September 2007

From the President's Desk...

Thanks to all who attended the Parents' Coffee on August 29th.  This was our first function of the school year, and for me, it has always been a rewarding opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends.  As your PTA president, it was also a good time to promote PTA membership.  Remember, that as a PTA, we are here to serve all the students at Ballard School.  It is as the PTA motto goes: "Every child, one voice".

As a PTA member, you are encouraged to both assist in school activities and attend our meetings.  At our meetings, you would review and approve our Proposed Budget.  Later, as necessary, you would vote regarding any change to it.  Also, you approve any revision to our bylaws, which is something we will be doing later in this year.

At our next meeting, the members in attendance will review and modify the proposed Ballard PTA Budget for 2007-2008.  Consequently, this is a very important meeting, and it will take place on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at 7:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room.  We will also discuss fundraising.  Thus, because of the budget review and fundraising discussions, this will most likely be our longest meeting of the year...Say, 90 minutes.

Aside from attending our meeting, we strongly encourage parental involvement in school activities.  Currently, most of our classes have sufficient room parents to support classroom activities, but the Third, Fifth and Sixth grades still need at least one other room parent.  If you have a child in one of these grades, please consider becoming a room parent.  For more information regarding Room Parent responsibilities, please contact our Vice-President, Phil Vacca, or myself.

Our ever-popular Thursday Hot Lunch Program will start taking weekly orders beginning  Tuesday, September 18, 2007.  The hot lunch is served on Thursday.   Do note that if you plan to write a check for your child/children, please make the check out to "Ballard  School PTA" ($3.00 per lunch).

Additionally, an extra "thanks" is in accord to those who have already volunteered to serve on our various committees or as room parents.  More than membership dues and donations, we want our members involved in Ballard School activities.  Compliments are also extended to the Ballard teachers and staff for hosting a very organized "Back-to-School" might on September 5, 2007.  Thank you!

Remember, if you would like to join the PTA, membership envelopes are available in the school office.

Valerie Fuette, President

HOMEWORK HELP

The Santa Barbara Public Library System received a large grant to provide free online tutoring for students in grades 4 - 12. This service will be provided daily from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., connecting students one-to-one with tutors.  For more information, please visit the library's website: http://www.sbplibrary.org.