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SAVE THE DATE: NCPTA Virtual Back to School Event
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NCPTA Virtual Back to School Event
OCTOBER 2, 2021
10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
NCPTA is excited to announce its first event for the 2021-2022 school year. Join us virtually on Saturday, October 2ndfrom 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for NCPTA’s Back-to-School Event. Our theme for this event is “Kicking Off The PTA Year: Let’s Get It Started”. This event will feature greetings from President Francelia Burwell, door prizes, breakout sessions, and more. Registration opens soon! Follow us on social media and www.ncpta.org to get updates.
A Message from NCPTA President Francelia Burwell : 
“The goal of our Back-to-School Event is to provide leadership development and resources to our members and stakeholders. This event promises to be rewarding and engaging. We guarantee that this is the first of many amazing events that NCPTA will offer this year. We are committed to supporting and building meaningful connections with those advocating for children at the local, state, and national levels. Can’t wait to see you there!”
Breakout sessions will focus on the following topics:
- How PTAs Can and Should Promote Diversity and Inclusion in a Virtual Environment
- Membership Drives and Re-Engaging Families With PTA in a Virtual Environment
- Revisiting Our Bylaws
- Enhancing PTA Advocacy Work in a Virtual Environment
- How to Plan a Successful Reflections Program in a Virtual Environment
- PTA President: How to Lead Your PTA in a Virtual Environment
- PTA Secretary: Best Practices in a Virtual Environment
- The Role of the Treasurer in a Virtual Environment – Audits, Budgets, & More
- Grant Writing and National PTA grants
- Technology Tools That Can Enhance Your Work
National PTA and North Carolina PTA Statement on Shooting at Mt. Tabor High School
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ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Sept. 1, 2021) —National PTA President Anna King and North Carolina PTA President Francelia Burwell issued the following statement on the shooting at Mt. Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, N.C.:
“National PTA, North Carolina PTA and all PTA members nationwide are dismayed to hear of the shooting that occurred today at Mt. Tabor High School. This was the second shooting at a high school in North Carolina this week.
“As students across the country are returning to school in person—many for the first time in 18 months—parents should not have to fear for the safety of their children due to senseless gun violence. As we’ve said too many times—more must be done immediately to protect our nation’s children and families. We cannot wait any longer.
“For years, PTA members have advocated for sensible gun safety and violence prevention policies that will make our schools and communities safer for everyone and save lives. We’ve called for research to be funded on the causes and effects of gun violence on youth and communities, as well as evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence. We’ve also called for education programs to be established to teach students, parents and community members about gun safety and violence prevention.
“At the same time, we’ve continuously advocated for improved mental health programs and services for children and families, including the prioritization of mental health education, early intervention, prevention and access to school and community-based mental health personnel and services. And this continues to be more important than ever as mental health and social and emotional well-being are among the most pressing issues to address as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We call on Congress to urgently address the epidemic of gun violence as it is destroying our communities.
“It has been and remains a top priority of PTA to prevent and eliminate gun violence in schools, communities and at home; promote the safety and well-being of all children; and ensure every child has every opportunity to reach their full potential. Our association has developed resources for parents to make sure schools are safe and supportive places for their children, as well as tips on how to talk to their children about violence. We also launched a webpage at PTA.org/MentalHealth with resources to help families learn about mental health and some of the most pressing issues and approaches, along with tools to help families cope. We encourage everyone to get involved in our efforts to protect every child.”
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.
Media Contact
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA
hmay@PTA.org, (703) 518-1242
About NCPTA
North Carolina PTA is the state’s oldest and largest volunteer organization advocating for every child to reach their full potential. Founded in 1919 and affiliated with National PTA, there are more than 920 Parent Teacher Associations in schools across the state with more than 106,000 members. PTAs provide advocacy, vital volunteers, and material resources to their schools. NCPTA supports PTA units and provides programs, training, and advocacy on behalf of North Carolina’s children. To learn more about NCPTA, please visit our website at www.ncpta.org.
Contact: Francelia Burwell, President
North Carolina PTA
Phone (919) 787-0534
3501 Glenwood Ave
Raleigh, NC 27612
2019-2020 NCPTA Awards Winners
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And the Winners Are…
The Pandemic May Have Delayed This Recognition But We Are Ecstatic to Celebrate & Congratulate the NCPTA 2019-20 Award Winners
Community Partner
Summerfield Fire Department, Summerfield, Guilford County
Diversity and Inclusion
R.N. Harris Elementary School, Durham County
Gwin G Hughes Healthy Living
Jillian Angel, Northern Elementary School, Guilford County
Heroes and Helpers
Tameka Tucker, Mary C. Williams Elementary School, New Hanover County
Outstanding Volunteer
Lisa Thomas, Summerfield Elementary School, Guilford County
Eric Lavalette, Highcroft Drive Elementary, Wake County
Principal of the Year
Lisa Williams, Sternberger Elementary School, Guilford County
School Nurse
Anita Alday, Summerfield Elementary School, Guilford County
Teacher of the Year
HarleyAnn Lesher, Creedmoor Elementary School, Granville County (4+ Years Teaching)
Membership Enrollment Recognitions
Gold Acorn
Northern Elementary School, Guilford County
Silver Acorn
Sternberger Elementary School, Guilford County
Ruby Acorn
Edwin A. Anderson Elementary School, New Hanover County
Corriher Lipe Middle School, Rowan County
Green Hope Elementary School, Wake County
Holly Ridge Elementary School, Wake County
Holly Springs Elementary School, Wake County
Leesville Road Elementary School, Wake County
Northern Guilford Middle School, Guilford County
Ogden Elementary School, New Hanover County
Shughart Middle School, Moore County
Summerfield Elementary School, Guilford County
The School for Creative Studies, Durham County
Vena Wilburn Elementary School, Wake County
Wilsons Mill Elementary School, Johnston County
Achievement Awards
Council Level
Superior
Cumberland County Council of PTAs
Distinguished
Wake County PTA Council
Local Unit Level
Superior
Seventy First High School, Cumberland County
The School for Creative Studies, Durham County
Distinguished
Chicod Elementary-Middle School, Pitt County
Creedmoor Elementary School, Granville County
First Ward Creative Arts Academy, Mecklenburg County
Holly Springs Elementary School, Wake County
Lynn Road Elementary School, Wake County
Northern Elementary School, Guilford County
Northern Guilford High School, Guilford County
Panther Creek High School, Wake County
Summerfield Elementary School, Guilford County
Sternberger Elementary School, Guildford County
Vena Wilburn Elementary School, Wake County
Outstanding
Edwin A. Anderson Elementary School, New Hanover County
Ranson Middle School, Mecklenburg County
The Awards Celebration will be held during our Virtual State Convention. Be sure to join us at the NCPTA Virtual Awards Celebration and Virtual Dance Party on Friday, July 30, 2021 beginning at 6:00 p.m. to be recognized.
2021/2022 NCPTA Food Pantry & PTA Community Garden Grants Appliations Now Open!
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The NCPTA 2021/22 Food Pantry/PTA Community Garden Grants application is now open!
The $2,000 grant funding is intended to support your PTA in creating an action plan to help meet the most pressing needs of your school community in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic-Food Insecurity. Your school PTA will be able to choose how to spend the funding, but we ask that you use the money to address one of the areas listed below to help as many families in and around the surrounding areas (they do not just have to be current PTA members).
- Food Pantry
- PTA Community Garden
Your local unit will create either a Food Pantry run by the local unit PTA and community partners or a Community Garden run by the PTA and community partners accessible by the community.
These $2,000 grants are available to support the rapid and ongoing response addressing both of the new and aggravated challenges across North Carolina communities are facing. This Grant will run for a period of three (3) months.
Over 70% of award monies must support the food insecurities in your community, with an emphasis on healthy and local foods. Eligible expenses can include: cold storage for food distribution, food purchasing related to pantry or garden expenses, and set up costs related to your pantry or garden.
The deadline to apply is August 2, 2021.
Who Can Apply:
- Any Local Unit PTA In good standing.
- Grants may be used to create or enhance already existing programs.
Final Reports:
- A short final report detailing how the $2,000 were used and how this grant benefited your Local Unit PTA and your community will be required at the end of the grant period, as well as:
- 5-10 pictures of your Food Pantry or PTA Community Garden
- 1-1 minute video giving a tour of your Food Pantry or PTA Community Garden
- A FB Live (Can be on your PTA FB Page showing your Food Pantry or PTA Community Garden in action)
- 1 Page Final Report (as detailed above) with detail of expenses spent
- The potential to speak at the NCPTA 2022 Convention
- (This is an ongoing program, the final report will demonstrate the implementation of your program in action.)
Requirements:
All PTA units will be required to be in Good Standing with NCPTA. Also, remember that your Local PTA will need to sign the Grant Agreement. If you have any other questions, please contact, office@ncpta.org.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Notice of Vacancy in Office of NCPTA President
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Notice of Vacancy in Office of NCPTA President
Currently, there is a vacancy on the slate for NCPTA Officers. The NCPTA Nominations Committee is accepting nominations from the floor for NCPTA President.
To express your interest in becoming a candidate to run from the floor, please submit the following to the chair of the NCPTA Nominating Committee no later than June 29 at 11:59pm. Email ALL information to nominations@ncpta.org. Each candidate will have the following posted on the Convention section of NCPTA’s website prior to the Convention. Please prepare a campaign presentation not to exceed 2 minutes to share with the voting delegates during General Session I.
- Brief Biography
- High resolution head shot photo
2021 NCPTA Award Winners Announced
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And the Winners are…
The Awards program of the North Carolina PTA provides us with the opportunity recognize and celebrate the exemplary efforts of PTA/PTSA units, councils, community partners, and individuals throughout our state. It is an opportunity to say “thank you” to deserving people who have contributed greatly to improving the lives of children. NCPTA is incredibly proud to announce the 2021 winners:
Diversity and Inclusion
Pearsontown Elementary School PTA, Durham
Gwin G Hughes Healthy Living
Evan Finch, Carpenter Elementary School, Cary
Heroes and Helpers
Lanier Lewis, Sternberger Elementary School, Greensboro
Outstanding Student Service
Audrey Guyler, Northern Guilford High School, Greensboro
Outstanding Volunteer
William Herrera, Thomas Jefferson Middle School PTA, Winston-Salem
Principal of the Year
Dr. Janiese McKenzie, Northern Guilford High School, Greensboro
School Nurse
Phyllis Simmons, McDeeds Creek Elementary School, Southern Pines
Superintendent of the Year
Cathy Moore, Wake County Public Schools
Teacher of the Year
Julia Minch, Sycamore Creek Elementary School, Raleigh (1-3 Years Teaching Category)
Elizabeth Jones, Summerfield Elementary School, Summerfield (4+ Years Teaching Category)
President’s Membership Award
Chapel Hill High School PTSA, Chapel Hill
Outstanding Local Unit and Council Achievement Recognition Awards
Superior Council
Cumberland County Council
Distinguished Councils
Durham Public Schools Council
Wake County PTA Council
Outstanding Local Units
Highcroft Drive Elementary
Old Richmond Elementary School
Pleasant Union Elementary Sch.
Summerfield Elementary
Swift Creek Elementary School
Distinguished Local Units
Northern Guilford High School
Seventy First High School
Sternberger Elementary School
Membership Enrollment Recognition Awards
Ruby Acorn Awards
Holly Springs Elem. School
Ogden Elementary School
Old Richmond Elementary School
The Awards Celebration will be held during our Virtual State Convention. Be sure to join us at the NCPTA Virtual Awards Celebration and Virtual Dance Party on Friday, July 30, 2021 beginning at 6:00 p.m. to be recognized.
COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available to Everyone Ages 12 and Older
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The Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available to Everyone Ages 12 and Older
Anyone aged 12 and older may now be vaccinated in North Carolina. The vaccine is free everywhere in North Carolina.
The best way to fight COVID-19, slow the spread of the virus and save lives is to get vaccinated and encourage others to get vaccinated. You can visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov for information on health departments and hospitals giving vaccinations in your area.
Additionally, schools who need assistance with a vaccine provider for their student population can fill out this form.
Be sure to check out the Vaccines for Teens toolkit for ready-made materials to share with your PTAs, schools and communities.
Updated 2021-2023 Officer Slate
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Updated 2021-2023 Officer Slate
The NCPTA Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the Slate for State Officers for the 2021-2023 term. The Nominating Committee will present the Slate to delegates at the NCPTA Virtual Convention.
President-Elect: Dr. Shaneeka Moore-Lawrence
My name is Shaneeka Moore-Lawrence and I am honored to be slated as NCPTA President-Elect. NCPTA promotes four things that I hold dearly—students, families, educators, and community. Born in Wilson and raised in Durham, I have been involved with PTA since I was a kindergartener–attending PTA meetings with my mom who was also a teacher at the e
lementary school where I attended. Fast forward many decades and I am proud to say that I have enhanced my work, dedication, and commitment to PTA in many ways. I have been a parent member of my son’s schools’ local PTAs since he was in kindergarten and he is now a senior in high school; I even served on the PTA Board at my son’s elementary school. In addition, for the last 21 years, I have been a teacher or administrator member of every school PTA in which I have worked. I am passionate about collaborating with and empowering students, families, educators, community members, and community organizations to further the mission of NCPTA to make every child’s potential a reality.
I have wholeheartedly served on the NCPTA Board of Directors for four years and during this time I have been honored to work in several capacities including Convention Committee Chair, Events Committee Chair, Strategic Planning and Human Resource Committee Chair, member of the Executive Committee, member of the Nominating Committee, and member of the NCPTA Internet Access and Device Grant Review Team, and member of the NCPTA COVID Relief Grant Review Team. During the pandemic, I have been blessed to be able to aid NCPTA in reaching its members by spearheading the planning and hosting of the virtual events that we have offered since March 2020 including NCPTA Convention 2020, NCPTA Virtual Learning Summer Symposium, NCPTA & North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services School Reopening Town Hall, NCPTA Gates Town Hall meetings, NCPTA Winter Symposium, NCPTA Youth Symposiums, NCPTA Special Education Inclusion Town Hall.
When not “PTAing”, I am a twenty-one year educator with many years as a teacher and now a principal; I am also active in my home, church, and community. My son’s schedule keeps me busy with daily athletic practice and weekly games; those coupled with my duties as Team Mom and Booster Club President. At my church, I am a faithful member serving as President of the Music Department, Chair of Life Line Academy Youth Programming, Member of the Education Committee, usher, choir director, and choir member. My community activism includes volunteering, mentoring youth and other educators, and more.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Danny Thomas, “Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” My life is sweeter because of the joy I get from helping others. I look forward to helping increase NCPTA’s role in enhancing outcomes for all children.
Secretary: Vacant
In Addition, the Following People Have Submitted Required Materials Indicating Intent to Run from the Floor
President-Elect: Melani Harris McNinch
Melani Harris McNinch is a native of Charlotte where she resides with her husband Jeff and their two children Jocelyn and 
Griffin who are both enrolled in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools magnet programs. Melani attended Appalachian State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in History in 1997. Following graduation, Melani taught United States History at her alma mater, East Mecklenburg High School. Melani later began a career in human resources working in the telecommunications, life sciences, and technology industries. Her specialties included employee relations, recruiting, and compensation and benefits administration.
Melani returned to school in 2007 to pursue a career in healthcare. In 2010, she graduated from Carolinas College of Health Science’s School of Nursing. Melani is a registered nurse and has spent the past decade leading quality improvement, population health, and business intelligence programs for integrated healthcare organizations. She is currently a healthcare quality leader focusing on Behavioral Health clinical strategy and performance management.
Melani describes herself as a “chronic volunteer,” serving in numerous roles that benefit the children of North Carolina. Locally, she is past PTA president and treasurer at Huntingtowne Farms International Baccalaureate (IB) Elementary, where her son is a fourth grader, as well as membership and advocacy chair. Additionally, she serves the Mecklenburg Council of PTAs as secretary, following the completion of a two-year term as an at-large director. Melani is also the president of the Dance Arts Booster at Northwest School of the Arts where her daughter is a dance major. In 2017, Melani served on the Vote Yes for School Bonds committee during which a record $922 million in bonds for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools won approval via voter referendum. Melani has also been selected to participate in IB parent focus groups, school administrator interview panels, and school leadership teams, providing a parent perspective to district and school-level decision making. Melani is also a former Girl Scout troop leader and volunteer with the Hornets’ Nest Girl Scouts Council, where she received the Volunteer of Excellence award and was recognized by the Board of Directors with their Appreciation award.
Since 2019 with her election to the NCPTA Board of Directors, Melani has served as a member of the Executive Committee and chair of the Membership Committee. She has partnered with the national PTA organization to bring the All Units on Board program to NCPTA which engages the support of the national membership outreach team in helping local PTA units identify barriers to membership and secure dues revenue. Melani has also partnered with the State Board of Education and the Governor’s Office to provide feedback on plans to ensure North Carolina students received quality instruction during pandemic-related school closures and to develop and enhance this year’s Governor’s School Supply Drive.
Using skills acquired through her diverse professional and personal experience, Melani is eager to continue to share her passion for advocating for the students of North Carolina and helping to identify strategies to engage parents, educators, and community members in using their voice to benefit all children.
Secretary: Bernice Sanders Johnson
Bernice S. Johnson is a native of Winston-Salem, NC. Johnson moved to Wilmington in 1998, shortly after graduating from
North Carolina A&T State University in 1997 with a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering. She later graduated from the Keller Graduate School of Management, where she received a Master’s in Project Management and an MBA with a concentration in Project Management.
Mrs. Johnson currently works at Cape Fear Public Utility Authority where she serves as Senior Project Manager in the Development Services Division.
She was inducted into the Zeta Pi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. on March 9, 2013. She has served as Public Relations Chair, chapter’s historian, and is currently serving as the Regional Chapter Nomination Chair. In addition, she has served on several regional and national committees.
Bernice has also served as the president, treasurer, and secretary of the Mary C. Williams PTA, vice president of NHC Council of PTAs, and volunteers with several community organizations. She is currently the treasurer of the Myrtle Grove PTSA, Member-At-Large on the Mary C. Williams PTA, and President of the NHC Council of PTAs.
In addition, she is a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. where she currently serves as the Financial Secretary.
She is married to Atiba D. Johnson and has two beautiful children, Amir and Atiya.
Ten NC State Reflections Winners Place at the National Level of Reflections
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Ten North Carolina PTA Students Receive National PTA
Honors for Their Talents and Creativity in the Arts
Raleigh, NC. (May 3, 2021)— North Carolina is proud to announce that ten NCPTA State Reflections winners have placed at the National PTA level of Reflections. The awards honor creative interpretations of the theme “I Matter Because…” in the areas of special artist, dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.
“Reflections encourages creativity; it allows students to express themselves through the arts in ways that they may not be able to otherwise,” said Harold Dixon, president of North Carolina PTA. “NCPTA is incredibly proud that in the midst of a pandemic and virtual learning, we still had a strong turnout in participation in the 2020-21 Reflections program. We are incredibly proud of all the student participants across the state of North Carolina and are thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize the students and their creativity.”
Five NCPTA winners have received the National Awards of Excellence, and five have received National Awards of Merit. These national award recipients were chosen from nearly 900 submissions, 223 students representing 38 states for national-level recognition.
Awards of Excellence
- Katarina Lucia Rosario-Soto, Dance Choreography, McDougle Elementary School, Chapel Hill
- Annabelle Pate, Photography , Douglas Creative Arts-Sci. Magnet, Raleigh
- Sai K Pranavan, Special Artist – Music Composition, Morrisville Year Rd. Elementary, Morrisville
- Ritvik Shivakumar, Film Production, Barringer Academic Center, Charlotte
- Jacob Cerveny, Special Artist – Film Production, Douglas Creative Arts-Sci. Magnet, Raleigh
Awards of Merit
- Emily Johnston, Visual Arts, Holly Ridge Middle School, Holly Springs
- Scott McFarland, Music Composition, Myrtle Grove Middle School, Wilmington
- Chloe Viviers, Visual Arts, Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill
- Anna Zwigard, Dance Choreography, R.J. Reynolds High School, Winston-Salem
- Malavika Thayil, Special Artist – Dance Choreography, Carmel Middle School, Charlotte
These young artists will receive prizes, recognition and the opportunity to have their work exhibited by National PTA. For a complete list of available awards and prizes, please the National PTA Reflections awards page.
NCPTA State Reflections Winners
For the full list of the 2020-2021 NCPTA State Reflections winners, please click here.
NCPTA Reflections Gallery
NCPTA is proud of all the talented students across the state. Click to view all the NCPTA State Reflections winners in the 2020-2021 Online Reflections Gallery.
2020-21 Reflections Gallery of State-Level Winners Now Available
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NCPTA has created a gallery of the 2020-2021 Reflections “I Matter Because…” state-level winners. Enjoy!
In case you missed it… Click here to watch the Virtual Reflections Celebration!
Congratulations to the National PTA Reflections Winners from NC!
Dance Choreography Gallery
Film Production Gallery
Literature Gallery
Music Composition Gallery
Photography Gallery
Special Artist Recognition Gallery
Visual Arts Gallery
