From the PTA

Here are some points of interest from the PTA Board meeting last Thursday:
 *  There are about 3 staff development grants remaining.
 *  Don't forget to use your teacher grant money.
 * Our direct donation drive will continue in order to reach our budget needs.
 *  The Backpack Program is funded differently now (not directly through Second Harvest).  If you are looking for a unique gift to give this season, consider sponsoring a backpack.
*  The Rummage Sale raised the anticipated $ amount and, in addition, provided games/clothes/books to teachers, books to our media center, clothes to Mr. Peddle's church, and books to the Special Children's School.
 * The PTA is organizing tutoring support for our students.  1 person has turned in the form outlining needs (paper copies were put in boxes).
 * Parent Assist will be replaced with new software in August 2013.
 * There will be a brief PTA meeting combined with our Dec. 18 musical performance.
 * 5th graders are working to create class pages for the yearbook.

The thought that has stayed with me since the meeting has to do with the power of the teacher.  To keep it short, when a teacher places value on an idea or action her students value it too (the reference was parent events, competitions, fundraisers...).  The results are engagement and enthusiasm.  That reminded me of Kim Morrison's comment regarding classroom teachers as the greatest predictor of a student's success.  We are powerful.  All subsequent sentences sound cheesy, so I'll leave you with that.  
--Kathy