PTA2013 – 2014

Back To School NightAugust 29, 2013

Welcome!

• 2013-2014 Executive Board– Cheryl TriskaPresident– Kathy Baur 1st Vice President– Lisa Cumberland 2nd Vice President– Hina Naseem Treasurer– Cathy Morton Recording Secretary– Open* Corresponding Secretary– Michael Scott PTAC Delegate– Jorge Suris PTAC Delegate

* Contact Valerie Eshleman at veshleman@healthlawyers.org

PTA Mission

The overall purpose of PTA

A powerful voice for all childrenA relevant resource for families and communities, and

A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child.

Collaborative partnership between parents & teachers working together for the benefit of every student.

What Does the PTA Do?• Students (78% of Discretionary Budget)

– Academic Incentives - Play / Talent Show

– Assemblies- PTA Scholarship

– Class Enrichment - Science Fair / STEM Day

– Congressional Hearing - Test Snacks & PBIS Supplies

– Cultural Arts - 5th Grade Memory Book

– Wellness: Walking Wednesdays, Tiger Trot, Field Day

• Families (10% of Discretionary Budget)– Family Fun – School Dance, Roller Skating Party, Restaurant Nights– Spring Festival– Welcoming Committee– Beautification– Lending Library– Community: WFVFD Dinner, Coat Drive, Hopkins NICU, Encore Assisted Living

• Staff (12% of Discretionary Budget)– Staff appreciation meals, Tiger Ticket Week, Bus Driver Breakfast

10 Reasons to Join

1. It’s good for your child.

Research shows that children whose parents are involved in their school do better academically, socially and have fewer disciplinary problems in school.

2. It’s important to the school.

Parents are responsible for almost all of the school’s fundraising. In They create a caring and supportive school environment.

3. You’ll get connected.There’s no better way to know what’s going on in the school.

10 Reasons to Join

4. You’ll be part of a network.You’ll be connected with parents who share a common goal of making the school the best it can be for the children.

5. You’ll make a difference.

By volunteering you’ll be able to use your skills to create the best educational environment for our children.

6. It’s Fun!You’ll make new friends and help plan fun events for the whole family.

10 Reasons to Join

7. You’ll be a role model.You’ll show your children that not only are they important to you, but their education is as well.

8. You’ll help raise necessary funds.

Fundraises provide more education services for children.

9. It’s FlexibleThere are a variety of small ways parents can help and be involved.

10 Reasons to Join

10. It’s for every parent.Your voice and opinion matters! Your ideas can help improve the quality of education for your children and their peers. You’ll see the smiles on their faces and know you’ve played a part in making their school the best it can be.

Make a difference. Join!

Stay Connected

• Meetings are on the first Tuesday of every month. All are welcome!

• Website (wfespta.yolasite.com)– PTA link off the WFES website.– Meeting dates, meeting notes, treasurer’s reports,

upcoming events, volunteer resources, forms…– Committees and volunteer opportunities.

• Newsletter and flyers.• Bulletin Board

Business

1. 2013–2014 Budget Approval

2. Potential school closure• PTA advocacy position vote.• Closure timing vote.

Budget Approval Vote

• All those in favor of approving the proposed categorical budget.

• All those not in favor of approving the proposed categorical budget.

School Closure Summary• Feasibility study presented to the Board on 6/13/2013

– Western Region Need: More fully utilize capacity – Recommendation was made to close WFES.

• Declining enrollment in recent projections• Septic system outside the sewer service area• Funds for a modern waste water system would be more wisely invested in the

construction of a new school located within the sewer service area.– Closure of a School is governed by Policy 6070 (14-month process)

• Earliest closure date is August 2014• Latest closure date is August 2017

– WFES Students would go to Bushy Park or Dayton Oaks.– Redistricting would occur after the completion of the Turf Valley ES– Reported that $2M/year will be saved by closing WFES.– Savings would be used to build an extension onto Waverly Woods and to

relocate 3 portable classrooms. • Board voted to not move Waverly Woods students to WFES last year.

Process & Timing

• Technical analysis in process by school planning personnel & consultants. – Will produce a School Closure Report.

• Advisory committee will be formed to review the school closure report.

• Public Hearing• Board of Education Vote

Advocacy Position Vote

• Vote on the advocacy position the PTA will take on the potential closing of WFES.

– All those in favor of the PTA advocating to keep WFES open.

– All those not in favor of the PTA advocating to keep WFES open.

Closure Timing Vote

• If WFES is to close, what is the preferred timeframe.

– All those in favor of WFES remaining open until the Turf Valley elementary school is completed.

– All those not in favor of WFES remaining open until the Turf Valley elementary school is completed.

What is the PTA Doing?• Board of Education Liaison

• PTACHC Liaison – brainstorming sessions

• Formed an Advocacy Committee– Transportation– Septic System

• How is it performing/issues• Cost/timing for a modern waste system

– Cost to add extension and move portables at WW– Property reuse plan– Impact on the community– Historical– Publicity – Presentation for Board of Education Public Hearing

What Can You Do?• Send an email to Joel Gallihue, Manager of School

Planning at joel_gallihue@hcpss.org and cc BOE@hcpss.org

• Stay up to date on the PTA website – new page

• Sign up for HCPSS News Alerts

• Join the PTA Advocacy Committee– Committee sign-up sheets– Website– Email cptriska@me.com