Major Milestone to be Achieved at PTA National Convention

ST. LOUIS, June 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, families, parents, teachers, and students from across the country will gather in St. Louis for the 111th Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition. Held at the Cervantes Convention Center at America's Center in downtown St. Louis, the three-day event continues through Sunday, July 1.

PTA will install Jan Harp Domene of Anaheim, Calif., as the organization's 50th national president during a special ceremony on Sunday. A member of the PTA for 31 years, Domene has served the past two years as national president- elect and is the first Californian in 50 years to lead the organization.

Attendees will also witness, for the first time ever, a father installed as PTA's national president-elect. Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors, a father of four and a long-time PTA member, will hold the position of president-elect for two years, after which he will be installed as the first man to serve as the organization's national president.

From a Walk for Healthy Kids and the first-ever Parent Expo, to almost 40 workshops for parents and students, the convention provides parents with information, resources, and connections to prepare for the back-to-school season and to help their children succeed.

  PARENTS EXPO (Free Admission)
  SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

St. Louis parents and families are invited to attend a national Parent Expo on Saturday, June 30. The event will feature education, family, and parenting experts, almost 200 exhibitors, and interactive games and activities for children. The first 2,000 attendees will receive a complimentary gift pack. The Parent Expo is open to the general public.

  WALK FOR HEALTHY KIDS
  SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 6:30 a.m.

Hundreds of PTA members and St. Louis natives will take to the streets to call attention to child health and wellness as part of the 3rd Annual PTA National Walk for Healthy Kids. The 5K walk begins at the Gateway Arch Grounds, which will serve as the start and finish area. There is a $25 registration fee to participate in the walk.

  PARENT WORKSHOPS NOT TO MISS
  The convention will feature more than 30 workshops. Key topics include:
  -- Preventing school violence
     Workshop 108: Help keep them Safe: Preventing School Violence
       Friday, June 29; 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
  -- Male Involvement
     Workshop 102: Effective Strategies for Male Involvement
       Friday, June 29; 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
  -- Child Health and Wellness
     Workshop 200: Robin Miller to the Rescue: How to Make Quick Fix Meals
       Saturday, June 30; 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
     Workshop 205: Perception or Reality? Attitudes and Behaviors that
      impact the Healthy Development of Children and Youth
       Saturday, June 30; 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
  -- Tips for Today's Parent
     Workshop 300: Building Parent-Child Connections: Lifelines for New
      Millennium Kids
       Sunday, July 1; 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

  KEYNOTE SPEAKER & CELEBRATING THE ARTS
  Friday, June 29; 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (During General Meeting 1)

Craig Scott was in the library the day of the Columbine tragedy, where he witnessed 10 of his schoolmates killed. Since then, he has gone on to share his inspiring, life-changing story with children and adults.

Saturday, June 30; 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. (During General Meeting 3)

PTA will honor six students as Outstanding Interpretation Award recipients for achievement in the 2006-2007 Reflections arts program.

PRESS CREDENTIALS

Press credentials can be picked up on-site in the PTA Press Room located in room 101 on the lobby level.

ABOUT PTA

PTA comprises more than 5 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA flourishes in more than 25,000 school communities nationwide by harnessing the energy and talents of millions of volunteers to be: voices for all children; relevant resources for families and communities; and champions for the education and well-being of every child. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.