News & Review

The President's Message - Welcome

Welcome to a new school year. One that begins in the twentieth century and ends in the twenty-first! What a very exciting and challenging time for all PTA leaders in Harford County.

It is an exciting time because there is so much to do and new faces to do it with. Encourage those new faces; give them very specific tasks, lots of guidance and assistance (when needed). This is where up-to-date, accurate Procedure Books and a well-defined set of goals can help. These tools, along with a well crafted, precise budget can guide you through many rough waters.

It is an exciting time because there is so much to do and new faces to do it with. Encourage those new faces; give them very specific tasks, lots of guidance and assistance (when needed). This is where up-to-date, accurate Procedure Books and a well-defined set of goals can help. These tools, along with a well crafted, precise budget can guide you through many rough waters. During your Back-to-School Night address to the parents, make certain your membership is very clear on what your local unit's goals are for this year. What is your focus? Why are you raising funds? What kinds of programs will you offer to the children and parents throughout the year? Where do you need their help?

And please, please, please remember that no PTA is responsible for "picking up the slack" left in this year's Harford County education budget shortfall. The Mission of the PTA is:

No where in that Mission Statement, or in the Objects of the PTA, is there any provision for raising funds to pay for playground equipment or school supplies, etc.

But, in this world of under funded budgets and assaults on public education the reality is that most PTA's find themselves raising funds to promote and support the educational program of their individual school. If you do so, make sure you have crafted a clearly written, well-defined budget that your membership has approved. Make sure that you are not responsible for more than your membership is willing to raise. Make sure that you do not allow yourselves to be "quilted" into inappropriate expenditures. You are not to provide funds for staff development, school supplies, curriculum, capital improvements and other items that should be provided by the Board of Education ( p. 33 Cash Encounters).

What can you provide? Lots of things... enrichment programs, guest speakers, awards, cultural arts, leadership training, legislative activity, membership supplies, PTA/School related celebrations and other items as listed on p. 31 & 32 of Cash Encounters.

And of course, you should be urging your membership to let our public officials know your needs. Urge them to really, really mean it when they say, "Education is a priority." Remind them that Webster's Dictionary defines "priority" as "something thought of as being more important than something else". Remind that we consider our children, and their education, to be "more important that anything else." Remind them that they are elected officials. They are the ones charged with providing the funds for education. they are the ones that promised to keep our children primary in their agendas. And they are the ones that will need our support to remain in office in just a few short years. Hold them accountable for their words and actions. Pay attention to the budget process and speak out when necessary.

As PTA leaders you are responsible for guiding your membership through this process. Let HCCPTA help you. Read the information we share thoroughout the year and make sure that your PTA is represented in the HCCPTA organization by at least one delegate. Mark the dates of our meetings on your calendar, share them with your board and membership and of course, attend.

As this school year begins and the century ends, vow to be a strong, confident, educated voice for the children of this county. What better goal to have for the future, than to speak for the future... speak for children.

Pat Benedict
HCCPTA President

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Children's Safety Begins with You!

School Bus Safety

School bus safety starts with you, every morning and every afternoon.

Just keep these 10 rules in mind. They are easy to lean and simple to follow. They start before the bus ever stops. So be cool. Follow these rules.

Check with your local/area fire departments for dates and time of Fire Prevention Activities.

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Board of Education Highlights

Cathi Peters - HCCPTA Correspondence Secretary

One Delegate's Perspective

I arrived early on Thursday evening to enjoy the reception with the Board of Directors of Maryland PTA. They served cheese and crackers, coffee and water. But the benefit was the interesting conversation that was buzzing through the room. I had the opportunity to speak with many of the officers of our State PTA and several of the Team Leaders. It was interesting to learn what some of the issues were on the state level and how they would relate to our council and local PTAs. Attending one of these receptions is very beneficial to all delegates.

Friday morning dawned bright and sunny (so what's new this year?). By 9:00 a.m. everyone was involved in the workshop of their choice. I chose The Record Keeper, a secretaries workshop presented by Melodi Smith, Secretary Maryland PTA. It was very informative and we received a great handout that I will include in my procedure book for the next secretary to have on hand. All my questions were answered and I even learned a few new things.

The next event scheduled was a welcome from Maryland PTA President, Debbie Bostian. We then broke into "round table" discussions. Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, Superintendent of Schools, announced a new partnership with the Maryland PTA and the Maryland State Department of Education in conjunction with the United States Department of Education to improve parental involvement in all of Maryland's Public Schools. At this time she announced another partnership with Comcast Cable. Comcast will present various public announcement segments encouraging parents to "get involved at school". This looks to be very promising.

We then broke for lunch with our Council. HCC PTA supplied lunch both days. It was a relaxing way to work through the meeting and deal with several issues. The food was great and the company superb.

At 2:15 Session 2 started. I chose "Read All About It", concerning newsletters, presented by Tina Janouris, Bulletin Editor, Maryland PTA. We walked out with smiles on our faces and a packet of information that will surely make our jobs a lot easier.

In between each session, you had the opportunity to visit the vendors, the PTA Store and network with your counterparts from other counties. Many ideas and programs were shared throughout the weekend. The third and final session of the day gave you choices such as: What do Councils Do For You?, Surfing Safely On The Net, Don't Talk To Me! My Friends Are Looking and Parent Rights in ARD (Admission, Review, Dismissal). All very informative.

Saturday was another round of workshops, sharing, and learning. One very important discussion group was held on Class Size, the other was on High School Assessments. We will all need to research this issues and take a stand.

I felt this conference was just what I needed to "rev up my engine" for the PTA work I need to do this year. I hope everyone attends the Fall Convention. The race is on, officers need to be voted upon and each PTA is allotted several delegates to convention. Remember: The cost of Convention or Conferences along with room and food is a legitimate PTA expense. The rewards you will reap will definitely out-way the expense.

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Review

While we are busy planning for where we are going...it is always a good idea to look at where we've been.

HCCPTA Year in Review - Highlights

As you can see, HCCPTA has been busy throughout the year.

Planning for the 1999-2000 year is well underway. We will continue to work to improve communications, follow the budget process, provide leadership opportunities, assist local units, speak out on issues impacting all children, seek new members, encourage responsible PTA programs for parents and children, and provide the support needed by our local leadership.

The officers of HCCPTA wish you well as you begin your new year. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and concerns, or for a boost of encouragement!