Utah’s schools may have been in soft closure since last March, but
Utah PTA and its constituent associations have continued to play an important part in our communities. PTA membership is vital to helping support students, parents and teachers — now, more than ever. Since the creation of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers in 1897, PTA has never been just about bake sales, field days, teacher appreciation, or assemblies. It has been about advocating for children in our home, communities, state, and nation. During the soft closure, our local units supported children by preventing food insecurity by helping districts with lunch distribution. We supported social and emotional wellness by celebrating students’ progressions and graduations, offering encouragement to our teachers and staff, and more. Our motto, “Every child. One voice,” is exemplified by the role of Utah PTA President Laney Benedict, who, for the past five months, has been an active and engaged voice for families regarding COVID-19. She has been in constant communication with the Governor’s office and serves as a member of the Utah State Board of Education COVID Advisory Committee through Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Sydnee Dickson. At a National PTA level, President Benedict has been involved in calls representing Utah regarding national concerns and what is happening at the federal level to support children and education. We continue to advocate for the physical and mental well-being of children as we engage with our state legislators and reach out to Utah’s senators.
As we move toward the start of another school year, we urge parents, guardians and grandparents, to join the PTA in their communities. Our connected voice makes a difference for all children, whether they are in the classroom or learning online. As back- to-school plans are being released by Utah’s school districts, Utah PTA encourages parents to be a civil and respectful voice in advocating for children.
Utah PTA is aware of the complexities and complications that can arise, regardless of the plans that are made. Utah PTA acknowledges that Utah law states "that parents retain the fundamental right and duty to exercise primary control over the care, supervision, upbringing, and education of their children” and hope that individual parents will make the decisions best for their own children while supporting others’ children in a positive way.
