Okay, so here it is so far. My only concern at the moment is that it says that our blog can have 100 readers. I don't know if this means at one time or total. Do any of you know? This is so not my area of expertise so please let me know if you have ideas or comments on what I've set up so far. Jessie, I'll let you know what I find out about the 100 reader limit. If it is total, do you think this will be an issue? How many parents do you think will want to be able to read our blog?
Also, please post input through the blog function below this post. That way we can test it out.
Thanks!
Katy
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This is Katy posting. I asked a more blog educated person about the 100 reader limit and they think it means at the same time. I will still try to contact google by email to get a for sure answer.
ReplyDeleteKaty, this is great!! I'm so excited to see this up and running! :) I hope the 100 is at one time because I don't think that will be a problem, but if it is total that may be. Thanks for looking into this!
ReplyDeleteJessie
I think this will be a great resource for our school. Way to go new PTA board. You ROCK!!
ReplyDeleteHey everyone, we just had our first meeting for August and I thought I'd post an abbreviated version of the minutes. If you'd like the full version please e-mail me and I will send them to you!
ReplyDeleteWe approved our standing rules... each board member will get a copy of these next month.
We approved our budget with an addition of $150 for start the arts. Each board member has a copy of the budget, and copies will be available at each meeting.
Kris Mullen introduced us to Start the Arts. This is a fun new program that will happen 3 times a year. The kids will learn a basic art lesson (on things like impressionism and pointalism and cool stuff like that!) and do a project. We will need lots of volunteers to help with this, so let us know if you are interested in helping.
Jennifer Gunter introduced us to Girls on the Run. This is an after school program that is for girls in 3-5th grades. They have a short self-esteem type lesson and then run as training for a 5K.
We will have information about both of these programs at back to school day. We will also have information about membership, box tops, fall fundraiser, and t-shirts. Our back to school day is Aug. 21 from 11-1pm. We are hoping to have sample cookies from our fundraiser to hand out in the gym... if not we will have popcorn.
We will stuff our back to school envelopes on Wednesday Aug. 12 at 1:00 pm. Feel free to stop by and help if you'd like... we have 600 to do!
Thanks to those who came, and hopefully this will be useful!
Kris Mullen sent this in to answer some of the questions we had about PTA's role in lobbying and legislative affairs. Thanks Kris:
ReplyDeletePTA Legislative Reps
Why should my school's PTA have a legislative representative?
Parents are interested in and committed to the success of their children at school. For many, this interest motivates them to participate at their child's school through fundraisers, class volunteer hours, PTA, or school parties. Often, however, a gap exists between such local impact and the far-reaching effects of the decisions made in Boise and D.C. Local PTAs benefit from someone willing to bridge that gap by updating local members on important legislation before it becomes law.
With more than 9000 members, Idaho PTA is the largest parent organization in the state. An organization dedicated to the welfare of children and youth must inevitably concern itself with the laws that affect children or those that may be needed to protect them. --Idaho PTA
What is the role of a legislative representative?
This position can be as simple as providing periodic updates to the local members about important legislation and PTA position statements. Watch our regional blog for updates! The role is expandable to include e-mail blasts encouraging members to contact their legislative representatives, attendance at Leg Day and Advocacy Conference, even writing position statements for Idaho PTA. It's important to simply BE INVOLVED and encourage your membership to voice their opinions.
Last session, legislators considered bills to eliminate public Kindergarten, permanently cease transportation funding for field trips, and decrease the penalties for businesses that serve alcohol to minors. Superintendant Tom Luna's committee is debating such reforms as curtailing public education at the 10th or 11th grade. And with current financial limitations but despite Federal stimulus funds , our state's education budget was cut. Our children bear the impacts of such decisions if we do not voice our opinions.
How can we make a difference?
Idaho PTA representatives sit on several key education committees and lobby Idaho's legislature. As an organization, Idaho PTA publishes Position Statements and Resolutions to convey our perspectives on current issues. These documents are produced throughout the fall and voted on and finalized at Advocacy Conference in Boise in November. Any member can propose a PS or R but you must attend the conference to vote. The consensus issues that come out of Advocacy Conference dictate PTA's legislative priorities and impact lobbying efforts throughout the legislative session. Another important opportunity occurs in February, when PTA sponsors Leg Day, a PTA conference in Boise where attendees meet with the legislature and representatives from Superintendant Tom Luna's office. Local PTA legislative representatives are not required to attend these conferences but should ensure that these opportunities are communicated to the local membership and advocate that their unit an attendee.
Part of the National PTA’s threefold mission is to speak on behalf of all children and youth before governmental bodies and other organizations. These advocacy and lobbying measures include mobilizing individuals, local and state units to work with the National PTA in molding specific government programs, policies, and priorities. --National PTA Website
Let your influence extend beyond your school's boundaries. Our students will all benefit! Begin by logging on to the Legislative tab on Idaho PTA's website:
http://www.idahopta.net/legislative.html
Thanks for all the info! I think this will be a great tool for parents to get involved.
ReplyDeleteThere were some questions about the dues at our recent meeting... this is some basic information from the Idaho PTA website that shows specifically where our dues money is going.
ReplyDelete2009-10
MEMBERSHIP DUES
PTA DUES $8.00
National -- $1.75
Our Children Magazine
Leadership Books
Posters
Back to School Kits
Spanish Resources
Programs, Legislative
Guidelines and Support
Online Membership Dues Reporting
Cultural Arts Program
Members Only Website
E-Learning Opportunities
National Convention
Retail Discounts to Members
Idaho State dues -- $5.25
Idaho’s Voice Newsletter
State Convention
(Leadership Training, Exhibits,
and Workshops)
Legislative Program
Support and Networking (one part-time employee and rent on that office space)
Idaho Resource Manual
Programs
Field Services
Reflections & Cultural Arts
Programs
Parent Involvement Programs
State Committee Opportunities
also Regional training
Local unit -- $1.00
This covers the expense of our back to school envelopes.
If you'd like more detailed information visit idahopta.net
Thanks!
Hello all, I found the Blog and noticed you are not starting new topics but you are commenting on the June Article. Rather then commenting you need a new post. In order to post you must Log in, Katy will probably control that????? You are at a great Start though.
ReplyDeleteAdded to my blogspot so that I can see when you post, though I agree with Melodie that it would be helpful to start new posts instead of commenting when it doesn't relate to the actual post.
ReplyDeleteWondering what we are doing with box tops. Are they doing drawings every Friday or some other incentive to turn these in?
ReplyDelete