ALEXANDRIA, VA. (February 13, 2012)—Families across the country are doing their version of a ‘flash mob’ as they participate in special events for the entire family at their local schools for National PTA’s Take Your Family to School Week®.

“It’s simple, family engagement equals student achievement. Although it’s an easy equation, Take Your Family to School Week is a perfect reminder for parents during the middle of the school year for them to stay involved,” said Betsy Landers, National PTA President. “Whether parents’ version of a ‘flash mob’ is just participating in a school lunch or attending a college info night, the point of this special week is for them to set foot in the school, meet the school staff and get and stay involved in their child’s education.”

The timing of the week—in February—honors the day PTA was founded: February 17, 1897. The activities planned for the week feature a variety of educational themes, including college preparation, literacy, math, and other topics.

To recognize PTAs, schools and families for their efforts to promote family engagement and support student achievement, National PTA presented 45 PTAs nationwide with a $1,000 grant provided by the AXA Foundation.  

National PTA’s Take Your Family to School Week is sponsored by the AXA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company, and a Proud National Sponsor of PTA.

For the seventh consecutive year, National PTA’s Take Your Family to School Week grant program expands and enhances family engagement efforts in schools across the country.  Each grantee demonstrated how they will improve family engagement in their school communities and how their work will support the implementation of PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.