September County PTA Council Report

Howard County PTA Council Report

September 2008

Prepared for Cradlerock School

Prepared by Ricardo L. Whitaker

• Setting Priorities – The HC PTAC wants to know what you think the priorities should be for this Session. Please download an fill out the survey.. 

• Community Advisory Council – A representative from this organization spoke to HC PTA Council. CAC members are drawn from all sectors of the community. CAC is established to advise the HC Board of Education. Some of the task forces formed are: Anti-Bullying Task Force, Attendance Adjustment Committee, Backpack Safety Task Force, Operating Budget Review Committee, School Health Council, School Instructional Calendar Committee, Superintendent’s District Planning Team, and Technology Advisory Committee. If you need more information regarding CAC, contact the HCPSS’s Public Information Office, 410-313-6682.

• Membership Drive - PTAC has requested that each local PTA strive to increase its membership by 5% this year. 

• Budget – PTAC budget was approved. There are several amendments on the floor to spend the carrying-over money from the budget. PTAC has kept a rainy day fund just in case it ever has to find new space. This carry-over issue has been a bone of contention for several years. One proposal is to take a portion of the money and donate to After Prom activities of the various high schools. The motion was to provide $500 to each high school.

• After School Prom Grant – One of the standing committees was able to secure a grant for the After School Proms. I believe it was $500 for each school. I must verify that. My notes are sketchy.

• Scholarships – Each year local PTAs donate money to PTAC to be used for scholarships to benefit graduating seniors. This has not been advertised very well in the past. Cradlerock may consider if it wants to donate funds.

• Fall Convention – The Maryland PTA is holding its fall convention on November 14 and 15. More details can be found on MDPTA.org.

• Ranking – Howard County ranks as the most active PTA in Maryland and has the number 2 slot behind Montgomery County for the number of members.

• What Counts – The “What Counts” Meeting will be held November 11 at 7:00 PM at Homewood School. See PTAC website for details.

• Drives – Book drives, coat drives, Reflections Art Project, the Focus Newsletter and other initiatives are headed up by Nehemiah Spence. If you have questions regarding these activities contact Nehemiah at nspence@gpsonline.com

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