Now in its fourth year, EMLC is designed to prepare ethnic minority parents and caregivers from across the country to assume leadership roles in their local communities and schools.

These were pictures taken at McLaurin Elementary School in Natchez, MS (Principal Mrs. A. Morrison, PTA President-Mrs. D. Clark) on October 19, 2009.

MS-PTA President Deloris Irving addressed the group of 30 ministers, administrative staff, parent liaison, and teachers, giving an overview of PTA's history, its vision and mission, and explained the importance of community involvement in the education process. After a guided tour of the classrooms (escorted by students), the ministers had lunch in the cafeteria. In the final phase of this day, the ministers returned to the library, established themselves as a Ministers Mentoring Team, selected a chair (Pastor Leroy White) and co-chair (Pastor Melvin White) and determined to meet regularly at this school to assist as directed by the principal and PTA.

group of 30 ministers, administrative staff, parent liaison, and teachers, giving an overview of PTA's history, its vision and mission, and explained the importance of community involvement in the education process. After a guided tour of the classrooms (escorted by students), the ministers had lunch in the cafeteria. In the final phase of this day, the ministers returned to the library, established themselves as a Ministers Mentoring Team, selected a chair (Pastor Leroy White) and co-chair (Pastor Melvin White) and determined to meet regularly at this school to assist as directed by the principal and PTA.

The 2009 Urban Family Engagement Initiative Back to School Event in Miami was part of National PTA’s Urban Family Engagement Initiative, the flagship program of our overall Urban Development Agenda. PTA hosted this free, fun-filled event that brought together over 50 partner organizations to provide resources for students and families.

PTA hosted this free, fun-filled event that brought together over 50 partner organizations to provide resources for students and families.

Illinois PTA, supported by National PTA's Urban Development Department, participated in two back-to-school events in four Chicago Latino communities.

PTA Family Expo! was a one-day extravaganza providing moms, dads, caregivers, and kids amazing opportunities for fun, education, and tools to help families in today’s modern world. Held at Lockhart S Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the PTA Family Expo! featured music from local entertainers and national celebrities, hands on activities, health screenings, multicultural learning, and much more.

Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the PTA Family Expo! featured music from local entertainers and national celebrities, hands on activities, health screenings, multicultural learning, and much more.

As CEO of National PTA, Byron makes a number of appearances and connections with organizations to advance our mission. Here are some highlights.

More information about Byron V. Garrett can be found on his PTA.org bio page: http://pta.org/byron_v_garrett.asp

found on his PTA.org bio page: http://pta.org/byron_v_garrett.asp

Anthony Mullen comes from a lifetime of service in the public sector, first as a New York City police officer and then, to further transform the fractured lives of young people in crisis, as a teacher and mentor of teenagers who truly need a second chance. Because of his innovative approach, community focus, and teamwork with other teachers, Mullen was named the 2009 National Teacher of the Year by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.

Mr. Mullen will be a 2009 PTA National Convention Keynote Speaker. http://pta.org/2736.htm

and mentor of teenagers who truly need a second chance. Because of his innovative approach, community focus, and teamwork with other teachers, Mullen was named the 2009 National Teacher of the Year by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.

Mr. Mullen will be a 2009 PTA National Convention Keynote Speaker. http://pta.org/2736.htm

Photos from 2009 PTA Annual Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A collection of PTA photos of our members and officers at various PTA events. If you would like to submit a photo for PTA In the News, send an email to cdonaldson@pta.org with your photo and a description of the event!

description of the event!

Byron V. Garret, Chief Executive Officer of PTA national office, visits Washington Center School in Greenville, South Carolina. Washington Center is a 2008 Honorable Mention Phoebe Apperson Hearst Excellence in Education Partnership Award winner.

Excellence in Education Partnership Award winner.

PTA was present in Houston along with the Houston ISD Council of PTAs on February 20, celebrating the council's 100th anniversary. The event was a part of PTA's National Urban Development Agenda, which engages and empowers urban families, caregivers, and communities to advocate for the academic success of students from urban areas across the country.

Key community stakeholders, including Texas PTA, Houston government agency members, clergymen, and Houston ISD administrators, were on hand for the event. Several students, parents, and teachers were also in attendance. Membership Director of National PTA, Michael Knowles, gave an inspirational keynote address where he spoke about PTA's commitment to encouraging families to become more meaningfully involved in their child's education. Knowles also shared the urgency that exists for communities to collaborate with parents, schools, and their local PTA to ensure that every child has the best chance for achieving educational success in elementary school and beyond.

The Houston Council of PTAs is a good example of the effective work PTA is doing in urban schools, communities, and neighborhoods. Their commitment to engaging and encouraging parents and families to be involved in their children's education is a reflection of the rich history that is PTA.

which engages and empowers urban families, caregivers, and communities to advocate for the academic success of students from urban areas across the country.

Key community stakeholders, including Texas PTA, Houston government agency members, clergymen, and Houston ISD administrators, were on hand for the event. Several students, parents, and teachers were also in attendance. Membership Director of National PTA, Michael Knowles, gave an inspirational keynote address where he spoke about PTA's commitment to encouraging families to become more meaningfully involved in their child's education. Knowles also shared the urgency that exists for communities to collaborate with parents, schools, and their local PTA to ensure that every child has the best chance for achieving educational success in elementary school and beyond.

The Houston Council of PTAs is a good example of the effective work PTA is doing in urban schools, communities, and neighborhoods. Their commitment to engaging and encouraging parents and families to be involved in their children's education is a reflection of the rich history that is PTA.

On March 11-12, 2009, PTA held its annual National Legislative Conference in Washington DC. The two-day Conference served to inspire and educate its attendees. Whether they are seasoned veterans or new to federal and state advocacy, PTA offered workshops and guest speakers to learn how to advocate for our most important national resource: Children.

http://pta.org/national_legislative_conference.asp

new to federal and state advocacy, PTA offered workshops and guest speakers to learn how to advocate for our most important national resource: Children.

http://pta.org/national_legislative_conference.asp

The U.S. Dept. of Education joined National PTA in hosting a gallery exhibit featuring 55 pieces of nationally recognized student artwork from the renowned PTA Reflections Program. The exhibit is open for public viewing through March.

Winners of the Reflections Award traveled to the Nation’s capitol and were honored during award celebration of their incredible talent and creativity. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education; National PTA President, Jan Harp Domene; National PTA CEO, Byron Garrett; and multiplatinum recording artist CeCe Peniston, proudly attended and supported the event coordinated by Chantay Carter, National PTA-Arts in Education Program Coordinator.

for public viewing through March.

Winners of the Reflections Award traveled to the Nation’s capitol and were honored during award celebration of their incredible talent and creativity. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education; National PTA President, Jan Harp Domene; National PTA CEO, Byron Garrett; and multiplatinum recording artist CeCe Peniston, proudly attended and supported the event coordinated by Chantay Carter, National PTA-Arts in Education Program Coordinator.

The year may be winding down, but certainly not the excitement at National PTA!

We had a joyous time at our staff Holiday party...and

During our annual PTA Holiday reception held at our National Headquarters, we were honored to host some very distinguished guests.
In attendance was the dynamic Stedman Graham (chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates). And the legendary Marian Wright Edelman (president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund) stopped by to talk to Byron Garrett, our CEO, and Jan Harp Domene, our president.

National Headquarters, we were honored to host some very distinguished guests.
In attendance was the dynamic Stedman Graham (chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates). And the legendary Marian Wright Edelman (president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund) stopped by to talk to Byron Garrett, our CEO, and Jan Harp Domene, our president.

Photos from Healthy Lifestyles Award winners.

PTA across America

Each year the National PTA hosts its Commitment to America's Children Gala to celebrate PTA initiatives and outreach.

This year's Gala took place at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago where PTA honored Mathew and Tina Knowles for their work on behalf of families and children in need.

Multi-platinum recording artist, CeCe Peniston provided a night of spectacular entertainment.

honored Mathew and Tina Knowles for their work on behalf of families and children in need.

Multi-platinum recording artist, CeCe Peniston provided a night of spectacular entertainment.

Jumpstart's Read for the Record Campaign

In loving memory of Shirley Igo, 1935 - 2008
National PTA President 2001 - 2003

Photos from the 2008 PTA Legislative Conference

National PTA President Jan Harp Domene and PTA staff visit the Calfiornia State PTA.

PTA and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation pay tribute to the 60th Anniversary of Mendez vs. Westminster desegregation case.

Photos from the 2007 Commitment to America's Children Gala.

PTA attends a Read All About It! book signing to thank first lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna Bush for teaching our nation’s children.

PTA Healthy Lifestyles Awards for outstanding commitment to promoting health and wellness.

2007 Walk for Healthy Kids participants.

Announcement of PTA and Microsoft PACT - A tool to help parents manage kids’ interactive media use.

See how a section of the Nation's Largest Teacher Thank You Card was made and assembled.

PTA partners with Suave to host a Back to Beauty Moms-Only Field Trip with Jenny McCarthy.

The launch of PTA Community Connections Chicago, a project to raise awareness of PTA programming in Chicago and other urban areas. Events include the Up With People Show and the PTA Parent Leadership Summit.

Summit.

PTA President Jan Harp Domene's tour of schools in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

PTA events in Atlanta: Announcement of partnership with Spelman College and re-dedication of Serena Sloan Butler Park.

PTA President Jan Harp Domene visits Florida PTA's first Emerging Minority Leaders Conference.

Photos from PTA's Start The Art Week events.