Focusing on Challenges Facing Today’s Parent

SAN DIEGO (June 21, 2008) – Families, parents, teachers, and students from across the country gather in San Diego for the latest parenting tips, family fun, and to meet PTA’s first-ever male, African-American chief executive officer (CEO). The 112th Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition is held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego through Monday, June 23.

PTA’s national president, Jan Harp Domene (a California native from Anaheim), kicks off the event as the organization’s 50th president.  Incidentally, Domene is the first Californian in 50 years to lead the organization. 

On Sunday, June 22, she will introduce to attendees the PTA’s first-ever male, African-American CEO.  The strategic move to hire Byron Garrett symbolizes the vision of the national organization and the changing role of parents. 

A true sign of the times as PTA also made American history last year by installing for the first time ever a father as its national president-elect. Chuck Saylors will be installed as the first man to serve as the organization’s national president next year.

From a blockbuster line-up of speakers to an action-packed Parents Expo, to almost 40 workshops for parents and students, the convention provides parents with information, resources and connections to prepare for back-to-school time and to help their children succeed. 

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & CELEBRATING THE ARTS

• Maya Angelou – Poet, educator, historian, author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activists, producer, director and one of the great voices of contemporary black literature.
  Saturday, June 21- Will speak at 11:15 a.m. (During General Meeting 1)
• Dr. Sanjay Gupta– Chief medical correspondent for the health and medical unit at CNN.
  Saturday, June 21-Will speak at 4:15 p.m. (During General Meeting 2)
• Celebrating the Arts, Celebrating Children –PTA will honor six students as Outstanding Interpretation Award recipients for the 2006-2007 arts program.  The program addresses the need for all children to have access to art.
  Sunday, June 22; 2:45 p.m. (During General Meeting 3)

PARENTS EXPO – SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

San Diego families and parents are invited to get the hottest parenting advice on topics like healthy eating, saving for college, online safety, and parenting tips at the national PTA’s Parent Expo.  The event will feature almost 200 exhibitors with valuable resources and tools for parents, as well as fun games for kids and families.

PARENT WORKSHOPS NOT TO MISS

The convention will feature more than 30 workshops you can’t miss!  Key topics include:

• Increasing Male Involvement
  Workshop 201: My Dad Join PTA
  Sunday, June 22; 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
  Workshop 401: Male Involvement in the Classroom, School and Community
  Monday, June 23; 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• Tips for Today’s Parent
  Workshop 308: Getting Your Child in Front of the Learning Curve
  Sunday, June 22; 10:30 a.m. – noon
  Workshop 306: Strengthening the Connection Between After-School Programs, Parents, and Student Success
  Sunday, June 22; 10:30 a.m. – noon
• Student Achievement
  Workshop 206: ARTS-How to Keep it in Schools… or Get it Back!
  Sunday, June 22; 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
  Workshop 309: Beyond Middle School—How to Survive High School and College
  Sunday, June 22; 10:30 a.m. – noon

PRESS CREDENTIALS
Press credentials can be picked up on-site in the PTA Press Room in Terrace Salon 3.

ABOUT PTA

PTA comprises more than 5.5 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA flourishes in more than 25,000 school communities nationwide by harnessing the energy and talents of millions of volunteers to be: voices for all children; relevant resources for families and communities; and champions for the education and well-being of every child. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and yout