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Obama Magnet Elementary PTA Awarded Grant for COVID-19 Relief Efforts
September 4, 2020
Obama Magnet Elementary School Building |
National PTA has awarded the Obama Magnet PTA with a $5,000 grant to help meet critical needs of students, families and teachers in their school community due to COVID-19. The funding is made possible by PTA Proud National Sponsor Huntington Ingalls Industries.
"COVID-19 has presented many challenges for families and schools. Now more than ever, PTAs nationwide are working hard to ensure our students, families, and educators are safe, healthy and have what they need—focusing on social and emotional well-being, resources for distance teaching and learning, bridging the digital divide, and addressing food insecurity," said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. "The Obama Magnet PTA is committed to supporting and advocating for their students, families and teachers during this challenging time. With the grant, the Obama Magnet PTA will be able to make even more of a difference for their school community."
With the grant, the Obama Magnet PTA will purchase Chromebooks, a storage/charging unit, and WiFi hotspots to provide support for families experiencing connectivity issues.
"Taking into consideration that, due to the pandemic and resulting social distancing guidelines put in place, Internet and Device Access was selected as the target area to serve those families in need, including students who are homeless," said John Johnson Ed.S., Principal of Obama Magnet Elementary. "By selecting Internet and Device Access, the school will be able to provide equitable and uninterrupted service, as needed, for all four target service areas identified by the National PTA: 1) Social Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health; 2) Distance Learning; 3) Internet and Device Access; and 4) Food Insecurity – by maintaining communication with families to report updates on how to access food resources in the community."
"This generous contribution will provide stimulus in addressing the issue of inequitable access to distance learning, mental health services, social-emotional support, and other services to those in need," said Rashad Williams, Obama Magnet PTA President. "We will work with faculty, staff, and administration to develop a long range plan to help ensure sustainability. We are committed to our children’s educational success, health and well-being."
"Our communities are experiencing challenges due to COVID-19, but there is one thing that has become clear—we are all in this together," said Bill Ermatinger, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Huntington Ingalls Industries. "Given the overwhelming demand for critical resources in our school communities, we are proud that our support of local PTAs will provide students, families, and teachers valuable tools that expand access to educational opportunities and encourage learning and personal growth during this human crisis."
Obama Magnet’s PTA grant is part of $1.5 million in funding that National PTA is providing to PTAs across the country for COVID-19 relief efforts. In addition to providing the funding, National PTA launched a comprehensive webpage at PTA.org/COVID-19 with resources, tools, and information to support families and educators amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The association has also focused several episodes of its Notes from the Backpack podcast on topics of concern for families due to COVID-19. As part of National PTA's Back-to-School Week (September 14-18), the association will be sharing information and resources at PTA.org/BackToSchool and on social media to help PTA leaders, parents, students and teachers navigate the new school year. Further, National PTA continues to advocate for access and support for families and schools for online learning, access to school meals, funding for family engagement, and fiscal and policy relief for state and local education agencies.
About PTA - PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.