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.


Call for Resolutions for 2018 National PTA Convention

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NPTA
Call for Resolutions for 2018 PTA Convention
On behalf of National PTA, the resolutions committee is seeking resolutions for consideration during the 2018 National Convention in New Orleans, La.
  • All resolutions packets must be RECEIVED electronically at [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. EST, Nov. 10.
  • See our checklist for detailed submission guidelines.
  • Resolutions received after the deadline will not be presented at the 2018 National Convention.
  • Early submission is encouraged. If parts of the resolution or background information are missing, or if edits are necessary, the submitter will need to work with a committee member to ensure the final submission is completed by the deadline date.
  • Fax and hard copy submissions will not be accepted.
FAQs
Why submit a resolution?
Resolutions call for action by National PTA or its constituent bodies (state, district, council or local units). National PTA resolutions seek to address problems, situations or concerns that affect children and youth nationwide and that require nationwide action for solution.
Who can submit a resolution?
Local, council, district/region or state PTAs, National PTA Board of Directors or committees may submit resolutions. Criteria for resolutions to be considered at the convention are the same for all PTA bodies.
What criteria must each resolution meet?
Each resolution submitted to National PTA is subject to consideration by the resolutions committee.
For more info, see our PTA Resolutions Toolkit. For questions, email [email protected].
Please forward this information to your local units and PTA councils and share on social media.
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Sample Social Media Messages

Twitter

Resolutions inform PTA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of kids & schools. Submit resolutions 2 @NationalPTA by Nov. 10. http://bit.ly/2wWVMl8

Resolutions are an important part of the advocacy work of PTA. Submit proposed resolutions 2 @NationalPTA by Nov. 10. http://bit.ly/2wWVMl8

Facebook

Resolutions are an important part of the advocacy work of PTA. Submit proposed resolutions to National PTAby Nov. 10 for consideration during the 2018 National Convention in New Orleans, La. View the Resolutions Toolkit for submission details and guidelines: PTA.org/ResolutionsToolkit.

National PTA Headquarters
1250 N. Pitt Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: (703) 518-1200
Toll Free: (800) 307-4PTA
Fax: (703) 836-0942
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1250 N. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314


PTA News – Parents For Healthy Kids Launches Today!

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NPTA
Parents For Healthy Kids Launches Today!
PFHKLaunchGraphic.jpgNational PTA and Action for Healthy Kids, with support from ALDI, have teamed up to create ParentsforHealthyKids.org, a new website that teaches parents how to get involved in school health and wellness to create healthier schools where kids can thrive.

The site is unlike any other dedicated to school health—it’s by parents for parents, no matter what your knowledge or experience is in school health.  The interactive site includes:

  • Quizzes: Do you really know how healthy your child’s school is?
  • Like a Boss: Everything you need to navigate the hallways of school health and wellness.
  • Hot Topics: Physical Activity & P.E., Recess, Good Eats, Snack Time, Fundraisers and Policy.
  • Inspiration: Videos and testimonials that will inspire you to get started or keep going.
  • A Community Forum: exchange ideas and connect with other parents
Wherever and whenever you are ready to champion healthy habits in your child’s school, take the first step by visiting ParentsforHealthyKids.org.
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National PTA Headquarters
1250 N. Pitt Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Toll Free: (800) 307-4PTA
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1250 N. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314


National PTA Statement on Freeman High School Shooting

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Sept. 13, 2017)The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando:

“National PTA is deeply saddened to hear of the shooting today at Freeman High School in Rockford, Wash. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the students, families, educators and administrators impacted.

“Any act of violence at a school or involving children and youth is intolerable. Every student deserves to learn and grow in an environment that is safe. And no parent should fear for the safety of their child every time they leave home. It is urgent that families, educators, school administrators, community leaders and elected officials work together to prevent violence in schools and ensure that all students have a safe environment in which to thrive and learn.

“It remains a top priority of National PTA to promote safety for children and youth and improve education. National PTA has a strong history of supporting and advocating for policies in the areas of gun safety, violence prevention, juvenile justice, mental health and students’ overall well-being.

“National PTA is committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing violence. The association offers a variety of resources that can be downloaded at PTA.org/SchoolViolence.”

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


SFEC Amendment Passed!

The SFEC amendment just passed the House floor en bloc!!!  Way to go, PTA advocates!!

You can see the amendment listed as part of the Cole En Bloc 4 here.  Scroll down to Amendments to Division F – (Labor, Health and Human Services, Education & Related Agencies). The amendment is #166.

Thank you for all your advocacy!! It worked!!  Now we need to get the funding into a final bill that will also need to pass in the Senate.

Sincerely,

National PTA Government Affairs

Jacki Ball | Director, Government Affairs

National PTA®

P: (703) 518-1243 | C: (703) 405-5206

[email protected] www.pta.org @balljacki