A Message from Debbi...January 2010

It’s hard to believe that half the school year is over! I hope all of you had a safe and healthy holiday season and enjoyed some time with your families. January is a good time to review what your PTA has accomplished this year and what still needs to be done in the next few months.     Plans should be underway to elect the members of your Nominating Committee. The purpose of this committee is to select a slate of candidates to be elected by your general membership. According to the Illinois PTA Local Unit Bylaws, the members of this committee must be elected and should include representatives from your Executive Board as well as your general membership. Please refer to your bylaws for the specific numbers and make-up of the committee. The committee should be made up of people with knowledge of PTA and officers responsibilities. If they also know a large number of parents and teachers in your school community, it can be an advantage when looking for the best candidates. Remember, the candidates selected/recruited by the Nominating Committee must be announced at least 30 days prior to the actual election of officers. Keep in mind that the committee may need a month or more to recruit the best possible candidates for your PTA.     Your plans should be well under way for your Founder’s Day celebrations. Founder’s Day is a commemoration of the birthday of PTA, which was formed in February 1897 and often celebrates the anniversary of the founding of your local PTA – especially during a milestone anniversary year. This meeting is often used to recognize volunteers and community members with PTA awards such as the Life Membership, Book of Recognition, Distinguished Service Scroll, and Educator of the Year. Donations made to the Illinois PTA for these awards support the Illinois PTA Lillian E. Glover Scholarships that are presented to high school seniors around the state. More information about the award program may be found in the Illinois PTA Yearbook or on the PTA Web site: http:// www.illinoispta.org.     We hope many of you will be able to attend the Illinois PTA District 28 Celebrating Kids Paths To Achievements Through the Arts event being hosted by Blythe Park PTA in Riverside on Tuesday, February 23rd. We will be honoring the children whose Reflections entries advanced to state judging. We are in the process of arranging for the children to read their pieces and talk about their art and photography projects. Whether or not your school participated in Reflections, please come out and enjoy the evening.  Refreshments will be served. A flyer will be mailed in the second half of January with more details.     Make sure to celebrate the accomplishments of your PTA by applying for state and district awards. The state awards can be found on the Illinois PTA website. The district awards will be mailed to you shortly. The District Awards are: Gold Ribbon Award (for the Outstanding Local Unit), Legislation Award (for outstanding advocacy work) and Newsletter Award (for outstanding newsletter). The Membership Awards this year are: The three PTAs with the greatest number of members, all PTAs who have an increase of at least 15 members over last year, and the PTA with the highest increase in membership over last year. Membership Awards do not require an application, as membership information will automatically be determined by district membership assistant, Kathy Meitzler. I will gladly join any PTA who asks me. Mail your membership form and dues information to me at 1514 Euclid Ave., Berwyn, 60402. Don’t forget to ask past officers, especially past presidents, as well as your superintendent, school board members, and community businesses to become members. Remember, if they do not have children in your school, they are community members for your PTA. Presentation of awards will take place at our Annual Awards Dinner and Auction, tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 23rd.     Please remember, as your District Director, I am here to assist you. If you need help or advice about something, please e-mail or call me.    Debbi Scollard, District Director dscollardpta@sbcglobal.net (708) 484-1472