From the Area President
Jeanette Duron
Welcome back Area 18 PTA!
I know many of you have met and planning what I’m sure will be a great year for your membership. I’ve really enjoyed hearing all your creative ideas as you plan your PTA meetings, membership drives and ways to bring the community together.
To our new Council Presidents; DeSoto ISD – Jerrilynn Breedlove, Mansfield ISD -Desiree Thomas, Arlington ISD – Beth Crymes, Duncanville ISD – Carla Fayhe and Lancaster ISD – Curtis Liggins, it’s your first year and you all are off to a great start! Thanks, for all that you are doing in your district.
To our PTAs not in a Council; Kennedale ISD PTA Presidents, thank you for your leadership and commitment to PTA in your school district.
Important Membership Dates:
Texas PTA Fall Membership Early Bird Achievement Deadline, September 30th
Texas PTA Membership Fall deadline, October 15th
- 500 Club Award
- 1000 Club Award
- 10% Increase Award
- Early Childhood Award
- Membership Chairman Award (form required)
Training
Our PTA leaders have been busy scheduling training opportunities through out our area.
For dates and locations that work best for you can be found on our area website, www.area18pta.org .
Reflections Program 2008-2009 Theme: WOW!
Councils will not send entries to Area 18 judging. Send directly to Texas PTA. Only PTAs not in a Council will submit entries to Area 18 and then Area will forward to Texas PTA. Deadlines for entries can be found on the Texas PTA Calendar of Events.
Environmental Program 2008-2009 Theme: I’ve Got Energy!
Councils will not send entries to Area 18 judging. Send directly to Texas PTA. Only PTAs not in a Council will submit entries to Area 18 and then Area will forward to Texas PTA. Deadlines for entries can be found on the Texas PTA Calendar of Events.
There is no Newsletter or Media Art category this year. Also, no Recycled Art Contest this year.
Spring Conference
Mark your calendars, Saturday April 25, 2009, hosted by Grand Prairie ISD Council. We will meet to elect new officers to the Area 18 PTA Board for 2009-2010. Workshops, LOT, parent education programs, and a vendor fair are currently being planned for our area. Hope to see you there!
Texas PTA turns 100
Texas PTA is turning 100 on October 19, 2009! Please visit www.txpta.org and click on the Centennial Logo to view upcoming events and for information on how your PTA or school district can become Friends of the Centennial.
Area 18 is currently collaborating with the Grand Prairie Air Hogs Professional Baseball Team to bring a “PTA Night” sometime in 2009. More information to follow.
Visit our area 18 website in the coming months for more celebration dates in our area!
Legislative/Advocacy
Texas PTA Day at the Capitol will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2009, in Austin. Texas PTA’s 100th Annual Convention will follow, Friday through Sunday, February 27-March 1. There is no charge to attend Texas PTA Day at the Capitol. Join hundreds of parents around the state that will travel to Austin to meet their legislators and share Texas PTA’s legislative priorities. Title 1 funds may be available to help with travel expenses and convention registration. If you are a Title 1 school, check with your principal or superintendent to learn more.
To learn more about legislative issues and priorities, be sure to read the Texas PTA Voice fall issue.
Important Legislative Dates:
Last day to register to vote: October 6, 2008
Early voting begins, October 20, 2008
Early voting ends, October 31, 2008
November 4, 2008 – Election Day
80th Texas Legislative Session begins January 13, 2009
I hope that you all will take the time to read the Texas PTA Voice for more information that affects PTA. Our Texas PTA Board of Directors and Staff has done a great job in preparing these articles!
Jeanette Duron
Area 18 PTA President
Email: jcduron@sbcglobal.net
