Saturday January 14, 2017!
FOUNDERS DAY 2017 is set:
Wednesday February 15, 2017 at Vis Ta Tech Center
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Mandy Gerstenbrand, Garfield PTA President This was my 4th SLA I believe? (wow!!!) and as a first-time President, I especially enjoyed our 2nd session - beyond the basics. We had a round-table discussion which included first-timers, old pros, current and past MI PTA presidents, even a DAD! It was great to hear some of the tips and tricks that worked for meetings, fundraisers, etc. as well as being able to pose questions and concerns we had. I also loved listening to Barb Blanchard speak - she has an incredible amount of poise, and a love for all things PTA! (and as we all know, I appreciate the snacks!) I'm excited to see what next year brings, when the MI PTA convention and SLA are combined! | Patty Novak, FMS PTSA One thing I learned today was "summer bridging budgets." This is a budget to cover summer expenses until budget is approved (typically the 1st general mtg). Technically, newly elected officers can't spend any money until the budget is approved. Or if money is spent before approval, there is no guarantee of reimbursement... While none of these expenses is usually very large, there are often a number of activities funded before budget approval. The "summer" budget helps the new board fund activities with an approved budget in place. Such a good idea, just never occurred to me before and I don't recall hearing it from council either. In the aftermath of the embezzling issue, might be helpful for all units to work on setting one up. | Dawn Buerkle, Kennedy PTA I was really impressed with the amount of information I picked up at the summer leadership academy. I wish I could have cloned myself to attend more of the sessions. A few things that really stood out with me were: -the importance of your PTA facebook page being public (allow families to share and put your PTA name out there) -I was impressed about the sheer number of awards and grants available for PTAs both in Michigan and nationally -I was happy to receive some brochures which spell out why families should join the PTA -and the #1 thing for me personally, is really getting in and using the online resources pta.org |
Mandy Gerstenbrand, Garfield PTA President
We had a round-table discussion which included first-timers, old pros, current and past MI PTA presidents, even a DAD! It was great to hear some of the tips and tricks that worked for meetings, fundraisers, etc. as well as being able to pose questions and concerns we had.
I also loved listening to Barb Blanchard speak - she has an incredible amount of poise, and a love for all things PTA! (and as we all know, I appreciate the snacks!)
I'm excited to see what next year brings, when the MI PTA convention and SLA are combined!
Patty Novak, FMS PTSA
Technically, newly elected officers can't spend any money until the budget is approved. Or if money is spent before approval, there is no guarantee of reimbursement... While none of these expenses is usually very large, there are often a number of activities funded before budget approval.
The "summer" budget helps the new board fund activities with an approved budget in place. Such a good idea, just never occurred to me before and I don't recall hearing it from council either. In the aftermath of the embezzling issue, might be helpful for all units to work on setting one up.
Dawn Buerkle, Kennedy PTA
A few things that really stood out with me were:
-the importance of your PTA facebook page being public (allow families to share and put your PTA name out there)
-I was impressed about the sheer number of awards and grants available for PTAs both in Michigan and nationally
-I was happy to receive some brochures which spell out why families should join the PTA
-and the #1 thing for me personally, is really getting in and using the online resources pta.org
Masterworks Works!
Masterworks is a Livonia PTA Council-sponsored program, which brings art appreciation to all the K-6 schools in LPS. Perhaps you remember “the picture lady” coming to your classroom when you were in school. Every few weeks, a crate of famous artwork is delivered to the school. Your PTA just needs to provide volunteers who are willing to take a few of the pictures to a classroom, and share them with the children. The volunteers may choose to do a project with the kids, which is related to the pictures. Knowledge of art history is NOT required; we can review the pictures with the volunteers when each new crate arrives.
Look for information regarding the Masterworks Kick-off to be arriving soon. Anyone who is interested in this program is invited to come. For more information about Masterworks, please contact Liz Jarvis (248-473-1548) or Karen Werden (248-615-1255) OR
liz.jarvis@livoniaptsacouncil.org / karen.werden@livoniaptsacouncil.org
3rd Annual Beer-Tasting Event
The Livonia Jaycees are proud to present our 3rd annual beer-tasting event, "Brews for Backpacks," at One Under Banquet Hall on Friday, September 9, 2016. As in past years, there will be plenty of beers, ciders, and wines to sample, a delicious appetizer buffet, awesome raffles, and plenty of fun!
Tickets are $45/single ticket, $80/couples ticket, or $30/single DD ticket - includes event entrance, beer tasting tickets (excluded with DD tickets), an appetizer buffet, and a cash bar.
Please purchase your ticket ASAP at brewsforbackpacks2016.eventbrite.com and check out our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/1718814841717255/) for updates and the unveiling of the beers, ciders, and wines that will be featured!
Funds raised through this event will be donated to this year's event partner, "Blessings in a Backpack," a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that provides backpacks of non-parishable food to Livonia Public School students who are at-risk for hunger over the weekends. With every $100 raised, a backpack of weekend food can be sent home with a child for an entire year!
Grab a friend and a couple tickets! You won't want to miss this evening of fun in support of the fight against hunger in Livonia!
Educators/Parents - Be sure to specify what school you are representing upon purchasing your ticket. The school with the most participation will be rewarded with a teacher appreciation event!
Sponsorship Opportunities or Raffle Donations - Contact Janice Centers at livoniajaycees@gmail.com.
*This is not a PTA Sponsored event
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