The PTA Mission

To the Editor:

After the last Board of Finance meeting where the board recommended an additional cut of $2.5 million dollars to the school budget, it has been reported that Lillian Bittman reacted by saying, “I think the PTAs are going to crucify John Kortze.” Last week, there was a response to that comment in The Bee [“Crucify Him?”, Letter Hive, 3/19/10] and I’d like to pre-empt any potential misunderstanding that this comment might have suggested concerning the PTA’s role.

The PTAs in Newtown collectively spend many hours ensuring that all that can possibly be done on behalf of our students is indeed done. We meet regularly to accomplish joint tasks and share ideas on how to best serve our schools. In short, we’re committed to make certain that student education is not compromised. While I specifically speak for myself and members of the Newtown Middle School PTA Board, I am confident that all Newtown PTA presidents and their respective boards would agree that we — as a cooperative body — represent the agendas of parents and school children, not our own.

 The comment suggesting that there might be “intent” on “crucifying” (metaphorically) one of the BOF members is in no way an accurate assessment of how the PTAs would (or should) react. To be clear, the PTA’s role is to act as a steward and advocate for parents and their school children. In doing so, we must become informed, and part of that process is attending the different board meetings, and, when warranted, asking the hard questions. Part of this process is “closing the loop” by informing and relaying information to parents and, in turn, brokering their opinions and concerns back to the different boards. The PTAs truly respect and appreciate the members of Newtown’s various boards, and recognize all their efforts and that they volunteer their time — as does the PTA.

The National PTA defines the PTA mission as follows:

A powerful voice for all children,

A relevant resource for families and communities, and

A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child.

Additionally, the Connecticut PTA provides more specific guidance to the mission:

Support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children;

Assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children; and

Encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of the nation.

In conclusion, I hope this serves to explain the mission and role of Newtown’s PTAs regardless of what is publicly written or discussed. If we are truly committed to this mission, we must effectively work together with all of Newtown’s boards, continuously finding ways to work through obstacles and differences in opinion, so as to improve communal life in Newtown and of course, the education and school experiences of our children.

Maggie Conway,

Newtown MS PTA President

10 Stone Gate Drive, Sandy Hook                               March 24, 2010