PTA Role in Education

* Re “PTA in Uproar,” Nov. 8.

A PTA so bitterly divided over an issue that it cannot compromise has clearly lost sight of its true mission: to effect the best possible education for their children.

Studies confirm that children perform better in school when their parents take an active role in the children’s school and education. Every parent who desires to participate through PTA must be allowed equal access, and it should be the duty of every active PTA member to invite and encourage without prejudice the involvement of all parents. The equation is so simple: More involved parents equal more ideas and support for activities equals improved outcomes for more students.

To Bret Harte PTA, and to any PTA experiencing hard feelings over any issue, I ask this: For the sake of the children, set egos aside, become reacquainted with your basic goodness and remember your common ground. You have all come to the table out of love for your children and the desire to do right by them. Proceed from there.

DENISE WOERNER

Reseda

* [Reporter] Jill Leovy states, “For a group concerned mainly with bake sales and school carnivals, the avalanche of bitter feelings has been bewildering.”

As a parent from another public school in the Valley, I was terribly insulted by this comment. The remark shows a clear lack of knowledge on Leovy’s part, not only regarding this venerable institution, but also the state of public schools.

The PTA is an advocate of children’s rights throughout the country, particularly in the Legislature. Funds raised during the annual membership drive go directly to supporting child-friendly propositions, many of which have ended up in the law books. Closer to home, our PTA provides for the Needy Student Fund, which covers everything from food baskets to medical, dental and vision care, and new clothing.

Thanks to the fund-raising efforts of parents like myself, students at my children’s school have a music, dance and art teacher, a supervised after-school study program and a librarian.

Many of my PTA colleagues, along with myself, are working professionals. Our diverse backgrounds have prepared us for enhancing our children’s education by providing that which is important, yet not afforded by our district.

To trivialize the importance of an organization like the PTA does a disservice not only to the parents and teachers involved, but to our community and children as well.

ESTHER WALKER

North Hollywood