Georgia PTA's The Voice_May 2016

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Georgia

VOICE May 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE MESSAGES FROM: Georgia’s PTA President & President Elect and Georgia’s State School Superintendent ARTICLES ABOUT: Understanding the Opportunity School District Constitutional Amendment, Transitioning Your Teams, Preparing for Audit, Diversity & Inclusion and Health & Wellness.

HELPFUL INFORMATION: 2016 Convention Leadership Training (CLT), Leadership Development Opportunities, and much more!

Special Feature: Sun and Skin Awareness Information and Sunscreen Coupon | pages 12 and 13

Message from the Georgia PTA President

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s a young girl, I spent a great deal of time outside playing.

I would eat breakfast, and run out to meet friends to play baseball in our cul-de-sac, or football in the yard. We would play on the swings, ride our bikes, and drink straight from the garden hose all day long. We would only return home to eat, and mom worked hard to keep us outside so we weren’t making a mess in the house. Sun up until sun down we were out – if we wanted to talk to friends we had to go and find them. My folks had a giant cow bell they would ring out in the neighborhood to call us in for dinner, and baths and then off to slumber. I was tired, very fit, and in a constant state of sunburn for the bulk of my childhood. I didn’t hear about sunscreen until spring break during my 8th grade year.

That spring break, I was invited to go to the beach at Panama City with my best friend’s family.

This was my very first beach vacation, and I was so excited to be included! The first day we were down there, we went to an airbrush t-shirt shop – got matching airbrush t-shirts (which made me feel so very cool) and cloth covered air rafts with the Hawaiian Punch cartoon character on them. We excitedly went to the shore, and rode the beach waves for the entire afternoon. It was incredible fun and still one of the happiest days of my life. Jumping waves and riding the tide with giggles and joy is a tough day to beat!

When we went home that afternoon, we showered, and that was when I noticed how tender my back was feeling. I had a very serious sunburn; in fact, I had sun poisoning and was covered in painful blisters. All the aloe in the world could not take away the pain, and the rest of the trip was ruined for everyone by my inability to protect myself from the sun. I have spent my adult life paying the price for that sunburn, and the many more that followed. Covering up with baby oil, and even sunbathing on aluminum foil were normal teenage past-times for girls my age.

As a result of my carelessness I now have a constant struggle with skin cancer. Twice this past year I have undergone surgical procedures to remove cancer from my face. It is not a pretty sight. I have the very best doctors, and even with all the advances in laser technology it is a very uncomfortable procedure. They cut away a layer at a time, and then send it to a lab on-site to see if the cut is deep enough to have clear margins – if not they go back in and take away another layer. This process is painful to your physical body, and a serious blow to your self-esteem. Walking around out in public with bandages, stitches, and everyone staring at you is no fun.

Early detection and prevention is the key to beating skin cancer, and certainly having Former President Jimmy Carter diagnosed with melanoma brings the conversation center stage for many Americans. It is important to communicate the dangers of sun damage to as many parents and children as I can.

Thankfully, Georgia PTA has been able to partner with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) to present an educational piece to share with all of our students throughout the state on recognizing the signs of skin cancer, and Rite Aid has agreed to provide discounts for families to help offset the cost of sunscreen for families throughout Georgia. These two great partners have a mission to educate our members with us to help prevent future cancer outbreaks. Together, we can reduce the chance that skin cancer will affect our children or claim more lives.

Lisa-Marie Haygood,Georgia PTA President, lmhaygood@georgiapta.org

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On behalf of our President, Lisa-Marie Haygood and Reflections Chair Janice Gurley,

We are excited to announce the

2015-2016 Georgia PTA National Reflections Winners LITERATURE Primary Division, Award of Merit

Vivian Smith Sarah Smith ES, Atlanta Council, District 10

FILM PRODUCTION High School Division, Award of Merit

Aneas Douglas Tri-Cities HS, South Fulton Council, District 10

PHOTOGRAPHY Outstanding Theme Interpretation

Roshan Muthugomu Chamblee MS, Region 1, District 11 Primary Division, Award of Excellence

Leonardo Domato Shallowford Falls ES, East Cobb, District 9 Intermediate Division, Award of Merit

William Henry Silverio Sope Creek ES. East Cobb. District 9

VISUAL ARTS Middle School Division, Award of Excellence

Ilaina Kim Richard Hull MS, Area 2 Gwinnett, District 12

Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

Message from the Georgia State School Superintendent Dear Parents,

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s my thoughts turned toward Teacher Appreciation Month 2016 – which we’ll celebrate throughout the month of May here in Georgia – specific names and faces kept coming to mind.

Georgia PTA Atlanta Hawks Family Night

I thought of Mrs. Phillips, my third grade teacher, who wrote a letter to encourage me when I moved away, and Mrs. Michaels, my fifth grade teacher, who drove me home from school every day.

I remembered my art teacher, Mr. Hudson, and Mrs. Linda Roberts – the math teacher who worked across from me when I first became a teacher, and provided a wonderful example in my early years as an educator.

I thought of the teachers who’ve shaped my life, and then I thought of the many teachers I’ve met here in Georgia – who are deeply committed to doing their jobs well. Their work is not easy. The circumstances are not perfect. But they are focused, first and foremost, on their students.

I also want to thank our legislators – particularly Senator Lindsey Tippins – for passing Senate Bill 364. I believe their actions speak loud and clear, and show that they appreciate all that our teachers do, because they recognize the burden of too many state-mandated tests and the over-emphasis of these tests on teachers’ evaluations. They took action to allow our teachers to be creative and teach again rather than focus on just a test. Senate Bill 364 would remove many of the barriers that have caused more of our teachers to leave the profession and fewer young people to choose teaching as a profession. The legislature overwhelmingly demonstrated to teachers that they do recognize the difficult job you have and the time and energy spent on testing and evaluations. While I know this one piece of legislation will not take away all the challenges you face, I believe it is a big step in the right direction.

I want our teachers to know how much they are appreciated, and how essential their contribution is. They are truly educating Georgia’s future, each and every day. I will continue to work, in every way I am able, to create an environment that allows teachers to teach and students to learn.

To Georgia’s parents: I hope you will join us in celebrating our teachers this month. We’ve developed several resources to help you do just that. For a thank you note template to print and send to a teacher, graphics to share on social media, and more, visit bit.ly/gadoeteacher.

I also encourage you to share stories of great teachers using the hashtag #thankaGAteacher.

Again, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of Georgia’s teachers – and to Georgia’s parents, who serve as their child’s first teacher. Thank you!”

Sincerely, Richard Woods Georgia’s School Superintendent

Information about New 990-N Procedures Attention PTAs who submit the 990-N form to the IRS! The Form 990-N website changed on February 29, 2016. Electronic submissions will be accepted through IRS.gov instead of the Urban Institute’s website.

Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations Not Required to File Form 990 or Form 990EZ, is used by small, tax-exempt organizations for annual reporting and can only be submitted electronically.

Aside from the site change, 990-N filers will be required to complete a short, one-time registration before submitting their electronic form to IRS.gov.

May 2016

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Georgia PTA Board of Directors President, Lisa-Marie Haygood President Elect, Tyler Barr 1st Vice President, Jacqueline Angel Little 2nd Vice President, Marina Staples Secretary, Kizzy Weathersby Treasurer, Neatie Green Parliamentarian, Kyle Wallace Immediate Past President, Rita Erves

District Directors 1st District Director, Vacant 3rd District Director, Vacant 4th District Director, Becky Lawhon 5th District Director, Thomas Wheeler 6th District Director, Sandra Narcisse-Jones 7th District Director, Shanda Ross 8th District Director, Sheila McCants 9th District Director, Irene Barton 10th District Director, VACANT 11th District Director, Jay Cunningham 12th District Director, Dee Dee Jackson 13th District Director, Tracy Thompson

Standing Committees Bylaws, Sandra Perrino Convention & Events, Dawn Stastny Diversity & Inclusion, Tammie Jenkins Education, William Green, Jr. Early Childhood Education, Caroline Harris Family Engagement, VACANT Health-Wellness, JoAnne Hammermaster Hispanic/Latino Outreach, Jose Cerrato Leadership Development, Susan Hayes Legislation, Tynettia Elrod Membership, Margie Ringfield Reflections, Janice Gurley Resource Development, Evelyn Cunningham Youth Services, Sophronia Qualls

Specialists/Consultants DOE Liaison, Amy Park Environmental Education, Travis Williams

Message from the Georgia PTA President Elect Dear Georgia Voters,

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lease mark your calendar for November 8, 2016 to cast a “No” vote in the next historical election. This general election the choice is yours to help Georgia PTA defeat a ballot initiative and protect the future of education in Georgia. The 2015 general assembly passed two critical legislations, Senate Bill 133 and Senate Resolution 287. Both legislations will negatively impact education for our children and attempt to amend the constitution. Senate Bill 133 created the Opportunity School District (OSD) which is a plan introduced by Gov. Nathan Deal (modeled after other sates and promoted by special interest groups) to assume the supervision of public elementary and secondary schools that qualify as failing. In addition, Senate Resolution 287 proposes an amendment which authorizes the General Assembly to enable the establishment of the OSD plan by ratifying the proposed amendment to the Constitution of Georgia.

Georgia’s children and families deserve more. Therefore, Georgia PTA Board of Directors passed a position statement in opposition to the OSD plan and the constitutional amendment. Georgia PTA has developed a clear and concise research based advocacy plan to educate voters about the OSD plan. Since the OSD plan would require a change to our constitution, Georgia voters will have final say. When you go to the polls in November, the ballot initiative will read “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow the state to On behalf of Georgia PTA, intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance?”. we feel there are many If voters are not well informed or do not hear existing positive and the facts from you, they will mistakenly vote in favor of this corporate education reform. result-driven solutions Georgia PTA urges everyone to vote against ratifying this proposed amendment. The OSD to help low-performing plan has been proven unsuccessful in several public schools in Georgia other states that have passed similar legislation to take over low-performing public schools. but not the OSD plan.

Sadly, the new system has seriously failed those children and families.

In addition, the OSD plan will take away local control and undermine parental and public accountability because the OSD plan seeks to privatize schools and expand for profit charter schools. Also, local school districts will continue to cover the cost for schools they no longer have under control and there is an option to withhold an additional three percent of local school funds which will decrease funds available for instruction. The OSD superintendent is appointed by the Governor and is responsible only to the Governor. The OSD superintendent can choose to shut down a local public school and those assets can be controlled by the state and not the local school district. This is not fiscal responsibility of taxpayers’ dollars. This issue will impact everyone regardless of race, economic, political, and social background. This power grab to take over public schools is not about improving the quality of learning and teaching for students. It is simply, business and politics at our expense.

Special Services Advisor, Barbara Pitts

On behalf of Georgia PTA, we feel there are many existing positive and result-driven solutions to help low-performing public schools in Georgia but not the OSD plan. So, please vote “No” in November, and let your community know today that you are speaking up for Georgia’s children against the OSD plan. Together, we will achieve excellence!

Student Advisor, Daniel White

Tyler L. Barr, Georgia PTA President-Elect, tbarr@georgiapta.org

Fraud & Conflict Resolution, Nicole Ponziani Male Involvement, Keith Schumacher

Teacher Advisor, John Palmer

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Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

SOLAro Student Oriented Learning, Assessment, and Reporting Online

A grades 3-12 learning resource for math, science, and English language arts accessible both online and on mobile devices. SOLARO provides age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned lessons, activities, exercises, and quizzes with detailed solutions. Content, in the form of text, graphics, and multimedia is available 24 hours a day in a well-organized and highly engaging system. SOLARO was designed by educators to respond to the needs of the three major stakeholders in education: students, parents, and teachers ...

SOLARO for

STUDENTS

SOLARO provides a secure and guided online environment for students to study, work through exercises, and take assessments. The home screen encourages good study habits by providing a customizable, ordered to-do list and an overview of previously completed assessments and quizzes...

SOLARO for

TEACHERS

TEACHERS can easily view their course content, as well as the specific curriculum standards linked to each lesson. Educators can be confident that relevant content is covered in detail, as most curriculum standards have multiple lessons attached to them. Teachers can also use the media library to add customized content, including documents, media, and web links...

SOLARO for

PARENTS

SOLARO’s PARENT INTERFACE allows parents to monitor their children, and it provides detailed reports for each child’s account. These easy to read reports show how many activities have been completed, when they were reported, the progress of the student through each of their courses, the level of achievement on tests and assignments, and deficiencies that may need to be addressed. Parents can configure reports to automatically send to their mobile devices.

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ll progress is saved instantly so students can access their mobile devices and continue where they left off on their home computers.

With the assignment generator feature in

SOLARO, teachers can assemble customized assignments with problems selected from an extensive data-base of educator-reviewed questions automatically sorted by subject, topic, and lesson.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

————-——————

solaro.com/PTA

May 2016

TOLL-FREE (800) 840-6224 hELpiNg thE WorLd LEarN... oNE sTUdENt at a tiME

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Meet This Year’s Convention Leadership Training Keynote Speakers:

Ernie Lee and Inky Johnson Ernie Lee, the 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year from Windsor Forest High School in Savannah, GA will be joining us on Thursday as a panelist on the Opportunity School District featured panel (3:30-5:00 pm) and also as our Keynote Speaker during Friday’s General Session (1:30-3:30 pm).

Saturday’s General Session (12:15 pm - 2:45 pm) is one you won’t want to miss! Inky Johnson, Atlanta resident and former football player at the University of Tennessee, is going to motivate and inspire us all to do the impossible.

Ernie Lee, 2016 Georgia Teacher of the Year

Inky Johnson

Transition Tips To our New and Returning PTA Officers,

Incoming Executive Committee:

ongratulations on your election as a local unit PTA officer!

Your position is important to every child in your school community. Being a PTA officer brings with it many responsibilities and many rewards. It should be a wonderful experience – an enriching, challenging, fulfilling, and priceless opportunity – for you as an individual, as a leader and as a member of your community.

• Schedule individual transition meetings with outgoing counterpart. Obtain procedure book, contact lists, forms, etc.

Invite president as applicable.

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While you officially take office at the end of the school year, there are things that you can do now to lay the groundwork for a successful year. You may feel overwhelmed, but taking a few minutes to prioritize your tasks, delegate and communicate will help. While some of these important things may have already been completed, please take a closer look at each item to ensure a smooth transition:

Transition Check Lists Incoming Presidents • Schedule a meeting with the other newly elected officers.

Focus on timelines for your budget and membership campaign and begin to schedule major programs and meetings to coordinate with school calendar.

• Make sure the outgoing treasurer is taking the necessary steps to prepare the books and financial records for audit and that last year’s IRS form 990 has been filed. Even if a treasurer is returning for a second term, an audit must be conducted by either an auditor or auditing committee in accordance with bylaws.

• Appoint standing committee chairs and request Plans of Work with a deadline.

• Review local unit bylaws.

• Bookmark Georgia PTA (http://www.georgiapta.org) and National PTA websites (http://www.pta.org/). Sign up for e-newsletters, Capitol Watch (Georgia PTA) and Action Alerts (National PTA).

• Plan to attend Georgia PTA CLT as well as any training offered by council and district.

• Watch online videos if unable to attend in-person trainings or for reinforcement: www.vimeo.com/georgiaptatraining.

• Ensure that the current secretary has submitted the names and contact information for the new officers to Georgia PTA.

Responsibilities of Committee Chairs

• Set a date to change signatures on file at bank. Bring the minutes from the election meeting with you, since they will list the names of the new officers. Three signatures are recommended on the account and are typically the President, Treasurer and Secretary.

These are the only people authorized to sign PTA checks from that point forward. Two signatures are required on each check and signers cannot be related by marriage or any other relationship.

Remove any former signers from the account at that time.

• Begin developing Plans of Work for upcoming year.

• Plan to attend Georgia PTA Convention Leadership Training (CLT) on June 23-25. (www.clt2016.georgiapta.org) • Schedule a meeting with your principal to discuss programming, priorities, goals, calendar, etc.

• Review and maintain procedure book and files for the position.

• Respect the privacy of the business conducted in meetings.

• Actively solicit individuals to volunteer and follow up when given names!

• Follow Georgia PTA and National PTA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share with members.

• Meet deadlines and fulfill assignments promptly.

• Delegate not only to relieve your workload, but also to develop future leadership.

• Plan to report findings of the audit, present budget for approval and introduce new leadership team at first general meeting of the school year.

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Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

Register Now for Convention Leadership Training Join us June 23-25, 2016 in Athens, Georgia Registration is open! Bring your entire PTA team to Convention Leadership Training Full workshop schedule with descriptions is available online.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Thursday featured panels from 3:30-5:00 pm Opportunity School District

this summer in Athens, Georgia — it’s our annual event and at an exciting new venue! While you are there, begin planning for the school year and build camaraderie within your PTA team. This is the place to get all the information you need to kickstart your year as both a new or returning PTA leader.

The Link Between Good Health and Academic Achievement Diversity & Inclusion: The Power of Partnership Time to socialize and network!

Thursday kick off party hosted by Solaro at The Foundry Friday Parade of PTAs and Food Truck event in the pavilion Choose from over 65 newly designed workshops that will be relevant to both new and experienced PTA leaders.

Specialized tracks for Health & Wellness, Legislation & Advocacy, Family Engagement, Beginner and Advanced.

General Sessions that will inspire…association business, celebration of achievement and dynamic keynote speakers – Ernie Lee and Inky Johnson.

Exhibit Hall full of exhibitors who will be excited to meet you and teach you about their companies.

www.clt2016.georgiapta.org Full CLT Attendee Registration: $150 includes meals “One Day Only” Registration: $95 includes meals Check out our website for a list of hotels.

May 2016

Get social with Georgia PTA. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Use the hashtag #CLT2016 for the conference.

See you in Athens!

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Legislation & Advocacy

What the “Opportunity School District” Constitutional Amendment Means for Georgia What is an “Opportunity School District”?

A state controlled school district run by a Superintendent appointed by the Governor.

The school district could have individual schools from all over the state which have been selected to be in the OSD because they have received an “F” grade for three (3) years. What constitutes an “F” can be changed by the Legislature at any time. The state can take 20 schools per year for a total of 100 schools.

What does it mean to fail?

Can that definition change?

The Ballot Question “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow the state to intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance?”

That sounds great but what the Ballot Question REALLY Means is…

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow an appointee of the Governor to take over local school operation, take possession of buildings, and take control of all federal, state and local funding if a school has low scores on standardized tests or for any other reason a future Legislature and/or Governor may allow?”

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What Does This Mean to You, Your Child and Your School District?

• Allows the state to take over any school that the state determines to be failing.

• Definition of “failing” may be changed by any future Legislature • Currently using CCRPI (College and Career Readiness Performance Index) score below 60.

The State Board of Education (appointed by the Governor) has the authority to change the CCRPI formula • The Governor appoints a Superintendent of the OSD. The OSD Superintendent operates independently of the State Department of Education or your elected School Superintendent of Georgia. He is accountable only to the Governor, not voters or taxpayers.

• The OSD Superintendent may do one of four things with the school, without input from parents, teachers, administrators, the local school board, or the community: • Close the school and disburse the children and the staff around the county.

• Force the local school board to make changes to the OSD school (reorganizing the staff, firing all teachers, hiring new staff, etc.) as directed by the OSD Superintendent.

• Dual governance between the OSD Superintendent and local board of education.

• Transfer the school to the State Charter Schools Commission, which can then hire a for-profit management company to operate the school. The local board has no role except to pay for it.

This is what has happened in most states and districts that have approved state takeover plans.

Parents do not have to be allowed any say in what happens to the school or to the teachers.

• Allows the state to take local funds to run the schools it takes over in the existing local school buildings.

• This would be the first time state charter schools would be allowed to use LOCAL funds.

• Even when the state charter school exits OSD control, it does not return to local district control.

It remains a state charter school and gets to use the local money and school building forever.

• If the local school district needs a new school it will have to build a new one and will not be compensated for the school it lost.

• While under OSD control the local school system would still have to pay for all of the school’s upkeep.

• All the teachers and the staff can be fired from the local OSD school with no reason or recourse but the local school system (and your taxes) will still have to pay their salary and reassign them. Teachers are hired by the school system not the State.

• The Governor has sole control over the district, as his appointed Superintendent serves at the Governor’s pleasure.

• There is nothing in the legislation that talks about improvements in education or any extra resources for these schools. So it is business as usual in our schools except the state and the for-profit management company run the schools. Additionally, schools that score low on standardized tests and are not taken over by the OSD receive no extra help.

• The Georgia State Department of Education is already empowered to intervene to assist struggling schools via O.C.G.A. 20-14-41, and many of the requirements for state assistance match the requirements for a state takeover through the OSD. The appointed OSD Superintendent, not the elected State School Superintendent, would have authority over the public OSD schools.

Has this been tried successfully elsewhere in the country?

This model has failed in every state or district in which it has been implemented including Tennessee, Michigan, and New Orleans.

Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

Legislation & Advocacy

What You Can Do to Defeat Opportunity School District The Opportunity School District ballot initiative will appear on the 2016 November ballot. We all must do our part to bring awareness of the dangerous consequences that face our schools if this Constitutional amendment passes. Below are several examples of what you can do to help advocate against this amendment.

Host informative meetings with your local PTA/PTSA to educate parents and teachers about Opportunity School District.

Don’t stop at PTA meetings – host informative meetings with your Homeowners Associations, Booster Clubs, and in your community.

Use your social networks to spread the word.

Share Georgia PTA’s and your own messaging about OSD on your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Use visual reminders! Yard signs, car magnets, buttons on your clothing – these items spark conversation with those who may not be aware of the dangers of OSD. (Georgia PTA will have yard signs, magnets and buttons available in the PTA mart soon.)

Write op-eds and post articles in your local neighborhood magazines and newsletters.

Write and post articles in your PTA newsletters.

Share information from Georgia PTA on OSD in your PTA newsletters as well.

Make sure all Georgia residents 18 and up are registered to vote. Hold a voter registration drive at your school reminding students that they can register once they are 17 ½ years old.

November 8, 2016 – Go vote and take someone with you to the polls!

Visit georgiapta.org to learn more about why Georgia PTA opposes the Opportunity School District ballot initiative and for materials to use in your advocacy efforts.

May 2016

Men Vote Too!

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ver the past three issues of The Voice, I have worked to convince you that Male Involvement programs are important and necessary in every school. I have also worked to show you how easy and inexpensive it is to use one of the Georgia PTA officially recognized programs. The Georgia PTA Male Involvement TEAM is coming together in your District to make it easier to engage the fathers and father-figures in your school community. By and large these men WANT to be active and engaged in their children’s lives and education. Successful programs across our state and country have proven it.

Now, we really need to get serious about this. Tuesday, November 8, 2016 will be a big day for many reasons. Obviously, the presidential election will be in the forefront of everyone’s mind. But in Georgia, the fate of many of our public schools (possibly yours) will hang in the balance.

Georgia voters will step into the polls and a question will be asked of them about the future of our schools. Our teachers often lament that decisions about them, their students and their schools are made by people who have not set foot into a classroom since they graduated (or otherwise left school).

This will never be more true in Georgia than on November 8.

It is tremendously important that we make every effort to ensure that as many voters as possible know the facts behind the important decision that they will make when they touch that voting screen.

Unfortunately, the language of the ballot question that they will see will be confusing to those who are not familiar with the Constitutional Amendment that they are voting on. Some feel it is misleading. I ask that you personally learn the important details of this question. Please educate as many people as you can concerning what is being referred to as the “Opportunity School District”.

Voters will need to know what a YES vote and a NO vote actually mean.

In order to get voters to understand the true impact of their decision, we need to get as many of them into the classrooms of our state as possible. They need to understand this important decision from the standpoint of where the rubber meets the road.

MEN VOTE TOO! When you launch a Georgia PTA recognized Male Involvement program, you will be giving important VOTERS an opportunity to see inside the real world of your school. Unfortunately, this is an unusual occurrence in today’s educational culture. It is a rare chance for fathers and other men to see the great work that our educators are performing. They will see that our local school districts are very capable of implementing Georgia educational programs to make all schools successful.

I am asking you to consider giving the men in your school community a chance to see for themselves what today’s classrooms are really like. It is virtually impossible for a father to support his child in today’s classroom based on his memory of the classrooms that we sat in as students. With the experience of supporting the teachers in the classrooms of your school, these voters will be able to make a truly informed decision. The Watch D.O.G.S. and All Pro Dads programs can and will do that for your school. We also need to make sure that we don’t miss the opportunity to convert them to PTA members. They will become active advocates for Georgia’s children and schools.

Regardless of how the vote turns out on November 8, we will always stand ready to advocate for Georgia’s children in all schools and always maintain our standard of “Every Child, One Voice”.

Keith C. Schumacher, Male Involvement Advisor, kschumacher@georgiapta.org

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“Bulldog Butterfly Backyard”

Bringing Back the Monarchs

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ooler Elementary PTA constantly looks for ways to implement conscientiousness into our school’s curriculum. Our PTA programming efforts work to purposefully reinforce and mirror what is being taught in the classrooms. We always try to find unique opportunities to showcase our wonderful students and teachers at Pooler Elementary, and also put meaningful and transitional programs in place.

Diversity & Inclusion We hope you have had a year filled with joy knowing you are making a difference in the lives of children and families you serve. On behalf of the Diversity & Inclusion committee, we would like to wish you a splendid end of the year and summer.

Thank you for being on the front line providing enrichment, making dreams a reality and advocating for all children in Georgia from diverse backgrounds. PTA is the #1 and largest parent advocacy group in the nation, and with the diverse group of leaders and parents here in Georgia across many generations we continue to make every child’s potential a reality.

We hope to see you at our annual Convention Leadership Training in Athens scheduled for June 23-25, 2016. On Thursday, CLT kicks off with our featured panel discussions.

Please join us for the Diversity & Inclusion Panel “The Power of Partnership” on Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 3:30 pm 5:00 pm at the Classic Center in Athens, GA. Once again, enjoy your summer but know we will be awaiting your return in the new school year — we’ve still got work to do. According to the State of Georgia’s Constitution Article VIII – The provision of an adequate public education for the citizens shall be a primary obligation of the State of Georgia.

Let’s put more action, advocacy and accountability behind the policy, and we will see all students, families and our state reap the benefits for years to come.

Tammie Jenkins, Georgia PTA Diversity & Inclusion Chair, tjenkins@georgiapta.org

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Each fall, hundreds of millions of Monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada to overwintering areas in Mexico and California where they wait out the winter until conditions favor a return flight in the spring. The Monarch migration is truly one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, yet it is threatened by habitat loss in North America; not only at the overwintering sites, but throughout the spring and summer breeding range as well.

During one of our grant searches, our PTA came across Monarch Watch, a non-profit organization based at the University of Kansas. The goal of Monarch Watch is to raise awareness about declining Monarch Butterfly numbers and support conservation efforts across the Country.

The greater Savannah area is actually part of the Monarch Butterfly migration route, but plants they utilize for reproduction have been steadily declining. This is where the Monarch Waystation program comes in. Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for Monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Without milkweeds throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, Monarchs would not be able to produce the successive generations that culminate in the migration each fall. Similarly, without nectar from flowers, these fall migratory Monarch butterflies would be unable to make their long journey to overwintering grounds in Mexico.

Monarch Watch has a Milkweed Plant Grant program for schools and organizations that wish to establish a Monarch Waystation at their school and join the “Bring Back the Monarchs” Campaign.

They provide curriculum supplementation and offer schools the opportunity to purchase instructional materials and caterpillars. Pooler Elementary PTA applied for and received permission for a flat of milkweed plants indigenous to Southern Georgia, as well as approval to become a certified Monarch Waystation. The process was very simple: we filled out the paperwork online at www.monarchwatch.org, sent pictures of the proposed site, then our wonderful Administration provided a letter of support and approval for our site to be certified. After that, we submitted our package for consideration and within three months, we had our answer. Pooler Elementary is now on the map as a migratory Waystation for the Monarch Butterfly! The total cost for the certification process and Monarch Waystation sign was $33. For us as a Local Unit, the investment in future generations and conservation efforts is priceless.

We are very excited to receive our milkweed plants later this spring. Once the plants take root and start to develop, they will serve as a stopping point and breeding ground for migrating Monarchs.

Our Second Grade Level Team will not only be able to teach their “Life Cycle of a Butterfly” module in the pollinator garden and order educational items directly from Monarch Watch, but the students will be hands-on in the garden. This allows them to see the impact conservation efforts have on these creatures and the environment, while instilling a sense of pride and stewardship within the children.

Our “Bulldog Butterfly Backyard” is only the beginning of the conservation efforts we have planned for Pooler Elementary. We are so excited to know that our Bulldogs will be able to enjoy this garden for years to come; that generations of students will tend to generations of butterflies, while experiencing first hand the importance of preservation and community. We encourage you to join Team Pooler as we “Bring Back the Monarchs”!

Sarah Clark, Co-President, Pooler Elementary PTA

Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

Audit Prep can Save Headaches Down the Road

T

he end of May is a chaotic time for every PTA. Treasurers - it’s important to set aside a little time to prepare for your audit. Doing the following will make the audit process go more smoothly:

• Make sure that your Board of Directors has voted on an auditor no later than 2 weeks before the end of the school year per local unit bylaws. (Article VIII) • Set a date, before the end of school, for receipts to be turned in and checks written.

There will be a few stragglers for the events occurring in the final days, but everything else should already be processed.

• Finalize all financial business as quickly as possible at the end of the school year.

• Check that all bank statement have been reconciled (balanced) and checked by someone not approved to sign checks.

• Inquire about checks that have not cleared the bank account. It’s natural to have checks from spring that haven’t cleared, but there shouldn’t be any from earlier in the year.

• Conduct a mini audit. Start with verifying that the starting balance for the year matches the ending balance from the last audit, checking for signatures and receipts. Have you met all the requirements of section B of the Audit Review Form?

The following items will need to be given to the auditor: 3 A copy of the last audit report 3 The checkbook containing stubs of all checks written and cancelled checks (where available) 3 Bank statements 3 Treasurer’s book or ledgers (checkbook register) 3 The annual financial report (final complete treasurer’s report) showing all monies by budget category 3 All treasurer’s reports 3 All Check Request and Cash Verification forms with accompanying documentation 3 Adopted budget and any amendments that were approved by the membership during the year 3 Current bylaws 3 A copy of the filed 990 or 990-N confirmation email 3 Copies of board, executive committee, and association minutes 3 A copy of “Conducting the Audit” found on page 103-104 of the 2015-16 LRG 3 A copy of the Audit Review form (2 pages) pages 112-113 of the 2015-16 LRG

May 2016

Update Regarding Articles of Incorporation At the 2015 National PTA Convention, delegates approved wording to update the Purposes of our great association to more accurately reflect our work on behalf of children. As works continues on the National PTA Bylaws, we thought we would refresh your memory about the revised purposes.

NATIONAL PTA BYLAWS ARTICLE II - PURPOSES a. To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, places of worship and throughout the community; b. To raise the standards of home life; c. To advocate for laws that further education, physical and mental health, welfare, and safety of children and youth; d. To promote the collaboration and engagement of families and educators in the education of children and youth; e. To engage the public in united efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of all children and youth; and f. To advocate for fiscal responsibility regarding public tax dollars in public education funding.

What you need to know… The 2015 proposed National PTA bylaws revisions were referred back to the Bylaws and Policy Committee. At the National PTA Convention in Orlando, FL this summer, the Bylaws and Policy Committee will be presenting revised bylaws for approval by convention delegates.

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Save $2 on your next sunscreen purchase, compliments of Rite Aid. Clip the coupon on page 13.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun this Summer

K

ids can’t wait for summer. However, along with school vacation, warm weather and outdoor sports comes an extra dose of responsibility for parents. Too much time in the sun can cause pain and even permanent harm. Protecting yourself and your child from ultraviolet (UV) rays can prevent the growth of melanoma,

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In fact, 90 percent of pediatric melanoma cases occur in girls ages 10 to 19, and it can quickly spread to other parts of the body. Knowing your child’s skin is a critical step in diagnosing melanoma early and getting treatment. The following preventative measures will help limit your child’s exposure to the harmful UV rays that can lead to sun damage, and more importantly, melanoma.

• Follow the shadow rule. When you are outside, if your shadow is shorter than you are, it means UV rays are intense. You need to be extra careful at these times.

• Minimize sun exposure. Even when you follow precautions, it is best to limit time in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• It’s not just for sunny days. Children should wear “broad spectrum” sunscreen every day, even if the sun is not shining.

Water, sand and snow reflect the sun. Clouds only block 20 to 30 percent of UV rays.

• Lather up. Use lip balm and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 made specifically for children. Use water-resistant sunscreen when swimming. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 90 minutes or after sweating or swimming.

Preventative measures are important for helping to avoid the growth of melanoma, but being aware of what existing melanoma on the skin looks like is just as critical. Warning signs of melanoma include asymmetrical moles, irregular edges around a mole, moles that are generally black or brown in color, or moles with diameters bigger than a pencil eraser. Look for the “ugly duckling” sign, or one mole that looks different from all the other moles on the body. The ABC’s of melanoma are an easy way to stay mindful of the warning signs of melanoma:

Asymmetric in shape

Border that is irregular

Color that is uneven

Diameter that is bigger than a pencil eraser Evolving and changing over time Although the “ugly duckling” moles typically stand out to parents, about half of all children with melanoma do not follow the pattern above, so it is important to identify any suspicious growths on your child’s body and alert a pediatrician. A significant number of pediatric melanomas have well-defined edges and are light in color. This discrepancy can contribute to a delay in a child being diagnosed.

When identified early, melanoma is 100 percent curable. Left untreated, however, this type of cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Follow Children’s tips to help avoid sun damage and consult your doctor if you find any suspicious growths on your child’s body.

Visit choa.org/summersafety for more information.

Article submitted by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

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Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

summer safety

&

SUN SKIN

safety

Warm weather means kids are spending more time outdoors. Too much time in the sun can cause pain and even permanent harm. Protecting yourself from ultraviolet (UV) rays can prevent damage.

Minimize sun exposure

Follow the shadow rule When you are outside, if your shadow is shorter than you are, it means UV rays are intense. You need to be extra careful at these times.

©2016 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inc. All rights reserved. SYS 963377.ck.03/16

Even when you follow precautions, it is best to limit time in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

It’s not just for sunny days Children should wear “broad spectrum” sunscreen every day, even if the sun is not shining. Water, sand and snow reflect the sun.

Clouds only block 20 to 30 percent of UV rays.

Lather up Use lip balm and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 made specifically for children. Use water-resistant sunscreen when swimming. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 90 minutes or after sweating or swimming.

90%

of pedia tr melano ic ma cases o ccur in

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ages 10 to 1 9

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

It can quickly spread to other parts of the body.

Learn the ABCs of melanoma and watch for the signs:

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D – Diameter that is bigger than a pencil eraser E – Evolving and changing over time Talk to your doctor if you find any suspicious growths on your child’s body. When found early, melanoma can usually be cured.

Georgia

May 2016

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Coupon redemption paid by manufacturer. Not valid if duplicated.

Visit choa.org/summersafety for more information.

Contact jhammermaster@georgiapta.org for more health and wellness information for your school.

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Georgia Shape: Enhancing the Learning Environment through School Wellness

G

eorgia Shape is the Governor’s statewide initiative that brings together government, non-profit, academic and business communities to address childhood obesity in Georgia.

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Childhood Obesity leads the various efforts Georgia Shape across five key areas: Data Collection, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Marketing and Communications and Health Care. Staff from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) then coordinate Georgia Shape’s interventions and partnerships that promote positive health behaviors among families and children from birth to age 18.

One of Georgia Shape’s main focus areas – increasing physical activity in schools – builds on research that shows a strong relationship between physical activity and brain activity. Children who are more active in school are more attentive, at lower risk for depression and have better classroom behavior. They also tend to have higher grades and test scores than their less active peers.

Power Up for 30 is a statewide physical activity program that leverages this research to encourage schools to add an additional 30 minutes of physical activity into their school day. Through this free program, schools are able to increase daily opportunities for exercise while complementing their existing academic curriculum.

To ensure schools maximize the resources available through Power Up for 30, Georgia Shape hosts free, one-day training sessions to provide school leaders with an opportunity to consult with health and academic and experts on how to attain their student health goals. The training staff also provides customized action plans that assist schools in establishing a long-term plan for sustaining Power Up for 30.

Georgia Shape will be presenting more information about the initiative’s efforts and how PTA members can get involved during a workshop at this year’s Georgia PTA Convention Leadership Training in Athens.

Visit www.GeorgiaShape.org to learn more about the initiative and sign the Power Up for 30 pledge to bring 30 more minutes of physical activity to your school every day. For assistance with training and program implementation, contact PowerUpfor30@georgiashape.org.

Look What’s New at CLT This Year… Take a Walk on the Health Track We are excited to announce that we have a new “Health & Wellness Track” this year at our Convention Leadership Training (CLT) June 23-25, 2016 in Athens.

Join us for Thursday’s featured panel: The Link Between Good Health and Academic Achievement.

On Friday and Saturday, we have 6 workshops dedicated to creating a healthy school environment including a workshop taught by Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black. Visit our CLT website (www.clt2016.georgiapta.org) to read all the workshop descriptions.

Invite your Health & Wellness Chair to CLT today!

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We’re All In This Together

H

ave you ever heard the saying, “we’re all in this together?” Well, guess what? It is the truth!

Have you ever heard the saying, “together we stand divided we fall.” Guess what that is the truth also. As we head off to summer, let’s take a moment to reflect on what actions we can take individually and collectively to create a classroom, PTA and school environment that in word and actions includes all students and families in our success plan. We can do this by inviting all families to the discussion, casting down stereotypes and expecting excellence from every student who shows up.

An organization that recognizes diversity values differences and similarities among people through its actions and accountability. These characteristics include age, ethnicity, gender, language and culture, socioeconomic status, among many different things.

When PTAs respect differences yet acknowledge shared commonalities uniting their communities, and then develop meaningful priorities based upon their knowledge, they genuinely represent their communities.

When PTAs represent their communities, they gain strength and effectiveness through increased volunteer and resource support.

NaTioNal PTa®

Diversity anD inclusion

ToolkiT

NaTioNal PTa DiversiTy CommiTTee

Whether you are just starting out, or a seasoned PTA member, the Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit has an array of documents, policies and best practices to get you started on the right path. Visit the National PTA website (http://www.pta.org/diversitytoolkit) to learn all about their Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit, key takeaways and to read the National PTA Diversity & Inclusion Policy.

Tammie Jenkins, Georgia PTA Diversity & Inclusion Chair, tjenkins@georgiapta.org

Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

Celebrating Student Success: Reflections Georgia PTA recognized the state PTA Reflections winners at a ceremony on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the High Museum of Art – Woodruff Arts Auditorium in Atlanta. There were 2,111 entries advancing to the state level for judging. Of those, 256 were selected as Georgia PTA winners and 25 were submitted to the National PTA level for judging. For a complete listing of Georgia PTA winners, please visit the Georgia PTA website. National PTA winners from Georgia are listed on page 2 of this publication.

May 2016

15

SB 364: What does it mean for Georgia’s Children, Parents, and Teachers?

Spotlight on the Georgia Higher Education Community PTSA

s we wrap up testing season in Georgia, teachers, parents, and children are most likely weary of standardized testing. Our state’s current over reliance on tests like End of Grade Milestones, End of Course Tests, and Student Learning Objectives are taking away from quality instructional time and reducing opportunities for our children to experience classes like music, art, and physical education. The emphasis placed on these tests for student promotion and in teacher and administrator evaluations are contributing to high stress levels for our children, frustrating our parents, and increasing educator attrition rates across the state,

Georgia Higher Education Community PTSA was chartered to help our college students to have a platform to advocate on issues that pertain to them. It was chartered in 2015 at Spelman College but included Morehouse College under the leadership of the 2013-2015 Georgia PTA President Rita Erves.

A

In an effort to reform testing and teacher evaluations, Senator Lindsey Tippins (R - Marietta) introduced Senate Bill 364 (SB 364) this legislative session. Entitled the “Quality Basic Education Act,” SB 364 unanimously passed both the House and the Senate, and currently awaits Governor Nathan Deal’s signature. If signed into law, this legislation will reduce the number of tests required and reduce the percentage these tests can count toward teacher and administrator evaluations. While SB 364 is a significant step in reforming testing and teacher evaluations, how, specifically, would it affect Georgia’s children, parents, and teachers?

For children, SB 364 would reduce the number of tests given by one-third. It would eliminate the Milestones tests for Science and Social Studies in 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th grade and only give them in 5th and 8th grade. Each district would be given the flexibility to decide on a growth measure to replace these Milestones tests. SB 364 would also reduce the testing window for the End of Grade Milestones from the last four weeks to the last two weeks of school.

For teachers, SB 364 would bring significant changes. Student test scores would be reduced from 50% of a teacher’s evaluation to 30%, with the remaining 20% devoted to professional growth toward a personalized goal. Each district would be given flexibility in determining the growth measures. For administrators, student test scores would be reduced from 70% of evaluations to 40%. School climate will account for 10% of administrator evaluations, and CCRPI scores and other data will make up the final 20%.

Under SB 364, students would have to be present at least 90% of the year for their scores to count towards teacher or administrator evaluations. Currently, students who miss more than three months can still have their scores counted towards teacher and administrator evaluations.

SB 364 also reduces the number of observations for teachers who have been rated “Proficient” or “Exemplary” for three or more years. This will allow administrators to focus observations on new and/or struggling teachers, and allow our best teachers more freedom to teach.

SB 364 was supported by the Georgia PTA and numerous education groups representing teachers, administrators, school boards, and school superintendents. While it may only be a step towards reducing the toxic testing environment found in many of our schools, it is a step in the right direction.

Governor Nathan Deal has until the first week of May to either sign SB 364 into law or to veto the bill; if the Governor does not sign or veto the bill, SB 364 automatically becomes law. The Georgia PTA thanks Senator Lindsey Tippins and the legislators who voted to reform educator evaluations and student testing, and encourages Governor Deal to sign this legislation.

John Palmer, Georgia PTA Teacher Liaison, jpalmer@georgiapta.org

A Georgia State liaison, Marissa Little later joined GHE. In 2015, Georgia Higher Education PTSA leaders participated in Student Advocacy Day at the Fulton County Government building.

The attendees discussed topics such as human sex trafficking that effects their peer groups.

We are proud of our student leaders. Ariel LeBouef, a Spelman junior and Political Science major, ran for Miss Spelman and her platform was “To Be Politically Correct.” She hopes to continue the conversation around current events that pertains to young adults in the political arena. Ariell will be traveling to the Dominican Republic to study abroad next semester.

Marissa-Maya Little, Georgia State junior and Hospitality Administration major, ran for Miss Phi Beta Sigma and was voted the People’s Choice Award. Her platform was bringing awareness for young people who suffer with depression and anxiety. Marissa has been selected to represent Georgia State at the National Restaurant Showcase in Chicago, Illinois.

Congratulations to both of these young ladies.

If you are interested in joining these college students as an advocate and learning more about the Georgia Higher Education PTSA, please contact Georgia PTA at 404-659-0214.

Angel Little, Georgia PTA 1st Vice President, jlittle@georgiapta.org

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Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

School Based Health Centers

I

n its efforts to promote healthy students in school, the Georgia PTA is pleased to share information about School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) with all PTA leaders and families throughout the state. If you think your school would be a great place to set up one of these centers, please contact jhammermaster@georgiapta.org or Ruth Ellis of the Partners for Equity in Child and Adolescent Health at relli01@emory.edu.

Comprehensive school-based health services have increased significantly over the past 20 years. In this country, the number of comprehensive school health clinics has approximately quadrupled since 1994. 1-3,7 This model of health care delivery has been recognized as an effective means of providing quality healthcare for children while essentially eliminating all barriers to healthcare for those living in poor communities. 2-4 The barriers of cost, transportation, and hours of operation along with the lack of knowledge around what is appropriate health care are readily addressed through school based health clinics.

The initial impetus behind the development of school-based health centers (SBHCs) was to increase access to healthcare for adolescents for whom access was limited by finance, confidentiality issues and decreased parental involvement. 2,5 Therefore, the majority of health clinics were developed for high school and middle school students. Elementary school based clinics have been on the rise after the realization that the problems identified at the high school and middle school levels could most likely be diminished if there was early detection and intervention at the lower grade school levels.

In addition to increasing access to quality healthcare, SBHCs provide a sense of security to parents who rest assured in the knowledge that their child’s health care is covered at no or low cost, to school leaders who recognize that prompt attention to student illness means a prompt return to the classroom, and to employers who appreciate that employee productivity is affected when sick children aren’t attended to. SBHCs also provide a savings to the public by reducing inappropriate emergency room usage among children and adolescents.6 The basic tenets of SBHCs include the following: SBHC’s • are located in schools or on school grounds and work within the school to become a part of the school • provide a comprehensive range of services that address the physical and behavioral health needs of students • employ a multidisciplinary team of providers to care for the students, i.e. nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, physicians, etc.

• provide clinical services through a qualified health provider such as a hospital, health department, or medical practice • require parents to sign written consents for their children to receive services • have an advisory board consisting of community representatives, parents, and youth to provide planning and oversight.

SBHCs successfully embody the key principles of a primary health care program that serves as a portal of entry for school-age children. For many children, the health centers are not just an entry point, but the sole source of health care, emotional and academic support, and professional advocacy.

There are over 2300 SBHCs nationally. Georgia had only 2 centers from 1994 - 2010.

Partners for Equity in Child and Adolescent Health of the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University has worked with 34 counties throughout the state of Georgia to expand the number of SBHCs. For the past 6 years, Partners has awarded 12 month planning grants to communities with the intent to mobilize the community around the health needs of its’ children, educate the public on the merits of SBHCs and develop SBHCs in the respective counties. As a result of these planning grants, 11 comprehensive school-based health centers have been developed in Georgia and the total number should increase to 18 by the start of the 2016-2017 school year.

May 2016

These SBHCs have proven to be effective in increasing access to healthcare and student seat time for some of the most needy children in the state. In addition, a study conducted by Emory University School of Medicine and Rollins School of Public health demonstrated a significant decrease to the state’s Medicaid cost through a reduction in emergency room use and hospitalizations.6 References 1. The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools. 2002 State Survey of School-Based Health Center Initiatives. Available on line at: www.healthinschools.org/survey2002 .

Accessed January 20, 2011.

2. Brindis CD, Sanghvi RV. 1997. School-based health clinics: Remaining viable in a changing health care delivery system. Annual Review of Public Health 18:567-87.

3. Brindis C, Klein J, et al. 2003. School-based health centers: accessibility and accountability.

Journal of Adolescent Health 32:98-107.

4. Fisher M, Juszczak L, et al. 1992. Schoolbased adolescent health care: Review of a clinical service. Adolescent Health Care 146:615-621.

5. Schlitt JJ, Rickett KD, et al. 1995. Special Report – State initiatives to support school-based health centers: A national survey. Journal of Adolescent Health 17:68-76.

6. Adams EK, Johnson V. An elementary SBHC: Can it reduce Medicaid costs? Pediatrics 2000 Apr; 105(4 Pt 1):780-8.

7. National School Based Health Alliance. Census Report. Available on line at: http://www.sbh4all. org/school-health-care/national-censusof-school-based-health-centers/. Accessed February 15, 2016.

Veda Johnson, MD FAAP

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PTA News from Around the State

Georgia PTA’s annual event, PTA Day at the Capitol was held on March 1, 2016.

At the District 9 Spring Conference, district board members awarded several student scholarships.

With training and encouragement from JoAnne Hammermaster, students in Cherokee County spoke at a recent Cherokee County School Board Meeting to advocate for 100% completely tobacco free schools.

18

Georgia PTA Board Members Marina Staples, Angel Little and Barbara Pitts met with parents and teachers at the Atlanta Public Schools Special Needs Fair.

At the District 4 Spring Conference, District Director Becky Lawhon celebrated and honored the schools that achieved membership awards.

North Fulton Council awarded their annual Sally Fitzgerald Scholarships on April 27, 2016 at their Principal and President Banquet.

Georgia PTA President Haygood and South Cobb Council co-president Laura Shyman were welcomed into a staff meeting at Dowell Elementary School.

Georgia PTA ÂŤ THE VOICE

PTA News from Around the State The Georgia PTA delegation at National Legislative Conference had 14 Hill visits and spoke with lawmakers about appropriations for ESSA.

Piney Grove Middle School takes Welcoming All Families seriously. After checking with the county administration to get the break down of different ethnicities that are represented at the school, they chose the ones that were most highly represented and created a custom made welcome sign. The art teacher worked with students and members of the art club to paint the various panels that are included on the collage.

Georgia PTA Health & Wellness Chair JoAnne Hammermaster represented Georgia PTA at the State Capitol and advocated for good health as part of Georgia SHAPE Day at the Capitol.

Tyler Barr, President-Elect, was asked by the MariettaRoswell Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta to judge and interview senior high school scholarship nominees from Atlanta, Cobb, and Fulton.

May 2016

Georgia PTA President Haygood has spent the last several months speaking against the OSD Constitutional Amendment at a variety of conferences and events.

At the 13th District Spring Conference, Dick Workman, Forsyth Council President, was honored with the Georgia PTA Life Achievement Award and Nicole Ponziani, D13 Diversity & Inclusion Chair, was awarded the 13th District Visionary Award for her outstanding leadership and vision.

Gwinnett Area II Council hosted their annual celebration dinner.

Georgia PTA’s Student Advisor, Daniel White, was recently honored as Wheeler HS PTSA’s Volunteer of the Year.

The District 6 Spring Conference theme of “Under the Boardwalk” was a big hit with attendees!

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Membership

Four High School PTSAs Qualify for Final Four

W

ho says it’s impossible to get people interested in PTSA at the high school level? Each of the finalists in the Georgia PTA Membership Madness campaign is a high school PTSA! As you recall, we began in January with our “bracket” and through collaboration, friendly competition, and a little help from Swoop and the Harlem Wizards, we are down to the Final Four.

Our contest has been so much fun and highlights the fact that membership is a year-round activity. The business of PTA – to advocate for every child, to promote the welfare of children and youth, to raise the standards of home life, to encourage the collaboration of schools and families – goes on all year and so should our membership efforts. Membership campaigns are and should be a continuous effort.

This summer, begin planning your membership campaign for the 2016-17 school year. You will receive your membership cards at Convention Leadership Training, and we hope to see you in at least one of the membership training workshops. We have listened and are offering more workshops focused on membership than ever before. It’s going to be “Game On!” well before basketball season begins!

Many schools kick off their membership campaigns by inviting their teachers and faculty members to join during pre-planning days. Proving a breakfast or lunch, offering discounted spiritwear and jeans passes are all popular incentives used to thank teachers for their support of PTA. This is a great way to start achieving the Oak Tree Membership Award!

Here are a few other ideas to think about this summer so you can hit the ground running when school begins:

Online Training Videos www.vimeo.com/georgiaptatraining We understand that it isn’t always possible for our PTA leaders to attend in-person training sessions at the state office or at Council or District meetings. Georgia PTA has created a series of online training videos for PTA leaders to watch from the comfort of their homes.

Georgia PTA’s Training Videos President (also in Spanish)

• Appoint a membership chair and encourage that person to explore National PTA’s Membership Quick Reference Guide (http://www.ptakit.org/Membership/index.aspx)

Treasurer (also in Spanish)

• Create a membership theme that can be used throughout the year to heighten awareness of your PTA and the contributions you make to the school.

Membership

• Offer online membership sales if not currently available.

• Create packages that include multiple membership cards for a family.

• Offer local businesses the opportunity to join and create a certificate for them to display

Secretary

Reflections New PTA Officers – Jump Start Your PTA Success

• Like Georgia PTA’s “Membership Moments” Facebook page

Build a Better Board Developing Your PTA Communications Plan

See you in Athens with the “Card that Counts”!

How to Fill an Officer Vacancy

Margie Ringfield, Membership Chair

Why PTA?

Margie Ringfield,Georgia PTA Membership Chair, mringfield@georgiapta.org

Best Ideas

Georgia PTA would like to congratulate our very own Margie Ringfield for her recognition at the Midtown Rotary Club’s 10th Annual Barbara B. Rose Volunteer of Year Awards. We are grateful for Margie’s enthusiastic servant leadership.

Trouble on Board – How to Deal with Conflict Keys to Successful Family Engagement Report Writing Understanding the Common Core State Standards Grassroots Advocacy Opportunity School District – Georgia PTA’s Position Council Leadership Training Nominating Committees & Elections Transitioning Your Team

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Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

Board Specialist Spotlight – John Palmer

J

ohn Palmer wears many hats these days, but his newest one has added a different dimension to his passion for advocacy for his students, for his fellow educators and for public education as a whole. John serves as the teacher liaison to the Georgia PTA Board of Directors.

This is an appointed position, new for this term.

Double Churches ES PTA increased their membership 96% over last year! They did this with the help of their Principal, Ms. PaulaShaw Powell.

John teaches band at Dickerson Middle School in Cobb County. He holds a Bachelors degree in music education from Furman University and a Masters from LSU. In addition, he obtained his Education Specialist in Music Education from University of Georgia. Because he teaches music, John has been involved in advocating for education, and specifically music education, from the beginning of his career. He commented that “It’s always a struggle to keep music education fully funded” since many see it as unnecessary. When health insurance offerings for educators began to change with very limited notice and consumer education a few years ago, John began working with a group of fellow educators to help hundreds of teachers, state employees and retirees with insurance issues. They soon realized, however, that there was a real need for overall advocacy and began working to educate stakeholders about issues that affect education and public institutions.

John believes very strongly that public education is one of the great strengths of our country and that an educated population benefits not only the individual, but also society as a whole. But he worries about the future of the teaching profession, the propensity to not include teachers and families in discussions about education and trends to treat children as “widgets.” He observes that “the professional judgment of a teacher, who truly cares about his or her students, is of value and should be a factor in setting education policy.

There are too many trying to turn education into a business who believe teachers can be scripted and we can treat every child the same way.”

This year, the PTA at Double Churches ES had a Duct Tape membership drive. Every student and teacher that joined PTA was given a piece of duct tape. Approximately 250 students and teachers stuck Ms. Paula Shaw-Powell to the gym wall. Last year, Ms. Paula-Shaw Powell dressed up in a chicken costume and did the chicken dance in front of the entire school to achieve an increase in PTA membership.

Becky Lawhon, District 4 Director

“My goal is to bring the teacher voice back to the PTA, and to create more dialogue for parents and teachers to understand each other better. If we want to protect public education for future generations, parents and teachers will need to stand

together for our children, and When asked about his role as the teacher liaison for Georgia PTA, John replied that he has been our children’s children.” a member of PTA since he began teaching, but did not at first consider himself active in the association. He soon began to realize that children benefit from more dialogue between parents and teachers. “Many parents are unaware of the challenges teachers and administrators face each day in the classroom, just as many teachers are unaware of efforts and sacrifices many parents make every day for their children. My goal is to bring the teacher voice back to the PTA, and to create more dialogue for parents and teachers to understand each other better. If we want to protect public education for future generations, parents and teachers will need to stand together for our children, and our children’s children.”

What gives him hope? He replied, “I am hopeful every time I get a chance to see what our students are doing these days. I see young people doing amazing things in our schools every day, and I see kids growing from 6th graders who are barely able to open a locker to 12th graders who are ready to take on the world. I am hopeful that parents and teachers can work together to strengthen an education system that provides opportunities for all children to learn, and one that treats every child as an individual, not a widget.”

John Palmer has been a music educator in Georgia for 20 years, the last 17 in Cobb County.

He is married to an English high school teacher. They reside in Cherokee County with their two children.

May 2016

School Success Spotlight

Volunteers Needed!

It takes a lot of people working together to make our annual Convention Leadership Training run smoothly. We have several areas where we need YOUR help! If you are willing to give us a couple hours of your time as a CLT volunteer, we’d greatly appreciate it. We understand that our PTA leaders attend CLT for training and networking, but if you are willing to pitch in for a shift or two at registration, welcome desk, as a classroom facilitator or a greeter, that would be a great help!

Visit the CLT website at www.clt2016.georgiapta.org to fill out the volunteer registration form.

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The Georgia Vision Project: For Public Education

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his election season Georgia’s public schools are once again a focal point in the conversation about Georgia’s future. No single issue is as important to the future of this state as a strong public school system, from pre-school through college. And there is still work to be done if we are to transform our schools into the kind of learning centers that will prepare our students for college, career and life.

Many who read this are aware of the Georgia Vision Project and its research-based recommendations that are transforming schools all over our state. For those who are new to their positions or to Georgia I provide this primer.

What is the Georgia Vision Project?

It is a collaborative begun by the Georgia School Boards Association and the Georgia School Superintendents Association.

The purpose of the Project is to transform Georgia’s schools through the implementation of research-based recommendations in seven core areas of school governance and operation. These recommendations were developed with the support of Georgia’s college and university faculty, national thought leaders in each core area, and the input achieved through nine community conversations with citizens across Georgia.

In the last 21 months GSBA and GSSA have been joined by over 50 partners who share our sense of urgency. These partners include educator associations, state agencies, chambers of commerce, business and industry, child and family advocacy groups and foundations. No partner is more valued and more critical to our success than the Georgia PTA. A complete list of partners can be found on our website, www.gavisionproject.org

What are the goals of the Georgia Vision Project?

To maximize student achievement in every Georgia public school.

To build and maintain support for public education in every local community.

In short – to do what we know must be done.

What specific progress has the Georgia Vision Project made?

1. School systems have incorporated the Vision recommendations in their local district Strategic Improvement Plans. GSBA has included the Vision Project recommendations in their School Board Recognition Program. These two efforts have allowed Georgia school systems to embed this work into their actionable improvement plans.

2. We have developed a campaign to message the successes of our schools. Branded as “Spark – Igniting Public Education in Georgia” our campaign focuses on three key ingredients for school success: Teachers, Leaders, Innovation. We know we have to do some things differently to prepare our graduates for college, career and life. We also know it will take a well-prepared educator workforce and inspiring leadership. Expect to see more on the Spark campaign this coming fall.

Is the work making a difference?

Yes! We are seeing impressive results in achievement gains and trust level all over GA. An industry-standard evaluation to be completed in May should provide greater detail as to how much we are improving in these two areas.

It’s too soon to calculate the impact of the Spark messaging campaign. Our partners and every district leader can help by promoting the Spark message themes with their members, staff and clients. A toolkit is available that local district staff can use to turn these themes into a local message that will resonate with their community.

How can I help?

1. Highlight the work of your school or system, especially the innovative practices and programs in your district. Promote the inspiring work your teachers are doing to engage students and help them find their passion.

2. Engage your community in the work of the school system.

Communities win when schools, business and industry, civic and service groups, churches and families all work together to ensure a bright future for its children. Our schools can build a bright future for our students but they can’t do it alone.

3. Stand up for teachers. Teacher morale is at an all-time low. Our teachers are making a difference in the lives of their students, even in the face of great challenges. They deserve our support and respect.

4. VOTE. Deciding not to vote is not rebellion, it is surrender.

To learn more about the Georgia Vision Project visit our website at www.gavisionproject.org I wish you nothing but success in your important work with Georgia’s children and the educators who inspire them.

Stanley W. DeJarnett, Ed.D., Director, Georgia Vision Project

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Georgia PTA « THE VOICE

Elberton Community PTA First of its Kind in Georgia!

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n a beautiful spring-like evening (March 22, 2016) in Elberton, Georgia, something beautiful took place. The Blackwell Memorial Cultural Center was the venue selected for the chartering of the Elberton Community PTA. The series of events leading up to this chartering began in early 2013 when the National PTA President Elect, Otha E. Thornton, Jr. provided the 2013-2015 Georgia PTA President, Rita Erves, with a list of contacts to reach out to in this area. This effort was a significant one for President Thornton because as many of you know, it is his hometown. There are a little over 3,000 students in the Elbert County School District, and for many years, PTO has been the parent group of choice in this area.

We were all committed to seeing this through, and after much effort by various Georgia PTA leaders over the past few years, we were absolutely thrilled when the Director of the Allen Wentfred Jones Tutoring Center, Lillvian Jones, and Georgia PTA’s District 12 Director, Dee Dee Jackson, connected to bring the community together to form the very first PTA in Elberton. These ladies worked tirelessly, without letup, to make this happen for Elberton’s entire community.

The Allen Wentfred Jones Tutoring Center is also where the first members of this PTA originated. Yet, it has been a pretty long time coming, but we are all so delighted to see PTA in this charming town.

The announcement that went out was very appealing to everyone by specifying that: “ . . . everyone that cares about the well-being of children in Elbert County can join the PTA. This means teachers, parents, guardians and concerned adults can join and make a positive difference in our children’s lives.

Chuck Bell, Superintendent of Elbert Membership is only County School District, receiving his $7.00 per year. Come charter membership card after joining and see how you can the Elberton Community PTA. positively impact our children’s education.” It was evident that this message resonated.

People from all walks of life in this close-knit community converged upon the Blackwell Memorial Cultural Center to join our Association and to witness the chartering of the first PTA of its kind in the history of Georgia PTA in their very own town. The installation ceremony of the wonderful new officers was remarkable: Ms. Lillvian Jones – President, Mrs. Mary Fortson- 1st Vice President, Mrs. Mary Clark - 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Doris Hughes - Secretary, Rev. Elnora Alexander - Treasurer

May 2016

Having the Immediate Past President for National PTA, Elberton’s own Otha Thornton, returning home to address the Students from Elberton, Georgia’s Allen Wentfred Jones attendees was Tutoring Center are “all smiles” about chartering of the “icing on the town’s new Community PTA (first of its kind in our state)! cake.” His mother, Mrs. Estelle Winkfield, was not only in attendance but was also extremely excited. The Elberton County School District was well represented with Mr. Chuck Bell, Superintendent, Ms. Angela Moton, Associate Superintendent and current and former educators all present and thoroughly enjoying this event. Superintendent Bell not only spoke but also spent a significant amount of time with us after the event at a reception that had also been planned. He also became a member of this new PTA! Also in attendance were John M. Clark, Esq. (practicing law for 37 years; first AfricanAmerican attorney to practice law in Elberton and President of the Elbert County NAACP). He was joined by two members of the City of Elberton Board of Commissioners (Commissioner Freddie Jones and Commissioner Bobby G. Hunt).

Georgia PTA wishes the officers of this community PTA continued success with this noble endeavor of bringing the entire community together for the purpose of making EVERY CHILD’S potential a reality.

Dee Dee Jackson, District 12 Director, djackson@georgiapta.org and Rita Erves, Immediate Past President, rerves@georgiapta.org

The Voice Official publication of the Georgia PTA A Branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers Georgia PTA 114 Baker Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30308

Georgia

404-659-0214 or 1-800-PTA-TODAY Fax: 404-525-0210 www.georgiapta.org President: Lisa-Marie Haygood Editor: Susan Hayes, Leadership Development Chair Information from this newsletter may be excerpted for other PTA publications at the local, council and district levels as long as credit is given to Georgia PTA and any byline that may appear with the item must be included.

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