While Patty and I were having our first cup and first of the day chat this morning, I asked her if the Parent Teacher Association was still a dependable foundation-member of public education. Were there still a lot of parents involved?
It was on my mind because a couple of hours before I had dreamed of being in about the fourth grade at William B. Travis Elementary School, and members of the PTA were orchestrating Valentine's Day parties in each of the classrooms.
The Messrs. Boldman, Jordan, Tramonte, Green, Jones and my own mother were among others who were helping my class pass out Valentine's cards. It was great having the opportunity to see them again, young and well in my dream.
The year of my dream would have been 1949, and America remained in the time warp where few mothers worked outside of the home.
Patty told me this morning that even though there were many working mothers, nevertheless the school PTAs were still active and had great influence over public education because of their hands-on involvement. Wikipedia explains:
"There are nearly 23,000 local organizations recognized by the National PTA in the United States. and therefore correctly termed official PTAs. The generic term "PTO" is used to refer to either all parent-teacher groups (regardless of affiliation) or (more often) to just independent parent-teacher groups, who choose not to be affiliated with the National PTA. Roughly 75% of U.S. parent-teacher groups are independent groups (PTOs).
"The National PTA is a non-profit organization that is 110 years old, with membership open to anyone who believes in the Mission and Purposes of National Parent Teacher Association. PTA membership - including the number of affiliated units and of individual members - has been declining for several decades.
"The group boasted more than 12 million members as recently as the late-1960s; whereas today membership is down below 5.5 million.
At the local level, the goal of all parent-teacher groups is to support their schools, encourage parent involvement, support teachers, organize family events and the like. PTOs and PTAs are able to take advantage of a variety of resources to help them with their work."
Any adult can join a chapter of the Parent Teachers Association, so many retired people, especially grandparents of children in a school, are finding this a beneficial way to make important contributions.
I was thinking it would be wonderful if all Realtors were to join and participate in the activities of at least one school's PTA, perhaps a PTA in the area they farm.
Copyright 2008 - William S. Cherry
Bill...I am meeting with the ED of Main Street Concord LLC next week to discuss where I could contribute..."when in doubt...Network"
I remember making the big Valentine boxes to put our cards in...I loved Valentines day!
Bill - Rest assured to know that PTA is alive and thriving in Dripping Springs, Texas! As a proud member in 3 local school PTA programs, we move mountains, generate funds, facilitate family fun, and keep our schools on target for success. With so many working mothers, (myself included), the advent of the Internet and community/school websites has made all the difference. The common denominator for successful results is communication.
If a parent can't volunteer time, donations are ALWAYS accepted. Even nominal ones add up! We have a school rebate program through my office. With each local closing, approximately $300 is donated in the client's name to the school of their choice.
We had my daughter's Valentine Class Party yesterday, and as the Room Parent, I can say without reservation the entire class had a blast. Who doesn't enjoy a hand written note with warm sentiments and candy artfully attached?
Getting a Valentine as a young child, or receiving a hand written note as an adult, is really the same thing. It means someone took the time to acknowledge, appreciate, and uplift you...what a great feeling. A practice I'm sure most of us should utilize more often. Happy Valentine's Day from an ACTIVE PTA Member, Local REALTOR, and Proud Mom!
Gary, Andrew, and Miss Joanie-
Your additions to this blog are absolutely great. I'm so appreciative..
Miss Jennifer-
I've only heard the name Dripping Springs. I've never been there. But obviously the town has one go-getting Realtor that big obnoxious cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin wish they had.
Thanks to each of you for your work with young people.
Billycherry
Bill - Couldn't resist sending you a picture of the modern day Valentine Box. My daughter and I did this together as a fun project. She's actually used it for (2) years...a testament for durability. They've come a long way since wrapping with just aluminum foil!
Miss Jennifer ==
That's cute!
Billycherry