PTA to Bring Communities Together Nationwide for a Better Internet

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 11, 2020)—In celebration of Safer Internet Day, National PTA and PTAs across the country are bringing communities together for a better internet by hosting over 160 events nationwide. The events are part of the PTA Connected initiative and are anticipated to reach as many as 10,000 families.

“Safer Internet Day encourages parents, students and educators to come together to discuss trending digital issues and empowers them to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. PTA has been working for over five years to address the online safety issues that are on the minds of families and connect them to tools and support,” said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. “Together with our PTA Connected sponsors, our association is proud to host events nationwide and share resources that help families navigate today’s digital world.”

Through the events, families will receive information about digital well-being and technology use to help address hot topics, such as screen time, social media, location sharing and other digital decisions. Parents and kids will also work together through real-life scenarios of online behavior and have open conversations to ensure they are using technology productively and responsibly.

Among the events that will be held across the country:

• 100 local PTAs were awarded a $1,000 grant from National PTA and Google to host Be Internet Awesome Family Workshops.
• 30 local PTAs were awarded a $1,000 grant to host family workshops on online safety at their school. The grants are sponsored by TikTok.
• 25 local PTAs were awarded a $1,000 grant to host a Smart Talk conversation at their school. The grants are sponsored by NortonLifeLock.

National PTA will also be part of the official national convening for Safer Internet Day 2020, a family night event in Mountain View, Calif. and a Be Internet Awesome event with Google in New York City with Connecticut PTA, New Jersey PTA and New York State PTA.

“At PTA, we believe in a positive, hands-on approach to parenting in the digital age,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “We hope the events help families have productive, ongoing conversations about their digital lives and activities and help them have fun, learn, connect and grow together.”

National PTA launched its PTA Connected initiative in 2018 to formalize and build on its work in the digital space in response to the growing needs and interest of parents nationwide. PTA Connected is designed to educate and engage families in digital wellness, security, access, equity and literacy.

To date, over $750,000 in funding has been awarded to PTAs to host PTA Connected events with over 500 PTA Connected events across the country, reaching over 25,000 families.

NortonLifeLock is the presenting and founding sponsor of PTA Connected. Additional founding sponsors include Facebook, Google and AT&T. TikTok is a supporting sponsor of the initiative.

“National PTA is grateful to NortonLifeLock, Facebook, Google, AT&T and TikTok for supporting our association’s efforts and helping give families the tools to be successful online,” added Boggs.

For more information about PTA’s celebration of Safer Internet Day and to find an event in your community, visit PTA.org/SaferInternetDay.

 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.

National PTA Announces 2020 Slate of Candidates

The 2020 Nominating and Leadership Recruitment Committee (NLRC) is proud to announce the 2020 Slate of Candidates.

Candidates are selected based on their competencies as demonstrated in their Letter of Interest application, interview and reference feedback. The Nominating and Leadership Recruitment Committee developed Competencies and Criteria for slated candidates based on a needs assessment and leadership feedback.

2020 Slated Board Member Candidates (2020-2022 Term)

Shaton Berry (Michigan)
Jeffery Corbett (Oklahoma)
Frances Frost (Maryland)
Heather Gillette (Washington)
Matthew John Rodriguez (Illinois)
Tony Shivers (Virginia)
Alison Turner (Nevada)
Samantha Valentine (Georgia)

2020 Slated NLRC Candidates (2020-2023 Term)

Dee Hensley-Maclean (Montana)
Nicole Lesnick (Ohio)

The National PTA Bylaws allow individuals to self-nominate for these positions. National PTA will send communications regarding that process by March 1. The election will be held during the 2020 National PTA Convention & Expo, June 18-21, in Louisville, Ky.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact NLRC at [email protected].

National PTA and Life360 Team Up to Promote Family Safety in the Digital Age

National PTA is pleased to announce it has teamed up with Life360 to promote family safety in the digital age through its PTA Connected initiative. Life360 created the Modern Parenting Go-Guide in collaboration with National PTA, which features discussion starters and offers best practices for healthy family connectivity.

Five local PTAs also have been awarded a grant of $1,000 each to host an event at their school and promote digital family safety tools for Safer Internet Day, Feb. 11, 2020.

“The holidays are a time when many families added new devices to their household, and with Safer Internet Day approaching, this is the perfect time to focus our conversations about being responsible and safe in the digital world,” said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. “National PTA is pleased to collaborate with Life360, which will help give families the tools to have proactive and productive conversations with their children about their digital lives and activities.”

Through PTA Connected and Safer Internet Day events across the country, families will receive information about digital well-being and technology use to help address hot topics, such as screen time, social media, location sharing and other digital decisions.

“At Life360, our highest ambition is to bring families closer. This has never felt more relevant or necessary than it does in today’s digital world,” said Ariana Hellebuyck, VP of Life360 Marketing. “Getting your first smartphone comes with many new freedoms for kids and many new challenges for parents. To help families better navigate parenting in the digital age, we created the ‘Modern Parenting Go-Guide’ in collaboration with National PTA, which provides insights on how to develop a healthy relationship with tech and also shares insights on modern family communication habits, family milestones, and top parenting concerns by life stage.”

National PTA’s PTA Connected initiative is designed to deepen the understanding and knowledge of parents, families and teachers about digital safety tools and resources; mobilize PTAs, schools and communities to engage families around best practices and shared learning; and generate collective impact. Life360 is a new supporting sponsor of the initiative.

“National PTA believes in a positive, hands-on approach to parenting in the digital age, and we remain committed to connecting families with tools, research and support to encourage dialogue, help them navigate the digital world and be successful online,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director.

National PTA and New Jersey PTA Statement on Shooting at Pleasantville High School Football Game

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Nov. 18, 2019)—National PTA President Leslie Boggs and New Jersey PTA President Cathy Lindenbaum issued the following statement about the shooting during the football game between Camden and Pleasantville high schools in Pleasantville, N.J.:

“National PTA, New Jersey PTA and all PTA members nationwide are saddened and angered to know that New Jersey has now joined the many other states that have been plagued by senseless gun violence. The shooting that occurred on Friday evening during the high school football game was a horrific event that will change the lives of those affected forever.

“This was the second shooting on school grounds in two days. We have said it again and again—enough is enough. Combating gun violence is a top priority of PTA and we demand that Congress and the president take action immediately to change our nation’s gun laws. We elected these leaders to build and enact solutions to painful problems—and gun violence is a very painful problem. Continuing to do nothing is beyond unacceptable.

“Limiting access to firearms and assault weapons and strengthening background checks can and will save lives. Congress must enact common-sense legislation today to help prevent future tragedies from occurring. We cannot wait any longer.

“We’ve all heard the argument that no matter what is done or what laws are put in place there will be those who will break the law. That same argument can be made about speed limits—people break them every day, but does that mean we shouldn’t have them? No. They prevent accidents and they save lives. We need speed limits, just like we need universal background checks, ‘red flag’ laws and other measures that will decrease gun violence and make our schools and communities safer for everyone.

“PTA members will always remain advocates for the safety and well-being of all children. We encourage everyone to get involved in our efforts to protect every child. Our association has developed resources for parents to ensure schools are safe and supportive places for their children as well as learn how to talk to their children about violence.

“This Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3), we are focusing on raising awareness about gun violence prevention. Join us in demanding action to keep our children safe.”

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 New Jersey PTA

New Jersey PTA comprises over 110,000 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 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 in the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit NJPTA.org.