[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 21 (Wednesday, March 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ILLINOIS PTA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 2000

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Illinois Parent Teachers 
Association (PTA).
  The Illinois PTA was founded May 30, 1900 and is part of the largest 
child advocacy organization in the United States. PTA is a not-for-
profit association of parents, educators, students, and other citizens 
active in their schools and their communities. PTA is a leader in 
reminding our Nation of its obligations to children. In the United 
States, PTA has over 6.5 million members working in 26,000 local 
chapters in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, and in Department of Defense schools in the Pacific and in 
Europe.
  The mission of the PTA is three-fold: to support and speak on behalf 
of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before 
government bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting 
children. Second, they assist parents in developing the skills they 
need to raise and protect their children, and third, to encourage 
parent and public involvement in the public schools. PTA's objectives 
include promoting the welfare of children and youth in the home, 
school, place of worship, and in the community. PTA strives to raise 
the standards of home life and secure adequate laws for the care and 
protection of children. PTA also brings a closer relationship to the 
home, school, and work to develop cooperative efforts between parents 
and teachers.
  During the past 100 years, whenever children's issues are 
jeopardized, the PTA has responded promptly, taking a leadership role 
in identifying solutions and advocating change. PTA knows the benefits 
of parent involvement. This is why parent involvement is central to all 
PTA programs. The Illinois PTA is involved in developing before and 
after school programs, block grants, charter schools, class size 
reduction, health services, nutritional issues, professional 
development, reading programs, tobacco and violence prevention. The 
Illinois PTA has been at the forefront of children first and that is 
why they are hosting the national PTA convention this year.
  PTA's within my congressional district are involved with many 
activities that support the needs of children and youth. From before 
and after school programs to after prom parties, PTA has provided a 
leadership role in our local educational support system.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100 years 
of service of the Illinois PTA organization.

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