PTA Council Update

A large group of mothers turned out for March's PTA Council on Wednesday morning at . No worries if you couldn't attend, here's a look at what you missed!

PTA President Council President Stacie de la Parra's Update:
-Five school board positions will open up this election. Every year the PTA sponsors candidates and holds a candidate forum. If you have any suggestions on a candidate forum for this year, contact de la Parra at svdelaparra@yahoo.com.
-The PTA is working to improve constant contact. You may receive a survey through constant contact or e-blast to help make improvements. You can sign up for constant contact, PTA's way to keep you informed, by registering here. 
-The were a success this year. The winners of each participating school will go on to compete in the regional spelling bee on March 19. 
-Here are the nominations for the 2011-2012 PTA Council's Executive Board:
President - Rachel Lowden
Vice President - Kristen Matheny
Treasurer - Susan Liptak
Secretary - Ginny Wright
Board Advisor - Stacie de la Parra 

Superintendent Patrick O'Toole's Update:
-On March 14, the school board will vote on the . Dr O'Toole said, "Financing is in place to a degree."
-The school board is also working to prepare a budget, which is a challenge during the tough economy. Dr. O'Toole said on March 8 the governor will announce how much money Upper St. Clair School District will receive from the state. Dr. O'Toole is anticipating less money this year. About 17 percent of the budget is depends on the state money. The district's biggest expense every year is staffing.
-The will take place on March 22 and will focus on the new Keystone Exams. Dr. O'Toole said he does not like the idea of the exams counting for one-third of a student's grade. 
-The final decision on the take place during the . 

School Board Director Amy Billerbeck's Update:
-Make sure to submit your comments on the school calendar by Friday, March 4. During the meeting, many PTA members voiced concerns about the week devoted to a Spring Break. Billerbeck assured members that even if the calendar does not change, their comments are still being heard and considered.
-The and renovations are going well and should be finished in mid-August. Billerbeck said the projects will come in under budget.
-The school board is working on shortening the mission statement. It will be something they can put on a mug or tote bag. A vote on the new mission statement will most likely take place on March 28.
-The school board is looking into a way to provide more class opportunities for students at the Parkway West Career and Technology Center. Billerbeck said companies across the nation are not able to fill positions because students do not have the special computer skills needed.

News from the :
-Registration for summer reading programs will begin on June 7.
-The reading program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners will change its name to Reading Together this year.
-The reading program for first, second, third, fourth and fifth graders will have an "Out of this World" theme this year.
-Teenagers are least likely to participate in the summer reading programs. The library encourage this age group to participate because the programs help with vocabulary development and writing skills.
-Children who complete five books this summer will get VIP status in the library's volunteer program.  Because library volunteering is so popular, kids normally only get to volunteer two hours per month. VIPs will be able to volunteer four hours per month.

Highlights from PTA Unit Presidents:

Baker Elementary - Jenn Glassbrenner:
The PTA raised $500 during the Barnes and Noble Book Fair 

Eisenhower Elementary - Susan Speer
PTA members got to learn about the Promethean interactive white boards that teachers use to teach the students in each classroom.

Streams Elementary - Laura Jones
The school raised a whopping $9,000 for with an assembly and auction. See pictures here.

Boyce Middle - Connie Urban
Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night will take place on March 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Twenty percent of the stores sales during that time will be given to the school.

Fort Couch - Cindy Rooney
The school held a Valentine's Day Dance. The girls looked great and really got ready for the occasion. However, the boys weren't so into dressing up! 

High School - Leanne Adamo
Don't miss this year's musical production, "!"

The next PTA Council meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 6 at .