Happy New Year,

 

I hope this newsletter finds you relaxed and rejuvenated.  Many great things were accomplished in 2012 and we have much in which to be thankful.  It has been a true honor and blessing to advocate for our children with each of you.  2013 will bring challenges, but I am confident that together we will be a strong voice for our children. 

 

Please join us January 24th at 11:30 for our SPICE Grant Awards Celebration and Full Council Meeting.  Two delegates from every school are needed and all parents, principals and community members are welcome.  More details to come...

 

Here's to a strong PTA year,

Kelly Langston

 

Have you ever been asked, " What is the difference between PTA and other parent groups?"  Well here is the answer...

 

The 2016 Strategic Plan Will Be Launched At This Event

PLEASE JOIN US!!

Did your PTA apply for a 2012-2013 S.P.I.C.E. Grant? If so, the winners have been selected and you may be the recipient of up to $1000 for your Parent Involvment Project. 

 

Look for an announcement in your email soon!

For More Information Contact 

Krista Wilkins

Chairperson, S.P.I.C.E. Grant Committee

kuwilkins@aol.com

(336) 454-2021

 

  

As if receiving a record $30 million grant before the holidays wasn't enough reason to celebrate, Guilford County Schools (GCS) started the New Year with even more good news. The district will receive another $5.2 million in optional grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education, bringing the total Race to the Top-District (RTTT-D) grant award to $35,222,003.   The additional funds will support GCS' personalized learning initiative in middle schools, which was the focus of its winning RTTT-D grant. The optional grant awards include $1,995,065 for Guilford Parent Academy, $1,656,307 for the African-American Male Achievement Initiative and $1,570,646 for a GCS Virtual Public Middle School.   "Our vision is to personalize and digitalize learning for all GCS students, staff, parents and community volunteers," said Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green. "These additional grant awards represent a significant step forward in this process."   The additional funds for Guilford Parent Academy will purchase 10 tablet devices per middle school for check-out and use by parents to assist children with homework or advance their own learning. The funds will also purchase online and broadcast content that parents, students, teachers and community volunteers can access to boost learning.   Funding for the African-American Male Achievement Initiative will support professional learning communitiesfocused on raising the academic achievement of targeted students. The goal is to have school teams in six elementary schools address systemic school and classroom barriers - such as low expectations, limited time for planning and collaboration, or lack of culturally relevant curriculum - that limit educator effectiveness and student learning.   The proposed Virtual Middle School initially would serve grades six and seven, and then expand to the eighth grade after one year. Student recruitment efforts would target students who would be the first in their families to attend college, while providing an additional school choice for middle school families.   "GCS is on the move, and I'm pleased that the hard work and dedication of so many has been recognized yet again by the U.S. Department of Education," said Dr. Terrence Young, the district's chief information officer. Young led the district grant team that secured the RTTT-D and optional budget funds.   Related Information: GCS Wins $30 Million Race to the Top-District Grant U.S. Department of Education RTTT-D Grant Information

 

 

 The GCS Magnet and Choice Schools Fair returns this year on an earlier date and in a new location. This years fair will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013. The time will be from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The fair will be at Showplace, 211 East Commerce Avenue in High Point.

• When surveyed, nearly half of the men who responded said men don't join PTA because they aren't asked. Just asking could pay big dividends in membership recruitment for your PTA!

  

• Almost half of the men surveyed indicated that they want volunteer roles and expectations clearly defined. Telling them the what, when, where, why, and how would make them more likely to join and to volunteer.

  

• Men want fewer meetings, and they want the meetings PTAs do have to be at more convenient times, such as after work. In addition, men want meetings to have a clear agenda and be results-oriented, rather than exploratory sessions on an issue or topic. Men prefer to receive PTA communications in bulleted lists, as summary points, in e-mails, or as quick bits of information in newsletters.

  

• Instead of waiting for men to come to your PTA, take your PTA to where men often meet. Present the PTA message at local service clubs that have a large male contingent, such as Rotary, Kiwanis, or Lions clubs. If men see that other club members support PTA's work, they might be more likely to join.

  

• Publicize your successes. When you start getting more men involved in your PTA, let the community know. Success begets success. Reinforcing men's contributions, while being mindful of what all members do for PTA, creates a positive atmosphere. Recognize members, thank them often, and celebrate your PTA's accomplishments and success!  

  

  

  

If you have any questions or would like assistance in forming 

a Men's Group please feel free to contact 

 

Chris Herndon 

at

gccmore12@gmail.com

 

 

Don't forget about these excellent resources to also assist you in getting more men involved at your schools 

 

www.pta.org     www.fathers.com    www.allprodad.com

Learn how a coordinated school health program can make changes easier and fun for the whole community! This event will focus on leadership, health and effective ways to work together on school wellness. 

 

 

Special Guest - Athlete Appearance!
An NFL player will join us for the conference and lead our PTA teams through a fun physical activity warm-up.

 

We will keep you moving towards your PTA's healthy learning goals with a day full of interactive health sessions and five-minute Energizers throughout the day!

 

Activities & Session Topics

• Physical Activity and Nutrition Stations
• "Taste Test" Stations to Model Taste Testing Ideas for Schools
• Grant Writing for Schools
• Healthy Finance for PTA Leaders
• Health Advocacy from Schoolhouse to Statehouse
• Fuel Up to Play 60
• "What's Your 30/90?" Challenge

 

 

REGISTER ONLINE

 

  

 

Are you interested in a leadership position?  Consider joining Guilford County Council of PTA's. Nominating packets will be available soon and will be posted on the GCC of PTA website.

 

If you are interested please email Krista Wilkins.

 

Krista Wilkins

Chairperson, Nominating Committee

kuwilkins@aol.com

(336) 454-2021

 

 

S.P.I.C.E. GRANT AWARD WINNERS

ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY

 

 

SAVE THE DATE

 

The Guilford Council of PTAs and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro will announce and celebrate the winners of the 

2012-2013 S.P.I.C.E. Grants

 

Thursday, January 24, 2013 

11:30 AM ~ 12:30 PM

 

Pilot Elementary

4701 Chimney Springs Drive

Greensboro NC 27407

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER GO TO

www.guilfordcountypta.org

 

 

 

 

    

If you would like to submit information to be published in The Council Connection, please send it to gccofptas@yahoo.com. Information and articles are due on the 25th of each month. The Council Connection will be available on the 5th of each month. 

Also join the mailing list for our Exceptional Children 

and our Health and Safety Newsletters. 

For more information go to www.guilfordcountypta.org

 

Sincerely,

Darren Cason