Media Contacts:
Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Communications
communications@capta.org
Ignacio Barragan, Assistant Executive Director
ibarragan@capta.org / 916.440.1985
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 4, 2019 – National PTA President Leslie Boggs and California State PTA President Celia Jaffe issued the following statement regarding the wildfires in California:
“PTA is deeply concerned for all our members and the families, schools and communities affected by the wildfires across California. We empathize with and stand ready to support those dealing with loss of property, safety and routines.
“As the oldest and largest child advocacy association in the U.S., it is our duty to help families and school communities as they rebuild and recover. We remain committed to doing everything we can to assist those affected and help restore learning environments as quickly as possible.
“PTA offers resources to help families and educators have conversations with children to help them deal with emotions of fear, confusion, sadness and anger they may feel after incidents like the wildfires. These resources and other tips can be accessed at PTA.org.
“PTA also offers a Disaster Relief Fund to respond to tragedies that grievously disrupt a school or education system. We encourage PTAs and schools impacted by the wildfires, blackout and school closures to apply for support from the fund. We also urge everyone to donate to the fund to help support PTAs and schools in need.
“PTA members work every day to give our children, families and school communities what they need to thrive. Following this type of event, our mission becomes that much more important. And as Thanksgiving approaches, the need to give has never been greater. We know we can count on our PTA members across the country to help meet the needs caused by the wildfires.”