Often times, we, as people, want to be certain that we are making a difference in the world; that indeed, our life is contributing to some greater good.  For some of us, making a difference means moving to a third world country to help care for the poor and needy.  For others, making a difference means getting involved in religious or civic organizations or financially contributing to non-profit organizations who are dedicated to helping those who need help.  Still, for others, making a difference means dedicating their own time to actively volunteer for whatever it is they are passionate about. 

As parents, we have an inordinate amount of opportunity to make a difference in our children's lives.  Our children go to school and so we have access to volunteerism at school.  Our children play sports, and participate in a host of other activities, and so we have access to booster clubs, volunteer coaching opportunities, and really the chance to be involved in whatever capacity we choose to be.  We desire to use whatever gifts, talents, knowledge and experience we have to promote a greater good in our lives; whatever that greater good might be at the particular time we find ourselves asking that question.

As an involved PTSA member this year, I have played a part in promoting the "greater good" of parent, teacher, and student involvement at Florida High.  I would like to encourage anyone who is interested in doing the same to consider getting more actively involved with PTSA for the upcoming school year.  In fact, this month, a nomination committee will be formed to find parents willing to fill various PTSA elected positions for 2007-2008.  Once formed, the committee will have a little over one month to find candidates for the positions available.  As Stevie Wonder once said, "we all have ability. The difference is in how we use it."  Please consider using your ability to make a difference as an involved member of the FSUS PTSA!

Kind Regards,

Florida High Students, Parents and Teachers

Learn to communicate effectively with your legislators during the Florida PTA Legislative Region Days on Monday, April 16, from 11:30AM to 5PM (location pending).  Activities include a box lunch, legislative update sessions, and handouts about current issues and legislators. The rest of the week, participants are encouraged to visit their representatives (appointments should be made in advance) to present information on issues of interest to the Florida PTA or FSUS PTSA.

If you would like to find out more about participating in Florida PTA's Legislative Region Days, please contact me by email or by phone (850-644-9779).

Highlights of a Special Legislative Update, Georgia Slack, Florida PTA Information Specialist:

The 2007 Legislative Session officially convenes on March 6, 2007, but Florida's 120 House members and 40 Senators will have been hard at work in Tallahassee long before that date, with committee meetings in January and February:

Raining Bills
Look for an onslaught of bills this year affecting education. House staff has been given the responsibility of drafting proposed legislation that would potentially implement all of the "100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future" -- the project of incoming Speaker Marco Rubio (R-Miami-Dade). Fully one-third of the ideas pertain in one way or another to education, most to Pre-K to 12. They range from raising the standards measured by the FCAT and giving the test later in the year to shoring up Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program and making it a global model for school readiness. The perennial issue of dividing up large districts is among the "Ideas", as is expanding school choice programs and virtual school opportunities. The "100 Ideas" are listed on the web at www.100ideas.org. All the bills will be tracked for the Florida PTA and their status available on the website, both pre-session and during the session.

Something New
The House Committee system has undergone a major change under Speaker Rubio's organization plan. The new committee structure will have each of the committees that deal with substantive legislation also dealing with the money issues. Of major interest to the Florida PTA is the Schools and Learning Council to be headed by Rep. Joe Pickens (R-Putnam).

Upping the Ante
Supporters of changing the class size amendment to something less costly now have an even tougher uphill battle. Voters in November approved a constitutional amendment that requires a 60 percent approval of any changes to the constitution rather than a majority vote. All is not lost, however, because of the six constitutional amendments on that November ballot, nearly all of them passed by 60 percent or more.

For more information on how the Florida PTA keeps its members updated on legislative activity, please visit www.floridapta.org and select Legislation.

Susan Epstein
Legislative Chair
850-644-9779

• PTA Partnership News:  The benefits for teachers of Office Depot's Star Teacher Program are year-round and rewarding. Teachers receive an instant 5% discount on qualifying in-store purchases and a 15% discount on copy, print, and ship services (excluding postage.) To enroll or for questions on the Star Teacher Program, visit your local Office Depot or call the Star Teacher Hotline at 877-789-4555 (M-F, 9AM-8PM ET).

• The Extended Day Program at FSUS will be having a summer camp again this year.  Our theme this summer is "Life's a Party." The camp will start on June 4, 2007, and run until August 10, 2007. We will have many activities such as bowling, swimming, skating, crafts, games, and weekly field trips to name a few. For more information please call
  Phyllis or Amanda at 245-3843.

• Congratulations to Rebound Queen Varisia Raffington and Rebound King Ismael Mayhew!

• Lia Hill has been selected as the School-Related Employee of the Year.  Lia is a teaching assistant in the elementary and does a wonderful job working with the students and the teachers.  She is currently pursuing her degree in elementary education.

• Betti Gregory is Florida High's Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Gregory has been at Florida High for 21 years and teaches at the elementary level.