Welcome Back!
Perhaps you could use a hand in getting more members into your PTA units?
Hamden PTA Council is excited to announce your newest resource: Membership Committee. Our first job is to help you jump start your membership drive, which you can do with these three simple marketing steps.
Step #1 – Identify your target market (there will be more than one – families, extended families, students, male role models, businesses, etc.)
Step #2 – Give each of them a specific deal they can’t refuse / “What’s In It For Me” (a.k.a. WIIFM)
Step #3 – Show your gratitude (incentives, special access, freebies)
One of our largest target audiences is our teachers and administrators and our goal is to get as close to 100% of them district wide as possible.
So… we’re launching this year’s PTA Membership Drive at Convocation, Monday, August 30, 7:30 a.m. in the Hamden High School auditorium.
However, we want each unit to get credit for accomplishing this goal (BTW - Helen Street did it last year!).
In order for teachers and staff to be able to register for their own unit, we are requesting one or two representatives from each unit be present to collect the membership fee.
However, if your unit can’t make it, PTA Council treasurer, David Lane, and VP of membership, Marjorie Clark, are happy to act as your proxy.
We recommend that the teacher/staff fee is $5 – an amount of cash nearly all will carry and be willing to part with for being members of such an amazing organization.
We will have membership cards pre-printed and, as an added incentive, magnetized school calendars with the Hamden PTA logo.
Now, let’s make this interesting… The unit with the highest percentage of members by the end of Convocation will earn a special prize.
Please let me know who will be attending.
Thanks for your attention. I look forward to seeing you bright and early on the 30th!
Marjorie Clark
VP of Membership
Hamden PTA Council
www.hamdenpta.org
Friend us on Facebook
membership at hamdenpta.org
203.288.6831
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
New Leadership at Hamden PTA Council
Congratulations to Melinda Saller, former West Woods Elementary School PTA President, on her election as the new President of Hamden PTA Council!
She was unanimously chosen at our Annual Meeting on Friday, June 4, 2010. Joining her will be newly elected Cheryl Cartier (former Recording Secretary from West Woods) as Recording Secretary, Marjorie Clark (Immediate Past Council President) as VP of Membership and Kadesha Bergen Jackson (Immediate Past President from Helen Street School) as Corresponding Secretary.
VP of Ways and Means, Mary Kearney (Hamden High School), VP of Programs, Jen McGarry (Bear Path) and Treasurer, David Lane (West Woods) will be serving another year in their current positions.
We are excited about the growth of our executive committee, as well as the diversity of schools represented.
This years winner of the Meg Nowacki Hamden PTA Council Recognition Award was Shepherd Glen's Tammi Boemmels. Her list of accomplishments and contributions to the Shepherd Glen community are too numerous to list here. Suffice it to say, she is definitely worthy of our MVP prize. Congratulations Tammi!!
The Nancetta Scholarship Award winner was Teale Buono, a Hamden High School graduate who will be studying photography at Savannah College of Art and Design.
We thank the many town dignitaries and collaborative organizations that attended our dinner, including Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz, Board of Ed Chair, Michael D'Agostino, Legislative Council President, Jim Pascarella, Rep. Elizabeth Esty, Shelia Greenstein of Experience Corps and CT PTSA President, Marne Usher.
We'd especially like to thank our member units and their executive boards for all the amazing work they do year after year for the children, families and schools of Hamden.
Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing you in the fall!
P.S. Don't forget about summer reading:
She was unanimously chosen at our Annual Meeting on Friday, June 4, 2010. Joining her will be newly elected Cheryl Cartier (former Recording Secretary from West Woods) as Recording Secretary, Marjorie Clark (Immediate Past Council President) as VP of Membership and Kadesha Bergen Jackson (Immediate Past President from Helen Street School) as Corresponding Secretary.
VP of Ways and Means, Mary Kearney (Hamden High School), VP of Programs, Jen McGarry (Bear Path) and Treasurer, David Lane (West Woods) will be serving another year in their current positions.
We are excited about the growth of our executive committee, as well as the diversity of schools represented.
This years winner of the Meg Nowacki Hamden PTA Council Recognition Award was Shepherd Glen's Tammi Boemmels. Her list of accomplishments and contributions to the Shepherd Glen community are too numerous to list here. Suffice it to say, she is definitely worthy of our MVP prize. Congratulations Tammi!!
The Nancetta Scholarship Award winner was Teale Buono, a Hamden High School graduate who will be studying photography at Savannah College of Art and Design.
We thank the many town dignitaries and collaborative organizations that attended our dinner, including Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz, Board of Ed Chair, Michael D'Agostino, Legislative Council President, Jim Pascarella, Rep. Elizabeth Esty, Shelia Greenstein of Experience Corps and CT PTSA President, Marne Usher.
We'd especially like to thank our member units and their executive boards for all the amazing work they do year after year for the children, families and schools of Hamden.
Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing you in the fall!
P.S. Don't forget about summer reading:
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Hamden PTA Council Alive and Well
We were trying out the diggs at Ning for the last year, but no one took that much of an interest. So we're going to post here about events and thoughts and link this with our Facebook account. Be sure to friend us! Stay tuned...
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Hamden Board of Ed Candidate Debate
Thursday, October 1, 7 PM
Hamden Middle School Cafeteria
Hosted by Hamden PTA Council and League of Women Voters.
Moderated by Nancy Beals.
RSVP and send questions via this post.
Questions due by Saturday, September 26.
Hamden Middle School Cafeteria
Hosted by Hamden PTA Council and League of Women Voters.
Moderated by Nancy Beals.
RSVP and send questions via this post.
Questions due by Saturday, September 26.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
It's Working...but it's not over yet
Reminder that the Board of Ed Finance Committee is meeting at 6:30 at 60 Putnam Ave. tonight.
There will be teacher layoffs and additional cuts. The BOE is welcoming and expecting any input from PTA and parents on how to get creative with the resources available. I hope to see you there.
Also…
Please contact our state representatives to keep up the pressure to:
· Pass legislation that changes the Wintergreen 55% rule to 60%, or some variation that allows us more funding for less Hamden students.
· Keep their promise to maintain ECS funding at it’s current level.
You saw how well pressure at the local level worked and heard from Rep. Esty at our dinnner last week how well it was working at the state level. Keep it up.
Here’s the contacts, so you have excuse not to act:
Hamden State Representatives (www.ct.gov)
State Senator Martin Looney
11th State Senate District
800-842-1420
State Senator Joseph Crisco
17th State Senate District
800-842-1420
State Representative Brendan Sharkey
88th State Assembly District
800-842-8267
State Representative Peter Villano
91st State Assembly District
800-842-8267
State Representative Cameron Staples
96th State Assembly District
800-842-8267
State Representative Elizabeth Esty
103rd State Assembly District
800-842-8267
There will be teacher layoffs and additional cuts. The BOE is welcoming and expecting any input from PTA and parents on how to get creative with the resources available. I hope to see you there.
Also…
Please contact our state representatives to keep up the pressure to:
· Pass legislation that changes the Wintergreen 55% rule to 60%, or some variation that allows us more funding for less Hamden students.
· Keep their promise to maintain ECS funding at it’s current level.
You saw how well pressure at the local level worked and heard from Rep. Esty at our dinnner last week how well it was working at the state level. Keep it up.
Here’s the contacts, so you have excuse not to act:
Hamden State Representatives (www.ct.gov)
State Senator Martin Looney
11th State Senate District
800-842-1420
State Senator Joseph Crisco
17th State Senate District
800-842-1420
State Representative Brendan Sharkey
88th State Assembly District
800-842-8267
State Representative Peter Villano
91st State Assembly District
800-842-8267
State Representative Cameron Staples
96th State Assembly District
800-842-8267
State Representative Elizabeth Esty
103rd State Assembly District
800-842-8267
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Budget Process Update
This message came to us from the Superintendent of Hamden Public Schools, Fran Rabinowitz:
The Hamden Town Council increased the Mayor’s recommended budget for the Board of Education by $1.4 million. On behalf of all Hamden students and staff I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Council for the additional funding. The Council’s funding has reduced our deficit from $4 million to $2.6 million. We will continue to work with our unions to garner concessions and will discuss recommended program cuts with the Board of Education.
I would appreciate your joining me as you did in advocating for the budget and thank the Council for their efforts. It is also important that we continue to advocate with the Connecticut State Legislature for the $750,000 for Wintergreen Magnet School, amending the 55% rule for Wintergreen Hamden student enrollment, and no reduction in E.C.S. funding.
My sincere appreciation to each of you for all of the efforts you have put forward. It will be a difficult task, but I am optimistic that with the additional funding from the Council Hamden will continue to offer a high quality education to all Hamden students.
Sincerely,
Fran
The Hamden Town Council increased the Mayor’s recommended budget for the Board of Education by $1.4 million. On behalf of all Hamden students and staff I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Council for the additional funding. The Council’s funding has reduced our deficit from $4 million to $2.6 million. We will continue to work with our unions to garner concessions and will discuss recommended program cuts with the Board of Education.
I would appreciate your joining me as you did in advocating for the budget and thank the Council for their efforts. It is also important that we continue to advocate with the Connecticut State Legislature for the $750,000 for Wintergreen Magnet School, amending the 55% rule for Wintergreen Hamden student enrollment, and no reduction in E.C.S. funding.
My sincere appreciation to each of you for all of the efforts you have put forward. It will be a difficult task, but I am optimistic that with the additional funding from the Council Hamden will continue to offer a high quality education to all Hamden students.
Sincerely,
Fran
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Address to Hamden Town Council & Audience
The Hamden PTA Council respectfully asks that the Town Council fully fund the Board of Ed’s budget request. We trust Superintendent Rabinowitz’s judgment implicitly and would ask the Council to do the same.
You know full well, as parents and grandparents, that education is an investment and a cornerstone of our town’s economic well-being. It is no co-incidence that Hamden is the 33rd best place in America to start a small business and our high school is ranked 32 out of 139 Connecticut public high schools. Education and economics go hand in hand and that balance must be handled with great care.
Thank you to all who have come with your PTA and family to speak truth to power. Showing your children how to be an advocate for others is one of the greatest lessons you can teach them.
However, your voice should not go silent after tonight’s hearing. The funding issues the Board of Ed and the Town are dealing with stem from the State and Federal level.
I encourage this audience and legislative body to continue to contact our state delegation. Ask them to keep their promise to send ECS funding, at or above last year’s level, which the Federal Stimulus Bill should allow them to do. Ask them to honor their commitment to Wintergreen by giving us a break on the 55% rule, which could mean a $2 million infusion to Hamden.
In addition, our Federal legislators, especially Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Dodd, will be instrumental in making dramatic changes in No Child Left Behind. They will be looking to hear from you, to guide them in crafting that legislation.
If we apply this same amount of pressure at the Federal level, when NCLB is reauthorized it will no longer be a punitive system aimed at dismantling public education, but a program that will enable all educators, students and schools to do their best work.
I have great faith in this vision; mere hours after the 2008 election the National PTA President, Jan Harp Domene, was called to meet with the Obama transition team. Change is definitely coming and PTA will be vital in making sure our elected officials keep their promises to us and our children.
On behalf of Hamden PTAs I’d like to thank the residents, parents and students, who have accepted our invitation to speak. Democracy is NOT a spectator sport and we appreciate your coming out to play.
You know full well, as parents and grandparents, that education is an investment and a cornerstone of our town’s economic well-being. It is no co-incidence that Hamden is the 33rd best place in America to start a small business and our high school is ranked 32 out of 139 Connecticut public high schools. Education and economics go hand in hand and that balance must be handled with great care.
Thank you to all who have come with your PTA and family to speak truth to power. Showing your children how to be an advocate for others is one of the greatest lessons you can teach them.
However, your voice should not go silent after tonight’s hearing. The funding issues the Board of Ed and the Town are dealing with stem from the State and Federal level.
I encourage this audience and legislative body to continue to contact our state delegation. Ask them to keep their promise to send ECS funding, at or above last year’s level, which the Federal Stimulus Bill should allow them to do. Ask them to honor their commitment to Wintergreen by giving us a break on the 55% rule, which could mean a $2 million infusion to Hamden.
In addition, our Federal legislators, especially Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Dodd, will be instrumental in making dramatic changes in No Child Left Behind. They will be looking to hear from you, to guide them in crafting that legislation.
If we apply this same amount of pressure at the Federal level, when NCLB is reauthorized it will no longer be a punitive system aimed at dismantling public education, but a program that will enable all educators, students and schools to do their best work.
I have great faith in this vision; mere hours after the 2008 election the National PTA President, Jan Harp Domene, was called to meet with the Obama transition team. Change is definitely coming and PTA will be vital in making sure our elected officials keep their promises to us and our children.
On behalf of Hamden PTAs I’d like to thank the residents, parents and students, who have accepted our invitation to speak. Democracy is NOT a spectator sport and we appreciate your coming out to play.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
It's Working!
The Hamden Town Council is truly feeling the pressure from their constituents this year. We are sure to have a record turn out of parents and townspeople concerned that inadequate funding for the Board of Ed will force them to lay off several teachers, cut programs and maybe even close a school.
The PTA is vehemently opposed to any such measures and encourages those in agreement to speak at tonight's hearing.
You will need to arrive early to sign up to speak; signup isfrom 6 – 6:30.
For those unfamiliar with the process, the hearing will be in Council Chambers in the Town Hall, on corner of Whitney and Dixwell. The Council will hear comments but not respond. They will continue to deliberate and massage numbers until mid May.
Continue to write and call your state legislators about funding and the "55% rule"*; that’s working, too. You can find them at http://www.cga.ct.gov/ or call 800-842-8267.
Thank you for your efforts to be involved and involve other parents inthe process. Please keep up the good work and I’ll see you allWednesday night.
Marjorie
*The 55% rule governs how much money per pupil Hamden gets for students we send to Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School (WIMS). The State gives other districts $8000 per pupil, but Hamden only gets $3000 per pupil, because Hamden students make up more than 55% of the student body. At last count there are five different bills between the CT House and Senate that would give Hamden the additional $5000 per pupil as long as we worked to reduce our participation in the next year or two. At 400 students, that equals $2 million of funding.
S.B.464 - Sponsored by Sen. Crisco
S.B.476 & S.B. 481- Sponsored by Sen. Looney
H.B. 5047 - Sponsard by Rep. Jankowski
H.B. 5766 - Sponsored by Reps. Sharkey, Esty, Villano & Staples.
More info at www.cga.ct.gov
The PTA is vehemently opposed to any such measures and encourages those in agreement to speak at tonight's hearing.
You will need to arrive early to sign up to speak; signup isfrom 6 – 6:30.
For those unfamiliar with the process, the hearing will be in Council Chambers in the Town Hall, on corner of Whitney and Dixwell. The Council will hear comments but not respond. They will continue to deliberate and massage numbers until mid May.
Continue to write and call your state legislators about funding and the "55% rule"*; that’s working, too. You can find them at http://www.cga.ct.gov/ or call 800-842-8267.
Thank you for your efforts to be involved and involve other parents inthe process. Please keep up the good work and I’ll see you allWednesday night.
Marjorie
*The 55% rule governs how much money per pupil Hamden gets for students we send to Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School (WIMS). The State gives other districts $8000 per pupil, but Hamden only gets $3000 per pupil, because Hamden students make up more than 55% of the student body. At last count there are five different bills between the CT House and Senate that would give Hamden the additional $5000 per pupil as long as we worked to reduce our participation in the next year or two. At 400 students, that equals $2 million of funding.
S.B.464 - Sponsored by Sen. Crisco
S.B.476 & S.B. 481- Sponsored by Sen. Looney
H.B. 5047 - Sponsard by Rep. Jankowski
H.B. 5766 - Sponsored by Reps. Sharkey, Esty, Villano & Staples.
More info at www.cga.ct.gov
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Board of Ed April 15 Hearing
Thanks to all the PTAs for organizing and parents and teachers for partipating in the Emergency PTA meetings that have been going on the last week or so.
Your involvement is our greatest guarantee that your school and the rest of the Hamden Public School system will make it through whatever setbacks come our way.
As you have all now discussed, teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, elimination of many programs and redistricting, are just a few possible sacrifices we may be asked to make if the Town Council does not fully fund the Superintendent's recommended budget.
Here are actions we need you to take:
Stand with those that feel a strong public school system is a "must fund" investment on Wednesday, April 15 at Town Hall at 7PM, where there will be a public hearing for the Board of Ed budget.
You will need to sign up to speak between 6 and 6:30. Expect there to be a line to sign up, so get there even earlier.
The hearing starts at 7 PM. The council will not be answering back, but simply hearing comments on the Board of Ed's budget and arguments to give the BOE as much funding as possible.
Feel free to bring your children and show them what being an advocate really means. However, be aware that this event could go well past 9 PM.
If you can't go, sign the petition at www.supporthamdeneducation.org or contact your local representatives www.hamden.com/content/43/default.aspx. You could also have your children write letters or draw pictures to send to council members.
April 15 is just the beginning of the deliberation process, so continue to be in touch with your councilperson(s) over the next several weeks. There will be other opportunities for public comment and you will be notified of those events.
In addition, please contact your state representatives. While the local government is working on their budget, the state is working on their's, which is not due until mid June. Every call or email represents several dozen more. Remember that they work for you and will vote based on what they hear from their constituents. They won't know what you think if you don't call. Find and contact your reps at www.cga.ct.gov.
Finally, once the Board of Ed has it's allocation from the town in mid May, they will begin the process of figuring out where to spend that money. Your input in that process is greatly appreciated. All meetings of the Board of Ed are posted at www.hamden.org. They are held at 60 Putnam Avenue and, with the exception of the executive session, are open to the public to listen and comment.
If you have questions or comments about anything regarding our public schools, Superintendent Rabinowitz has an open door policy and welcomes your calls and emails. She can be reached at 407-2090 or frabinowitz@hamden.org.
Thank you for your attention and participation,
Marjorie Clark
President, Hamden PTA Council
http://www.hamdenpta.com
http://www.hamdenpta.ning.com (Join Your PTA's Group)
288-6831
marjorie@littlefishstudios.com
Your involvement is our greatest guarantee that your school and the rest of the Hamden Public School system will make it through whatever setbacks come our way.
As you have all now discussed, teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, elimination of many programs and redistricting, are just a few possible sacrifices we may be asked to make if the Town Council does not fully fund the Superintendent's recommended budget.
Here are actions we need you to take:
Stand with those that feel a strong public school system is a "must fund" investment on Wednesday, April 15 at Town Hall at 7PM, where there will be a public hearing for the Board of Ed budget.
You will need to sign up to speak between 6 and 6:30. Expect there to be a line to sign up, so get there even earlier.
The hearing starts at 7 PM. The council will not be answering back, but simply hearing comments on the Board of Ed's budget and arguments to give the BOE as much funding as possible.
Feel free to bring your children and show them what being an advocate really means. However, be aware that this event could go well past 9 PM.
If you can't go, sign the petition at www.supporthamdeneducation.org or contact your local representatives www.hamden.com/content/43/default.aspx. You could also have your children write letters or draw pictures to send to council members.
April 15 is just the beginning of the deliberation process, so continue to be in touch with your councilperson(s) over the next several weeks. There will be other opportunities for public comment and you will be notified of those events.
In addition, please contact your state representatives. While the local government is working on their budget, the state is working on their's, which is not due until mid June. Every call or email represents several dozen more. Remember that they work for you and will vote based on what they hear from their constituents. They won't know what you think if you don't call. Find and contact your reps at www.cga.ct.gov.
Finally, once the Board of Ed has it's allocation from the town in mid May, they will begin the process of figuring out where to spend that money. Your input in that process is greatly appreciated. All meetings of the Board of Ed are posted at www.hamden.org. They are held at 60 Putnam Avenue and, with the exception of the executive session, are open to the public to listen and comment.
If you have questions or comments about anything regarding our public schools, Superintendent Rabinowitz has an open door policy and welcomes your calls and emails. She can be reached at 407-2090 or frabinowitz@hamden.org.
Thank you for your attention and participation,
Marjorie Clark
President, Hamden PTA Council
http://www.hamdenpta.com
http://www.hamdenpta.ning.com (Join Your PTA's Group)
288-6831
marjorie@littlefishstudios.com
Friday, March 20, 2009
Hamden / North Haven Camp Fair
Parents Get Ready for Summer!
Come Check Out the
Saturday, April 4th, 2009
11:00 am until 2:00 pm
Hamden Middle School
2623 Dixwell AvenueHamden, CT 06518
One-stop shopping for camps and programs for kids in grades K - 12!
Learn about the many different sporting, enrichment, academic, fun and adventure options available in Hamden, Connecticut, New England and beyond.
Stop by to pick up information and speak with camp representatives.
Already on the list of attendees…
· Awosting & Chinqueka
· Camp Farwell
· Camp Kaizen
· Camp Mohawk (YMCA)
· Camp Mt. Laurel (YMCA)
· Camp WA-KLO
· Camp Woodstock (YMCA)
· Choate
· Creative Arts Workshop
· Dance Unlimited
· Eli Whitney Museum
· Foote School
· Girl Scouts
· Hamden Park & Rec
· High Rock
· Incarnation Camp
· Mantis Kung-Fu
· Neighborhood Music School
· North Haven Park & Rec
· Peabody Museum
· Schooner
· SJ Ranch
· South Shore YMCA
· Tennis Central
· The Basketball Factory
Admission is free and open to the public.
Questions? Email PTA Council, VP Mary.Clough@yale.edu
Come Check Out the
4th Annual PTA Council Summer Camp Fair
Saturday, April 4th, 2009
11:00 am until 2:00 pm
Hamden Middle School
2623 Dixwell AvenueHamden, CT 06518
One-stop shopping for camps and programs for kids in grades K - 12!
Learn about the many different sporting, enrichment, academic, fun and adventure options available in Hamden, Connecticut, New England and beyond.
Stop by to pick up information and speak with camp representatives.
Already on the list of attendees…
· Awosting & Chinqueka
· Camp Farwell
· Camp Kaizen
· Camp Mohawk (YMCA)
· Camp Mt. Laurel (YMCA)
· Camp WA-KLO
· Camp Woodstock (YMCA)
· Choate
· Creative Arts Workshop
· Dance Unlimited
· Eli Whitney Museum
· Foote School
· Girl Scouts
· Hamden Park & Rec
· High Rock
· Incarnation Camp
· Mantis Kung-Fu
· Neighborhood Music School
· North Haven Park & Rec
· Peabody Museum
· Schooner
· SJ Ranch
· South Shore YMCA
· Tennis Central
· The Basketball Factory
Admission is free and open to the public.
Questions? Email PTA Council, VP Mary.Clough@yale.edu
Monday, February 9, 2009
February Meeting Follow Up
Many thanks to Hamden Councilman Jim Pascarella for getting us acquainted with the true gravity of the town's financial situation. Without a miracle, the proposed 3.5% increase to the education budget (one of the lowest in the state) is going to have to be trimmed. (BTW - this number does not include any change in Wintergreen funding). It's inevitable without a gigantic ( 2-3 mill) tax increase, (which will never fly) because we have a shrinking grand list, lower revenues from slowed construction and home sales and a devistated pension fund, not to mention contractual, energy and healthcare increases.
His best advice: contact your state representatives and the Governor and ask them to not cut educational funding, special grants or PILOT reimbursements. We can probably hold the line on local spending, but not if our state funding for the school system or PILOT is reduced.
The fate of Wintergreen is still undecided. There are many options on the table and Supt. Rabinowitz is negotiating with all pertinent parties to find the best solution.
Our 4th Annual Summer Camp Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 4. It's being organized by our VP Mary Clough and will be our largest to date. We'll be setting up in the Middle School Gym and Atrium. There will be at least 40 camps, day and overnight, for K-12. We'll need help to set up, manage and take down this event, so please let us know when you can pitch in.
Perhaps I'll see you around town at one of the following events this week:
Hamden Board of Ed Meeting
Tuesday, Feb 10, 7 PM
60 Putnam Street
Items of interest:
Superintendent’s Report on
1. Governor’s Budget
2. CMT/CAPT Assessment
3. Introduction of Interim Finance Director
************
"What's Brewing?" with State Representative Elizabeth Esty
Thursday, February 12
10am to noon, at the Giant View Café
3584 Whitney Ave., Hamden
(103rd District / Mt. Carmel / West Woods)
“What’s Brewing?” is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and concerns with Elizabeth, ask her questions and get help. Elizabeth is particularly eager to hear your ideas about how to close Connecticut's budget gap and restart our economy.
Contact: Rep. Elizabeth Esty, 103rd District
Room 4037, LOB, Hartford, CT 06106-1591
800-842-8267 -- Office (Toll Free)
203-699-9621 – Home
http://www.elizabethesty.com/.
elizabeth.esty@cga.ct.gov
**************************
CT PTA Hot Topics Training - Nuts & Bolts of Educational Funding
Thursday, February 12, 7 PM
With CT Appleseed at Hamden High School
Snacks & babysitting provided
Free and open to the public
Thanks for all you do,
Marjorie
His best advice: contact your state representatives and the Governor and ask them to not cut educational funding, special grants or PILOT reimbursements. We can probably hold the line on local spending, but not if our state funding for the school system or PILOT is reduced.
The fate of Wintergreen is still undecided. There are many options on the table and Supt. Rabinowitz is negotiating with all pertinent parties to find the best solution.
Our 4th Annual Summer Camp Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 4. It's being organized by our VP Mary Clough and will be our largest to date. We'll be setting up in the Middle School Gym and Atrium. There will be at least 40 camps, day and overnight, for K-12. We'll need help to set up, manage and take down this event, so please let us know when you can pitch in.
Perhaps I'll see you around town at one of the following events this week:
Hamden Board of Ed Meeting
Tuesday, Feb 10, 7 PM
60 Putnam Street
Items of interest:
Superintendent’s Report on
1. Governor’s Budget
2. CMT/CAPT Assessment
3. Introduction of Interim Finance Director
************
"What's Brewing?" with State Representative Elizabeth Esty
Thursday, February 12
10am to noon, at the Giant View Café
3584 Whitney Ave., Hamden
(103rd District / Mt. Carmel / West Woods)
“What’s Brewing?” is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and concerns with Elizabeth, ask her questions and get help. Elizabeth is particularly eager to hear your ideas about how to close Connecticut's budget gap and restart our economy.
Contact: Rep. Elizabeth Esty, 103rd District
Room 4037, LOB, Hartford, CT 06106-1591
800-842-8267 -- Office (Toll Free)
203-699-9621 – Home
http://www.elizabethesty.com/.
elizabeth.esty@cga.ct.gov
**************************
CT PTA Hot Topics Training - Nuts & Bolts of Educational Funding
Thursday, February 12, 7 PM
With CT Appleseed at Hamden High School
Snacks & babysitting provided
Free and open to the public
Thanks for all you do,
Marjorie
Friday, February 6, 2009
Federal Education Funding Under Attack
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a call to arms.
I was alerted by Supt. Rabinowitz's office, via the National School Boards Association, to call or email Sen. Lieberman's legislative assitant, Rachel, ASAP regarding educational funding in the stimulus package legislation currently before the Senate.
ACTION ON THIS AMENDMENT MAY BE TAKEN TODAY!
I urge you to call his office at 202-224-4815 or to email Rachel_Sotsky@Lieberman.Senate.Gov and ask the Senator not to support any reduction to the House's stimulus bill on education funding. Please forward with abandon and ask people to personalize.
Here's what I wrote:
Dear Rachel,
I’d really like to understand how Sen. Lieberman can, in good conscience, support the Collins/Nelson amendment, which would drastically reduce funding for education in the economic recovery package. It would eliminate the $15 billion Performance Incentive
Grants from the State Stabilization Fund, an additional $24.8 billion from the State Stabilization Fund, $6.75 billion from IDEA, $6.5 billion from Title I, and $50 million from the Teacher Quality State Grant program.
Title I and IDEA do create jobs in schools, as well as prevent people from losing jobs.
• The impact to Hamden would be devastating, as the majority of our schools receive Title 1 and IDEA funding. His support for the amendment will take important funding away from key K-12 education programs. Now is the time for increased federal investment to ensure that our schools can maintain the level of services needed for student achievement. The State is trying to close a billion dollar shortfall and local revenues for education are in a serious decline because of the recession (e.g. falling property values and assessments, declining sales tax receipts, etc.). We are counting on the Federal government to help the nation’s educational system weather this storm.
• Cutting funding in the stimulus is not the answer, especially when many school systems are trying to mitigate thousands of teacher/personnel lay-offs. The stimulus legislation is key to both job creation and to job retention, especially for the nation's school districts.
• The investments to education programs in the stimulus are critical and will help school districts continue the level of services for key education programs and federal mandates, such as special education, that are already underfunded.
Please ask the Senator, on behalf of myself, my family, and all of the children, families and businesses in Hamden, to OPPOSE the Collins/Nelson Amendment.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Marjorie Clark
And thank you for your attention and action.
A recap of our council meeting on 2/4/09 coming soon...
Marjorie
I was alerted by Supt. Rabinowitz's office, via the National School Boards Association, to call or email Sen. Lieberman's legislative assitant, Rachel, ASAP regarding educational funding in the stimulus package legislation currently before the Senate.
ACTION ON THIS AMENDMENT MAY BE TAKEN TODAY!
I urge you to call his office at 202-224-4815 or to email Rachel_Sotsky@Lieberman.Senate.Gov and ask the Senator not to support any reduction to the House's stimulus bill on education funding. Please forward with abandon and ask people to personalize.
Here's what I wrote:
Dear Rachel,
I’d really like to understand how Sen. Lieberman can, in good conscience, support the Collins/Nelson amendment, which would drastically reduce funding for education in the economic recovery package. It would eliminate the $15 billion Performance Incentive
Grants from the State Stabilization Fund, an additional $24.8 billion from the State Stabilization Fund, $6.75 billion from IDEA, $6.5 billion from Title I, and $50 million from the Teacher Quality State Grant program.
Title I and IDEA do create jobs in schools, as well as prevent people from losing jobs.
• The impact to Hamden would be devastating, as the majority of our schools receive Title 1 and IDEA funding. His support for the amendment will take important funding away from key K-12 education programs. Now is the time for increased federal investment to ensure that our schools can maintain the level of services needed for student achievement. The State is trying to close a billion dollar shortfall and local revenues for education are in a serious decline because of the recession (e.g. falling property values and assessments, declining sales tax receipts, etc.). We are counting on the Federal government to help the nation’s educational system weather this storm.
• Cutting funding in the stimulus is not the answer, especially when many school systems are trying to mitigate thousands of teacher/personnel lay-offs. The stimulus legislation is key to both job creation and to job retention, especially for the nation's school districts.
• The investments to education programs in the stimulus are critical and will help school districts continue the level of services for key education programs and federal mandates, such as special education, that are already underfunded.
Please ask the Senator, on behalf of myself, my family, and all of the children, families and businesses in Hamden, to OPPOSE the Collins/Nelson Amendment.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Marjorie Clark
And thank you for your attention and action.
A recap of our council meeting on 2/4/09 coming soon...
Marjorie
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Forum with Hamden Legislators January 8, 2009 - Reminder
The format this year is going to be a bit different – more of a round table than a formal question and answer. Here are the main topics that we will be covering:
· ECS funding
· Wintergreen – enrollment, sustainability
· Moratorium on Mandates – and other cost cutting measures that don’t cost anything
· Regionalization / SmartGrowth
· Funding from the Fed / Fate of NCLB
· Tax Reform / Property Tax
We’re in quite a mess, on many levels, but there will be no finger pointing tonight. We already know that we all need to “give a little” to meet the state’s budget requirements.
The main question is, “what is the best course of action that does the least harm, while putting us in a stronger financial position?”. We have invited our legislators to share:
· what theyknow of the current situation in Hartford
· what we should prepare for
· what they are suggesting AND,
· most importantly, what we can do as a town and organization to help find a solution.
BTW – The meeting at Wintergreen (6 PM), which Sen. Looney is attending prior to our meeting, has gotten a lot of press today. I urge you to alert anyone who thinks that their meeting is our meeting (6:30 PM), that our meeting is just as important to attend.
I look forward to seeing you this evening.
Marjorie
· ECS funding
· Wintergreen – enrollment, sustainability
· Moratorium on Mandates – and other cost cutting measures that don’t cost anything
· Regionalization / SmartGrowth
· Funding from the Fed / Fate of NCLB
· Tax Reform / Property Tax
We’re in quite a mess, on many levels, but there will be no finger pointing tonight. We already know that we all need to “give a little” to meet the state’s budget requirements.
The main question is, “what is the best course of action that does the least harm, while putting us in a stronger financial position?”. We have invited our legislators to share:
· what theyknow of the current situation in Hartford
· what we should prepare for
· what they are suggesting AND,
· most importantly, what we can do as a town and organization to help find a solution.
BTW – The meeting at Wintergreen (6 PM), which Sen. Looney is attending prior to our meeting, has gotten a lot of press today. I urge you to alert anyone who thinks that their meeting is our meeting (6:30 PM), that our meeting is just as important to attend.
I look forward to seeing you this evening.
Marjorie
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Forum with Hamden Legislators January 8, 2009
On the first draft of our January 8 PTA Educational Forum announcement (below), one of the bullet points was "lower quality of schools and lower test scores." Supt. Rabinowitz commented that she didn't think that a diminished education budget would have any impact on her ability to maintain the quality of our schools and their test scores, so I took it out. I really hope she's right; if anybody can work that kind of magic, it's Fran.
Even with such a miracle worker, we need every able-bodied person in Hamden to insist that educational funding at the State level be maintained. We're not asking for more, just to maintain the status quo. If they want to cut 12% from ECS funding, cut it from what WE SHOULD GET not what we DO get.
Make sure your legislators and Governor Rell hear your opinions and suggestions on how to do that. Here's your opportunity:
Marjorie
Even with such a miracle worker, we need every able-bodied person in Hamden to insist that educational funding at the State level be maintained. We're not asking for more, just to maintain the status quo. If they want to cut 12% from ECS funding, cut it from what WE SHOULD GET not what we DO get.
Make sure your legislators and Governor Rell hear your opinions and suggestions on how to do that. Here's your opportunity:
Tell your legislators “NO! You can’t reduce
Hamden’s educational funding!”
at the Hamden PTA Council/Board of Ed Forum
with CT Legislators
Thursday, January 8, 6:30 PM
Hamden Middle School Cafeteria
Thursday, January 8, 6:30 PM
Hamden Middle School Cafeteria
Babysitting provided by Hamden High Cheerleaders
For Hamden, cuts in educational funding at the state level could mean:
- Fewer teachers and larger class sizes
- Wintergreen Magnet losing its charter and becoming a Hamden Public School
- Less funding for art, music and TAG programs
- Less electives and career programs
- Fewer offerings from Adult Education
- Higher property taxes
This could lead to:
- Resident flight to other towns
- Hamden High dropping out of top 35 high schools in the state
- Hamden no longer being #33 in Fortune’s top 100 towns to start and own a small business
“How can I stop this threat to my thriving town?
I’m just one person.”
You are ONE of MANY who will voice your opinion and solutions to our state legislators and the Governor. YOU elected them and they work for YOU.
Join us on Thursday, January 8th and/or…
Call or email your legislators.
· Sen. Martin Looney, 800-842-1420
Looney@senatedems.ct.gov
· Sen. Joe Crisco, 800-842-1420
Crisco@senatedems.ct.gov
· Rep. Brendan Sharkey, 800-842-8267 / 203-281-4647
Brendan.Sharkey@cga.ct.gov
· Rep. Peter Villano, 800-842-8267 / 203-562-5251
Peter.Villano@cga.ct.gov
· Rep. Cam Staples, 800-842-8267 / 203-773-9123
Cam9123@hotmail.com
· Rep. Elizabeth Esty, 800-842-8267 / 203-271-3248
ElizabethEsty08@gmail.com
Write letters to the editor of the Hamden Chronicle and New Haven Register.
· hamdenchronicle@ctcentral.com
· letters@nhregister.com
Review the budget and give Governor Rell feedback at www.ct.gov/governorrell.
Share this information with your friends and family and ask them to take action with you.Things always work out better when we work together
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, January 8, 6:30 at the Hamden Middle School.Marjorie
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Hamden Public School Brag Sheet
- Hamden High School is named #32 out of 139 CT public high schools ranked by Connecticut Magazine in October 2008.
- Hamden High had a “Cool Day” where over 650 students showed up at 5 AM, complete with live news coverage. Principal Highsmith got pies in the face.
- Church Street’s Principal, Joyce Kossman, awarded the Hamden Chamber of Commerce 2008 Educator of the year award.
- Grace Griffin, a Church Street school teacher was given the prestigious Milken Award and a $25,000 grant. Griffin and other teachers at Church Street have helped to boost student performance in math, writing and reading on state mastery tests.
- More info at Hamden Public School's site, http://www.hamden.org/
Please comment to share your school's accompolishments.
Education Budget 2009 - All Hands On Deck
The following were ideas we shared on how to increase awareness of all the great things you do for your schools, and ways to frame the argument for fully funding the upcoming education budget:
- Get kids involved in the process, as spokespeople for their school. What has their experience been like? What do they get out of it? Tim Nottoli has will lead a kid letter writing campaign in early spring.
- Always accentuate the positive and offer solutions, rather than just complaining.
- Make the correlation of property values and town prosperity to educational system.
- Build / talk about alliances between the Hamden business community and Hamden Public Schools.
- Get testimonials from parents, alumni and grandparents. Where are they or their children now and how did HPS help them get there? Ask council members, Mayor Henrici and his staff, BOE members, teachers, staff, business leaders, HHS alumni group and family members.
Please Post Testimonials in Comments Below ...
How to Make Lemonade - Hamden PTA Idea Bank
The faculty basketball game between Dunbar Hill and Shepherd Glen was an “off-the-hook” success.
Who’s pairing up next?
The following is the start of a list of fundraising/family fun ideas:
- Inter-district ball game
- Bottle collection/return
- Crazy hair / clothes / hat days
- Skate party
- Duckpin bowling
- Collect receipts – Big Y, Shaw’s
- Faculty and student waiters at Applebee’s, TGIF’s
- Hamden / School Pizza Night – get a bunch of area pizzerias to pledge 10% of bills from HPS families one or two nights this year
- Walk-a-thon / Dance-a-thon / Read-a-thon
- Talent show – parents, teachers, kids, pets
- Silent Auctions
- Movie Night
- Game Night
- Father / Daughter Dance
- Themed Festival or Fair
- Bingo
- Alumni event
- Local Pro Baseball, Basketball, Hockey Games (Sun, Bluefish, Wildcats, college)
- Coco Keys (at Waterbury Holiday Inn) – discounted rates while they are building clientele
- ESPN free tours
- www.pta.org/pta_great_idea_bank.asp
- www.ptoideas.com/category/1/Fundraisers
- www.globalideasbank.org/site/home/
Remember to have a membership table at all events
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
When Life Gives You Lemons...
Make Lemonade
If you are being kept awake at night by the fact that your PTA fall fundraiser only brought in half what it did last year, you need to come to our next meeting, on Thursday, November 6.
This correction in the economy is an opportunity for us as an organization to lead by example about what’s truly important. To quote Suzy Orman, “People first, then money, then things.”
Even though we act in the best interest of children, that may not be what is perceived at the unit level. Parents who do not sit on committees, or are constantly involved, only see the fundraising flyers. Even if they are involed, myself included, when the message from the larger world says to conserve, they recycle the flyer instead of getting out their check book.
So now that we’ve experienced a couple months of the new economy, let’s put our heads together and share strategies for how we’re going to keep our commitments to the children of Hamden.
We will also discuss a communication strategy for PTAs to get our message to parents, politicians and taxpayers, in advance of budget season. If you thought last year was tough, just wait.
I’ll see you at the Middle School, Thursday, November 6 at 7 PM. Please bring your current budget and some low-cost-high-fun-factor ideas to share with everyone.
I hope everyone is working on their Election Day Bake Sale plans. The CT Secretary of State, Susan Bysiewicz, says that 2 million voters are now registered in CT (out of 3 million people) and that she expects turnout to exceed 90%.
Needless to say, this is a huge economic opportunity.
Please have healthy choices available - local apples and pears. Perhaps even harvest decor like pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn. http://www.buyctgrown.com/
If you have not yet reserved a space at a polling place, please send your request, in writing to the Registrar of Voters, Peggy Rae at PRae@Hamden.com and follow up by phone at 287-7081.
October 2 - CMT/CAPT Forum Recap
Thanks to Supt. Rabinowitz for enlightening us about the CMT/CAPT exams, numbers and process. Those that took the 6th grade math primer now have a much greater appreciation for our children's stamina and test scores.
We will make it through these lean times, but our success is only guaranteed if we work together.
Have a great Halloween and Election Day and I'll see you on November 6, 7 PM in the Middle School cafeteria.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
CMT/CAPT Forum October 2
Have you ever wondered how to interpret your child’s CMT or CAPT scores?
Why are these test scores so important?
How are they used to shape my child’s education?
At the next Hamden PTA Council meeting, on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 7 PM in the Hamden Middle School Cafeteria, Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz will answer these and any other questions you have about the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). We will no doubt touch on No Child Left Behind and the effect its mandates have on school choice and what options parents' have.
We are so grateful for Fran's willingness to help parents understand the public education process. Between the news stories about "failing schools" and parents' worry about "teaching to the test," this kind of honest dialog is an incredibly valuable resource.
We look forward to seeing you then!
Marjorie Clark
Why are these test scores so important?
How are they used to shape my child’s education?
At the next Hamden PTA Council meeting, on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 7 PM in the Hamden Middle School Cafeteria, Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz will answer these and any other questions you have about the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). We will no doubt touch on No Child Left Behind and the effect its mandates have on school choice and what options parents' have.
We are so grateful for Fran's willingness to help parents understand the public education process. Between the news stories about "failing schools" and parents' worry about "teaching to the test," this kind of honest dialog is an incredibly valuable resource.
We look forward to seeing you then!
Marjorie Clark
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Hamden PTA Council Meeting
OUR FIRST MEETING... will be next Thursday, September 4th, 7 PM at the Middle School.
I need everyone to attend for two reasons:
If you haven't already done so, please submit your officer information sheet to CT PTA, even if your roster is the same as last year. Email them at connecticut.pta@snet.net or call 281-6617.
I look forward to seeing you there - the public is welcome, but only PTA members may vote.
I need everyone to attend for two reasons:
- This is the best opportunity for all of the units to exchange ideas and information, before we get too far into the school year. We have decades of experience between all of us and it would be wrong not to share. :)
- Hamden Lights for Life will be presenting their fundraising campaign for Hamden's Father Michael J. McGivney Cancer Center. They have asked for all PTAs to help sell luminaries that will be placed all over Town Center Park on the eve of September 28th. The Hamden Cheerleaders are leading the charge and are available for presentations to your school. Come get more details....
- We need to plan our year. I've got some ideas, but I'd like to hear your ideas as well.
If you haven't already done so, please submit your officer information sheet to CT PTA, even if your roster is the same as last year. Email them at connecticut.pta@snet.net or call 281-6617.
I look forward to seeing you there - the public is welcome, but only PTA members may vote.
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