Coming to a School Near You... Families!

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - February 11, 2008) - PTAs across the country are offering a new place to spend time with your family... in school!

Schools nationwide are opening their doors to parents today to kick-off PTA Take Your Family to School Week (February 10-16). The special time is a weeklong observance to connect parents and families to their children's school experience.

"It's a fact. When parents are involved, children succeed in school. That's why this special week offers school staff and families an opportunity to spend time together. I would not allow a stranger to educate my child. So we hope this week serves as a catalyst for parents to be involved and join their PTA," said Jan Harp Domene, PTA national president.

To recognize the efforts of schools and families as part of the week, PTA's national office will award $1,897 to 32 PTA schools to help thousands of students and families celebrate PTA Take Your Family to School Week. In fact, PTA national officers will visit several schools across the country to personally present the "big check" and support their activities. They are receiving cash awards for activities planned that are innovative; inclusive; promote parent and family involvement in schools; emphasize the link between involvement and student achievement; and further PTA's mission. In 2008, the Take Your Family to School $1,897 Awards are sponsored by the AXA Foundation, a Proud National Sponsor of PTA.

The PTA national organization is making $1,897 awards in honor of the day and year PTA was founded (February 17, 1897). Research shows that family involvement equals higher student achievement, and PTA Take Your Family to School Week gives today's parents and families the key to the door of their children's school experience.

Take Your Family to School Week is supported by education and community leaders including Carl Edward, driver of the No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion, and PTA Ambassador for Youth; iVillage; the National Fatherhood Initiative; and All Pro Dads:

Carl Edwards, driver of No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion and PTA Ambassador for Youth

"My mother was always involved in the PTA and it was neat to have continuity between what was going on at school and what was going on at home," Edwards said. "It's amazing to have the National PTA promote children's health and to involve both the schools and the parents under the banner of the PTA."

Deborah Fine, President, iVillage Properties

"PTA's Take Your Family to School Week deploys that power of community by bringing parents into a literal community of moms, because no mom goes it alone. The power of our community only reflects the exceptional power of moms -- there is no greater combination!"

Roland Warren, President, National Fatherhood Initiative

"An involved, responsible and committed father can safeguard his children from poor academic performance, disciplinary problems, and dropping out of school. Dads can also play a key role in their children's academic success. This event is a great way for fathers to get involved with their child's schooling and for families to come together under the cause of education."

Bryan Davis, Director, All Pro Dad

"As countless studies have shown, a student's academic achievement is directly related to his home environment. This a great event to teach parents that they matter more than they can possibly imagine to a child's future success. And that school is not just for children, but moms, dads and guardians are also a vital part of education."

Contact PTA's national office to find out what activities PTAs and schools in your community have planned for PTA Take Your Family to School Week.

About PTA

PTA comprises nearly 6 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

To view this release online, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2008/pta021108/index.html

Contact Information: Contact: James Martinez (312) 670-6782 Ext. 325