PTA State Office 1747 Orlando Central Parkway Orlando, Florida 32809 (800) 373-5782

2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org INSIDE THIS REPORT

Our Mission ...... 1 The Leadership Development Commission ...... 19 Our Purpose ...... 2 The Regions and Councils Commission ...... 27 Our Values ...... 3 The Membership Development Commission ...... 31 The 2019-2020 Board of Directors ...... 4 The Educational Development Commission ...... 37 Celebrated Successes ...... 5 The Treasurer ...... 43 The President ...... 6 The Secretary ...... 45 The President-Elect ...... 9 The Office Staff ...... 47 The Advocacy Commission ...... 13 Sponsors ...... 49

2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org OUR MISSION

TO MAKE EVERY CHILD’S POTENTIAL A REALITY BY ENGAGING AND EMPOWERING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TO ADVOCATE FOR ALL CHILDREN

1 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org OUR PURPOSE

Our purpose is . . . ▪ To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, places of worship, and throughout the community; ▪ To raise the standards of home life; ▪ To advocate for laws that further the education, physical and mental health, welfare, and safety of children and youth; ▪ To promote the collaboration and engagement of families and educators in the education of children and youth; ▪ To engage the public in united efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of all children and youth; and ▪ To advocate for fiscal responsibility regarding public tax dollars in public education funding.

2 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org OUR VALUES

We value and foster . . . ▪ Collaboration: We will work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to broaden and enhance our ability to serve and advocate for all children and families; ▪ Commitment: We are dedicated to children’s educational success, health, and well-being through strong family and community engagement, while remaining accountable to the principles upon which our association was founded; ▪ Diversity: We acknowledge the potential of everyone without regard, including but not limited to: age, culture, economic status, educational background, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, legal status, marital status, mental ability, national origin, organizational position, parental status, physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and work experience; ▪ Respect: We value the individual contributions of members, employees, volunteers, and partners as we work collaboratively to achieve our association’s goals; and ▪ Accountability: All members, employees, volunteers, and partners have a shared responsibility to align their efforts toward the achievement of our association’s strategic initiatives.

3 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org Florida PTA 2019 – 2020 Board of Directors Officers: Leadership Development: Regions and Councils: Linda Kearschner, President Gamal Mack, Diversity, Equity & Pam Korithoski (Alachua) (Pinellas) Inclusion (Orange) Earlyn Barton (Broward) Jennifer Martinez, President-Elect Janet Lamoureux, Leadership Theresa Rogers (Duval) (Palm Beach) Convention Management (Polk) Tori Woods (Escambia) Carolyn Nelson-Goedert, Vice Burton Miller, Family & Community Damaris Allen (Hillsborough) President for Leadership Engagement (Broward) Julia White (Indian River) Development (-Dade) Jude Bruno, Student Engagement Jessica Summers, Vice President (Miami-Dade) Andi McAvoy (Martin) for Regions and Councils (Pinellas) Membership Development: Beth Edwards (Miami-Dade) Maxine Lewers, Vice President for Katie Burris, Awards () Tracy Strecker (Orange) Membership Development Naomi Frierson, Membership Charmain Postel (Palm Beach) (Broward) (Hillsborough) Denise Nicholas (Pasco) Angela Gallo, Vice President for Renee Grutman, Sponsor Lawrence Clermont (Pinellas) Educational Development (Orange) Engagement (Broward) Annette Rising (Polk) Dominique Zak, Youth Member (Pinellas) Karen Mazzola, Treasurer Robin DeVault, Scholarships Shelley Pedraza (Seminole) Dr. Leon Hobbs (Sarasota) (Seminole) (Hillsborough) Linda Witherwax (Volusia) Cynthia Gerhardt, Immediate Past President Alvin Gainey, Secretary (Miami- Educational Development: Dade) Alana Hamblin, Reg. 1 Julie Palm, Parliamentarian Eric Stern, College & Career Joseph Piecora, Reg. 2 Faye Norris, Consultant Advocacy: Readiness (Palm Beach) Felita Tutt, Reg. 3 Denise Palazzo, Consultant Dr. Danielle Thomas, Legislation Wendy Corso-Ruud, Cultural Arts Tina Young, Reg. 4 Jean Hovey, Executive Director (Orange) (Palm Beach) Katrena McMahan Reg. 5 Khanh-Lien Banko, Resolutions Lamia Lee, Early Childhood (Alachua) (Broward) Jessica Kociara, Reg. 6 Linda Nestor, Media & Marketing Antoinette Nielson, Exceptional Dr. Teena White, Reg. 7 (Broward) Childhood (Polk) Debbie Sawa-Szostak, Health & Wellness (Pinellas)

4 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org LINDA KEARSCHNER FLORIDA PTA PRESIDENT, 2018 – 2020

6 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org JENNIFER MARTINEZ FLORIDA PTA PRESIDENT-ELECT, 2018 – 2020

10 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org From the President-Elect Wow these 2 years seem to have flown by! While this was not the ending we would have wanted, expected or planned for, together we adjusted, came together and found new ways to make a difference. While we wait to hear what the fall or even the upcoming school year as a whole will look like, I know we stand ready to think outside the box to engage, educate and empower our members, students and communities. I am very proud of everything our PTA’s were able to accomplish during this pandemic. We changed our entire path on short notice and did it with smiles and PTA flexibility. Hearing your success stories has brighten my days and I look forward to what new and creative ideas you will come with to not only increase membership but to engage our communities. As I reflect back on the complete term I am flooded with memories of the dedicated and passionate PTA volunteers and staff that I have been privileged to meet, learn from and work with throughout the state and across our nation. From local units, county councils, state committees and commissions, our members have continued the legacy of our great association by providing invaluable programs and services to our schools and communities, by engaging and empowering families, and advocating for ALL Children! I have been honored to work alongside Legislation Committee Chair Dr. Danielle Thomas, Marketing Chair Linda Nestor and Resolutions Committee Chair Khanh-Lien Banko who are tireless champions for all of our children. It is due to the work of these hard working committees that we have seen the influence and impact of Florida PTA continue to grow this year. We have invigorated partnerships and added new allies to help us achieve our mission. I was honored to serve with an incredible Executive Committee that works tirelessly to keep PTA at the forefront of all matters regarding education and children, their efforts guide the work of their commissions with energy and enthusiasm. I am privileged to serve with President Linda Kearschner, whose leadership has inspired our association to expand our vision for the future, serve our communities, and align with new advocacy partners so that we can identify and address issues that disproportionately affect our underserved and most vulnerable students and families. I hope that you take the time to review the information in our Annual Report. It’s important for you to know how hard your Florida PTA Board of Directors works for ALL Children throughout Florida and beyond. I hope you feel a sense of pride while viewing the accomplishments described in the annual report. Without our members none of this would be possible. Whether it’s in our schools, in our neighborhoods or in our Capitol, dedicated PTA volunteers like you are out there continuing to make a difference. I look forward to what we will achieve as we move forward together. Thank you for all you do everyday for ALL Children!

11 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org Looking Forward . . . If you are like me, many of us are thinking the same thing. What is next for us? How will we move forward after this global pandemic? With so much uncertainty around schools starting, and what that will even look like, whether volunteers will be allowed on campuses and how will we have membership drives, just to name a few. It will start here, with ALL of us, working together. No one has been where we are today, no one. There is no lifeline to call a friend and say how did you overcome this, it will be up to us to come together as we have for over 125 years and reimagine what our PTA/PTSA’s will look like. The main ingredient to that is YOU! Thank you for stepping up by being a member, a local unit or county council leader, state board or executive committee leader. Together with out of the box thinking, open minds and intentional conversations, we can continue the long history of advocating for ALL Children! Engagement will play a major factor in how we move forward. Seeking out new ways to engage and inspire not only our schools but our communities as well. I know we are up to the task, with a support network like no other; we can achieve what seems impossible. At the heart of children/families, schools/districts and communities, is us, PTA. Now we move forward asking ourselves, how will we PTA? I look forward to you joining me on this journey as we navigate our way to new possibilities! The Family Reunion Tour starts July 20, 2020. I am ready and I hope you are too. Join your PTA Family and together let us navigate our way through these uncharted waters. Let us find new and creative ways to reengage our members, reenergize our communities and continue to advocate and empower our legislators to pass common sense and applicable laws. Laws that are not just for our schools and school district communities but also for the health and well-being for ALL Children! To help us stay connected please remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. - Jen Martinez

12 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org ADVOCACY COMMISSION

We are extremely proud of the work of this commission achieved throughout this term. The leadership of the committee chairs and the diligent effort on the parts of all committee members have again resulted in major victories this year for Florida PTA and the students of our state. Each of these committees continue to grow and strengthen the voice, the influence, and the impact of Florida PTA. The Advocacy Commission is made up of the Legislative, Resolutions and Marketing Committees. The Advocacy Commission is made up of the Legislation, Resolutions, Media & Marketing and Bylaws Committees.

Committee Chairs: Dr. Danielle Thomas, Legislation Chair (Orange) Khanh-Lien Banko, Resolutions Chair (Alachua) Linda Nestor, Media & Marketing Chair (Broward) Jennifer Martinez, Bylaws Chair (Palm Beach)

13 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org LEGISLATION COMMITTEE This year, 2019-2020, the Legislation Committee planned and provided the Legislative Conference held in Tallahassee at the TCC Center for Innovation January 26-28, 2020. Prior to LegCon, the committee provided 2 webinars to help LegCon attendees prepare for their time in Tallahassee and in our state Capitol. This was the highest attended event since it began with over 130 participants.

The webinars presented were on November 12, 2019 and January 7, 2020. These webinars walked participants through what to expect at LegCon, how to schedule and prepare for Legislator visits, and how Florida PTA’s position statements drive our advocacy. During the 2020 Legislative Session, Florida PTA’s Legislation Committee ran 2 bills, one bill addressing Baker Acts and another on Committee Members: Dyslexia. While neither bill was pass in their entirety, both bills did receive at least one committee hearing. Several pieces of the Baker Act bill were added to another Mental Health bill that did pass Dr. Danielle Thomas, Chair (Orange) both chambers and is expected to be signed by the Governor. The Dyslexia bill, which originated Damaris Allen (Hillsborough) * Khanh-Lien Banko (Alachua) from Decoding Dyslexia Florida, will be filed again in 2021. Laura Fellman (Palm Beach) * Angie Gallo (Orange) The Legislation Committee also monitored hundreds of bills during the 2020 Legislative Session. Mindy Haas (NC) * Linda Kearschner (Pinellas) Those bills included early childhood, education, mental health, and safety. This also included Dr. Nancy Lawther (Miami-Dade) * Jennifer Martinez (Palm Beach) monitoring the education budget and advocating for areas including teacher salaries, school safety drills, increased access to mental health services, changes to student assessments, and higher Karen Mazzola (Seminole) * Eric Stern (Palm Beach) standards to early childhood education. Committee member were present for all 10 weeks of Melissa Raffensperger (Leon) * Dawn Steward (Orange) session (including extended session) and all 6 committee weeks. Our committee members regularly met with legislators, representatives from DOE and the Governor’s office, and attended and spoke at committee meetings.

During the 2019-2020 legislative year, this committee also started FLPTAdvocates, a podcast recorded regularly during legislative session. The podcast provided listeners with regular updates on bills being run by Florida PTA as well as the bill that the committee was monitoring that would have the greatest impact on Florida’s children.

14 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

Throughout the year, the Resolutions Committee worked hard on several resolution proposals with one ultimately moving forward for consideration by delegates at the 2020 Virtual Leadership Convention in July. In addition, the Resolution Committee worked on the 2019 resolutions passed by Florida PTA membership for consideration by National PTA. Both resolutions, Career & Technical Education and Banning Therapies Directed at Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts were adopted by the National PTA Resolutions Committee Committee Members: and moved forward for consideration at the annual national convention. Khanh-Lien Banko, Chair (Alachua) As we prepared for convention, our committee has been working closely with the makers of the Laura Fellman (Palm Beach) resolution to prepare them for bringing these items forward. We also worked with the Health & Angie Gallo (Orange) Wellness Committee to ensure that the resources and programs provided at resource fairs are clearly matched to position statements of PTA. Meaghan Hendricks (Alachua) Jennifer Martinez (Palm Beach) The committee provided suggestions concerning succession and worked to update the committee’s Plan of Work, to provide continuity of work into the next term. Tracy Strecker (Orange) Dr. Danielle Thomas (Orange) Melanie Williams (Orange)

15 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org MEDIA & MARKETING COMMITTEE The Marketing Committee's focus is on advocating and communicating to further the education, physical and mental health and welfare of children and youth. The Marketing Committee spent the last 2 years making videos promoting the great works of each committee on the Board of Directors. We highlighted events, meetings and gatherings such as the Fall BOD Meeting and LegCon. The committee rolled out an entire Membership Video Champaign that included a monthly video encouraging a different group each month to join their PTA.

The committee shot and edited 22 promotional videos for Leadership Convention, 1 video on how to assemble a banner with a stand, and 1 video on "Voter Voice". All can be found on YouTube. I want to thank the entire BOD for their contributions to the videos, they look great. Due to the Covid-19 virus most all Marketing Committee activities were halted, resulting in many missed opportunities. Our hope is that PTA comes back from this crisis stronger than ever., and we feel it will take the work of this committee and the entire Board of Directors to make this a reality. In planning for succession, we hope to see more personal messages from the Executive Board and more local unit achievements highlighted.

Remember to like, comment and share on Facebook to increase engagements! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! @FloridaPTA

Committee Members: Linda Nestor, Chair (Broward) Jennifer Martinez (Palm Beach)

16 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org BYLAWS COMMITTEE

Your Bylaws Committee has been hard at work again this year updating the Florida PTA Policies & Procedures and Job Descriptions. The committee continued our work to clarify and make positive changes that will further the growth and sustainability of our great association. Seven (7) Florida PTA Bylaws amendments were prepared to be presented at the annual Leadership Convention in July, but were not considered when the format changed, due to COVID-19, to a virtual event. The committee held webinars which offered information and answered questions on the proposed Bylaws amendments. The webinars were also recorded and shared through our newsletter. In addition, the committee updated both local unit and county council bylaws.

During the state of emergency your Bylaws team met and sought advice from the State Attorney General and sought legal advice, in order to present to the Executive Committee the Emergency Bylaws Provision for electronic general and election meetings, which was approved by the Board of Directors in April. Committee Members: This is a hard-working committee with great attention to detail. Jennifer Martinez, Chair (Palm Beach) Alvin Gainey (Miami-Dade) * Maxine Lewers (Broward) Carolyn Nelson-Goedert (Miami-Dade) * Jessica Summers (Pinellas) Jean Hovey - Staff Advisor * Julie Palm, PRP - Advisor

17 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org FROM REPORT TO RESULTS COMMITTEE National PTA awarded Florida PTA with a two-year grant to educate parents on school report cards and empower them to advocate to ensure this data is accessible, transparent, and actionable. Florida PTA is one of only five states nationwide selected to receive a grant.

The committee celebrated tremendous success during the first year, having conducted twenty-nine statewide trainings, resulting in more than 2,600 people being trained. Pre and Post surveys showed parents had a greater knowledge after the training and felt comfortable navigating their way through the Edu data website. Workshop presentations were translated and also offered in Spanish. One of our advocacy asks for Florida Department of Education was to translate the EDU data website. Our advocacy ask was granted, and the Edu data website now has a translate button.

The goal of increasing coalition partnerships was also met in the first year. Through collaboration with coalition partners, the committee led their members through helpful trainings on education data.

Further, the committee’s work was enhanced through social media posts with over 9,638 reaches, 432 engagements and 100 shares. The committee also produced three From Reports To Results email blasts, sent to 66,000 emails with an average click rate of 45%; two Press Releases with a higher than average click rate of 65%; two op-eds; participation in the DQC Blog; and two baseline surveys with 66,000 clicks, resulting in 1,300 views on Facebook.

The support for the committee’s work was overwhelming, and the best is yet to come as new phases are rolled out. Committee Members: Jennifer Martinez, Chair (Palm Beach) Khanh-Lien Banko (Alachua) * Angie Gallo (Orange) Rachel Haverinen (Pinellas) * Janet Lamoureux (Polk) Wendy King (Broward) * Mady Plumey-Cruz (Orange) Jessica Summers (Pinellas) * Eileen Segal (Miami-Dade) Eric Stern (Palm Beach) * Susan Kocarek, Staff Advisor

18 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org CAROLYN NELSON-GOEDERT FLORIDA PTA VICE PRESIDENT FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, 2018 – 2020

19 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

The mission of the Leadership Development Commission (LDC) is to engage, educate and empower PTA members to be effective leaders and advocates. The LDC is comprised of four committees, each with a distinct purpose and contribution within the Florida PTA strategic plan: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI), Family & Committee Chairs: Community Engagement (FCE), Leadership Convention Management (LCM), and Student Engagement (SE). This term LDC also included the Hispanic Latino Outreach Initiative (HLO) Gamal Mack, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair (Orange County) and the Real Talk Coalition for Education Equity. Burton Miller, Family and Community Engagement Chair (Broward County) Two additional initiatives that originated under the LDC included our Leadership Spotlights, Janet Lamoureux, Leadership Convention Management Chair (Polk County) included in the Florida PTA electronic newsletter which showcased the leadership journeys taken by national and state PTA leaders. We also launched the Individual Leadership Portfolio Jude Bruno, Student Engagement Chair (Miami-Dade County) Leadership Enterprise (ILPE), a peer mentoring group designed to educate and support the Mady Plumey-Cruz, Hispanic/Latino Outreach Initiative Lead (Orange County) professional growth and development of PTA members at the local, council and state level. ILPE members meet on a monthly basis to discuss and review Ted Talks, books, and articles. Frank Reyes, Real Talk Coalition for Education Equity Lead (Hillsborough County) Challenges and individual journeys are also discussed with helpful advice shared amongst group members. As we end second year of the 2018-2020 term, no doubt this commission made strides in the delivery of effective operational practices that will enhance the growth, development, and leadership opportunities offered to all Florida PTA members.

20 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee educates PTA members on the meaning of diversity to include culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, disabilities, etc., promoted an environment among local units, county councils and state board members that recognized and celebrated differences, and enhanced positive parent/teacher/student relationships across diverse communities through recognition, engagement, education and empowerment.

Committee Members: Gamal Mack, Chair (Orange County) Rosa Canon, Vice Chair (Miami-Dade County) Asia Clermont (Pinellas County) * Erica DeFord (Polk County) Jeanne Jusevic (Polk County) * Frank Reyes (Hillsborough County) Felita Tutt (Duval County)

21 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE The Family & Community Engagement Committee addressed the importance of family & community involvement in learning opportunities across the generations, addressed policies and programs to insure stronger family involvement and educational excellence, encouraged local PTAs to bring about a closer relationship between parents, teachers, school personnel and community by promoting participation of volunteers in the public schools.

Our Family and Community Engagement Committee, along with the Regions and Councils commission, was integral in the creation of 10 Little Lending Libraries being installed across the state of Florida. This committee also participated in the 2020 Children’s Week activities in the where they were able to share their community resource brochure with families and partner community agencies.

Committee Members: Burton Miller, Chair (Broward) Alvin Gainey (Miami-Dade) Elizabeth Hoyland, Vice Chair (Pinellas) Mady Plumey-Cruz (Orange) Charmain Postel (Palm Beach) Annette Rising (Polk)

22 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org LEADERSHIP CONVENTION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Leadership Convention Management Committee planned and executed the annual Leadership Convention training for established, new, and potential PTA leaders.

For the 2020 Leadership Convention, the Leadership Convention Management Committee redesigned the workshop delivery format from a physical gathering to a virtual experience, while maintaining the core content our members have come to expect from this annual gathering.

Committee Members: Janet Lamoureux, Chair (Polk) * Katie Burris (Seminole) Khanh-Lien Banko (Alachua) * Christa Dean (Miami-Dade) Polly DeLucia (Seminole) * Robin DeVault (Hillsborough) Naomi Frierson (Hillsborough) * Karen Gardner (Pinellas) Terri Lyn George (Pinellas) * Karen Mazzola (Seminole) Burt Miller (Broward ) * Debbie Sawa-Szostak (Pinellas) Jean Hovey, Staff Liaison * Susan Kocarek, Staff Liaison

23 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org STUDENT ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Student Engagement (SE) - promoted communication between Florida PTA and youth organizations, and encourages the formation of Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) units and the active involvement of youth members in all aspects of the association.

The Student Engagement Committee continued to engage other state-wide student-centered organizations striving to increase the voices of students as active participants in shaping policy and practices surrounding K-12 education.

Committee Members: Jude Bruno, Chair (Miami-Dade County) Dominique Zak, Vice Chair (Pinellas County) Faith DeVault (Hillsborough County) * Cedela Fredericks (Broward County) Andria Roscart (Pasco County) * Lydia Summers (Pinellas County)

24 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org HISPANIC/LATINO OUTREACH INITIATIVE

The Hispanic Latino Outreach Initiative worked to create a cohesive strategy that increased awareness of National PTA in Hispanic/Latino families resulting in increased membership.

The committee continued planning conversations around strategies and best practices on identifying and engaging Hispanics/Latinos in PTA by sharing ideas, experiences and data, participating in calls, attending in-person and virtual trainings with district and local leaders. At the national level we facilitated workshops during the annual National PTA convention, which trained national leaders on how to engage the Hispanic/Latino community. Subcommittee Members: Mady Plumey-Cruz, Lead (Orange) Normy Azcuy (Miami-Dade) Rosa Canon (Miami-Dade) Asia Clermont (Pinellas) Suhailly Morales (Pinellas)

25 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org REAL TALK COALITION FOR EDUCATION EQUITY The Real Talk Coalition for Education Equity - is comprised of civil rights, education, faith and community organizations from across Florida who have banded together to identify and support solutions that help Black, Hispanic, low-income, disabled, English language learners, and other underrepresented students succeed in school and beyond.

The signature event for the Coalition was the For the Love of Children Day of Action in Tallahassee held at the Florida State Capitol. The Coalition continued their work advancing education equity policy to support the delivery of high-quality education by working with several equity centered organizations including the Florida College Access Network, the Southern Education Foundation, the Southern Policy and Practice Network and many other. The work toward educational equity continues.

Subcommittee Members: Frank Reyes, Chair (Hillsborough County) Rosa Canon (Miami-Dade County) Asia Clermont (Pinellas County) Cathy Guiler (Duval County) Mady Plumey-Cruz (Orange County)

26 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org JESSICA SUMMERS FLORIDA PTA VICE PRESIDENT FOR REGIONS AND COUNCILS, 2018 – 2020

27 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org Regions and Councils Commission Highlights

• Lending Library (Orange) • Local Unit Mentoring (Region 2) • Effective Relationship Building (Region 3) • Reconnected w/Community (Indian River) • Relationship Building in Sarasota (Region 6) • Micro Training & Munchies (Duval) • Local Unit Growth (Region 2) • Partnered w/Chamber of Commerce • Hygiene Item Drive (Seminole) (Seminole) • Newly Chartered Martin County Council (Region 7) • Support in Manatee County (Region 6) • “Duval PTAs Have Heart” (Duval) • Fostered Support & Dependability (Volusia) • ESE Parent Support (Alachua) • Peace Run (Seminole) • Increase in Outreach (Volusia) • Mental Health First Aid Course (Alachua) • COVID-19 Support (Seminole) • Reconnected w/Community (Indian River) • Created Mission Partners (Indian River) • Increased Scholarship Fund (Volusia) • Zoom chats with local unit leaders & school board members (Orange)

28 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org 2019 – 2020 COUNTY COUNCILS Council President Total Membership Alachua Pam Korithoski 3,103 Broward Earlyn Barton 20,082 Duval Theresa Rogers 20,599 Escambia Tori Woods 4,860 Hillsborough Damaris Allen 34,530 Indian River Julia White 2,101 Martin Andi McAvoy 2686 Miami-Dade Beth Edwards 46,162 Orange Tracy Strecker 19.799 Palm Beach Charmain Postel 11,619 Pasco Denise Nicholas 5,734 Pinellas Lawrence Clermont 14,092 Polk Annette Rising 1,490 Seminole Shelly Pedraza 16,967 Volusia Linda Witherwax 4,722

29 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org 2019 – 2020 REGION REPRESENTATIVES Region Representative Counties Served Total Membership 1 Alana Hamblin Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, 748 Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington. 2 Joseph Piecora Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Jefferson, 811 Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwanee, Taylor, and Wakulla. 3 Felita Tutt Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Clay, Duval, 587 Hamilton, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, and Union. 4 Tina Young Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, Levy, 531 Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter. 5 Katrena McMahan Brevard, Flagler, Indian River, Lake, Okeechobee, 1,514 Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia. 6 Jessica Kociara Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, 1,301 Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota. 7 Dr. Teena White Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm 233 Beach, and St. Lucie.

30 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org MAXINE LEWERS FLORIDA PTA VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, 2018 – 2020

31 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

The Membership Development Commission focuses on its purpose of fostering growth and sustainability through the work of its committees. Our team met regularly, and executed tasks to strategically achieve collective goals to support the 215,161 members in our association. This commission is ecstatic to recognize the conscientious efforts of its chairs and their committee members. It is because of them; this commission has enjoyed a productive term.

This commission finished the 2nd year of the term with more than 3,500 hours of time committed to their work for the association. Many of the committees have surpassed their goals and have been pivotal to meeting this commission’s focus of fostering and sustaining growth for our association. We know that all committee work is essential to the success and longevity of Florida PTA. So, we are appreciative for the commission’s willingness to be supportive and accountable to the legacy of PTA.

Committee Chairs: Katie Burris, Awards Chair (Seminole) * Naomi Frierson, Membership Chair (Hillsborough) Renee Grutman, Sponsor Engagement Chair (Broward) * Robin DeVault, Scholarship Chair (Hillsborough)

32 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org AWARDS COMMITTEE The Awards Committee continued to work towards achieving ambitious goals that were set last year in support of the Florida PTA Awards program.

The committee began by reviewing and updating the awards program information, awards descriptions and website configuration to encourage participation by PTA leaders who understand the awards program, but also for those new leaders who have little working knowledge of the program and who may not have applied for awards in the past. Two additional awards were developed and approved to increase opportunities for recognition, the Humanitarian Award and the Special Needs Students with Unique Abilities Awards. These, along with existing judged program awards, continue to guide local unit program development based on the PTA National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. The committee worked to update the awards descriptions in the Kit of Materials for fall and continued efforts to assure consistent communication across all platforms for the FLPTA awards program and recognition opportunities for units, student members, individuals, and more.

Throughout the year, the committee continued to offer information about the awards program in newsletter submissions and on social media to encourage PTA leaders to participate in the program and receive recognition for the programs they implement.

Although the committee’s work was impacted by COVID-19, through collaboration with the Membership Committee, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and the Student Engagement Committee recognition of the awesome work of local units is still a priority – even in a virtual format. In addition to the Membership Committee, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and the Student Engagement Committee, the committee again engaged Past FL PTA Presidents to participate in the collaborative judging process. Five (5) Past Presidents and the Vice President for Membership Development participated with the Awards Committee and, along with the previously mentioned committees, reviewed 181 judged program awards, in addition to the 242 Membership Award applications, from 120 different PTAs statewide, with an impressive 423 applications received.

We awarded over forty (40) program awards to PTA/PTSA leaders this summer, during FL PTA Virtual Leadership Convention.

Committee Members: Katie Burris, Chair (Seminole) Sylvia Baer (Orange) * Naomi Frierson (Hillsborough) * Wendy King (Broward) * Lisa Burger, Staff Advisor

33 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE The Florida PTA Membership Committee is proud to share its accomplishments over its second year.

The committee continued it’s dedication to collecting and understanding data, and assisted many units in setting membership goals based on historic membership data; which provided a strong foundation for local units. Throughout the year, the committee worked to energize local units through a series for fun membership challenges, which yielded a significant increase in overall participation. The committee successfully utilized data to drive membership and to be fully aware of our status as we entered the second half of the year. The committee served as thought leaders, having been a model of excellence and presenting during conference calls designed for state leaders. Although COVID-19 impacted the work of this committee, the committee’s dedication to engagement and empowerment was evident during the first FL PTA Workshop Wednesday. The workshop focused on providing resources for engagement and membership planning during the quarantine. The workshop was attended by more than 160 people. The committee is committed to being a powerful voice for all children, and is grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Committee Members: Subcommittee Members: Naomi Frierson, Chair (Hillsborough County) Burton Miller (Broward County) Earlyn Barton (Broward County) * Katie Burris (Seminole County) Polly DeLucia (Seminole County) Terri Lyn George (Pinellas County) * Pamela Korithoski (Alachua County) Elizabeth Hoyland (Pinellas County) Melissa Pugh (Seminole County) * Linda Witherwax (Volusia County) Lisa Burger, Staff Advisor

34 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org SPONSOR ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Sponsor Engagement Committee worked collaboratively with the state office staff this year to support various events hosted throughout the year by securing in kind donations and helping to identify new sponsors. The team continued work to sustain relationships with supporters, while seeking to expand our non-dues revenue through an annual campaign, grants, and other key strategic sponsorships. The committee’s work was significantly impacted by COVID-19 and the unexpected loss of the chair, Renee Grutman.

Committee Members: Renee Grutman, Chair (Broward) Christa Dean (Miami-Dade) Laura Howard (Broward) Jessica Kociara (Pasco) Jean Hovey, Staff Advisor

Renee Grutman ‘Forever in Our Hearts’

35 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

The scholarship committee is proud to report our work for students during this term with Florida PTA. The committee’s work was seamless, particularly with consideration that most of the work happens during the annual Leadership Convention. Even in a virtual format, the committee worked to still host the ever-popular PTA’s Got Talent event, as well as encouraged donations for student scholarships.

The work of this committee was significantly impacted by COVID-19, resulting in the inability to host an online auction, or the normal basket auction.

Through the generous donations of PTA members and multiple fundraising efforts, the committee was able to go above and beyond the four (4) scholarships designated in the Florida PTA Policies and Procedures. The committee was able to award six (6) $2000.00 scholarships, in the categories of one (1) Fine Arts, one (1) Community College, one (1) SWD (Students with Disabilities), one (1) Vo-Tech, and two (2) University scholarships.

Committee Members: Robin DeVault, Chair (Hillsborough) Asia Clermont (Pinellas) * Jude Bruno (Miami-Dade) Graham Guiler (Duval) * Kim McGinnis (India River) Denise Nicholas (Pasco) * Joseph Piecora (Hillsborough) Jennifer Patterson, Staff Advisor

36 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org ANGELA GALLO FLORIDA PTA VICE PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, 2018 – 2020

37 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

The Educational Development Commission is comprised of five committees: College and Career Readiness, Cultural Arts, Early Childhood, Exceptional Child, and Health and Wellness. Committee Chairs: The commission educated and equipped local PTA/PTSA unit members Eric Stern, College and Career Readiness Chair (Palm Beach) and board members with facts, issues and standards relative to the Wendy Corso-Ruud, Cultural Arts Chair (Palm Beach) welfare and development of children and youth in the areas of diversity, Lamia Lee, Early Childhood Chair (Broward) exceptionalities (to include gifted), health/wellness and educational Antoinette Nielson, Exceptional Child Chair (Polk) development from cradle to school to college and/or careers. Educational Debbie Sawa-Szostak, Heath and Wellness Chair (Pinellas) development information and issues will include but not be limited to items relative to curriculum, testing, state/national standards, regardless of school type (charter, home, private, virtual, etc.).

38 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS COMMITTEE The College and Career Readiness Committee worked throughout the year on equity in college education, while promoting Career Technical Education (CTE), particularly in impacted areas. The committee also connected with human/sex trafficking survivors to share their stories and create an awareness campaign for first year college students. The committee also committed to overlapping work with the Exceptional Child Committee on making sure students with disabilities are exposed to college and career opportunities, including CTE.

EXCEPTIONAL CHILD COMMITTEE

The Exceptional Child Committee has worked, collecting best practices surrounding Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and creating a resource guide, that was published and distributed electronically, which helped parents navigate the process of securing services for their children with exceptionalities. The committee has also worked with the College and Career Readiness Committee, concerning overlap in their bodies of work, in education students with disabilities and their parents on options that exist after high school.

The committee represented FL PTA as thought leaders as part of the Family Café in June. Most notably, the committee was responsible for the chartering of the first FL PTA statewide Special Education PTA.

39 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE The Cultural Arts Committee worked tirelessly, throughout the year in the facilitation of the state’s Cultural Arts Program. The committee, along with the dedicated members of the office staff, collected entries, oversaw independent judging, and coordinated entries that were entered and competed at the national level. The FL PTA Reflections Ceremony was held virtually in May 2020.

40 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMITTEE The Early Childhood Committee focused tremendous time and effort on childhood drownings and bringing awareness to the epidemic. The committee planned programs to educate on the dangers of drownings and prevention across the state. However, those efforts were impacted by COVID-19. Collaborative relationships with Safe Kids and Humana help to further the work of the committee, and the committee continued partnerships that offer free swim and water safety lessons to children and parents, alike. The committee has also spent considerable time looking into the funding of early education (Pre-K), and the need for quality providers.

41 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE The Health and Wellness Committee worked throughout the year to ensure execution of the Health and Wellness Fair, during Leadership Convention, which serves as a consortium of resource providers from across the state that will enrich the lives of children, families and impact communities. Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID-19, the format for Leadership Convention was changed to a virtual event, which did not afford an opportunity for the fair. Aside from efforts concerning the fair, members of the committee represented FL PTA as thought leaders, coalition members and during events. A Mental Health Subcommittee has worked on best practices for Social Emotional Learning and a Gun Safety Committee helped to secure and distribute gun locks, across the state, during FL PTA events.

Committee/Coalition Representation and Partnerships: Mental Health Subcommittee

Highlights: Received scholarship for Safe Routes Convention Awarded six $225.00 Health & Wellness Grants Attended Florida Partnership for Healthy Schools Summit Attended All Together Now Conference

42 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org KAREN MAZZOLA FLORIDA PTA TREASURER, 2018 – 2020

43 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org From the Treasurer - Dollars and $ense

• Conducted monthly review of FL PTA Financial Documents; • Participated in quarterly National PTA State Treasurers Conference Calls; • Conducted FL PTA County Council Treasurers & Region Rep Zoom Meeting; • Conducted FL PTA Statewide Treasurers Zoom Meetings; • Reviewed pertinent FL PTA Kit of Materials information; and • Conducted training presentation for Regions and Councils Commission. • Serves as a Chair of the Budget Committee • Serves as a member of the Personnel Committee • Serves as a member of the Legislation Committee • Serves as a member of the Leadership Convention Management Committee • Serves as a member of the Convention Rules Committee • Represented FL PTA at All Together Now Conference • Represented FLPTA at National PTA Legislative Conference

44 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org ALVIN L. GAINEY FLORIDA PTA SECRETARY, 2018 – 2020

45 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org From the Secretary’s Desk

• 2019 Leadership Convention Minutes Audited and properly archived in FL PTA State Office; • All 2019 - 2020 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Audited and properly archived; • All 2019 - 2020 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes Audited and properly archived; • Reviewed pertinent FL PTA Kit of Materials information; and • Compiled 2019 – 2020 Annual Report.

• Serves as a member of the Bylaws Committee • Serves as a member of the Family and Community Engagement Committee • Attended various conferences and trainings on behalf of FL PTA • Participated in Florida PTA Legislative Conference and Capitol Visits • Participated in National PTA Legislative Conference and Capitol Hill Visits • Participated in various webinars and learning opportunities on behalf of FL PTA

46 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org THE STAFF

The Florida PTA State Office staff works with the Florida PTA Board to empower PTA members to be effective leaders and advocates. Daily Operations • Maintain records for all local/county PTAs in the State • Daily communication with 1450+ active local units • Assistance with audit/990 requirements • Assistance with bylaws, financial questions • E-newsletters • Social media updates • Preparation for Leadership Conference, Legislative Conference, State Summit and Reflections Celebration

47 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org STATE OFFICE STAFF

Ginger Flynn Susan Kocarek Compliance Coordinator Communications Coordinator

Jean Hovey Executive Director

Jennifer Patterson Programs Coordinator

48 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org Florida PTA 2019 – 2020 Sponsors & Benefactors

Schoolfundraising4kids

49 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org Florida PTA 2019 – 2020 Sponsors & Benefactors

50 2019 – 2020 Annual Report | www.FLORIDAPTA.org #FLPTALeads