Chrysler Brand Teams Up With National PTA to Support Schools Across the Country Through ‘Cars 4 Classrooms’ Program

• The Chrysler brand is a new Proud National Sponsor of National PTA
• The brand’s ‘Cars 4 Classrooms’ fundraising program will feature test drives in the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, beginning this month

Sept. 19, 2017, Auburn Hills, Mich.—The Chrysler brand announced today that it has become a Proud National Sponsor of National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association. As part of the collaboration, the Chrysler brand and National PTA will support local PTAs across the country in promoting family engagement in education and raising funds for their schools through the Chrysler “Cars 4 Classroom” fundraising program, featuring the all-new Chrysler Pacifica.

Through the Chrysler brand’s “Cars 4 Classrooms” initiative, PTAs and schools have the opportunity to set up test drive fundraising events featuring the Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan. The brand will donate $10 to the school for every participant who takes a brief test drive. PTAs can go to cars4classrooms.com, beginning today, to learn more about hosting an event. Participating Chrysler franchised dealerships will work with PTAs, providing the Chrysler Pacifica minivans for the events.

Additionally, as part of National PTA’s Take Your Family to School Week (Feb. 11-17, 2018), the Chrysler brand will support PTAs in encouraging families to visit their child’s school and get more involved in their education.

“The Chrysler brand and its dealer network have worked with families and educators on test drive fundraisers in communities across America for more than 25 years,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “Through our partnership with National PTA, the goal is to give every school in every community the opportunity to thrive. Every test-drive in the all-new Chrysler Pacifica will help initiatives like after-school programs, new playground builds, and technology updates.”

“Across the country, PTAs work hard to support their school communities and increase family engagement in education, which has been proven to improve student and community outcomes,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “National PTA is pleased to team up with the Chrysler brand to help PTAs support their schools and get more families involved in their child’s education.”

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. For more information, visit PTA.org.

 About the Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 available safety and security features, the all-new Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today’s families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of 2016 and 2017.

The Pacifica Hybrid takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further with its class-exclusive, innovative hybrid powertrain. It’s America’s first Hybrid Minivan and achieves 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range, with a total range of 566 miles. Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid the ultimate family vehicles.

About Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, intuitive innovation and technology all at an extraordinary value since the company was founded in 1925.

Whether it is the family-room-on-wheels functionality of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan or the groundbreaking, bold design of the Chrysler 300, Chrysler brand vehicles reward the passion, creativity and sense of accomplishment of its owners. Beyond just exceptionally designed vehicles, the Chrysler brand has incorporated thoughtful features into all of its products, such as the industry-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system on the Chrysler Pacifica and the fuel-saving Fuel Saver Technology in the Chrysler 300.

The Chrysler brand’s succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand’s standing as the leader in design, engineering and value. The premium for the Chrysler brand is in the product, not the price.

National PTA Applauds Family Engagement Investments in House FY 2018 Appropriations Bill

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Sept. 18, 2017)—The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a spending bill that would fund federal programs and services for Fiscal Year 2018. The bill includes $10 million in funding for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program.

“National PTA is an advocate for investments in the SFECs program because family engagement is proven to positively impact student achievement and school performance,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “We commend Congressmen Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) and Glenn Thompson (R-PA) for their leadership in offering an amendment to fund the SFECs program and applaud the House of Representatives for its bipartisan commitment to family engagement.”

The SFEC program is included in the Every Student Succeeds Act—the law governing the federal role in K-12 education. The program will provide states and districts with the capacity to support effective implementation and enhancement of meaningful family engagement policies and initiatives.

Although National PTA is pleased that the SFECs program is funded in the bill, the association is concerned that the bill cuts funding for education overall by more than $2 billion.

“Funding for education has remained at 2% of the federal budget for decades. Cutting funding further undermines opportunity for all children,” said Nathan Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “It is critical that Congress stop cuts to classrooms and invest more in education programs for children and the nation’s long-term success.”

With its passage, the House spending bill must now be reconciled with the U.S. Senate’s appropriations legislation. The Senate bill that would fund education programs for FY2018 does not include funding for the SFECs program and offers minimal increases in funding for education overall.

“Although the Senate bill increases funding for education, it is not enough to adequately invest in our children and the future of our nation,” added President Accomando. “Across the country, there are large disparities in available resources and access to quality education programs. It is essential that members of Congress work together to pass a spending bill for FY2018 that invests in education and family engagement to strengthen our economy and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

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. For more information, visit PTA.org.

Media Contact

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

[email protected], (703) 518-1242

Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA Launch Parents for Healthy Kids Initiative

Initiative aims to empower parents to be change agents in school and student health

 CHICAGO (Sept. 18, 2017)—Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) and National PTA have teamed up to support parents in creating healthier schools through a new initiative, Parents for Healthy Kids. Parents for Healthy Kids features a website, online community forum, trainings and grants to educate, engage and empower parents nationwide to improve school and student health.

 Evidence shows children who attend schools that promote physical activity and healthy eating perform better academically. Healthy school environments also set the stage for children to adopt a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.However, studies and statistics show many schools face challenges when it comes to implementing policies and programs that help address childhood obesity and enhance learning. Additionally, according to a survey* conducted by AFHK and National PTA, nearly all parents said they are concerned about the future of school and student health in the U.S.

“Parents and parent groups are a powerful force for change in schools and can help bring together school staff, other parents and community partners to improve student health and learning. We are excited to be able to help mobilize parents around school health issues through Parents for Healthy Kids in collaboration with National PTA and our generous sponsor, ALDI,” said Rob Bisceglie, CEO, AFHK.

At ParentsforHealthyKids.org parents can:

• Learn how to engage with school leaders and decision makers on health issues
• Find ways to help bring more physical activity and healthy eating to the school day
• Share opinions, exchange ideas and connect with like-minded parents in a community forum
• Be inspired by stories from parents nationwide and share their own
• Find tips and ideas for reinforcing healthy habits at home

School grants, trainings and workshops for parents are also being provided as part of the initiative. For the 2017-2018 school year, 150 schools have been awarded grants, providing funds and technical support to the schools and parent groups to implement health and wellness programs that include a family engagement component.

“PTA leaders, members and families play an important role in helping schools create and maintain healthy practices that contribute to the well-being and long-term success of our nation’s children. We are pleased to team up with Action for Healthy Kids and ALDI to equip parents and schools with resources to engage families and provide a healthier environment for all students,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA.

Parents for Healthy Kids is sponsored by ALDI, one of America’s leading grocery stores. ALDI’s support of the initiative builds on the company’s commitment to helping children and families live healthy lives.

“Since we began working with Action for Healthy Kids in 2011, we have seen firsthand the great work schools and parents can do when supported with the right tools. We’re honored to help bring new resources to parents nationwide and continue to support schools and families in the communities where we operate,” said ALDI spokeswoman Liz Ruggles.

For more information, visit ParentsforHealthyKids.org. A complete list of schools awarded ALDI-funded grants can be found at ActionforHealthyKids.org/ALDI.

*A survey of 558 parents of kindergartners through sixth-graders was conducted among members of Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA in February 2017.

About Action for Healthy Kids®

Action for Healthy Kids® is a nationwide grassroots network mobilizing school professionals, families and communities to take actions that improve school foods, nutrition education, physical activity and physical education for all students. Through funding opportunities, expert technical assistance, and our flagship program, Game On, Action for Healthy Kids supports schools in developing healthy environments where children thrive. To learn more about the ways our 120,000+ volunteer network is helping to make every kid healthy, active and ready to learn, visit us at ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook (facebook.com/act4healthykids) and on Twitter (twitter.com/Act4HlthyKids).

 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.

About ALDI Inc.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates more than 1,600 U.S. stores in 35 states. More than 40 million customers each month save up to 50 percent* on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. For the seventh year in a row, ALDI was recognized as a value leader among U.S. grocery stores by Market Force Information® survey of U.S. consumers. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.

*Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.