Harper’s Choice Middle School PTA Newsletter August- November 2011
Dear Community Members,
Each quarter we create a newsletter to summarize what we have achieved, and as I reflect on the last 3.5 months I’m in awe of this communication. This is truly a caring and dedicated community. We are so fortunate to have such a large number of existing and new parents who have volunteered in some way, whether it be volunteering for a one hour, 1 day event or chair a long-term committee . Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
If you have not had time to volunteer, there is still ¾ of the year left. To learn more about the exciting volunteer opportunities please attend our next PTA meeting on 12/13 at 7:00 pm in the Media Center, or go to our website at www.harperschoicepta.org. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at ptapresidenthcms@gmail.com. We are eager to meet or hear from you.
HCMS Upcoming Events:
12/12 Symphony of Lights Waiver Form and Fee Due
Membership News
Thank you to all who participated in our fall membership drive! We now have 200 members and need 50 more to meet our goal. If you have not joined you can go to the PTA website, you can download the“Volunteer, Directory and Membership form”, print it and send it in with either cash or check made out to HCMS PTA and return to your student's homeroom teacher. You will receive your PTA membership card within a few weeks. Thank you to the membership chair Alethia Hill and others who support this effort.
Fundraising News
Grants For the past two years, the HCMS PTA has taken the effort to research, apply and be awarded grants that would help our community culturally, monetarily and physically. This year we were awarded the following grants
6th Grade Outdoor Education Support
Every year the PTA provides support to the 6th Grade team in raising scholarship money for the Outdoor Education Trip. Thanks to the overwhelming donations from this community and the diligent work of the 6th Grade team, Kristy Virostek the 6th grade PTA liaison, and her committee members, all student who wanted to attend could.
Teacher Appreciation
Cultural Arts Events
On 9/27, the 7th grade students participated in an interactive presentation of Greek Mythology stories from the Renaissance Man. The stories were very interesting and we found that we had some very convincing Greek heros and heroines in our group!
Each quarter we create a newsletter to summarize what we have achieved, and as I reflect on the last 3.5 months I’m in awe of this communication. This is truly a caring and dedicated community. We are so fortunate to have such a large number of existing and new parents who have volunteered in some way, whether it be volunteering for a one hour, 1 day event or chair a long-term committee . Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
If you have not had time to volunteer, there is still ¾ of the year left. To learn more about the exciting volunteer opportunities please attend our next PTA meeting on 12/13 at 7:00 pm in the Media Center, or go to our website at www.harperschoicepta.org. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at ptapresidenthcms@gmail.com. We are eager to meet or hear from you.
HCMS Upcoming Events:
- December 13th - PTA meeting -7 pm -Media Center, all are welcome!
- December 14th HCMS Symphony of Woods Walk -
- December 17 - Spirit Wear to be delivered
- January 13th – Family Bingo Night
12/12 Symphony of Lights Waiver Form and Fee Due
Membership News
Thank you to all who participated in our fall membership drive! We now have 200 members and need 50 more to meet our goal. If you have not joined you can go to the PTA website, you can download the“Volunteer, Directory and Membership form”, print it and send it in with either cash or check made out to HCMS PTA and return to your student's homeroom teacher. You will receive your PTA membership card within a few weeks. Thank you to the membership chair Alethia Hill and others who support this effort.
Fundraising News
Direct Donations Fundraiser
As you know, this year our primary fundraiser was a Direct Donations Appeal instead of Cookie Dough. With all of your support we raised $4865 which was close to our projections of $6,000. Thank you Susan Riley, the fundraising committee, and to all who have contributed, your generous donations are going directly towards activities that will ensure that your children have enjoyable activities that supplement their education and help them reach their full potential. It is not too late to be part of this great opportunity, we will accept donations all year. To donate visit our website and download the Direct Donations Form . Feel free to contact Susan Riley at mriley99@verizon.net with any questions you have.
Fundraising to date
Our fundraising efforts so far this year have brought in a total of???.
Direct Donations Appeal $4865.00
Directory Sales/Cougar Wall $ waiting to hear from Kim???
Escrip/Safeway/Amazon Partners $52.55
Boxtops for Education $333.00
Ink Cartridge Recycling $40.00 (in Staples rewards not cash)
Grants For the past two years, the HCMS PTA has taken the effort to research, apply and be awarded grants that would help our community culturally, monetarily and physically. This year we were awarded the following grants
Howard County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council grants: These grants will help offset the cost of our Cultural Arts programs and especially the Shakespeare In Residency Program. Thank you to your Cultural Arts Grant Write Jacqueline McNamara
Juanita Robinson Foundation of the Harpers' Choice Community Association: The Harper’s Choice Community Association awarded us with this grant to be used as scholarship money for those 6th graders who needed help with the Environmental Education trip tuition. We are so fortunate to have the support of our Community Association. Also, thank you to Setereh Shemali for writing and coordinating this grant.
Lowes provides Grant for Flagpole landscape design and for Outdoor Classroom. Last year we were awarded a $4685 Lowes Toolbox Grant to create a beautiful easy-to-care-for garden around the flagpole area AND an outdoor classroom. On 11/19 some of our community members came out to create the beautiful landscaping around the HCMS flagpole. work will definitely last for years to come! The outdoor classroom is still in the process of being put together. We should be receiving the tables soon, and we will need help putting them together and securing them to the ground. Keep a lookout in the next Thursday Blast for when the help is needed.
Every year the PTA provides support to the 6th Grade team in raising scholarship money for the Outdoor Education Trip. Thanks to the overwhelming donations from this community and the diligent work of the 6th Grade team, Kristy Virostek the 6th grade PTA liaison, and her committee members, all student who wanted to attend could.
Teacher Appreciation
Staff Conference Breakfast and Dinners
This year the Hospitality and Staff Appreciation committees jointly hosted a delicious “Welcome Back to School Staff Breakfast” and a scrumptious Italian Feast during the “November Conference Dinner”. Thank you to all who helped volunteered their time, and food to demonstrate our appreciation to the staff.
Above and Beyond Award – Nominate a Staff Member today!
Above and Beyond is a new award that recognizes staff members who go above and beyond their responsibilities to encourage students to reach their potential. The award is given monthly and winners are announced on HCTV and also on the school’s bulletin board in the foyer. “Above and Beyond” nomination forms, along with a box to collect them, are available on the table in between the two doors in the front office of Harper’s Choice Middle School or on the PTA Website at www.Harpersschoicepta.org. Nominate a teacher today! Congratulations to Ms. Dove and Mr. Mitton who were the first 2 winners of this Award, we truly appreciate your outstanding efforts.
On 9/27, the 7th grade students participated in an interactive presentation of Greek Mythology stories from the Renaissance Man. The stories were very interesting and we found that we had some very convincing Greek heros and heroines in our group!
On December 22nd, the 7th grade students will enjoy an event called Under the Sea. This is a hands on event in which students become familiar with the Chesapeake Bay through the presentation of live animals. They will also learn why the Chesapeake Bay is so valuable ecologically and economically to those who live in and around it, both historically (from John Smith forward) and today.
Current Events
HCMS PTA Family Walk through the Symphony of Lights
The HCMS PTA is coordinating a Walk through the Symphony of Lights on Dec. 14th from 5:00-5:30. This is a family event in which all participants must be chaperoned by a parent or an authorized adult. Cost will be $5.00 and a canned good. Forms and waivers must be returned to your homeroom teacher by 12/12. We will meet in the Symphony Woods parking lot at 5:45. Look for a sign that says HCMS. If you have any questions please contact Maurita Bowie.
Regards,
Beth Johnson
HCMS PTA President
Every Child. One Voice
HCMS PTA Family Walk through the Symphony of Lights
The HCMS PTA is coordinating a Walk through the Symphony of Lights on Dec. 14th from 5:00-5:30. This is a family event in which all participants must be chaperoned by a parent or an authorized adult. Cost will be $5.00 and a canned good. Forms and waivers must be returned to your homeroom teacher by 12/12. We will meet in the Symphony Woods parking lot at 5:45. Look for a sign that says HCMS. If you have any questions please contact Maurita Bowie.
Regards,
Beth Johnson
HCMS PTA President
Every Child. One Voice