The Third Week of January 2008

What PTAs Can Do Around Elections

http://www.pta.org/archive_article_details_1160080336000.html

It is election time again and many PTA leaders are having questions about what election related activities they can and can’t engage in.  Local PTA’s are non-profit organization and fall under the IRS election guidelines for non-profits.  Here are a few quick can do’s for the PTA.

PTA's Can:

• Host a candidate’s forum: all candidates appearing on the ballot for a given position must be invited to participate and given equal time to respond.

• Publish a candidate’s questionnaire: all candidates must be given the opportunity to answer the questionnaire and responses must be printed exactly as written.

• Register Voters: volunteers must register all eligible voters regardless of party affiliation or political views.

• Remind members to vote

• Educate Candidates on Issues important to PTA

 IN HOWARD COUNTY - There are 6 people running for the two positions of the Howard County School Board. In the Feb. 12^th primary, the voter will vote for 3 candidates to go on to the Nov. 4^th general election.     

 The League of Women Voter's held a School Board Candidate's Primary Forum a week ago.  The Candidate’s Forum will be rebroadcast on Comcast Channel 72 and Verizon 42 at the following times:

 January 26 at 1 and 8 p.m.

February 5 at 1 and 8 p.m.

February 9 at 1 and 8 p.m.

February 11 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

Be sure to watch and go out and VOTE.   :)

 PTAC SHARING SESSION – January 28^th

 PTA Council's next Sharing Session/Workshop is scheduled for Monday, January 28th beginning at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Faulkner Ridge Center, 10598 Marble Faun Ct. Columbia.  

 This is a great opportunity for PTA officers, committee chairs, and interested parents to gain new information that will help them achieve their objectives for the year and become better advocates for their students.  The evening will conclude by 9:00 pm and refreshments will be served.

 There are four sessions:

1. FAQ's, -Back by popular demand, this session is devoted to asking our executive board members any question regarding PTA, i.e. handling a sticky situation, after-school programs, bylaws, any area that you have a question and would like information. Exec Board members will be there to answer your questions.

            2. Health and Nutrition- As childhood obesity and inactivity have increased, many of you have made a positive  impact helping your children's schools become healthier and have found creative ways to make this happen.  Research shows that grassroots efforts that include students and parents can be the most effective way of bringing about change. At this sharing session we’d like to hear what you and the schools that you are involved with have done in terms of nutrition and physical activity promotion and brainstorm areas in which we as parents and caregivers can influence healthy changes in our school.  Topics discussed may include snacks, school lunches, walking programs, physical activity related PTA functions, and more. Mary Jane Barbato-Grauso & Becky Ramsing, dietician will be facilitating this session

3. Treasure's Workshop- Geared toward helping the treasure better understand how PTA accounts should be managed. Learn all about keeping your local PTA’s accounts in order. Bob Rosenberg will be facilitating this session, discussing areas of importance such as taxes, form 990’s, insurance (including D&O Liability insurance), budgeting questions, carryover of funds to sustain PTA over summer, etc. 

4. After-Prom- This has been a very successful program throughout Howard County.  Last year was the first year every HC high school participated in this event, supported by their local PTSAs.  The purpose of this event is to provide a safe entertaining environment for our high school graduating seniors and juniors who attend Prom but rather than go and party with alcohol and other substances, the PTA in conjunction with the HCPSS and high schools have collaborated in sponsoring an After Prom providing a fun filled event for all those participating.  Come and share your success with other local high school PTSA’s.  There will be discussions on raising funds, donations, and venues on where to hold such events, etc. Mary Ellen Creasy will be facilitating this session 

AWARD NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH JANUARY 23 FOR COMCAST PARENT AWARD 

Know a parent who deserves statewide recognition for his or her work to improve public education? Nominate him or her today! 

The Maryland State Department of Education is still accepting nominations for the Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award.  Completed applications must be postmarked by January 23, 2008.

 An eligible nominee is a parent of a child in a Maryland public school who has significantly influenced public education within the last 24 months through his or her involvement in communication, volunteering, learning, decision-making or collaboration.

 Learn more and download an application at www.MarylandPublicSchools.org/MSDE/audiences/parents/pima.htm

Applications are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and French.

 The Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Award is a new annual award that will recognize one state winner and one parent from each Maryland county and Baltimore City for their outstanding contributions to public education. The winner will be announced at an awards event hosted by Comcast in April 2008.

CALENDAR of UPCOMING EVENTS

 Jan. 28     PTAC Sharing Session 7 – 9 pm Faulkner Ridge Center

 Feb. 4      PTAC General Meeting, 7:30 pm DOE

Feb.6,7,8   Parent Teacher Conference Week http://www.pta.org/archive_article_details_1118085766734.html  

 Feb. 11    MD PTA Night in Annapolis, 6:30 pm

 Feb. 12    Primary Election Day

 Feb. 29    Deadline to register for the Cultural Arts Showcase 2008 on March 6 & 7. www.hocoarts.org for more 

                information

 March 3  PTAC General Meeting, 7:30 pm