What is a PTA? The Parent Teacher Association or PTA began when two women decided that the children of America needed a voice. Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst sent out a call to action and anticipated that maybe 200 mothers would respond. However, on February 17, 1897, more than 2000 mothers, fathers, teachers, workers, and politicians gathered for the very first PTA meeting. Afte
r setting by-laws and marking out areas that needed to be addressed, the group began its quest for children’s safety, health, and productive futures. Other programs started by the founders of the PTA include:
* The hot lunch program
* A public health program
* Mandatory immunizations for school children
* Physical education classes in public schools
* Sex education for pre-teens
* Increased wages for teachers
Today the PTA continues its fight for children health, safety, and education in our local schools and communities, in the political arena, and throughout the world. PTA members help parents learn the skills they need to raise happy confident children. There are local PTA programs in every level of the public school system; including pre-schools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools as well as special education schools and programs. All of which work tirelessly to bring home and school closer together, so that parents can take an active roll in their children's education and future.
