Latest issue of Our Children now available online

The December 2010-January 2011 edition of Our Children--the national PTA's member magazine--is now available online.

Click here to read the latest issue.

Photo album: Movie Night 2010!

A thank you for our crossing guards

Hooray for RIF!

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, 872 new books were distributed to our students courtesy of Reading is Fundamental and your South Hills Elementary PTA. The Wildcats send a big thank you for your support! (Check out the wonderful handmade cards we received!)

Special thanks go to Marisol Ortega, PTA's RIF chairperson and our dedicated librarian Laurie Williams! Your hard work made it happen!

Join us for Family Movie Night!

When: Thursday, Dec. 16. Doors open at 6 p.m. Movie starts at 6:45.
Where: South Hills Elementary auditorium
Cost: $2 per person. (Seating is limited, so get your admission pass early!)
**Purchase your tickets during lunch or after school. See a PTA representative!
Treats for sale! Popcorn, soda, pickles and candy will be on sale before the film starts. School t-shirts and sweatshirts will be on sale, too!

To ensure a pleasant time for all guests, no strollers or lap children will be permitted. Also, no children under age 3.

*******************
Traiga a toda la familia y disfruten de Noche de Pelicula, La Escuela Primaria South Hills presentara la pelicula de: Toy Story 3.

Boletos ya están a la venta: $2.00 por persona
Compren sus boletos después de la escuela en la entrada principal oh durante el almuerzo en la cafetería!

Dia: 16 de diciembre del 2010
Puertas habren a las 6 p.m. y la pelicula comienza a las 6:45 p.m.

No se permitirán carriolas
No se permitirán niños en las piernas de los padres
No se permitirán niños menores de 3años!

Los asientos son limitados, les recomendamos que compren sus boletos ya!

Vengan temprano para comprar ricas palomitas y refrescos!

Reminder: Board meeting this Thursday

Our next PTA board of directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 2 at 4 p.m. in the library. We look forward to seeing you there!

Congratulations South Hills Elementary PTA!

This just in: South Hills Elementary PTA has received the 10% Increase Achievement Award from Texas PTA for the SECOND year in a row. Way to go Wildcats!

Donations needed: crossing guard gifts!

We are collecting donations to purchase gifts for our dedicated crossing guards. A donation jar has been placed in the office. We appreciate your generous help! Donations will be accepted until Dec. 3. The gifts will be presented at our next PTA meeting on Dec. 13. Thank you!

Reminder: PTA meeting, Monday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you at the next PTA meeting: Monday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.! Our students will be performing, and there will be a quick recap of recent PTA activities.

SPECIAL DOOR PRIZE: $25 VOUCHER FOR THE SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR!
Come early and grab a ticket for the prize drawing! One lucky family will receive a $25 voucher from PTA to purchase books at the book fair in the library. The fair will be open before and after the meeting for you to make purchases. Stock up on new titles at great prices!

Just in: Latest issue of The Voice, winter 2010

The latest issue of The Voice, Texas PTA magazine, is now available online. Click here to access your copy.

Chuck E. Cheese night is coming up!

Have some pizza and fun with your fellow Wildcats--and support your PTA while you're doing it!

When: Nov. 16

Where: Chuck E. Cheese, 4860 Southwest Loop 820, Fort Worth, 76109

Our pal Chuck E. Cheese will be at the school the afternoon of the 16th visiting and offering special deals for families. Head over to the restaurant that evening for food and fun. 15% of what you spend will go to support your PTA.

Board meeting this week: Thursday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m.

Greetings Wildcats!

Our next PTA board meeting is coming up: Thursday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. in the library. We still have openings on the board, and we welcome anyone who would like to get more involved! Look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Fall festival--Volunteer sign ups!

Hello everyone! We still need volunteers for the fall festival on Sunday, Oct. 31!

If you can lend a hand, please call Sarah Martinez at 817-845-6151. Or join us up at the school today at 6 p.m. for a quick meeting and sign ups.

Several shifts are still open!

Event setup: 3 to 4 p.m.

Soda sales: 5 to 6 p.m.

Game helpers: 4 to 5 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.

Bounce house supervisors: 4 to 5 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.

Event cleanup: 6 to 7 p.m.

Thank you! Go Wildcats!

A look back at garden cleanup

A sneak preview of scrapbook pages, courtesy of our historian, Michele Hussey!

Fall Festival is almost here: Sunday, Oct. 31, 4 to 6 p.m.

You've marked your calendar, right? South Hills Christian Church (our Adopt-a-School partner) and South Hills Elementary PTA will be hosting this year's Fall Festival Sunday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. Come out for a good time! Most games and activities will be FREE. Food/drink will be available for purchase.

We still need volunteers for this event. If you can help out, we'll be having a planning meeting on Thursday, October 28 at 6 p.m. at the school. Or send an e-mail to southhillspta@gmail.com and we'll add you to the volunteer roster.

See you Sunday!

Finalized RIF date

Breaking news: RIF distribution will be Dec. 7th and 8th. (The November dates conflicted with the Scholastic Book Fair.) We still need volunteers to help with organization and distribution. If you can lend a hand, send an e-mail to southhillspta@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Rescheduled RIF distribution dates announced

Hello Wildcats! The new dates for our first Reading is Fundamental (RIF) distribution will be Nov. 17 and 18. All students will get the chance to select a brand-new, FREE book courtesy of South Hills Elementary PTA and the RIF program.

Volunteers are needed to assist with distribution on these two days! If you can lend a hand, send an e-mail to southhillspta@gmail.com, and we'll get you on the schedule.

To learn more about the RIF program, click here.

Candy and soda donations needed for Fall Festival

We need your help to make a fun and enjoyable Fall Festival for our students! A flyer went home yesterday requesting candy and soda donations for the upcoming event. We appreciate any help you can offer! The candy will be going right back to the kids as game prizes. The sodas will be sold for a low price, with all proceeds going to your PTA. Thank you!

Don't forget, the Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. Come out and have some fun!

Join the fall festival task force

We'll be working with our Adopt-a-School partner, South Hills Christian Church, to host a fall festival on Sunday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Your help and good ideas are needed! If you would like to get involved, please plan to attend our task force meeting on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. in the library. Or send an e-mail to southhillspta@gmail.com so we can keep you in the loop! Keep an eye out for more details and volunteer sign-up sheets coming soon!

Board meeting coming up: Thursday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m.

The next PTA board meeting is coming up: Thursday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. in the library. If you're interested in learning more about the projects PTA is working on, please plan to attend! If you can't make it, but would like a recap of the meeting, send an e-mail to southhillspta@gmail.com and we'll add you to our distribution list. Look forward to seeing you!

***

La próxima reunión de la junta de la PTA se acerca: Jueves, 07 de octubre a las 4 pm en la biblioteca. Si estás interesado en aprender más sobre los proyectos de la PTA está trabajando, por favor planee asistir! Si no puede hacerlo, pero sería como un resumen de la reunión, envíe un e-mail a southhillspta@gmail.com y te añadiremos a nuestra lista de distribución. Esperamos su visita!

It's fundraiser time!

Help South Hills PTA raise funds to benefit our school and students!

Sale starts: October 4
Order forms and money due: October 18
Delivery: Week of November 15 (In time for Christmas gift-giving!)

How to help...

• Show the catalog to friends, relatives and co-workers.
• Please, no unsupervised door-to-door selling.
• Please collect payment as you take orders.

Important details:

Checks should be made payable to South Hills Elementary PTA. Please include seller's name in the memo section of the check.

Please fill out your order form completely with your name, teacher, grade and phone number.

Please turn in the top 2 copies of the order form and keep the bottom copy for your records. The original copy of the order form will be returned with your order.

ONLINE ORDERING
Register online at www.joecorbi.com for your online ID by using your school code: SOUFT. You can send e-mails to distant family and friends asking them to support your school!

GREAT PRIZES
Prizes are cumulative and everyone who sells at least 1 item will receive a prize. Please see your envelope for more details. Sell 12 items and attend the Joe Corbi's Pizza Party. Sell 30 items--Jump for George--a standing broad-jump over dollar bills. As many as you jump over, you get to keep.

Thank You For Your Support!

Volunteers needed for Reading is Fundamental distribution days

You can help South Hills Elementary have fantastic Reading is Fundamental (RIF) distribution days! On Thursday, October 14 and Friday, October 15, each student will be visiting the library to select a brand-new book to take home and keep--courtesy of your PTA.

Volunteers are needed to help put out and pack away books, keep things organized and help students make their selection. One hour shifts are available throughout the school day.

If you can help, please drop by the library and let our wonderful librarian, Ms. Laurie Williams, know that you can lend a hand. Or send an e-mail to southhillspta@gmail.com.

Special thanks go out to Marisol Ortega, PTA's RIF chairperson and Ms. Williams for all their hard work on this very important project!

PTA membership prize drawing 2010

The Golden Apple Award is in our grasp

South Hills Elementary has a fantastic group of dedicated teachers, faculty and staff. Here's further proof: We're close to 100% membership from the ENTIRE faculty! If we get everyone on board, we'll be eligible for this fine award...

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.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who has joined thus far. We appreicate your support.

Latest issue of PTA Parent now online

The latest issue of PTA Parent e-newsletter is now available online. Click here to read the latest news!

Room parent meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 15th at 3:45 p.m.

Just a reminder...

Room-parent orientation meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 3:45 p.m. Look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Camacho, sandra.camacho@fwisd.org.

South Hills sweatshirts: Get them before they're gone!

Hey Wildcats! Get your South Hills sweatshirts before cold weather hits. Limited quantities are left. And once they're gone...they're gone! Children's sizes are only $10. Adult sweatshirts are $12. These shirts are in the school uniform colors, so you can wear them any day of the week.

Next sales date: Friday, Sept. 10 after school in the front foyer.

All proceeds benefit South Hills PTA. Thanks for your support!

Special thanks to PTA member Michele Hussey for creating the cool photo illustration featured above!

How do I get involved?

Thanks so much to those of you who've already joined PTA. I imagine your next question is: How do I really get involved?

There are several ways you can get involved immediately. And we would be thankful for your support!

1. Encourage your fellow parents/friends to join and submit membership dues
All the money we collect goes back to support the school. I know people hate feeling "nickled and dimed." :) Trust me, I'm one of them! But the more memberships and dues we collect now, the better off we'll be. It'll help us cut back on the amount of fundraising we have to do for the rest of the school year. (And we'll be able to focus on more fun stuff.) The deadline for dues is September 10. Each student whose family returns dues will be entered into a drawing for fantastic prizes--including Texas Rangers tickets. Any help and encouragement you could offer would be deeply appreciated! Our membership chair, Lacee Howard, has worked hard all summer getting great prize donations to reward the kids!

2. Fill out and return the Room Parent volunteer form, if you're interested
If you're specifically interested in serving as a room parent, please make sure to fill out the form that should've come home with your student. Or you can contact the two wonderful ladies spearheading this project: Sandra Camacho, sandra.camacho@fwisd.org and Patricia Zaragoza, patricia.zaragoza@fwisd.org.

3. Attend the September 2 board meeting...or any of the board meetings!
We still have some openings on the board. It requires a committment to attend a monthly board meeting. Once you're officially on the board, your attendence is crucial. We can only conduct business if a majority of board members are present. However, we would appreciate your presence at any and all board meetings. Your input would be welcome. And attending will give you an inside track on projects in the works. Scroll down the right-hand sidebar for a listing of tentative dates for all board and general PTA meetings this year

4. Spread the word!
Join us on our Facebook page if you can. Make sure and tell your fellow parents, too. Our primary goal for this year is to do a better job communicating!

5. Give us your suggestions, thoughts, opinions
What do you want to see the PTA doing? E-mail any questions or suggestions to me personally or the entire board: southhillspta@gmail.com.

Look for more details coming soon regarding specific school/community service projects.

Room parent opportunities are still available!

South Hills Elementary is looking for Room Parents for 2010-2011 school year. So what is a room parent? A room parent is someone who is a representative for that classroom. They are the primary liaison between the classroom teacher and students’ families. Room Parents initiate and promote the team effort between school and home that is so important at South Hills Elementary. Being a Room parent is a unique opportunity to get to know and to help your child’s teacher in ways that s/he will greatly appreciate. The key to being an effective Room Parent is communication: communication with the teacher to understand his/her needs and communication with parents where you coordinate filling the teacher’s needs. If you are interested in being a Room Parent, or would like to learn more, please contact the Room Parent Coordinator: Sandra.camacho@fwisd.org. Thank you!

***
La Escuela Primaria South Hills está buscando a padres representantes de salón para el año escolar 2010-2011. Entonces, ¿qué es un padre de salón? Un padre de salón es alguien que es un representante de esa clase. Ellos son el principal enlace entre el maestro y las familias de los estudiantes. Los padres de salón inician y promueven el trabajo en equipo entre la escuela y el hogar que es tan importante para South Hills. Ser padre o madre del salón es una oportunidad única para conocer y ayudar a la maestra/o de su hijo de manera que será apreciará muchísimo. La clave para ser un padre de salón eficaz es la comunicación: la comunicación con el maestro para entender sus necesidades y la comunicación con los padres donde se coordinan suplir las necesidades del profesor. Si usted está interesado en ser un padre de salón, o si desea obtener más información, póngase en contacto con la Coordinadora de Padres de salón: Sandra.camacho@fwisd.org. Gracias!

You're part of a BIG group

Did you know when you join South Hills PTA you automatically become a member of the Texas PTA and the national PTA?

Both the Texas and national PTA websites have a wealth of information for parents. If you've already joined South Hills PTA and need the username/password to access these materials, just send an e-mail to southhillspta@gmail.com.

The fall membership drive is well underway, and we're poised to break last year's membership record by a large margin--thanks to you!

We want YOU as a PTA volunteer

Hopefully you found a very important form in your child's backpack today. South Hills PTA is recruiting volunteers to help in classrooms, the cafeteria and other locales. Whether it's a few hours a week, or each month--we would love to have YOU as part of the team.

Please fill out the form and return with your student. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, e-mail southhillspta@gmail.com. Or just drop a note in the PTA box located in the office. Will get back to you ASAP!

Fantastic first day

Here's hoping everyone had a great first day of school. It was great talking with so many of you at the parent's coffee/breakfast this morning!

If you have any questions about PTA, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

And now I guess I'll settle in to fill out all my "parent paperwork." :)

~Sarah

An update from the president

Greetings everyone!


Today is probably going to be spent hurrying about, getting ready for the start of a new school year. I'm so glad that my first grader will be enjoying another year at South Hills Elementary. Our school has such a dedicated staff. I personally feel very blessed to be a part of the Wildcat family.


Now it's time for an honest recollection: Last year I reluctantly joined PTA. I sent in my dues money just to "do the right thing." I didn't know how--or if--my money would make a difference.


I quickly learned that all PTA money is put to good use. I joined the PTA board, and got an inside look at how we support students and staff members. Here are a few of the things we've helped with...

• Reading is Fundamental (RIF): A free, brand-new book for EVERY student several times a year. (Over $1,000 is necessary to keep this program going!)


• Refreshments and food for school/staff events


• Visit from the Fort Worth Zoo, for pre-K and K students


• Planners for 5th graders for this school year

None of this is possible without YOUR support. We want to continue these projects and embark on many, many more. Your $6 dues make it happen.

A membership envelope and letter will be coming home with your child soon. I encourage you to look it over and submit your dues.

Whether or not you join PTA, we want to hear from you. What programs would you like PTA take on? How can we better serve the school? How can we improve? Let us know. You can send an e-mail to southhillspta@gmail.com. Or just drop a note in the PTA box located in the office.

You can also call me personally: 817-845-6151. Like many of you, I work full time. So I might not catch your call the first time around. Please leave me a message and I'll get back with you right away.

Have a great year everyone. Go Wildcats!

~Sarah

5th graders are planning on a great year

Your PTA is helping all the 5th grade students get organized this year. Students will be receiving study planners, courtesy of YOU: South Hills PTA members!

A big thank you to Ms. Natalie Divis for organizing this effort. We know a great year is in store for our 5th graders. And they'll be ready for middle school life when the year is done!

Are you ready for some football?

The South Hills football team has been practicing all summer, gearing up for a fantastic year. Coach Joe Cruz has done a great job to ensure a winning team. The game schedule will be released soon. Keep an eye out for it so you can support our Wildcats!

Latest issue of Texas PTA newsletter now available

The fall 2010 issue of the Texas PTA's newsletter has been posted. You can view it here.

Looking forward to seeing you at Meet the Teacher!

Meet the teacher--And join PTA!

Meet the Teacher Night: Thursday, August 19

Join PTA and get a special gift!

We're looking forward to seeing all the new and returning Wildcats at Meet the Teacher Night. PTA will have a membership table set up. Please drop by! Each family that joins will receive a "grab bag" filled with brand-new books! And each student's name will be entered in our upcoming prize drawing, where they could win Texas Rangers tickets, movie rentals and much more!

Dues: $6
Checks and cash are accepted. Exact change is appreciated!

South Hills--A RECOGNIZED campus!

Hey folks! Texas Education Agency has just released the latest accountability ratings. South Hills has maintained it's Recognized status. Wooo hooo! Congratulations to our wonderful students and the wonderful teachers and staff who support them!!

You can see the full report on South Hills here. (You'll need Adobe Acrobat reader. It's in PDF format.)

Hope everyone is having a great summer. See you soon!

Field Day thank yous!!

We're sending a HUGE thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the Field Day Snack Shop and teacher hospitality luncheon a big success...

Becky Rasbeary gets several gold stars for purchasing all the snacks and food, making signs, getting things organized and staying up late to make super-awesome pickle shots that were a big hit among the students. THANK YOU!

Mr. Sides helped everyone keep their cool by providing buckets of ice and a helping hand for several hours. THANK YOU!

Mr. Bowers was extra popular among the faculty and staff. Despite the heat, he continued to stand over a hot grill and cook up amazing hamburgers for the South Hills team. THANK YOU!

And so many more people made this event come together smoothly: Sharla, Lacee, Amanda, Tiffany, Will, Sarah, 5th graders Joey Perez and Jonathan Cervantes...and we KNOW there were others!! That's the great thing about South Hills. Folks will jump right in and lend a hand, no matter what!

Go Wildcats!

Members make the difference!

The PTA Spring Membership Drive will be wrapping up soon. Many thanks to everyone who has submitted their dues! Your support will help us get the 2010-2011 school year off to a strong start.

It's not too late to join! Submit your dues now before and after school. Lacee Howard, our membership chair will gladly collect them and give you a hearty "THANK YOU!"

Each student whose family submits dues will be rewarded with a no-uniform pass. And the class with the most participants will earn a free food/drink pass for field day.

Thank You!!!

Volunteers needed for Field Day!

Get ready, get set, GO!

Mark your calendars for Field Day:
Friday, May 28

PTA need volunteers to help with concessions and organizing this fun and festive event. If you can lend a hand, please send an e-mail to southhillspta@gmail.com. Or talk with any of the PTA board members you see up at school.

Special thanks to one of our newest board members, Becky Rasbeary, for coordinating this effort!

Go Wildcats!

Enjoy your RIF books!

Did you find a new book in your child's backpack? And did you get a chance to read it with your student? Hope so!

The books are courtesy of the PTA, through the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program. Enjoy them and thanks for supporting your PTA!

Get ready for field day!

Field Day is just around the corner. Check back soon for more details about fun activites and events. Go Wildcats!

Join us for the next PTA meeting

Hope everyone is enjoying Spring Break! Mark your calendars now for the next PTA Meeting:

Monday, March 29
6 p.m.
South Hills Elementary Auditorium