Happy New Year to all of you lovely and dedicated PTA leaders! As we kick off the second half of the school year, PTA events will start to ramp up again. LAPTA is currently focusing on:
1) Reflections Arts Contest deadline of January 19
2) 2025 $1 membership dues increase from National PTA
3) 2025 National PTA Legislative Conference (LegCon)
4) Reaching our 2025 membership goal of 11,000
1) Reflections Contest Deadline is January 19
For those hosting the Reflections Arts Program at their school, the deadline to submit your winners to LAPTA is January 19, 2025. Here is the portal link to submit your entries. It is also posted at LouisianaPTA.org/reflections with directions and video help. Email Rachel Penwell with any questions at Reflections@LouisianaPTA.org.
2) Upcoming $1 Dues Increase
National PTA voted at its 2024 Convention to increase its dues by $1.00. Starting on July 1, 2025, membership dues that are collected by LAPTA will increase by $1 to $4.50/person. LAPTA retains $1.25 for LAPTA and forwards $3.25 to National PTA. The $1.00 increase will:
Provide parent voice to the White House, Administration and Congress
Coordinate federal policy and legislative advocacy
Develop programmatic resources to address families’ needs
Train and develop resources for all volunteer leaders
Secure millions of dollars in grants to local, council, region, district and state PTAs
Provide PTA signature opportunities like the Reflections and School of Excellence programs
Facilitate national events like LegCon and Annual Convention
Promote and defend the PTA brand
Read more details at The Value of PTA Membership and What National PTA Does to Grow Membership.
Local PTAs can increase their dues with the approval of their General Membership. See details on how this is done at LouisianaPTA.org/bylaws.
3) 2025 Legislative Conference
National PTA has its annual Legislative Conference from March 4 - 6, 2025 which is virtual this year. LegCon is where PTA members meet with their federal congressmen to discuss issues set by National PTA that affect children and education. With the opening day corresponding with Mardi Gras, LAPTA will adjust the dates to meet with our congressmen. Keep an eye out for upcoming details on how to attend virtually on behalf of LAPTA. Contact Giselle Allen, LAPTA Federal Legislative Chair, at FLC@LouisianaPTA.org with questions or if you know you'd already like to attend. We'd love to have you join us!
4) Membership Goal
LAPTA has a total of 8,150 members so far for 2024-25 year! We are at 74% of our 11,000 goal. Thank you to all who have submitted dues. For those who have not, please remember to submit dues for your members at LouisianaPTA.org/submitdues.
Thank you for all you're doing at your school!
Beth Maillho
LAPTA President
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