PTA NEWS:

If you want something done, ask a busy person. Lianna Zakharian, past PTA president at John Marshall, is one. Not only a PTA member, she is also one of many teachers who put the “T” in PTA. Membership drives are in force, and if you are a teacher, parent, student or community member, sign up!

PTA Reflections submissions continue, and a new event at Verdugo Woodlands is the Reflections Gallery on Nov. 6 showcasing all submissions by Verdugo Woodlands students. Visual arts, literature, photography, music, dance and video pieces will be featured during the evening. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to view budding talents. For more information, call (818) 241-2433.

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GLENDALE HIGH SCHOOL

PTSA and ASB are coordinating two important activities at Glendale High School. Red Ribbon Week runs through Friday with activities reminding students to stay drug free.

The second important activity is the Fall Food Drive from Nov. 2 to 6, where nonperishable items are collected for Glendale Healthy Start, PTSA President Sydney Swainston said.

“If every student brought in one item, all children in Glendale would have a great holiday season,” she said.

There are lots of scheduled October activities including a meeting for eighth-grade parents at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the auditorium. Eighth-graders from Roosevelt and Wilson middle schools tour Glendale High School on Oct. 28.

The PTSA’s Reflections contest closes Oct. 30. Entry forms are at www.glendalehigh.com.

A Bewitched Halloween Dance stirs things up at 7 p.m. Friday in the gym. Students let their true selves shine Oct. 30 for Halloween Dress-up!

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WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Wilson’s PTSA membership drive continues, highlighted by opportunity drawings for students who join. It’s Red Ribbon Week and the school celebrates with new activities including the student offering of red flowers (real or drawn) Thursday to homeroom teachers as their show of commitment to staying drug free! Nada Saghi, Red Ribbon chairwoman, wants students to wear red that day.

PTSA President Helena Williams reminds students that Reflections art entries are due soon and the group looks forward to seeing and hearing how students have expressed themselves under the theme, “Beauty is ?.?.?.”

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COLLEGE VIEW SCHOOL

College View’s focus is on its 25th anniversary and playground project. The school celebrates with a Silver Jubilee from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. This is a joint effort between the school, PTA and the recently established College View School Foundation. It is open to friends, family and supporters.

PTA President Andrea Crissman adds that the evening includes Back to School Night activities, dinner and a brief PTA meeting.

Come hungry because parent Lila Roberts, of February’s Spaghetti Dinner fame, is organizing an enchilada dinner for $5 per person, Crissman said. Attire is casual.

As part of the foundation kick-off event, guests may purchase and paint commemorative tiles under the guidance of Ceramic Castle. Tiles will be fired later, then installed on the campus. Funds go toward the playground.

The foundation, led by President Aaron Rogers, is making a push to get new structures designed for special-needs students. For more information, call (818) 246-8363.

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MARSHALL ELEMENTARY

Lianna Zakharian, past PTA president, announced that the membership drive has been phenomenal.

“We have already met our goals, exceeding the number of members from last year,” she said.

The Reflections art contest started with Family Arts Night in the cafeteria. What began a few years ago as a creative idea has blossomed into an annual activity anticipated by students and parents. Zakharian reports more than 80 students and parents participated. Lots of smiles were on hand, and there are plenty of submissions to the Reflections contest.

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VERDUGO WOODLANDS

Verdugo Woodlands kicks off Red Ribbon Week on Monday with students showing unity against substance abuse, said Kathy Lo, liaison.

Activities include a different daily dress-up theme to encourage students to make healthy choices.

Families are urged to participate in the Fall Food Drive Nov. 2 to 6 by donating canned and dried foods.

Donations go to Healthy Start, which distributes the food to needy families in Glendale.

Earlier this year, Verdugo Woodlands received a special commendation from the Glendale Council PTA for being a top collector of donations, and the goal is to duplicate the spring results.

The annual Fall Festival for families and the community will be from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 and festivities include a rock wall, guest deejay, pony rides, petting zoo, games and more.

“It is a guaranteed fun time, Lo said.

?EDNA KARINSKI covers the Glendale High School cluster PTA and she can be contacted at e-mail Ekarinski@aol.com.