The Arrowhead

Dear Parents and Fellow PTA Members, 

This month, the PTA begins its planning stage for next year.  At the March 18th PTA meeting, the membership selected a nominating committee.  As many of you know, the nominating committee is responsible for proposing new leaders.  Their job is one of the most important aspects of running the PTA.  You can help make their job easier by nominating someone who you believe would make a great PTA officer. 

The Pennsylvania PTA has outlined the qualifications of a PTA officer.  A PTA Officer should have: 

• Vision and leadership: the ability to see the big picture and the courage to set direction to achieve the PTA missions 

• Stewardship: The integrity to serve the interests and pursue the goals of the organization 

• Knowledge: Knowledge of PTA, its operations, and organization 

• Diligence: Dedication and commitment to the PTA’s goals 

• Collegiality: Possessing a sincere and respectful attitude toward fellow PTA members and their views. 

A PTA Officer should also be able to: 

• Communicate with all members with the PTA to identify a diverse but representative group of potential leaders 

Notes from the President by Lori Cuervo

http://www.ptsd.k12.pa.us/ptms

Continued on page 4

The PSSAs and Your Child 

Beginning in February and ending in April, various content areas are assessed by state standards.  In February, grade 8 students take the PSSA Writing Assessment.  The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Writing component measures students’ ability to respond to readings and prompts in a concise manner.  There are three sections on this assessment:  the first is reading and responding to multiple‐choice items.  In the second and third sections, students respond to given informational and persuasive prompts.  This assessment typically lasts three days. In March, grade 7 and grade 8 students are tested on the PSSA Reading and Math segments.  These tests are broken into six sections with reading comprising three sections and math the other three sections.  These tests typically last three days and require students to show proficiency in each of the state standards for the grade level. In April, grade 8 will take the PSSA science test.  A field test was conducted last year with the scores not reported to parents or schools.  This year’s PSSA Science scores will be reported to both parents and students.  The length of this test is usually one day. 

Issue 6- Volume 2007-2008

March - April, 2008

PETERS TOWNSHIP MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA MCMURRAY, PA 15317

The Principal’s Pen by Dr. Mary Monsour What’s Up This Month 2

8th Grade Dance 2

Volunteers Needed 3

Basketball Wrap-up 4

PTA Reflections State Winners

5

Cheer Clinic 5

Thank You 5

Cash Back 6

PTA Nominations 7

Inside this issue:

This group is working in cooperation with the PTSD to

offer these events or programs.

Continued on page 3

Special points of interest:

• Next PTA meeting is April 15, 2008 at 9:15

A.M. in the Peters Township Library

2nd Floor

WHAT’s up this month and Next Month at PTMS

8th grade Celebration

April 1, 2008 Grade 6 Orientation—Parents

PTMS Auditorium 6:30 P.M.—8:30 P.M.

April 15, 2008 PTA Meeting

Peters Township Library - 2nd Floor Conference Room

9:15 A.M.

P A G E 2 T H E A R R O W H E A D

Plan on attending the April 15, 2008 PTA meeting! The meeting will start at 9:15 A.M. and the meeting will be held in the Peters Township Library - not the DAO, due to scheduling problems. Nominations will be taken from the floor for the 2008-2009 slate of PTMS, PTA officers. Please see the form on page seven for the nomination process.

April PTA Meeting: IMPORTANT

The end of the year is fast approaching, and plans are being made for the Annual 8th Grade Student Council Celebration. ALL 8th grade students are invited and encouraged to attend! This is an annual event that celebrates the last days of middle school and the last time to be together as a class! It is not a formal nor semiformal but rather a chance for the students to dress up a little and have some last days of middle school fun!

WHEN: Friday, May 30, 2008 WHERE: PT Middle School Cafeteria

TIME: 7:30 until 10:00 P.M.

TICKET SALES: TBA and at the door the night of the dance

ADMISSION: $6.00 per person

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN PLANNING FOR THE DANCE:

• Pictures will be taken the night of the dance. They will be available at a cost of $1.00.

• Attire: Girls: NO STRAPLESS OR MIDRIFF Baring /BACKLESS DRESSES (in other words, straps required and NO abdomens or backs showing!) Long gowns are discouraged.

Boys: Ties and jackets are optional: NO t-shirts, jeans or sneakers – Dress shirts, Khakis and dress shoes work well.

• Transportation: NO LIMOS!!!

• If you have any questions Lorra Brannen @ 724-942-4323 or email her at lorralee@verizon.net. Let’s make this a memorable and enjoyable event for everyone!

Teen Center, which is held monthly by Peters Township Parks & Recreation,

needs

PARENT CHAPERONE VOLUNTEERS

The following are the remaining dates for the

2008 Teen Center Friday events:

April 18 • May 16

Teen Center runs from 8:00-10:00 P.M. at the PT Recreation Center, and a minimum of 20 volunteers are needed for each Teen

Center event. If your teen attends these events, please consider volunteering for one during the

next three months.

Contact Sheila Coquet 724/942-5000 x 510 to volunteer or for more information.

Thank you so much for your help!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 7th & 8th grade Spring Dance a success!!!

With almost 300 kids dancing, laughing, and having a great time, none of it could have happened without the participation of the PTA parents. From the 60 parents who chaperoned and baked cookies, to the dedicated PTA board who are always there to make our children's experience at school a wonderful one, I thank you. I couldn't have done it without you. A special thank you to Bethany Frizzell for all of her assistance. She made my job a pleasure.

Thank you all again!

Anne Marie Aronson

The Principal ’ s Pen ( c o n t i n u e d f r o m P a g e 1 )

In past years, school districts have received the results of these tests in July/August.  What do we do with this information?  First, we look at all testing data and find which students are in need of tutorial help.  The scores are reported as either advanced, proficient, basic, or below basic.  The state requires a proficiency percentage for schools to reach in math and reading, with all students achieving proficiency in reading and math by 2013.  So, our goal is to reinforce concepts for students who are not at the proficiency level. Once we have deciphered these scores, we schedule students in Classroom Support class (CST), PSSA Prep classes (Reading and Math), and reading.  We offer parents the opportunity to place their child in Hot Shots, our after‐school homework program.  Teachers are advised of which students are basic and below; we then pour over their scores to determine in which standards the students need work.  Planning for these students education is a priority. As for the advanced and proficient students, our teachers work in tiering their lesson plans and providing differentiation so that students’ learning can be challenging as well as reinforcing.  In teaching, our job is never done.  We are constantly reviewing how to better our learning environment! 

P A G E 3 I S S U E 6 - V O L U M E 2 0 0 7 -

Call Out for Volunteers

Spring Dance Thank you

The annual 8th Grade Celebration is scheduled for    May 30th.   

If you can volunteer please contact Lorra Brannen @ 724‐942‐4323 or email her at lorralee@verizon.net.   

See page  2 for details on the dance.  

Volunteers are also needed for the 8th Grade Picnic held during school hours on June 2. If you can help, 

please contact Gail Schlafman @ 724‐969‐0737 or email her at gschlafman@comcast.net.   

All of these events need a lot of volunteers to help organize, set up,  and run these events.  Please 

consider helping ‐ it's for the kids! 

The 7th Grade Spring Fling will be held on May 2.  Please contact Karen Bergman at 724‐941‐0951 or 

kbergman@ppg.com if you are interested in volunteer‐ing for this event.     

The Student/Faculty Basketball Game was held on March 12th at the high school gym. There was food and there was lots of fun as the students took on the faculty team.  The pregame half court shot contest had three winners, each winning a cash prize, and everyone who came had a chance at the half time raffles. Thank you to our PTA volunteers who came to help, Michele Bittel, Maya Chappell, Teresa Buzard, Michelle Hvizdos, and Mary Gubala.  The PTA board would also like to thank Mr. Cheran, Mr. Amend, Mr. Lucas and Dr. Merante for all of their help in organizing this event.  

Thanks to all the students, parents, and faculty who came out to support their team!  

The National Anthem was performed by students Danielle Sphar and Meghan Fitzgerald. Student/Faculty Participants included:  8th grade:  Adam Bastyr, Briana Deer, Andrew Erenberg, Sarah Grippi, Alex Higgins, Morgan Matetic, Justin Miller, Merissa Morgan, and Lindsey Pisarcik.  7th Grade:  Joey Brucker, Connor Crane, Sierra Jasek, Jess Joseph,  Hannah Squeglia, Carlee Wickstrom, and Abbot Zuk.  Faculty Members:  Will Amend, Robin Amend, Josh Elders, Jill Kern, Chris Kelly, Steve Maiolo, Tony Merante, Laura Ann Naser, and Jayson Zeminski  Student Coaches:  Zack Berquist and Aaron McDonough  Scorekeeper and Clock:  Audra Bastyr 

P A G E 4 T H E A R R O W H E A D

• Continue to establish the pool of potential leaders from inside and outside the PTA 

• Create a pipeline for future leaders by being forward‐thinking 

• Be well‐versed in the responsibilities and skill sets required for all positions. 

If anyone is interested in nominating someone as a PTA Officer, please fill out the form contained in this newsletter or contact anyone on the nominating committee.  A list of the nominating committee members and their contact information is also contained in this newsletter.  Please be a part of the PTA process by nominating a PTA leader who will continue to foster a good relationship between parents, students, and teachers at the Middle School.  We look forward to your input. 

Student/Faculty Basketball Wrap-up

Notes from the Pres ident ( c o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1 )

P A G E 5 T H E A R R O W H E A D

MUSICAL COMPOSITION PETERS TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL Joseph Grippi PETERS TOWNSHIP MIDDLE SCHOOL Scott Ketelaar VISUAL ARTS MCMURRAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jessica VanNewkirk LITERATURE PETERS TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL Katie Cushma, Melissa Jarrett

This meeting will give 8th Grade cheerleaders, as well as interested cheerleaders in grades 9 thru 12, all the information about the High School Cheer Program and the Cheer Tryouts that will be held on April 14-17. Mandatory tryout practice will be at the High School starting April 14 thru April 16 from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. April 17 tryouts will start at 4:00 P.M. and will end when the last cheerleader is finished trying out. Hope to see you at the Tryout Meeting on April 2nd!

There is a High School Cheer Tryout Information

Meeting on Wed., April 2nd at 7:00 P.M. in the Peters Township High School

Cafeteria. All cheerleaders need to

have an adult or guardian present at the meeting.

Update: PTA Reflections State winners!

Attention 8th Grade Cheerleaders

Taste of the Township 2008

Mark your calendars for Taste of the Township, Friday, April 18, Valley Brook Country Club, 7:30 P.M. to midnight.

The evening includes fabulous fare provided by local area restaurants, music by LOCKDown, silent and Chinese auctions, and more!

Tickets are $50 each and are on sale now at the Peters Township Public Library.

Proceeds benefit the Peters Township Public Library and the Community Endowment for Peters Township. Call the library at 724.941.9430 for details. Buy your tickets now - this event is always a sell-out!

Denise Abraham, Tammy Conrad, Co-chairs

The Middle School PTA board sponsored the annual "Brunch with the Principals" on March 18, in the newly renovated Middle School library. Parents had the opportunity to speak with the principals and ask questions concerning the middle school and the student's experience while attending this school. The parents were also taken on a tour of the building and new construction. A big "Thank You" to hospitality chair Debbie Smith and all those who brought such wonderful food for the brunch. It was appreciated and enjoyed by all.

PTA Thank Yous

Help our students by participating in one or more of the following programs that earn cash back to the Peters Township Middle School. Our kids benefit from the educational materials and equipment purchased with these rewards.

Box Tops for Education Earn cash for your school through everyday activities: buying groceries, shopping online, and making purchases with a credit card; all at no additional cost to you! Clip Box Tops from hundreds of participating brands. Earn up to 8% back for your school when you shop online and 1% every time you use your credit card. With your help and the dedication of your school’s volunteer Box Tops Coordinator, your school can earn up to $60,000 through Box Tops each year. Check out this website to see what products you can start “clipping” to earn $$ for PTMS. Send in your Box Tops to PTMS mailbox in the school office http://www.boxtops4education.com/AboutBoxTops/Products.aspx

Target: Take Charge of Education If you have a REDcard or a Target® Visa® then enrolling is easy. Choose Peters Township Middle School from the list at the following website

http://sites.target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-001825 Once enrolled, 1% of your REDcard purchases at Target and Target.com and 1/2% of Target® Visa® purchases elsewhere are donated to the eligible K–12 school of your choice.* For some schools, it adds up to as much as $10,000 a year, distributed twice a year, in March and September. Donations are available to any K–12 public, private or parochial school that has a 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1) tax-exempt status.

Office Depot

"5% Back to Schools" Program This program gives you an opportunity to help local schools receive credits for FREE supplies when you shop at Office Depot for student school supplies. You just have to buy qualifying student school supplies at Office Depot, and designate PTMS (tell them when checking out at the store) to receive 5% of your qualifying purchase. Office Depot will tally the qualifying purchases made during the program period and award the designated school 5% of the

qualifying purchases in credits the school can use for FREE SUPPLIES!

Giant Eagle Apples for Students

This program begins in October, so register now! Register at www.gianteagle.com or 1-800-474-4777 Enter our school ID#0830. For parents with students in other Peters Township schools, you can register your card for up to five different schools. If you were registered last year with the Middle School ID#, you do not have to re-register this year. Shop with your Giant Eagle Advantage Card and earn points for our school each time your card is scanned.

I S S U E 6 - V O L U M E 2 0 0 7 - P A G E 6

CASHBACK FOR Students

P A G E 7 T H E A R R O W H E A D

PTA Officer Nominations 2008-2009

The Peters Township Middle School PTA is beginning the nomination process for PTA Officers for 2008-09. Nominations are accepted for each position so that elections are held in a democratic fashion and in

accordance with the current PTMS PTA Bylaws.

1. Please fill out the form below and place in a sealed envelope marked “PTMS PTA NOMINATION COMMITTEE” and forward to the PTA mailbox at the Middle School or

2. Contact a member of the nominating committee:

∼ Sue Clark (sueclarkpgh@verizon.net or 941-5732)

∼ Sarah Lindsay (lindsayusa@yahoo.com or 941-5331)

∼ Sheril Wilson (allwil5@comcast.net or 942-0507)

• Nominations in writing must be submitted before April 8th to be considered by the nominating committee. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the April 15th and May 20th general PTA meeting. The PTA Officer’s election will occur at the May 20th PTA meeting immediately following the close of nominations.

• You do not have to be a PTMS PTA member to make a nomination or be nominated. You may also nominate more than one person for a position.

• There are 2 Vice President positions that divide the committees among them, so it is not important to place a name beside a particular number.

I would like to nominate:

Name Position

1. President **

2. Vice President #1

3. Vice President #2

4. Treasurer

5. Secretary

** President must have chaired a committee in a Peters Twp. PTA