President's Message, August 2024
Welcome back PTA and PTSA families and supporters! To those who are new to this space, welcome!
We are in store for another year of exciting opportunities which will contribute toward shaping education in Harford County! How we do that is largely dependent on what we choose to do, individually. How do you plan to engage this school year?
This year marks uncharted territory for me. My oldest graduated from Edgewood High School last year and is entering college as a brand new freshman. Looking back, I knew she would not be in HCPS forever. But, I didn't expect those 13 years to go by so quickly. In each of those 13 years, I have been fortunate to have been involved with the PTA. PTA has offered that entry point and has allowed me to see, question and make suggestions for improvements both at a local and County level. As my PTA journey continues, won't you consider joining me?
For those new to the PTA community, PTA is largely a misnomer. PTA members and advocates are more largely representative than someone in a "Parent" or "Teacher" role. Obviously, PTA includes both "Parents" and "Teachers," but it also includes: students, guardians, caregivers, grandparents, community supporters, education advocates, and anyone who has a vested interest in our public school education. So, essentially, that means you!
PTA is 100% volunteer. PTA is community focused. PTA is shared experiences with an understanding that common experiences differ from person-to-person. And, when I say "PTA" that includes the "PTSA." PTA and PTSA are both brands under National PTA.
National PTA was founded in 1897 as National Congress of Mothers and began as a powerful voice for advocacy. Some of the accomplishments of the PTA include: the creation of a separate juvenile justice system; the enaction of child labor laws; the adoption of kindergarten into the public school system; and the creation of a federally funded school lunch program. As a member of PTA, you - parents, guardians, teachers, students, and community supporters - are a stakeholder in our public education system.
The Harford County Council of PTA is your one-stop-Harford County PTA resource. We provide training, guidance and advice to local units. We encourage participation within your individual school communities. And, we are also looking for enthusiastic individuals to serve with us! We offer many opportunities to learn about PTA behind the scenes at your pace and availability.
We are also in the process of refreshing our website, so please be patient. Check in often for updates and resources to help you along your journey! Our calendar has all of our events for the year posted.
If you become a member this year, you will see a few messages from me via our Givebacks site. Don't be concerned. This is legitimate correspondence. If you're an officer that communication will be slightly more frequent. It is my intent to keep all messages short providing an overview of upcoming events and opportunities to be involved - if that's what you choose.
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I'm excited to be serving with you!
Your fellow PTA advocate,
Renee
Renee DeBiase
President, HCCPTA
Updated August 13, 2024