Working together in the PTA

Fall is in the air and the leaves are slowly turning from green to gold. Our children have been in school for more than two months now and we find our families busy with homework, scouts, sporting events, and PTA meetings.

November is here, and it represents a time of thanksgiving.  The relationship between our schools, families and PTA is a wonderful example of something that we in Hamilton County, can be thankful for.

Nolan Elementary students Jack and Jake Summerlin won awards at the school level in last year's PTA Reflections Arts Program.

As President of the Hamilton County Council of PTAs, I recognize many needs within our schools and community where education is concerned. Perhaps one of the largest is the need for more parental involvement. However, we are fortunate in Hamilton County to have more than 65 PTAs.

They are made up of parents striving to make a difference not only in the lives of their own children, but in the lives and education of other students as well. With more than 42,000 students in Hamilton County public schools, there are literally thousands of parents in our county who share a passion for quality education and who strive to improve parental involvement and communications at their schools through PTA.

It is no doubt that children benefit from having parental support. Numerous statistics over the years have proven that when families are involved in their children’s learning both at home and at school that their children perform better in school. Parents play a crucial role in every aspect of their children’s lives, but a child’s education is a collaborative effort between educators, school systems and parents.  The National PTA says that “When families, schools, and communities work together student achievement improves, teacher morale rises, communication increases, and family, school, and community connections multiply. “

In the October issue of Chattanooga Parent the Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, Rick Smith stated, “The Hamilton County Department of Education is committed to creating, fostering and supporting an environment that offers opportunities for success for all of our students.” He went on to say, “We will work closely with parents, students and teachers, support staff and community leaders to focus our resources and efforts on improving student achievement.”

With the combined efforts of our school system, faculty and parents, the schools and children of our county are only going to improve. The dedication of school, parent and community leaders is essential to achieve these goals. As a national organization PTA has worked with leading experts on parental involvement and school-community partnerships, and has updated its National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs to reflect recent research and improve parental and community involvement practices. The updated National Standards shift the focus from what schools should do to involve parents to what parents, schools, and communities can do together to support student success.

Hamilton County Coucil of PTAs LeeAnn Hammer, Badiema Waldrep and Susan Patton helped check in teachers at the Teacher Supply Depot in October. Photo courtesy Scottie Summerlin.

PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships

Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community—Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class.

Standard 2: Communicating effectively—Families and school staff engage in regular, two-way, meaningful communication about student learning.

Standard 3: Supporting student success—Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support students’ learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.

Standard 4: Speaking up for every child—Families are empowered to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.

Standard 5: Sharing power—Families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.

Standard 6: Collaborating with community—Families and school staff collaborate with community members to connect students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation.

As we all take the time over the next few weeks to reflect on what we have to be thankful for, let us remember to be appreciative of not only our families, but also because we live in a county where our children and their education are a priority.