If you have an entering 9-12 student, please consider taking a few minutes to complete the following survey relating to endorsement selection.
- The ways in which information about your students’ endorsement selection process is transmitted to you
- How effective you feel the information you are receiving is to your ability to support your child’s decision making
Teachers, parents & family members provide critical expertise and perspective on the classroom and their children. https://t.co/T6nghdKZsG pic.twitter.com/JVRRN7sTws
— NationalPTA (@NationalPTA) July 19, 2017
Did you know that Federal funding for public education programs has remained at 2% of the federal budget for decades, despite the increase in public school enrollment and the rising cost of education resources and services.
This disparity between funding levels and actual costs means that the federal government has essentially enacted cuts to classrooms. National PTA is running a nationwide campaign—from July 7 to September 29—to raise public awareness that current levels of federal education funding are an inadequate investment in our children.
We need YOU to help to make this initiative a success—Every state PTA, local unit and PTA member is critical to stopping cuts to classrooms!
Here’s how to participate in the STOP Cuts to Classrooms campaign:
- Sign the petition to #STOPCutsToClassrooms to make your voice heard and receive regular updates on the campaign.
- Share your thoughts on social media (use our sample tweets and Facebook posts) and participate in Funding Fridays on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness that 2% of federal funding for public education is not enough.
- Visit National PTA’s #STOPCutsToClassrooms webpage to learn more about federal funding for public education and view the campaign toolkit for more info.
The History
“Taxation without representation!” was the battle cry in America’s 13 Colonies, which were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. As dissatisfaction grew, British troops were sent in to quell the early movement toward rebellion. Repeated attempts by the Colonists to resolve the crisis without military conflict proved fruitless.
On June 11, 1776, the Colonies’ Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and formed a committee whose express purpose was drafting a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain. The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, who was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer, crafted the original draft document (as seen above). A total of 86 changes were made to his draft and the Continental Congress officially adopted the final version on July 4, 1776.
The following day, copies of the Declaration of Independence were distributed, and on July 6, The Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first newspaper to print the extraordinary document. The Declaration of Independence has since become our nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty.
Bonfires and Illuminations
On July 8, 1776, the first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square to the ringing of bells and band music. One year later, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks.
The custom eventually spread to other towns, both large and small, where the day was marked with processions, oratory, picnics, contests, games, military displays and fireworks. Observations throughout the nation became even more common at the end of the War of 1812 with Great Britain.
Follow along with our PTSA President Dr. Traci Petteway in our convention ticker!
(click the blue tab “PTA Convention” on the right side of the screen)
The Mission of the Congressional App Challenge
- Encourage students to explore STEM, coding & computer science in a hands-on way.
- Actively include and engage students from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the tech community.
- Educate the Members of Congress on new and emerging technologies through personal interactions with their student constituents.
Dads, your child benefits when you join PTA.
Studies show students perform better when BOTH parents are involved in education. Men and women think differently and bring different perspectives to PTA. PTAs are more vibrant and more appealing to all when both men and women help run them.
