NEWSLETTER APRIL—MAY 2015

PRESIDENT’S LETTER “What doesn't Kill you, Makes you Stronger.” Being a sports parent, you hear those motivational phrases as your son or daughter struggles to progress, to learn, and to master their chosen sport. Those words took on a different meaning this past month. Baltimore City is in the midst of painful change. What many of us witnessed on our televisions, some say was a long time coming; teenagers and young adults venting anger and frustration, taking advantage of a bad situation. These children will now grow up being able to remember the time that the National Guard patrolled their streets. They will have also witnessed a resilient city that has demonstrated time and time again that it can come together and bounce back. Baltimore City is now in a time of recovery and will come back stronger and better. Maryland PTA has long known the struggles of Baltimore City Schools. It is a labor of love for a great many folks. In

the coming weeks, it will be important to remember why we do what we do. Every Child, One Voice. Maryland PTA has reached out to the Governor’s office to volunteer and help out where appropriate. The Baltimore City Council of PTA's is working with the Mayor’s office and PCAB to help where needed and to further productive discussions on these pressing matters. As we drift toward summer, please keep all these folks: Students, Teachers, Parents, Administrators, and Political Leaders, in your prayers. They have hard job. Now the world is watching. Tied up in this discussion is the hope that the Governor will release the 68 million dollars in GCEI funds that the legislature put aside. He has some serious issues on his plate, but I am sure the conversation will turn back to this. Eleven million of those funds that would go to Baltimore City schools, can be utilized to provide additional counselors for students and provide the necessary resources our students deserve! Here at Maryland PTA, we are in Nomination Season. We are looking for officers, chairs, and committee members for the 2015-2017 term. While the deadline has passed to send in applications for open officer positions, you can still send a letter of intent to run from the floor in July. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rita Lowman, at nominating@mdpta.org. Don't forget to block off, July 17 and 18, 2015. This is our 100th Annual Convention and 100th Anniversary Celebration. It will be held at the Crown Plaza Rockville. Details and registration info are available on our website.

Ray Leone,

MDPTA President

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Legislative Committee Report .2

Treasurers Report ...................4

MDPTA Convention Awards ..8

Membership Committee .........9

Nominations Report ……………10

MDPTA Reflections .................4

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

New Year’s Budget

Preparations

100th Anniversary

Celebration

National PTA Reflections

Winners

100th Annual

Convention

July 17-18, 2015

Crowne Plaza

Rockville

3 Research court

Rockville, MD

20850

www.mdpta.org

NOMINATIONS are being

accepted for candidates that which

to run from the floor during

convention. For more information

visit. www.mdpta.org

During the 2015 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, MD PTA’s Legislative Committee met weekly via conference call and tracked legislation related to education, public schools in Maryland, and more broadly, the health and well-being of children, youth, and families. During the Session, the Committee tracked 76 bills in the House of Delegates and 51 bills in the Maryland Senate (about 5.5% of all bills filed in the General Assembly). A number of these were cross-filed bills (i.e, duplicates of one another) that had been filed simultaneously. Of the bills tracked, MD PTA submitted 18 pieces of testimony (14 supportive, 4 opposing) on the House side, and 11 pieces of testimony (8 supportive, 3 opposing). MD PTA also gave oral testimony on legislation. In addition to our own testimony, MD PTA signed on to 2 pieces of testimony submitted by the Maryland Education Coalition (MEC).

Maryland PTA had four priorities during the current legislative session. Action alerts were issued on all of these. One was support for full funding of education under current formulas, to the maximum extent possible. The second priority was to defeat or significantly amend, what the Legislative Committee viewed as a highly-flawed proposal to expand use of charter schools in the state. MD PTA’s third priority was to oppose the appropriation of state funds in support of operating costs and capital renovations at non-public schools. MD PTA’s fourth priority continues to be to oppose any legislation that would allow for tax credits up to a certain level for non-public school tuition and expenses, and for donations to “student support organizations” at any school, including non-public schools.

With regard to the first priority, the Legislative Committee was very hopeful during mid-March that the General Assembly would restore most of the formula funding for education that had been dramatically reduced Governor’s original budget proposal. Relevant House and Senate Committees had held bipartisan votes in favor of a proposal that would redirect a portion of a supplemental payment to the state pension fund toward education and other needs. The Administration’s Secretary of Budget and Management spoke in approving tones of the Committees’ work, and prospects looked favorable for a constructive Conference Committee report that would resolve relatively minor differences. Two weeks before the Assembly Session ended, however, the Governor submitted a supplemental budget that attempted to dramatically shift course. It left out funds for the Geographic Cost of Education Index (GCEI), and other needs not related to Education, demanding that certain “legislative priorities” be acted on favorably before the Governor would restore the funds. These “priorities” included certain tax cuts, lifting of the storm water fee mandate, charter school expansion (which the relevant Committees were amending and moving toward passage), and an education tax credit that would indirectly support non-public schools (for which no one from the Administration had spoken favorably when Committee hearings were held, and which neither Committee had favorably reported). Quite naturally, MD PTA and other education advocates spoke out strongly against the GCEI tax credit demand, and mobilized heavy constituent input into the General Assembly resisting this proposal. In this effort, because MD PTA is seen by many as a non-partisan player in education funding, we became the public face for much of the advocacy.

Ultimately, the General Assembly passed several of the Governor’s priorities in amended forms, and a budget providing funds for GCEI and other services the Governor sought to cut. Unfortunately, however, the budget bill passed on a mostly party-line vote. The actual expenditure of GCEI funds was left to depend on gubernatorial action. It is not clear at this time whether these funds will be used as the General Assembly appropriated. One side note, in passing legislation on the last day of the Session, the

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MDPTA Legislative Committee John Hannay, VP of Legislation

PERSONAL

PROPERTY RETURN

Did you remember to submit a copy of the Personal Property Return to Maryland PTA? If your local has not filed their Personal Property Return (mailed in mid-February), while the April 15 deadline has passed, this does not mean that you don’t still have to file. It is important to check to see if this was done, if not, do it now, even though the local unit will probably incur some late fees, there is still time.

If you did not receive this form, please visit the website www.dat.state.md.us to check your status. Click on Business Data Search and then Business Entity Information to view your local unit’s general information, personal property filings and your status.

You don’t want your local unit to lose your incorporation status and have to pay another $100 to be reinstated. If your local unit has lost its incorporation status, you are putting your local in direct jeopardy. If you find that your local unit’s status has been forfeited, please contact the Maryland PTA office at 410-760-6221 to ask for a Revival Packet. Maryland PTA has a very specific form for our chartered locals, it is important that the local unit NOT use the form found on the Department of Assessments and Taxation website. If you require assistance in filling out any of these forms, you can contact the Maryland PTA office by e-mail at office@mdpta.org.

For additional information concerning the Personal Property Return, refer to Cash Encounters page 42.

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General Assembly did pass a bill requiring the governor to spend money appropriated to education under various funding formulas (including GCEI) in future budget years. However, because of current budget law and policy, this was not able to be done for FY2016.

With regard to the Charter School proposal, MD PTA was very successful with other education advocates, in persuading the relevant legislative committees to significantly rewrite the original bill, taking out language we found objectionable and unwise, and adding in language to ensure adequate funding for students with special needs, fair treatment of teachers as employees, adherence to current certification standards, justification for waiving of regulatory standards, and oversight by local Boards of Education, among other items. The amended bill was eventually passed by the General Assembly signed by the Governor.

With regard to the third priority, regarding funding of non-public schools, as the Session neared to a close, we were hopeful that direct funding of non-public schools would be diminished, as per the Governor’s original budget proposal. It had reduced funding for textbooks and computers, and contained no capital improvement funds for non-public schools. However, as the budget negotiations drew to a close in the waning days of the General Assembly, this issue became entwined with the Governor’s demand for legislation establishing tax credits for “student support organizations” tied to non-public schools. As the price for ensuring that the tax credit legislation was left out of the budget bill, Maryland PTA and other education advocates had to assent to increasing the funding for textbooks and computers above what had originally been proposed. However, the Assembly tied the release of GCEI funds before these funds could be expended.

In summary, the 2015 General Assembly Session was a very busy and generally successful year for advocacy on behalf of students and youth. While we were very disappointed with the rancor at the end of the Session, the Legislative Committee is very proud of what we accomplished. We express appreciation for the support of MD PTA’s Board of Directors, the support of local PTA Council leaders, who stepped up more than once to contact legislators, and the many PTA members who responded to our alerts and spoke directly to Senators and Delegates. We are hopeful that in future years, all our members will see the importance to come out to PTA Night in Annapolis as a way to get our message across to our elected officials. Together, we continue raising the profile of MD PTA as a strong and well-informed advocate for children, families, and public education. We still have challenging tasks ahead of us. In future months, our task will be to participate in a multi-organization campaign to urge the Governor to fully expend the budget adopted by the General Assembly (which includes the GCEI funds). We invite, and need, your involvement. Watch for alerts from Maryland PTA on budget expenditures and other issues where we need you to show your support for education and write letters and emails on behalf of MD PTA.

Maryland PTA’s insurance carrier, BB&T, is now Knight Insurance services. Information about Knight Insurance can be found on our website. Your coverage hasn’t changed and invoices have been mailed. Coverage for 2015-2016 is $201.00 and must be paid by to July 1, 2015.

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MDPTA Treasurer’s Report End of Year and Summer Work

By Bruce Butz, Maryland PTA Treasurer

Congratulation on the upcoming successful completion of another wonderful school year, but the Treasurer’s job is not yet finished. Before you know it, school will be starting once again. Whether you are continuing in your position as Treasurer or new to the position as local unit Treasurer, the following could be completed before the first general membership meeting.

Sales Tax

Effective July 1, 2013, all local PTA units in the state were no longer responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax on items sold at fundraisers. It is important that the local PTA unit continue to file and report $0 in taxable sales on your regularly scheduled Maryland Sales and Use Tax Return.

Local PTA units are still required to pay sales tax on all items that they purchase, just as before, except for those items they plan to resell.

If items are being resold, the Blanket Certificate of Resale should be provided to the vendor. The Blanket Certificate has a $200 minimum purchase threshold. For resale purchases of less than $200, sales tax would have to be paid and then a refund requested from the Comptroller’s office.

If a vendor uses their own Credit Card machine, sales tax will have to be charged to the customer.

A local PTA unit may apply for its own Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate. (This was reported in the January/February Maryland PTA e-newsletter.) You are not permitted to use the School’s Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate. This exemption will eliminate any necessity to pay sales tax in the State of Maryland.

To obtain the Sales and Use Tax exemption, local PTA units have to complete the current year Combined Registration Application (CRA), which you may find here: http://forms.marylandtaxes.com/14_forms/CRA.pdf. PTAs should complete all required sections and follow the Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate (SUTEC) checklist on page 4 for additional information required.

The checklist will help guide you in completing the application. Subordinate organizations, such as local PTA units covered by Maryland PTA's group determination letter must also provide a copy of the group determination letter and a letter from the parent organization on letterhead specifying that the particular organization is covered by your group determination. These letters can be obtained by contacting Maryland PTA. In addition to the 501(c)(3) letter and letter from the holder of IRS group determination (mentioned above), the following information is also required:

The completed CRA

Articles of Incorporation

Bylaws

More financial trainings

will be posted for June,

July and August. Visit

the MDPTA website for

listings and registration

information.

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The exemption will take approximately 6- 8 weeks to review and will be valid until 2017 when it will need to be renewed. Also, please note that two of your local unit officers will be required to provide their social security number for the application and will have to remember to have that number removed from the application when their term expires. This change can be easily accomplished with a letter to the department.

For additional information concerning Sales Tax, refer to Cash Encounters page 20.

Budget Review

It is time to take another look at the budget to determine if there is a need for any amendments that could be taken care of at your local PTA unit’s last general membership meeting. Remember that you may not spend more than your membership has approved.

For additional information related to the Budget Review, refer to Cash Encounters pages 7-8.

Financial Review

It is never too early to think about who will be performing your financial review for your local unit’s 2014-2015 year. Are you willing to pay someone or a company to perform the review or will you use volunteers? Will you be able to find a person? If your review will be done by a committee – there must be at least three people. Please see National PTA’s Money Matters regarding what will need to be provided. According to Maryland PTA bylaws, each constituent organization must submit “a copy of its annual financial review to Maryland PTA” along with a copy of the Annual Financial Report by October 31 to remain in good standing.

In preparing for the audit make sure:

1. All accounts balance.

2. All bank statements are reconciled.

3. All vouchers and checks are in order.

Your local unit’s current budget, all treasurer’s reports and copies of the minutes are included.

It is the Treasurer’s responsibility to forward all pertinent information to the financial review committee or auditor so that the review may be performed in a timely manner. Check Maryland PTA’s Cash Encounters for additional information. And remember to present the financial review report to the board of directors at the first meeting following the review and again at the General Membership where the your local unit’s President will ask that it be officially adopted by the body.

For additional information concerning the Financial Review, refer to Cash Encounters pages 29-31.

Next Year’s Budget

Preparations

The summer months are a

perfect time to establish a

budget committee and

prepare a budget for the

upcoming fiscal year 2015

-2016. Check out

Maryland PTA’s Cash

Encounters for additional

information. Please

include some carryover for

2016-2017. Remember

that IRS requires that

you use a gross budget

and it must be zero

balanced. Another IRS

requirement is that you

allocate money for

leadership training.

When preparing your budget for next year, don’t forget about your local PTA unit’s Bonding, Liability, and Directors and Officers Insurance for the 2016-2017 school year. This will be due prior to July 1, 2016, and you should plan on another small increase.

For additional information related to Next Year’s Budget Preparation, refer to Cash Encounters page 7.

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MDPTA Treasurer’s Report End of Year and Summer Work

By Bruce Butz, Maryland PTA Treasurer

IRS Requirements.

Obtain and prepare IRS Form 990EZ and accompanying Schedule A (Schedule

B if necessary) if previous three years' gross receipts average more than

$50,000. This is an IRS requirement because we have a 501(c)(3) income tax

exemption status. This form is due by November 15 for PTAs. If you do not

meet the $50,000 criteria, you will be required to file the 990N online although

IRS will permit you to utilize the 990-EZ if your income is less than $50,000.

You do not have to wait until the deadline to file. This is a form that can be

completed as soon as the your local PTA unit’s audit is completed. Don’t forget

to send a copy to Maryland PTA.

For additional information concerning IRS Requirements, refer to Cash Encounters pages 23-24.

Charitable Solicitations Requirements

Local PTAs with income of $25,000 are required to register, or annually renew,

their local PTA unit’s registration as a charitable organization with the Office of

the Secretary of State and have submitted the fee by the end of December. For

those locals who filed the e-postcard for the 990N, but had income of less than

$25,000, Maryland PTA and the State’s Comptroller are strongly encouraging

you to complete the Exempt Organization Fund-Raising Notice. Those locals

filing a 990N with gross incomes of $25,000 but less than $50,000 may elect to

submit a copy of their 990EZ or complete the COF-85 located on the Secretary

of State’s website. Please be sure to provide Maryland PTA with a copy of your

local PTA unit’s submissions to the Secretary of State. It is not necessary to

wait until the December 31st deadline to submit this paperwork. The forms have

changed and can now be filed with the Secretary of State electronically, but a

copy of the actual filing must be sent to Maryland PTA.

For additional information concerning Charitable Solicitations Requirements, refer to Cash Encounters page 20.

Bank Account Signatures

Make sure that financial institution signature cards are updated. It is a good idea

to have three officers as signatories. Reminder that signatories cannot be

related, and the Treasurer and one other person must sign all checks. Never

sign a blank check.

Fiscal Responsibility

While the Treasurer is assigned the duty of being the custodian of the funds of the association and accounting for these funds, all of the officers and chairmen have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the local PTA unit is maintaining

Mandatory Training

Required— All newly elected

Treasurers and one other local

PTA unit Board member must

obtain the mandatory financial

training offered by either

Maryland PTA or their County

Council PTA. This must be

completed within 180 days of

taking office. This required

training can be completed at

MD PTA Convention, at a

Council PTA Training

opportunity or on-line.

Because the last year saw only

a 63% registered attendance

rate in the on-line training

opportunities, the Board of

Directors approved a motion to

charge a $10 fee to those

individuals who register for

the on-line class and don’t

attend or cancel. Check both

the Maryland PTA and your

council websites frequently for

training session opportunities.

Maryland PTA will also offer

several all-day Financial

Training sessions.

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proper financial records, depositing money in a timely manner, adhering to the budget and complying with all legal and reporting functions. Adhering to the policies and guidelines established by National PTA, Maryland PTA, and the IRS will help to reduce or eliminate questions about the management of the PTA and its monies.

All persons handling funds and all persons signing the local PTA unit’s checks are liable for the use or misuse of the funds of the PTA. Responsible fiscal management is a must in all 501(c)(3) organizations.

The local PTA unit has the responsibility to account to its membership for all monies. Every officer can be held liable for debts incurred by the organization. In other words, if funds are unaccounted for, bills still have to be paid. Companies can take the PTA and its officers to court to recover the money due to them. Your bonding insurance might cover embezzlement, but the local PTA unit must show it established and followed certain procedures.

To lessen the likelihood that this problem might occur, put these policies into place at once:

Demand complete written Treasurer’s reports at every meeting.

Bank statements should only be sent to the school address. The president should review and sign before giving to the Treasurer. An officer without signature authority should compare the resolved bank statement with the Treasurer’s report. Each bank statement will end up with three dated signatures.

Establish in writing the process and individuals authorized to handle PTA funds.

Absolutely implement cash control policies – Establish a two signature – two receipt process for exchange or transfer of funds within the PTA.

Deposit PTA funds immediately upon receipt.

Have two authorized signatures on every check – no exceptions.

Never sign a blank check.

Disbursement request forms should be used and receipts required.

Pay all bills by check – never cash.

Most important – conduct an annual review of the financial books.

For additional information concerning Fiscal Responsibility, refer to Cash Encounters pages 1-4.

Maryland PTA’s insurance carrier, BB&T, is now Knight Insurance

services. Information about Knight Insurance can be found on our website. Your coverage hasn’t

changed and invoices have been mailed. Coverage for 2015-2016 is

$201.00 and must be paid by to July 1, 2015.

Next Year’s Budget

Preparations

The summer months are a

perfect time to establish a

budget committee and

prepare a budget for the

upcoming fiscal year 2015

-2016. Check out

Maryland PTA’s Cash

Encounters for additional

information. Please

include some carryover for

2016-2017. Remember

that IRS requires that

you use a gross budget

and it must be zero

balanced. Another IRS

requirement is that you

allocate money for

leadership training.

When preparing your budget for next year, don’t forget about your local PTA unit’s Bonding, Liability, and Directors and Officers Insurance for the 2016-2017 school year. This will be due prior to July 1, 2016, and you should plan on another small increase.

For additional information related to Next Year’s Budget Preparation, refer to Cash Encounters page 7.

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Maryland PTA Convention Awards

Maryland PTA provides an opportunity for you to honor outstanding members in your local PTA by nominating them at the Maryland PTA Annual convention on July 17-18, 2015. This is your opportunity to recognize and thank a special person who has gone above and beyond for all children, who serves as an advocate for children’s education, health, and well-being. The Maryland PTA awards are given to individuals who serve as models for others in the education community. These individuals maintain the integrity of the association by living up to the Purposes and Mission of PTA.

You will need to write a Nomination Letter which briefly explains why the Nominee is deserving of the prestigious awards in 700 words or less. You are encouraged to send supporting documentation in support of your nomination, such as biographical sketches, news articles, citations, or letters of support from PTA leaders, civic leaders, principals, superintendents, or student councils, etc.

All nomination packets must be received in the Maryland PTA office by postal mail or electronically by close of business, 4:30 p.m., on June 5, 2015. Nominations arriving or date-stamped after 4:30 p.m., June 5, 2014 will not be considered. If you mail the nomination, please send it to Maryland PTA, 5 Central Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. Email nominations to officeadministrator@mdpta.org.

Award winners will be recognized at the President’s Dinner at the 2015 Annual Maryland PTA 100th Anniversary Convention on July 17-18, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza in Rockville, Maryland. Awards can be given in the following categories:

Golden Apple (Local Unit Award)--PTA member who by their actions, consistently supports the five Purposes of PTA.

Family of the Year–Two or more family members (PTA members) who willingly serve PTA and the community, support the school, and value the Mission and Purposes of the PTA. Services provided by the nominees must benefit the entire school or community, rather than their immediate family, and reflect the Purposes of PTA.

Educator of the Year–An educator, and PTA member, who has fostered relationships between parents, the school, and the community and has shown outstanding commitment to the Purposes and Mission of PTA.

National PTA Life Achievement –The National PTA Life Achievement Award honors someone who has made a contribution to children’s welfare, and persistently advocates for children in promoting the work of National PTA.

1915—2015 Maryland PTA

100th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate Maryland PTA’s 100th

Anniversary at the Crowne Plaza Rockville, Maryland, 8 p.m., July 18, 2015 featuring food, music and fun. Tickets are $50. Maryland PTA invites you to join the

Maryland PTA Board of Directors and Past Presidents as we

celebrate Maryland PTA’s Centennial.

Special price breaks will be given to individuals registered to attend the

Maryland PTA Convention, July 17-18, 2015 to attend the 100th

Anniversary Celebration. Additional information

and tickets to this special event is available at www.MDPTA.org

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Maryland PTA Lifetime Achievement –A PTA member who has made outstanding and exemplary contributions as established by Maryland PTA.

Maryland PTA Phyllis Reed Award – A PTA member who has consistently exhibited exemplary work on behalf of Maryland PTA throughout the state on a volunteer basis. To be eligible for this award, nominees must sit on the Governance Structure of Maryland PTA or volunteer on behalf of Maryland PTA.

Dad 4 PTA Award – A male PTA member who has made outstanding and exemplary contributions which reflect the Purposes of PTA.

For additional information, contact Maryland PTA at officeadministrator@mdpta.org

MDPTA Membership Springs Forward Liz Wheeler, Membership Chair

Julius West Middle School PTSA in Montgomery County was randomly selected as the one winning PTA in the state with a growth of at least 100 more members as compared to March 31, 2014 PLUS completion of the standards of continuing affiliation (SoCA) requirements by the deadline of March 31, 2015.

Thank you to those PTAs who completed ALL of the continuing standards of affiliation requirements by the dead-line of March 31. Doing so made you eligible for Maryland PTA membership awards to be announced at our July convention and all important voting privileges, too!

Membership DOES NOT STOP on March 31

Membership is year round. Please remember that the state deadline to return unused membership cards is June 30. We encourage you to recruit members year round, which is why we suggest keeping some cards beyond the March 31 deadline for meeting the standards of continuing affiliation. Note that there is no printed expiration date on membership cards. All membership cards expire on September 30 each year no matter when the card is sold.

Congratulations to our “Century Celebration Club” members. These units completed at least 5 of the 7 monthly membership incentives September 2014 – March 2015.

Stevens Forest Elementary School PTA

Piney Point Elementary School PTA

Benjamin Banneker Middle School PTSA

Eastern Tech PTSA

These four PTAs qualified for a drawing to be held in April for 1 free Maryland PTA convention registration.

The Membership Committee always wants to hear from PTAs. Help us share our strength across the state by con-tacting us with your successful membership strategies and best practices. And, be sure to mark your calendar now to join us at the 100th Convention on July 17-18, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza in Rockville, Maryland. We will have special recognition for those delegates from PTAs that have increased membership by 100 or more members in our 100th year of Maryland PTA. For additional information, contact Liz Wheeler at membership@mdpta.org

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Join the PTA Team! It Is Nomination Time!!

By Rita Lowman, Chair, Nominating and Board Development Committee

Maryland PTA is celebrating 100 years of advocating for children and youth. We are proud of being the premier volunteer association in the State due to the strength and commitment of our member volunteers.

The Nominating and Board Development Committee has the responsibility is to seek individuals who would like to continue our legacy by joining the Leadership Team as officer or as a member of the many committees in Maryland PTA. While the initial deadline for applying for a Board of Directors position has passed, the Nominating and Board Development Committee will continue to seek candidates to fill vacancies in accordance with Maryland PTA Bylaws Article IX, Section 3c, " Nominees from the floor must have submitted a complete nomination packet to the nominating and board development committee 30 days prior to the annual convention."

We ask that you consider applying for one of the Leadership Team positions, which include:

President Elect

Vice President for Leadership Development

Vice President for Legislation

Vice President for Councils

Secretary

Treasurer

Nominating and Board Development Committee (3 positions available)

Student Representatives (2 positions available)

Running from the Floor

If you are interested in a position, and have not yet submitted your application, you may run from the floor at the Maryland PTA Convention. To do so, you must first submit a completed packet via email to nominating@mdpta.org or bring your packet to the Maryland PTA office at 5 Central Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD by close of business, 4:30 pm, Wednesday, June 17, 2015. Applications are available on the Maryland PTA website at www.mdpta.org.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Maryland PTA at 410-760-6223 or 1-800- 707-7972. You may also contact Rita Lowman at nominating@mdpta.org.

Join the MDPTA TEAM! IT IS NOMINATIONS TIME! By Rita Lowman, Chair, Nominating and Board Development Committee

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The Arts in Education Committee has completed the judging process for the FY14-15 MD PTA Reflections Program. We received an outpouring of support from some awesome judges, all experts in the arts. To see all of our state winners please visit www.mdpta.org.

I am happy to report that participation in the MD PTA Reflections Program has grown in leaps and bounds. Students from across the great State of Maryland continue to submit beautiful works of art in the following categories: dance, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. We are thrilled about the number of students who continue to participate in the Reflections Program each year. Many thanks to each and every student who participated AND to all Local & Council Reflections Chairs, and others involved in the Reflections Program –

kudos to you all!!!

As Maryland PTA Arts in Education Chair, I am happy to report that the Outstanding Interpretation winners will receive their awards at the MD PTA Reflections Program being held during the President’s Dinner at the Maryland PTA State Convention on Saturday, July 18, 2015. I have been invited to several County Reflections Programs to present the Award of Excellence and Award of Merit winners.

The FY15-16 Reflections Theme is “Let Your Imagination Fly!” The winning Reflections theme for FY16-17 is “What’s Your Story”.

Thank you so much for support of Arts in Education and the PTA Reflections Program! For additional information about the Maryland PTA Arts in Education Committee, Reflections Program please contact State Chair, Alexandria Briggs-Blake at artsineducation2014@mdpta.org.

MDPTA ARTS IN EDUCATION COMMITTEE / REFLECTIONS! By Alexandria Briggs Blake, Chair, MD PTA Arts in Education Committee/Reflections

Pictured above are Calvert County Reflections students & Chair Lolita White. MDPTA Reflections Chair, Alexandria Briggs-Blake, had the pleasure of attending the Calvert County awards ceremony.

NOTE FROM A REFLECTIONS PARENT...

I wanted to thank you for your efforts with the Reflections

program. Both of my daughters participated during

elementary and middle school and placed in the writing

categories. They were too cool for it in high school, but my

oldest is graduating next month from WVU with a degree in

Strategic Communications and Professional Writing and my

youngest is in the Journalism program at

Temple. Reflections definitely helped in influencing and

reinforcing their writing outside of the school-imposed

writing assignments.

Thank you,

Ross Chenoweth

Parent from Harford County, Maryland

April 2015

MARYLAND PTA

CONVENTION

JULY 17-18, 2015 MDPTA is excited to

announce that six

entrants from Maryland

will be awarded by

National PTA.

Cole Lahmann—Literature

Olivia Brummert—Literature

Vijay Jagarapu—Music

Composition

Elliott Koschalk— Visual Arts

Jayden Choe—Visual Arts

Madalyn Rupprecht—Dance

Choreography

Congratulations to the

students, parents, teachers,

Reflections Chair and

volunteers, who make this

celebration possible. Your

hard work and dedication are

greatly appreciated by

MDPTA! It is our mission to

continue creating

opportunities like this to

recognize the talents of our

students and dedicated

support of our communities.

Jayden Choe, Waverly Elementary School

Claire Young, Cabin John middle School

Elliott Dooling Koschalk, Potomac Elementary School