Are you a PTA member?

Last weekend I traveled to Harrisburg to participate in committee meetings and a Board of Managers meeting for Pennsylvania PTA.

I got involved with PTA about ten years ago when Neal started kindergarten.  Research indicates that students who have parents actively involved in their child’s school have better grades, less absenteeism, and fewer problems in school.  That was one of the reasons I first became involved in PTA.  I wanted to do everything I could to make the school a safe and happy place for my child and to help him to succeed in whatever way possible.



I attended meetings and participated in some of the events they held at the school.  As he went through elementary school I became more involved and served as president for several years.  When he was in fourth grade I was elected to the state Board of Managers.

During the board meeting.

This is my third term on the Board of Managers.  I previously served as Region VP and then as Technology Specialist.  I took a two year break and now serve as the Social Media and Technology Specialist.

The thing I like most about PTA is that it serves all the children.  Their motto is, Every Child, One Voice.   Regardless of whether people are rich or poor, are in PTA or not, have one or multiple children, the PTA serves them all.   We speak up for children who basically would not have a voice if someone didn’t work on their behalf.    We are advocates and help to make sure our elected officials pay attention to bills and laws that affect children. 



PA PTA Board of Managers
VP Debbie Dunstone and I are missing from the photo.



I’m a very busy person, juggling a lot of roles and responsibilities.  My free time is very limited, but I feel PTA is a worthy cause and one that deserves my time. You can learn more about PTA by visiting the National PTA page at http://www.pta.org/ or by visiting Pennsylvania PTA page at http://www.papta.org/.

So how about you?  Do you belong to your school’s PTA?   Are you involved as a volunteer at your child’s school?  Do you attend the state PTA conferences that provide leadership training and help you be a better volunteer?