You ARE a Model PTA – so get recognized for it! Read this for easy instructions.

From the Desk of John Martin, District 10 Director

The Nobel Prize, a Fulbright Scholarship, and the Model PTA Award all have something in common. They represent excellence – a gold standard that others can look up to – a goal worth reaching. 

Your PTA deserves the credit and the recognition that goes along with this award. I know from experience – this award makes parents, teachers, and your principal feel good about your school and about what your PTA is doing. And it’s not an empty accolade – it is proof that you are doing right by those kids, day in and day out.

The good news about the Model PTA Award is that, while it is a prestigious honor, it isn’t competitive – and it’s easier than you think to apply. If you do all of the things that you are supposed to do this year, and fill out a simple form, you are likely to earn it.

Really? Is that it? Well, let’s look it over. 

You can get the form here and follow along with me:

• Complete 13 of the 15 Administrative Guidelines. The first 8 of these are mandatory anyway – filing audits, submitting members, making a budget – things you are already doing!
• Complete the Operational Guidelines – these help guide your family engagement strategy.
• Take the Model PTA Challenge – complete one or more options found on the Operational Guidelines.
• Submit the Model PTA Award Cover Sheet and a completed copy of BOTH the Administrative Guidelines and the Operational Guidelines to Georgia PTA. It must be postmarked by the second Friday in March. Submit a copy to your council leaders as well. 

Now, you’ll notice that there are deadlines that you are suppose to make for some of these benchmarks. The guidelines state “Even if a local unit misses a recommended date on the Administrative Guidelines, it should still “check the box” when the criterion is completed and initial and date.” You will still get credit – as long as you don’t miss that all important final deadline – March 13, 2020.

How many of you have a child who frustrated you by getting a “Not Handed In” note on an assignment that you know your child completed? You go through their locker or their bookbag and there it is! If you don’t turn in your Model PTA Award form by March 13, that is essentially what you are doing. So get credit for the work you are already doing! Start the Model PTA Award form and turn it on time! And then, after you earn it – promote that fact through your school newsletter, bulletin boards, and even local media.

On behalf of ALL the children, thank you for doing all you can do,

John Martin
District 10 Director, 2019-2021
director@gaptadistrict10.com