[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1198-E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                                 THE PTA

                                 ______


                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, June 7, 1995
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Parkville Middle 
School in my district. I received a large notebook of letters and 
artwork from Parkville students, requesting a commemorative stamp in 
honor of the Parent Teacher Association [PTA]'s 100th anniversary in 
June 1996. Most of us have been PTA members ourselves and we know that 
this outstanding organization has dedicated itself to strengthening the 
family-school-community partnership which is essential to quality 
education.
  The PTA has an impressive record. It has been involved in working 
toward achieving better schools, healthier children, and stronger 
families for out Nation's future. Over the years, it has conducted 
nationwide campaigns to promote awareness on such issues as drug and 
alcohol abuse, protection of the environment, teacher appreciation, 
safety, AIDS, and the promotion of positive self-images.
  In 1912, the PTA sponsored the first hot-lunch programs in our 
schools. In 1941, it initiated a nationwide school-lunch program. The 
PTA is responsible for the organization of field trips, launching 
health information projects, and sponsoring events which create a more 
well-rounded, quality educational experience.
  I would like to read to you a couple of reasons these students want 
to commemorate the PTA:

       Also in 1976 they began a nation wide project to combat 
     violence on television. This was needed so that children will 
     behave in play and in class without violence. Remember, 
     children can not vote what they want, that's what the PTA 
     does.
       I remember when at my old school Villa Cresta Elementary 
     and my big fifth grade trip was coming up, a thrilling three 
     days at Camp Wo-Me-To. The Villa Cresta PTA paid the rent fee 
     for each cabin so all us fifth graders only had to pay for 
     food and activities such as rock climbing and stream study. 
     The camp fee was able to let low income families pay for 
     their child's trip. Do you remember when you were a kid in 
     especially elementary school or even middle or high school 
     when the PTA did something for your school like a Fun Fest or 
     Fiesta? Well I do remember.
       I believe that the PTA should get a commemorative stamp in 
     honor of the National PTA. My personal experience with the 
     PTA is that in my old Elementary School, Fullerton, our PTA 
     made a day for us kids. The day was called Fun Fest Day.

  I am sure that many of you have received similar letters from your 
constituents. I have written to the National Stamp Advisory Committee 
expressing my support for commemorating the PTA's 100th anniversary 
next year. [[Page E1199]] I encourage my colleagues to support this 
effort as well.


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