The wheel has been created – USE IT!

So I attended the State PTA Convention over the weekend along with some training from a National PTA representative.  My feelings are mixed…

On the positive side, it was great to see a “changing of the guard” in that many of my fellow Board members are new to their positions like me.  It is motivating that new energy and new perspectives are coming to the state scene and back to the districts.  It is also amazing to realize that we have 100 years of experience and resources backing our efforts with state and national tools to utilize.  I have other Region VPs that I can call upon to help me, not to mention the communication, finance & membership experts at the state level and also a network of other units across the nation as positive examples!! All this energy to bring to our local BSD members!

On the other side, attendance was not what I would have hoped for at a 100 year celebration and my first state convention.  It shows that we have to re-invigorate and re-dedicate our efforts as parents and our commitment to PTA – especially in this decade as so many things are happening in public education.  (Did you know that the PTA is behind the fact that we have Kindergarten today and that there are federally funded lunch programs – items we might take for granted today are all because of past PTA efforts.) 

We need parents to be involved and stay informed -- the data shows parents make the difference.  Motivated parents are a tipping point to children’s success. 

And so many groups are trying to “re-create the wheel” by pulling together parent resources – i.e. Parent Engagement teams at each school, Parent Advisory Councils, the Parent Center Resources, Parent Learning Link, Partnership Zones, even RttT plans across the state target parent involvement, etc.  Yet when you look at their core efforts, they seem to be trying to recreate the PTA. 

• With over 5 million PTA members today, it’s hard to replicate their current and historical efforts.  So why not re-commit to the PTA? USE IT to improve our schools and their services! They already have the resources developed and ready to be unleashed.
• PTA has so many programs, initiatives and resources – from a variety of training, legislative monitoring to supporting arts in the schools and curriculum focus.  A network of help and organized effort is so close and ready today to be used.  (And the cost to join is a simple membership due equivalent to an expensive cup of coffee?!!)
• With the Common Core State Standards grant here in DE, the PTA is here to re-invigorate the advocacy part of parent education. They have presentations, training tools, pamphlets, DVDs, etc. to help inform parents now.

Let PTA bring these efforts to your next local meeting and group to share, inform, educate and motivate our parents. CCSS and PTA will help all of us to “walk the talk” together and support ALL children to reach their full potential.

I’m ready whenever you are – join me to celebrate and kick off the next 100 years of PTA in our state and our district.   Imagine what BSD could do with strong, committed PTAs at every one of our schools!