Thousands of Parents Tackle Today's Tough Topics

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, Jun 26 (MARKET WIRE) --
Parents, teachers, students and other child advocates from across the
country will gather in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. at the 113th Annual National
PTA Convention and Exhibition at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention
Center (June 26-June 29). They will learn how to cope with the economy
and education budget shortfalls, call for common core state standards,
and meet National PTA's first-ever male national president.

The convention features several keynote speakers, dozens of workshops and
an historic moment in American history. On Sunday, June 28, Charles J.
"Chuck" Saylors will be installed as National PTA's 51st president but
also the first-ever male president in the history of the organization.

A true sign of the times as PTA also made American history last year by
installing for the first time ever a male, African-American chief
executive officer (CEO). Byron V. Garrett, appointed as CEO in 2008,
symbolizes the vision of the national organization and the changing role
of parents.

From a blockbuster line-up of speakers to an action-packed Parents Expo!,
taking place at Lockhart Stadium across town, to more than 40 workshops
for parents and students, the convention provides parents with
information, resources and connections to prepare for back-to-school time
and to help their children succeed.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS

-- Dara Torres -- Olympic Champion, mother and National PTA Ambassador
Saturday, June 27 -- Will speak at 4 p.m. in General Meeting 2
(available for interviews)
-- Jim Shelton -- Assistant Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of
Education
Saturday, June 27 -- Will speak at 10:30 a.m. in General Meeting 1
(available for interviews)
-- CeCe Peniston -- International, multiplatinum recording artist and
National PTA Ambassador
Sunday, June 28 -- Will perform at 12:30 p.m. in the Reflections
Arts Luncheon (available for interviews)
-- Richard W. Riley -- Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education
Sunday, June 28 -- Will install first-ever male national president at
4:30 p.m. in General Meeting 3 (available for interviews)
-- Chris Draft -- NFL Player with St. Louis Rams
Saturday, June 27 -- Will be announced as newest National PTA
Ambassador at 10 a.m. in General Meeting 1 (available for interviews)

PARENTS EXPO -- SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

Ft. Lauderdale families and parents are invited to get the hottest
parenting advice on topics like healthy eating, saving for college, online
safety, and parenting tips at the National PTA's Parent Expo at Lockhart
Stadium. The event will feature more than 100 exhibitors with valuable
resources and tools for parents, as well as fun games for kids and
families. PTA will also give away more than 5,000 books to families on a
first come, first served basis (visit booth #30).

PARENT WORKSHOPS NOT TO MISS

The convention will feature more than 40 workshops you can't miss! Key
topics include:

-- Drop Out Prevention
Workshop 302: Saturday, June 27; 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
-- Engaging Latino Families
Workshop 304: Saturday, June 27; 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
-- Tips for Working Parents
Workshop 409: Sunday, June 28; 8:45 - 10:15 a.m.
-- Increasing Student Achievement
Workshop 509: Sunday, June 28; 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
-- Creating Healthy Schools
Workshop 510: Sunday, June 28; 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
-- Male Involvement
Workshop 607: Monday, June 29; 8:30 - 10 a.m.

PRESS CREDENTIALS

Press credentials can be picked up on-site in the PTA Press Room in Room
114; Level 1.

About National PTA

PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators,
and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of
children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a
registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a
powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and
communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA
is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the
education health, and welfare of children and youth.

To view a media-rich version of this release, go to:
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2009/pta_906262/index.html

Contacts:
James Martinez
Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 325
Cell: (773) 339-4533
jmartinez@pta.org

La'Keisha Gray-Sewell
Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 321
Cell: (312) 623-4560
lgray-sewell@pta.org

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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