PTA Take Your Family to School Week Brings Families into Classrooms Nationwide

PTAs and schools across the country host family-focused events Feb. 13-17

News provided by

Feb 15, 2017, 15:43 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National PTA has designated Feb. 13-17 PTA Take Your Family to School Week to encourage families to visit their child's school and strengthen partnerships between parents, teachers and administrators. PTAs and schools nationwide are hosting a variety of events and activities to promote family engagement in education. The timing of the week honors the day PTA was founded, Feb. 17, 1897.

For 120 years, National PTA has worked toward bettering the lives of every child in education, health and safety. Founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, National PTA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

"For 120 years, National PTA has encouraged families to get more involved in their child's education, as it is proven to have a positive impact on student success," said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. "PTA Take Your Family to School Week shines a light on the significance of family engagement and provides families with an opportunity to visit their child's school, meet school staff and inspire them to stay involved in their child's education."

Studies demonstrate that students with involved families attend school more often, earn higher grades, have higher graduation rates, have better social skills and show improved behavior. Family engagement also helps children navigate the challenges of growing up, such as bullying and online safety and responsibility.

This year, PTA Take Your Family to School Week incorporates the theme, "Celebrating the Changing Faces of Families" to honor the diversity of families and students across the country.

"Our nation's children and families have many different talents, backgrounds, opportunities and challenges. It is critical that we recognize and celebrate the diversity of our school communities and ensure all families feel welcomed and supported," said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. "PTA is committed to helping school communities embrace diversity and inclusion, making sure the perspectives and needs of all families and students are represented, and empowering all families to support their children's success."

For more information on PTA Take Your Family to School Week, visit PTA.org/TYFTSW.

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.

SOURCE National PTA