help or ideas, check out our PARP Toolkit.
If you have run a PARP Program, please consider applying for the PARP Award. The application is listed HERE.
The Literacy Committee, which selects the state-wide award winner, is looking for creativity, innovative ideas, and wise use of your program budget.
Many units do not submit their programs because they are afraid their program doesn’t have enough bells and whistles.
A great program engages children and their families and doesn’t need a big budget!
Click HERE for more information about the PARP Award. Applications are due June 15.