Goals and Priorities

Goals for 2007-2008

• To advocate for and promote equity in education for all of Georgia’s children to ensure that every child has the same opportunities and resources to learn and succeed.

• To provide extensive and on-going training to local unit leadership to facilitate vital and effective PTAs who carry out the mission and purposes of PTA and are compliant with Georgia PTA Policies and Procedures.

• To encourage an active and informed membership by providing tools and resources to facilitate the understanding of PTA's history and purpose, and encouraging local leadership to exemplify the purpose, image, and character of PTA in all of their endeavors.

• To promote child health, protection, and safety by providing knowledge, skills, and resources to parents, educators, and community leaders to enable them to combat the various threats to children and their well-being.

• To promote dynamic parent involvement and a welcoming and inclusive environment in every school to improve student achievement and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

• To enhance and support programs which enhance student learning and achievement in all the academic  areas to ensure our children gain the skills and knowledge necessary to compete and succeed in the global community.

Priorities

Arts in Education

Communication

Community Outreach

Tom Mathis Council operates and maintains a clothing closet called the Giving Tree.  This important community service provides needed clothes, shoes and school supplies to children and families in need at no charge.  Our local units provide volunteers each month to help with sorting and organizing in preparation for our monthly "shopping day".  Donations of gently worn clothing are greatly appreciated and can be made by contacting the TMC Community Outreach Chair to make arrangements.  Monetary donations are also needed and appreciated.  To contact someone regarding the Giving Tree, please email givingtree@tmc.ptsamail.com.  

The Giving Tree location is the clubhouse of Carruth Street homes. Directions are as follows: (From 41 North)  Take 41 North to Nance Road.  Turn Right onto Nance (Kennesaw/Acworth area).  Follow to Old 41.  Turn Left onto Old 41.  Turn Right on Cowan Road in downtown Acworth.  Take the 1^st Left onto Cowan Connector (directly across from a fire station).  Take the 1^st Left onto Southside Drive.  Take the 1^st Left onto Carruth Street.  Carruth Street dead ends into the Carruth Street Homes. 

Diversity & Inclusion

Educational Enrichment

Health/Youth Services

Legislation & Advocacy

Membership

Parent & Family Involvement

Special Student Services

The PTA has been created to nurture communication among parents and educators, ultimately leading to greater success for all students. As a parent of a child with disabilities, I understand the issues and concerns that arise when navigating the special education process. I hope to open the line of communication through the PTA Special Services Committee. As stated in the Georgia PTA Handbook, “Each local unit is encouraged to have this committee as needed for their students.” I want to help you establish and maintain your local PTA Special  Services Committee. The following is a collaboration of effective goals and projects for a successful committee. Your PTA can start this committee and have a major impact on our students who receive special services by choosing one or more of the following suggestions. Please call with any questions and/or if you would like future assistance.

TMC Proposal for Special Services Committees

Special Services Emergency Information Form

Ideas for Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

To contact the Special Services Chair email excepted@tmc.ptsamail.com

Do you know a famous person with a vision or hearing impairment?

Be sure and visit the website, http://my-vision-simulator.com/  This site can simulate what a classmate with an eye disease may be seeing.  It is a good way also to see how a child who is in need of vision therapy may see things differently than others.

Did you know that hearing loss is the most common birth irregularity, affecting approx. 3 per 1,000 live births.  However this is no longer a life sentence of silence.  There are life changing hearing technology that may help.  Come by the media center display to learn more about hearing aids, FM systems, and cochlear implants.

SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENTS

Dealing with a disability is a challenging task for any parent.  The Special Education Parent Mentors of the Cobb County School System will assist parents and educators to navigate through the maze of information and resources available to special needs students by

• assisting families and educators in locating information and resources
• providing workshops for parents and educators
• providing confidential support for parental concerns and questions
• providing a parent’s perspective to educators
• developing support groups for parents

• publishing articles, press releases and a web page.

EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN TOGETHER:
A Sourcebook for Effective Family-School-Community Partnerships

This sourcebook identifies and describes promising practices in family-community-school involvement occurring in pre-K-12 school environments across the country. The book includes guiding principles for family-school-community involvement, tips for getting started, and a self-assessment tool to determine current practices, strategies, and program descriptions. Click here for website access. A phone number to call is (541) 686-5060.

WHAT IS MEDIATION?

This online streaming video "Parents and Educators Working Toward Mutual Solutions" defines and explains the process of mediation. The Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers (the Alliance) and Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) developed this video jointly. A number to call is (541) 686-5060. Click here for website access.

ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION

This manual attempts to provide you with information about the laws that may be useful to, and supportive of you in your effort to advocate for your child’s right to a free and appropriate public education. There are names, phone numbers, and addresses of people and agencies that may help you in your efforts. In addition, lists of resources and ideas useful to achieve an inclusive education for your child. Legislation passed in an attempt to get appropriate services in the public schools for children with disabilities. Click the Georgia Advocacy Office link below.

Georgia Advocacy Office
150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 430
Decatur, Georgia 30030
404-885-1234 or 800-537-2329