THe Voice Family Engagement Issue
Blending Families:
Making it Work 6 Ways to Support Your Student
Strengthen Relationships During Serious Illness
Families and Advocacy
Planning for College Modernization of the
Family Meal
in Today’s World
Apply for a PTA Scholarship!
Message From The Texas PTA President by Karen Slay, Texas PTA President It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve as the president for Texas PTA. I’ve been blessed to visit so many of our PTAs, and have been impressed by some of the things our PTAs are doing that make them so relevant and successful. Texas PTA’s strength comes not from what happens at the state office or with the state board, but from our Local PTAs. This issue of The Voice is all about family engagement, which is one of PTA’s cornerstone principles. So I thought I’d share just a few success stories I’ve been fortunate to hear about while visiting PTAs. One PTA was committed to getting more people serving on their PTA committees. They offered snacks and put tables out with signup sheets highlighting each PTA committee. There were handouts with expectations and the current
Texas PTA Still Needs You Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for your advocacy during this recent legislative session. Thanks to your commitment and dedication, Texas youth will benefit from the restoration of much of the funding cut from public schools in 2011, a reduction in the number of high school state mandated tests from 15 to 5, and an increase in choice for high school students.
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committee chair was there to answer any questions and welcome those who came. The committees filled up and the members appreciated that they could serve on a committee and not have to serve on the board. Math and science kit nights are always impressive to me because they directly engage the families in classroom learning. The Local PTA sponsors the events by providing all of the supplies for each gradelevel and may provide a meal or snack. The parents always appreciate receiving information that better equips them to reinforce the learning at home. Literacy events are equally fun and family oriented. One PTA had a holiday-themed Read to Me Night with hot cocoa and pajamas. Others have centered their events around different themes, but the students and families always come out winners as they have an evening reading together!
The work is not yet done. Right now the State Board of Education (SBOE), the 15 member elected body that sets curriculum for Texas students, is considering what courses to approve for each new endorsement for high school students. (Remember that high school students will now have a core curriculum of required courses and may select from as many as 5 endorsement areas to explore.) These SBOE decisions makes will determine how many choices students really have to explore areas of interest to them.
Then there is the PTA who held a Healthy Habits event, that began with offering a healthy meal. The meal was followed by a Health and Safety Fair and healthy cooking classes. Families attended and focused on their own healthy habits, while receiving important information to help make their health goals more attainable. I hope your PTA has focused on family engagement and set goals to increase the participation of your families in the education and lives of their students. When a PTA can be successful with their family engagement goals, the results are life-long for the students and almost certainly make them more successful in many areas. And if you have a great success story to share about family engagement, please let us know so we can share best practices with others on our Talk of Texas web page. Thank you to our PTAs who work so tirelessly to make family engagement a priority!
Please watch for email alerts and take action when called upon. The decisions will be made by late January 2014, just in time for course catalogues to be produced and disseminated to students. Without your voice, our great gains may be lost.
Finding Your Child’s Passion — Theirs... Not Yours by Kyle Ward, CAE, Texas PTA Executive Director When my family is not at work or school, most likely you will find us at a baseball field somewhere. Our sons are true baseball enthusiasts, an interest they have cultivated since their early years. As the boys have gotten older and the number of practices and games have increased, the hours we spend for “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” have plummeted. Their love for the game has grown into a passion for their mom and me. Every now and then I am perplexed watching and listening to parents at games. It is apparent baseball is “their” passion and probably not their child’s. This is easily detected by simply watching the player’s body language and overall attitude. Playing baseball in very hot temperatures is not easy and requires complete passion and dedication by every member of the team. Often times I feel badly for the player who clearly does not want to be out there. It is painful for the player
and for the parents who are insistent that baseball is little Johnny’s passion. As parents we struggle with wanting our children to be involved with extracurricular activities, and the list of opportunities for student participation increases yearly. Before we know it, our child not only has a full school schedule during the day, he or she has most of the evenings filled with practices or required attendance for some other activity. Homework is often not even tackled until midnight or later, creating stress for our students and the parents. Staying busy and involved are good things. Students should be exposed to multiple opportunities so they can decide where they excel, and what they enjoy! To excel and not enjoy does not make for a pleasant experience for our children or us as parents. Sometimes the truth hurts, but it redirects us in a way that’s needed. If our children are clearly not successful at a sport or other activity, and their participation makes them feel badly about themselves, it’s time to explore
Make It Social One of the things PTA members do best is network! Network with teachers and administrators on your local campus...network at training events... network at the PTA meeting...network at the grocery store...network at work. Did you know that Texas PTA makes it easy to network our good news, resources and events online with social media? Visit the Texas PTA website today and see all the ways we make it easy to “make it social”!
other options where they can find their passion and ability to be successful. Failure is not terminal. It’s temporary. Finding something that our kids like and have fun with will improve self-esteem and prepare them for adulthood and the workforce, which, as we know, has its ups and downs for achieving (or not) success. The world is an incredible place to live because we are all different. If a child is not an athlete, that is okay! If he or she enjoys singing or playing an instrument, develop it. If your child loves art or drama, we need more talent and beauty in the world. Every child has a gift – we just have to help them find it! And it is our job as parents to stay positive and reassuring until they do.
Tips to Ensure the Passion is Theirs — Not Yours • Listen to your child. • Explore multiple interests. • Narrow the list down based on time availability for students and parents. • If your kids excel, great! If not, explore another passion. • Keep looking until you find it. • Have fun. Passions don’t exist without fun. • We are all different. That’s why we have so many choices! Suggested Reading: The Path to Purpose: Helping Our Children Find Their Calling in Life by William Damon 3
Planning for College in Today’s World by Jim McKinney, CCPS Planning for today’s college bound students and their families is a completely different ball game than it was when their parents went to college. With the price of tuition and fees over five hundred percent more than what the parent’s generation paid, planning for college is one of the biggest financial decisions that both parents and students will make in their lifetimes. Making the right decisions on where to attend from both an educational and financial standpoint is paramount today. One fact that many families do not take into account is the fact that colleges are businesses, they happen to employ educators. They are all looking to make improvements to their facilities, hire better professors and offer the latest in technology. This takes more money. Colleges and universities will continue to raise prices based on what the market will bear from a price standpoint. Sticker price though, is not a good indication of what the college will actually cost. Public universities generally have lower tuition costs than private colleges and universities, but they do not have as much in scholarship money, discounts, grants, etc. as the private schools do. Thus, sticker price does not mean that much, it is more what the college has to give in financial aid that determines what can be afforded. In some cases, it is less expensive to go to a private school than a public school. Financial aid is based on two factors – need or merit. Need based aid is based on the family’s income, assets, number of students in college, age of the parents and other factors. Merit based aid is based on the student’s SAT/ACT scores, grade point average, class rank, extra-curricular activities and also the parents ability to pay. That’s right, merit-based aid is partially based on how much money the family has saved for college. Colleges use Strategic Enrollment Management models to determine how much they will offer a student in financial aid. Since most families don’t qualify for need-based aid, these models determine how much merit-based aid they will offer the student. These models take into account both the student’s information and the parent’s financial information. When comparing two families, those families with money saved in the traditional college savings products (ie. 529 plans, UGMA/
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UTMA accounts, Coverdell Plans) will generally receive less money than those families who did not save money at all for college. The colleges and universities ask for this information either in the application process with merit scholarship forms or through the financial aid forms that they require. One must keep in mind that there are two kinds of positioning for families – parent’s financial positioning and student’s academic positioning. There are two methodologies to determine how much a family can afford to pay. The Federal methodology requires the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA). This form is required by all colleges and universities nation-wide and asks for income, assets, college savings accounts, etc. It helps determine what the family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is. College savings accounts add to make this number higher. Institutional methodology uses a Financial Aid Profile (FAP) form that requires everything that the FAFSA requires but also looks at home equity as an asset that can be used for college expenses as well. More than half of the colleges and universities in the country now require an Institutional form. Some colleges use their own proprietary institutional form rather than the more lengthy CSS profile form which has close to seven hundred questions. A general rule of thumb in past years was that the more elite the school, the more forms they required. Although this generally is still the case, it has changed considerably in the past few years. Filing these forms in a timely manner is also important in that the deadlines are earlier than most people think. FAFSA cannot be filed until January 1st of the student’s senior year. FAP forms are usually due by November 15th of senior year, or a month and a half before the year is even over. Proprietary forms are usually due by December 1st of senior year. Thus it is important to have admissions applications completed early in order to file forms in a timely manner. Sticker price does not mean that much, it is more what the college has to give in financial aid that determines what can be afforded. In some cases, it is less expensive to go to a private school than a public school.
Planning for College (cont.) One of the most common mistakes that students make when apply to colleges and universities is that they don’t apply to enough schools. Students should apply to a minimum of six schools with a mix of both public and private colleges and universities with usually a maximum of ten schools. The reason behind the numbers is that all of the schools see who they are competing against once FAFSA or FAP forms are filed. If there is a mix of both public and private schools on the list, the colleges are more likely to make their best financial aid offer up front. But before applying to this many schools, the most important thing is that the schools all “fit” the student. The “fit” to a college or university should include three factors: 1) Personal or social fit – the student feels comfortable at the school and will not want to leave and come back home (and get back on the parent’s payroll); 2) The school fits academically – the student is academically elevated which means they are in the top twenty five percent of the schools incoming freshman class, based on SAT or ACT scores; and 3) Financial Aid fit – how much money does the school have to offer in financial aid. When it comes to most colleges and universities, standardized test scores are still the most important factor when it comes to not only gaining acceptance, but also the financial aid offered. There is much competition these days for better scores whereas my generation didn’t even know we could study for the test in most cases. Grade point average and class rank are important as well to most
colleges. It is important to find out which of these three is most important at each school before applying. Another factor in determining financial aid is a student interview. Most students don’t have any idea that they should be interviewing with the schools that they are planning on applying to. Those students who interview are the ones that the decision makers will remember when it comes to deciding who gets financial aid. Handing the person who conducts the interview, whether it be admissions or faculty, a resume with the student’s picture on it is important as well. Students should also be prepared to ask questions in the process. Today’s world of college planning is quite different than it was even ten years ago. With so much money at stake, it is a good idea to seek professional help when college planning for most families. A good college planner can help the students find the right schools that truly “fit” them and also help the parents not only pay a more “wholesale” price but also how to pay for college period, without taking on too much debt for either the students or parents. Jim McKinney is a Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) that has worked for The College Authority, LLC, since 2001 helping families in the Austin, Texas area make informed decisions about where to attend college and how best to pay for it. Jim is a Texas native from Pecos and a University of Texas at Austin graduate. Jim is a public speaker who shares his knowledge on college planning in schools, libraries and other venues. He has three children – Sean, Nina and Jett.
Texas PTA Scholarship Applications Available! Guidelines and applications are now available for the 2013-2014 Scholarship Program. Information is available on the Texas PTA website: www.txpta.org/recognition/scholarships Texas PTA offers $1000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Texas who will be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university or a technical institute in the summer or fall semester immediately following applicant’s high school graduation. All funds for the scholarships are provided by gifts to the Texas PTA Endowment Fund. Deadline for submission is December 1, 2013. Texas PTA offers $500 scholarships to teachers, teachers’ aides, or other faculty members planning to take college credit courses, workshops or other continuing education which improves the applicant’s teaching proficiency or applies to a specific education-related certification (includes middle management, administrator, counselor, etc.). These courses may include online correspondence courses. Deadline for submission is January 15, 2014. See photos of past winners on page 15
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Join us to EXPLORE, DISCOVER, and IGNITE! This way to ADVENTURE... We’re headed to San Antonio for the 2014 Family Engagement Conference (FEC)! Texas PTA knows that our vision to making every child’s potential a reality can be achieved through strong volunteer support, effective advocacy and passionate family engagement! Join us February 7-9 for a weekend where we’ll EXPLORE ideas to increase involvement on your campus, DISCOVER ways to strengthen your PTA, and IGNITE passion for PTA throughout the school year!
FEC 2014 Highlights Founders’ Day Dinner Celebrate PTA during this inspirational dinner featuring Erin Gruwell, founder of Freedom Writers Foundation. Erin has a steadfast commitment to the future of education, and her impact as an agent of change runs deep. By fostering an educational philosophy that valued and promoted diversity, she transformed her students’ lives. With Erin’s support, they chose to forego teenage pregnancy, drugs, and violence to become aspiring college students, published writers, and citizens for change. They dubbed themselves the “Freedom Writers” — an homage to civil rights activists The Freedom Riders — and published a book. Inspired by Anne Frank, Erin and her students captured their collective journey in The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change the World Around Them. Through poignant student entries and Erin’s narrative text, the book records their “eye-opening, spirit-raising odyssey against intolerance and misunderstanding.” Portrayed by Academy Award winner Hilary Swank in Freedom Writers, the film based on Gruwell’s book The Freedom Writers Diary.
Families Welcome! Check out our new registration package that includes childcare for grades K-8th and registration for two adults! They Hyatt Hill Country is the perfect setting for families to create new memories! Visit www.txpta.org/fec to find out more!
Location Hyatt Regency Hill Country Hotel 9800 Hyatt Resort Drive, San Antonio, Texas, 78251 Revel in the experience of true Texan hospitality at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Hotel. This charming San Antonio hotel indulges every sense with outstanding amenities for relaxing, playing, meeting, dining and enjoy the beautiful Hill Country!
txpta.org/FEC
Family Engagement Makes a Difference by Cecilia Ortiz, Campus and Multicultural Outreach Manager Anson Jones Elementary PTA in Dallas has a lot to celebrate as they experienced an increase in membership and parent participation! Members of the PTA Board attended Summer Leadership Seminar in Dallas, and were able to access valuable information and support through the Spanish-language workshops, as well as the availability of translation services. Leaving SLS energized, feeling confident and full of newly-acquired knowledge, Anson Jones Elementary PTA made plans for educating their families on the importance of family engagement and the value of PTA. PTA President Veronica Serrano and Board officers: Rosalinda Cueva, Francisca Daley, Maria Vega, Maria Rodriguez,
Elizabeth Garcia, Alberta Oviedo, Graciela Ulloa and Erika Pineda, are dedicated to the PTA and the families of Anson Jones Elementary. There success would not be possible without the support of their principal, Alberto Herrera, and the entire faculty. Families appreciate the Board’s approachability and consider them an asset to the school, as reflected by their parental involvement and membership. Anson Jones PTA understands that membership is a year-round priority as is speaking up for the children. The school community has a large number of families that are only Spanish-speaking, and those families have embraced the essence of what
makes PTA so valuable, in part with the aide from Spanish-speaking board members. The Board has also made it a priority to speak one-on-one with as many families as possible, educating parents on the importance of attendance, academic achievement and Dallas ISD school procedures. When conducting PTA meetings they remind the families that PTA can also save them money by joining and receiving a membership card which provides exclusive perks.
Congratulations to Anson Jones Elementary for having such committed PTA members and leaders.
Pictured from left to right are Anson Jones PTA Board Members; Maria Vega, Alberta Oviedo, Rosalinda Cuevas, Elizabeth Garcia, Veronica Serrano and Principal Alberto Herrera. The children pictured are their children.
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rnizatio e d o n M
of the Family Meal
brought to you by H-E-B The traditional family meal in today’s world can often seem like a daunting task. The picture of a “family meal” is a family sitting together at the table to a magnificent feast. Then the reality of the hectic family schedule sets in. There are far too many benefits of a family meal to put it on the backburner. Food prepared at home is generally more nutritious and less expensive than fast ready-to-eat convenience foods. There can be barriers preventing families from participating in family meals. These obstacles could be financial, lack of kitchen and cooking know how, or time. There are strategies that can overcome whatever is standing between you and a family meal. Family meals don’t have to be an everyday event. That would be great, but your schedule may only allow once a week. Start slow with a plan that fits your family’s lifestyle.
Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Avocados recipe provided could be ready to cook and serve within 20 minutes, just prepare the peppers and couscous in advance per the recipe. Making a meal plan for the week can cut costs by incorporating the same ingredients into different dishes. Meals do not have to be complex. Crispy Fish Nuggets only include four ingredients and the tilapia is already in the stuffed pepper recipe. Another To-Go Box money saving tip • Set small goals that fit your family includes the recipes • Plan meals in advance like Vegetable Skillet • Portion and prepare ahead of time Eggs that prepares • Incorporate the same ingredients 4 servings and the into several dishes Blueberry Rhubarb • Involve the family with decisions Crepes prepares and cooking 8 servings; these leftovers can be a meal for another night. Preparing a meal in advance, such as the King Ranch Chicken Casserole, can also reduce the time spent during your busiest weekdays. Family meals are not just about eating. Include your children in the selection of ingredients and cooking. Allowing children to shop with you could give them a sense of ownership in the family meal, provide a topic of conversation, and provide a good foundation for nutrition. This might be a good way to have them select brussel sprouts for your Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pecans and Bacon.
A family meal could be a weekly breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. If cooking every day is not possible, you can do grocery shopping and prepare make-ahead meals on a convenient day. Preparing several meals at once will cut down on cook time later in the busy week. For example the
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Ultimately, the message is to find what works for your family. Help everyone come together, eat nutritious meals, or simply cut down on TV time to have a good old fashion family meal.
What is the best thing parents can do to keep kids healthy during the winter months? by Rebecca L. Huston, MD, MPH Texas PTA Advisory Council Member Parents and pediatricians dread the winter months because they know children get sick much more often. While a parent may not be able to control their child’s exposure to another sick child at school, there are some simple steps parents can take to help keep their children well. 1. Healthy Lifestyle: first ensure that your child is eating a healthy diet and gets plenty of rest. High schoolers are particularly likely to fall behind on their sleep and get run down. 2. Help Stop the Spread of Germs: Encourage everyone in your family to wash their hands frequently. Keep hand sanitizer in your car for use on the go. Make sure everyone covers their mouth when coughing or sneezing. When you or your child are ill, stay home. 3. Vaccinations for Everyone It is very important that everyone in your family receives all of the recommended vaccines. There is currently an outbreak of measles in North Texas. As of 8/23/2013, 21 cases have been confirmed as compared to no cases in Texas in 2012. The outbreak began when a Texas resident returned from a trip abroad where measles is still common. Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine, there were 85,862 cases in 1958 in Texas. The measles vaccine has been a great success but there is still a need for vaccination. This vaccine is given at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years of age. Texas is also in the midst of a pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak. As of 9/23/13, there have been 2,369 cases of pertussis reported in Texas this year. Two children have died, both too young to be vaccinated. The pertussis vaccine is very important to protect yourself and your family. For children under age 7, the DTaP vaccine is given in a series at 2, 4 and 6 months, at 15 through 18 months and at 4 through 6 years. A Tdap vaccine is routinely recommended as a single does for those 11 through 18 years of age. Any adult 19 years of age and older who has not receive a dose of Tdap should get one as soon as possible. This Tdap can replace on the of the 10-year tetanus boosters. Now is the time to make sure everyone in your family receives an influenza vaccine. The flu season will be here soon. Since it takes two weeks for immunity from the vaccine to kick in, it is essential to get your annual flu shot as soon as possible. Last year, there were 18 influenza pediatric associated deaths in Texas. The flu vaccine is an important way to protect your family from this annual risk. While many of us in Texas look forward to the cooler weather, this time of year brings with it a risk of a variety of infections. By following these simple steps, hopefully you and your family will have a healthy winter. Rebecca L. Huston, MD, MPH Professor of Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Hospital of San Antonio
Blending Families: Making it Work By F. Sean Redeker, MA, LPC According to the Stepfamily Association of America, it takes approximately four to seven years for members of a stepfamily to feel like a traditional family - safe and comfortable. While this may seem like a very long time, keep in mind that you are bringing together strangers to live in the same environment for years, possibly the rest of their lives. All of the members of a stepfamily are individuals, with their own hopes, expectations, issues, and ways of dealing with those issues. There will be conflict. Feelings will be hurt. But without this conflict, the stepfamily will not be able to change and grow. During this period of growth, there are several guidelines the stepfamily can follow to make the transition from strangers to family much easier. One of the main issues I encounter in my practice when working with blending families is making the assumption that a relationship exists when one does not. This can happen between any members of the non-biologically related in the stepfamily, but most often occurs between the stepparent and the stepchild. The most common example is when the stepparent tries to exert authority over the stepchild, before a relationship has been established. The stepparent mistakenly believes that he or she will automatically be obeyed since he or she is the adult. And as many a stepparent can attest to, this belief and the resulting action, fails. To escape this all too common trap, approach your stepchild as an individual and get to know them. This can be accomplished by simply listening to them about their day, or engaging with them in some of their favorite activities. Start with friendship first. This process will also allow them to get to know you as an individual, not just as a stepparent. Another stepfamily, or rather, stepparent pitfall is to require that the stepchildren behave as though everyone was already a family, just like their nuclear family was. Again, this is about assuming a particular relationship exists when it does not. Allow not only your stepchildren, but your biological children as well to come to their own conclusions and ideas on what type of relationship they want to have with their new stepparents and stepsiblings.
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Respect should be present, even if a close relationship is not, but remember that respect takes time, and that it is a two way street. As mentioned before, conflict will arise. It’s inevitable. This conflict will occur between stepparent and stepchild, biological parent and biological child, between the new stepsiblings, and between the adult stepcouple themselves. While the new, or even not so new couple, try to work out their differences, it is important to remember that they are the “family glue” that holds the blending family together. As I tell my married clients, blending or nuclear, the more you are ok, they more your children will be ok. This adage is even more appropriate for blending families. The stepcouple should be the nucleus of the stepfamily, and yes, this does mean that the couple is, in many ways, more important than the children. Wisdom and Green also argue for this, “A strong boundary that encloses the stepcouple is critical to the success of the entire stepfamily. To create the strong stepcouple that supports and nurtures everyone in the household, adults must stake out physical and emotional territory that is uniquely theirs while continuing to meet the children’s needs.”
You will not be perfect, and neither will your stepfamily.
In addition to being a strong stepcouple, each parent must be able to find a balance between supporting their biological children, as well as their stepchildren. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessarily best to treat your stepchildren as you would your own children. While common sense may dictate that your stepchildren will feel left out or be treated less-than if you don’t treat them as equally as you would your biological children, keep in mind that your stepchildren may not like to be hugged or kissed a lot, nor may they want to engage in in-depth conversation about their day. Your stepchildren are individuals, and I would strongly encourage you to get to know them as such. Ask your spouse how they relate to each other, or perhaps more importantly, ask your stepchildren how they would like to be treated. Relating to them will be a process. It will take time and you will make mistakes. But, your efforts will be appreciated and respected, as you will be for making them.
While the stepfamily is transitioning into a more unified family, roles will change, new rituals will begin and old ones will diminish, and the stepcouple will face one of their most difficult challenges. In addition to balancing the role of parent and stepparent, the non-biologically related parent will have to navigate the waters of the parent-child bond, which will initially push the stepparent to the outside position. Wisdom and Green assert that “in response to feeling excluded, some mates resign themselves to a parttime relationship, doing their own thing while their spouse spends time with his or her kids. Left unchecked, this tendency toward separation over the children can expand and undermine the stepcouple relationship.” Your children are important, but without the strength and bond of the stepcouple, the family will not survive.
guidelines I’ve discussed should help keep you and your stepfamily on track. If issues arise that can’t seem to be handled within the stepfamily, please seek out the support of a professional. They will be able to address concerns in a helpful and objective manner. Also keep in mind that you are a human being, with all the foibles and idiosyncrasies that come with that distinction. You will not be perfect, and neither will your stepfamily. When in doubt, ask. And always, always try to listen. References: Wisdom, Susan & Green, Jennifer. Stepcoupling: Creating and Sustaining a Strong Marriage in Today’s Blended Family. Three Rivers Press, New York, New York, 2002. Deal, Ron L. The Smart Stepfamily. Bethany House Publishers, Bloomington, Minnesota, 2002.
While there are many other aspects to consider when blending families come together to live as one, the
Texas PTA Connection Day Texas PTA’s Connection Day was a great success! 1,201 PTAs across the state “connected” through social media or by phoning, emailing or texting the state office with the total number of members recruited to date. The excitement built throughout the day as members watched the total rise, culminating in 270,308 members reported after the dust settled. Texas PTA President Karen Slay and Membership Chair Jody Weitman joined the staff at the state office to take members’ calls. Both ladies enjoyed the interaction with you and President Slay posted on Facebook throughout the day, recognizing your accomplishments. PTA members, as well as school administrators, offered congratulations, shared a few best practices and acknowledged the value of PTA membership.
Maplewood Elementary PTA in Austin reported 190 members via phone and won the Grand Prize Student Explorer Connection Prize. The Family Engagement Connection Prize, valued at over $700, was won by James W. Martin High School PTSA in Arlington after reporting 826 members via email. And, Aue Elementary School PTA in San Antonio, reporting 375 members via Facebook, received the Leader Resource Connection Prize. Overall, PTA Connection Day was a great success and we look forward to a great year with connecting members through family engagement, PTA programs and events year-round! Thanks to all who participated!
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Over $800,000 awarded annually to educators and school districts across Texas. Visit heb.com/education today to submit your nomination or application.
NEW AWARD! School Board Award
This honor is designed to recognize a school board that has demonstrated real leadership in the community that it serves. School board finalists will receive $5,000 in the form of a grant to the school district they serve. One school board could be chosen as a statewide winner and receive $25,000 in the form of a grant to the school district they serve.
Teachers, Principals and District Awards Teachers can win $5,000 to $25,000, with a matching grant for their school. Principals can win $10,000, with a $25,000 grant for their school. School districts can win $50,000 or $100,000.
Early Childhood Award The H-E-B Excellence in Education Early Childhood Award is designed to provide funds to public or private schools that focus on the care of children under the age of five. One winner will be selected to receive a $25,000 grant!
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Š2013 HEB, 13-5508
Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships During Serious Illness
by Kim Fryar, Wonders & Worries Program Director and Senior Child Life Specialist Parental illness often negatively impacts parent-child relationships. Austin-based non-profit organization, Wonders & Worries supports children whose parent faces a serious or life-threatening illness. The six-week service model is the only program in the nation offering illness support and coping services to children by professionals trained in child life, a field that focuses on supporting children in a medical crisis, with deep knowledge of child development and family systems. A parent’s instinct is to protect their child from painful or uncertain news, which, instead of shielding the child, may instead hinder communication during a crucial time. Children also want to protect their parents, and do this most often by hiding emotions. Compounding communication breakdowns, seriously ill parents are often fatigued and unable to parent in the same capacity as before the illness. In addition to anxiety about providing for or protecting their families, parents might face feelings of guilt over inconsistent parenting. Children often respond to these changes in family life through behavior changes, mood changes, physical complaints, anxiety and school problems. The ongoing effects of a parent’s serious illness upon children are illustrated by a 2009 study of adults who had a parent diagnosed with cancer when they were between the ages of 8 and 17. The study found that 59% of respondents still suffer negative emotional effects from their parents’ illnesses. These effects included feelings of loss, a negative outlook on the world, and difficulties in their interpersonal relationships.
Meredith Cooper and Melissa Hicks founded Wonders & Worries in 2001 as a pilot program with the mission to help children cope when a parent faces a cancer diagnosis. After proving successful, Wonders & Worries organized under 501c(3) status and became an integral part of the greater Austin health care movement alongside direct partnerships with Shivers Cancer Center, Texas Oncology, LiveStrong, Breast Cancer Resource Center, Hospice Austin, and many more. Wonders & Worries operates today under the primary goal of strengthening communication between parents and children around the parent’s illness and the challenges it brings to family life. The six-week program includes consultations with parents on how to communicate with their children about illness; parenting classes; individual support sessions for children ages 2-18 and group support sessions for children ages 5-18; family connection and peer support events; and bereavement support to families that are Wonders & Worries clients. In the twelve years since founding, Wonders & Worries has directly supported more than 4,400 Central Texas children and their parents. Services have expanded from one facility to three locations throughout Austin (and at community centers convenient to clients) and are offered in Spanish and English free of cost to the clients.Wonders & Worries is currently strengthening their Austin base to realize their vision of expanding services to other Texas cities, and ultimately across the nation. To learn more about Wonders & Worries please visit the website: www.wondersandworries.org.
School Safety takes spotlight post Sandy Hook Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook, the issue of school safety has been on the minds of parents across the nation. Schools today are experiencing violent incidents which were never even considered 20 or more years ago. It is time to re-invent safety and security in our schools.
This past Legislative session, Texas PTA worked diligently to ensure that legislation maintained local control and a comprehensive approach to school safety. We began by conducting an on-line school safety survey that received over 3,000 responses from parents. The news is good in Texas.
Sixty-two percent of parents feel that their kids are safe at school with most of parents saying they would be willing to serve on a school safety committee within their district and believed that safe schools policies should vary from school to school and district to district.
See how Texas PTA is involved on page 19
Every Child in Focus
National PTA launched Every Child in Focus, a campaign to strengthen family engagement in schools by celebrating the achievements and reporting the disparities within diverse populations, while sharing resources and advocacy tools to help school communities understand and address the unique needs of every child. Through the school-year-long series, each month National PTA will highlight their accomplishments and spotlight the educational challenges surrounding a particular group, and focus on ways to help foster family-school partnerships. Every Child in Focus reinforces National PTA’s mission to advocate for every child – with one voice – so all families feel invited and are equipped with the tools to support their child and improve the school, which makes a difference for every child. Visit the National PTA’s website for information on this campaign at www.pta.org.
Holiday in the Park It’s the most wonderful time of the year as Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Fiesta Texas celebrate Holiday in the Park. Experience the sights and sounds of the season as the parks are transformed into a winter wonderland! Celebrate this special time with holiday themed shows, elaborate decorations, delicious foods, coffees, hot chocolate and a real snow hill for sledding, along with many of your favorite rides! PTA members can purchase discounted tickets through Texas PTA’s Member Benefits webpage.
Interacting Together by Vincent Hernandez
Reading together is a fun & unique way for the entire family to get involved. Younger children enjoy imaginative, mind expanding tales from The Story of a Big Red Dog to a Young Wizard’s Early Years. It’s true that the information age has allowed us to interact with a screen or hand held device more easily than someone sitting next to us. Believe It, Books are Back, Reading is Cool Again. By using those same media outlets that once distracted us, we can bring information that unites us and allows us to interact. We aren’t suggesting giving in and allowing the constant bombardment, but channeling it and selecting those outlets to make family time fun again. Children love being challenged by interacting in a way with what is being read, and by expressing their feelings and opinions, they are expanding their minds. Making it Fun, Making it Cool. Older children are starting to find more outlets at their disposal. Politics, faith, fashion, music and other social trends can bring countless ideas to the table. It’s how we use that information that allows families to bond by making family time fun and cool again. Vincent Hernandez currently resides in Austin and is a first time author of children’s books. Released earlier this year, Oh Lourdes! is currently being translated into Spanish.
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Texas PTA Scholarship Applications are now Available for 2013-2014 seniors and faculty! Seniors can Apply to win one of many $1,000 Scholarships! Faculty Members planning to take continuing educating courses can apply for a $5oo Scholarship!
Tiffany Sproul Frenship High School Frenship ISD 2012-2013 Senior Recipient
Deadline: December 1, 2013 for faculty members: January 15, 2014 More information and guidelines available here: www.txpta.org/recognition/scholarships
Diane Williams River Valley Intermediate MIDWAY ISD 2012-2013 Faculty Recipient 15
Parent Checklist - 6 Great Ways to Support Your Student First day of school – check. Back to School Night – check. We’re half way through the fall semester and now is a great time to take inventory of the small things we can do for our students to help them have the best year ever!
6 Simple Ways to Boost Student Success: 1.
A Good Night’s Sleep. Getting enough rest is one of the most important ingredients to student success at every age. Help your student set a bedtime routine and go to bed at a reasonable hour. While there may be occasional late nights (sporting events, family functions, special school projects), a good night’s sleep will help your student focus better at school – and hopefully wake a little more cheery!
2.
Time for Breakfast. It’s no secret that kids can’t learn if their stomachs are grumbling. A healthy breakfast and nutritious snacks go a long way in fueling your student for success. When there isn’t time for a sit-down morning meal, pack fresh fruit, cubed cheese, granola or a health bar for your student to eat on the bus ride or in the cafeteria before class. Many schools also offer a universal breakfast program – open to all students and often at reduced or no cost.
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3.
A Home for Homework. Create a space where your student can do their homework without distractions. If possible, sit down and review what assignments they have due for the week so they can learn to schedule their time and be prepared. TIP: suggest they begin their homework time with math or science. Research shows the brain works those types of problems best when their minds are still in ‘school’ mode.
4.
Teacher Touchpoints. You’ve probably scheduled your parentteacher conference, or maybe you were the first one in line! Make sure that isn’t the only time you touch base with your student’s teacher. Read the class website and check for updates sent home about class activities. Expressing interest in what’s happening in class shows your student you value his or her education. Frequent check-ins are also the best way to catch a potential learning, social or behavioral challenge early. Ask the teacher how s/he prefers to communicate (via email, class website, phone call) and the expected turnaround time for a routine conversation.
5.
Volunteer TOGETHER. Involving your student in helping your school builds pride and ownership! Many school and PTA activities need help from family members of all ages – consider…weeding the school garden together on the weekend, staffing a carnival booth, cutting out materials for bulletin boards or preparing a potluck meal for teacher appreciation events.
6.
Participate AGAIN. Keep leading by example because support for your student takes shape in many ways! Look for a school volunteer job that fits your busy schedule. If you only have a few minutes, consider: • Updating the class blog, website or social media page • Making calls on legislative action days • Creating an online signup sheet to schedule room parents, weekly readers, snack donations or field trip chaperones If you have more time, jump in by: • Being a weekly class reader • Tutoring one or two students after school a few times a month • Helping teachers prepare class materials • Chairing or volunteering for a fall fundraising committee • Planning a class celebration TIP: Use VolunteerSpot’s FREE online signup sheets to save time and ease hassle when planning classroom activities & parties, volunteer shifts and fundraising events! 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: www.volunteerspot.com/txpta
Make the Promise. We’ll Match It. The Texas Tuition Promise Fund®, the state’s prepaid college tuition plan, allows families to lock in tomorrow’s tuition and required fees at Texas public colleges and universities, at today’s prices. The plan allows you to purchase tuition units to cover all or a portion of these costs, and offers flexible, budget-friendly payment options. The Texas Match the Promise Foundation℠ encourages families to save for college by awarding matching scholarships of tuition units worth up to $1,000, and one-time grants of tuition units worth $2,000, at today’s prices. The scholarships are open to students who meet eligibility guidelines. This year’s enrollment for both programs opened on Sept. 1, 2013. For details and eligibility requirements, visit the websites listed below. To start prepaying for college tuition now, call 1-800-445-GRAD (4723), option 5. To apply for matching scholarships and grants, call 1-800-531-5441, ext. 3-7570.
F O U N D A T I O N M a t c hT h e Pr o m i s e . o r g
F O R P R O G R A M D E A D L I N E S A N D D E TA I L S V I S I T www.TuitionPromise.org www.MatchThePromise.org SUSAN COMBS TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
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Advocacy in Action: When most people think of PTA, it typically conjures images of moms and dads organizing classroom parties for our children, helping out at the school by making copies for teachers and planning events to raise money to buy things needed but otherwise unfunded at a school. And yes, we do all of those things, but we also do so much more and that was never more evident than last spring when the Texas State Legislature convened to debate and enact laws that have a profound effect on our children’s education. Of specific concern to the Fort Worth ISD Council of PTAs was legislation regarding public school funding, vouchers and STAAR/End of Course exams. PTA parents from throughout our Council took the time to make countless phone calls, write letters and send emails to our legislators letting them know our concerns and desired outcomes for each of these issues. We even sent a delegation from Fort Worth that traveled to Austin for PTA Rally Day to personally meet with legislators, including Senator Wendy Davis, who not only listened to our concerns but advocated for us on the Senate floor. So, it was with great pride and excitement to present the Texas PTA Legislative Honor Roll award to Senator Wendy Davis last month. Normally, events like this are special opportunities to be able to meet a high profile politician for the first time in person, but I’m proud to say that wasn’t the case this time… We all already knew each other and that’s a testament to an active Fort Worth Council of PTAs and a state legislator who takes the time to get to know her constituents and listen to their concerns.
Veronica Villegas
President, Fort Worth Council of PTAs
On September 17, Georgetown Council of PTAs had the honor of presenting the Texas PTA Honor Roll award to Texas State Representative Marsha Farney at our regular council meeting. This was a huge honor for the Georgetown Council as we have never been asked to present an award of this stature before. Rep Farney was so grateful and shared with us that this is her favorite award because it is given to her by the PTA. Rep Farney is a member of one of the local PTAs in Georgetown ISD. Following the presentation Rep Farney shared with us the educational issues she focused on this session, including HB 5, and the school accountability reform bill. She also shared with us the importance of being an advocate for the children not only in Georgetown ISD but the children in Texas. In Georgetown ISD most of us want to be an advocate, however the questions is HOW. Rep. Farney shared with us how to get started by advocating. 1. Talk to your superintendent and your school board trustees. As administrators and school board trustees, they like to know what parents are concerned about in the district and what parents are pleased with as well. My superintendent once told me PTA is the pulse of the district. We are the grassroots, ground level people in the school district. 2. Make an appointment to talk to your state legislators or invite them to a PTA meeting. It is easy to contact your state legislators. You can send them an email or call them. 3. Keep current on the Texas PTA Legislative Reports. Texas PTA will email these out to you and tell you what they need you to do. This typically consists of calling or emailing your state legislators. READ THESE! You can post them on Facebook or tweet them. Challenge your PTA to forward it to 10 friends and ask them to do it as well. As a member of Texas PTA your voice is loud. I encourage you to use it for the children in the state of Texas.
Stacie Campbell
President, Georgetown ISD Council of PTAs
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Families + Advocacy = Stronger Schools A group of young parents stumbled into a Texas PTA advocacy workshop. Upon learning where they were, they laughed loudly and said, “Oh no, we’re in the wrong place. We are NOT looking for the advocacy booth,” and off they went. Here’s what struck me. These parents were obviously leaders in their Local PTA. They had traveled to a state PTA event to learn to be stronger leaders in PTA, and were willing to commit precious personal time to this effort. And yet, they didn’t see any value in advocacy. So here’s the mystery: Why would smart women and men who are willing Advocacy - It’s not hard and it’s not time-consuming. And our kids will be the winners! and able to make a commitment to supporting and improving their children’s schools not want to expand their reach to advocating for policies
that improve their children’s schools and schools across the state? Is it fear? • Fear of taking on too much • Fear of not knowing enough to effectively advocate • Fear of interacting with powerful elected officials Is it apathy? • “Nothing I do will change legislators’ minds.” • “They don’t really want to fix anything. It’s a waste of time.” • “I can’t have an impact.” This legislative session each of these advocacy myths was busted. More parents participated in advocating for Texas students than ever before and the result was: • More than $4 billion were restored to public education funding • High school state assessments were reduced from 15 to 5 • Graduation requirements were changed to give students more
course options • A new school accountability system was created that includes an evaluation for parent and student engagement Parents who engaged learned: • It doesn’t take too much time, usually just a phone call or email three or four times during the legislative session. • I don’t have to know everything; Texas PTA will give me the information I need. • Elected officials aren’t any different than me. They want to represent their district and need to know how we feel and what we think in order to do that. • Most legislators listen to parents. • Parents can and did have an impact on public education policy. So, consider giving advocacy a shot. There’s lots still to do as the new laws are enacted. Sign up for legislative updates and alerts at the Texas PTA Website.
How Texas PTA Addresses School Safety
Continued from page 13 In March, Texas PTA Board of Directors member Barbara Beto was appointed to the Texas School Safety Center Board of Directors, to represent the concerns and expectations of parents as policies and practices continue to evolve in a climate of increased school violence. Texas passed only three new school safety bills in 2013: • HB 1009 relating to the creation of a new category of law enforcement officer who shall be designated a school marshal; • SB 1556 relating to the establishment of the School Safety Advisory Council and School Safety Certification Program; • SB 1857 relating to the training of certain qualified handgun instructors to conduct school safety training. Currently, adults with a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) are not allowed to carry their weapon on an ISD campus unless district policy allows. Prior to December 2012, only
one ISD allowed teachers with a CHL to carry a weapon on campus. What can parents do to help ensure your kids are safe at school? • Ask at your campus if they have a multi-hazard plan in place. A prepared staff is an important component to ensuring everyone’s safety during any disaster. • Do you know your campus re-unification plan? Where do you pick up your student in the event of an evacuation? • Does your campus have a school safety committee? Is there a parent representative serving on the committee? Lastly, communicate with your board of trustees. Any changes or improvements to school security or campus safety will be approved by your elected board. Volunteer to serve on a campus advisory committee for school safety and advocate for improvements to security equipment and infrastructure as 19 part of any school bond package.
Q&A: Texas PTA asked some of our award-winning educators about family engagement, education & PTA.
Q: I believe family engagement is critical to G: student achievement because learning occurs any time, any place, and at any pace,
Why is family engagement critical to student achievement?
G:
Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools Clear Creek ISD
J:
Jennifer Mattingly, Principal Lewisville ISD McAuliffe Elementary
This spring, Texas PTA had it’s first Educator of the Year Awards. We were thrilled to honor our winners during our annual Summer Leadership Seminar. We caught up with two of our outstanding educators, Principal Jessica Mattingly and Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith, to ask them about family engagement and PTA at their schools.
including the home. Parents should monitor their child’s work to insure that they are being successful and also getting the proper amount of rest. When families and schools work together, J: students are more successful. Students see the importance of education and see a united support system.
Q:
What is the greatest concern you have about public education right now and what can parents do to address it?
G:
The greatest concern I have about public education is the impact of our overreliance of standardized testing on our children. All parents should do what other parents did in the last legislative session and advocate for more meaningful student assessments that use multiple measures, including but not limited to projectbased learning. Raising a generation of superior multiple-choice-test-takers cannot be our legacy.
J:
I think apathy is a huge concern in education. People are busy and involved in a variety of extra activities. School falls down on the priority list. No one means for it to happen; it just does. Technology plays a role in this, too, because students receive immediate feedback and entertainment, and school just doesn’t always engage students every minute of every day. Parents can stay educated on trends in education and make sure their schools are talking about engagement and 21st Century learning and skill acquisition.
What is the biggest opportunity Q: parents miss in their students’ education?
school district. We know that life is messy and sometimes we make mistakes. When these mistakes are made we need a bold PTA that will help guide us through the tough times.
The greatest disservice parents do for G: their student’s education is to disengage The most important thing a PTA can do from them when they enter the secondary J:for a school is support them. Find what schools. Find a way to stay connected and make teachers, students, families and communities your home a safe haven for your student and their friends.
J:
need and support that goal. It’s important that a PTA realize the unique needs of a campus and respond to those rather than previous needs or trends.
They don’t get involved. Involvement does not mean volunteer! Being involved means being a part of their child’s education. It What is the number one reason a is collaborating with the teacher, helping with person should join PTA? homework, reading, talking to the students and advocating for them when appropriate. Some The number one reason a person should feel like they don’t have anything to offer or they join PTA is because education is the don’t want to be part of “that clique,” but in greatest discovery known to mankind. Your reality, a parent’s greatest disservice is not being involvement in PTA is a statement that your a part of their child’s education. community believes in local control.
Q: G:
Q: Clear Creek ISD chose PTA as our group G: of choice because we know without their support our students cannot obtain their hopes, Why does your school district choose PTA as the parent group of choice?
dreams and aspirations, and CCISD cannot successfully achieve the district mission and objectives.
J:
PTA shares the same philosophy we do. Just like Lewisville ISD (LISD)’s core beliefs and goals, PTA believes in making the potential of every student a reality and encourages empowering families and communities to advocate for education. The core values of collaboration, commitment, accountability, respect, inclusivity and integrity are also perfectly aligned with our own values as a campus and district.
Q: The most important thing a PTA can G: do for a school campus is do what I mentioned earlier and that is advocate for
What is the most important thing a PTA can do for a school campus?
their children, the campus and the local
Everyone should join PTA because it is J: one organization that supports every single child and every teacher. There is no exclusivity. It supports everyone.
What one simple contribution can Q: parents make to support teachers, principals, and superintendents? There are many simple contributions G: parents can make to support teachers, principals, and superintendents but the one that
sticks out the most is smile and help others. A random act of kindness is so important to those whose work in life is to transform our children into a workforce and college-ready culture. One hour! If every parent could spend one J: hour volunteering it would be amazing. For parents who cannot take off an hour of work, there are things that can be done at home. Simple things like cutting lamination or making posters, are easy and show students the investment in education. One hour from every parent could invigorate an entire school or district!
Recipes from the Modernization of the Family Meal Blueberry Rhubarb Crepes
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Makes: 8 servings
Ingredients 3 H-E-B Large Eggs 1 1/4 c. H-E-B Mootopia Milk 1 c. H-E-B The Baker’s Scoop All Purpose Flour 3 Tbsp. H-E-B Unsalted Butter, melted, divided 1 c. H-E-B More Fruit Blueberry Fruit Spread 2 c. H-E-B Frozen Rhubarb 2 c. H-E-B Vanilla Yogurt 1/4 c. H-E-B Powdered Sugar Directions 1. Combine eggs and milk in a mixing bowl, and beat 1 minute with an electric mixer. Add flour and beat 15 seconds. Add 2 tablespoons melted butter and mix 30 seconds or until a smooth batter is formed. Set aside. 2. Combine fruit spread and rhubarb in a microwavesafe bowl, cover and microwave on high power for 4 minutes.
3. Heat a heavy-bottom 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Brush skillet with melted butter, pour in 1/4 cup batter and rotate pan to evenly coat. Cook crepe 30 seconds or until lightly browned on bottom. Turn crepe over and cook 15 seconds. Remove from pan and keep warm. Repeat process with remaining batter. 4. To assemble crepes: Fill each crepe with 3 tablespoons vanilla yogurt, roll up like a taco and arrange on a platter seam side down. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a spoonful of blueberry rhubarb sauce. Nutritional Information Calories: 200, Total Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2.5g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 70mg, Carbohydrates: 29g, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 13g, Protein: 7g
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pecans Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients 1 bag (12 oz.) H-E-B Frozen Brussel Sprouts or 1 stalk fresh brussel sprouts ½ c. Hill Country Fare Whole Pecans 1 Tbsp. each H-E-B Olive Oil and H-E-B Butter ½ c. peeled and chopped shallots 1 tsp. Central Market® Organics Herbes de Provence ½ c. chopped H-E-B Fully Cooked® Bacon * Salt and fresh cracked pepper
Directions 1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and set aside. 2. Prepare brussel sprouts according to package directions. If you use fresh brussel sprouts, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat, add brussel sprouts, return water to a boil, and cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. 3. Combine cooked brussel sprouts, pecans, olive oil, shallots, herbs, and bacon in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Spread mixture on prepared baking pan and roast on center oven rack for 20 minutes.
Nutritional Information Calories: 90, Total Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 40mg, Carbohydrates: 8g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Protein: 3g Source: My H-E-B Texas Life Magazine, November 2012
King Ranch Chicken Casserole Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Makes: 8 servings Source: Healthy Savings, April 2012 Ingredients 1 lb. chicken, cooked and cubed 1 pkg. H-E-B Corn Poblano Soup 1 can H-E-B Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies 1/4 c. finely diced onion 12 H-E-B Corn Tortillas, torn into bite-size pieces 1 1/2 c. H-E-B Low-Fat Shredded Cheese
Vegetable Skillet Eggs Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 18 minutes Makes: 4 servings Ingredients 3/4 c. fresh yellow onion, thinly sliced 3 c. H-E-B Fresh Baby Spinach, chopped 2 fresh cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/4 tsp. H-E-B Ground Black Pepper 1 can (14.5 oz) H-E-B Diced Tomatoes, drained 1 Tbsp. H-E-B Balsamic Vinegar 16 oz. H-E-B Real Eggs
Fish Nuggets
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 mintues Makes: 6 servings Source: Healthy Savings, May 2012 Ingredients 1 pkg. (2 lbs.) frozen Striped Pangasius, 2 1/2 c. Hill Country Fare 100% Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 1 c. H-E-B Real Egg
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 385째F. 2. In a medium bowl combine chicken, soup, tomatoes and onion, stirring until well blended. 3. In a 13x9x2-inch baking pan, layer tortilla pieces, soup mixture, and cheese. Repeat for three layers. 4. Bake 30 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Nutritional Information Calories: 250, Total Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 540mg, Carbohydrates: 27g, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Protein: 19g
Directions 1. Spray medium skillet with ovenproof handle with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring frequently. 2. Stir in spinach, garlic and pepper; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until spinach wilts. Stir in drained tomatoes and vinegar. 3. Pour Real Eggs evenly over spinach mixture; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover skillet with lid. Cook 10 minutes or until top of Frittata is almost set. Meanwhile, preheat broiler. 4. Remove lid; place skillet under broiler. Broil 2 minutes or just until top is set. Cut into 4 wedges. Nutritional Information Calories: 99, Total Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 437mg, Carbohydrates: 10g, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Protein: 14g
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400째F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside. 2. Submerge Pangasius in cool water 10 minutes or until thawed. Slice in 2 inch pieces. 3. Mix bread crumbs and Italian seasoning in a large bowl; set aside. Combine Pangasius and egg in a zipper bag, seal, and turn until fish is covered with egg. Remove fish and toss in bread crumbs until well coated. 4. Place fish nuggets on baking sheet; bake uncovered 10 minutes or until flakey.
Nutritional Information Calories: 280, Total Fat: 3.5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 75mg, Sodium: 290mg, Carbohydrates: 27g, Dietary Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 2g, Protein: 35g
Welcome to the Family! Join us in Welcoming these New PTAs:
Bille Stevenson Elementary PTA, Rockwall - President, Jessica Nottingham Diamond Hill Elementary PTA, Fort Worth - President, Alma Gonzalez
Dr. Sara B. McAndrew Elementary PTA, Boerne - President, Georgia Walsh Jefferson Elementary PTA, Jefferson - President, Missy Baldwin
Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy PTA, Harlingen - President, Lisa Guerrero
Kay Franklin Elementary PTA, San Antonio - President, Jeanette Breaux
Dr. John M. Folks PTA, San Antonio - President, Jody Weitman
Wayne A. Cox Elementary PTA, Roanoke - President, Robin Zost
Web Corner Websites for Parents, Kids and Teachers*
Check out Edutopia.org! It was created to inspire, inform and accelerate positive change in schools and districts by shining a spotlight on evidence-based strategies and best practices that improve learning and engagement for students.
At Texas PTA: Quick start guides are now available to be translated with the google translate toolbar on the texas PTA website at the top of the page. Log in to the members area and click on Guides and graphics in the left-hand menu. Are you getting emails from us? Sign up on the Texas PTA homepage in the bottom right corner, or on our facebook page in the tabs area (next to the events tab). *Texas PTA does not endorse or recommend any vendor, their services, or their products.
The Voice Winter 2013 • Vol. 104, No. 4
7600 Chevy Chase Drive Building 2, Suite 300 Austin, Tx 78752 www.txpta.org • txpta@txpta.org
Texas PTA Board of Directors:
President - Karen Slay First Vice President - Leslie Boggs Second Vice President - Lisa Holbrook Secretary - Heather Ashwell-Hair Treasurer - Renee Walker Historian - Fran Kennedy-Ellis Region Vice Presidents: Lois Pearson, Region I Chris Reeder, Region II Belma Juarez, Region III Karen Smith, Region IV Scott Brown, Region V Leah Filzow-Perez, Region VI Chairs: Lori Norman, Councils Christine Jovanovic, Healthy Lifestyles Elizabeth Campbell, J.D., Inclusiveness Chris Zimmer, Leadership Barbara Beto, Legislative Action Jody Weitman, Membership Larriann Curtis, Parent Education Programming Members-at-Large: Regina Drake Deanna Porter Lee Guerra LaDorshe Damron Linda Martin 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.