Programs and Awards

Reflections: The most popular National PTA program conducted annually, Reflections recognizes student achievement in the areas of visual arts, photography, musical composition, and literature. Reflections is a great student-parent-school involvement project that not only builds student confidence and creativity, but builds community awareness for Arts In Education. Read more information about the Virginia PTA Reflections Program.

Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Awards: PTA has created a new awards program to better applaud PTAs for achieving the updated National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. The Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Awards, new for the 2008-2009 school year, replace the Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence Certification program. (Learn more about the Hearst Awards. All local, council, district, and region PTAs in good standing are eligible to apply.)

While PTA is no longer accepting applications for Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence Certification (as of December 31, 2008), schools currently certified as Schools of Excellence will retain that honor through their original three-year term. In addition, all PTA schools are eligible to apply for the annual Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Awards.

Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award: 2008 marked the passing of one of PTA’s greatest child advocate leaders, PTA national president Shirley Igo (2001-2003).  Shirley was a model of public service and volunteerism throughout her life.  PTA will present an annual award to one individual who most exemplifies the qualities that made Shirley a true advocate for all children. Learn more.

National PTA Founder's Day: The National PTA was founded on February 17, 1897 in Washington D.C. as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers was founded by Selena Sloan Butler in 1926. The two congresses merged in 1972. Read information on "Celebrating Founder's Day".

National PTA Take Your Family to School Week
Learn more at the National PTA website.

Virginia PTA/PTSA Legislation Program: The Proposed Legislation Program (PLP) is mailed in the August mailing to all Local Unit Presidents. Local unit members vote on each item in the PLP and those adopted by the membership become the Legislation Program the Legislation Committee and Capitol Committee work with during the General Assembly Session.. This is one of the most important programs of Virginia PTA/PTSA. Your vote does count. Don't be left out. Read more information on PTA Legislation activities.