ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Sept. 19, 2018)—National PTA President Jim Accomando and North Carolina PTA President Virginia Jicha issued the following statement regarding Hurricane Florence:
“Families, schools and communities across North Carolina have been profoundly impacted by flooding, wind damage and power outages from Hurricane Florence. National PTA and North Carolina PTA join the nation in concern for the safety and well-being of those impacted by this powerful storm. Our thoughts and hearts go out to everyone affected.
“As the nation’s and state’s oldest and largest child advocacy association, it is our duty to support families and school communities in their efforts to rebuild and recover. We are committed to doing everything we can to assist those affected and help restore learning environments as quickly as possible.
“PTA offers tips to help families and educators have conversations with children when incidents like Hurricane Florence occur to help them deal with emotions of fear, confusion, sadness and anger. The tips can be accessed at PTA.org.
“PTA has also established a Disaster Relief Fund to respond to tragedies that grievously disrupt a school or education system. National PTA and North Carolina PTA encourage PTAs and schools impacted by Hurricane Florence to apply for support from the fund. We also urge everyone to donate to the fund to help support PTAs and schools in need.
“PTA members work hard every day to give our children, families and school communities what they need to thrive. Following this type of tragedy, our mission becomes that much more important. We know we can count on our PTA members across the country to help meet the needs caused by Hurricane Florence.”
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 North Carolina PTA
North Carolina PTA is the state’s oldest and largest volunteer organization advocating for the education, health, safety and success of all children and youth while building strong families and communities. PTAs across North Carolina impact more than 685,000 children and their families. For more information, visit NCPTA.org.
Media Contacts
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA
[email protected], (703) 518-1242
Virginia Jicha, North Carolina PTA
[email protected], (919) 787-0534