Programs and Resources
PTA Programs and Resources
National PTA and Utah PTA provide many programs and resources for local PTA units. Programs and resources are supported and made available through Utah PTA commissions. All of the links are live when you access the handbook online or through the Utah PTA app.
National PTA Resources
National PTA website: PTA.org
Grants at PTA.org/Grants
One Voice National PTA
Our Children e-magazine
National Standards for Family-School Partnerships
Notes from the Backpack podcast
Parent Guides to Student Success
PTA Local Leaders Facebook group
PTA Takes Action Alerts (legislative)
National and Utah PTA Programs
National and Utah PTA Programs
Bullying: Connect for Respect
Take Your Family to School Week
Utah PTA Programs
Battle of the Bands (PTSA)
Practical PTA via Zoom
Teen Healthy Relationships Month (PTSA)
Utah PTA Conferences and Trainings
Advocacy Conference (Fall)
Leadership Convention (May)
PTA Day at the Capitol (January)
Founders Day (February)
PTSA Student Leadership Conference
Utah PTA Awards, Grants and Scholarships
Additional Committees
Executive Committee members and commissioners represent children’s interests by attending or sitting on numerous different committees across the state. These committees include government task forces, state organizations, and community partners.
Some of these committees include:
Action for Healthy Kids Utah
Artworks for Kids
Assessment and Accountability Policy Advisory Committee
Early Childhood Commission
Parents Empowered
Safe Kids Utah
Suicide Prevention Faith Advisory Committee
Trust Lands Advisory Committees (TLAC/SITLA/SITFO)
Uplift Families / ResilientYOU
Stand4Kind
Utah Division of Arts and Museums (UDAM)
Utah Gun Safety Coalition
Utah Public Education Coalition
Utah Safe Utah App Committee
Utah State Board of Education (USBE)
Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition
Utah Tobacco Free Alliance
Executive Committee - Officers
President
Awards board specialist: Utah PTA awards
Bylaws board specialist
President-elect
Regions Vice President
Region directors
Council presidents
Region and Council Financial
Advocacy Vice President
Advocacy Conference
PTA Day at the Capitol
Trustlands board specialist
Resolutions board specialist
Treasurer
Secretary
Directors
Communications
Social media, press releases, practical PTA, student scholarships
Membership
Membership awards
Membership contests
Leadership
L.E.A.P. Awards
Utah PTA Gold Star Awards
Representatives
Administrative representatives
Teacher representative
Commissioners/Specialists/Programs
At the state level, Utah PTA commissions consist of Community Engagement, Education, Family Life, Health, Individual Development, Safety, and Student Leadership. Some commissions have specialist committees associated with the commission, like Reflections and Family Engagement. Utah PTA commissioners along with community partners are there to provide program ideas and resources for specific areas of concern for local commissioners. Information on each commission can be found at utahpta.org under Resources.
Community Engagement
Diversity and Inclusivity
Male Engagement
Education
Special Needs
Family Life
Digital Wellness
Family Engagement
Military Family
Health
Individual Development
Arts Education Grant
Arts Supplies Grant
Character Development
Reflections
Safety
Student Leadership
Battle of the Bands
PTSA Student Day at the Capitol
Student Leadership Conference
Developing goals and plans that meet the interests and needs of a school community are primary objectives of a local PTA board. These objectives can be met through the structure of commissions, committees, programs, and events.
Commissions: At a local level, a commission is over several committees/programs/events, like an umbrella, with a specific issue or concern in mind.
Examples: Community Engagement, Education, Family Life, Health, Individual Development Safety, Student Leadership
Committees: At a local level, a committee is tasked to plan and carry out a specific event or program.
Sometimes there is a committee and sometimes it can be chaired by a single person.
Examples: Reflections, safety patrol, student club, spelling bee, room parents, student scholarships, membership, newsletter, and social media
Programs: A PTA program is a program which the membership deems important to your school community through a needs assessment.
Examples: Grad night, spelling bee, Reflections, Battle of the Bands, School of Excellence, fundraisers, spirit nights/family nights
Events: The place and time at which a PTA program happens. Usually a PTA program that is a one time thing.
Examples: Guest speakers at PTA meetings, family nights, art walks, carnivals, field day
Commissions
Utah PTA commissions and related areas of concern are available to support local units. Under each commission is a brief description of the work of that commission and a list of program ideas and resources for your local unit to adapt and use. Areas of concern may overlap among commissions.
Community Engagement
The Community Engagement Commission will involve members of the community, business, religious, and government entities in improving the quality of life and education of all children. Working together opens new horizons of possibilities for our future.
On a local level, the programs the commissioner will cover are determined by their executive board based on the needs assessment, which is done at the beginning of the year. Some of the ideas could include:
Business partnerships utahpta.org/sponsorships-partnerships-donations
Come Play with PTA utahpta.org/come-play
Community/public relations utahpta.org/director-communications
Diversity and Inclusivity utahpta.org/diversity-inclusivity-specialist
Educating family and community groups
Education foundations utahpta.org/education-commissioner
Family engagement utahpta.org/family-life-commissioner
Information/communication network plans
Life-long education/community education utahpta.org/education-eommissioner
Male Engagement utahpta.org/male-engagement-specialist
Parent/community engagement events utahpta.org/community-engagement
School trust land use and management utahpta.org/trust-lands
Take Your Family to School Week utahpta.org/family-life
Teacher appreciation utahpta.org/teacher-appreciation-week
Volunteer coordination utahpta.org/appreciating-your-volunteers-awards
Volunteers utahpta.org/volunteering
Education Commission
The mission of the Utah PTA Education Commission is to become knowledgeable about the issues which affect the education of students in the state of Utah, to take positive action to further the Purposes of PTA in promoting the welfare of children and youth at home and at school, and to promote programs which benefit and strengthen education through parental involvement.
On a local level, the programs the commissioner will cover are determined by their executive board based on the needs assessment, which is done at the beginning of the year. Some of the ideas could include:
Literacy
America’s Battle of the Books BattleOfTheBooks.org
Book It Reading Program BookItProgram.com
Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) ReadingRockets.org/Calendar/Dear
DYAD Reading Method Schools.Utah.gov/Curr/Dyad
Jumpstart Read for the Record JStart.org/Read-For-The-Record/
Ken Garff - Keys to Success KTSUtah.org
KUED Annual Reading Marathon PBSUtah.org/Kids/Reading-Marathon/29th-Annual-Reading-Marathon/
National PTA - Family Reading Experience PTA.org/Home/Programs/Family-Reading
Read Across America ReadAcrossAmerica.org
Read Today (KSL) ReadToday.com/
STAR Tutoring Program Schools.Utah.gov/file/f6c8806e-a878-48d4-9ae2-cc4ca2c1314b
STEM
National PTA – STEM + Families PTA.org/Home/Programs/Stem
STEM Education Ideas utahpta.org/Stem-Education
Special Education
National PTA - Special Education Toolkit PTA.org/Home/Family-Resources/Special-Education-Toolkit
Online Education
Utah’s Statewide Online Education Program Schools.Utah.gov/EdOnline
Family Life
The goal of the Utah PTA Family Life Commission is to promote healthy family relationships, thus resulting in success of children in all aspects of their lives. Utah PTA believes that the first and most important teacher throughout a child’s life is the parent. The Family Life Commissioner aims to provide information and resources for parents and families as they encounter different stages and challenges of life. Specifically this includes early childhood, military families, digital wellness, family engagement, family relationships, and so much more related to the family life.
On a local level, the programs the commissioner will cover are determined by their executive board based on the needs assessment, which is done at the beginning of the year. Some of the ideas could include:
Adoptions
Blended families
Child abuse: neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation
Child care
Child identity theft
Child welfare improvement
Center for Family Engagement: PTA.org/Home/Family-Resources
Critical viewing skills, media, and violence
Digital Wellness
Domestic violence
Early childhood
Educating family and community groups
Family Education Plan (FEP)
Family engagement
Family literacy
Foster care
Homeless children
Kindergarten readiness
Low-income children/Title I/Headstart
Military families
National Standards for Family-School Partnerships
National Family Month: TalkItOver.org/National-Family-Month/
Non-traditional families
Parent/family centers
Parent/family involvement
Parent support groups
Preschools
Prevent child abuse
Quality parent training
Take Your Family to School Week
Health
The goal of the Utah PTA Health Commission is to provide and utilize resources that are targeted to protect and improve the health of children and youth; to design, identify, and implement programs in areas of priority and concern; and, to build public awareness that will improve the quality of life for the children of Utah.
On a local level, the programs the commissioner will cover are determined by their executive board based on the needs assessment, which is done at the beginning of the year. Some of the ideas could include:
AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Alcohol/drug/tobacco education
Autism
Dental care
Eating disorders: Anorexia/Bulimia
Environmental health
Growth/maturation
Health fairs
Health needs of exceptional children/“At-Risk” children
Heat stress, dehydration, and sun exposure
Healthy lifestyles
Immunizations
Juvenile migraines
Mental and emotional health
Mental illness
Nutrition
Obesity
Personal care and hygiene/dental care
Public health
Physical fitness
School Health Councils
School lunch
School nurses
Stress control/emotional illness
Substance abuse
Teenage pregnancy/sexual responsibility
Vision/hearing/Scoliosis screenings
Youth and teen suicide/Suicide Prevention Toolkit
Individual Development
The mission of the Utah PTA Individual Development Commission is to assist parents, teachers, and PTA leaders in building future leaders, through art and music education, character development, and programs that build self-esteem for all children; to take positive action to further the Purpose of PTA in promoting the welfare of children and youth at home and at school; and to promote programs which benefit and strengthen arts and cultural education through parental involvement.
On a local level, the programs the commissioner will cover are determined by their executive board based on the needs assessment, which is done at the beginning of the year. Some of the ideas could include:
Art and Humanities Month (October)
ArtWorks for Kids!
Artist in residence
Character development
Citizen/character/holistic education
Civic Education and Involvement
Cultural arts
Dance in Your Schools Month - NHSDA (March)
Life skills development
Music in Our Schools Month (March)
National Art Day (October 25th)
National Poetry Month (April)
Reflections
Self-esteem
Values training
Youth Art Month (April)
Safety
The purpose of the Utah PTA Safety Commission is to advocate for children and youth in order to provide a safe environment at home, at school, and in the community; to involve parents, teachers, students, and community in safety issues; and to develop and implement programs that educate and inform to meet the needs of your community in safety issues.
On a local level, the programs the commissioner will cover are determined by their executive board based on the needs assessment, which is done at the beginning of the year. Some of the ideas could include:
Alcohol-Related Accidents/DUI/Impaired Driving
Bicycle safety
Bullying/hazing/sexual harassment/cyber bullying
Child restraints/seat belt safety
Crime prevention
Digital Wellness
Emergency preparedness
Fire safety
Firearm safety
Gang activity
Helmet use
Internet safety
Personal safety programs
Personal safety of kids/missing and exploited children/human trafficking
Playground safety
Poison awareness
Pornography
Raves
Safe schools/violence prevention
Safe walking routes/pedestrian safety
School bus safety
School safety
Seat belt safety
Sexual harassment and sexual violence affecting students
Traffic safety
Vandalism/graffiti
Student Leadership
On the secondary school level, PTA expands to include students. Students are encouraged to become members, turning PTA at the school into PTSA. Local PTSAs include students in leadership activities and events, and should encourage students to advocate for themselves with a focus on leadership, positive behaviors, and service. The following areas could help focus their efforts based on the needs at your school:
Alcohol/drug/tobacco education
At-risk students:
Eating disorders
Gang prevention
Nutrition and physical fitness
Runaway and Homeless Youth
Teen suicide
Bullying/hazing/sexual harassment
Character education/values training
Citizenship
College/career readiness
Driver education/novice drivers
Healthy relationships
Inclusion
Internet safety/cell phone usage
Parent/family involvement
Peer mentoring
Safe schools
Service learning
Student leadership
Teenage pregnancy/sexual responsibility
Programs and Resources Created By PTA For PTA
While there are many programs that PTAs can use, the following programs have been created by National PTA and Utah PTA. They have been designed to help PTAs build their community and provide support to parents and families for specific issues they are facing.
PTA Take Your Family To School Week
Occurs during a designated week each February
PTA Take Your Family to School Week is a way to attract families to your school. Invite family members to step away from their daily grind and into the school during PTA Take Your Family to School Week. This special week is designed to connect families with their child’s school experience, and hosting PTA Take Your Family to School Week events will help strengthen the parent-school partnerships throughout the year.
By planning organized activities for families at the school:
Parents gain a new perspective on their children's school day.
Teachers build positive partnerships with parents.
Children know that their family cares and values education.
Schools build an excellent reputation in the community as an open welcoming place for families.
Studies show that a child’s academic performance increases when their parents become involved in their education.
Ideas for PTA Take Your Family to School Week:
Open Gym Day: Get In The Game! Set up for volleyball, softball, kickball, or basketball on the school grounds.
Family Food Functions:
Host mealtime opportunities with options like “Guests and Goodies” or “Parents and Pastries.”
Evening meals: ethnic pot luck, barbecue, or indoor picnic where families bring food.
Wall of Fame: Who’s Who at the School
Students interview teachers and adults at the school. They can use quotes, photos, pictures, and facts for a "Wall of Fame."
School Lunch Together.
Parents go through the lunch line with their student and eat lunch together.Family Heritage Exhibit:
Families contribute artifacts that highlight the history and diversity of all the members of the school’s community.
National PTA School of Excellence
National PTA School of Excellence recognition program opens the lines of communication and critical thinking within school communities to make data-driven decisions that yield positive, long-term results.
National PTA School of Excellence is a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students. By enrolling in this program, your PTA and school administrators are making a year-long commitment in identifying and implementing an action plan for school improvement based on PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships and Transformative Family Engagement.
Those that exhibit improvement are honored as National PTA Schools of Excellence, a distinction that spans two years. Honorees receive celebration tools and automatic consideration for the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award and a $2,000 grant for their school. PTAs are encouraged to renew their designation each year, or every other year, to continue to build on their momentum.
Your School of Excellence designation will help attract new, action-oriented PTA members who want to focus on the issues that affect our children the most. And being a National PTA School of Excellence will open the door to other honors and opportunities for your school.
Enrollment is open June 1 to October 1 each school year. To find more information and to enroll, visit: PTA.org/Home/Programs/National-PTA-School-of-Excellence
Utah PTA Family Health Night Toolkit
https://www.utahpta.org/family-health-night
As a Health Commission we believe in whole-child wellness that will help to make every child’s potential a reality! Use the power of collaboration with school district health professionals and community partners to bring resources and fun to your school community. In the toolkit you will find Planning Materials, Printables, Digital Fliers and examples of Brochures you can use.
Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bands (BOB) is an official Utah PTA program for PTSAs.
Utah PTA’s Battle of the Bands is the only PTA program like it in the country. Beginning in 2002, a competition between high school bands was created. In its current form, there are three levels of competition.
School Playoffs
One band representing each school will move on to the multi-region competition. Each school that has more than one band applying to compete will hold a school competition. This will be run by the school PTSA president or BOB Chair. All school winner applications will be forwarded by the school PTSA president or BOB Chair to the region director or chair in charge of their multi-region competition by March 1.
Multi-Region Competition
Multi-region competitions will take place between March 1-31. The region director or chair will be in touch with all school winners with the date, time, and place of the multi-region competition. Three bands from each multi-region competition will advance to the state BOB. Each multi-region will decide which three bands will advance, some send first and second place and then the audience favorite, and some send the top three place bands. The multi-region competition winner’s application will be sent on to the Utah PTA Student Leadership Commissioner by the region director or chair. Multi-region entries due to Utah PTA by April 1.
State Competition
The state Battle of the Bands will include the three entries from each multi-region competition and may have other entrants through areas that may not have a multi-region, or there are other possible wild card entries. State BOB has traditionally been held around the end of April or beginning of May.
Rules are updated each year, so for a complete packet with rules and forms go to our website: utahpta.org/Battle-Bands
November Military Family Month
Concert and Essay Contest
Attention All PTA Families
Utah PTA and Utah National Guard Celebrate Military Family Month With a Concert Held Around Veterans Day Every Year.
Essay Contest
Utah PTA, in partnership with Utah National Guard, is also holding an essay contest for military families! The three winning students from elementary school, middle school/junior high, and high school from military families will be honored at this concert and receive a valuable prize!
A military family is one that has father, mother, sister, or brother who has served or is presently serving in the Active, Reserve, or National Guard (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard). If children live with guardians who are presently serving, they are also included.
The theme for the essay contest is “Why I Am Proud of My Veteran!” The essay must be no more than 500 words. You can email or send the essay to Utah PTA Military Family Specialist at MilitaryFamilies@utahpta.org. Word format is preferred. The article can be sent anytime before the deadline. The articles must be in by the due date listed at utahpta.org/Veterans-Day-Concert-Essay-Contest. If you have any questions or need more information please contact:
Utah PTA Military Families Specialist
5192 S. Greenpine Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
Phone: 801-261-3100
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is generally held the last full week in October.
In many schools, PTAs plan the Red Ribbon Week activities. Utah PTA in collaboration with prevention experts created a Red Ribbon Week Toolkit.
This toolkit is meant to be a helpful guide when planning Red Ribbon Week activities. Included in this kit are ways that adults can engage students in effective drug prevention messaging and activities that are based on prevention science and research. The categories and themes are meant to be guides in assisting adults to develop activities during Red Ribbon Week that will target their individual communities, schools, and students as needed. Activities are separated out by ages (elementary, secondary, or both) and include instructions, templates, and resources needed for implementation. Feel free to adjust activities and themes as needed.
To access the Red Ribbon Week Toolkit, visit: utahpta.org/brand-new-red-ribbon-week-toolkit
Suicide Prevention Toolkit
In a time when suicide is the leading cause of death among Utah youth, it is more important than ever for families, educators, and community members to be educated about suicide and suicide prevention. This evidence-based toolkit has been created by prevention specialists in collaboration with Utah PTA with a singular goal in mind: to help every child in Utah. It contains a combination of upstream, midstream, and downstream approaches designed to help children of all ages in their homes, at PTA activities, in the classroom, and more.
It is our hope that each PTA/PTSA will have a prevention specialist who can help implement these ideas throughout the year into things you are already doing, adding a prevention piece to as many activities as possible in order to keep the conversation going.
The activities suggested in the “School Support” section align with the Utah State Board of Education Core Standards for health and are designed to be used by educators and others in the classroom.
Activities are separated by ages (elementary, secondary, or both) and include instructions, templates, and resources needed for implementation. Feel free to adjust activities as needed.
To access the Toolkit, visit: utahpta.org/Suicide-Prevention-Toolkit