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April 3, 2000

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

During the last legislative session, the legislature created a new holiday called Texas Parents Day. Designated as the second Sunday in August, Texas Parents Day will be observed for the first time on Sunday, August 13, 2000. The Texas Education Agency is encouraging education service centers and school districts throughout the state to voluntarily support this new holiday as an opportunity for "back-to-school" celebrations in their local school communities that honor and support the contributions of parents to their children's health, education, and general welfare.

The Agency's Parent Involvement and Community Empowerment Unit has prepared informational materials as a resource for coordinating celebrations of Texas Parents Day. The information includes the text of the legislation creating Texas Parents Day; a Q&A sheet; and information on America Goes Back to School, an initiative of the Partnership for Family Involvement in Education, which has been established by the U. S. Department of Education (USDE).

Texas Parents Day provides educators with an excellent opportunity to coordinate with local organizations to increase community awareness of resources that are available to parents as they experience the benefits and responsibilities of family life.

I encourage your support of Texas Parents Day, and your continued support for all activities of this type that emphasize educators' commitment to children and families. There is a growing interest in the field about the significant contributions of parent involvement in improving student achievement. We encourage collaboration among all parties that serve children and families to promote educational excellence for all students enrolled in the Texas public education system.

We are committed to providing support for your success. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Albert L. Black, Senior Director, Parent Involvement and Community Empowerment Unit at (512) 475-3488.

Sincerely,

Carol V. Francois Associate Commissioner for the Education of Special Populations

CVF/dab

Enclosures

A MS Word version of this letter is available for download. 

For further information on this topic, contact Parent Involvement and Community Empowerment at (512) 475-3488.

 

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