Commack PTA Council Voice

Commack PTA Council

Fall 2007

Laura Werner, President
Editors: Brenda Lentsch
& Valerie Zaverdas

In this issue:
President's Message
Legislative News
Health & Safety
Environmental
SEPTA
Founder's Day

I am very pleased to inform you that all Commack PTA units are off to a great start this year. We are all making every effort to advocate for all children in the district through the means of open communication and sharing of information.

The PTA Council Voice Newsletter is how we will keep you updated regarding our efforts. The Voice is published four times a year. In each issue you will find useful information pertaining to current PTA Council sponsored events and insight into what the goals of various PTA Council committees are.

I encourage you to explore the helpful links page of the PTA Council website. There, you will find links to New York State and National PTA, the Department of Education and Founder’s Day guidelines among others.

The New York State PTA website is particularly useful. Stay informed about the state and national issues that currently affect our children by subscribing to various updates by email. The updates include “What’s Happening in Washington” and “What’s Happening in Albany” under the legislation link and the recently restructured “Education News”, under the Education link. It is now a two part newsletter that includes Advocacy News and Legislative News. The newsletter is very informative and I highly recommend subscribing.

Founder’s Day is on February 7, 2007, but now is the time to think about who will be honored this year. For information regarding submitting a nomination for the Honorary Life membership or the Distinguished Service awards and Dossier Guidelines, please click the Founder’s Day links on the Helpful links page.

As in the past, PTA Council is committed to doing all we can to promote community awareness regarding the Budget process and this year we are asking the community to take a proactive role in that process.

Commack PTA Council Invites the Commack Community For a special presentation by NY State Senator John J. Flanagan “The Future of State Aid in a Changing Economic Climate.” Questions and Answers -Take Action!

November 7, 2007 - 7:30pm
Conference Room A
Hubbs Administration Center
Clay Pitts Road, East Northport

Laura Werner
PTA Council President

As always, if you have any questions about PTA you may contact me by telephone or send me an email at CommackPTACouncil@yahoo.com .

"Working Together...
Coming together is a beginning,
Keeping together is progress,
Working together is success."

Legislative Committee News

From NYS:

Governor Spitzer signed legislation mandating a safety plan for children with severe allergies.
The Governor signed legislation that prohibits schools buses from idling in front of schools to reduce health risks and air pollution.
The 2007 Legislative session ended without adoption of a law to enact uniform nutritional and physical health guidelines in our schools.

From Washington, D.C.

The NCLB Act continues to be modified in the House.
Congress adopted significant changes to the Student Loan Programs, increasing aid to low and moderate income students.

Founders’ Day Awards
Commack PTA Council

Each year at Founders’ Day our PTA recognizes PTA members for their outstanding contributions to our school and community. Each PTA unit and PTA Council will be awarding a maximum of two Honorary Life Achievement Awards from their PTA’s. Only candidates who have not previously been awarded the Honorary Life Achievement Award will be considered for this prestigious award. If you would like to nominate someone who qualifies for the Honorary Life Achievement Award or the Distinguished Service Award, please complete the linked form. Guidelines

Health & Safety Committee

The PTA Council and the Health & Safety Committee are supporting the Child Life Program. This Stony Brook pediatrics program raises funds to help “normalize” the hospital experience for children in the pediatric units. All proceeds raised go directly to reduce the anxiety and trauma children experience during their hospital stay.

Our Commack Cares Team joined the October 14th Walk/Run. During the holiday season a quality salon in East Northport will provide haircuts at a reasonable price on one chosen Sunday. All proceeds will be used to fill holiday wishes for children during this holiday season. A drive will also be planned for in the spring.

Commack District Blood Drive is Wednesday, November 14 from 11am to 8pm at the new Burr gym. Please contact your blood drive representative to set an appointment or call Donna Fischer at 266-5326 or email donnafis@optonline.net.

Environmental Committee

Plans for the Intermodal Facility on Commack Road (south of the Expressway) continue to meet with community and legislative opposition. At the most recent DOT meeting at SCCC, 40 speakers spoke out against the congestion, pollution, traffic, and negative health effects (from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens) that would be released into the air. Community members are urged to stay informed, attend meetings, and write letters to our politicians condemning this facility. For further info, contact Irene Blaymore, President of the New Imperial Gardens Association at 486-8693 or irene06@optonline.net .

Commack SEPTA's Holiday Boutique
Thursday, November 29, 2007 7-9:30pm
Commack Middle School

HELPFUL WEBSITES:
www.suffolkpta.org - The legislative link provides a directory to contact your local, state, and federal elected officials.
www.nyspta.org - The website of the New York State PTA
www.commack.k12.ny.us - Under the Parent Resources Link- Your Legislative Representatives

President's Message

Photo
Gallery

Scholarship
Fund

PTA Council Home Page

Budget
Information

Helpful
Links

Meeting
Minutes