80 episodes

Sometimes, your child forgets to share the notes from their backpack that tell you everything that’s happening at their school. On Notes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast, we give you the inside scoop on how to help your child succeed—in school and at home. We discuss real issues with parents and experts—from handling homework to school discipline—to support you every step of the way! Join the conversation using #BackpackNotes and learn more at PTA.org/BackpackNotes.

Notes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast National PTA

    • Kids & Family
    • 4.9 • 80 Ratings

Sometimes, your child forgets to share the notes from their backpack that tell you everything that’s happening at their school. On Notes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast, we give you the inside scoop on how to help your child succeed—in school and at home. We discuss real issues with parents and experts—from handling homework to school discipline—to support you every step of the way! Join the conversation using #BackpackNotes and learn more at PTA.org/BackpackNotes.

    Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders to Do Something

    Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders to Do Something

    From addressing climate change to destigmatizing mental health, young people are stepping up as leaders to create a better world. Our hosts talked with DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething.org, to learn how we can empower youth to create change. DeNora shares about the causes most important to young people, how they're getting involved and what families and educators can do to encourage service learning.
    Visit DoSomething.org to learn more and follow @DoSomething on social media.From the Archives: Listen to Raising Kids Who Change the World with Marley Dias.Explore more resources on service learning on National PTA’s Healthy Lifestyles page.

    • 28 min
    Reimagining What Schools Look Like

    Reimagining What Schools Look Like

    It’s time to think creatively about school reform! Co-CEO of Transcend Education Aylon Samouha joined the show to share the latest in school transformation. Tune in to explore the purpose of education, innovative learning models and the journey towards creating extraordinary, equitable learning environments. 
    Visit TranscendEducation.org to check out the Innovative Models Exchange, Leaps for Equitable 21st Century Learning and more!Follow Transcend Education on social media at @TranscendBuilds.Read “Parents Want More From Their Child’s K-12 Education. Here are Five Ways to Find it.” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine.

    • 25 min
    Behind the Scenes in the School Cafeteria

    Behind the Scenes in the School Cafeteria

    How can families partner with schools to ensure their children are enjoying nutritious meals? Our hosts talked with Briana Webster-Campbell, the managing director of Center for Best Practices at No Kid Hungry to get an inside look into the school cafeteria. Briana shares how schools determine what foods to serve, how families can get more involved and why your child’s cinnamon roll may be healthier than you think!
    Learn more about No Kid Hungry and explore their tools and webinars.Share Our Strength School Meal Finder: Text FOOD to 304-304 to find food sites near you!Explore more tips and resources on National PTA’s Healthy Lifestyles page.

    • 22 min
    Promising Practices in Rural Schools

    Promising Practices in Rural Schools

    Innovations in rural schools are paving the way for more successful futures for our youth! Tune in as Michael Gonzalez, executive director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone shares about the challenges rural schools face and how they’re facing them head on. From expanding career and technical offerings to substantial teacher retention bonuses, Mike shares how pooling resources between districts in rural Texas has been a game changer for their students.
    Learn more about the Rural Schools Innovation Zone and reach out to Mike at mgonzalez@ruralschoolsinnovationzone.org with any questions.Explore the National School Board Association’s five-part report series, “Educational Equity for Rural Students: Out of the Pandemic, but Still Out of the Loop.”Follow Mike on Twitter at @RSIZ4GMikeG.  

    • 23 min
    Advocating for an Accurate, Well-Rounded Curriculum

    Advocating for an Accurate, Well-Rounded Curriculum

    How is the political climate shaping the curricula in schools today? From book bans to censorship, our guest Denise Forte, president and CEO of the Education Trust, delves into the tensions facing education today. Tune in to discover current challenges and bright spots and to explore where we go from here.
    Dig into EdTrust’s reports “Social, Emotional and Academic Development through an Equity Lens” and “The Search for More Complex Racial and Ethnic Representation in Grade School Books.” Read EdTrust’s article about state-level opposition to teaching honest history. Follow Denise at @Denise_EdTrust and @EdTrust on social media.

    • 25 min
    How Schools Can Challenge All High Achievers

    How Schools Can Challenge All High Achievers

    From supplemental instruction to grade skipping, there are options when it comes to challenging our most advanced learners, but these opportunities can be hard to access. Brandon Wright, editorial director at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute joins the show to share best practices in gifted education and what families can do if their child would benefit from a more advanced curriculum.
    Explore the Fordham Institute’s Report Building a Wider, More Diverse Pipeline of Advanced LearnersRead Failing Our Brightest Kids by Brandon Wright & Chester FinnLearn more from Brandon by following him on social media at @BWrightEd or subscribing to his substack here

    • 24 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
80 Ratings

80 Ratings

Matr4452 ,

Amazing sessions

Thank you so very much for all of these sessions. They are helpful and needed right on time. 🙏🏽🙏🏼

Jen Zash/ Mindful Mama ,

Awesome Resource for Parents & Teachers

This podcast is FAB! Let’s spread the word!

Aubrey Sagalovich ,

How to Help LGBTQ Youth Thrive

I REALLY LOVED and APPRECIATED this episode. Thank you for doing it and representing my community so well. I hope many PTA parents listen.

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