February 19, 2010

The Florida Legislature will convene for the 2010 Legislative Session on March 2, 2010.  The regular nine week session is scheduled to end on April 30, 2010.

Once again, the budget, or lack of it, is expected to dominate the conversation during this session.  Education was funded on federal stimulus dollars last year and will continue to be funded by the same source this year. However, as this program sunsets in one year, it is critical that the legislature makes provisions for a permanent and stable funding source for the future needs of education.

The Legislature must find a way to generate new revenues, to fund education and other children’s services. This will be our message throughout session and we hope you will join us not only through your emails and phone calls, but also in person, as we Rally In Tally, on March 25^th, to bring this home to our legislators.  For more information go to   http://www.floridapta.org/legislative.html or contact your County Council.

The revision of the class size amendment to be calculated on school averages rather than actual class size has already passed the education committees in both Houses and is expected to generate vigorous debate. Bills to expand the corporate voucher program have also been filed, further eroding the funds that could be used to fund public education. A bill to replace the FCAT in math and science in high school with end of course exams is also making its way through the legislature.

PTA will also be active in other areas issues such as the safety and protection our youngest children with the passage of a booster seat bill as well as increasing safety for all citizens with a ban on texting while driving.  Nutrition, food safety, health and environmental issue swill also be a part of our active advocacy efforts.

A list of the bills we actively working on can be found at:   http://www.floridapta.org/Legislative%20Information/FPTA%20Legislative%20Report-Feb%2019.pdf

A longer list of bills in the area of children and education has been posted on our web site at http://www.floridapta.org/Legislative%20Information/2010%20Bills-Feb%2019.pdf .

The lists will be updated at the end of every week reflecting any action that was taken and new bills will be added as they are filed. If there is a PTA position corresponding to the bill, it will be shown under public comments.

For a full text of these bills please go to: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Welcome/index.cfm?CFID=87003130&CFTOKEN=22816812

We will send out alerts as needed through Capwiz.  We will also send out weekly updates through Capwiz and email lists.  Please respond to the alerts and forward the alerts and updates to your email lists. Your voice is the most important one and we hear this constantly as we meet with policy makers. They want to hear from you. If you have any questions, please email us at ino@pta.org.

Thank you for your advocacy efforts.



Pizza and soda will be available at an additional fee.

We have a new permission slip for those students who want to attend the April 30th.

You can turn in your signed/approved permission slips/money and/or pick up permission slips in the cafeteria during lunch Monday April 26th, Tuesday April 27th, Wednesday April 28th and Thursday April 29th (is the last day to turn in permission slips and money)

No permission slips will be accepted on the day of the event (April 30th) during lunch or at the door.
Tickets must be paid for no later than 1:30 pm. on Thursday April 29th.

If you need a permission slip, please download your copy here (in pdf format), print it and fill out and have your student bring it to their grade administrator for approval, then bring the approved permission slip along with their student ID and money to the cafeteria during lunch during the above dates.

Event Date: Friday, April 30, 2010

Cost: $5.00 Non-PTSA Student Member

$4.00 PTSA Student Member

Time: 6 pm to 9 pm

Location: School Cafeteria

Students, you can nominate your favorite educator in RBC Bank’s 7th Annual Tribute to Teachers program.

Simply complete the brief nomination form and tell us about the one word that best describes your favorite teacher. He or she will then be entered to receive valuable school supply discounts and a chance to receive up to $2,500 in cash and prizes to help fulfill classroom needs.

* All Nominees will receive a special discount for online purchases at Stone’s Education Superstore.
* 70 Finalists will win $500 cash for use in their classrooms.
* 4 Grand Prize Winners will enjoy a $2,000 school supply shopping spree

The forms must be submitted by March 14, 2010

Please fill out the form and return it to school by March 23rd, 2010. The Nominating Committee will announce their recommendations in April. Nominations from the floor will be accepted at the General PTSA Meeting June 2nd, 2010. Officers will be installed at this meeting.

Do you work well with others?
Are you a hard worker and follow through until the job is done?
Are you conscientious?
Are you honest?
Do you love children?
Are you a PTSA member?

If you answered yes, you are the kind of person Pines Middle School PTSA is looking for.

Please fill out the form and return to school.

Would you be interested in getting together to see how you can help our students succeed?

If so, please email the following information and PTSA Board Member Peter Scherzer will be in touch with you with a meeting date to further explore and discuss this very important subject.

email:
Your Name
email address
Phone#

Membership is open to anyone who shares our commitment to children.
Florida PTA offers its youth members tremendous opportunities for personal growth and enrichment.

As a student, you are the eyes, ears and voice of the education system.

• You are uniquely qualified to determine how your education can be improved. If you think something should be changed, then take action!
• Your perspective is important to school administrators, PTA members and other students.
• Express your views to the decision-makers in your school and community.

Instead of being spoken for, join the PTSA and speak for yourself and other students.

• As a member of the Florida PTA, you are connected to over 6 million concerned PTA members  nationwide. The Florida PTA serves your local unit’s interests.
• The PTA grants students equal responsibility, equal opportunity and equal vote. You can be elevated to office or serve as a chair of a committee.
• Students can participate in all Florida PTA programs such as the Annual Convention, Legislative Region week and Leadership Conference with the rest of the state membership.

Join us Today!
It’s only $5.00

October 17, 2009 The Pines Middle School PTSA held a green fair.

There were a variety of vendors, speakers & demo’s and a kids zone and more.

Visit here to see some of the photo’s taken at the event.

President: Cherry Mason

Vice President: Monique Acosta

Secretary: Tracee Gibson

Treasurer: Tammy Walker

Mr. Carlton Campbell, Principal

Mrs. Nadine Laham, 6th Grade AP