The Palm Beach County Council of PTA/PTSA is a member of the largest advocacy group for children in the nation. The council supports PTA units at schools throughout Palm Beach County and currently has over 16,000 parent, teacher, student, and community members. The Council is governed by approved bylaws designed to meet specific objectives. The Council will interpret, promote, and support the basic policies of the State and National PTA. As such, it is a 501(c)(3) organization.

The Palm Beach County Council of PTA provides relevant training and resources to assist with the success of the local units. Council meetings are used to promote advocacy for all children within Palm Beach County. The Council provides a forum for public information that can stimulate action for current issues that relate to children.

In the 2013-2014 school year, The Palm Beach County Council of PTA teamed up with local elementary, middle, and high schools throughout The School District of Palm Beach County to join the West Palm Beach Walk Now for Autism event. Several local schools created teams and walked to help create awareness for Autism. The passion for health and wellness continues throughout Palm Beach County as several local PTA units continued to hold events and programs throughout the county.

The Palm Beach County Council of PTA awarded $2,500 in health and wellness grants for five outstanding programs within The School District of Palm Beach County. The schools were the following:

This brought the total amount in five years to $10,000 awarded to local units for health and wellness grants.

“Safety Fair” day was held at Hidden Oaks Elementary School on Sept 21, 2013. The council teamed up with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office, Target, Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, Crime Stoppers, American Red Cross and many others. There were 300 families in attendance. This program has previously won the Safety Award from the Florida PTA.

“PTA Day in the Park” was held at Buttonwood Park Saturday, November 29, 2013. Families were encouraged to attend and bring a picnic basket filled with their favorite treats, and enjoy a day of playing outdoors. Activities were set by the council and over 100 families participated.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks event was held at Meyer Ampitheater in West Palm Beach on Sunday, March 2, 2014.

The Buddy Walk event was held at John Prince Park on Sunday, October 20, 2013.

The Palm Beach County Council partnered with the All Pro Dads program at several local units to promote family fun and physical events throughout the year including: PTA Day with the Dolphins, FAU Football Game on October 12, 2014, FAU Baseball Game on February 16, 2014, Marlins Game on May 4, 2014 and FAU Baseball Game on May 17, 2014.

Palm Beach County Council PTA partnered with the Action Alliance, Boca’s Promise, Breaking the Silence, NAMI and OK2Talk in the 2013-2014 school year to learn more about mental illness. This partnership brought about advocacy, education, and information on issues that today’s youth experience. Scheduled events were held January - April 2014 throughout the county.

Scholarships: Annually, Palm Beach County Council PTA offers both graduating seniors (PTSA Members) and adult PTSA volunteers (YES teachers and staff are eligible) an opportunity to apply for a $500 (minimum) scholarship for future education endeavors. In five years $12,500 has been awarded in scholarships.

Grants: Palm Beach County Council PTA offers grants to local PTA and PTSA units to help offset the cost of attending various PTA trainings, conferences and conventions. Often times, the council will connect two or more units to pool their resources. In five years over $4,000 has been awarded to local PTA’s.

Awards and Recognition: Annually, the Palm Beach County Council PTA recognizes local units’ commitment to the mission and purpose of PTA through this program. Local units are recognized for their work in various programs including: Wellness, Safety & Environmental, and many others.

Wellness Ambassador: Sandy Roth was recognized as the Council’s Wellness Ambassador for her work on the Mental Health & Wellness program. Past ambassadors include: Mindy Haas (Florida PTA President Elect) and Eric Stern (The School District of Palm Beach County).