Orange County Council of PTA

10/13/2026

🚨 ATTENTION, FLORIDA PTAs! 🚨 Who needs an extra hour of daylight saving time when you've got a grant deadline to beat? ⏰😂

National Parent Teacher Association Fall Grant Application deadline is TOMORROW, October 14, at 3:00 AM for us east coasters!

Yes, you read that right. 3:00 in the MORNING! Apparently, even our grant opportunities are night owls 🦉 when not launching a rocket into space!

But here's the deal: What's the worst that could happen? You apply, don't get selected, and try again next time.

The best? Your PTA secures funding to turn a great idea into a meaningful impact for students, families, and your school community!

Don't let an opportunity pass you by simply because you didn't apply. pta.org/grants

Florida PTAs, we're ALL IN! Now let's go get those grants! 💪💙

10/11/2026

What could Amendment 3 change for Florida communities?

Join Florida PTA for a virtual Education Community Town Hall about the proposal’s potential impact on property taxes, public safety, local services, and Florida families.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
6:00 p.m. Eastern/ 5:00 PM Central | Via Zoom

Hear from:
• Sheriff Billy Woods, President, Florida Sheriffs Association
• Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser
• Retired Chief Jeff Pearson, Past President, Florida Police Chiefs Association

Florida PTA will also share its reasons for opposing Amendment 3, followed by audience questions.

Register to receive the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/02fGh3D0S9mLdXTGwaeCPQ

Share this invitation with your PTA, school community, and neighbors. Bring your questions and leave better informed before you vote.

10/10/2026

Today, we proudly recognize IIka Richardson, a Puerto Rican PTA leader, educator, and passionate advocate from Orlando in Orange County.

Ilka currently serves as Legislative Chair for the Orange County Council of PTA and is involved with Palmetto Elementary PTA. Her council leadership journey has also included serving as Vice President of Organization.

Throughout her years of service, Ilka has worked to ensure students have a voice and meaningful opportunities to participate in advocacy. She has helped students travel to Tallahassee, where they can experience civic engagement firsthand and learn that their perspectives matter.

Ilka is especially committed to reaching historically underrepresented students and addressing barriers affecting ESOL students and families. Through relationship-building, intentional outreach, and advocacy, she creates opportunities for students and families to become informed, engaged, and empowered.

As both an educator and PTA leader, Ilka understands that small actions can create lasting change for children and their communities.

💙 “I PTA because every child needs to be seen, heard, and taught that small actions leave a lasting impact.”

Thank you, Ilka, for empowering students, strengthening family engagement, and advocating for every child!

10/09/2026

This is a friendly reminder that our Training will take place tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, 2026, beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m.

In addition to our Officers training - President, Secretary, Treasurer - we will offer a variety of informative workshops covering topics such as Reflections, Grants & Sponsorships, Membership, and OCCPTA Programs. This is a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge, ask questions, and ensure you have the resources needed to be successful in your role.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees, so come ready to learn, connect, and grow!

Parking is free in the garage of the School Board building, 445 W Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

This is a training you don’t want to miss! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

10/09/2026

This is a friendly reminder that our OCCPTA Training will take place tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, 2026, beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m.

In addition to our Officers training - President, Secretary, Treasurer - we will offer a variety of informative workshops covering topics such as Reflections, Grants & Sponsorships, Membership, and OCCPTA Programs. This is a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge, ask questions, and ensure you have the resources needed to be successful in your role.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees, so come ready to learn, connect, and grow!

Parking is free in the garage of the School Board building, 445 W Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

This is a training you don’t want to miss! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

10/03/2026

Fall Acceleration Training is in just 7 days! Hurry now to enroll your team cant wait to see you there!

10/03/2026

09/29/2026

It can happen to anyone. Don’t let it happen to you. You can help prevent hot car deaths.

Always remember, if you have a child in the car, once you park, complete these three steps: Stop. Look. Lock.

Here are some tips from the NHTSA on how you can prevent hot car deaths:
1. Never leave your child in the car unattended. Rolling your windows down or parking in the shade is not enough to protect them from rising temperatures inside the vehicle.
2. Always check your entire vehicle, especially the back seat, before locking and walking away
3. Place personal items like purses or backpacks in the back seat as another reminder to look before you lock
4. Ask your childcare provider to call if your child doesn’t show up when expected
5. Store keys and fobs out of reach of children
6. Always lock your car when you aren’t using it

If you see a child alone in a locked car, call 911 immediately. A child in distress due to heat should be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and immediately cooled.

09/28/2026

⚠️ ORANGE COUNTY FAMILIES: AN EMERGING DRUG THREAT IS WORTH TALKING ABOUT

Parents and caregivers may be hearing reports about cychlorphine, an emerging and extremely powerful synthetic opioid. We encourage our local PTA/PTSA leaders to share reliable information with families and use these resources to start conversations in their school communities. Prevention begins with information, communication and connection.