National PTA Tackles Distracted Driving, Improved Infrastructure Around Schools at America's PTA Meeting

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - Jun 22, 2012) - National PTA's^® 116th Annual Convention and Exhibition kicks off today at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose. Thousands of parents, teachers, students, and advocates gather to enhance their skills, debate the day's hottest issues, network and conduct official National PTA business during the three-day conference that concludes Sunday.

What's at stake? The National PTA delegation will vote on whether to adopt a resolution to urge the creation and enforcement of laws that restrict the use of handheld and portable communication devices while driving, which 80% of drivers rate as a very serious threat to their safety, according to recent studies.

Delegates will also vote on a resolution that would ultimately help improve infrastructure around schools that will make walking and biking to school safer. The resolution calls for PTAs across the country to work with school administrations and local officials to call attention to unsafe walking and biking routes to schools and urge local governments to seek out and apply for state and federal infrastructure grants.

Keynote Speakers
Wes Moore highlights the speaker line up (today, Friday; 9am). Moore is an author, businessman and veteran. His first book, "The Other Wes Moore," became an instant New York Times bestseller. Moore was a paratrooper and Captain in the US Army. As a White House Fellow during 2006-2007, Moore served as a Special Assistant to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He later joined Citigroup, focusing on global technology and alternative investments. Currently, he is the host of "Beyond Belief" on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Other speakers include Rebecca Mieliwocki (2012 Teacher of the Year); Clark Flatt (The Jason Foundation); and Major General Jefforey Smith.

The convention will also feature a Male Engagement Summit, the annual Arts in Education Luncheon with performances from National PTA's Reflections winners, dozens of workshops for parents and hundreds of exhibits.

Complete convention information can be found at: http://www.pta.org/2042.asp.

About National PTA
National PTA^® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement 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. 

To view this release in html, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2012/national_pta/distracted_driving/