What is PTSA
Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) units and councils are those who acknowledge students, with the exception of elementary school students, as voting members.
Students are genuinely interested in improving their communities, their education and the world in which they live. PTSA offers them the means to realize such goals through legislative advocacy and educational programs. Belonging to the PTSA affords young people opportunities to develop and hone leadership skills, communicate their ideas comfortably and effectively and contribute to their schools and communities.
Remember, it is important to actively involve students once you have agreed to change your moniker from PTA to PTSA. An honest, total commitment will result in a successful PTSA. Units and councils may decide to change the bylaws further, by adding a student component and/or positions. Some things to consider while working on bylaws changes like this include:
- Students should not sign binding contracts with consultants, businesses, or other entities
- Students should not receive or disburse funds
- Students should be involved in goal setting
- Adult leaders should mentor students
- Leadership opportunities should be developed for students
- Providing opportunities to engage students in program and event organization
- Supporting students to make community connections
- Students should receive recognition for the work they do
- Student roles should be clearly defined and communicated
- Youth should have a designated adult advisor
- Students should be trained to attain necessary skills to complete assignments
- While performing PTSA duties, students should be chaperoned
Student Involvement is Family Engagement
Michigan PTA understands that family engagement is the foundation for student involvement. School-family partnerships that encourage and provide student opportunities to progress and move forward significantly improves the school, community and increases public support. Parent involvement in children's education has a significant impact on student well-being, confidence, and success, not just in the school but also throughout their lifespan.
Michigan PTA fully supports the PTA's National Standards for Family-School Partnerships.
There is a difference between family involvement and family engagement.
Family Engagement:
- Is NOT obvious
- Is Intentional
- Is Planned
- Is in collaboration
- Is reviewed
- Is outside the box
- It is different than involvement
National Standards for Family-School Partnerships
Coalition Partnerships and Community Involvement
Student involvement and family engagement entail collaborating with community partners. The importance of this realization was most prevalent at the onset of the pandemic. When schools closed, families were faced with challenges including:
- Food Insecurity
- Housing Instability
- Utility Shutoff
- Mental Health Concerns
- Health and Family Assistance
The areas above, although broad, are rooted in inequity. Sadly, they have been in existence for generations; however, the amplification during our health crisis brought the disparities to the forefront. When systems and operations move back to "normal," the existing issues that students and families faced at the height of the emergency will still be present. For this reason, our coalition partners are an invaluable resource for students to thrive and families to flourish. Michigan PTA is encouraged that the following coalition partners and community organizations are helping to bridge the gap that families face:
FOOD ACCESS: Food Pantry Accessibility - Michigan
SCHOOL AGE STUDENT FOCUS: Tips for Digital-At-Home Learning: Metro Parent
WHOLE FAMILY FOCUS: Metro Parent Digital Magazine- March/April Edition
WHOLE FAMILY FOCUS: More Than Sad- American Foundation on Suicide Prevention
TEEN FOCUS: Michigan Youth (MY) Voice: Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health
WHOLE FAMILY FOCUS: Michigan Alliance for Families
MENTAL HEALTH FOCUS: National Alliance on Mental Health- NAMI
