PTA News: Start thinking about Reflections entries

The National PTA is known for encouraging excellence in arts through its annual Reflections art contest, challenging students to create art along a specific theme. Though it’s summer, it won’t be long before school PTAs in the Glendale Unified School District are again accepting submissions. Students in elementary, middle and high school can begin planning now to create something in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts.

The 2010-11 theme is “Together We Can …” General guidelines direct that an entry must be the work of only one student. Assistance from teachers, parents or friends is not permitted except in cases with students with disabilities. A nice reminder from the PTA is that students should do their best, and crooked lines, misspelled words, or incorrect musical notes will not disqualify anyone! School PTAs will announce deadlines for Reflection submission after the start of classes.

Elizabeth Manasserian, incoming Glendale Council PTA president, is excited about her 2010-11 theme, “Challenges Create Opportunities.” A PTA and community volunteer for many years, Manasserian looks forward to the ongoing collaborative efforts among PTA members, school staff and community to maintain a reputation as an outstanding PTA council. Many kudos and much appreciation go to outgoing President Lynn Miyamoto for her time and dedication to our community’s children during her term.

Coffee with the COPPS has been set from 8 to 10 a.m. July 27 at the City Hall Cafe, 2327 Honolulu Ave., in Montrose. This is a casual opportunity where community members can discuss Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, or Breath of Fresh Air programs with the Glendale Police Department through its Community Policing Department.

Glendale High School

Glendale High students can mix creativity with summer leisure in preparation for the National PTA’s Reflections art contest. Students may work on their entries any time after the close of the previous contest, which for Glendale High students was Oct. 23. Entries will be accepted from Sept. 15 through Oct. 22. Competition is in six categories — literature, visual arts, photography, musical composition, video presentation and dance composition. Guidelines and entry forms are available at https://www.glendalepta.org/reflections.html.

Wilson Middle School

Summer classes run through July 29. In preparation for the new school year, save the dates for Wilson’s Howdy Nights. Eighth-graders will say “Howdy” at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 23, followed by seventh-graders at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 24, and sixth-graders at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25.

Verdugo Woodlands Elementary

If you have free time on your hands, contact PTA President Janet Lazier, who is always on the lookout for volunteers. There are many great activities planned for the coming year and many ways in which to share your time and talents! Contact her at jslazier@aol.com. One of these planned events is the Woodlanders are Volunteers for Education Yard Sale for Education planned for the fall season. If you are de-cluttering your home during the summer months, consider setting aside gently used items for this event. Proceeds support such programs as music, art and technology at Verdugo Woodlands. If you have questions, contact WAVE co-presidents Michele Long at sugar@ix.netcom.com or Ester Moran at egmoran@gmail.com.

College View School

College View’s Extended School Year program continues through Aug. 5 with activities planned around different weekly themes. Summertime’s easy lull is also a great time to liven things up with a carwash fundraiser. Students and friends will begin covering cars with suds in exchange for donations starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 3. So drive on over to the school at 1700 E. Mountain St., and get squeaky clean!

Though we are miles from any harbor, students returning to classes on Aug. 30 will be happily surprised by the new Tug Boat play structure in the playground area. Made possible through a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Verdugos, College View PTA, parents and staff are very grateful for the support of the College View Foundation for making this playground project possible.

EDNA KARINSKI covers the Glendale High cluster PTA. E-mail Ekarinski@aol.com.