Family Matters—October 2019

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND POVERTY PROGRAMS

Family Matters October 2019

A PUBLICATION OF THE 15TH DISTRICT PTA

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Meet the New PTA Secretary 101 Advice for Treasurers Food for School Celebrations

®

every child. one voice.®

15th District PTA Contact List 2019-20

FROM THE PRESIDENT

President

Welcome back to the start of the 2019-20 school year, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) friends and family!

We have a lot of exciting opportunities this school year to help our families learn and grow as well as the exciting news that the National PTA Convention will be held here in Louisville! We hope to help make it the best ever opportunity to Engage, Enhance, Inform, and Celebrate together with all of our PTA leadership friends from around the nation! Please save the date for the June 18 through 21, 2020, National PTA Convention! We also have a lot of new digital updates coming this year to save paper. Keep your eye out for all of these new improvements!

Here are a few reminders:

President-Elect

Sienna G. Newman sgnewman77@gmail.com (502) 410-9117

Vice President—Area One

Carla Robinson crobinson@lul.org (502) 644-0007

Vice President—Area Two

• Leaders Packets contain membership cards, important forms, and information. If you have not received this packet, contact your area VP to have that information sent to you directly.

Ria Chandler riachandler@gmail.com

Vice President—Area Three

• Officer and Chairman Information Form—Please fill out and email to kentuckypta @bellsouth.net. The officer list may be completed online at www.kypta.org /forptaleaders/online-officer-list/.

Bobbi Jo Kingery bkingery07@gmail.com (502) 299-9749

• Membership drive opportunities still exist even after orientations and open houses

Sharon Kesler sharonkesler24@gmail.com (502) 249-3514

Vice President—Area Four

(e.g., school dances, fall festivals/carnivals, sporting events).

• Your PTA budget should have been finalized and presented to your membership at the first general meeting of the year, a requirement for spending money.

• Make sure all of your 2019-20 members are being added to Member Hub. • If you missed area Board Trainings and still need information or are having trouble with Member Hub, please ask your area VP for help.

Elizabeth Hammer eshammer52@hotmail.com (502) 387-4935

• Be the voice for all children, and have a great year! ®

Sincerely, Edward Squires, President

Secretary

Anna Elder supduptwee@outlook.com (502) 432-3023

Treasurer

• Insurance is a must-have.

every child. one voice.®

Past President

Autumn Neagle autumn@argo-networks.com (502) 718-2590

JCPS Parent Relations Coordinator

Justin Willis justin.willis@jefferson.kyschools.us (502) 485-7450

Calendar of Events

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Eddie Squires pta.eddie@gmail.com (502) 930-3515

October

November

1.....Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE)

Community Forum and Information Fair 4.......................... No School for JCPS Students 7.......................... No School for JCPS Students 8.......................... No School for JCPS Students .................... JCPS Parent-Teacher Conferences 12....................................... Showcase of Schools 15.................................................. JCBE Meeting 18.......... Deadline to Deliver School Reflections Winners 28–Dec. 18.......Application Period for 2020-21

School Year

4.......................... No School for JCPS Students 5......................................................Election Day 12..................................................JCBE Meeting 27–29..............Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Mailing Address:

15th District PTA P.O. Box 35444 Louisville, KY 40232-5444 Note—If you’re still mailing items to the address at 319 S. 15th Street, the mail may be getting lost. Please update your records.

The P.O. box is the correct mailing address.

On the Cover:

Students arrive at Hawthorne Elementary on the first day of the 2019-20 school year greeted

by Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Marty Pollio and a Hawthorne Elementary PTA bulletin board.

Your Clothing Assistance Program The 15th District PTA Clothing Assistance Program (CAP) served more than 2,100 students with new uniforms during August.

Since 1971, CAP has provided new and gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for students in JCPS. CAP works closely with schools to provide help to students and families with the most need. There is never a charge.

CAP relies on the generous donations and the muscles and hearts of volunteers. To coordinate a volunteer date with your PTA/ Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) or to become a regular volunteer with a flexible, weekly schedule that works best for you, send an email to Justin Willis at justin.willis@ jefferson.kyschools.us.

CAP is a fortunate beneficiary of several corporate groups, houses of worship, and local organizations that provide new clothing, shoes, and accessories. And CAP is always looking for more friends and partnerships.

During the 2018-19 school year, CAP served the following:

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer visited the Back-to-School Clothing Blitz in August to thank the volunteers, meet students, and see the redesigned warehouse.

• 5,488 students with new uniforms • 2,540 students with new athletic shoes • 2,583 families with shopping opportunities for gently used items • 730 students with vouchers for a free eye exam and new glasses • More than 1,000 homeless and foster care students • 598 guests at the Take What You Can Tote! Clothing Giveaway on December 8 • 57 middle and high schools with 10 pairs each of new dress shoes • 92 elementary schools with 10 teddy bears each • 7 middle and high schools with 15 new leather jackets • 40 additional pairs of new black and brown dress shoes to W.E.B. DuBois Academy

Martin Keltee, a new Family Resource Center (FRC) coordinator this year at St. Matthews Elementary, helped distribute shoes at CAP and worked several days of the Clothing Blitz.

• Monthly groups of JCPS families through Kentucky Refugee Ministries • 70 Maryhurst girls with new and gently used clothing and shoes • 350 guests at the second annual Women’s Unsale in May

@PTACAP

@PTA_CAP

Sabrina Gagliardi, the Hospitality chair for the 15th District PTA, volunteered at the Clothing Blitz.

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Meet the Board and as president of the state association. My past 15th District PTA position was as the vice president of programs, and I also held numerous roles with St. Matthews Elementary PTA. My passion for the advancement of children can also be seen through my past volunteerism with the Louisville Mothers of Twins Club, Mother of Preschoolers at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Kenneseth of Israel Preschool Parent Board, and the Friends of the Library. I am also an advisor to my local sorority chapter. I have a true passion for helping other people, and I am extremely excited to have an even greater impact on the children in Jefferson County as the president-elect for the 15th District PTA Board.

Sienna Newman

President-Elect, 15th District PTA

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Sharon Kesler

Vice President 4, 15th District PTA

15th District PTA President-Elect Sienna Newman with husband, Michael, and their three sons

I am so excited to be your 15th District PTA president-elect! It’s going to be a great four years. I am a Louisville native, and I graduated from Louisville Male High. I then went on to pursue and receive my bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I continued my postgraduate work at Northwestern University in Chicago, where I received my certifications in orthotics and prosthetics. I returned to Louisville when my oldest son was born and quickly became an active member of the local community as well as a volunteer in my professional organizations. I am a mother of three amazing boys: my oldest, who is an eighth grader at Meyzeek Middle, and twins, who are fifth graders at St. Matthews Elementary. I am married to my high school sweetheart, who is also the principal at Western High. Currently, I work in the field of prosthetics and orthotics as a medical review specialist.

I have taken leadership roles within my career field by sitting on the Amputee Coalitions committee for education and programming and by advocating for my patients as the past chair of the Kentucky Licensing Board for Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Pedorthics

Sharon Kesler is a mother of four, a student, and a busy volunteer with schools.

Bobbi Jo Kingery is a busy volunteer with one daughter.

Bobbi Jo Kingery

Vice President 3, 15th District PTA My name is Bobbi Jo Kingery, and I am the 15th District PTA Vice President 3 over District 4. I am a stay-at-home mom of one daughter, and I have been married for 12 years to my wonderful husband, Richard. I like to volunteer my time with the PTA, local schools, and the community. In July, I helped plan the Get the Scoop Community Jamboree at Riverside, Farnsley-Moreman Landing’s Ice Cream Social. I have served on local PTA units, and now I am excited to be starting some new PTAs in Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) District 4. I will also be involved in board trainings and hope to visit with every PTA in my district. My goal is to bring schools, families, and communities together for the benefit of all children.

Hello, JCBE Districts 5 and 6, I am Sharon Kesler, and I am your new area vice president. In our new restructured 15th District PTA, I am your first point of contact when you or your unit need assistance. I am a mother of four beautiful girls and grandmother of two. I am currently working on my bachelor’s of science in psychology. After I receive my degree, I plan to get my master’s degree in school psychology or social work. I have always wanted to help people, and I found my passion in the PTA. I have two children currently in JCPS. Julie is a junior at Butler Traditional High. She loves her marching band, where I am also the vice president of the boosters. Robyn is a fifth grader at Gutermuth Elementary. She loves the Disney play that she has been in for the past two years. I got my start in the PTA at Cane Run Elementary in 2016. There, I was second vice president.

During my stay at Cane Run Elementary, our PTA held the first-ever school dance.

We held both a father/daughter and mother/son dance, and they were huge successes. We also won the School of Excellence award for 2017–2019. In 2016, I started on at the district level. I was the recycling chairman from 2016 until June of this year. I have also been on our Kentucky PTA Board. I am also a board member of the JCPS Racial Equity Advisory Committee. I live to help all of the children succeed!

Recommendations for Protecting PTA Funds • A pre-numbered (if possible) triplicate receipt book should be used for each transaction, clearly identifying the source of funds: one copy to be given to the PTA president, one copy given to the person from whom money is received, and the final copy to remain in the receipt book for the treasurer’s records.

• The checking account should be set up to require two signatures for checks. No check should be signed by the person receiving payment. (It is advised to have three check signors.)

• Require the treasurer to present a monthly financial report that includes the reconciliation of the previous month’s bank statement.

• PTA presidents should satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the treasurer’s report and recognize that any failure of the treasurer to provide financial reports or verifying documents should be cause for alarm.

Need more information about PTA funds and financial records? Contact Elizabeth Hammer, treasurer, 15th District PTA, at 15thdistrictpta.treasurer@gmail.com.

• PTA treasurers should realize that a phone call from the president or other officer is not sufficient authorization to disperse funds. Authorization must be in the budget and/ or in an approved motion.

• Persons making purchases on behalf of the PTA or PTSA should pay for the items themselves and present a sales receipt or invoice that includes the description and cost of the item involved. Reimbursement should be made by check from the PTA/PTSA account.

• Use discretion in the selection of activities your PTA or PTSA will sponsor, avoiding those that are likely to cause accidents or injury.

• When independent contractors or businesses are involved, be sure to obtain the appropriate Compensation insurance before signing the contract and before scheduling the event.

• The use of a permission and release form is recommended for events held away from school premises.

Source: 2018-2019 Leaders Notes, Part 4, Financial Matters, kypta.org

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School Nutrition and Wellness

By Andrea Wright Nutrition Chair, 15th District PTA Student health is closely associated with academic achievement, attendance, and behavior supports; thus, the students of the district need to strive for healthy lifestyles in order to be truly college- and career-ready. The District Wellness Policy supports the district’s core value that partnerships among schools, families, and the community are important for the health and well-being of our students.

The District Wellness Policy includes guidelines for nutrition, physical education, and physical activity. The section that refers to nutrition guidelines includes this statement: “Reward and/or incentives, classroom parties, and school celebrations shall promote student wellness. When food is provided as a reward and/or incentive, or during classroom parties and school celebrations during the school day, all food items shall meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School regulations.

When food or beverages are provided to students, accommodations will be made for students with special dietary needs and medical conditions. All foods provided will be commercially prepared and include a product ingredient statement and nutrition facts label.”

Since our policy reflects national guidelines and recommendations from the USDA, schools must adhere to these regulations. One way Nutrition Services is trying to help schools follow this policy is by offering schoolwide celebrations through the cafeteria once a month. As well, a Celebrate With Us order form has been developed to help parents with purchasing appropriate Smart Snacks. Order forms will be available from your school office or cafeteria in September. If you choose to buy snacks from a retail store, you can check your items to make sure they meet the Smart Snack guidelines by using the Smart Snacks Calculator found at this link: https://foodplanner.healthiergeneration.org/calculator/.

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Using food as a reward or punishment not only encourages children to eat outside of meal and snack times or when they’re not hungry, but also may create a lifelong habit of rewarding or comforting themselves with food.

This practice can undermine healthy eating messages and reinforce unhealthy eating habits.

Try not to use food—even healthy options—as a reward or punishment.

Another option for PTAs and school staff (not individual parents) is to order in bulk from our Smart Snacks Order Form.

This form is available from your school bookkeeper or by contacting Andrea Wright at 485-3186.

Additional non-food reward ideas, healthy snacking ideas, and guidelines can be found on our website at www.jefferson.kyschools.us/student-support/meals /nutrition.

Celebrate with Us Nutrition Services offers snacks for celebrations and reward parties.

These snacks meet JCPS Wellness Policy guidelines and help parents and schools stay in compliance with federal, state, and local policies for smart snacks. Packages are priced per student. Check the box(es)to select item(s) and fill out the information at the bottom and return to the lunchroom. Order must be received 2 weeks in advance.

NOTE: Allergen information may be found at www.jcps.nutrislice.com or ask the cafeteria manager if you have food allergy concerns or dietary needs.

A

E

$ 0.25 Mini Rice Krispie Treat B

Cookie*$ 0.50 choc.chip or sugar

$1.00

Cookie* (choc.chip or sugar)

& Milk

(white or chocolate)

*Cookies are made in a facility with nuts.

circle choices

circle choice

Goldfish Crackers & Juice

F C

$1.00

Apple Slices & Juice

Smoothie Fruit Bar $1.00 D

flavors may vary-

Strawberry Banana or Triple Berry

$1.00

Fruit Slush

G

$1.00

flavors may varyblue raspberry lemon, kiwi-strawberry, or sour cherry lemon

Student's Name:___________________________ Parent/Guardian _________________Phone# ____________ Teacher's Name and Room #:____________________ Date Needed: _________ # of treats needed: ______ Total Cost: ____________ (# of Treats x Cost per item) Payment Received: ______________________(manager) Payment must be made at the time of order and at least 2 weeks in advance.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

T M

www.jefferson.kyschools.us | This institution is an equal opportunity provider | Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Offering Equal Educational Opportunities | bday order form AW 8.27.19

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15th District PTA 319 South 15th Street Louisville, KY 40203 www.15thDistrictPTA.org

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Louisville, KY Permit No. 1049

Dated Material Deliver Immediately Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Offering Equal Educational Opportunities

15th District PTA

www.15thdistrictpta.org

Notes for Notetakers

Kentucky PTA www.kypta.org 226-6607

National PTA

www.pta.org (703) 518-1200 or 800-307-4PTA (4782)

Twitter 15th District PTA @15thDistrictPTA

By Anna Elder Secretary, 15th District PTA

At first glance, the role of secretary seems simple: you take notes from each meeting

and distribute them. But as you begin your first meeting, questions arise. What do I need to have with me at meetings? Do I really write every discussion down into the notes? What do I do with the notes after the meeting? What do you mean the notes I’m jotting down are legally binding documents? Am I the one responsible for sending correspondence and thank-you notes? Who puts out the monthly newsletter? We have all been there!

Basic responsibilities include attending meetings, recording the PTA business that occurs, and coordinating the approval, storage, and distribution of these records of business. Other responsibilities may include correspondence, membership list maintenance, putting together the agenda for meetings, and newsletters or public communication.

Your first step as secretary should be to review your PTA bylaws and standing rules. Expectations for your exact responsibilities as secretary should be outlined between these documents. Work closely with your president and other elected board members.

Over the next couple of months, we’ll share some tips for how to prepare for meetings, what to include in the final minutes, and what exactly these Robert’s Rules are that you’ve heard about.

In the meantime, jot down those notes!

For more information, take approximately 30 minutes to view the Local PTA Secretary Roles & Responsibilities e-learning course at www.pta.org/elearning.

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Clothing Assistance Program @PTA_CAP

Kentucky PTA @KentuckyPTA

National PTA @NationalPTA

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