2014 is in the books - let's make 2015 even better!

It's not too late to enter your award winning, LMC Improving Chili! Contact Robb Drzewicki TODAY to enter at robb.drzewicki@livoniaptsacouncil.org. Entry forms are DUE MONDAY JANUARY 5 - registration fees can be paid at the door Saturday!

If you're more interested in sampling chili, then mark your calendars for Saturday January 10 to join us. We've got a fun event planned, all proceeds will promote PTA programs and events in Livonia. We're looking to increase our presence and hope that you will be part of our programs!

Thanks for joining us to celebrate and have some fun with our great PTA Dads!

Registration form can be found here: Chili Cook-Off registration form
Rules can be found here: Chili Cook-Off rules

Staff Appreciation doesn't have to be a once a year event! Franklin High School PTSA arranged to make the holidays a little sweeter for staff before the break by asking parents to send in cookies or other sweets for staff lunch. You can see, they had quite a selection of tasty treats! Great idea Franklin PTSA!

Will you show your staff some LOVE this Valentine's Day? Tell us how you made them feel special! We want to know!

Have you set your Nominations Committee yet? What's a Nominations Committee you ask? Each Unit should have a process outlined in their Bylaws - now is a good time to look for a section titled "Officers and Their Election" or something to that effect. This will outline the process to identify and present nominees for next year's Executive (elected) Board. Do you know what month your elections are? (Hint: it's in your Bylaws!) If you're still unsure of the process or how to get started, contact your Liaison. Check now so that you're not surprised later this spring! Happy New Year!

Join the Livonia PTSA Council for a presentation by Dr. Terry Taylor, Cooper Upper Elementary Principal and Leader in Me pro for an informative workshop all about the Leader In Me program.

Saturday January 24

9:00 am - Noon

Cooper Upper Elementary School 28550 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, MI 48185

This workshop is geared to new Leader in Me families, but all are welcome to attend. Dr. Taylor will go over the program and explain the way it works, both at school and at home.

Please follow the link fill out the online form to RSVP.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OG6X9KyE_Zv2h-rPbYuvf4FHbibjVxevuc9WmjVhkCo/edit#

It's a great idea to get YMAD going in the new year. There are so many opportunities for your students to make a difference. There is finally show to shovel. Visit shut ins or a nursing home. Collect hats, gloves, or coats for the less fortunate in these frigid temperatures. Have a can and bottle drive to benefit a charity. (The Clothing Depot is always in need of funds and directly benefits students in our schools.) Projects can be done by individuals, small groups, classrooms, or the entire school. The possibilities are endless.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Debbie Pline

PTSA Council

YMAD Chair

Community Forums: Planning our Financial Future

The Livonia Public Schools Board of Education would like your input on the budget challenges that have resulted from enrollment and funding declines.

Please join the Board of Education at one of two community forums in January, as it charts budget priorities for the future.

You are invited to hear about these funding challenges, in the big picture, and as they exist for this year and future years. The Board of Education would like your input on the important decisions ahead.

Community Forum Dates

· 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at LPS Administration, 15125 Farmington Rd.

· 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 at LPS Administration, 15125 Farmington Rd.

Forum Format

· First, an update on school funding and historical budget perspective will be presented, to provide context to the discussion.

· Second, small group meetings with members of the Board of Education will allow participants to give input.

Please RSVP, so we can plan for meeting space, materials and appropriate group sizes to maximize participation. Email us at jwozniak@livoniapublicschools.org or call (734) 744-2510, and let us know which day you can attend.

The district looks forward to hearing from parents, staff and community members as budget plans are shaped for the future.

January
8 Council Reflections Ceremony 6:30 pm Stevenson High School
10 Council 1st Annual Chili Cook off 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, Franklin High School
14 Awards Workshop 6:30 pm, Frost Middle School
24 Leader In Me Workshop, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm @ Cooper Upper Elementary School

February
11 Founders Day Doors open at 5:00 pm @ Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center