In This Issue

Indiana PTA Update

Region News and Update

INPTA Success Stories

National PTA Update

URGE YOUR MEMBERS TO OFFER E-TESTIMONY ON DRIVER'S EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Offer E-Testimony on Driver's Education! State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) is encouraging Hoosiers to offer their personal experiences and suggestions for driver's education improvements by submitting e-testimony to the Interim Study Committee on Driver Education at the committee's special e-mail address: DriversEdInput@iga.in.gov. Submit testimony now until Oct. 15th.

Please make sure you share the above information with your local units and students. This is your chance share your opinion and your experiences with our policy makers.


CELEBRATE ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK, SEPT. 12-18
Please join PTA and SupportMusic.com in recognition of Arts in Education Week, September 12-18, 2010.  This would be an excellent week for PTA units to kick off a Reflections and Citizenship Program! Mayors across the country are being asked for proclamations. Ohio is the first state to declare a proclamation for the week.  A request has been submitted to Governor Daniels.

It would be great to have all PTA cities recognize this week.  Click here to find Ohio and the City of Hammond's proclamations.  Indiana PTA would like a copy of any proclamations in recognition of this event. Please send them to djones@indianapta.org or  C/O Indiana PTA at 2525 N. Shadeland D-4, Indianapolis, IN 46219.

ARE YOU USING INDIANA PTA'S MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGNS TO HELP YOU PROMOTE PTA?
Learn more about the Indiana PTA Membership campaigns targeting both male involvement and student engagement.
Campaign for Men:Real Men are FBI (Fathers Being Involved)
Campaign for Students:iChange (iChange my school, iChange the world)


GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS
Lilly Endowment Inc., an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation, is pleased to announce its successful Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program for 2011.

For 2011 the Endowment will again offer up to 120 grants of $8,000 each to Indiana's public and private school teachers (including guidance counselors and library/media specialists), principals and assistant principals for projects of the individual's choice.

A full description of the program, including instructions for preparing applications, is available by clicking HERE...

On Thursday August 19th Winchester Elementary School in Perry Township, held their annual Back to School function. This function was sponsored by the school's PTA. Expecting over 700 participants, the event was a big feat but the Winchester PTA was ready for the task. Hundreds of hot dogs were grilled and many donations came in from parents and staff. The event started at 5pm and lasted well after 7pm. A great time was had by all.

This Week's Question - Putting the T in PTA - How does your unit encourage teachers to join PTA?

Deion Adams from Scott Middle School shares: Many of the teachers are still in the school long after the parents have moved on. That is one reason I am a strong supporter of Teacher Appreciation Week. Small daily gifts, a midweek luncheon (usually a couple of Subway 3 foot sandwiches) and several "You're Awesome" awards/essays from the students... Great teachers are worth the recognition!

Scott Huse, of SAFE Team (Schools and Families Engaged) shares: I believe a key ingredient is showing how PTA is contributing to engaging the parents at the school so that the teachers can correlate that back to academic success. Yes they want to be valued as faculty, but they also need that value to be shown to them through respect of families supporting their children's education. A strong principal leader is a key asset to getting the teachers started with PTA, but it is up to the local unit to keep them on board.

Brookview PTA gives their classroom teachers a $50 spending allowance each year for academic standards support. This year they are also trying to raise money for some technology or other equipment that all staff can use. (iPads, iTouch, new Ellison shapes, new spiral binder, new leveled readers)


Next Week's Question - Male Engagement - How do YOU entice men to get involved in your PTA unit? What are some of your dad-centered events? Share your ideas!

Want to answer this week's question or brag about the GREAT things happening in your PTA? Send your responses, stories, ideas, and comments to GoodNews@indianapta.org.