PTAs seek members as school year begins
For PTAs the beginning of a school year heralds in membership and fundraising drives. Parents, teachers, students and community members are invited to join as strong membership supports efforts in improving the education and lives of children.
Toward this end, the National PTA has a new social network called the Great Idea Bank that enables interaction and education on how to overcome the challenges of parenting today. The network’s discussion forum lists such things as money-saving tips, ideas on how to be a more involved parent, and creative and fun activities to share with your children as just some of the topics at your fingertips. PTA leaders can also find tips to run PTAs more effectively. Access www.ptaideabank.org to begin learning and sharing.
Glendale High School
Football is here! Cheer for the Nitros in their first game of the season against Hoover on Thursday evening at Moyse Stadium.
Wilson Middle School
The PTSA membership drive is currently underway and Membership Chair Dina Calis reports that Wilson is off to a roaring start. The school hopes to surpass 600 members. Membership is only $6 and helps to fund school events and local advocacy efforts. The Fall Gift Wrap campaign will also kick off in a couple of weeks and PTSA President Laura Keen encourages all families to participate by purchasing at least one item. Adds Historian Linda Guzik, the monies raised during this fundraiser directly support Wilson and its students.
Verdugo Woodlands Elementary
Principal Janet Buhl shares preliminary results from Verdugo Woodlands’ 2011 Star tests indicating that its students continue to meet growth based on the Academic Performance Index (API).
Lori Tsaparian, PTA president, welcomes new and returning families and urges everyone to become a PTA member. She outlines that membership gives you a voice on PTA issues, funds for PTA sponsored events, parent education resources, and influence on legislation and policies.
Back to School Night is Thursday starting at 6 p.m. for Early Education & Extended Learning Programs (EEELP); 6:30 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. for kindergarten through first and second grades; and 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for third through sixth grades. Daniel Gold and Michelle Mania, Joy of Giving co-chairs, would like attendees to consider making a donation. Joy of Giving is an annual Woodlanders Are Volunteers for Education (WAVE) fundraiser that improves the quality of education in classrooms. Each teacher is organizing a list of items that he or she feels will add to the educational experience of students. Families may donate through Sept. 23. WAVE works in conjunction with the PTA.
The PTA Reflections art program kicks off Sept. 30 with its theme, “Diversity Means…”
Cub Scout Recruitment for grades 1-5 is Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Dads’ Club, 1728 Canada Blvd.
Get 2011-2012 Verdugo Woodlands Spirit Wear! Contact Maral Atikian or Stella Hipolito, Spirit Wear co-chairs, at www.vwpta.com and click on “Spirit Wear.” T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, and ladies anvil cut t-shirts are available through Sept. 27 online only.
Edna Karinski covers the Glendale High cluster PTA. Email Ekarinski@aol.com.