National PTA Takes Action - Safeguard PIRC Funding Through the End of Fiscal Year 2011

On February 19, 2011, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution (CR), to take effect March 4, 2011, and fund government operations through the end of the fiscal year. The CR includes not only unprecedented cuts to education funding—a more than $10 billion overall decrease—but also the proposed elimination of the Parental Information Resource Centers (PIRCs), the ONLY federal funding stream dedicated to engaging parents and families in the education of their children.

There is at least one PIRC in every state and territory. This proposed program elimination affects all PTAs and all parents. Without inclusion of PIRC funding in the FY2011 CR, the sole funding stream for family engagement would disappear, halting all PIRC program operations. We must tell Congress that continued program funding is a necessity, not a luxury. When parents are engaged in education, our nation’s students reap the benefits.

Defunding of PIRCs negatively affects PTAs, schools, and parents.

Why PIRCs matter:

They provide schools and districts with tools to partner effectively with parents.
They empower parents to advocate for their children and school reform.
They provide training and professional development on effective family engagement to districts and school staff.
They collaborate with state PTAs to engage all public school parents in their children’s education.
They train family engagement coordinators in schools.
They convene parent leadership academies to equip parents with skills needed to help their children to succeed.

Read more of the National PTA article HERE

Founder's Night at Gregory Gardens/Robert Shearer Preschool

Friday, February 18th - Family Pasta Dinner, PTA General Meeting and Founder's Day Awards

5:30pm - MU Room

Finish off the week with a fun-packed everning! Enjoy good food and the company of other Gregory Garden families and teachers. Enjoy a sneak preview of Gregory Gardens' Afte rschool Theater production of Willy Wonka. After a short PTA general meeting, find out more about the rewards of volunteering as we recognize some of our awesome Gregory Garden volunteers and commemorate the founding of the PTA.

The Pasta Dinner is offered at a reduced price ($3) because of the $1,897 National PTA Grant received for Take Your Family to School Week. TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCED BY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH AND RETURNED TO THE GREGORY GARDENS OFFICE.

All current and alumni families of Gregory Gardens and Robert Shearer Preschool are invited to attend.

Gregory Gardens/Robert Sherer Preschool Take Your Family To School Week Activities HERE.

Jennifer Shaw's Contra Costa Times article HERE.