Day: 17 Feb 2017

JC/DC ACTION ALERT:  Charter Schools ****VOTE SOON*** Please contact the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education!

 

HB 634 is in committee and will come for a committee vote soon.  

HB 634 would allow charter schools to operate in any school district in the state.

National and Missouri PTA does recognize and support charter schools when they are public and have to meet all the same evaluation standards that a non- charter public schools must meet. However, Missouri PTA opposes this bill based on the fact that it is allowing the charter schools to be affiliated with non-public organizations and that currently the evaluation for charter schools still does not meet or exceed the expectations of non-charter public schools.

Dear Representative,

As a community we prioritize the education standards of our kids. We have evaluation standards that must be met for public schools to remain accredited.  HB 634 allows for the formation of charter schools in any district in the state. Under this bill these schools could be controlled by non-public organizations. These schools would not have to be held to the same evaluation standards non-charter public schools are held. This would allow for the potential for children to not have the quality of education they receive in Missouri public schools. Missouri PTA is not against charter schools when they are under the control nonprofit organizations not affiliated with non-public sectarian, religious, or home-based school organizations of the local school district with the same standards as public schools. HB 634 fails to meet this requirement.

Please vote no on HB 634.

 

Sincerely,

You name and PTA

Not sure how to contact the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education? Click here.


Carla Wiese

Vice President & Director of Legislation and Advocacy

[email protected]


PTA Take Your Family to School Week Brings Families into Classrooms Nationwide

PTAs and schools across the country host family-focused events Feb. 13-17

 

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 15, 2017)—National PTA has designated Feb. 13-17 PTA Take Your Family to School Week to encourage families to visit their child’s school and strengthen partnerships between parents, teachers and administrators. PTAs and schools nationwide are hosting a variety of events and activities to promote family engagement in education. The timing of the week honors the day PTA was founded, Feb. 17, 1897.

 

“For 120 years, National PTA has encouraged families to get more involved in their child’s education, as it is proven to have a positive impact on student success,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “PTA Take Your Family to School Week shines a light on the significance of family engagement and provides families with an opportunity to visit their child’s school, meet school staff and inspire them to stay involved in their child’s education.”

 

Studies demonstrate that students with involved families attend school more often, earn higher grades, have higher graduation rates, have better social skills and show improved behavior. Family engagement also helps children navigate the challenges of growing up, such as bullying and online safety and responsibility.

 

This year, PTA Take Your Family to School Week incorporates the theme, “Celebrating the Changing Faces of Families” to honor the diversity of families and students across the country.

 

“Our nation’s children and families have many different talents, backgrounds, opportunities and challenges. It is critical that we recognize and celebrate the diversity of our school communities and ensure all families feel welcomed and supported,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “PTA is committed to helping school communities embrace diversity and inclusion, making sure the perspectives and needs of all families and students are represented, and empowering all families to support their children’s success.”

 

For more information on PTA Take Your Family to School Week, visit PTA.org/TYFTSW.

 

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association 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.

 

Media Contact
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA
[email protected], (703) 518-1242