Thursday, December 8, 2016

PTC Meeting Cancelled | 12/08/2016

Snow, Ice, Oh My!



Tonight's meeting has been cancelled due to weather and district closure.  Stay safe and warm everyone!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Your Membership is Crucial - Belong to the Board!

Board Membership Expansion



The current board members would like to extend an invitation to the parents of Englewood to take part as a board member.  The team currently has 5 volunteers and Mr. Etchemendy, the Principal.

As we have progressed through the school year, a couple of volunteers were taking on a couple roles - one they signed up for because there was a vacancy and one they pursued because of need and alignment with their skill set and interest.


Current Member Transitions

Michelle took the Secretary position to ensure there was a complete board.  With the progress that she has made, her true interest and main support of the PTC is with fundraising management from local companies throughout Salem.  Michelle's doing a fantastic job establishing and nurturing relationships with local companies.  She will be transitioning to a role of Fundraising Manager to keep her focused on what she does best.

Heather assumed the role of Volunteer Coordinator because she wanted something that didn't need a lot of time during school hours.  While performing volunteer coordinator work, she realized there was a gap in electronic communication.  Knowing that she has a difficult time keeping up to date with what is going on at the school - she has decided to focus on the social media side of things to make sure that parents are receiving communication from many different outlets.  Heather will be transition to a role of Social Media Manager to keep everyone is up to date on the happenings of PTC.

Position Openings

Outlined below are the roles and responsibilities of the two current openings for Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator.  Please negotiate if you feel this may be too much for you to commit to, but are otherwise interested!  We realize that this is an all volunteer board membership and will remain flexible to keep members!  You have the support of the entire team!


Secretary

The key note taker of the group, the secretary makes sure that we keep track of the information discussed during meetings.
  • Primary responsibilities:
    • Keep records of discussions and attendance during PTC meetings and board member meetings
    • Forward meeting minutes to the Social Media Manager
    • Handle correspondence
    • Update files associated with PTC in the school office
  • Minimum commitment:
    • Regular attendance to both board member meetings and PTC meetings
      • Board member meetings - 1st Thursday of the month, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
      • PTC meetings - 2nd Thursday of the month, 6 - 7 pm
    • 1-2 additional hours a week


Volunteer Coordinator

The volunteer coordinator maintains the database of the volunteers in the web-based software, HelpCounter.  This application is user friendly and straight forward.  Set up and provides communication on the number of volunteers needed for an activity and what those responsibilities will be.
  • Primary responsibilities:
    • Update event information in HelpCounter
    • Send requests for volunteers via HelpCounter
    • Notify volunteers of expired background check status
    • Oversee volunteers at events or provide volunteer list to event coordinator
  • Minimum commitment:
    • Regular attendance to both board member meetings and PTC meetings
      • Board member meetings - 1st Thursday of the month, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
      • PTC meetings - 2nd Thursday of the month, 6 - 7 pm
    • 2-4 additional hours a week

Benefits of Board Membership

The benefits of being a board member are the same as being an active member of the PTC - but amplified!  You make more connections, you get more insight, you have more influence.

We are not affiliated with the National PTA, but their website explains the benefits of membership the best:
  • Get connected - there is no better way to know what is currently going on and what will be happening at the school.
  • Discover great resources - school staff often share resources and information about parenting and your student's education that is helpful.
  • Tap into a network - PTC functions are opportunities to meet other parents and teachers, building relationships and discussing issues that are important to you.  You can share ideas, concerns, and experiences.
  • Watch yourself grow - by volunteering with the PTC, you put your  skills and hobbies to use for a noble cause - for your children and other's in the community.  These volunteer opportunities can help close gaps in resumes or become a safe environment for you to develop skills.
  • Speak up - PTC is a way for you to promote change at your child's school.
  • Witness improvement - by getting involved you will be part of the solution leading to positive change.  PTC organizes fundraisers to support the students and their educational experience.  PTC supports many of the technological advancements in the classrooms.
  • Be a role model - with your membership, you are demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education and being an active member of the community you live in.