On Tuesday, July 14, Governor Cooper made his announcement about North Carolina school reopening. “The most important opening is that of our classroom doors. Our schools provide more than academics; they are vital to our children’s health, safety and emotional development,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a difficult time for families with hard choices on every side. I am committed to working together to ensure our students and educators are as safe as possible and that children have opportunities to learn in the way that is best for them and their families.” The work of Governor Cooper, State Health Officials, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, State Board of Education, and the General Assembly are most impactful when North Carolina families are involved, informed, and heard.
NCPTA, in partnership with NCDHHS, will host Virtual Town Halls. On Wednesday, July 22 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Spanish and Sign Language Interpreters will be provided) and Thursday, July 23 (Sign Language Interpreter will be provided) from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.,The purpose of these Virtual Town Halls is to provide a forum for North Carolina families to hear important updates and information about COVID-19 and NC school reopening from health care professionals. There will also be a Q&A session. According to Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, an Associate Professor with the Duke University Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, “Living through the COVID-19 pandemic is difficult and quite stressful. Our parents and families must be well-informed and deserve to get their questions answered at this week’s Town Halls with the NCPTA.”
These Virtual Town Halls will allow North Carolina families to hear pertinent information related to COVID-19 numbers in our state, safety precautions needed to support successful school reopenings, and more. “We know that parents and families are critical partners as we reopen schools. We want to be sure that families have the information they need to make the right decision for their families and their children”, said Dr. Betsey Tilson, State Health Director, NCDHHS.
FEATURED PANELISTS
Wednesday, July 22 (Spanish and Sign Language Interpreters will be provided)
- Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, Duke University Medical Center
- Susan Gale Perry, Chief Deputy Secretary
- Dr. Betsey Tilson, NCDHHS State Health Director
- Rebecca Planchard, NCDHHS Senior Policy Advisor
- Rogelio Valencia, NCDHHS Latino Ombudsman
Thursday, July 23 (Sign Language Interpreter will be provided)
- Dr. Kenya McNeal-Trice, UNC Health
- Susan Gale Perry, Chief Deputy Secretary
- Dr. Betsey Tilson, NCDHHS State Health Director
- Rebecca Planchard, NCDHHS Senior Policy Advisor
HOW TO REGISTER TO VIRTUALLY ATTEND
If you would like to virtually attend the Virtual Town Halls, you can register via the Eventbrite links listed below. Prior to the event, registrants will receive the link to access the virtual platforms to view the Town Halls.
- Wednesday’s Eventbrite Registration
https://ayuntamientovirtual22dejuliode2020.eventbrite.com
- Thursday’s Eventbrite Registration
https://ncptavirtualtownhalljuly232020.eventbrite.com
GOT QUESTIONS?
If you have questions regarding COVID-19 and NC school reopening, we would like to hear from you. Your submissions will be used to guide the conversations during the town halls and future community engagement events. Your submissions will also be used to create a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). To submit your question, click the link below. You can submit questions at https://bit.ly/NCPTAJuly2020TownHallQuestions
ABOUT NCPTA
North Carolina PTA is the state’s oldest and largest volunteer organization advocating for every child to reach their full potential. Founded in 1919 and affiliated with National PTA, there are more than 920 Parent Teacher Associations in schools across the state with more than 106,000 members. PTAs provide advocacy, vital volunteers, and material resources to their schools. NCPTA supports PTA units and provides programs, training, and advocacy on behalf of North Carolina’s children. To learn more about NCPTA, please visit our website at www.ncpta.org.
Contact: Mari Pokornowski, North Carolina PTA
(919) 787-0534
3501 Glenwood Ave
Raleigh, NC 27612
