Dear Parents, Teachers, and Students;

Welcome to the WNY Maritime Charter School PTSA!  I would like to introduce myself, I am Heather Demmin, and I am your PTSA President.  It is my goal to do my best to serve my term as your PTSA President to the best of my ability.  What this means is to work for you our Parents, to work for our Teachers, and of course, to work for our Students!  I plan on doing this by following the examples set forth by both National PTA and State PTA standards which have the following purposes, beliefs, vision, and mission statements:

PTA Purposes

·         To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, and community.

·         To raise the standards of home life.

·         To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth. To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.

·         To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.

Beliefs

·         Every child deserves to have his/her basic needs met.

·         Every child deserves an education designed to meet the child's needs.

·         Public education is the appropriate forum to prepare children for participation in a democratic society.

·         Every child deserves our continued commitment to advocacy.

·         PTA will take the lead in parent involvement by training parents to be partners in education.

·         PTA will take the lead in promoting the value of parent involvement with the community and educational partners.

·         We are responsible for identifying, understanding, and meeting the needs of our diverse membership.

·         Educators are integral part of our association.

·         Education and leadership training and self-evaluation are essential at all levels.

·         Programs and materials should be provided to enhance parenting skills.

·         Challenging oneself leads to growth.

Vision Statement
Making every child’s potential a reality by establishing the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. (NYS PTA) as the premier association for parent involvement and advocacy for all children.

Mission Statement

PTA is

·         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.

I look forward to working with each and every one of you this year and please feel free to bring to me any and all concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

Heather Demmin – WNY Maritime Charter School PTSA President