Contact Information: Contact: James Martinez (312) 670-6782 Ext. 325
Coming to a School Near You... Families!
This Week Thousands of Families Across the Country Are Visiting Schools for PTA Take Your Family to School Week
| Source: National PTA
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