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Greetings!
I enjoy flipping the page on the calendar each year to mark the beginning of October. Welcome, autumn! The air is crisp and cool, the leaves are showing us their true colors and I have decorated my front porch with pumpkins, gourds and a scarecrow
while I was snuggled into my pretty fall sweater occasionally catching the scent of a neighbor's fireplace burning a few logs.
Oh, wait.......... I think I was just imaging that in my mind's eye......... Well, I did flip the calendar to October but our Council has been so busy with trainings, meetings and emails that the scarecrow will need to remain in the garage attic for a few more weeks. I've given away most of my sweaters and those Houston trees don't really show their colors until January. I'll live with that as it will allow more time for PTA trainings. CCCC had a record crowd at the first two Leadership Orientation Trainings (LOT) this fall and the Council board will have offered four LOT sessions before October 15 which is the date Texas PTA sets as a reasonable goal for all new executive board members to receive training.
This Council will continue to offer officer and chairman training sessions as requested by our local units and remember, we do make "house calls" to your school, a local restaurant or wherever your board members can gather for training or workshops.
I would like to thank Reeneea Ennis, CCCC 1st VP in charge of training, for organizing this Council's major training events and to Vicky Fransham, Pam Moore, Laura DuPont, Rich Leeney, Sara Holder and Darbie Hoepfner for assisting with job specific trainings and the formation of a new PTA. I am pleased to welcome Premier Learning Academy PTSA from LaMarque as our newest PTA and member of this Council.
Happy autumn.......can't wait for winter!
Diane Fatora, CCCC of PTA President
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Leadership Training & Education
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"Team UP" with Council for Your Training Needs
Training is a very important part of Texas PTA. Training will provide you with the tools and resources to do your job and have your PTA run smoothly. As Presidents you have been bombarded with training information with the new Bylaws change requiring all Executive Board Members to attend LOT. Thank you for encouraging and supporting this bylaw change as it is a requirement. Do your best to get your board trained. We are doing our best to serve all of the locals with this new requirement as well. Thank you in advance for patience as we "Team UP" together to make this happen!
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Supporting Information:
October 7 was the deadline to RSVP for the two remaining LOT sessions. If you still have questions and/or have new board members that still need to take LOT please contact CCCC 1st VP Training, Reeneea Ennis, 1stvptraining@ccccpta.org .
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QUIZ Me!
Topic: Executive Board Attendance
- Who can attend Executive Board meetings?
- Who are the Executive Board members (for example, 'Officers' is part of the answer )?
- What is quorum and why do you need it?
- What is the quorum for:
a. Executive Board meeting?
b. General Membership meeting?
c. Committee or Special committee meeting (such as Audit Committee and Nominating committee)?
d. Clear Creek Community Council of PTAs general membership meeting?
5.How many meetings can you miss before your position on the executive board is in jeopardy?
6. When quorum is lost at a meeting, what can be done?
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Supporting Document(s):
For answers to the QUIZ Me questions click
Executive Board Attendance
Questions can be directed to Vicky Fransham, Training and Materials Team, tmt@ccccpta.org .
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PTA HISTORIAN: Preserving the Past to Inform the Future
PHILOSOPHY: A PTA Historian has the important task of putting together a "time capsule"-the history of your Local Unit's activities/ business/accomplishments, and your campus news, for your current and future PTA boards and general membership.
- CONTENT COLLECTION: Photographs, newspaper articles, board roster, memorabilia, meeting agendas, copy of speaker/program presentations (if available), programs attended (like TX PTA Summer Leadership Seminar), award certificates and any other materials pertinent to your Local Unit's activities.
- ORGANIZATION: Create a system to categorize what you accumulate for the year; following your calendar of activities/events works best. Some people like to use gallon size plastic bags (labeled of course), others like to use file folders, labeled by month or by event, in an expandable file. Try to use materials that are "photo-friendly" to keep your collection safe
During the November General Meeting, I will present the first in a series of "Preserving the Past to Inform the Future" with a review of our Council's history from 1978-1980.
Next month: Historian's Scrapbook Guidelines
Pam Moore, CCCC of PTAs, 2011-2012 Historian, historian@ccccpta.org
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NEW PROCEDURES
Online Payments and Credit Card Acceptance Texas PTA recently adopted procedures that cover online collection systems and credit card payments. This includes:
- Establishing a means for accepting online donations from sites such as PayPal, fundRazr, Amazon payments and the like;
- Using credit card machines to accept payments during the fair or to accept PTA membership dues;
For PayPal or any other online collection system, the first order of business is to have the membership approve utilizing an online collection payment system. After approval, a separate bank account must be established to receive the PayPal funds. This account must be established prior to setting up an account with PayPal. Part of the PayPal criteria will be to provide a voided check with the bank routing number and account so that when a request is made to transfer funds, PayPal has the necessary information to do so.
When a request is made (only by the treasurer) to transfer funds, an appropriate form must be completed. This is called "Authorization to Transfer Funds" form.
There are other guidelines as well. A complete description of the guidelines and the form necessary to complete prior to funds being transferred can be found in the links under supporting documents.
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Supporting Document(s):
For more information please contact CCCC Treasurer, Laura DuPont, treasurer@ccccpta.org . |
RafflesChapter 2002 of the Occupations Code, the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act, permits and regulates "raffles," which it defines as "the award of one or more prizes by chance at a single occasion among a single pool or group of persons who have paid or promised to pay a thing of value for a ticket that represents a chance to win a prize."
STATE OF TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S RULING ON RAFFLES Raffles do not require a license. Local or Council PTAs must be in existence for at least three years before they can conduct a raffle. They are a legal activity for a PTA provided each of the following regulations is followed:
- Each ticket must have printed on it the name and address of the PTA, name of an officer, the price of the ticket and a description of each prize valued at $10 or more. No prize may be valued in excess of $50,000.
- A PTA may hold no more than two raffles per year and only one at a time.
- Tickets may not be advertised statewide or through paid advertisements.
- A raffle prize may not be cash. Gift cards, gift certificates and coupons are considered cash equivalents by the IRS; therefore they are not permitted as raffle prizes.
- The PTA must have the prizes in its possession or post a bond for the full value with the county clerk.
- Only members of the sponsoring PTA may sell tickets or an authorized representative.
- The PTA must complete a W2-G form to turn in to the IRS if the prize exceeds $600. A W-9 must be completed by the winner or backup withholding at the rate of 31% must be collected by the PTA. Provided the prize value is less than $5000 and a W-9 is completed by the recipient, the PTA is under no obligation to collect tax.
- No one may be compensated directly or indirectly for organizing or conducting a raffle
Reprinted from: Texas PTA Treasurers Resource Guide 2011
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Supporting Document(s):
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Reflections DEADLINE to Council--December 2
The 2011-2012 Reflections Program "Diversity Means" is here and the deadlines are fast approaching! Local PTAs may advance up to 20% (Awards of Excellence) of their total number of entries to the council level, or at least one from each arts area. All entries are due to the council by Friday, December 2.
Remember:
- Local PTA (School) - A Local PTA's Reflections deadline, for students to submit their entries, will be set by the school's PTA. Please check with the Arts in Education Chair or the PTA President for this deadline. Texas PTA recommends that the Local PTA set this deadline no earlier than October 30th.
- The Local PTA will advance 20% of their entries to the Council or Area level. (If a Local PTA is not a member of a Council PTA, their entries are advanced to the Area PTA.)
- PTAs must be in good standing - Artwork advanced by a PTA that is not in good standing will NOT be judged. Local PTA dues must be submitted to State by October 15th to be in good standing - and dues to Council has been remitted
- Local PTA Participation Forms must be submitted online at the location below http://www.txpta.org/intranet/members/member-forms/
Please contact Sara Holder, Reflections Campus Coordinator at Reflectcampus@ccccpta.org to ensure that you get all of the pertinent Reflections information. We look forward to your local submissions!
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Supporting Document(s):
For additional information, forms, guidelines and procedures go to:
http://www.txpta.org/programs/reflections/
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 Membership Awards Texas PTA recognizes outstanding membership recruiting efforts. Many awards are automatically calculated based on the PTA's membership totals as recorded on October 15 and March 15.
The Membership nomination form is used to apply for any awards not calculated automatically by the Texas PTA Office
FALL AWARDS (All MUST be postmarked by October 15th):
500 Club Achievement
Presented to each local PTA that submits membership dues and a membership list for 500 or more members to the Texas PTA office. No form to submit.
1000 Club Achievement
Presented to each local PTA that submits membership dues and a membership list for 1000 or more members to the Texas PTA office. No form to submit.
10% Increase Achievement Presented to each local PTA that submits membership dues and roster for 10% more members than their previous year's membership total to the Texas PTA office. . Previous year's membership total is recorded in the Texas PTA office. No form to submit.
Early Childhood Achievement
Presented to each early childhood PTA that maintains or increases membership from the previous year's membership total and submits dues and a membership list to the Texas PTA office. .Previous year's membership total is recorded in the Texas PTA office. No form to submit.
MARS (Men are really super) Award
Presented to all PTAs who recruit 50 or more men by Fall Dues deadline (postmarked by October 15). Appropriate award form must be submitted.
MEMBERSHIP YEAR ROUND AWARDS (Submit by March 15):
Golden Apple Award
Presented to each local PTA that recruits 100% of school faculty. Texas PTA's definition of faculty is: principals, assistant principals, teachers, counselors, and aides employed at the campus full time. Appropriate award form must be submitted.
Individual Hero Award
Presented to any member who recruits 10 or more members. Appropriate award form must be submitted.
Student Membership Achievement
Presented to each local PTA that recruits 25 or more student members. Appropriate award from must be submitted.
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Supporting Document(s):
Texas PTA Membership Award Nomination Form
Please contact CCCC Membership Chair Vanessa Cortez,
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CCCC Welcomes Premiere Learning Academy PTSA from LaMarque
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From L to R: Lisa Chitty, President, Drew Crumbaugh, Treasurer, Diane Fatora, Clear Creek Community Council of PTAs President, Ramon Castro, 2nd Vice President, and Carolyn Leach, Secretary the evening the Premier Learning Academy PTSA was formed.
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Important Membership Deadlines, Challenge and Housekeeping Notes
Your membership drives should be in full swing by now! Below are important dates and information to help keep your local units in good standing with Texas PTA.
Reporting Dates
October 15:
Local PTAs who have not paid dues for at least 20 members by October 15 will be designated as inactive.Dues and a roster for at least 20 members must be postmarked by October 15 to obtain eligibility to vote at the Texas PTA Annual Convention and to participate in the Reflections Program beyond the Local level. The total number of members on this date determines achievement for fall membership awards. Some membership award forms are due on this date.
December 1:
PTAs who submit dues for at least twenty members by October 15 are eligible for one credential card for the president and one credential card for every 50 members or a fraction thereof, based on membership totals as of December 1.
March 15: Local PTAs who have not paid dues by March 15 for the entire membership year will remain designated as inactive and services will cease. Spring membership awards and achievements are based on the total reported membership postmarked by March 15. Texas PTA's membership total as of March 15 also determines the number of voting delegates for Texas at the National PTA Convention. Membership names and dues received after April 1 will automatically be posted onto the next year. October Texas PTA Challenge: GET IN THE GAME!
- Involve families in PTA! Host family engagement event where members are recruited or recognized.
- Submit the Membership Chair Challenge Coupon by 10/31/11.
- The Prize is a SURPRISE!
Housekeeping Notes CCCC Membership Chair Vanessa Cortez still has membership cards for the following local units: Victory Lakes and Clear Lake Intermediate PTAs. Please contact her, 713-906-1498, to make arrangements to pick up your cards. |
Red Ribbon Week October 22-30, 2011 About the Event Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Although the start end dates can vary slightly depending on the organization and source, Red Ribbon Week generally takes place the last full week in October, with the weekends before and following the last full week included as appropriate celebration dates. This year Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated October 22-30, 2011. Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America. And, perhaps more importantly, Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffikers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe. For a list of events happening in your district please follow the below links: CCISD--Clear Creek ISDDISD -- Dickinson ISDLMISD--LaMarque ISD
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2012 Dates Set
Founder's Day Dinner & Presidents' Dinner
This year Council was fortunate to lock in the dates early for two very important celebrations--Founder's Day Dinner and the Presidents' Dinner. Please SAVE THE DATE for the below Council hosted events!
Council is aware that many of you work with the principals at your school to set your local unit schedules prior to the school year. Unfortunately, this is not always possible for Council to do. Please make every attempt to not schedule a local PTA event on one of the following dates so you can participate. We look forward to celebrating together!
CCCC of PTAs Founders' Day Dinner Thursday, February 9, 2012 PTA members and school officials from our entire Council come together to celebrate the great work that PTA has done for our children since its inception in 1897. A silent auction is also held in conjunction with the dinner supporting the CCCC scholarship fund. Local Units can invite PTA community supporters (i.e. businesses, individuals etc.) to attend and have them acknowledged during the event.
CCCC of PTAs Presidents' Dinner Thursday, May 24, 2012 A dinner to celebrate the accomplishments of the local PTA units. Outgoing and returning presidents are recognized and incoming presidents are introduced. Principals, executive board members and guests of the local unit are welcome.  | |
Diane Fatora, CCCC President, recognized Clear Creek Intermediate student Kelly Clark with a certificate for her achievement in the 2010-2011 Reflections contest. The song she wrote went on to state and then National PTA. She sang the song at the 2011 Presidents' Dinner in May.
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Texas PTA Area 10
General Information - Area 10 has formed the 2012-2013 Nominating Committee. An announcement should be coming soon from Area 10 via Texas PTA concerning the "Call for Nominations."
- Area 10 includes the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Colorado, Galveston, Matagorda and Wharton. (If a county is divided between Areas, the school district will be listed instead of the county.)
- Area 10 includes the following Independent School Districts: Brazos, Clear Creek, Fort Bend, Friendswood, Hempstead, Katy, Kendleton, Lamar, La Porte, Needville, Pasadena, Pearland, Royal, Stafford, and Waller.
- Area 10 is located in Region 2.
Check us out at our new website--
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Events
Annual Convention
Family Engagement Conference and
103rd Annual Convention
February 24-26, 2012 - Westin Galleria, Houston
Registration Information Coming Soon!
Keynote Speaker - Ed Smart, Father of Elizabeth Smart
 Ed Smart is the father of Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted on June 5th , 2002, and miraculously rescued nine months later. Through the loss and return of his daughter, he passionately sought the passage of the "Amber Alert," for the protection and rescue of other children. For the benefit of all children, he lobbied Congress and the Senate tirelessly to prevent further abductions and to rescue missing children. Ed has been involved in numerous conferences designed to further the awareness and cooperation in the area of child protection within law enforcement, media, and the public. Ed Smart's committment to the importance of family and the protection of our children has brought a heightened awareness to the need of every child to feel safe and secure.
Ed Smart is the owner of a real estate and mortgage company based in Salt Lake City. He graduated from George Washington University with a BBA in Finance and an MBA with an emphasis in Urban Planning. He and his wife Lois reside in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Hotel Information
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Westin Galleria (Headquarters Hotel)
5011 Westheimer * Houston, TX 77056
Telephone * (713) 960-8100
RESERVATION DEADLINE * FEB 3, 2012, 5:00 PM
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Room Rates:
$129 Single or Double
Reservation block will be open September 1, 2011.
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Free Trial For Websites
If you have been thinking of setting up a new website for your PTA, now is the time to check out the Web PTN sites through Texas PTA! You can now get a
one-month free trial to review and test the features, and see how easy it is to
use! If you have any questions, contact Stacy Glover, Texas PTA Director of
Communications, at sglover@txpta.org or call 800-TALK-PTA.
You can sign up at http://ptanetwork.txpta.org/. After you sign up, email sglover@txpta.org and request the free trial.
Reprinted from: Texas PTA "The Voice Fall 2011" |
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National PTA President Releases Statement on No Child Left Behind Flexibility Package
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National PTA President, Betsy Landers, released the following statement on the Administration's announcement of its package to provide ESEA flexibility
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ALEXANDRIA, VA. (September 22, 2011) "No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is broken," said National PTA President, Betsy Landers. "PTA continues to call on Congress to fix the law through the reauthorization process, and we applaud the Administration's efforts to provide much-needed flexibility and temporary relief to states while that process is stalled. The flexibility package outlined by President Obama and Secretary Duncan will allow administrators to focus on the local and unique needs of our most troubled schools, support parents and families with meaningful accountability, and provide students with richer curricula."
"National PTA believes this package promotes true partnership and collaborative decision-making in education reform; encouraging states and districts to engage with all stakeholders, including parents, in developing state plans and turning around failing schools," said Landers.
"The pressure is mounting. Flaws in NCLB have our nation's education system on the brink of crisis, and this flexibility package will pull us back from the edge," said Landers. "We remain hopeful that Congress will correct these flaws and serve the long term interests of our nation's students and families."
About National PTA National PTAŽ comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
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Are you, your family and/or local unit interested in giving back? Does your teen need volunteer hours, but isn't sure how to get them? Are you interested in matching your talents to volunteer opportunities? If you answered yes to these questions, click Volunteer Houston. This organization can help match your volunteer interests to the time you have available.
Visit www.ccccpta.org for a list of community links!
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The Community Voice is the newsletter of the Clear Creek Community Council of PTAs. It is published nine (9) times during the school year. You can find out what's happening at the Local Unit level and in and around your school district by by visiting their respective website links at the bottom of this newsletter.
Comments should be directed to the CCCC of PTAs Newsletter Chair, Tamara Zaman, newspub@ccccpta.org |
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Clear Creek Community Council of PTAs is on Facebook. Local Units in our council are welcome to connect with council members via this page to ask questions or make announcements about their activities. This page is monitored.
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Boot Camp Basics
**The PTA President is the only person authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the unit. All contracts must be approved by the executive board.
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**There are no family memberships in PTA. Individuals in the the 9th grade or older may join a local PTA unit.
**One is not considered a member of the PTA until the state and national portion of their dues reaches the state PTA office in Austin. Five working days is a good estimate. Membership Chairs are expected to send dues in to state promptly upon receipt.
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Calendar of Events
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October
15th
Local Uniit Dues due to Council
2011-2012 Council Dues
15th
Fall Membership Deadline to Texas PTA
15th
IRS Form 990 Due if FY End is May 31
www.irs.gov
22nd-30th
Red Ribbon Week
November 2nd President's Meeting 8:40 a.m. & Regular Meeting 9:30 a.m. ESC Building 15th IRS Form 990 Due if FY End is June 30 www.irs.gov 30th CCCC Executive Board Meeting 9:30 a.m. CCISD ESC Board of Trustees Room December 2nd Reflections Deadline--Locals submit to Council |
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CCCC of PTAs
A complete list of the Appointed Officers and Stand-
ing Chairmen can be found on our webiste:
www.ccccpta.org.
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