FSUS PTSA

Dear FSUS Families,

The first nine weeks of school are over and FSUS PTSA is going strong. I’m going to take this opportunity to give thanks for our many blessings this year.

First, thank you, our members, for joining and volunteering to help our school be the best it can be.  Our goal every year is to increase our membership.  Why?  We don’t just want the dues.  It is our goal because we want our kids to go to the kind of school where the parents, teachers and students make a commitment to service, education and community.  Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”.  Thank you for joining PTSA and by doing so indicating that supporting FSUS and working together is important to you.

Thanks to the Administration, Faculty and Staff for working with us to make our events a success and for being responsive to any questions or concerns we bring forward.

Thanks to all of our committee chairs and volunteers.  We have already had a successful Fall fundraiser and General Assembly meeting, fed our families at Open House, hosted our first FSUS Dads’ event with “Donuts for Dads”, started our elementary school vegetable gardens, hosted a bike rodeo, enjoyed two Family Fun Nights at Chick-Fil-A and Skate World, kicked off the Principal’s A/R Reading Challenge, granted Teacher Mini-Grants for travel to educational conferences, and started a Room Parent Program.

This month we look forward to being of service to others in need as we collect food for the Second Harvest Fall Food Drive.  This is also the month we will be accepting entries for our Reflections Arts Program, launching Teacher MiniGrants for Hospitality events, and hosting a Bake Sale at the SouthWood Harvest Gathering.  Check out all of our upcoming events below and in our new Google calendar of events!

It truly takes “All of Us” to get things done.  Thank you all so much for being part of it. 

Kasey Chapin
FSUS PTSA President

Teacher-Staff Education Mini- Grant Application / 2009-2010
The purpose of the FSUS PTSA Teacher Education Mini-Grant program is to provide supplemental funding for FSUS teachers and staff to attend professional development courses and conferences. This supplemental funding must not exceed $250 per teacher per school year.

Teacher-Staff Hospitality Mini-Grant Application / 2009-2010
The purpose of the FSUS PTSA Hospitality Mini-Grant program is to make funds available for FSUS teachers and staff to provide food and beverage, decoration and other hospitality-related items for meetings and/or events that serve an educational purpose.  These funds should only be sought after attempts to have the items donated have proven unsuccessful.  Hospitality grant requests may be made in any amount, but must not exceed $250 per teacher per school year.

Hello FSUS Families!

 ”O” is for October and, lately, it is for Online.  Both Florida State University Schools News and FSUS PTSA now have Facebook Pages.  Become a “Fan” and get all the latest info on what is happening at our school and with PTSA.  PTSA has also updated our website and offers an online events calendar powered by Google that you can automatically download to your online calendar.  It is very easy and very convenient!  Special thanks to Tamara McElroy for all her hard work improving our communication.

“O” is also for Outside as PTSA begins our Elementary School Garden program this Friday and our Bike Rodeo later this month.  Read Robin’s update to find out how to participate in these great programs.  We are especially proud of the FSUS Varsity Track Team for volunteering their time to help organize and supervise this event!

Speaking of student volunteers, I’d also like to thank high schoolers Olivia H., Reika G., and Anthony M. for babysitting during our first General Assembly meeting.  We all learned a lot about Swine Flu from Debbie Tolsma of the Leon County Health Department.  If you missed her presentation the latest news on the flu is available at http://www.myflusafety.com/.

Thank you for being a member of FSUS PTSA.  I look forward to seeing you at Skate World for Family Fun Night or any of our other events this month.

Sincerely,

Kasey Chapin
FSUS PTSA President

Are you a Facebook member? Join the FSUS PTSA Facebook Group and stay informed with everything going on with FSUS PTSA!!

Come one, come all to the Annual Bike Rodeo!  The Bike Rodeo will take place on Thursday, October 22nd  from 3:00-5:00 pm, on the outdoor basketball courts (behind the gym.)

This event is open to all students. Refreshments will be provided and giveaways for all participants. The FSUS Police Department and the FSUS Varsity Track Team will be assisting students through obstacles courses where they will learn to recognize and avoid road hazards. 

No pre-registration necessary.  Just come on Thursday with your bike and helmet, or use our convenient bike drop-off on the October 21st.  Kids can have fun while also learning about bike safety.

Questions? Volunteers? Donations?
Contact Miss Robin (robinspillias@embarqmail.com).

Signup for the Fall Garden Club starts today through October 2nd, 2009, for kids kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle School students may register as “Garden Buddies” to mentor the kids and assist the adult volunteers. On Friday, October 2nd,  3-4 p.m., join us for a Garden Club Kick-Off Meeting at the garden for those who have signed up or are interested to learn about the Garden Club.

Kids, parents and teachers can meet fellow gardeners and Garden Buddies, and give input on plans for the Fall garden. Planting will begin Monday October 5th, weather permitting.  This project will allow about 20 children to learn how to grow fruits and vegetables from the ground up.  Parents confirmed last year, that the project led their kids to eat and love vegetables they otherwise would have never tried, and also acquaints them with biology, nutrition, math, pest management and other science concepts. Fall crops may include lettuces, herbs, peas, kale, and broccoli. 

Parent and grandparent volunteers are always needed.  Anyone who is able to spend about an hour a week after school from 3:00 - 3:45 pm, helping the kids with gardening are encouraged to “roll up their sleeves!” Your commitment is to fulfill at least four of the eight weeks of the fall garden session.  

Everyone sign-up here!. Questions? Input? Please e-mail Robin Spillias (robinspillias@embarqmail.com)

Come join the FSUS family for skating at Skate World (2563 Capital Circle NE) Thursday, October 29th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.PTSA will receive a portion of the proceeds from all FSUS attendees.

Amy Hanstein
Family Fun Night Chair

The following committee still need a chair or co-chair. We would hate to lose the following activities this school year so we need some Parent Power:

Hospitality - Co-chair needed to help coordinate hospitality for all General Assembly meetings and other PTSA events on campus. This includes shopping, set up, service and clean up.

Please contact Kasey Chapin if you are interested in volunteering for one of these positions.