PTA to Giveaway Thousands of Backpacks, Back-to-School Resources to Energize Chicago Families

CHICAGO (September 13, 2007)—On Friday morning, the PTA will kick-off a mini-tour of Chicago public schools to giveaway thousands of backpacks and resources helping families kick-off the school year right!

Decades of research show a direct link between parent involvement and student achievement, that's why tomorrow PTA will visit schools across Chicago to participate in back-to-school events and encourage parents to get involved in their child's education.

In addition, Chuck Saylors, PTA's first-ever male national president-elect, will speak at each school about the importance of family involvement and specifically father involvement, while distributing back-to-school resources, including backpacks, school supplies, personal care products, and the new PTA Parent Guide to Healthy Lifestyles. Saylors will join local community leaders, elected officials, parents, teachers, and students during each event through out the day. The participating schools are:

• Francis Scott Key Elementary School @ 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
  517 N Parkside Ave
  Chicago, IL 60644
• Marsh Elementary School @ 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
  9810 S. Exchange
  Chicago, IL 60617

• Armstrong Elementary School @ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  2110 W. Greenleaf
  Chicago, IL 60645

This back-to-school event is part of PTA's national campaign to reenergize and prepare all families as they head back into the classroom to focus on the involvement of parents our children's education. Visit www.pta.org for complete back-to-school resources on family involvement, student achievement, safety, health and wellness, and media and technology from PTA.

About Charles "Chuck" Saylors
As the first man to serve as National PTA President-elect, Chuck reflects the changing role of fathers and the American family in their kid's education. He was elected in June 2007 to the two year term and has been a PTA member for almost 20 years. Saylors currently serves as a Trustee for the School District of Greenville County (SC); serving two years as Chairman; and is a Board member for Greenville Technical College.

About PTA
PTA comprises more than 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 youth.