Focus Newsletter for second week of October 

THE PTACHC MEETING will be held at a different location than the Sept. meeting.  It will be at the ARL (next door to the DOE).  Monday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 pm. 

Meet the BOE Candidates -Make an Informed Decision Before You Cast Your Vote.  There are 6 candidates for the 3 positions to be elected this November 4th.  Watch the League of Women Voters BOE Candidates Forum on Oct. 13 at 7 pm at the ARL.  It will be rebroadcast throughout Oct.

Take Advantage of PTA Membership Discounts

The following information may also be viewed on the National PTA website, www.pta.org.  Select “About PTA”. Click on “Benefits of Membership” and scroll to the bottom of the screen.

National PTA partner's with businesses and negotiate special discounts, fund raising opportunities, and other valuable benefits exclusively for PTA members. 

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

MD PTA FALL CONVENTION - November 14/15, 2008 in Frederick.  Go to www.mdpta.org for registration information.

 

E-learning Courses http://www.pta.org/e_learning.asp  

At a time when PTA budgets are tight and schedules are even tighter, e-learning is a solution for members looking to expand their skills cost-effectively and without the need to travel. This e-learning initiative is a step toward achieving PTA’s goal of making all members informed advocates by 2020.Note: Your username and password are on the back of your membership card.

Choose from the following courses.

PTA Basics—Discover the history and structure of PTA, as well as the programs and issues that the national network of PTA members undertakes across the country to strengthen parent involvement in every school. (Course designed for emerging local leaders.)

Grant Writing—Does your PTA need more non-dues revenue to use in the school or community? Get familiar with the grant-writing process by taking a free introductory course on the basics of grant application.

Conflict Management—Learn the basic principles and techniques of conflict management by immersing yourself in a simulated real-life situation, guided by immediate feedback and expert advice.

Planning and Goal Setting—Developed around a five-step process from Franklin Covey, this course contains printable tools and exercises for use in setting and reaching your goals.

Parliamentary Procedure—We have all attended a meeting where there were no objectives, people interrupted each other, conversation was dominated by arguing, and decisions weren’t made fairly or in a timely manner (or at all!). Learn how rules of conduct positively effect the decisions a PTA makes while ensuring fair and orderly unit operations.

Running a Successful PTA Program—Outlines the steps for taking a program idea from concept to reality to meet the needs in your school. (Course designed for both emerging and current local PTA leaders.)

Effective Advocacy for Your Child—Organize around local issues and address them to benefit the needs of children and your community. (Course designed for emerging local leaders.)

Writing and Proposing PTA Resolutions—This course combines "stories from the field" with advice from members on researching and drafting resolutions and a checklist for writing and proposing resolutions.

Planning Your PTA Year—Disorganized volunteer projects lower enthusiasm and make people wonder why they tried to get involved in the first place. This course sets you up for a successful year, assisting your planning and goal setting.

These e-learning courses can be found at: http://www.pta.org/e_learning.asp 

HCPSS News Update

The Board of Education approved a record $125.2 million capital budget for the coming fiscal year.  The budget includes funding $27 million for the Mt. Hebron High School renovation, addition and renovation to the office space at the old Cedar Lane School and Northfield Elementary, and a new maintenance/warehouse facility.

CALENDAR

Oct. 6             PTACHC General membership meeting at the ARL

Oct. 11           Coffee and Conversation with BOE 9:30 am - 11 am at River Hill    

                        High Cafeteria

 

Oct. 13          LIVE on Comcast 95/Verizon42, the Board of Education Candidates 
                        Forum hosted by League of Women Voters 7 pm.  

                    Rebroadcast will be Oct. 17, 19, 24, 26, or 31 from 7 – 9 pm. 

                    Be an informed voter!

Oct. 16           BOE meets with PTA Presidents and CAC 7:30 pm at BOE

Oct. 29           PTACHC Sharing Session/ Workshop at Faulkner Ridge Center,           

                       10598 Marble Faun Lane Time: 7 pm - 9:30 pm  

2nd Mon Nov. 10       PTACHC General membership meeting meets at the ARL

Nov. 14/15  MD PTA Fall Convention  for info www.mdpta.org 

Dec. 1            PTACHC General Membership meeting at ARL 7:30 pm

Thank you for being an advocate for every child, one voice