National PTA Vice President to Testify on Underfunding of Public Education at House Committee on Education and Labor Hearing

Call for robust and equitable investments in public education to ensure all schools have the resources to help every child learn, grow and succeed

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 11, 2019)—Tomorrow, National PTA Vice President of Membership Anna King will bring the voice of families and child advocates to Capitol Hill, testifying before the House Committee on Education and Labor at a hearing titled, Underpaid Teachers and Crumbling Schools: How Underfunding Public Education Shortchanges America’s Students. In her testimony, King will underscore the critical need for Congress to invest in public education to make every child’s potential a reality.

“Decades of federal underinvestment in public education has created unsustainable situations in so many of our nation’s schools, shortchanging students,” says King. “We must do better. We have to do better. Our children’s and our nation’s future depend on it.”

“It is our nation’s public schools that will provide the educated, innovative and creative workforce of tomorrow—the entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, artists and political leaders who will ensure our nation will flourish in an increasingly competitive global economy. All schools must be equitably funded and have the resources needed to help every child learn, grow and succeed,” King adds.

National PTA has long advocated to ensure all children have access to equitably funded public schools that improve their overall well-being and help them achieve academic and long-term success. As outlined in King’s testimony, the association urges Congress to: 1) Raise discretionary spending caps, 2) Better fund critical programs in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 3) Increase investments in family engagement through the Statewide Family Engagement Centers program, and 4) Ensure public schools are included in any infrastructure package.

“Federal funding for public education programs has remained at approximately 2% of the federal budget for decades, despite the increase in public school enrollment and the rising cost of education resources and services,” King says. “It’s time Congress does its part and prioritizes investments in public schools and our children to ensure they have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential and to grow our economy and improve our competitiveness.”

National PTA and its constituents remain committed to advocating at the federal, state and local levels for robust and equitable investments in public schools.

To read King’s testimony and to watch a livestream of the hearing beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, visit https://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/underpaid-teachers-and-crumbling-schools-how-underfunding-public-education-shortchanges-americas-students-.

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.

Missouri PTA Honored with National Award for Outstanding Advocacy Efforts

Association to be recognized at National PTA Legislative Conference in nation’s capital

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 4, 2019)—National PTA has honored Missouri PTA with its 2019 Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award for taking action to make a difference for the education, health, safety, well-being and long-term success of every child. Missouri PTA was selected to receive the award among PTAs from across the country. National PTA will honor Missouri PTA with the award at a reception during the association’s 2019 National PTA Legislative Conference, Wednesday, March 13, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.

“Advocacy is critical to make advances for our nation’s youth and ensure every child has access to a high-quality public education in a learning environment that is healthy, safe and secure,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “We are pleased to recognize the efforts of Missouri PTA in taking action for kids with our 2019 Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award.”

Prior to Missouri PTA’s advocacy efforts, Missouri was one of only five states that housed juveniles—some as young as nine—in adult facilities, even prior to their conviction. Missouri PTA worked with a coalition to plan and implement an initiative to support legislation that would make sure juveniles involved in the justice system are housed separately from adults. PTA members met with their local legislators, garnered the support of law enforcement and juvenile justice departments, and implemented a robust media campaign on the issue. Last year, after five years of concerted effort, Missouri PTA’s advocacy efforts saw success when SB 793 “Raise the Age” was signed into law. The new law requires that children be prosecuted in juvenile courts and ensures that no person under the age of 18 may be detained in an adult jail unless the person has been certified as an adult.

Every year, the National PTA Legislative Conference brings together PTA leaders and advocates from across the country to explore the association’s advocacy priorities and the federal policies that impact kids as well as actively advocate to create a better future for every child.

During the 2019 conference—themed “PTA Takes Action for Kids”—attendees will hear from speakers and participate in workshops to expand their knowledge of federal law and grow their advocacy skills. Attendees will use this knowledge to amplify their voices by meeting with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, March 13.

“For over 120 years, National PTA advocates have been at the heart of efforts that have forever changed the lives of our children—including the passage of child labor laws, the start of the school lunch program, improvements to the treatment of children in the justice system, and the implementation of universal kindergarten classes,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA Executive Director. “As throughout our history, we are committed to urging the 116th Congress to take action for kids and enact legislation that makes a difference for every child.”

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 Honors Outstanding Efforts in Taking Action for Kids

Honorees to be recognized at 2019 National PTA Legislative Conference

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 4, 2019)—National PTA is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2019 Outstanding Advocacy Awards, which honor parents and youth from across the country who have taken action on issues that affect the education, health, safety, well-being and long-term success of America’s children. The honorees will be recognized at the 2019 National PTA Legislative Conference, Wednesday, March 13, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.
This year’s recipients are:

Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award—Missouri PTA

Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy Award—Austin Council of PTAs (Texas)

Austin Council of PTAs’ award-winning advocacy campaign began in spring 2018, when the district and the city’s public transportation authority announced a pilot program to make rides for students free for the summer. The PTA raised awareness about the free summer ride program and encouraged families, students, teachers and school staff to write letters to the transportation authority, as well as testify in person about the impact of free rides. Austin Council of PTAs’ advocacy efforts then turned toward support for a vote to make the free ride program permanent, to ensure every child in Austin has reliable access to schools. Members continued to reach out to students, parents, teachers, service providers and others, encouraging them to share their personal stories and to ensure that advocates were speaking loudly and with one voice. With the measure passing unanimously, Austin Council of PTAs successfully advocated making public transportation free for all K-12 students in their district.

Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award—Janelle Sperry (Bunker Hill, W.Va.)

Janelle Sperry’s outstanding advocacy efforts span many roles and issue areas. Sperry has been a PTA member for 11 years and has served on the West Virginia PTA Board of Managers for seven years, including as president from 2015-2017 and currently as marketing chairperson. Among her many advocacy efforts, Sperry was instrumental in the formation of the West Virginia Coalition for Public Education, which is focused on preventing voucher legislation from being enacted in West Virginia. In this effort, Sperry met with the West Virginia state superintendent, associate superintendent of schools and the governor’s office as well as sent out letters to over 80 associations. Most recently, Sperry worked to draft a bill in West Virginia to define and establish the crime of cyberbullying. The bill was signed into law in 2018. Sperry has spent her entire life serving her community and continues to make the mission of PTA her focus by taking action to ensure every child receives a high-quality education.

Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year Award—Chloe Mattes (Racine, Wis.)

As Wisconsin PTA Youth Outreach Chair, Chloe Mattes decided to take action on an issue top of mind for most youth—college and career readiness. Through social media, Mattes reached out to students between the ages of 12-18 and their parents to spread the word about opportunities for students and their families to explore colleges, technical schools and career paths. She also interviewed high school students, teachers and college students about their college and career experiences. Using this footage, Mattes created YouTube videos and wrote articles that were sent to all local PTA leaders and community partners to raise awareness in Wisconsin about what it means to be college and career ready.

“Advocacy is critical to make advances for our nation’s youth and ensure every child has access to a high-quality public education in a learning environment that is healthy, safe and secure,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “We are looking forward to recognizing the best in PTA advocacy and celebrating these awardees’ efforts in taking action for kids at our legislative conference.”

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.

NEWS: CloroxPro Seeks Nominations for Champions of Clean Contest

CloroxPro Launches Champions of Clean National Contest

Contest celebrates commercial cleaning professionals on the front lines who go above and beyond to help keep facilities clean and healthy.

PLEASANTON, Calif., Jan. 8, 2019: CloroxPro announces the Champions of Clean contest encouraging facility managers and cleaning professionals to nominate themselves or someone they know who goes above and beyond to create clean and healthy environments that building staff and patrons can trust. The contest will run from January 8 through February 20, 2019, and winners will be notified in early March. CloroxPro will announce the winners this spring.

Cleaning professionals play a critical role in enabling clean and healthy shared spaces, like schools, hospitals and offices and everywhere in between. In places like these where clean means everything, their work means everything.

In recognition of their efforts, two winners – one from a healthcare facility and one from a commercial facility – will receive a three-night vacation for two to New York City, Orlando, Las Vegas or Nashville. The person who nominated each winner will also win a home technologies prize package.

“Cleaning professionals and their teams work hard all year long to keep facilities clean and healthy, facing a lot of pressure to do more with less, but still do the job right,” said Brad Ferris, Brand Engagement Lead – Marketing, CloroxPro. “During cold, flu and norovirus season when they’re faced with more than everyday messes and routine germs, their work takes on even greater urgency. We hope this contest gives facility managers, cleaning professionals and their colleagues a chance to acknowledge this hard work and say thank you for everything they do to help keep us healthy throughout the tough winter illness season and beyond.”

CloroxPro is launching the Champions of Clean contest to celebrate cleaning professionals who are on the front lines of cold, flu and norovirus season, embody the where clean means everything motto and put it all on the line each year to maintain clean and healthy environments.

To nominate an outstanding cleaning professional, view current nominees or find more information on the Champions of Clean contest, visit www.CloroxProChampionsofClean.com and follow @CloroxPro and #ChampionsOfClean on Twitter. For contest details, see the Official Rules.

About CloroxPro
Building on a century-long legacy in cleaning and disinfecting, CloroxPro offers some of the industry’s most recognized and trusted brand names for commercial cleaning, including its Clorox Healthcare products and technologies for healthcare facilities. Whether it is schools, offices, restaurants, hotels, hospitals or other commercial facilities, CloroxPro is committed to meeting the demands of industry professionals. For more information, visit www.CloroxPro.com or follow @CloroxPro on Twitter.

ThinkFun Game Night Blog Post Series

Hey Bloggers!

National PTA is featuring blogs from PTAs who hosted a successful ThinkFun Family Game Night as part of the PTA’s STEM + Families Initiative. The local PTA shares their success stories, lessons learned, and outcomes with other PTAs nationwide. Our hope is that this will be super helpful and motivating to other PTAs nationwide, and also highlight and showcase the local PTA and school, and show the fantastic work they are doing. Maplewood PTA (North Kansas City Council/Pony Express Regions) is scheduled to be featured on Thursday, 12/27! Sondra Miller, an officer in the local unit participated as a guest author. You can find this at onevoice.pta.org.