AMY MOELLERING: INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS

PTAs work in many ways for children
Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 09/07/2007 03:10:03 AM PDT

JAMIE HINTZKE'S INVOLVEMENT with school policies began with her concern for the lack of procedures schools had for helping children with severe food allergies.
Schools were not equipped to handle life-threatening, anaphylactic emergencies. She discovered that through the power of the PTA, legislation could be passed to rectify the situation for all children.

Now in her second year as council president, Hintzke has seen how powerful the organization can be in promoting the welfare of children on local, state and national levels.

Although the PTA has been a force in Pleasanton schools since 1969, with its first chapter at Alisal Elementary, the council is relatively new. This is its fifth year as the overseeing body for the eight Pleasanton schools that have PTAs. Last year, PTA volunteers contributed more than 80,000 hours to the school district, a 16 percent increase from the previous year. The PTAs also raised $1 million -- money that went directly into school programs.

Hintzke said the biggest misconception people have about the PTA is that if they join they will have to serve on a committee or go to meetings. Although these are great ways to be involved, there isn't a requirement or expectation.

"What we really need is your membership," said Hintzke. "That's the biggest voice we have."

The PTA is the largest welfare advocacy group in the nation. In California, 1 million PTA members represent 6.3 million California students. In Pleasanton, there are
approximately 5,322 PTA members.

In its five years, the council has wasted no time in presenting resolutions at the state level. Two, which were adopted, concern the need for credentialed school nurses and sun safety.

Locally, the PTA has focused on issues involving health, parent education, diversity, teacher recognition, and support of the arts. Some projects are readily available on its Web site, such as the 29-page guide Alcohol and Drug Slang, and the pamphlet Talking to Your Kids about Sex.

Also, a campaign was launched last year in collaboration with the American Cancer Society and the city of Pleasanton, to educate kids about sun safety. Other projects happen during the year such as the art competition program "Reflections," and the community-wide, multi-cultural celebration, "Passport to Pleasanton." The PTA brought back the "Excellence in Education" awards last year, and recognized 13 outstanding teachers and staff.

One new project for 2007-08 is an informational workshop on how to be a school board member. The public will learn what it takes to run a campaign, and what is expected of school board members.

The best thing about PTA, said Hintzke, is that you can participate on many levels. You can just be involved in your child's classroom or go up the ladder to council, district and state levels. The PTA attracts the "professional volunteer," said Hintzke, meaning that there are many opportunities in many different fields -- fundraising, event coordination, legislature, advocacy, finance, arts education, and health commissions.

What does Hintzke think is the most important thing parents can do? Become involved. "Study after study shows that when parents are involved in their children's education, it greatly enhances student achievement."

Reach Amy Moellering at ajmoellering@comcast.net.