By Michael YEGHIAYAN

The Crescenta Valley High School student advocacy group, the Parent Teacher Student Association – PTSA – will continue building membership as the organization begins the school year. The group’s first meeting of the year will take place tonight, Thursday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Current and prospective members are invited to the school’s Career Center to participate in a meet-and-greet with new principal Dr. Linda Junge.

“The PTSA is one of the nation’s biggest child advocacy groups. We bring programs such as Reflections [art recognition program], Red Ribbon Week, and Yellow Ribbon Week,” said CVHS PTSA President Monna Johnson. “Our main focus is to support our students, our teachers and our school.”

Additionally, the PTSA has funded the school’s participation in the “Every 15 Minutes” program that promotes awareness of the far-reaching impact of drunk driving as well as the motivational campaign “Rachel’s Challenge” that advocates an end to bullying and school violence.

Last year, the PTSA “Soaring to Success” fundraising campaign raised over $25,000, with much of the money used in support of the CVHS English Dept. The organization donated approximately $16,000 worth of novels as well as additional funds for student scholarships, and partial supplementation of the 2013 graduation ceremony.

For the 2013-14 school year, the PTSA will look to continue its fundraising efforts with a focus on providing the high school’s CVTV broadcast service with new cameras.

“We look to support the school’s learning environment however we can, doing our best to get the schools what they need,” explained Johnson. “In the past we have brought funds to help schools purchase items that they need for our students’ education.”

The PTSA is also a legislative advocacy group that works with the National PTA, lobbying for a safer and healthier learning environment.

In addition to legislative and financial support, the CVHS PTSA is dedicated to student outreach, supplying an open line of communication to interested students. Johnson emphasized the organization’s commitment to this year’s theme, “A Culture of Caring.”

“PTSA is committed to helping promote a positive and caring environment for all of our students, an environment where students are listened to, where teachers and staff are supported, where parents are reached out to, and where open communication prevails,” said Johnson in a letter to parents. “While promoting such an environment, we continue to advocate for policies and legislation that support adequate funding for education. We will remain vigilant in our pursuit of educational excellence in this state.”

The organization will hold an ongoing membership drive, and urges parents and students who wish to contribute to the continued development of the school to join. Membership is $10 for parents and $5 for students.

  MICHAEL YEGHIAYAN