Spring Issue 2014
Latest from Texas PTA: New toolkit for student & famiily engagement per HB 5
Does music education really make your child more successful?
The Art of Financial management NEW FOUR PART SERIES
Get the full wrap-up on the Family Engagement Conference that featured Erin Gruwell!
Get a student’s Perspective on classroom Advocacy The benefits of PTSA!
Message From The Texas PTA President by Leslie Boggs, Texas PTA President
2014 – Let’s Hit The Ground Running! A new year, a new president and board, a new governance model, a new opportunity for student members – lots of new possibilities and growth for PTA! I am very honored and humbled to serve as your state president. I do not take lightly that I represent more than half a million members and am charged with ensuring this association is on track to make every child’s potential a reality. If there is any way the board, staff or I can help you, please email me at president@txpta.org. PTA is about engaging families. Please join me in doing all we can in 2014 to engage moms, dads, grandparents
and guardians in PTA. And the moment we have all been waiting for – membership for ALL students is now open with no minimum membership age. This is a wonderful opportunity to not only have students join, but for them to learn the value and experience of being a member and a volunteer for PTA. If we do this right, young students will someday be adult PTA members and leaders! With this change, we can build tomorrow’s volunteer leadership base today! 2014 is the year to take PTA from ordinary to extraordinary! Are you asking people to join or do you wait for them to come to you? Let’s start asking today. I am up for the challenge, but I need your help! Thanks to all of our volunteers for all that you do and for what we will do together to make Texas PTA not only the largest PTA in the country, but the most effective and efficient.
2014 is the year to take PTA from ordinary to extraordinary!
Summer Leadership Seminar 2014 July 18-20 Houston, Texas
Making Senior-itis a Blessing and Not a Curse Just like many parents, grandparents and guardians are experiencing this year, my household is preparing for high school graduation this June. To say it’s a mixed bag of emotions is an understatement. Yes, I’m happy and excited for my son and his future, but I also have fond flashbacks of walking him to kindergarten class where Ms. Williams greeted us, which for me, does not seem so long ago. Where did the years go I ask myself ? Change is constant, but often hard and inevitable. I have been preparing for this milestone the past year. My wife Pamela and I are having more date nights and spending more time with other couples who are experiencing the same life changes as we are. I find myself volunteering for more things in anticipation of some extra free time. So how do we deal with the anxiety and stress of high school graduation? While I’m no expert, I offer these suggestions. • Look at this change as opportunity for new adventures. • Remember this is the reward for what we taught all these years – independence! • Keep a “to do” list and make sure your senior takes responsibility for his/her action steps. • Remind your student that grades and attendance are still important. • Don’t forget your other children! They still need us. • Procrastination does not generally serve the family well. • Keep the focus on the graduate and graduation celebration and not trivial issues with family and friends who plan to come to your house.
• Look beyond graduation. Plan the work and work the plan. Is your financial, scholarship, housing and college paperwork complete? If not college, what is the plan – job, vocational training? • What about the summer? Job? Summer school? • Make happy memories. Love your senior no matter what. It’s called unconditional love!
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Please share your graduation pictures with Texas PTA!
Please share your graduation pictures with Texas PTA facebook. com/TexasPTA. And to all you parents, grandparents and guardians who have graduating seniors, congratulations for a job well done, so take some time to celebrate yourselves. Graduation is not only a celebration for the student, but for the entire family!
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@txstatepta @Texas_PTA Texas PTA
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by Kyle Ward, CAE, Texas PTA Executive Director
New 2014-2016 Board of Directors
Q:
As a member of the Texas PTA Board of Directors, what will
be your primary focus during your 2014-2016 term?
A thriving membership is vital to the growth of our association. One of my primary goals for the 2014-2016 is to learn from our members and non-members alike, how we can be relevant to the issues surrounding our communities and neighborhoods. Only then, can we structure the opportunity to join and to be active where there is a true value in being a part of PTA. ~ Lisa Holbrook, President-Elect
My primary focus is to ensure our Local and Council leaders receive the support necessary to be successful in carrying out their PTA duties. This support includes training, mentoring, communications, guidance and assistance. And as a direct result of this connection with our leaders “in the trenches,” we will have the opportunity to collect suggestions, feedback and ideas which can be integrated back “up” into tactical solutions and the strategic direction of Texas PTA. ~ Catherine Carlin, Vice President Field Service
Our committee’s primary focus during the 2014-2016 will be to continue developing the Texas PTA educational framework, which includes all of the FOUNDATIONS, BASICS and SPOTLIGHTS materials. Leadership will also focus on identifying new parent-leaders at Local, Council and State levels of PTA. ~ Chris Zimmer, Vice President Leadership
It is an exciting time to be part of the Texas PTA leadership team as we lay the foundation of our new board structure. Programs and Resources will focus on educating the whole child, facilitating family and community engagement, and supporting our educators. Programs and Resources directly touch our members, both adults and students, and our goal is to provide excellence in service and quality in everything we do. I’m looking forward to hearing from many leaders and members during my 2014-2016 term of service. ~ Heather Ashwell-Hair, Vice President Programs & Resources
My obvious focus will be on increasing our membership. However, I would like to qualify my answer by saying that I will strive to increase the number of our “engaged” members. With so many critical issues facing public education today, the ability of Texas PTA to be an effective advocate for children is dependent upon the strength (and yes, number) of our engaged members. By widely communicating our mission across a diverse population, and articulating the many ways that families can be included and become involved, Texas PTA will continue to deliver on its mission of “engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.” ~ Elizabeth Campbell, J.D., Vice President Membership
My primary focus during the 2014-16 term will be to successfully fulfill my secretarial duties and provide support for our Council and Local PTA secretaries. I plan to take full advantage of the flexibility of this position by also engaging in various areas of Texas PTA. As we will implement our new governance structure this year, I look forward to being instrumental in further defining the strategic direction of Texas PTA overall. ~ Sheri Doss, Secretary
In addition to my duties of overseeing financial management and reporting to ensure the financial integrity and stability of Texas PTA, my focus will include reducing the number of inactive PTAs. I will work to provide Local PTAs with the tools to maintain complete financial records to ensure continuity from year to year. I will also focus on providing training opportunities and information in Money Matters to support Councils and Local Unit PTAs. ~ Beth Crymes, Treasurer
A & Q
Texas PTA Board of Directors
What will be your primary focus during your 2014-2016 term?
My primary focus during my 2014-2016 term will be to provide a fresh perspective on ways that Texas PTA can not only continue to serve its current membership, but also attract new members and strategic partners. ~ Pierr N. Castillo, Director-at-Large
I’d like to improve and diversify communications at all levels; recruit and retain working parents; increase awareness and programming involving high school students; and develop partnerships with non-profit organizations. ~ Frances Fass, Director-at-Large
I will be focused to bring forth and help develop new concepts and ideas that are relevant to today’s parents, teachers and all who are interested in enriching the lives of every child in Texas. I will also focus on developing and improving member services, program offerings, growth of Texas PTA membership and developing long term strategic relationships with our members and business community. ~ Lee Guerra, Director-at-Large
President Leslie Boggs shares her thoughts in her Welcome on page 1.
My primary focus will be expanding our membership base by embracing new technologies and engaging new communities to provide a solid foundation for Texas PTA to serve future generations of Texas children and their families. ~ Fred Henley, J.D., Director-at-Large
I will focus on enhancing the communication between school personnel, parents and the community. In addition, I will work on bridging any gaps or breaking down any barriers that prevent parents from being meaningful partners with teachers in the education of their children. ~ Dr. Sylvia Reyna, Director-at-Large
My primary focus will be to work directly with as many parents, teachers, schools and volunteers as possible. No one person can educate a child on their own, it takes a team of people, and I hope with my time on the board I can help as many teams as possible be successful. ~ Neil Shelby, Director-at-Large
As a Superintendent and PTA member, I recognize the importance of a high functioning PTA so my primary focus will be to advocate for an increase in PTA membership for districts that do not have functioning PTAs. I also hope to assist with the legislative advocacy for public school districts to have more local control through the development of a meaningful Community Based Accountability System that focuses on rigor and what each community values. ~ Dr. Greg Smith, Director-at-Large
Advocacy in the Classroom by Julia Perez, 8th grade, Leander Middle School Every day students are faced with challenges in the classroom that often include communicating with their teacher to benefit their growth of learning. Students may have barriers when talking to their teachers, but in the end they will have more benefits in the classroom when they take the initiative to do so. A student will be expected to know all of the knowledge they’re taught, so unless they communicate or advocate with their teachers they won’t get help. At first, all teachers seem intimidating to students because of the age difference and experience levels; which may make it too scary for the student to ask for help. You are able to tell when a student isn’t improving and it can be from lack of unsought help. If students aren’t able to speak to their own teachers, they will be less likely to succeed in the classroom. Another reason a student would refrain from asking for help is not having a relationship with the teacher. Teacher-student relationships are beneficial in the classroom because without it, it would create an uncomfortable and negative setting especially when there is a student-teacher conflict. Communication between the teacher and the student is truly rewarding in the classroom. When a student is able to advocate for themselves, it helps them understand
the material he/she is learning. Teacher and student communication is not only helpful with education, but useful for the student to find conflict solving strategies. Rather than a student trying to avoid the problem of the teacher, he/she will be comfortable enough to advocate when their paper when missing, or when he/she got the correct answer but it was marked wrong. When a student advocates for him/ herself, it not only gives them a voice in the classroom but a higher self perception. Its not always easy to jump in the pool, but rather settle into it. So, students should start talking to peers first, then with more confidence, their teachers. Since peers can sometimes be intimidating as well, it may be easier to talk to the teacher before and after class rather than during (larger groups of students may overhear). No matter what approach is used, students need to make an effort to advocate for themselves regularly. Overall, I suggest students not be terrified of the teacher. They just need to remember that most teachers are truly dedicated to teach their students the material and that they want to answer their students’ questions (as long as the question is on topic). After all, teachers and students have the same goal, to maximize learning and growth.
A student will be expected to know all of the knowledge they’re taught, so unless they communicate or advocate with their teachers they won’t get help.
KIND WORDS FROM MENCHACAS PTA'S PRINCIPAL
As a campus principal I feel so lucky to be working with such a wonderful group of people, both parents and teachers alike. There is nothing like sitting in a room full of people brainstorming and organizing creative ideas to make our school the best that it can be. I have so much admiration for the volunteers who give so much of their time and energy to the children of our school. I am one of those parents whose job makes it difficult to volunteer at my child’s school, so I have a special appreciation for the parents at our campus who can volunteer for us. They remind me all the time that the best part about working in a public school is that it is OUR school...in OUR community. The families who attend Menchaca and the teachers who work here form a unique community focused on providing the very best school experience for our students. Menchaca’s PTA was the AISD PTA Of The Year for 2012-13! Out of 110 active PTAs in AISD last year, we were recognized as the most outstanding one of the bunch. But they haven’t stopped there, and they continue to do amazing things. John Rocha, Principal, Menchaca Elementary School, Austin ISD
Student Membership by Courtney Burgess
As
a college sophomore, I fondly look back on my PTA experiences and feel confident that PTA helped prepare me to be successful both in college and in my everyday life! I am so excited that students younger than 9th grade will now be able to join PTA. I remember attending PTA meetings in 7th and 8th grade with my mom. The members were talking about things that affected me and I wanted to be a part of making those decisions. Every once in a while they would ask me questions about what I thought or for my ideas on different topics. Being included in such important decisions made me feel like I was helping to make my school all that it could be. I attended PTA events and helped routinely and I think I would have done even more if I had been “officially� able to do so as a member. My work with PTA also inspired me to get involved with other school programs such as student council.
be involved. be included.
With a sound PTA foundation in middle school, I helped organize a PTSA at my high school and served as a member of the Executive Board for several years. I recruited other students to become members, serve on committees and fill leadership positions. I was recognized for my contributions in numerous ways including selection as the Kiwanis Club Sophomore of the Year for my school, community and even went on to be chosen as Sophomore of the Year for Texas, resulting in a college scholarship. I also received a college scholarship from my Council PTA. I feel that the greatest benefit to me was in learning how to effectively interact with adults without fear of voicing my opinion and being able to learn new skills to help me reach my potential. Not only was I helping my school, but I created close relationships with my teachers and principals that I still hold on to today. Also, being an active part of my PTA lead me to other opportunities and awards. I greatly appreciate the opportunities I was given by being a member of my PTA. I believe that students should be given a voice in matters that affect them and their school. I hope you will reach out to middle school students and provide them with opportunities to SchoolKidz makes back-to-school easier than ever by providing hassle-free school supply kits and fundraisers. grow and to make your PTA wildly successful. Personalized and customized kits No minimum orders Online and Paper ordering available Competitive Pricing / Discounts Free $200 Office Supply Pack Easy to use customer portal Industry-leading profits Free catalogs, order forms, and marketing materials Customized prize program for students No minimum orders
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Award Winner Our Teacher Tailored School Supply Kit Program earned the P.T.P.A. Seal of Approval for our service.
Maplewood Elementary in Austin was the winner of the Dinosaur George Museum in the Classroom event from Texas PTA’s Connection Day 2013. The Maplewood gymnasium transformed into a full museum in January. Teachers, PTA volunteers and Dinosaur George guided the students through the exhibits and explained the various pieces and signs. George shared many stories of his own expeditions, and made sure all the kids saw and touched the most famous piece in his collection – dinosaur poop!
Connection Day is Texas PTA’s annual event for local PTAs to report their current membership totals. Ways to communicate are through phone, email, text or social media such as Facebook and Twitter. We had a great response with 1,201 PTAs reporting their numbers with 270,308 total members reported. Each PTA that connected with us was entered into the prize drawing and through our partnership with Dinosaur George, we were proud to offer such a wonderful prize.
Below are photos of the all-day event. Shown are PTA President Daniel Colimon, PTA Membership Chair Jen Loving and Dinosaur George.
Kids These Days - Money is NOT Eternal Part one of our four part series by Daniel Philhower, Texas PTA Director of Finance “Kids these days, they think money grows on trees!” Sound familiar? For generations, kids have frustrated their parents with the notion that cash is endless and magically appears to purchase something wanted. This usually follows a long and arduous debate on how “I need it” or “everyone else has one.” Financial management is an art, an art that some adults haven’t yet mastered. So throughout 2014, we’ll discuss four financial principles that will help guide you and your kids through the art of managing personal finance. Sticking with the “art” theme, allow me to paint the picture of the four financial principles we’ll discuss this year that will make up the foundation of your child’s financial education. We’re going to start off by learning that money doesn’t grow on trees nor is there an endless supply of it; a key principle for any child of any age to learn. This summer we’ll dive into the art of saving followed by a fall article on budgeting. Finally we’ll wrap up the seiries this winter on the foundational principle of giving.
Once that money is gone, it’s gone.
Before we start, let’s talk first about this generation of future spenders and explore what the statistics say. The kids in K-12 classrooms today are considered to be the Generation Z, and are born somewhere in the early to mid 1990s up through 2010. There are more interesting bits of data on Gen Z’s money habits and influence on the next page.
Gen Zs are realistic. They understand how scary the world can be, having grown up post 9/11, in the wake of the Great Recession and amid countless reports of school violence. They’ve seen the effects of the economy firsthand and are more aware of troubling times. These dark events will undoubtedly make them more cautious and security-minded, but will also inspire them to improve the world (Forbes Magazine, 2013). If there was a generation to teach financial principles to, it would be this one. So how does one teach your child that money is not endless? How can you teach
Generation Z spends more on the economy than any generation before them at their age. your children that this little plastic card does have an end? Giving your children perspective is the short and long answer.
Elementary Ages: As your children start to understand the succession of numbers and that they grow and decline in value (1 is smaller than 4, but 4 is larger than 2, etc.) they can start to understand that there is a beginning amount of money and an end to money. Now of course, the first real step of financial literacy is to grasp the concept of money itself, but we’re assuming that your child already understands or is aware of currency and we’ll just focus on the principle at hand. We suggest finding a small item that your child asks for often (gum, candy, juice, etc.) and give them an allowance for the week/ month to buy that item. Help them understand they have $5 (for example) this month to spend on as much gum as they want, but once this $5 is gone, there is no more gum. Allow your child to spend that money whenever they want; even if they spend it all at once. The lesson here is they have $5 to spend and no more. Once that’s gone, it’s gone. Do this exercise long enough and walk them through the decision process of how much money they have now, versus how much time is left in the month/week and you’ll see them start to make natural budgeting decisions. This principle is foundational to understanding all financial concepts in the future. If they grasp this, the other foundational principles will come more easily.
Next up in the Summer edition of the voice: the art of saving
Find a small item that your child asks for often, give them an allowance for the week/month to buy that item... and you’ll see them start to make natural budgeting decisions. Middle School Ages: Do the same as above but give the child a little more to spend on a few other smaller items. The principle remains the same. Teach them that they have $15 (for example) this month to spend on iTunes or aps. Once that money is gone, it’s gone. This is also the age group that you can introduce gift cards (i.e. iTunes gift cards) which teaches them that though this card isn’t cash, it DOES hold value. Losing it is the same as losing cash. This is also the age that they will be online more often and gives you an opportunity to teach safe online practices; like going online to view the balance of the iTunes gift card.
High School Ages: For the younger grades (freshmen/ sophomore) we suggest the same as above but again giving them a bit more responsibility. You could give them a Visa/Mastercard gift card with a set amount of an allowance to be used on entertainment each month. Once this amount is gone, they will need to learn that there is no more entertainment (i.e. movies, games, aps, etc.). With the older grades (junior/senior) we suggest digging a bit deeper. If they are working, even small jobs, open a checking account in their names. The principles above still apply here. Once there is no money in the checking account, there is no more spending. Work out other deals with them as well. If they want to buy the $100 jeans, but you can find a similar looking pair at Target
More about Generation z and their money habits: • • The Internet, technology, war, terrorism, the recession, and social media shape Gen Z lives.
for $45, offer to pay the $45 and they can make up the difference using their own funds. If you want to further educate your seniors, sit them down with your own family budgets. Show them how much you make and all of the household bills. Have them sit with you while you pay bills and have them
to further educate your seniors, sit them down with your own family budgets. Show them how much you make and all of the household bills.
•
•
Social media has connected them globally to their peers.
•
The Internet has connected them globally to knowledge.
They are bright, and their IQ scores are higher than previous generations. They are accepting of diverse populations.
keep the ledger so that they can watch the money decline. Not only will this give your older students perspective on the family budget as a whole, but will teach them valuable life skills that they can take with them into college and into adulthood. As parents we should start instilling these principles as early as possible. The more literate they become in financial matters the better it is for the family and the community. We strive to raise our kids to make good decisions, and grow up to be self-sufficient tax paying citizens who contribute to the betterment of society. To get them there, start by instilling strong financial principles from which they can build on and be successful into adulthood.
•
•
Gen Z teens and preteens have the biggest impact on the economy for that age group ever. Their social media “likes,” product ratings, forum feedback has companies and marketers scrambling. •
They spend more on the economy than any generation before them at their age. This is driven by gift cards like iTunes cards that are spent online. •
They look for alternative ways to enter their professions as college costs soar.
Family and Student Engagement Evaluations To Begin this Spring This past session the Texas Legislature passed a landmark piece of legislation, House Bill 5 (HB 5). HB 5 created a process by which schools and school districts can evaluate themselves on community and student engagement, establishing a framework for each campus and school district to selfevaluate on 8 key factors related to student success. The framework allows districts, through a local committee, to develop the criteria on which to evaluate themselves.
The local committee will develop criteria to evaluate each school in their school district and the school district on compliance with reporting and statute, and
Texas PTA applauds this development because we believe strongly that student success is tied directly to parent engagement.
Based on PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships that establishes a framework for increasing family engagement, the Texas PTA toolkit utilizes best practice to guide the data-gathering process.
Each school district and each campus within the school district will receive a rating for overall performance as well as for performance on each factor and for compliance with reporting policies and statutory requirements. Each district will give itself and each campus within the district a rating from among these four ratings: Exemplary, Recognized, Acceptable amd Unacceptable. Texas PTA has created a toolkit, a step-by-step process to assist school districts in:
on the following criteria: Digital learning environment
Wellness and physical education
Community and parental involvement
Educational programs for gifted and talented
21st Century Workforce Development program
Second language acquisition program
Dropout prevention strategies
Texas PTA’s INGs of Healthy Family Engagement are:
AchievING Are students getting the skills and nowledge to be successful?
AdvocatING Do students have access to learning opportunities and being treated fairly?
CollaboratING Are your communities and families connected and fostering civic participation?
•
Developing a local committee,
CommunicatING
•
Surveying their community members to set a baseline for communication
Is there 2-way communication regarding student learning?
•
Identifying programs, events, and activities that will help districts to set criteria for each factor
•
Setting goals to increase family and student engagement
•
Reporting to the community and to the state.
InformING Are families partners with the staff in making decisions?
SupportING
Are families and staff working together to support development at school and home?
WelcomING
Do I feel welcome and valued on the campus? Be watching for communication from Texas PTA regarding the availability of the toolkit in the next few weeks.
These INGs are incorporated into a brief survey for parents that may be obtained from Texas PTA, administered by school districts, and scored by Texas PTA. Texas PTA provides each ISD with an overall report and a report for each campus in the district, providing important information about community engagement and perceptions that may be used to set a baseline for engagement of students and families and may guide goal setting for each school and ISD. The rating is due to Texas Education Agency (TEA) early this summer. TEA will publish the scores statewide by August 8th each year.
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Music Makes a Better Brain by Camille Day Nies, Assistant Professor of Music, Amarillo College Ok. So we are all stressed out about ensuring our children are building physical and mental skills that will produce happiness and success for them as adults. No pressure there! Can we as parents find in the overwhelming menu of enrichment opportunities, activities that provide intellectual growth, communication tools, determination, physical coordination, and a sense of well-being to meet this ultimate parenting goal? Of course we’ve heard hints of research in past decades that caused many of us to play Mozart to our babies and look into early-childhood music programs, but is schlepping our kids to private lessons and rehearsals year after year, arguing about home practice, or telling them they can’t quit their 8th grade choir really worth all of this parental effort? Science continues to back significant and long term benefits of music education in the areas of school readiness and success, and even overall brain development and function. So what makes a child “school ready” in the first place? Self-regulation, attention, and emotional stability are all emphasized skills while making music from day one. From standing in place and not dropping the instrument or swinging the bow as a young child to learning how and what to practice at home to be prepared for your next lesson as a teenager, the child learns self-awareness and discipline. Each child must learn to pay attention to a bazillion little details, from the teacher’s instructions to the curve of each finger to how the sound coming from his
instrument matches or blends with his surroundings. By celebrating and building on each small success along the way, the child is excited about learning and develops the willingness to try new tasks.
Science continues to back significant and long term benefits of music education in the areas of school readiness and success, and even overall brain development and function. Research supports that participation in musical ensembles helps students find the self-discipline to work positively in a school environment, with students participating in ensembles being less likely classified as “disruptive” as the general school population. Music requires study skills, communication skills, and cognitive skills, and a long-term commitment to musical development expands the student’s abilities in other academic areas and helps them become better overall students. In quantifiable terms, the 2013 National SAT average was 1498, while the Texas average was 1437. In results published by the Texas Music Educators Association, students participating in All-State ensembles in 2013 had an overall average of 1847, with the string orchestra students (most of whom study their instruments consistently from a very young age through high school) averaging a whopping 2091. Is this just a coincidence? Are these students successful because they are in music, or are they in music because they are successful? Recent research continues to point out that the practice of music actually changes the development and workings of the brain, with positive effects in school performance, reading abilities, and overall IQ. Music practice and repetition strengthens the number of working circuits in the brain, and builds better connections between the parts of the brain that process abstract and concrete functions.
Texas All-State Student SAT Scores (Texas Music Educators Assoication tmea.org)
Scientific American (Aug 2011)stated that playing an instrument is “the best brain training” you can give children to help with “language comprehension” and to “promote cognitive skills: attention, working memory and self-regulation.” Early music lessons are touted by Science Daily (Feb
Are these students successful because they are in music, or are they in music because they are successful? 2013) to provide stronger connections between motor regions of the brain, with long-lasting changes occurring in motor abilities and brain structure. The area of the brain that connects the right and left motor regions (corpus callosum) is shown as more developed in musicians. Interestingly enough, the corpus callosum of Albert Einstein’s brain was thicker than normal -Einstein himself was a lifelong violinist. So, as we flail along with our whirlwind schedules, take heart that our children’s involvement in music-making will continue to reap benefits far into their future.
Keep Track of Car Maintenance Scheduling Learn when to have your vehicle’s parts serviced.
Here’s a breakdown of a regular automotive maintenance schedule to follow to help keep your car running and you and your precious cargo safe. Your owner’s manual may dictate a different maintenance schedule, which you should follow. Brake Pads, Rotors and Fluid What you should do: Check the pads and rotors every 3,000 to 5,000 miles; replace fluid every 2 years. What they do: Brake pads and rotors provide friction to stop your motion. The brake fluid helps the brake pedal and brakes properly work with each other.
Engine Oil and Filter What you should do: Change them every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, many service shops and oil-change places are now using more advanced synthetic oils that last much longer. Again, consult your manual or dealership auto shop to find out how many miles you can go on synthetic oils. What they do: Keep all the engine’s parts moving together smoothly. Without them, an engine would start breaking down.
Find out how you can get an exclusive members-only discount on auto insurance from Nationwide.
Steering and Suspension What you should do: Check steering and suspension every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. What they do: Without them, you wouldn’t be able to move the car where you want to; they hold the wheels and allow everything to move in the same direction.
Battery What you should do: Check it every 3 to 5 years. What it does: It pumps power to the starter motor and all vehicle electronics.
Cooling System What you should do: Check it every 6,000 to 10,000 miles. What it does: Keeps the engine from overheating.
Headlights, Taillights, Blinkers What you should do: Check them every 6,000 to 10,000 miles. Many cars now require you to change the headlights from inside the engine compartment, so check their strength regularly. What they do: Alert other drivers to when you are breaking and making a turn. They make night driving possible and help other motorists see your vehicle on the road
Transmission Fluid What you should do: Change it every 25,000 miles. What it does: Maintains the efficiency of the wheels by enabling the transmission to properly send power from the engine to the tires on the road.
Air Filter What you should do: Change it every 40,000 miles. What it does: Like an oxygen mask, it feeds clean air into your car to make it run efficiently.
Power-Steering Fluid What you should do: Change it every 40,000 miles. What it does: Makes it much easier to turn your steering wheel, thanks to inexpensive hydraulic fluid that keeps pumps and valves lubricated.
Spark Plug What you should do: Change it every 40,000 miles. What it does: It gets your car moving, with an electric charge that lights gas vapors to start and run your automobile.
Timing Belt What you should do: Change it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. What it does: Ensures the engine crank and camshaft turn at the same time. Without it, the engine wouldn’t work properly.
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The New Year offers a great time to renew your commitment to your child’s school life, and there are many ways parents can get involved. Undecided that teachers really want your help? Unsure about how to get involved? Your PTA is the perfect place to start!
You build communication channels between the school & your family! Parent volunteers have better parent/ educator relationships. This can make it easier to spot learning or behavioral challenges, as well as more easily address these issues together.
When you join the PTA . . .
You build a stronger community! PTA members are an important resource in creating healthy families and healthy communities. Not all families may be able to contribute time and talents, but you can bridge the gap and ensure all students are safe, well-fed, well-rested and supported emotionally – so they can be their best at school and at home!
You are a partner in your child’s education! Joining the PTA shows your child you care about where they spend the majority of their week. If you’re committed, they will show more commitment too. Students with parents who volunteer show increased attendance rates, higher grades, better social skills and are more likely to go on to post-secondary education. Family involvement also promotes a greater connectedness between the school and the community, AND boosts teacher morale!
Why You Should Join PTA
You learn new skills! Want to learn how to paint a mural, plant a garden or write a newsletter? Well, volunteers can try it all! PTA committees look for volunteers who can use their professional skill sets as well as parents who are excited to try something new. Plus, this allows flexibility for daytime, evening and weekend participation. You have fun! Use the time away from work and busy family schedules to enjoy the smiles you’ll see while volunteering. Remember that PTA-time is a special time – all for the benefit of your child and their classmates.
NOW?
You are a resource for teachers & administrators! PTAs offer help to educators without stressing alreadytight budgets. PTA volunteers support the school through: • Classroom helpers • Main office volunteers • Community outreach • Fundraising & events • Family fun nights • Campus / playground design & maintenance • Transportation & security • Staff appreciation
Tip: Smart PTA leaders get their members and volunteers signed up to help in classrooms, at fundraisers, with school community events and more with FREE Committee Picker sign-up sheets from VolunteerSpot! Easy scheduling, mobile access and automated reminders make it your PTA scheduling solution. Plus, Texas PTA members enjoy FREE premium upgrades. You are an advocate! PTA members are the voices that make change! Parent volunteers know first-hand what both the students AND educators need for student success. You can connect with elected officials and business leaders to promote new program ideas and innovative funding solutions.
Remember to celebrate! Give kudos and high-fives for your wins large and small. Be sure to share your membership numbers, volunteer hours and fundraising accomplishments with your school community regularly. Contact your PTA leaders TODAY and let them know what talents, skills and interests you can share with the school community! VolunteerSpot is a proud partner of Texas PTA! FREE online signup sheets and scheduling save time and make it easy for more parents to participate at school. Your membership benefit includes a free one-year Premium upgrade (a $300 value). Take a tour and register your account today at volunteerspot.com/txpa.
Grades
3-8
24/7 Access to State-Funded Math & Reading Programs
! E E R F
Get Sharp
Individualized learning for students Students love using these fun, engaging programs. Teachers and parents love them too because students can improve math and reading skills at home and at school.
Don’t believe us? Watch and read about SUCCESS stories at texassuccess.org. While you’re there, check out more of the Texas SUCCESS website for tips and quick start information.
visit texassuccess.org Texas SUCCESS provides access to state-funded online, computer adaptive programs that support grade 3-8 Texas public school students at all skill levels through 8/31/14.
Education Service Center, Region 20 serves as the SSI Support Center for Texas SUCCESS (877) 315-4918 (toll free) | help@texassuccess.org
Family Engagement Conference and 105th Annual Convention
Explore, Discover, Ignite: Achieved! Family Engagement Conference and 105th Annual Convention was a huge hit! We welcomed over 600 attendees and guests and 30 exhibitors to Hyatt Hill Country Hotel in San Antonio for a weekend full of family engagement, PTA training, and good old fashioned fun! We were joined by several San Antonio school performance groups throughout the weekend. The Harlandale Mariachis Band from Harlandale ISD provided spirited tunes for the opening of the exhibit hall. The Cub Scout Pack 829 from Henry Steubing Elementary PTA in Northside ISD posted and retired the colors during the Opening and Closing General Sessions. More than 50 children from Gillette Elementary Choir provided entertainment during the Opening General Session and the Star Steppers from Northside ISD energized us with a dance routine during the afternoon session on Saturday. We were also honored to host the Northside ISD Superintendent, Dr. Brian Woods, and the North East ISD Superintendent, Dr. Briand Gottardy. Finally, the Ronald Reagan High School Jazz Band set the stage for fun during the Fun-Night-In on Saturday evening during which PTA leaders and families roasted s’mores, played games, and enjoyed each other’s company. At Family Engagement Conference 2014, we said goodbye to our outgoing President, Karen Slay. Karen is responsible for many impactful programs and legislative triumphs during her service at Texas PTA including legislation protecting children from riding in the back of pickup trucks and bringing Texas PTA’s Leader Orientation program online. We welcomed a new Board of Directors who will serve from 2014-2016 under the new governance model. Our 2014-2016 President, Leslie Boggs, challenged Texas PTA leaders to find a PTA member for every child in the state of Texas and shared how
PTA has impacted her family and life. Austin Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole joined Leslie in discussing how PTA has played such a significant role in her journey to municipal leadership. A major highlight of the weekend was our Founders’ Day Dinner. Erin Gruwell, Founder of Freedom Writers Foundation, shared her story of triumph as she inspired 150 students, many of whom were written off by the education system, to use the power of education to write a book, graduate from high school, and attend college. She shared the importance of being the change we want to see in the lives of all young people. Ms. Gruwell inspired the entire audience to look in their schools and communities to find those in need of a hand and to make a difference in one child’s life. She stayed over an hour greeting attendees and personally signing books. What an inspirational woman! On Saturday afternoon, Jillian Howard, Elementary Teacher of the Year, spoke from her heart about the importance of “the village”. Jillian, a Navy veteran, a track and field star, and most importantly, a fierce example of the good that our Texas teachers accomplish every day shared her bumpy childhood and how the impact of one teacher, her PTA, and her family system has helped her overcome obstacles and become the leader she is today. Texas PTA is so proud of all of the families, PTA leaders, presenters, and exhibitors who joined us for this event. We know that PTAs who participate in Texas PTA events and training are more successful in achieving our most important mission, to make every child’s potential a reality. Our next event is Summer Leadership Seminar, July 18-20 in Houston. We encourage all PTA leaders to make plans to attend! More information is coming soon!
www.txpta.org/events/SLS
Welcome to the Family! Join us in Welcoming these New PTAs:
PTA
Arizona Fleming PTA Borman Elementary PTA Cesar Chavez Elementary PTA Denton Area Gifted and Talented PTA Greater Anna ISD Special Populations PTA Guerrero-Thompson Pre-Kindergarten Center PTA L. B. Barton Elementary PTA Longfellow Longhorns PTA Lynn Hale PTA Neidig Elementary School PTA Nell Burks Elementary PTA North Hi Mount Elementary PTA Oran M. Roberts Elementary PTA Stewart Creek Elementary School PTA Vista Academy of Humble PTA Webb Primary Pre-Kindergarten Center PTA Westbrook PTA Williams Elementary PTA
City President
Houston Denton Fort worth
Eva Rodriguez Cashanda Schneck Clauda Sandoval
Denton
Karen Goss
Anna
Rhonda Waites
Austin Irving Dallas Arlington Elgin McKinney Fort worth Dallas Montgomery Humble
Samia Butt Aracely Chavez Cheryl Robinson Jasmin Trimble Kelly Wilder Brandie Cooksey Emily Norris Maribel Moncada Tany Chelf-Thrower Cynarra Armwood
Austin Colorado City Arlington
Vanessa Rodriguez Amber Matos Mindy Marshall
Web Corner Websites for Parents, Kids and Teachers*
Check out khanacademy.org! Khan Academy is an organization on a mission. We’re a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education for anyone anywhere. All of the site’s resources are available to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. Khan Academy’s materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge. *Texas PTA does not endorse or recommend any vendor, their services, or their products.
The Voice Spring 2014 • Vol. 105, No. 1
7600 Chevy Chase Drive Building 2, Suite 300 Austin, Tx 78752 www.txpta.org • txpta@txpta.org
Texas PTA Board of Directors: President - Leslie Boggs
President-Elect - Lisa Holbrook Vice President Field Service - Catherine Carlin Vice President Leadership - Chris Zimmer Vice President Membership - Elizabeth Campbell, J.D. Vice President Programs & Resources Heather Ashwell-Hair Secretary - Sheri Doss Treasurer - Beth Crymes Directors-at-Large: Pierr Castillo Frances Fass Lee Guerra Fred Henley, J.D. Dr. Sylvia Reyna Neil Shelby Dr. Greg Smith Executive Director - Kyle Ward, CAE Editor-in-Chief/Designer - Melissa Day The Voice, the official publication of the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers, is published four times a year — fall, winter, spring and summer. Call 512-476-6769 or visit us on the web for more information. Disclaimer: Articles and advertisements in The Voice do not necessarily represent the viewpoints or policies of Texas PTA. Texas PTA does not endorse non-PTA products or services mentioned in this publication. Reprint permission: Unless otherwise noted, PTAs may reproduce and distribute the materials from The Voice without express written permission. Texas PTA materials may not be duplicated by any other organization or person without written permission from the editor.