Florence Roche Elementary PTA Receives National Honor

CHICAGO-The Florence Roche Elementary PTA has been chosen as the regional winner of the 1997 National PTA Advocates for Children Award. The award, created in 1984, annually recognizes one outstanding PTA unit in each of the eight PTA regions across the country.

Florence Roche PTA in Groton, Mass., was selected by the National PTA from nominees in Region 1 which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

This year's award was given to acknowledge Florence Roche PTA's unique approach to child advocacy in supporting strong academic achievement, student safety, and parent involvement. Their work on promoting reading and literacy skills, addressing health and safety issues, and embracing the ideals and mission of the National PTA are some of the key goals the PTA made priorities. Some major programs included parent curriculum nights, parent coffees with the principal, community reading days, and healthy eating for kids.

The National PTA, founded in 1897, encourages it 6.5 million members to be involved in key child education and welfare issues. The organization serves as an advocate for children and families in schools, the community and before government agencies.