National PTA Grants to Benefit Thousands During Economic Woes

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - January 15, 2009) - During one of the worst economic times in our nation, National PTA is proud to announce that more than 30 U.S. schools, including three overseas, earned national awards from the organization.

PTA will award $1,897 to 32 PTA schools to help thousands of students and families celebrate PTA Take Your Family to School Week, February 8 - 14.

These PTAs are receiving cash awards to recognize Take Your Family to School Week activities they have 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. Hundreds of PTAs submitted proposals describing different family activities they have planned, such as 'a day in the life of a student,' 'teaching technology to grandparents technology day' and parent workshops.

The National PTA is making these $1,897 awards in honor of the day and year PTA was founded (February 17, 1897). This special week gives today's parents and families the key to the door of their children's school experience. In 2009, the Take Your Family to School $1,897 Awards are sponsored by the AXA Foundation, Proud National Sponsor of PTA.

PTA leadership chose schools from 20 U.S. states across the country. The 2009 Take Your Family to School Week Award winners are...

--  Netzaberg Middle School PTSA; Germany
--  Grafenwohr Elementary PTSA; Germany
--  Ramstein American MS PTSA; Germany
--  Scenic Park PTA; Anchorage, AK
--  Gibbs PTA; Little Rock, AR
--  Paul Ecke Central PTA; Encinitas, CA
--  College View School PTA; Glendale, CA
--  Tulsa Street PTA; Granada Hills, CA
--  Torrance Elementary PTA; Torrance, CA
--  Bristol Elementary PTA; Colorado Springs, CO
--  Williams Middle School PTSA; Lithia, FL
--  William Lehman Elementary; Miami, FL
--  Kennesaw Mountain High PTSA; Acworth, GA
--  Lakewod Falls Elementary PTA; Plainfield, IL
--  Chestertown Middle School PTA; Ghestertown, MD
--  Jacobsville Elementary PTA; Pasadena, MD
--  Crockett Votech High School; Detroit, MI
--  Waite Park PTA; Minneapolis, MN
--  Wadesboro Elementary School PTA; Wadesboro, NC
--  Cleveland Elementary School PTA; Clayton, NC
--  Unity Drive PTA; Centereach, NY
--  Chester Elementary School PTA; Chester, NY
--  Brookfield Central School PTSA; N Brookfield, NY
--  Millennium Community School PTA; Columbus, OH
--  Carus Elementary; Beavercreek, OR
--  Purchase Line North Elementary PTA; Mahaffey, PA
--  Stephen Olney School PTA; RI
--  Pineview Elementary PTA; West Columbia, SC
--  Startzville Elementary PTA; Canyon Lake, TX
--  Albert R. Lyman Middle School PTSA; Blanding, UT
--  Oakton Elementary PTA; Oakton, VA
--  Mantua PTA; Fairfax, VA
    

Contact PTA's national office to find out what activities PTA schools in your community have planned for the special week.

Take Your Family to School Week has been supported by education organizations and community leaders, including the U.S. Department of Education; the National School Boards Association; the National Association of Secondary School Principals; and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

About National PTA

PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders 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 all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education health, and welfare of children and youth.

To view a media-rich version of this release, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2009/pta_011509/index.html

Contact Information: Contacts: James Martinez Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 325 Cell: (773) 339-4533 La'Keisha Gray-Sewell Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 321