Are you familiar with your bylaws and what they have to say about nominations and elections? You want to check them TODAY to see what they tell you about:

• WHEN do you have to select your Nominations Committee
• WHO should make up your Nominations Committee
• HOW you need to select your Nominations Committee
  
• WHEN does your slate of nominees need to be presented
• WHEN are your elections held

Your BYLAWS will answer all of these questions. MANY UNITS WILL NEED TO PRESENT THEIR NOMINATIONS IN MARCH!! Don't miss this important task - set your Unit up for future success NOW!

Your Liaison is available and happy to assist you if you have any questions.

Founders Day is a reminder of the substantial role that PTA has played locally, regionally, and nationally in supporting parent involvement and working on behalf of all children and families. It is a time to reflect and take pride in our many accomplishments, and to renew our commitment to be a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education.

PTA's founders, Phoebe Apperson Hearst and Alice McLellan Birney, and the founder of Georgia's Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, Selena Sloan Butler, were women of imagination and courage. They understood the power of individual action, worked beyond the accepted barriers of their day, and took action to literally change the world. They had a simple idea—to improve the lives and futures of all of our children. As much as other conditions in America may have changed, that idea has not. PTAs keep it alive.

Today, PTA is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the nation. Our members represent the ethnic diversity of our nation, and they come from the ranks of traditional families, single-parent households, blended families, grandparents, and other caring adults. Together, we continue to serve as the conscience of the country for children and youth.

Livonia PTSA Council is hosting our 62nd annual Founder’s Day Celebration on February 24, 2016. This is our opportunity to present Appreciation Awards to volunteers and community members throughout the Livonia Public Schools District. We hope you can join us.

The Second Annual Livonia PTSA Council Dad's Chili cook off was a spicy success! With 18 chefs, representing 12 LPS PTAs, there was plenty of chili to taste.

High school senior Joshua Thompson, representing Churchill High School PTSA was the overall winner, with his chili, named "Afterburner." The Livonia Kiwanis Early Risers Club will be presenting the Churchill High School art department with a $500 grant in recognition of the CHS PTSA's win.

We were thrilled to welcome 18 Dads, Grandpas and students as chefs this year. We had lots of outstanding chili's to sample.

Cleveland Elementary students have had the benefit of additional time to work on physical fitness during recess when they participate in the Eagles on the Run. This program was funded by the Cleveland PTA.

Students are learning the benefits of walking and running to improve their overall health and help them achieve goals one step at a time. Students are encouraged to complete 26.2 miles.

All students that achieve this goal will be able to participate in the Color Run that will take place at the end of the year. Students earn different color charms to wear on a necklace as they complete each goal. It has also provided a guided activity for students who need to burn off that extra energy and then return to the classroom ready to focus on their school work.

Cleveland Elementary started this program in November. As of January 8, the school has already completed 3,725 miles. As a school, we are trying to complete enough miles to reach Africa. We are already almost half way there!

Way to go Cleveland Elementary - getting fit and having fun!

Don't worry - you can check out photos of the event and the winners here:
https://www.facebook.com/LivoniaPTSACouncil.Reflections/?fref=ts

You can start on next year's entries NOW! The 2016 Theme is "What's your story?"

Is a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization working to better the lives of children and families in need locally in Livonia, Michigan. Qualifying families within Livonia are provided with items from the Emerson Middle School Food Pantry. Our program currently assists 37 families, representing approximately 100 children and 50 adults. As of December 2015 we are an approved Gleaners food partner. This will allow us to increase the reach of the pantry to include additional schools within the Emerson triad where there is a fairly large concentration of Title I eligible families. Additionally we support the summer camps along with our wonderful Rotary partner that are held at both Emerson Middle School and the Livonia YMCA.

We are holding a fundraiser on February 20, 2016 at the One Under Bar & Grill in Livonia Michigan to benefit the Livonia Kids and Families Emerson Food Pantry. This fundraiser will include a silent auction, raffle prizes, live music featuring Driven2 including former members of Alphatraz.

The cost for admission is $25.00 per person, which will include appetizers (a cash bar will also be available).

More info (including tickets) can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/879792958804715/

Did you know that the Livonia PTSA Council has sponsored a clothing bank for over 40 years? It is located at the former Marshall Elementary school (Curtis Road, west of Farmington.)

LPS principals and ESAP/Counselors may refer LPS families in need to the Depot for assistance. Current hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - noon.

The Depot is looking to expand their hours in 2016, but we need volunteers to work! If you are interested in volunteering (duties include accepting & sorting donations, assisting families and scheduling) please contact Suzy Migrin at smigrin(at)gmail.com

We would love to be able to offer evening hours! Check the Depot out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LivoniaPTSACouncilClothingDepot
to stay current on Depot news and current needs!
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Currently the biggest need at the Depot is sweat pants in plus sizes for men and women. Our high school students often ask for sweat pants at their appointments.
Right now the depot is filled to capacity for children's clothing in sizes 6-12.
New (in the package) socks and underwear are always needed!

April 15 - 16, 2016

Lansing Community College

REGISTRATION RATES

Member Pre-Registration (by 3/30/2016) - $99
Non-Member Pre-Registration (by 3/30/2016) - $124

Member On-Site Registration (after 3/30/2016) - $129
Non-Member On-Site Registration (after 3/30/2016) - $154

Student Registration - $59

Convention T-Shirt - $15

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Book your room now! Hotel capacity is limited at Convention time!

The Michigan PTA Board and Convention Committee will be staying at the

Quality Suites Hotel
901 Delta Commerce Dr. • Lansing • 48917
517-886-0600

Free WiFi • Complimentary Breakfast

State you are with the Michigan PTA Convention
to receive a room night rate of $89 (plus applicable taxes).

For more information about the Michigan PTA, click here:

For more information about the National PTA, click here: