We are blessed with stellar PTAs here in Lewisville ISD. The PTAs are made up of star-studded volunteers working in tandem with superstar administrators and teachers. Over 90 of these shining stars were recognized in February at our annual Founder's Day Dinner at the DFW Marriott.

The Texas PTA Awards are another opportunity for our stars to shine. Look for more information about submitting entries elsewhere in this newsletter. Don't forget the deadline is April 1!

Why all the star references? April 14^th marks an event "Where Stars Are Born". It is the inaugural Spring Conference for Area 16, and it is being held in our own backyard at Shadow Ridge Middle School. The Area Conference is the perfect opportunity for new and emerging leaders from your PTA to get a head-start on training. Please encourage these new stars by forwarding them the information about the conference. After all, they are the next generation of your PTA and you can help them maintain your PTA's stellar status by ensuring they get the training they need.

Did your PTA run a creative Membership Campaign this year? Do they have an Outstanding Newsletter? Or maybe your PTA has offered some terrific Parent Education Programs this year?

Don't be shy! We want to hear about it! Submit your entries to Area 16 Awards Chairman Donna Rice by April 1. Entries can be mailed to Donna at 1340 Prairie Drive, Lewisville, 75067.

Click here to download entry forms and criteria, and to see a list of Awards your PTA can enter! Winning entries will be announced at the Area 16 Spring Conference Dinner and Awards Gala on April 14 at Shadow Ridge Middle School. Click here for registration information about Spring Conference.

Let the stars in Lewisville ISD shine! Enter today!

1. It's close! No long drives, and no need for overnight hotel stays! Shadow Ridge Middle School is off of 2499 and Spinks Road in Flower Mound.
2. It's affordable! Registration fee is only $5!
3. Thirty different workshops to choose from!
4. Experienced workshop presenters! Workshops are being taught by Texas PTA Board members Sharon Goldblatt, Pam Becknal, and Kathy Blair. Past TXPTA Membership Chairman, experienced Area and Council leaders are also presenting workshops.
5. Hear guest speaker Janet Richardson Carroll speak at the Dinner and Awards Gala on "Finding Everyday Heroes".
6. Get a head start on training for next year!
7. Try out a workshop for a position you're only thinking about taking!
8. Vote in the 2007-2008 Area 16 PTA Officers. See the slate. 
9. Find out which PTAs won awards during the Dinner and Awards Gala.
10. Take Leader Orientation Training - why wait until summer or fall?

Click here to download the pre-registration form. Pre-registration and dinner RSVP ends April 1. Check back at lisdpta.org for workshop descriptions coming soon!

The Council honored two people with Membership Awards at our Annual Founder's Day Celebration on February 22^nd.  Life Membership Committee Members were Melinda Carter, Kris Vaughn and Debbie Watson.

Dr. Penny Reddell, LISD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Services, was given the Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership Award.  She was out of town that evening and was surprised with this recognition at our Council General Meeting on March 14^th.

Our March program was Faye Elahi, MA, MS who spoke to us about "The Ideal Diet for Children to Prevent Sweet Cravings and Uncontrollable Behavior".  March is 'Child Nutrition Month' and what an opportunity to educate us more about children's nutrition.  Faye specializes in special needs nutrition. 

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.   

Mark your calendars for two special activities in the coming weeks!  First, the Special Education Department and the Special Education PTSA are hosting a special presentation on Thursday, March 29^th from 7:00 to 9:00pm entitled, "Positive Communications:  Win-Win Solutions: Parents and Schools Working Together."  Speaker Ivan Vance, Senior Consultant for parent involvement and mental health issues at the Region 10 Education Service Center, will focus on the following points:

• Communication techniques and strategies that allow for productive problem solving when differences occur between parents and schools over special education issues
• How to maintain trust and stay "child focused"
• Parent and educator expectations of one another
• How to effectively advocate for your child without harming positive relationships with school personnel

This presentation will be held at the LISD Special Services Building
400 West Main Street St, Lewisville, TX75067.  Contact Laila Kawar for more information or click here to RSVP online.

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. 

Kids Helping Kids

Coordinate a CCA Jean/Top Drive for your school service project!

Your school can make a big contribution to children in the community by hosting a clothing drive for new jeans and/or tops as a service project. Your students can bring new clothing items, that would fit them, anytime during the drive.

The donated clothing will benefit the Christian Community Action Back to School Program. CCA provides disadvantaged children with two new outfits, a new pair of shoes, a backpack and grade specific school supplies. Starting the new school year with the basic tools helps the self-esteem of the children that CCA serves. Donations will be accepted until the end of July.

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. 

The Lewisville Education Foundation will be holding its annual Family Day at Hawaiian Falls in The Colony on May 19^th, 1-6 pm. Hawaiian Falls boasts new attractions this season, and proceeds will benefit the Lewisville Education Foundation which provides teacher grants and scholarships to students in our school district.

It takes less time to do a right thing than to explain why you did it wrong.