In the summer of 1998, a six-member Parent Teacher Association (PTA)committee at Cordill-Mason Elementary School in Jackson County, Missouri, met to plan a night for families. Through study and research, they learned more. They added their creativity, talents, and time. They titled their work, "Putting Families First" and Family Week 1999 was born. For one solid week, the school and PTA offered a
week-full of family activities, education, and entertainment. Over 70 % of the student population and their families participated in one or more activities. Family Week 1999 won two state awards: the Missouri Outstanding PTA, 1st Place in PAFLE (Parent and Family Life Education); and the PTA President was presented the EDDY Award for Excellence in Education from the Governor. The Family Week project was published in the national magazine "Our Children" and spotlighted in two workshops at the State PTA convention. "Putting Families First" has grown into an annual community event with family support and opportunities. With in Jackson County, churches, schools, and businesses offer families attention and rewards. Family time incentives like a supermarket sweep, vacation "get-a-ways", music festival, and family contests are included. A "Family of the Year" Recognition, school "family" drawings, and bank sponsored "Family History" contest are held. Gold ribbons are tied everywhere. Monday Family Night runs all year long. Jackson County holds the national record for the longest running citywide "Family" project, far surpassing any other community's effort. From the County offices to church foyers, and from businesses to school playgrounds, Family Week renews the importance of family, reinstates families inherent responsibilities, and pays tribute to families.
