State PTA honors Harbor PTA

Christine Carrillo

Noticing that not all children at school had something to eat, groups

of mothers headed to their kitchens, heated up their stoves and took

it upon themselves to make sure every child had a meal at school.

They saw the need and embraced the challenge of supplying it. But

their efforts didn’t stop in the kitchen. Those women, who made up

the National Parent Teachers Assn., took their efforts to Capitol

Hill.

For years, they lobbied for legislation to establish a school

lunch program. In 1946, they got their wish. The power of the

organization, whose purpose is to “secure adequate laws for the care

and protection of children and youth,” surfaced and PTAs across the

country have continued to follow that path since they began in the

late 1800s.

The Harbor Council PTA, which focuses on the Newport-Mesa Unified

School District, is no different.

“We don’t just bring cookies in the classroom,” said Patty

Christiansen, Harbor Council president. “We will be lobbying in

Sacramento ... This is a legacy of PTA, being politically active,

that will strengthen education and support our youth.”

With thousands of members working toward establishing a closer

relationship between home and school, Harbor Council received

accolades from the California State PTA for more than its lobbying

prowess.

“It’s been our goal to work hand in hand with the teachers and the

staff in this school district so that we are a successful part of

that team,” she said. These awards “just reconfirm that we have an

outstanding relationship with them.”

Recognized in March as the most outstanding PTA in the entire

state, the Harbor Council’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

“The PTA has always been an integral part in education,” said Jane

Garland, communications and special projects coordinator for the

district. “They’ve truly been making this a partnership and a

collaborative effort.”

Reflective of its outstanding involvement of teachers and

administrators award, the Harbor Council PTA has a member of the

teacher’s union speak at every monthly meeting, and has continued to

build upon its open relationship with school officials.

“One of the things PTA wants, part of their mission, is for kids

to be healthy, educated and safe,” said Ellen Carroll, Harbor Council

vice president. “When you talk about teachers, teachers want all

those things, and when you talk about the district, the district

wants all those things. You all have a common vision for what you

want for your children.”

On May 1, the state will honor Harbor Council PTA at the PTA’s

annual convention in Sacramento for its achievements while also

giving Harbor Council yet another chance to demonstrate its

dedication.

Harbor Council will lobby once again, this time against state

budget cuts.

“They certainly are the arm that can lobby and I think they have

the best interests of the children at heart,” Garland said. “Power to

them to be able to go out there and do what we can’t do.”

* CHRISTINE CARRILLO covers education and may be reached at (949)

574-4268 or by e-mail at christine.carrillo@latimes.com.