Valerie Holland

PTA President

 Amanda Tosoni

PTA Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please complete

Fundraising Survey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's on the minds of PTA?

1.  Technology - Our PTA continues to strive to provide leading classroom technology for every grade.

Over the years, we have funded document cameras, Smart Boards and LCD projectors as well as ink and toner for the lab and classroom computers.

Let’s keep technology growing!

This year we would like to buy:A SMART Board for Kindergarten for $1483, and a set of Senteos for the Smart Boards for $1300. This would ensure that every grade has access to this leading technology inside the classroom.

2.  Finance:  Right now we are in very tough economic times, and the primary focus of our group has and always will be the children. As a result PTA has been searching for cost-effective ways to ensure that our children have a memorable year without sacrificing the quality of the programs offered. So we reduced the amount of PTA sponsored assemblies.  We  scheduled four (4) assemblies for the 2009 - 2010 school year (one event per quarter)  and we are soliciting support from corporations to help sponsor field trips. Basically we are learning how to work smarter, not harder, and make our money work for us.

Our PTA is always working keep costs down for families at Arnold.  We strive to make all activities affordable so that everyone can participate.

Additionally we are currently looking into how we can keep costs low on field trips. School bus rentals are $800 per bus and paying sometimes $35-50 per child per field trip puts a strain on finances.  PTA is working on a way to supplement/offset some of these costs as we want to respond to current needs of our families.

If you find that you need financial help with an activity that the PTA runs, please notify Mrs. Dana Smith the school counselor and PTA teacher liaison as PTA can help.  Be assured that it will be handled in a private and discreet manner.

3.  Fundraising: We heard from Arnold parents and received requests to move away from Innisbrook sales and traditional fundraisers while continuing to generate necessary funds that would allow us to continue to provide the same if not better support to  students and the school. 

4.  It's that time again.  Please Submit Your Nominations for 2010-2011 PTA Board Positions -PTA President and Treasurer. 

If you are interested in serving on the PTA Board, please send a note to the current PTA Board.  

- Valerie Holland and Amanda Tosoni

            Dana Smith

       Arnold Counselor and

       PTA  Teacher Liaison

Kids may love the holidays, but they too can feel stress over the holidays, especially if the parents are stressed. First, recognize signs of holiday stress.  Signs include: 

·         Tears for minor reasons

·         Nervous behaviors such as nail biting and hair twirling

·         Physical complaints, such as stomach aches, headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, etc

·         Regression to younger behaviors: bed wetting, eating with hands.

·         Withdrawal from school friends or siblings.

·         Any behavior that your child doesn’t normally do could be a sign of holiday anxiety.

Then, use the stress management tips most appropriate for your kid.

·         Stick with routines as much as possible.  Keep stressful holiday shopping and eating out to a minimum.

·         Ask your children what makes them feel better.  Do they wind down with music, reading, spending time with you, etc.  Encourage the kids to do what they love.

·         Make sure your children eat nutritious foods, drink lots of water, and get exercise.  Reducing kids holiday stress looks similar to minimizing your own holiday anxiety.

·         Talk to your kids about traditions and spirituality.  Focus on the real meaning of your holiday season and why your family has chosen certain traditions.

·         Lighten the mood at your house with funny movies, family game time together or just chatting over hot cocoa.

·         Volunteer at a food bank or some other community center.  Find ways to give to your community; volunteering often relieves feelings of holiday anxiety.

Mrs. D. Smith, School Counselor

Arnold Elementary School