We will be holding the election of officers for next year at the President’s and Principal’s Luncheon on April 26.  We initially must do a bylaws amendment enabling us to change the date of the election in our bylaws from May to April since we moved the luncheon date into April this year and plan to do so for future years.  After that, the nominating committee will present their candidates.

We’d like to thank the ladies who stepped up and worked on our nominating committee to come up with a slate of officers for next year’s NFC PTA board.  Thank you so much to Barbara Thomas, Heather Sorenson, Jenny Idichandy, Leslie Glass, and Stacy Christie for their service to this committee this year.

The following is the slate of officers for the NFC PTA Executive Board for 2012-2013:

Co-President  -  Debbie Roth

Co-President  -  Inge Robb

Secretary  -  Christy Taylor

Treasurer  -  Lily Tam

VP Clusters  -  Stacy Christie

VP Membership  -  Annie West

VP Communications  -  Cassi Buckner

VP Programs  -  Lisa Martin

VP Legislation  -  OPEN

This slate of officers will be voted on at the President’s and Principal’s Luncheon in April.  As you can see, we still have the VP of Legislation position available.  Nominations will be accepted from the floor at the luncheon, so please consider taking this position.  The following is a description of the primary duties of that position.  Our current VP of Legislation, Diane Jacobi, has agreed to stay on the committee in one of the primary committee chair positions to lend her expertise to this committee.

VP Legislation – To act as aide to the PTA President, provide leadership and guidance as it relates to legislation and advocacy.  Workload is steady throughout the year and mainly involves reading and communicating.  It is the VP of Legislation’s job to remain informed on the local school board’s agenda and state legislation on which Georgia PTA has a position (Capitol Watch on the Georgia PTA web page is the most efficient way to do this).  It is also the VP of Legislation’s job to answer questions from local units regarding legislation, voter registration drives, candidate forums, etc.

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent School of Information. Dr. Grant Rivera (principal of Westlake High School) and Donna Kosicki (Georgia PTA President) made a powerful presentation entitled “Maximizing Your PTA.” A copy of the power point presention is posted here for you to share with other PTA officers or principals who were unable to attend.  The Business of Student Achievement Revised 1-24-12

Dear North Fulton High School PTA Members,
Please let all your graduating senior members know about the Sally Fitzgerald Scholarship. Information about eligibility and the application are attached in our downloadable files. Deadline is March 21, 2012 with the selected recipients announced at our Annual Presidents & Principals Luncheon on April 26, 2012.  2012 NFCPTA Sally FitzGerald Scholarship Application (final) and 2012 NFCPTA Sally FitzGerald Scholarship Application Procedures(final).  MS Word 2003 version: 2012 NFCPTA Sally FitzGerald Scholarship Application (final)_2003

Reprinted with permission from Sandy Springs Patch Adrianne Murchison

Fulton County Schools superintendent Robert Avossa said poverty, nutrition and talented teachers impact quality education. 

There are no easy answers to changing the status quo but Fulton County Superintendent Robert Avossa said he is determined to bring quality education to all students.

“We are going to keep pushing this idea that we are looking for talent in and out of our classrooms to help outcomes for all kids,” said Avossa.

During a talk to the current Leadership Sandy Springs class, last week, Avossa shared thoughts and goals that have come about since he was hired last spring.

Sandy Springs public schools are among the fastest growing in projected enrollment, this year. And while the city is one of the wealthiest in the nation, more than 50 percent of students at some schools, such as Lake Forest Elementary, Ison Springs Elementary and Sandy Springs Middle School are on free or reduced price lunch. 

“Some of our highest performing schools are in Sandy Springs [yet] one in Sandy Springs is 97 percent free and reduced lunch. Their families love their kids just as much as you do, and they send us their kids every day. It’s our responsibility to make a difference and break that cycle of poverty,” he added.

Poverty, nutrition and talented teachers impact quality education for children, Avossa said.

Earlier this month, Fulton County Schools formally applied for charter status for the entire system. Avossa has been thinking creatively about how things might change, if the application is approved by the Georgia Department of Education. He would have more flexibility with spending, staffing, teacher’s pay and the classroom itself.

The superintendent would like to see more highly qualified teachers and principals at the more distressed schools where they can bring about change. Usually new educators, who are at the lower end of the pay scale and having the least experience, are sent to the most difficult schools, he said.

“If we focus on managing talent well and compensating well, we can move the system forward and a high performing teacher doesn’t necessarily have to look several years down the road for better pay,” he said.

Why it Matters how all Students Perform

Fifty percent of African American males graduate in Georgia. In Fulton County it’s about 71 percent, Avossa estimates. The graduation rate for black males from poor families is below 50 percent in the county.

By 2050 the country will be majority minority and improving education for all students prepares everyone for the future, he emphasized.

Because in many cases, technical skills rather than four year or advanced degrees translate to employment, a new Gwinnett Tech campus is a sound idea, he added.

Sandy Springs along with other North Fulton cities are vying for a local Gwinnett Tech campus.  Although Sandy Springs City Council approved the idea for a campus, many residents resist the idea.

“The fastest growing sector of jobs in the U.S. require some sort of technical skill…I am working vigorously to try to find a way to connect those degrees in high schools,” Avossa said. “The truth is we’ve got to find ways to transition young men and women into the work force [through] something that they like to do.”

That was confirmed during a discussion between the superintendent and the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, last week. Rather than looking for job candidates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees, Avossa said employers said they want highly skilled high school students with technical know-how.

“There are 700 openings in that area that they cannot fill,” he said.

2011-2012 Free Series :

Each program will feature valuable parenting tips, discussions and Q & A

September 21, 2011 -  “Adolescent Substance Abuse & Addiction”       Learn about current trends and chemical substances. 

This presentation will review the genetic and environmental factors that put adolescents at risk to use drugs and alcohol, and will help parents learn to identify warning signs of drug use in their teens. The presenter will address current drug use trends and explain terminology used by today’s drug abusing youth. Effective substance abuse treatment for adolescents is multi-dimensional, requiring supportive families and school environments, as well as knowledgeable clinical professionals and involvement in the recovering community. This workshop will explore these interventions, various treatment options, and available support and resources for family members.

Ashley Kelly, BS, CAC II, is the addiction counselor for the Youth Services Program at Ridgeview Institute in Smyrna, GA.  Ashley has worked with dually diagnosed adolescents at Ridgeview since 2005 and became a Certified Addiction Counselor in 2007. She has experience working in residential addiction treatment settings with both young adult and adult populations. Recently, Ashley has worked to develop an evening intensive outpatient addiction program at Ridgeview. Ashley can be reached at 770.434.4568 ext 4540 or akelly@ridgeviewinstitute.com

November 16, 2011 - “Depression in Youth”    What are the warning signs of depression?

February 15, 2012  - “Eating Disorders”     Does my child have an eating disorder?

April 18, 2012 - “Alcohol and Binge Drinking”         What you need to know about adolescents, alcohol and bing drinking. 

All programs are from 10:00 am – 11:30 am and are FREE of charge, no RSVP necessary.

 DIRECTIONS to Ridgeview Institute:

3995 South Cobb Drive
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Phone: (770) 434-4567 (800) 329-9775

Ridgeview is located off I-285 at Exit 15 (South Cobb Drive). From Exit 15, you will travel north on South Cobb Drive approximately 2.5 miles. Ridgeview is on the right.

First, we would like to thank our special guests, Linda Schultz, FCBOE President, Patrick Burke, FCS Chief of Operations, Joseph Clemmons, FCS Executive Director of Facility Services, Samantha Evans, FCS Director of Communications, Maureen Downey, AJC Education Reporter and Carolyn Briner, 2nd Vice President Georgia PTA for speaking to our members. Additionally, we want to thank every local unit officer and chair that attended as it was wonderful to have a representative from every cluster in attendance.
Secondly, we passed a resolution (separate page) that each local unit may use in support of SPLOST IV. If you have further questions about what you can and can’t do as a local unit PTA in reaching out to the community concerning the upcoming vote in November, please email vplegislation@nfcpta.com. Also approved was the 2011-2012 NFC PTA budget (separate page).
Lastly, we had training sessions on Reflections, Treasurers, PTA Basics, PTA Legislative Update and PTA Advanced. We hope you learned something useful for your PTA and will continue to let us know how we can help you continue to do an amazing job.

Special Purpose Local Option IV Sales Tax Resolution

Whereas, Fulton County’s student population is projected to increase by 11.12% in the next 7 years requiring additional schools and classrooms, and

Whereas, the funding formula for education has not been updated since 1985 so local systems have had to shoulder an increasing percentage of the cost of education, and

Whereas, technology equipment, such as computers, printers and software, needs to be continually upgraded and refreshed to keep our students learning on current equipment, and

Whereas, due to HOPE and Pre-K funding requirements, no funds have been available from the Georgia Lottery to fund K-12 programs or classroom technology, and

Whereas, the state of Georgia does not provide sufficient funding for maintenance for existing schools, and,

Whereas, sales tax funding is a “pay as you go” approach that incurs no long term debt with interest payments and allows more tax collections to go directly towards pre-specified classroom capital and technology expenses, and
Whereas, the state of Georgia has made austerity cuts to the K-12 education funding of over $100 million in the past 5 years requiring local systems to shoulder an increasing percentage of the cost of education, and
Now, therefore be it

Resolved, that the North Fulton Council PTA supports the continued used of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) to fund the construction of educational facilities, school renovations, technology and equipment, and other capital outlay needs; and be it further

Resolved, that the North Fulton Council PTA urges its members and the community to vote YES to reauthorize the SPLOST for the Fulton County and the Fulton County School System.

Name:   Sandra Perrino                                              Position:  10^th District Director

Period Reporting:  June 2010 – June 2011               Date Prepared:  June 1, 2011

Overall Goals: 

• To promote increase of membership by 5%
• To identify and develop new PTA associations
• To support continued Leadership Development
• To foster relationships and partnerships within the District

Highlights/Accomplishments:

Membership:

• Chartered 7 schools in the District.

(BEST Academy HS, Corretta Scott King HS, Feldwood ES, Kendezi Charter School, Washington Business, Finance Investment HS, Washington Health, Science, & Nutrition HS, & Washington Early College HS)   

• Atlanta Council showed a membership gain. NFC showed gains in comparison with last year and shows 100% of the local units made membership reports. SFC started the year with new officers and is working hard to increase the numbers in the area. Membership dues will post late due to charter dates and paperwork.
• Overall, the final statistical for the district shows -4% less in memberships, but a 1% increase from the previous year. The district is showing new members and growth. Using the comparison of last year numbers the district shows the following statistics. The Atlanta Council shows 95 local units, they show an increase in  membership totals, and have donations of $102. The North Fulton Council show 56 local units, -3% (-$1089) less last year, and $671 in donations. The South Fulton Council show 39 local units, -28% (-$1597) less last year, and $500 in donations. The District shows -4% (-$2635) less last years membership totals and $1273 in total donations. The final statistical report show 98% of officers were recorded. 75% of audits were completed and submitted, 88% of the local units reported dues, and 77% completed and submitted the 990.  The District reports 85% of completion and will work to increase to 90% or 100% (if possible) in 2011-2012. Listed below are the results of the revenue increase or decrease from each council and the district with a comparison to the previous year.

Leadership:

District Leadership Development:

Council/Local Unit Training/Services Provided:

Organizational Effectiveness (Advocacy):

The 10^th District officers provide services to all local units in the district. Every child is represented with one voice. Debbie Roth and others represented the schools in NFC and the 10^th District at National this year with the presentation and passing of a Sexting Resolution, they also received the distinguished NPTA Hearst Award in 2010. We had many students represented at the State and National PTA for their Reflections.  Each council was represented during Council/District Training, PTA Day at the Capitol, Advocacy Day, EMLC, and other scheduled PTA activities. We continue to collaborate with businesses in all areas.

We held successful Fall and Spring Conferences. The following officers were elected:

Sandra Perrino                        10^th District Director

Genea Stanley             1^st Assistant Director

Barbara Thomas          2^nd Assistant Director

Joyce Nance                Secretary

Kimberly Wright         Treasurer

Other members:

Margie Ringfield         Membership

Valerie Martin

Jennifer Freeman         Resource Development 

Financial Viability:

• Marketed Birney Butler memberships
• Spent within the budget allotted. 
• Encouraged local unit donations to Georgia PTA, resulting in 12 Life Membership Awards awarded to the district. 
• Sharing best practice and best ideas

Type of Report:                                 1.         Reporting / Updating __X___

                                      2.         Recommending Board Action _____

                                      3.         Recommending Policy Action _____

If 2 or 3 is checked, please describe. Include brief background information, specific recommendation, and possible impact/benefits if approved. Also, include resources required to implement the action. Use a separate page, if necessary, and attach any documentation and estimates.

Each level has been established for the purpose of forming a nationwide movement to advocate the need to support and speak out on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, before governmental agencies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children.

LOCAL UNIT

• • Operates as a self-governing body and is chartered by the state.
• • Plans programs and activities to meet community needs.
• • Works at the school site, at home and in the community for all children.
• • Serves as the local organization through which the National PTA Purposes are carried out.
• • Is represented on the Council Board (if in a council) or at state functions by the unit president and/or designated representatives.

COUNCIL

• • Includes all units within a geographical area who wish to belong (i.e., school district, city, county).
• • Serves as a conference body.
• • Provides workshops, leadership development, information, programs and guidance.
• • Coordinates programs and projects of local units.
• • Works to promote PTA in the area.

DISTRICT

• • A geographical division of the state PTA.
• • Includes all local units and councils within that area.
• • Promotes the work of the state PTA and National PTA.
• • Channels information between the state PTA, units, and councils throughout the year.
• • Provides leadership development conferences and informational updates at state conventions, Leadership Training Conference, district conferences, and workshops.
• • Schedules meetings with school superintendents.
• • Charter new PTA/PTSA’s.
• • Provides guidance to the Councils and Local Units
• • Works to promote PTA in the area.

STATE

• • A branch of the National PTA.
• • Includes all who join local unit PTAs within the state.
• • Organizes local units, councils, and districts.
• • Cooperates with other groups and organizations working for youth.
• • Maintains legislative advocates.
• • Holds an annual convention.
• • Interprets and implements policies, programs and projects.
• • Provides workshops, field services and leadership development and publications.

NATIONAL

• • Includes all who join local unit and international PTAs.
• • Establishes basic policies.
• • Develops and funds projects that are national in scope.
• • Maintains legislative advocates at the federal level.
• • Provides field services and leadership development.
• • Develops and provides resource materials and publications.
• • Holds an annual convention.

The goal of North Fulton Council is to progressively communicate and promote professional relations among parents, educators, administrators, legislators, the Board of Education, and members of the community in our attempt to speak as one voice for every child.

            “Connect with Council” is a program started in 2005-2006 with intention of providing support, assistance, and leadership training to the officers of the PTA.  Local units with extraordinary participation in the programs provided are awarded the Connect with Council Award.  In order to achieve this award, Local Units must complete at least 15 of these 18 requirements, one being a District 10 event. 

Please keep track of your own attendance at these events.  A Connect with Council will be provided for your information to be submitted in April of 2011.  Thank you for your commitment to all our children.

• GA PTA Leadership Training Conference
• North Fulton Council August School of Information
• District 10 Fall Conference
• GA PTA State Advocacy Conference
• Submit Financial Audit to GA PTA and North Fulton Council
• File 990 Tax Form
• Pay Annual Incorporation Fees
• Pay Annual Insurance Fees
• Submit “Plan of Work” for Local Unit
• State Membership Dues
• Participate in Reflections Program
• Pay Council Dues
• Contribute to Sally FitzGerald Scholarship Fund
• North Fulton Council January School of Information
•  PTA Day at the Capitol
• Submit a minimum of one GA PTA Report
• District 10 Spring Conference
• North Fulton Council April School of Information

There are three separate documents below; please copy and paste to word to print off.

2011 NFCPTA-Sally FitzGerald Scholarship Application

Sponsored by the 

North FultonCouncil of PTAs (NFCPTA)

Academics, Leadership, Aptitude, Service, Goals

History and Background of NFCPTA-Sally FitzGerald Scholarship (NFCPTA-SFS):

                        I. The NFCPTA is a group of 56 local unit PTAs and PTSAs located in North Fulton County organized by the authorization of the Georgia PTA.  Its purpose is to promote conferences, leadership training and coordination of efforts of the local PTAs and PTSAs in its membership.  The NFCPTA is governed by its bylaws and elected officers.

II. The NFCPTA-SF Scholarship Fund was created by the NFCPTA in 1995 to honor the outstanding work of Mrs. Sally FitzGerald,Past-President, NFCPTA.  Mrs. FitzGerald has dedicated many years of service to the youth of Fulton County.  Her work and dedication continues to improve public education and legislative awareness in our community and state.  The local units of the NFCPTA are honored to offer this scholarship opportunity and thereby help North Fulton High School Seniors reach their goal of a post-secondary education.  

III. This scholarship targets students who exhibit superiority in the following areas:  Academic Excellence, Extra- Curricular Activities, Financial Need, Essay Writing, and Volunteerism.  

                        IV. The monetary award for this NFCPTA-SFS is provided by voluntary donations from the local units of the NFCPTA, members and private donations.  The dollar amount of the scholarship is determined annually based on all donations received.

            a. Donations:  Individuals, PTA/PTSA Members, Clubs, Friends and Corporations may donate directly by writing Allison Clough, NFCPTA Treasurer via interschool mail to Shakerag Elementary School.

Eligibility:

1. You are in the graduating class of 2011 from a high school in North Fulton County whose PTSA is in good standing with the Georgia PTA and NFCPTA.

1. You are a member of your high school PTSA.

1. You must be a United States citizen.

1. You have demonstrated leadership commitment through participation in extracurricular, service-oriented or citizenship activities.

1. You have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (80%) on a 4.0 scale.

application procedure:

1. Complete the two page Personal Information Sheet
2. Write a Personal Essay up to two pages double spaced (around 500 words).
3. Attach a copy of your official High School Transcript.
4. Attach a copy of your “best“ SAT or ACT scores
5. Attach the PTSA membership form, completed by the PTSA Membership Chair.
6. Submit one personal letter of recommendation (e.g. from a community member, or non-relative, such as an employer, neighbor or member of the clergy.)

1. Attach SAR (student aid report) from FAFSA.ed.gov   (If it hasn’t arrived yet, contact us before the deadline.  We may be able to work with you on a later submission of this document).

2011 NFCPTA-SF Scholarship Facts to consider:

1. Submitted applications must be computer generated or typewritten on the 2011 official form.  No hand-written or previous year applications will be considered (with the exception of the Certification of Membership page.).
2. Any Class of 2011, North Fulton High School Senior who will be enrolling in a public or private college, university or technical school after graduation, may apply.
3. There is no limit to the number of students from each high school that may apply.
4. 2011 Applications may be reproduced and distributed to students.
5. Only one recommendation will be required for consideration.  Please include one personal recommendation that is a character reference (e.g. Scout leader, employer, music director, neighbor, clergy, or other non-relation.)
6. Please submit three (3) copies of your application package.
7. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their application package is complete and received before the deadline.
8. The attached application is available as a PDF (portable document format) file at www.nfcpta.com. You may fill in the fields on the website, then save the file on your own computer to be printed.
9. The application must be postmarked by Wednesday, March 23, 2011. Completed applications must be mailed to:

Sharyl Dawes

NFCPTA-SF Scholarship Committee

370 Lake Manor Trace

Johns Creek, GA 30022

1. If you have any questions or concerns, please email the 2011 NFCPTA-SFS Selection Committee at: scholarships@nfcpta.com.
2. You will be notified by email confirming that we have received your application package.

            Note To Applicants

• The NFCPTA-Sally FitzGerald Scholarship Selection Committee reserves the right to interview   applicants before a final winner is selected.
• Winners will be notified after the application deadline and will be recognized at the NFCPTA  Presidents’ Luncheon that is held Friday, May 7, 2011 from 11:30 to 1:00.
• The NFCPTA-SFS funds must be used for the scholarship winner’s educational needs only (i.e. Tuition, mandatory fees, books, etc.). 
• If funds are not requested by December 31, 2011 the scholarship will be forfeited.
• When the winner is announced, the funds will be made available.  
• All information provided in support of this scholarship application will be kept in strictest confidence.
• The NFCPTA and the NFCPTA-Sally FitzGerald Scholarship Selection Committee do not discriminate against any student for any reason including reasons of race, creed, color, orientation or national origin.

Thank you for applying for the 2011 NFCPTA-Sally FitzGerald Scholarship!

North Fulton Council

                  Of PTAs everychild.onevoice

Senior Class/Morning Announcement:

The 2011 Sally FitzGerald PTA Scholarship

The North Fulton Council of PTAs (NFCPTA) is pleased to announce the availability of its 2011 Sally FitzGerald Scholarship application. 

The Sally FitzGerald Scholarship is open to all seniors graduating from a North Fulton County High School and there is no limit to the number of applications that can be received from each high school.  This scholarship targets students who exhibit superiority in the following areas: academic excellence, extra-curricular activities, essay writing, volunteerism and financial need.

            Last year,the three scholarship winners were students at Centennial HS, Johns Creek HS and Alpharetta HS, and were awarded $1100 each.  In 2009, $2000 was awarded to each of the three scholarship winners from Riverwood International Charter School, Chattahoochee HS, and North Springs Charter HS.  The number and amount of this year’s scholarship will depend on the amount of donations received from each participating North Fulton PTA.

The deadline for this scholarship application is March 23, 2011.  Seniors, please stop by the Counseling Department to get more information about this scholarship opportunity today!

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COVER LETTER

791 Mimosa Blvd.

Roswell, Georgia

Phone 770-552-6339

Fax 770-552-6340

North Fulton Council

                  Of PTAs everychild.onevoice

January 20, 2011

Memo to:  North Fulton County High School Guidance Counselors 

From:        NFCPTA Sally FitzGerald Scholarship Committee

Re:            Sally FitzGerald Scholarship

Each year, the North Fulton Council of PTAs (NFCPTA) awards the Sally FitzGerald Scholarship to deserving students graduating from a North Fulton County High School.  The scholarship targets students who exhibit academic excellence, volunteerism, extra-curricular activities, essay writing, and financial need.

We are asking you to make all of your seniors aware of this wonderful opportunity and encourage their application.  You will find a copy of the application and guidelines attached.  Post it in a visible location for your seniors to see.  They can also visit our website www.NFCPTA.comand click on the “Programs” link on the left and then click on “Sally FitzGerald Scholarship” to apply. The Scholarship deadline is March 23,2011.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sharyl Dawes     mddawes @aol.com

Robyn Kanner     sfs2011@comcast.net

Co-chairs 2011 NFCPTA Sally FitzGerald Scholarship Committee