Wow, July is here…and the hammock beckons! Where
DID the year go? For someone loathe to ride the Cyclone, this year has surely
been a heart-stopping roller coaster ride with plans made, plans thwarted;
challenges met with success, those met with defeat; knowing where we stand,
wondering where we stand – surely a year of unprecedented highs and lows. But I
look back at what we have learned and what we have accomplished and feel
reassured, proud. We held to our mission and influenced change, we reached new
heights of visibility, and we lifted more NYS PTA voices in advocacy. And
so, it’s been a good year.
We cannot deny that differing views, competing ideas and
flawed education reform remain hurdles to clear. Yet, they also stimulate
creativity and innovation to find solutions. Throughout the summer, NYS PTA
will continue to press forward for seeking both an independent review of
assessment and accountability policies, and the suspension of the link between
standardized assessment outcomes and high stakes decisions for students,
teachers or principals.
However, in the shadow of education reform, APPR, and
high stakes testing is a membership challenge that threatens. As we combine
reform controversies with targeted efforts of certain groups to undermine PTA’s
mission for children, I cannot overemphasize the pride I feel in our local PTA
leaders -- you have held steady and strong in your efforts to build membership
throughout a year that has challenged your resolve. For this I am deeply
grateful to each and every one of you – extraordinary effort in an
extraordinary time!
But membership decline is not just a state or local
issue, it is a national issue. We know there are ever-growing demands on the
time of parents and families; we know so many are full-time in the workplace
yet need to be that helping hand at home; and we know that you are being pulled
in different directions by competing interests, always with our children’s
future at the center of each effort.
But we also know we are the only parent group
consistently at the table with decision makers representing the needs of New
York’s children. PTA’s VOICE matters. PTA’s advocacy voice, your voice, has
value. It is what has brought us to the table to influence change – whether the
issue is one of education reform, or access to healthy foods and safe
environments, or to assure a child’s mistake is not punished in the same manner
as an adult’s. We do not put membership dollars ahead of mission. However, no
matter what or how many positions we take to safeguard children and youth, they
are meaningless without members to take them to action.
With the talent and commitment inherent in our NYS PTA
membership, I know we can and will build our chorus. Your hard work throughout
this year has surely earned you time to kick back and relax; take a swing in
that hammock. But, as you do, please consider this request: reflect upon what
has been accomplished through 118 years of advocacy for children by this
remarkable association. Then ask how your voice, your influence CAN make a
child’s dream become reality. Wishing you warm, reflective, transformative and
inspirational summer days!
