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!