Senate Resolution No. 2799

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the New
York State Parent Teacher Association

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to foster the
health and well-being of its citizens and engage in a conscientious
commitment to advancing the safety and advocacy for students across this
great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the New York State Parent Teacher
Association; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers,
Incorporated, or New York State Parent Teacher Association (NYS PTA) is
the oldest and largest child advocacy association in New York State,
founded in 1897 in Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, The mission of NYS PTA is to be a powerful voice for all
children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong
advocate for the education and well-being of every child; and

WHEREAS, The vision of NYS PTA is to make every child's potential a
reality by establishing the New York State Congress of Parents and
Teachers, Inc. as the premier association for parent engagement and
advocacy for all children; and

WHEREAS, NYS PTA is honored to represent the parents and families of
its 2.6 million school children, and has nearly 250,000 volunteer
members in 12 regions across the State of New York, in more than 1,450
school buildings; and

WHEREAS, The current President of the NYS PTA, Dana Platin, is a
school-related Kindergarten professional in the Sachem School District,
a tireless advocate for students with disabilities, and her presidential
theme is "Shining a Light on Every Child with One Voice"; and

WHEREAS, NYS PTA's current Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky,
Esq. was named a NYS Senate Woman of Distinction and Education Power 100
Recipient; she has committed her life to supporting children and
families, and is extremely proud of her work in family engagement,
supporting students with disabilities, and diversity and inclusion; and

WHEREAS, Recent NYS PTA Past Presidents include Jane Harsha, Lorey
Zaman, Gracemarie Rozea, Bonnie Russell, Lana Ajemian, Maria Fletcher,
Susan Lipman, and Maria Dewald; and

WHEREAS, A leader in offering programs, awards, scholarships, and
supports for students, parents, families, and educators, the NYS PTA has
launched an extensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative, and
offers arts, literacy, wellness, health, mental health, safety, family
engagement, parent/family resources, and educational programs and
initiatives; and


WHEREAS, The NYS PTA has been the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades, including the Jan Harpe Domene Diversity and Inclusion Award
for outstanding achievement in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and
efforts to end discriminatory practices; it also received the National
PTA 2018 Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award and the 2021 Outstanding
State PTA Advocacy Award for dedication, leadership, and efforts that
positively affected legislative and/or regulatory policy; and

WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYS PTA launched a new
direct services model of support, assisting families with finding food
sources and facilitating enrollment in SNAP, WIC and health insurance
benefits for children; NYS PTA also launched a new virtual support
series for parents, families, educators, schools, and PTAs, bringing
critical and timely information on health and wellness topics; and

WHEREAS, NYS PTA held more than 150 specialized workshops and
webinars for parents, families, educators, and students in the past two
years, and continues to provide both in-person and virtual learning and
training experiences; and

WHEREAS, NYS PTA is also a provider of continuing teacher leader
education for NYS educators providing high-quality training for
classroom teachers and related professionals on matters affecting
students; and

WHEREAS, It is the objective of this Legislative Body to support
programs and organizations which have the objective to empower and
educate the students, parents, and educators throughout the State; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the New York State Parent Teacher
Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dana Platin, President, New York State Parent Teacher
Association.