Plano ISD Council of PTAs tag:www.planopta.org,2009://1 2009-06-11T22:47:06Z Movable Type 4.25 Secretary tag:www.planopta.org,2006://1.10 2009-05-14T13:37:23Z 2008-05-14T15:24:32Z Contact chair: secretary [at] planopta.org * Training materials and other resources [password protected area — use ID and password on back of PTA card]... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Contact chair: secretary [at] planopta.org * Training materials and other resources [password protected area — use ID and password on back of PTA card] ]]> Environmental tag:www.planopta.org,2007://1.21 2009-05-14T13:41:34Z 2009-05-14T22:58:46Z Contact chair: environmental [at] planopta.org Training materials and other resources [password protected area — use ID and password on back of PTA card] Great Backyard Bird Count Info Earthday Network Homepage Environment Chairman Resources Plano Environmental Waste Environmental Education Keep... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Contact chair: environmental [at] planopta.org * Training materials and other resources [password protected area -- use ID and password on back of PTA card] * Great Backyard Bird Count Info * Earthday Network Homepage Environment Chairman Resources * Plano Environmental Waste Environmental Education * Keep Plano Beautiful * Green Living In Plano * Plano Environmental Services * EPA provides ideas for your environmental club. Or activities during an environmental week at your school. * Plano Water Management provides a guide on Preventing Storm Water Pollution [pdf file] and here is a flyer on Storm Water [opens in a new window] * Texas PTA [Environmental Education](http://www.txpta.org/members/awards.html), [News & Issues](http://www.txpta.org/members/enviro-news.html) and [Recycled Art Contest](http://www.txpta.org/members/enviro-RecycledArt.html) pages. Examples and Info Environmental Programs Kids for Saving the Earth (KSE) Flyer from Daffron [Publisher version] [pdf version] All grade levels at Daffron are doing organic recycling in the lunchroom. This is such an important thing for the students because the City of Plano has been able to divert 45 tons a month of food and paper waste from 29 participating elementary schools away from the landfill to the city municipal compost site. A great science, civics and environmental lesson, all rolled into one. The school used black plastic on the Discovery Garden because it's a great natural way to kill weeds. We simply cannot poison our butterfly habitat with toxic chemicals. Consider using alternatives on your lawn and watch the butterflies appear. (Lowe's, Shades of Green, Wells Brothers and Calloway's all carry alternatives to commonly used pesticides and herbicides). Recycle all plastic #1 and #2, aluminum cans, newspapers, junk mail, cardboard (break down those cereal boxes!) and glass. If you need another recycling container, the City of Plano will deliver one to your home, FREE of CHARGE. Just call (972)769-4150 and you may also request a smaller trash container and save money each month! ]]> Programs tag:www.planopta.org,2006://1.3 2009-05-14T14:02:51Z 2009-05-14T23:03:26Z Contact chair: programs [at] planopta.org Training and other materials [password protected area — use ID and password on back of PTA card] Texas PTA Parent Education Programs information. Here are program ideas from different schools.... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Contact chair: programs [at] planopta.org * Training and other materials [password protected area -- use ID and password on back of PTA card] Texas PTA Parent Education Programs information. Here are program ideas from different schools.]]>

Program Ideas

**Texas PTA Programs** Texas PTA offers the following programs: * The ABC's of Bullying * Food & Fitness Matter; Raising Healthy, Active kids * i-Safe Parents * Party 101; Consequences to Underage Drinking * QPR; for Suicide Prevention * Road Rules; What Every Parent Should Know * Six Clicks; Do You Know Where Your Child Surfed Today? * True Colors Learn more about these programs on the Texas PTA Web site (membership login required). **Parenting and Child-Development Presentations Available for Your School or Group** Jewish Family Service child-development and parent-guidance specialists speak in schools and to other organizations on the topics listed below. For more information, or to schedule a speaker for your group, please contact Shelly Middleman, PhD, LMFT at 972.437.9950 or SMiddleman@JFSdallas.org. Note these are not focused on religion. * Dating and Teen Sexual Violence * Bullying: "Bad" Boys & Girls Gone Wild * Step by Step - Parenting in a Blended Family 8 Tradition: The Importance of Your Family's Rituals * Angry Kids, Calm Parents * Emotional Intelligence, Developing Your Whole Child * Successful Single Parenting * Teens and Risk-Taking: What Parents Need to Know * Let Your Child Fail - Safely * Choosing Your Parenting Approach * Parenting the Disabled Child * The Intelligent Divorce * Over-Programmed Children * Healthy Friendships, Hurtful Friendships * Sex, Drugs, Alcohol: Time for "The" Conversation Now! * Weaving Webs of Womanhood **Lung Cancer Survivor Speaks to Teens** Jerry Berkowitz, an award winner for the American Cancer Society's 2007 Community Awareness Award, is is a throat cancer survivor who lost his larynx, voice box and vocal cords because of smoking. He started smoking at age 13 and now warns children and young adults against the health effects of smoking. "No one ever told us when I was a kid that cigarettes would affect our health. Everyone smoked. I don't think anything would have stopped me from smoking," says Berkowitz. Because of his experience with cancer, Jerry is trying to help students understand the truth and consequences of smoking and secondhand smoke. He hopes these students won't have to suffer from the fatal effects of cancer and smoking-related diseases. "Nothing I have ever done in my life compares to the rewarding feeling I get from speaking to students. I am making a difference," says Berkowitz. He speaks to student groups about three times a week and can be reached at 817-377-4333 or speak4333@aol.com. **Mark Kistler's Imagination Station Elementary School Assembly Program** Get your students prepared to blast off into the land of imagination with pencil power! For three decades, Mark Kistler has been teaching kids at over 7,000 elementary schools how to draw in 3-D with this world-famous assembly program. An unforgettable hands-on assembly that encourages students, teachers, and parents to participate. Mark has taught millions of children around the world how to draw...he can teach your students, too! Mark deeply believes that learning how to draw in three dimensions builds a child's critical thinking skills while nourishing self-esteem. His positive messages on self-esteem, goal setting, dream conquering, environmental awareness, and the power of reading have sparked millions of children around the world to discover their awesome individual potentials. More information available at Kistler's Web site. **Phil Baker Music** For nearly 20 years, Phil Baker has used music to educate, entertain, and enrich the lives of young people. He has played guitar, sung, directed and produced shows, and keynoted events throughout the United States and places as far away as Australia and Costa Rica. See Phil Baker's Web site for more information.]]> SAGE tag:www.planopta.org,2006://1.28 2009-05-14T14:08:17Z 2008-05-14T15:20:08Z Contact chair: sage [at] planopta.org Training materials and other resources [password protected area — use ID and password on back of PTA card] SAGE Resources: SAGE web site About SAGE Calendar Local News Education Resources Support Updates Summer Friends... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Contact chair: sage [at] planopta.org * Training materials and other resources [password protected area — use ID and password on back of PTA card] SAGE Resources: * SAGE web site * About SAGE * Calendar * Local News * Education * Resources * Support * Updates * Summer Friends]]> Heroes Receive Texas PTA Life Membership Honors tag:www.planopta.org,2009://1.110 2009-05-14T22:04:09Z 2009-05-17T12:59:01Z The PTAs of the Plano ISD honored 206 individuals from 66 PTAs on Tuesday, February 17, at the Plano Centre. The annual Plano ISD Council of PTAs Life Membership Banquet provides an opportunity for each of the local PTA units... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Life Membership Banquet DecoreThe PTAs of the Plano ISD honored 206 individuals from 66 PTAs on Tuesday, February 17, at the Plano Centre. The annual Plano ISD Council of PTAs Life Membership Banquet provides an opportunity for each of the local PTA units in the Plano elementary, middle, and high schools to recognize their heroes in volunteers, educators, and community members who provide outstanding service to children and youth. At this year's banquet, entitled "Be a Hero," Texas PTA President Jan Wilkerson gave the Keynote Address to the crowd of about 600 talking about service to students and the community. Plano West senior, Jennifer Goebel, provided the inspirational message to start the evening with a message about being a hero as a volunteer. Membership Chairwoman Lisa WilliamsLisa Williams, Plano ISD Council of PTAs 3rd VP of Membership, transformed the Plano Centre into a cityscape skyline where super heroes gather and inspire. Williams and her team of volunteers decorated the Plano Centre, also known as Metropolis, Gotham City or perhaps the Fortress of Solitude for the evening. Batman appeared to escort honorees to the stage. For over 90 years, Texas PTA has offered the honorary Texas PTA Life Membership as one of the highest honors presented to individuals for outstanding service to children and youth. Those heroes deserving of the honors promote the well-being of children and youth as an advocate in the areas of education, health, safety, and legislation. Presentations of life memberships publicly recognize those who have given of their time and ability in the interest of young people in Texas. Through the years, over 2500 educators and volunteers in Plano ISD have received honorary Life Memberships. ]]> Aldridge Lynn Schlemmer: Extended Service Award Nancy Sowards Karrie Ronk Andrews Christi Richardson Mandy Rains Suzanne Jones Armstrong Diane Mueller Mindy Johnson Barksdale Jennifer Fuller Paige Edwards Karen Dibble Barron Rob Foster Susan Foster Beaty Terri McFarling Bethany Tamara Sheldon Kim Murff Beverly Laura Plunkett Kathy Pietruszewski Kim Luczycki Boggess Shannan McEowen James Duval Bowman Debbie LaChey Judith Alfaro Brinker Erin Gilliam Sallie Diamond Sylvia Cosby Michelle Chaiken Carlisle Laura Ivester Elizabeth Born Carpenter Reyna Maria "Queen" Sanchez Carolyn Mauldin Jeanne Fuqua Centennial Pam Spooner Kathy Grane Missi Caudle Shawn Batjer Christie Dannielle Reyes Tyra Owens ClarkDaffron Jeanne Gentry Joanna Daniels Stacey Dale Cathy Chomistek Karen Aiken Davis Carol Smith Charlotte Scarborough Gwen Rost Lisa Bulloch Dooley JoAnn Yoes Karen Simons Zachary Mitchell Frankford Jenny Ligon Tracey Hill Sharlene Barton Gulledge Robin Oldfather Maria Nydahl Marla Brockman Haggar Charlotte White JoAnn Tobey Donna Perkins Anthony Peri Sandi Kosharek Sue Jordan Haggard Kenneth C. Valliant Vicky Stahl Jackie Mullgrav Julie-Anne Z. Dean Harrington Keith Griffin Cyndi Campbell Haun Linda Lorber Roger Campbell Lisa Bruno Hedgcoxe Virginia Sullivan Lily Parker Debbie Kingsley Kristi Graham Hendrick Susan Shea Nithya Ramachandran Angela Chatten Barbara Ball Hickey Chris Tien Kim Herbison Dawn Hall Hightower Amy Yates Sara Stewart Charlie Livingston Susan Argyle Huffman Margie Pisterzi Zepur Ohanian Susie Learmont Traci Koen Jill Fawcett Shauna Bhattacharya Hughston Suzanne Shoda Sarah Krueger Alisha Devlin Gretchen Abner Hunt Carrolyn Moebius Debra N. Mandala Jackson Mark Tipsword Heidi Pervere Beth Kohn Tana Holderman Gretchen Foley Jasper Lisa Wallace Mike Stanton Anne Rener Beth Lahaie Diana Henderson Randall Chaddick Mathews Kristin Woodard Sally Smith Jennifer Novak McCall Niecey Glenn Stacy Freeman Tammy Brunner Mendenhall Maria West Jacquelin DeGarmo Miller Tracy Thomas Charlotte Goodrich Katie Dauenbaugh Mitchell Leanne Svec Suzette McGowen Murphy Pauline Samuel Mike Pettie Sharon Condon Plano East Pauline Sinnamon Connie Seelhorst Plano Sr. Rashmi Sethi: Extended Service Award Belinda Stricklin Matt Cone Plano West Jo Wallace-Abbie Janet Johnson Julie Hirsh Janie Burke Rasor Elise SansSouci Gretchen Heffernan Missy Billman Renner Becky Tanoury: Extended Service Award Cindy Meissner Billie-Jean Lee Ellen Hurley Lori Baum Rice Amy Newell: Extended Service Award Scott Sommer Sharon Sheppard Eileen Quinn Donna MacKinney Laura Frawley Nancy Casillas Robinson Kevin Robuck Sheri Landman Saigling Ransom White Ellen Sloan Greg Nelson Schell Alisa Meli Michael Malone Carol Atkins Schimelpfenig Cindy Neubauer Jennifer McCready Jennifer Johnson Steven Glatz Shepard Barbara Wynne Jeffrey Goldberg Susan Bennett Eileen Zack Shepton Bruce Strong Joni Strobel-McLean David Mijares Carol Landt Creed Hansen Sigler Catherine W. Bolding Mary Jo Beck Christopher Bancroft Skaggs Angie Walker Deborah Retof Linh Lau Kristin Ingram Stinson Kelley Thomas Michelle Schroeder Jennifer Pivnick Thomas Sandra Gibson Vines Sarah Watkins Liz Schafer Karen Ritter Alan Breitenbuecher Weatherford Nannette Poole Michelle Mendoza Maria Cantu Julie Benson Wells Ginger Roper Freddie Martinez Angelia Hopwood-Lewis Williams Sue Hollingsworth Lisa DeLaCruz Wilson Sharon Valeriane Janett McKee Wyatt Deirdre Wilson Kristin Moore Cynthia Farrell Lori Campbell We look forward to seeing what our heroes accomplish for the next year. Then tune back in next year. Same bat time. Same bat channel.]]> <![CDATA[Programs & Information]]> tag:www.planopta.org,2006://1.36 2009-05-15T10:58:47Z 2009-06-10T15:01:22Z Destination College Workshops offered through Collin County Community College beginning September 18. Destination College web site. The Texas Online Preparation for College Admissions Test (TOPCAT) is available for all students in preparation for SAT/PSAT/ACT. It features: - Test prep... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Destination College Workshops offered through Collin County Community College beginning September 18. Destination College web site. * The Texas Online Preparation for College Admissions Test (TOPCAT) is available for all students in preparation for SAT/PSAT/ACT. It features: - Test prep tutorials - all subjects - SAT and ACT, - Practice sessions - sessions adapt to user ability level and include feedback - Timed sample tests - pacing and simulated test conditions - Vocabulary builder - over 1600 words - Test-taking tips - strategy tutorials including "when to guess"game - Best of all, it's FREE for all students! * The National Association of Secondary School Principals and Prudential Financial Spirit of Community Awards for Middle Level and High School Youth Volunteers. These awards were created in 1995 to honor both middle level and high school students for outstanding acts of community service. Since then, more than 70.000 young people have been honored at the local, state and national level. More information can be found on the web site. * Nestle Very Best in Youth Program wants to recognize students who believe they can make a positive difference in their community. These students will also receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice. More information and applications are available on the web site or in the Counseling Office. * NASA Summer Program. High school juniors interested in applying for the program should visit http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov/.

* Seniors, if you are applying to Duke or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and are interested in applying for the prestigious and highly-competitive Robertson Scholars Program, please come by the counseling office for an application and additional information about the Program. ]]> Plano PTA Council Awards tag:www.planopta.org,2009://1.111 2009-05-15T12:37:48Z 2009-06-10T15:04:20Z We announced the winners of the Scrapbook, Directory, Memberships and Outstanding PTA awards. Congratulations to all the winners. View the award winners.... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org We announced the winners of the Scrapbook, Directory, Memberships and Outstanding PTA awards. Congratulations to all the winners. [View the award winners](http://www.planopta.org/files/2009_Council_Awards.pdf). Scholarship Opportunities tag:www.planopta.org,2006://1.34 2009-05-15T13:37:37Z 2009-05-14T23:23:01Z The DFW International Community Alliance has a Guide to Scholarships for New Americans and Minority Students on their website, listing over 100 opportunities. To view the scholarship listing, go to www.dfwinternational.org and click on Resource Center: Reports and Guides. Mike... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org www.dfwinternational.org and click on Resource Center: Reports and Guides. * **Mike Mansfield Fellowship** is an intensive two-year professional development program that's open to U.S. federal government employees with an interest in the U.S.-Japan relationship. Fellows spend a year in Japanese language and area studies training in Washington, D.C., followed by a year working in Japanese government or ministry offices. For more information, visit the Web site. * **Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture** sponsors several scholarships. For more visit the Web site * **The Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest** is open to students age 14 years or older who are attending a high school prom in the spring. US citizenship is required. Entrants must enter as a couple (two individuals) and attend a high school prom wearing complete attire or accessories made from duct tape. Visit The Duck Tape contest web site for details. * **Tall Clubs International (TCI)** offers a $1,000 scholarship for tall people, the Kae Sumner Einfeldt Scholarship. Individual chapters may also offer local awards. Women who are at least 5'10" and men who are at least 6'2" are eligible for the award. Candidates must be under 21 years old and plan to attend college in the fall. Visit the Web site * **The David Letterman Scholarship** was established by David Letterman in 1985 to provide scholarships for telecommunications students at Ball State University. The awards are intended for average students who nevertheless have a creative mind. Winners are selected primarily based on creativity. Visit the Web site for details.]]> Awards Information and Applications tag:www.planopta.org,2007://1.20 2009-05-15T14:03:55Z 2009-06-04T16:41:54Z Plano ISD Council of PTAs awards given in May 2009. Congratulations to all the winners! Download the Plano ISD Council of PTAs Outstanding PTA Application due March 23, 2010 [doc file] Texas PTA Awards Information and Applications. The page requires... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Texas PTA Awards Information and Applications. The page requires the ID and password that appears on the back of your PTA membership card. [Area 15 Awards Information and Forms](http://www.area15.txpta.net/Forms/tabid/122/Default.aspx)]]> Membership tag:www.planopta.org,2007://1.63 2009-05-15T21:25:24Z 2009-06-06T13:59:37Z Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Contact chair: membership [at] planopta.org * Membership Q&A * Membership Awards * Texas PTA Member Benefit Card * Training and other materials [password protected area -- use ID and password on back of PTA card] Hi, I'm Lisa Williams, the PTA Council Membership chairman. I want to introduce myself before the school year gets along too fast. The Texas PTA Membership theme for 09/10 is "Back to Basics" and we'll be playing with that theme throughout the year. Logos are available for downloading from the "Members Only" part of the Texas PTA web site. There are all sorts of membership resources available on the [Texas PTA website](http://www.txpta.org) and I know more are coming. If you haven't visited the site yet, go to www.txpta.org and sign in as a member. The username and password (found on your membership card). Go to the Forms tab and pick Membership. Then pick Local Membership Forms. You will see there is a lot of good information! I know many of you have already been hard at work with your membership drives and I hope you are finding it easy to encourage parents (and high school students) to join. I've already heard from many of you, but if you have any membership questions, I'm happy to help you find the answers you need. If there is anything I can do to make your job a bit easier or help you find the information you need, please let me know. If you are able to attend any of the PTA Council regular meetings ([see schedule](http://www.planopta.org/calendar) on [www.planopta.org](http://www.planopta.org), please come say hello to me! I look forward to working with you this year! What Is PTA? Brochure in Six Languages * Cover and outside content [pdf file] * Inside content [pdf file] Chair Guide: For new and experienced Membership Chairmen, the best resource available is the Texas PTA Membership Chair Guide. This will cover all aspects of membership including campaigns, forms, suggestions, ideas, awards and more! Dues: Local units must remit council dues of $75 by October 15. You can download the dues form [doc file]. Life Members: Congratulations to our Texas PTA Honorary Life Members.

Texas PTA Membership Benefit Card Info

Texas PTA member discount information has been collected and posted in the member-only section of the Texas PTA website. You'll need the username and password from the back of your PTA Membership Card or Texas PTA Member Benefits Card to access it. Both the 2008-2009 username and password and the 2009-2010 username and password will work. Each participating company has slightly different ways of accessing the PTA member benefits, but none of them work by showing your card. Here is the list of benefits. Beneficios de los miembros de la Asociación de Padres y Maestros en espanol [pdf].

Membership Awards Info

Plano ISD Council of PTAs has received notification that Texas PTA has eliminated two membership awards - the Hand-in-Hand and the 100% Participation Award. Now, we know y'all have been working hard to INCREASE your PTA membership and we really appreciate it and want to encourage you to continue! Both the Hand-in-Hand award and the 100% Participation award are awesome goals, and will help you build a stronger, more vibrant PTA at your school. So, we've decided to create a Plano ISD Council of PTAs award called... Hand-in-Hand Award and another one called...100% Participation Award! Ok, no points for originality! Because I have heard such great ideas about how you are conducting your membership drives this year, we've also added an award called... Creative Membership Campaign. So, please continue your wonderful efforts to gather those PTA members and community members. The award entry form will be available in the fall. Thank you for your commitment to our community and your school's success! If you have any questions, please let me know.

Membership Q&A

How can you determine who is a Community Member of PTA, rather than a Faculty Member? Texas PTA defines faculty as principals, assistant principals, teachers, counselors, and aides employed at the campus full time. To apply for the Golden Apple, you will need 100% of your school faculty as PTA members on your membership list, with dues paid and sent to Texas PTA by October 15. The award application will also need to be sent by October 15. How would you classify a grandparent - a regular PTA member or a community member? That is a great question! It depends! If the grandparent is the primary caregiver, they should be a regular member. They would probably be interested in the newsletter and directory, etc.. If the grandparent is not the primary caregiver, but is in support of the local school, a community membership would probably meet his or her needs. Each local PTA will have different standing rules that will dictate the differences in regular and community memberships. Generally, most PTAs don't give a directory to community members but do give them to regular members. I don't think our PTA got an invoice from Plano PTA for Council dues. Can I get another copy? Where do I send the check for Council dues? What is the deadline? Invoices were sent in the first week of school to each local PTA. You can print out copies on the Plano PTA website at www.planopta.org, then click on Board and Chair information, then click on Membership. Scroll down to the topic of Membership and you will see the link to download a new form. According to local by-laws, your Council dues are payable no later than 10/15. Please send your check to: Plano ISD Council of PTAs
c/o Lisa Williams
2700 W. 15th Street
Plano, TX 75024 I'm totally lost! I have never been the Membership Chairman and I was unable to come to any of the training. What should I do? The first stop you should make on your membership journey is the Plano PTA website at www.planopta.org, then click on Board and Chair information, then click on Membership. Scroll down through the information and take a few minutes to go through the PowerPoint from our fall coffee and training. Also, a great resource is the Membership Chairman Guide from Texas PTA. You can download a FREE copy. You will see a link to it from the membership page on the Plano PTA website. I have some parents and teachers that have filled out the PTA member forms and are requesting some of the free items from the PTA national office. How do I go about getting those? Some PTAs use the membership form provided by National PTA. On the bottom of this form is a list of things that National PTA provides to members, like resources, training and email updates about important issues and news. To sign up for the email updates (there are several topical email newsletters), go to the [National PTA website](http://www.pta.org) at [www.pta.org](http://www.pta.org). All the other items are also available on the National PTA website, including training. How much are PTA dues? There are several kinds of dues. The local membership rate is comprised of the National dues ($1.75/per person), plus the Texas dues ($2.25/per person), plus the local portion (this is set by the by-laws of the local campus). Additionally, each local PTA pays annual dues of $75.00 to Plano ISD Council of PTAs. Please keep in mind that if a PTA member decides to claim his/her Texas Life PTA status at any one given school, they are only reducing their dues by the Texas dues of $2.25. They must still pay the National dues and your Local dues to be a PTA member in our community. Please be on the look out for the PTA Council dues form, which will be inter-office mailed to you in the next week or so. I look forward to working with you this year and to seeing you soon! What are benefit cards? I've been in PTA a long time and I've never heard of them! Is it the same as the membership card? Texas PTA has worked hard to show its members that there are MANY benefits to being in PTA. The benefit card lists many of the vendors that offer a discount to PTA members, including Sea World. To access the benefits, you must go on the Texas PTA website (www.txpta.org) and sign in as a member. The user name and password are on the back of the PTA membership benefit card. There is no longer a Benefit card per se; however, the benefits are listed on the Texas PTA website. Did I miss the Early Bird Award? The Early Bird award is for local PTAs that have submitted a membership list and paid dues for at least 75% of the number of members they had on record on March 15, postmarked by September 30th. This is an automatic award, so there is no form to fill out. Where do we get the Membership Cards? The cards come from Texas PTA, if you are missing them, please contact your President to be sure first, then contact Texas PTA. Some unit's cards are still in Austin because they needed a piece of information before they would release the cards. To get those, please call 1-800-TALK-PTA. How can you check if someone is a Texas Life Member? Each local PTA should have a list of the people they have award a Texas Life Membership to. I have an inexact, but fairly comprehensive Plano ISD Council of PTAs list of Texas Life Members. Originally, I was planning to post the list on the Plano PTA website. Because of privacy considerations, I will email you the list of recipients awarded from school if you request it from me. If you are in a secondary school and would like to check if someone from one of the feeder schools has received the award, please email me or contact the Texas PTA office, which maintains the comprehensive list (1-800-TALK-PTA). Once I have completed the membership list, what do I do? Make a copy for your Secretary, Treasurer, President and your procedure book. Then send your original or a copy to Texas PTA along with your dues check. If the check is sizable, please send it return receipt requested, certified mail. Our PTA is refining our budget. Can you tell me what to expect with Life Member Banquet? This year, 2009-2010, we have decided to scale back the banquet and make it an awards ceremony. We have chosen Plano West Auditorium as the venue and we will still have all of the lovely recipients cross the stage and receive their award but will no longer have a dinner in conjunction with the evening. This should cut the time down as well as the expense. But you will still want to budget for the LM certificates ($35) and LM pinettes ($15) and/or Extended Service certificates ($50) and ES pinettes ($40) from Texas PTA. These can be ordered off the [Texas PTA website](http://www.txpta.org), but you should make sure to do this at least one to two months in advance. Most PTAs give the awards and pins out at the banquet. At our middle school registration, we had someone say they were already a Life Member, but that it was awarded at the elementary school. Can they get the Life Member discount at both schools? You can take the Life Membership at whichever school the members choose, but it can only be taken at one school. Remember, they have been awarded a Life Membership from The Texas PTA but not likely from the National PTA or from your local unit. Life members still must pay those dues. How much are PTA dues? There are several kinds of dues. The local membership rate is comprised of the National dues ($1.75/per person), plus the Texas dues ($2.25/per person), plus the local portion (this is set by the by-laws of the local campus). Additionally, each local PTA pays annual dues of $75.00 to Plano ISD Council of PTAs. This year our Texas PTA State dues went up by a dollar (as of July 1st, 2009). All by-laws are automatically updated with this change. That means you are now charging $1 more for your dues this year. If last year you charged $20, this year you'll charge $21. I have not ordered membership envelopes for our PTA. Is that OK? Yes, the envelopes are just one way to collect dues. Some PTAs like them because it is easy for members to fill out the envelope and stick a check inside. You can use whatever method works best on your campus. If you want to order the envelopes, you can do that on the Texas PTA website ([www.txpta.org](http://www.txpta.org)). How do I know what our PTA number is? Please contact your president for this information. If you still can't get it or are unsure, please email me. I am unsure of the number of PTA members we had last year. How can I find out? You should have this information in the binder that was passed on to you, but if you don't, please email me. Have an unanswered question? Email membership@planopta.org
Lisa Williams, Membership VP, Plano ISD Council of PTAs ]]> Arts in Education tag:www.planopta.org,2006://1.17 2009-05-16T13:07:23Z 2009-05-16T12:48:18Z Contact chair: reflections [at] planopta.org Training materials and other resources [password protected area — use ID and password on back of PTA card] Council Reflections Information Council Judging Results Report from National PTA Texas PTA Arts in Education Program Page... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Contact chair: reflections [at] planopta.org - Training materials and other resources [password protected area -- use ID and password on back of PTA card] - [Council Reflections Information](#council) - [Council Judging Results](#results) - [Report from National PTA](#national) - [Texas PTA Arts in Education Program Page](http://www.txpta.org/members/ArtsInEd.html)

Council Reflections Information

The 2009-2010 theme is "Beauty is..." Rules will be available from the [Texas PTA website](http://www.txpta.org/members/reflections.html). Here is the process for Reflections judging. At the local level, you will judge your entries and send your top 20% to Council. These will be dropped off to us on at a determined date and location. After we complete judging, you should be able to pick up all of your entries that day. All Reflections forms, rules, logos and other resources are available from the Texas PTA Reflections page. Remember that Reflections is a Program and not a competition. For this reason we are all strongly urged to use the same Award Levels: * Award of Excellence -- approx the top 20% of your entries that are forwarded on to the next level of judging * Award of Merit -- approx the 2nd 20% of your entries * Honorable Mention -- approx the 3rd 20% of your entries * Participation Award -- the rest of your entries Correct number of entries allowed per age group/division: You are allowed to send up to 20% of your total number of entries to the Council level judging regardless of age group or division. If you do not have entries in one area you may send more in another. As long as you do not send more than 20% of your TOTAL entries based on the number that you complete on your 'Participation Form'. Please only send QUALITY works rather than quantity. State PTA has pre-set ALL deadlines this year to avoid the hundreds of questions that they receive from parents every year. These deadlines are NOT set in stone -- you are able to set you own deadline but it must be prior to the one set by State. These are ESTIMATE dates so you can plan over the summer and complete your Plan of Work. We'll have firm dates later. * Entries are due to the campus by October 23. * Entries are due to the Council sometime in November or very early December. Completing Entry Forms At the bottom of the entry form the following information is requested: Local PTA good standing status / Membership dues date paid / Insurance paid date / Bylaws approval date. Please ensure that all this information is completed. If your PTA has not yet paid their membership dues or insurance please put the date that they will be paid. Good standing is having paid your dues, etc -- so mark this box with a YES. This information needs to be completed otherwise if State sees blanks it is possible that the entry will be disqualified. There is no time for your Council Chairman to locate this information so please ensure that it is completed before you send them on. If an entry is chosen to go to the National level they will check to ensure that your bylaws are on file and that your insurance and dues have been paid. All entries forwarded to Council must have a label on the top right hand corner detailing your school name, your Council and Area 15. It must also have one of the following colored dots to signify age/division * PreK - 2nd Grade (Primary): Red Dot * Grade 3-5 (Intermediate): Blue Dot * Grades 6-8 (Middle School): Yellow Dot * Grades 9-12 (High School):Green Dot Music/Dance Choreography/Film/Video: place dot on the front of the envelope not the entry form side Literature entries: place the dot on the front (outside) of the folder not the entry form side Size and thickness checked * Visual Art may not exceed 24 inches by 30 inches, including a mat * Photography: minimum 8"x10", maximum 11"x14" * Literature: not to exceed 8 1/2" x 11" Correct number of copies of entries is included: * Literature: 2 copies, 1 attached to the inside back of the folder & 1 left loose inside the folder * Music: 2 copies of tape/CD and notation (if required), both inside a large envelope * Dance Choreography: DVD or videotape in a plastic or cardboard container then placed in a large envelope *Film/Video Production: DVD or videotape in a plastic or cardboard container then placed in a large envelope Entry form completely filled out Do not seal the open end of sheet protectors containing entry forms. 2 hard copies of your Master List (entries advancing to Council ONLY) including" * Student's Name, first and last * Title of work * Group by age group then by arts category (ie Primary-Literature, Primary-Visual Arts, Senior-Music etc) * Make sure your name and your school name are on the list Email this master list to your Council Chairman by the date that they specify so that they can prepare adequately for their judging. Participation Form completed. 2 copies Form 'A' is a standard PTA form tallying your totals for each category and age group or division -- please check the sample you were provided with and ensure that this is completely filled out before forwarding to your Council Tri-fold Brochure State PTA has a color tri-fold brochure that is available in both English or Spanish that can be used to help promote the Reflections Program -- they are limited so local units are urged to order early - email Lori Hueske at lhueske@txpta.org or call 1-800-825-5782. Traveling Exhibit State PTA would like everyone to know that there is traveling exhibit of Reflections Artwork that is available to help promote the program. You will be shipped approx 25 pieces of artwork from previous years and will be able to keep it for 2 school weeks. The only cost involved is approx $30 to ship it to the next location. To schedule the exhibit for your school or Council email Lori Hueske at lhueske@txpta.org or call 1-800-825-5782.

2008-2009 Council Judging Results

What a great year we've had for Reflections! We received 515 advancing entries from our local schools for judging at the Council level. The judges were very impressed with the talented students that we have in Plano. Council judging occurred in December. The top 10% of the Council Awards were submitted to Texas PTA for judging at the state level. 54 entries were sent to Austin from our Plano Council of PTAs. State judging took place on January 28-30. State results should be available by mid-February. We will host a reception for students and their families in April to present our Council Awards. Invitations will be distributed by your local Arts in Education or Reflections Chairman. 2008-2009 Reflections Results [Excel .xls file] 2008-2009 Reflections Results [Adobe Acrobat .pdf file] Thank you to all of the students who participated and to all of the parents who encouraged them to express themselves through the arts.

Students Nationally Recognized for Arts Achievement

More than half-a-million kids participate in PTA national arts program CHICAGO (May 15, 2009) -- As arts programs disappear from schools nationwide every year, hundreds of thousands of children have less and less ways to creatively express themselves. That's why the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is proud to announce this year's national award recipients of PTA's Reflections Program. The nearly 40-year-old arts based program -- themed this year as "Wow!" -- provides opportunities for kids to receive recognition for their artistic efforts and expressions. PTA is recognizing six students as recipients of PTA's Reflections Program Outstanding Interpretation Award -- the best-of-the-best in six arts categories. The six students will be recognized during a special ceremony at the 113th Annual PTA National Convention and Exhibition (June 26-June 29) in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. They also will receive cash awards of $800 and cash awards of $200 will go to their local PTAs. The organization will also recognize 71 students with Awards of Excellence and 119 students with Awards of Merit across four grade divisions -- primary, intermediate, middle/junior, and senior -- and six arts categories -- dance choreography, film/video production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts. All the national award-winning pieces will be featured in a virtual gallery in July; however, the complete list of winners is currently available on [PTA's website](http://www.pta.org/reflectionswinners). Professionals from well-respected institutions, including the National Assembly of States Arts Agencies, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Cable in the Classroom, College of Arts and Sciences, DC Youth Orchestra, The Dance Institute of Washington, Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and National Children's Museum, volunteered to judge close to 1,500 art pieces which reached the national level of judging.]]> Cultural Diversity tag:www.planopta.org,2006://1.18 2009-05-16T20:34:59Z 2009-05-16T20:30:15Z Contact chair: diversity [at] planopta.org Training materials and other resources [password protected area — use ID and password on back of PTA card] Visit Plano International Festival to learn about the annual event. Plano Multicultural Outreach Roundtable is an advisory... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Contact chair: diversity [at] planopta.org * Training materials and other resources [password protected area -- use ID and password on back of PTA card] * Visit [Plano International Festival](http://www.planointernationalfestival.org/) to learn about the annual event. * [Plano Multicultural Outreach Roundtable](http://www.planomcor.org/) is an advisory group that seeks input and makes recommendations to the City Council on methods, practices, programs, and other means by which the City of Plano can effectively serve the entire community and meet the objectives of local government. * [Asian American Heritage](http://www.asianamericanheritage.org) puts on AsiaFest every year.]]> PTA Privacy Release Form and Guidelines tag:www.planopta.org,2008://1.91 2009-05-20T12:16:44Z 2009-05-20T12:30:16Z Webmaster http://www.planopta.org PISD Directories and Yearbooks Information [pdf file] * PTA Local Publication Release Form [doc file] * Class Lists, Directories, and Yearbook Guidelines [pdf file] My hope is that you will utilize this form to help safeguard the privacy our parents and students need, and provide an ease of use for our PTA volunteers. If your campus does a summer mailing of forms, please include this one. If you put together a packet to be given out at a registration day prior to school, please include this in that packet. (Also, just a quick reminder to please include a line on your PTA membership form this year to ask for email addresses.) During the school year, each chairman that releases student names, information or images (directory, yearbook, newsletter, calendar, website or campus-specific) will be able to use this form to find out which students have information or images that are allowed, or not allowed, to be published. The form is intended to be kept at the campus for key PTA volunteers to access as needed to do their job. Your campus will be able to provide a student list for your use to make sure every student has turned in a form. Please make sure that happens and there is a clear way for your local chairman to know which students should not be included in directories, yearbooks, etc... School principals are aware of what we are doing and you should find they are a supportive partner in this process. Several PTAs have asked what to do about release language created by their own PTA and included on local forms. I would recommend you pull that part off and utilize this as a stand-alone form, as this has been reviewed by legal counsel and developed in partnership with PISD. I am thankful for PISD's help in being able to provide a legally sound document that all of our PTAs can use and compliments PISD's forms. Our discussions on how we can best work together to make it easier for both our volunteers and the campus staff have been a great step in our ever-stronger partnership between parents and the district. Thank you for your patience as we took the time to revised and get another legal review of the form. And thank you for helping spread the message to your board of sensitivity to the privacy of the families, the needs of the district to not provide more information than what is really needed and to the legal challenges both PTA and PISD face in regards to privacy. If you have any questions, please let me know. Cara Mendelsohn President, Plano ISD Council of PTAs]]> Training Materials tag:www.planopta.org,2007://1.62 2009-06-06T14:27:05Z 2009-06-06T16:03:33Z Here are all the materials from the training, workshops and other relevant resources along with the links to the role’s specific page. General resources contains info that doesn’t apply to a specific role as it has information many can use.... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Audit Committee * Audit Committee Handout [pdf file] Arts in Education * Arts in Education page * Arts in Education Information [pdf file] * Arts in Education Training Presentation [pdf file] * Reflections Best Practices [pdf file] Cultural Diversity * Cultural Diversity page * Cultural Diversity Training and Resources Directory * Directory page * 2007-08 Directory/Yearbook Guideline Requirements [pdf file] * 2007-2008 Local PTA Unit Directory Requirements [pdf file] * Creating Your School's PTA Directory - Workshop [pdf file] * 2008-2008 PISD Calendar [pdf file] * Directory External Bulk Mail Preparation [pdf file] * Directory Helpful Hints [pdf file] * Directory Local Unit Sample [pdf file] * Student Directory Order Form [pdf file] * Directory and Yearbook Things to Know! [pdf file] * Class Lists/Directories/Yearbook Guidelines [pdf file] * Directory Sample Release Form [doc file] Environmental * Environmental page * Environmental Chairman Guide * Environmental Program Ideas * City of Plano PISD School Recycling Incentive Program 2007-2008 [pdf file] * School Recycling Incentive Program (RIP) 2007-2008 Award Application [pdf file] * City of Plano PISD School Recycling Incentive Program Letter of Intent 2007-2008 [pdf file] General: Useful tools and resources for everyone. * Convert PDF and other file formats: You may need to share files with others who don't have the application where the file originated. Since PDF has a free viewer, most people convert documents to this format. Here are several applications that will convert files to various formats: - Media Convert, a Web-based application - PDF Online, a Web-based application - PrimoPDF, a software application you download and install on your PC * Hints on Problem Solving [pdf file] * Questions a Board Should Ask Itself [pdf file] * Council Delegate's role [pdf file] * Council Delegate report form [doc file] * PTA After School Program Guidelines [pdf file] * PTA Usage of School Facilities [pdf file] * [Available PTA training](http://www.planopta.org/files/2009_TrainingList.pdf) along with information about the plan of work, recognition and communication. Historian * Historian page * Historian Training [pdf file] * Plano Historian Scrapbook Guidelines [pdf file] Hospitality * Hospitality page * Hospitality Workshop Guidelines Legislative * Legislative page * Legislative Chair Guide [pdf file] Membership * Membership page * Membership chair training presentation [pdf file] * Membership Question and Answers Newsletter * Newsletter page [pdf file] * Newsletter Chair Training Guide [pdf file] Parliamentarian * Parliamentarian page [pdf file] * Parliamentarian Training Guide [pdf file] * Texas PTA's Parliamentarian Page [requires ID and password to get in -- this is on the back of your PTA membership card] has information regarding the following: President * President page * Presidents Training [pdf file] * Finance for Presidents [pdf file] * Presidents General Responsibilities [pdf file] * Principals and Presidents [pdf file] * Local President's Checklist Programs * Programs page * Programs Training [pdf file] * Programs Handbook [pdf file] Publicity * Publicity page * Publicity Workshop [pdf file] * Publicity Guidelines [pdf file] SAGE * SAGE page * SAGE Training [pdf file] * SAGE Brochure [pdf file] * SAGE Goals [pdf file] * SAGE Organization Chart [pdf file] * SAGE Roles [pdf file] * SAGE Enrollment Form [doc file] Secretary * Secretary page * Secretary Training [pdf file] * Secretary Guide [pdf file] * Council/Local PTA/PTSA Ethics/Conflict of Interest Policy [.doc file] * PTA/PTSA Records Retention Policy [.doc file] Treasurer * Treasurer page * 2007-08 Treasurer Workshop Handout [pdf file] * Treasurer Training [pdf file] * Sales Tax Information [pdf file] * Here are the Treasurer Audit Committee Checklist and Audit Committee Checklist [doc file] * Bad Check Letter - Standard letter for use in the event of checks return for insufficient funds. Can be modified. [doc] [pdf] * Check Request/Reimbursement Voucher [xls] [pdf] * Deposit Voucher [xls] [pdf] * Request for Change [xls] [pdf] Volunteers * Volunteers page * Volunteers Chairman Guide [PDF file] * Volunteer Training [pdf file] * Volunteer Application Process for PISD [pdf file] * Organization and Effective Volunteer Program [pdf file] * Volunteer Program Sample Plan of Work [pdf file] * PISD Volunteer Application [PISD Web site] * Volunteer Hours Report - Fall [doc file] * Volunteer Hours Report - Spring [doc file] Ways and Means * Ways and Means page * Ways and Means Training [PDF file] Webmasters * Webmasters page * Webmasters Training [PDF file] Youth Protection * Youth Protection page * Youth Protection Chair Guide [PDF file] * Youth Protection Packet with everything [PDF file] * Youth Protection Cyber-Smart Kids Guide [PDF file] * Youth Protection Drug Awareness Education Update [PDF file] * Youth Protection Internet Safety Update [PDF file] * Texas PTA Youth Protection Resources [PDF file] * Plano Police Report [PDF file] * Youth Protection Resource List [PDF file] * Youth Protection Volunteer Activities Example [PDF file] * Female Youth and STDs Report [PDF file] * McGruff House Application [PDF file in English] [espanol] * McGruff House Exemplary Schools Recognition [PDF file]]]> About Plano ISD Council of PTAs tag:www.planopta.org,2006://1.5 2009-06-11T17:53:25Z 2009-06-11T22:47:06Z Letter from the President On behalf of PTA, the largest and oldest child advocacy group in America, welcome to Plano ISD Council of PTAs. Your membership and volunteerism show your commitment to excellence in education and the health and welfare... Webmaster http://www.planopta.org Letter from the President On behalf of PTA, the largest and oldest child advocacy group in America, welcome to Plano ISD Council of PTAs. Your membership and volunteerism show your commitment to excellence in education and the health and welfare of children. If you are already a leader in your local PTA, I hope you will explore this site, and the links available, to learn more about resources and training available to you. Thank you for your efforts and dedication to Plano's students! You are one of the many reasons families love Plano. If you are a new PTA member, or you are interested in becoming a more active member or leader, please know that we are very happy to have you! We challenge you to be part of the National PTA program called "3 For Me" by agreeing to volunteer at least 3 hours for PTA annually. There are volunteer activities that range from bringing a snack for teachers once or twice a year, to chaperoning a field trip, things that can be done on your lunch hour, evenings and weekends all to promote the mission of PTA. Of course, there are always plenty of ways you can help at your campus during the school day also! You can find out more about opportunities to be involved in your PTA by contacting your PTA president. Thirty years of student research shows that students achieve more when they have at least one parent that is involved in their education. Take the time now to let your children see you in action, demonstrating the importance you place on education. They will be so proud of your involvement. By giving your time, you may learn a new skill, develop a talent and maybe make some life-long friendships. There is a special connection and joy between people who have shared watching children grow, learn and achieve together. You have an opportunity to make a difference in your child's development, but also to make a difference for all children. I look forward to hearing about all the great activities going on in your PTA. Please sign up for our PTA Council e-news and site updates. If I can assist you in some way, please contact me. Sincerely, Cara Mendelsohn President, Plano ISD Council of PTAs President@planopta.org

Mission, Objectives and Purposes

Our Council is the key link in the line of communication between the local, area, State, and National PTAs, as well as with the school administration and the general public. Councils provide opportunities for conferences, leadership training, and coordination of efforts, plus information, support, inspiration, and instruction for Council members. The Council serves to strengthen local PTAs, support new PTAs, develop leadership potential, promote PTA membership and serve the community and its children. Plano ISD Council of PTAs is involved in many programs and projects, including leadership training, Officer and Chairman Training, Outstanding PTA Award, Life Membership Banquet, Reflections and Texas PTA Environmental Programs, Vendor Fair, Plano ISD administration holiday luncheon, local PTA program recognition, legislative action and community issues and more. PTA Mission PTA is A powerful voice for all children, A relevant resource for families and communities, and A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child. PTA Vision Making every child's potential a reality. Council Goals
  • Act as a resource and mentor to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of local PTAs
  • Promote PTA membership, programs, volunteerism and initiatives
  • Strengthen Plano ISD/PTA & PTSA connection to support excellence in education
Council Orientation Training session required for council officers and chairmen, conducted by a state board member or a current district officer by June 15 each year. Acquaints the new board with the role of council in the PTA structure. Texas PTA Handbook A collection of PTA information and publications which is given to the local unit and council presidents. Updates are received from State PTA. The Voice Official publication of Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers contains timely articles, and commentary on children and education, programs, policies, and legislation. Our Children The National PTA magazine offers articles and information related to youth, school, welfare, and parenting. Excellent resource for PTA and for all parents. Council News Council email newsletter published by PISD Council of PTAs. Sent to local presidents, council delegates, principals and subscribed members. Council Board and General Meetings Please refer to the calendar page.]]>