PTA Odjectives
Teacher Grants
Our PTA provides grants to enable teachers to enhance learning experiences at Parkside. Teacher grants represent a significant portion of the PTA budget (40% of 07/08 budget, $4950). Purchases with grant money is variable, and could include resources such as enrichment programs, decorations, special supplies, awards, or incentives. The 2007/2008 PTA budget provides $315 for kindergarten classrooms, $270 to other classrooms and resources, and $135 to special education classrooms. Inclusion of resource teachers and special education classrooms in the teacher grant program was introduced in this school year. Teachers may use grant money as a lump sum at the end of the year or incrementally every month.
Classroom Field TripsOur PTA provides $5 per student for classroom field trips. This is the second highest expense in the PTA budget (11% of 07/08 budget, $1375). This amount helps offset the extremely high cost of travel. However, teachers often need to ask for student participation fees or conduct classroom fundraisers to generate the additional funds for trip expenses. Examples of field trip destinations this year include several FSU cultural productions, the Baltimore Aquarium, Hershey Park for Science Day, and the C&O canal.
Accelerated ReaderThis program is intended to encourage student reading. Individual book tests that are purchased by Parkside award points for correctly answered questions. The number of points accumulated provides a measure by which to set student goals. However, incentives also help encourage goal attainment. Our PTA provides $500 for purchase of prize incentives, end of year party supplies for participants, as well as purchase of additional AR tests. Parent volunteering is a critical part of this objective, particularly for young students that require books and tests read for them to participate.
Teachers LoungeThe lounge provides a refuge for teachers and staff to conveniently recharge with available snacks and beverages. Our PTA provides $300 to help ensure that lounge supplies are maintained. This year, the PTA initiated a water cooler rental to provide hot and cold water. Our PTA also organized a volunteer group to maintain vending machine supplies by occasionally shopping (then getting reimbursed). However, PTA funding would be greatly insufficient without the cooperation and support from our teachers and staff that periodically take up collections to maintain the account balance. This is truly a partnership!
Science FairOur annual science fair provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate a marvel of science to parents and fellow students. Participants are asked to prepare a report that follows the scientific method, accompanied by pictures, charts, or graphs to support their discoveries. Our PTA organizes the science fair to accompany a general meeting and provides $300 to provide t-shirts and certificates that recognize our participants.
Teacher AppreciationEvery May, our PTA celebrates Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week with the rest of the nation. We adore our teachers and staff. So, our PTA will organize and encourage ways to touch every staff member. The PTA will accomplish this goal while maintaining a budget of just $250! While this amount in no way reflects how much we love our staff, we hope to generate sincere gestures of thanks that will be remembered for years to come. Participation by every student (past and present) and parent is encouraged!
Red Ribbon WeekDrugs and alcohol are very real obstacles for student success, particularly in today’s world. Red Ribbon Week is designed to communicate the dangers of alcohol and drug use to prepare students to make good decisions for their future. Our PTA provided water bottles with the message “Believe, Achieve, Succeed- Drug Free” for all students for around $250.
Holiday PartiesOur PTA supports Halloween and Valentines Day classroom parties by providing a cookie and drink to each Parkside student. The PTA budgets $200 per party to provide these refreshments.
ReflectionsReflections is an art program administered nationally by the PTA. It gives participating students the opportunity to achieve national recognition for artistic creations in various formats; literature, visual art, music composition, film production, photography, and dance choreography. Deadline for submission of art entries to the county level occurs in January. This year a gallery was conducted prior to Christmas Vacation to recognize participants. Our PTA provides $200 to administer this program at Parkside.
Children's ProgramsA budget of $200 is provided to fund various children’s programs. A frequent program selected is the D.A.R.E. Program, which is administered by local law enforcement officers in the classroom to educate students about tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
Fun & Field DayThis day is like a celebration of spring, health, and fitness. Outside activity stations are planned to encourage teamwork, coordination, and personal challenge… not to mention FUN! Our PTA provides $200 to administer this event.
Book ItBook-it is a program sponsored by Pizza Hut to encourage reading. Monthly goals are rewarded with FREE personal pan pizzas! So, the incentives are taken care of, thanks to Pizza Hut. Our PTA supplements the program by providing $200 to conduct a year-end party for all Book-it participants.
Classroom TeachersOur PTA provides $200 to encourage attendance at our general PTA meetings. The classroom teacher that achieves the highest attendance (students/parents) at one of our meetings is awarded $50 for their classroom!
Grandparents DayThis is one of the first events of our school year. It is also one of the most cherished. Grandparents are invited to visit the school and participate in various activities in the classroom. Our PTA provides $100 to provide refreshments during reception that precedes classroom visits.