March Is Board Recruitment Season

March is board recruitment season across Plano ISD. Local PTAs are identifying future leaders who will guide their campuses next year. This is the time to encourage leadership interest and invite fresh voices to the table.

Strong PTAs do not happen by accident. They are built by parents and community members who are willing to step forward, take responsibility, and serve with purpose. New leaders bring perspective, energy, and ideas that help our organizations remain responsive to the evolving needs of students and families.

Board Service Is Purposeful Leadership

When I first said yes to PTA service 14 years ago, I did not fully understand where it would lead. What began as a willingness to help on a campus grew into opportunities to serve in greater leadership roles within PTA. For the past two years, it has been my honor to serve as President of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs.

PTA board service is rooted in our mission to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. In Plano ISD, that mission becomes tangible through programs that enrich learning, initiatives that strengthen family engagement, recognition of educators, and advocacy that supports student success on every campus.

As board members, we lead teams of volunteers, partner closely with principals and district leaders, steward funds responsibly, and work to ensure that every decision aligns with what is best for students. The work may look different from campus to campus, but the purpose remains the same. We exist to serve students and strengthen the connection between home and school across Plano ISD.

Through this service, I have grown as a leader. PTA has strengthened my communication skills, deepened my understanding of public education, and given me the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated leaders across our district. It has also built meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community.

March Is Where the Next Chapter Begins

March is where the next chapter begins. It is when we decide who will help shape the programs, advocacy efforts, and support systems that will serve our students next year.

If you have ever considered getting more involved, this is the time. Reach out to your campus nominating committee. Ask about open positions. Have a conversation with current board members. Reflect on how your strengths and experiences could support your campus community.

Our students benefit when engaged parents choose to lead. Our campuses are stronger when more voices step forward. The future of Plano ISD PTAs will be built by those willing to raise their hand and say yes. I hope you will consider being part of that next chapter.


Jeri Duncan, 

President, PISD Council of PTAs

2026–2027 Officer Slate Presented

March is always a meaningful month in PTA leadership. It is the time when we look ahead and prepare for the next chapter of service. I am happy to share that the Nominating Committee has presented the proposed slate of officers for the 2026–2027 Plano ISD Council of PTAs.

Proposed 2026–2027 Officers:

• President: Julia Wiblin
• 1st Vice President, Aide: Kelsey Plichta
• 2nd Vice President, Local PTA Advisor: Jeri Duncan
• 3rd Vice President, Membership: Erin Sears
• 4th Vice President, Communications: Chelsey Ray
• 5th Vice President, Ways and Means: Kristie Cohen
• 6th Vice President, Programs: Sarah Hendricks
• Treasurer: Open
• Secretary: Jenny Jackson

Upcoming Election

Our election will take place at the Delegate Meeting on Thursday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. at the Plano ISD Administration Building, 2700 W. 15th Street in Plano. Nominations from the floor will be accepted in accordance with our bylaws.

Voting members include PTA Presidents, PTA Delegates, and Principals from PTAs that have paid their 2025–2026 Council dues. Your participation matters. Strong leadership begins with engaged members.

Families across Texas engaged in an important conversation about the future of learning and life in an AI-powered world through Straight Talk ’26: Raising the AI Generation — From Homework Help to Unforeseen Risks: What Every Family Should Know. The discussion explored how artificial intelligence is already shaping classrooms, homework, and everyday student experiences.

On February 24th, Plano ISD Council of PTAs was proud to host a Breakfast + Watch Party, bringing parents, educators, and community members together to learn, listen, and engage in meaningful dialogue. The expert-led panel featured voices from public education, technology, mental health, and workforce development, offering balanced perspectives on both the opportunities and the risks families need to understand. Following the panel, Plano ISD Executive Director of Instructional Technology Matt Frey joined for a local conversation connecting the topic directly to what students are experiencing across Plano ISD.

If you were unable to attend, the full replay is available. This conversation continues to matter. Our students are growing up alongside AI, and families deserve clear, fact-based information to guide learning, decision-making, and responsible use.

Watch the replay and share with your school:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70rA-6WibF0

Learn more about Straight Talk ’26:
https://www.txpta.org/straight-talk

We recently shared a graphic introducing our 2025–2026 Board and inviting our community to be part of the impact by joining any PTA to help ensure every child has a voice.

If your PTA would like to create something similar to highlight your board white promoting membership, you can use this Canva template shared through the Texas PTA Idea Share Facebook group to get started.

Showcase your leaders. Celebrate service. Invite others to join the mission.

And don’t forget to join the Texas PTA Idea Share Facebook group for even more creative ideas, resources, and inspiration from PTAs across the state.

Together, we strengthen our schools. Together, we lead with purpose.

📚 Plano ISD School Board Special Called Meeting 🗳️

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

⏰ Time: Starts at 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Plano ISD Administration Center, Board Room
🏢 Address: 2700 W. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075

🌐 Website

📅 Meetings are held regularly, and you can find the full schedule, along with live streaming options, at 🌐 pisd.edu/PISDLIVE.

👥 Stay connected and informed about the future of Plano ISD! 🎥

📚 Plano ISD School Board Meeting 🗳️

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

⏰ Time: Starts at 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Plano ISD Administration Center, Board Room
🏢 Address: 2700 W. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075

🌐 Website

📝 Description: Join us for the upcoming School Board Meeting to stay informed and engaged with our district's updates and decisions.

📅 Meetings are held regularly, and you can find the full schedule, along with live streaming options, at 🌐 pisd.edu/PISDLIVE.

👥 Stay connected and informed about the future of Plano ISD! 🎥

The Plano ISD Open House Job Fairs are your chance to join Team Plano ISD.

Next Dates:

March 11 | 4–6 p.m.

March 26 | 4–6 p.m.

Plano ISD Administration Building Board Room

Now Hiring For:

• Transportation
• Food & Nutritional Services (FANS)
• Facility Services
• Technology
• Certified Teachers
• Bilingual Teachers

Make a real impact every day. Working for Plano ISD is more than a job; it’s a career that changes lives!

Learn more & view open positions: pisd.edu/jobfairs

These meetings are designed as an opportunity for stakeholders to provide constructive input or feedback, or to ask questions on any issue related to district business or governance. Learn more.

School Messenger is the district’s communication tool. The email address and phone numbers you provided on your student’s emergency form are used for school or district communication.

Graduation ceremonies for Plano Senior High School, Plano East Senior High School, Plano West Senior High School and Academy High School will be celebrated across four days from May 27-30, 2026.

Read more

Musical Minds Plano offers fun, high-quality afterschool piano programs that build confidence and academic skills. Serving Plano ISD for 10+ years across multiple campuses in the DFW metropolitan area. Hosted classes at 20+ schools and recreation centers! 

Musical Mind's mission is to teach students the fundamentals of piano, and nurture the beginning of a lifelong love of music. Using a unique visual method, and popular songs from the radio and film, your student will be reading and playing music in no time!

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Local PTAs, please take a moment this week to review the Plano ISD Council of PTAs Scholarship Page to ensure your PTA’s scholarship link and contact information are accurate and up to date:

https://pisdcouncil.membershiptoolkit.com/scholarships

To help families access scholarship information quickly and reliably, we strongly recommend using one consistent scholarship webpage link year after year (for example, a dedicated page on your PTA website). Please avoid linking directly to a form or document that may change annually, since those links are more likely to expire, get moved, or become inaccessible, resulting in broken links and outdated information for students and families.

We also strongly recommend listing a PTA email address (such as scholarships@yourpta.org or info@yourpta.org) rather than a specific person’s individual email. This helps ensure scholarship communications remain consistent, even when PTA leadership roles change from year to year.

If your PTA needs a link or contact update on the Council webpage, please submit a change request by emailing:
Communications@PlanoPTA.org

Now is a great time to start planning for Teacher Appreciation Week. Early planning gives your PTA more time to coordinate volunteers, gather donations or sponsorships, and ensure thoughtful touches are covered, from meals and treats to small gifts and classroom support. Starting now also helps you spread out the work, avoid last-minute stress, and create a celebration that truly makes teachers and staff feel valued. 

This is a friendly reminder that Election Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026, including the Texas primary and local races. Voters across our communities will have the opportunity to cast ballots on issues and candidates that matter at the local and state level.

If you have not already early voted, make a plan to head to the polls on Tuesday. Take a moment to confirm your polling location and set aside time to participate in the democratic process.

Every voice counts. When families show up to vote, we strengthen our schools, neighborhoods, and future together. Your voice matters in every election, and engaged voters help build stronger communities.

Encourage others to show up and make their voices heard. #PTAvotes

Do you know a PTA volunteer who leads with heart, resilience, and purpose? The Texas PTA Lead Like Marni Award application period is officially open, and this is your opportunity to recognize an outstanding leader in your PTA community.

Application Period: March 1 – May 15, 2026
Winners are recognized at LAUNCH in a special celebration that includes Marni’s family.
Nominate a leader today at www.txpta.org

About the Award

Marni Kaner was a dedicated and passionate PTA volunteer for more than 20 years. She was well known across the state for her innovative ideas, practical advice, warm heart, and unwavering commitment to PTA. Her leadership strengthened campuses, communities, and membership growth throughout Texas.

Created in 2021, the Lead Like Marni Award honors volunteers who reflect that same spirit. These are leaders who champion the PTA mission, welcome and encourage others, face challenges with grit and humor, and generously share their knowledge. They lead with compassion, humility, creativity, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

Plano ISD Council of PTAs believes strong leadership builds stronger schools. Take a moment to nominate a volunteer who exemplifies service, leadership, and excellence.

What’s at the end of the PTA rainbow? 17 lucky new  members! _____

All monthly membership awards are automatically calculated based on the Local PTA’s membership totals at each deadline.

• Track your PTA's progress (including Path to Good Standing) through the Local PTA Roster. 
• Members who join on joinpta.org are automatically added to the PTA's membership count and can be viewed in the free myPTEZ account.
• Digitally uploaded or mailed membership rosters and dues must be received by Texas PTA by the listed deadline.

Upcoming Awards

• Apr 30: April Showers
  Don't get caught in the rain! Welcome 15 new members. 
• May 31: May Blossoms 
  Congratulations on your extraordinary growth! You've grown your garden with a phenomenal 101% increase or more by adding new members this month.

Voice for Every Child  Awards: Texas PTA’s most prestigious membership award for  Local PTAs that strive to have one voice for every child  on their campus. RECEIVED Deadline: May 31 

• Bronze: Recruit members equal to at least 25% of  campus student enrollment. 
• Silver: Recruit members equal to at least 50% of  campus student enrollment. 
• Gold: Recruit members equal to at least 75% of  campus student enrollment. 
• Platinum: Recruit members equal to at least 100%  of campus student enrollment.  

President’s Challenge: Build Community Through Engagement Strengthen your PTA by hosting a family engagement  event that brings families together and have a  membership increase by May 31, 2026. Create  meaningful connections that inspire families to join your  PTA community.

Special Category Membership Awards: Membership dues, roster, and notification form are due March 31. The Community Award is available in three tiers: Silver for recruiting 15 Community members, Gold for recruiting 25 Community members, and Platinum for recruiting 50 Community members. Awards are also available for Student, Generations, and MARS membership categories.

Full-Color Local PTA Membership Awards (English | Spanish)

The I Am Texas Writing and Art Contest invites students in grades 2–12 to share what Texas means to them through original writing and 2D artwork.

Hosted by The Bryan Museum and iWrite, this annual contest encourages students to explore Texas history, culture, and identity while competing for publication opportunities, cash prizes, and the chance to be featured at the Museum.

Entries are due April 30, 2026. Contest details and teacher resources.

Publishing is a powerful incentive for learning and is a unique way to validate that a child’s voice should be heard.  Each year, young writers in the 3rd-12th grade all across the globe have the chance to be published authors. This first taste of success can last a lifetime! The iWRITE Non-Profit Organization offers students the opportunity to submit their writing and artwork to our annual publishing contest.

Deadline to submit is May 31, 2026.

Local PTAs are encouraged to take advantage of the Texas PTA Connect programs available to run on campus at no cost.

To strengthen program quality even further, PTAs are also encouraged to review the Facilitator’s Guide. This resource provides practical guidance on planning and delivering exceptional programs, including how to incorporate icebreakers, structure the agenda, and keep participants engaged throughout the event.

After reviewing the guide, PTAs are invited to share feedback and takeaways.

Mark your calendars now —next year’s LAUNCH will be July 10–12, 2026 at the Gaylord! You won’t want to miss it! 

Prom Closet: St. Andrew provides a free, boutique style prom shopping experience for more than 1,300 students each year Students can find prom dresses, shoes, and accessories at no cost.

Registration opens January 26

Appointments required

St. Andrew Methodist Church, Plano

Shopping dates

• February 24–28

• March 2–5 and March 7

Donations of new or gently used formalwear are accepted year round

St. Andrew Prom Closet

Full story at https://localprofile.com

The Plano ISD Council of PTAs celebrates efforts that support students and help make milestone moments like prom accessible to all.

Take advantage of Plano’s convenient drive-through Saturday Community Recycling Events.

Electronics recycling is available on the first, second, and third Saturday of each month.

Secure, on-site paper shredding is offered on the second and third Saturday of each month. This is a great option for disposing of sensitive documents safely.

Donations of gently used items are accepted on the third Saturday of each month, including clothes, shoes, purses and wallets, belts, hats and caps, backpacks, hard toys, soft toys, and stuffed animals.

Locations and event details:
https://www.plano.gov/1002/Community-Recycling-Events

Discover tips and tricks with Membership Toolkit’s helpful videos on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user32182435

Planning ahead for school appreciation days helps PTAs show meaningful support for our dedicated school staff and educators. By marking these dates on your calendar now, your PTA can organize thoughtful recognition events and ensure every member of your school community feels valued throughout the year. 

MARCH 2026 🤝 3/2-6 National School Social Worker Week 

APRIL 2026 👥 4/1 Paraprofessional Appreciation Day 📚 4/4 School Librarian Appreciation Day 👔 4/6-10 National Assistant Principals Week 🌟 4/20-24 National Public School Volunteer Appreciation Week 💼 4/22 Administrative Professionals Day 🚌 4/28 School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

MAY 2026 👔 5/1 School Principal's Day 🍎 5/1 School Lunch Hero Day 📚 5/4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week ⚕️ 5/6 School Nurse Day 🗣️ 5/18 Speech Pathologist Day

Subscribe: If you would like to subscribe to any of these calendars, please visit the Subscription page to find out how.

Questions: If you have questions or need help, please contact Communications@PlanoPTA.org.