Take Your Family to School Week occurs during the week of February 17th. This week not only commemorates the day in 1897 when the PTA was founded but also encourages parents to get involved in their children’s education. In the past, many parents have left the responsibility of educating their children to teachers and schools.

However, the truth of the matter is that for students to be truly successful, they’re going to need their parents to participate in their education. And that’s why this week is so important. It’s hopefully an inspiration for families to work together to ensure children have the support they need to excel in their academic careers.

The History of Taking Your Family to School Week

On February 17th, 1897, the National Parent Teacher Association was founded as the National Congress of Mothers by Phoebe Apperson Hearst and Alice McLellan Birney. In 1908, the organization changed its name to the National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations.

Over time, the name of the organization continued to change until 1966. This is when the terms Parent-Teacher Association and PTA were registered as service marks with the United States government. In 2006, the National Parent Teacher Association introduced this week as a way to connect parents with their children’s education and school experience. Since Take Your Family to School Week was introduced, people all over the U.S. have taken advantage of this week to take a greater role in their children’s education.

Observing Take Your Family to School Week

The best way for parents to observe this week is by playing a greater role in their children’s education. This means regularly communicating with teachers, attending parent-teacher conferences, visiting open houses, and helping with homework.

Of course, parents shouldn’t just limit themselves to doing these things during this one week in February. They should use it as a launching point and continue their engagement with their children’s education throughout the year.