PTA Council News

2007-08 City of Allen Recycle Art Contest Winners (PDF)

NEW! 2007-08 PTA Council Meeting and Training Dates:
Council Meetings:
September 5, 2007
October 17, 2007
January 16, 2008
March 12, 2008
May 21, 2008

All executive meetings will begin at 10:30 a.m. and general meetings at 11:30 a.m. Meetings will be held at Norton Elementary in Allen. Officer and Chairman Training is scheduled for September 10 at 6:30 p.m., location to be announced. LOT training has been canceled due to Meet the Teacher Night for the elementary schools. It will be rescheduled for sometime in September.

2006-07 Texas PTA Environmental STATE Contest Results. Congratulations!
Click Here to view the results - PDF

2006-07 Texas PTA Environmental AREA Contest Results. Entries will go to the State Level Competition:
Click Here to view the results - PDF

2006-07 Texas PTA Environmental Contest Results:
Click Here to view the Allen/Lovejoy Council Winners - PDF

PTA Award Forms are now available!
Click here to view and download

Trenton Easeley
Jessica Fisher
Madison Jarboe
Brandon Kim
Jacqueline Myrose
Brianna Sisson
Jessica Zhang

Do you know what's in that computer or video fame your child wants to buy or rent? Just as with movies and TV shows, video games are created for people of all ages, which mean that some have content that may not be suitable for children. As parents, we have a responsibility to guide our children toward games that we decide are OK to play. Fortunately, there's a powerful tool to help us─the Entertainment Software Rating Board™ (ESRB) video game rating system.

The ESRB rating system provides information about age suitability and describes the content of the game so you can make an informed decision before you buy or rent a game.

Video games do much more than entertain. They can help our children expand their imagination, develop their ability to solve problems, learn fine motor skills─even help them exercise. The diversity in game content is seemingly unlimited, which is why it is so important for you to be informed.

For more information about video game ratings, go to www.esrb.org. For general information about media safety including video games, TV shows, movies, and the Internet, go to www.pta.org/mediasafety.

Helpful Tips For Parents

> Check the ratings.
> Consider your child's personality, maturity and abilities
> Don't stop at the ratings.
> Play video games with your children.
> Use parental controls.
> Be cautious with "online-enabled" games.
> Be aware of "mods" that can change a game.
> Set household media-use rules.

Today more than ever, schools are challenged to provide every child with the best education despite growing limitations. Budgets are tight─in most cases, shrinking─while government requirements are growing. Schools are challenged to do more with less.

More than 30 years of research has proven that children do better when their parents are involved both at home and at school. Grades are higher. Test scores rise. Self-esteem grows. Schools improve.

There's a simple way to make these outcomes a reality for your child: join PTA.

The number one reason to join PTA is to benefit your child. In doing so, you'll also help your school. Here are seven reasons you shouldn't let the school year go by without becoming a member.

1. Get Connected. There's no better way to know what's happening in your school than by joining PTA. The local PTA works closely with teachers and administrators, as well as school district staff. You'll find out what you can do to help make a difference for your child.

2. Discover great resources. You'll get tips for helping your child with homework, advice for preparing for a parent-teacher conference, and how-tos for working with teachers all year long. Learn how to talk with your child about difficult topics such as bullying and alcohol and other drugs, and also learn everyday practices to keep your whole family healthy. From early childhood education to life after high school, PTA is there for you and your child every step of the way.

3. Tap into a network. PTA functions are opportunities to meet others, build rapport, and discuss issues that are on your mind. You don't have to attend every PTA meeting or event, but know you're always invited. Get to know the parents of your child's friends and classmates, and you'll make friends, too.

4. Watch yourself grow. By volunteering with your PTA, you put your skills and hobbies to good use for a good cause─your child and all children in the community. You can try new things and gain confidence, whether you're coordinating a school foreign-language club, writing a newsletter article, organizing a school fundraiser or hosting a cast party for the school play.

5. Speak up. Because PTA is a forum for exchanging ideas, membership can be a way for you to more effectively suggest changes at your child's school and see to it that those changes happen. You'll be given the tools to respond to current state and federal legislative issues that affect the welfare of children. And you'll learn how to be an advocate and a voice for all children.

6. Witness improvement. By getting involved at your child's school, you'll be part of the solution. Local PTAs play an important role in fundraising to provide school building and grounds improvements, educational programs, and social events─all vital to a school's success. We've been a driving force in establishing school lunch programs, after-school programs, immunization programs, school bus safety, TV rating standards and more.

7. Be a role model. As a PTA member, you'll be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education. You'll be teaching your child about giving back to the community, and you'll feel good knowing that what you do through PTA is helping not only your child but all children receive a better education.

Allen/Lovejoy Council of PTAs
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