February 2007 Special Edition

April 11 - Dr. Wayne C. Starin from the Doctor's Speakers Bureau has been rescheduled from our January "snow day" meeting to present a workshop on stress. www.doctorsspeakersbureau.com:80

May 9 - Laura Clancy and Trisha Sheffield from LISD - Learning Beyond the Bell (LBB) will discuss their program and challenges. The purpose of LBB is to provide after-school and summer learning opportunities beyond the regular school day/year for English language learners and students identified most at-risk for failure. www.lisd.net/lbb/index.html

Nominating Committee Report
LISD Council of PTAs

The nominating committee submits the following nominees for the year 2007-2008:

President - Kris Vaughn
1^st VP - Programs  Trisha Sheffield
2^nd VP - Membership Gretchen Wood
3^rd VP - Budget and Finance Heather Mathis
4^th VP - Leadership Development  OPEN
Secretary  Julie Rael
Treasurer  Karen Barger

Signed:

Julie Luce, Chairman
Angie Barton
Melinda Carter
Janet DeYear
Don McDaniel

Texas PTA "Program in a Box"

A new program is now available to encourage dads to become involved with your school and PTA. The kit will be mailed to you and can be used at the best time for your members. Posters, brochures and a DVD are included in the $30 kit. The DVD includes an English and Spanish version. The program is not currently available to order online. Click on this link to download the form and mail to Texas PTA.

Parent Education Programs

This is a great time to refocus your efforts to provide parent education programs for your members. Determine what the needs are of your unit and think of new ways to bring the information to them. Invite your neighboring PTAs to join your efforts and be creative.

40 Developmental Asset Building Blocks

Don't forget to check out the 40 Developmental Asset Building Blocks of the month in both English and Spanish.

Feel free to include in your own newsletters or as a handout at your general meetings. Another one will be available in March.

Environmental Contest Reminder
Due March 2, 2007

All entries will be due to council on Friday, March 2^nd. They will need to be brought to Donald Elementary between 10 am and 12 pm.. Remember, only one entry per category per grade may advance, but you may give as many awards as you wish at your level. You do not need to do an intent to enter form this year, but if your campus is participating and will have entries advancing, please e-mail me and let me know so I make sure I get your entries. Also, please remind parents of entries that are advancing that if their entry makes it past the Council level, it will not be returned to them so they might want to make a copy or take a picture of it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail.

Patti Pollok

PTA Baskets Needed
Communities in Schools Gala Auction

Communities in Schools of North Texas is gearing up for its annual Celebrating Successes Gala which includes the very popular Silent Auction. Once again, your help is needed!

The baskets donated by your PTA are a tremendous component of the auction and contribute to the evening's overall success. Communities in Schools of North Texas depends on this event to operate its programs at the campuses in our school district.

Please consider donating a basket from your PTA to the Silent Auction. Remember, as a donation from one 501c3 organization to another, the donation can be an approved line item on your PTA budget.

All baskets must be received by March 16. Please contact Jan Picardi at janpicardi@yahoo.com for more information.

Thank you again for your support!

Vendor Fair

Saturday April 28, 2007 9AM-12PM

Are you a PTA volunteer, 5th grade teacher, soccer coach, scout leader or church member?

Do you need to raise funds for your organization? If so the Vendor Fair is for you!! Come and get an in person chance to see what over 100 area vendors have to offer.

Over 100 LISD approved Vendors will be presenting their wares.

The PTA with the most attendees wins $100.00.

Open to the public.

Contact: Heather Mathis - illystar@aol.com

Informational and Organizational Meetings for Killian Middle School PTA
March 29, 2007 7PM

A meeting has been scheduled for March 29, 7 p.m. at Creek Valley Middle School to begin the process of organizing a PTA for the new Killian Middle School which will open Fall 2007. Come hear the procedures for starting a new PTA. The bylaws committee and nominating committee will be formed at this meeting.

Then, the PTA will be officially organized on April 25, 7 p.m. at Creek Valley Middle School. Bylaws will be approved, membership dues collected, and elections of officers will be held at the Organizational Meeting on April 25.

Please mark your calendars for both meetings and help spread the word! For questions, please contact Susanne Hutchinson at hutchpta1@verizon.net.

Texas PTA - Adopted Position

PTA supports requiring Automated ExternalDefibrillators on School Campuses.

Questions have arisen about the purchase of AEDs.

Texas PTA prefers that Local PTAs do not purchase AEDs because of liability. However, if a PTA feels strongly about purchasing, the PTA should remove themselves as far as possible from the purchase. This can be accomplished by the PTA donating the money to the school using the form in the appendix of the treasurer's guide (money donations for specific purpose) and let the school do the actual purchasing.

Kyle Ward
Executive Director
Texas PTA
kward@txpta.org
408 W. 11th Street
Austin, Texas 78701-2113
(512) 476-6769, extension 201

"My Favorite Place" Area 16 Results

Congratulations! 36 Reflections entries from our Lewisville PTAs are advancing for judging at Texas PTA.

Click here for a complete listing of Area 16 winning entries.

Texas PTA Camp

Texas PTA Camp Just Imagine will deliver critical thinking skills incorporating hands-on activities through drama, art and music for children who are entering grades 1-6.

Early bird registration fee $225 by April 1 and $275 by May 31 (5 sessions). All campers will receive a T-shirt. Limited spots available.