Rosa Parks Middle School PTA

Dear Parents or Guardians of 8^th Grade Students,

Greetings!  The 8^th grade class will be going to Hershey Park on Friday, June 4, 2010.  To make sure all 8^th graders can attend this fun event, we need to reserve tickets in advance for the park and the buses. The total cost is $70.00 per student and lunch is included. (The price is the same if you are chaperoning).  We understand that this is large amount of money. To offset the amount, the 8^th grade will be holding two fundraisers during the year to insure that every student can attend.  We have also created a “Yes, every student can go” campaign.  If you would like to donate, please indicate how much you can contribute in the space below and enclose your donation at this time.

Please send a check for $70.00 plus any donation along with the bottom half of this letter (see link to actual letter below) to your student’s TAP class no later than February 26, 2010 to hold your student’s seat. Checks need to be payable to Rosa Parks Middle School.   Students who need financial assistance, please contact Mr. James T. Heintze.

Please click on the following for the actual forms:

http://rpmspta.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Hershey_Park_Letter_Jan_2010.doc

http://rpmspta.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Hershey_Permission_Form_Feb_2010.doc

Sherwood High School Registration Information Night -    1/28/2010

Sherwood High School invites students and parents of incoming 9th graders to come to an informational night to:

• Learn about course offerings and academic programs for students
• Meet school staff
• Learn details of 9th grade
• Learn about the course registration process and important dates

Students and Parents of Incoming 9th Graders:

• 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.   Course Fair in Auxiliary Gym (receive information about high school courses and programs)
• 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.    9th grade meeting in the Ertzman Theatre

(Snow date:  Thursday, February 4th)

The new lineup of Parent Academy workshops for the winter is now available. Starting January 21 and continuing through March, you can attend a range of workshops designed to give you tips and strategies to help your children be successful in school.

for more information:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/

Stop by the DFCP office at 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 50, on Friday, January 22, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. for coffee and conversation. Learn about the school system and have your questions answered.

Addition Drop In for Coffee and Conversation will be held
Saturday, Feb. 20 from 10 am – noon
Saturday, April 17 from 10 am – noon

see: http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/departments/familycommunity/news/1458.10_AskMCPS_CoffeeFlyer.pdf

SSL hours are due and must be turned in by Jan 8, 2010 for any SSL hours done during the first semester.
Deliver your completed forms to Mrs. Fellows.

All SSL hours must be turned in to Mrs. Fellows *IN PERSON*.  You may not send, mail or drop off SSL forms.  Don’t wait to the last day.

The SSL form is available on the MCPS website:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/ssl/.

The MCPS website has links to pre-approved SSL opportunities.  If you would like to volunteer for an organization that is not on the list, you may fill out pre-approval form PRIOR to beginning the activity.  There is very specific information posted on the website about what can count for SSL hours.

One frequent question relates to service to a church/synagogue. The following is taken directly from the MCPS website:

Can a church, synagogue, or other religious body sponsor SSL activities?  Yes.
The service activity must have a *secular purpose* (non-religious) and be based on a recognized need in the community.   The service must reach beyond the participants in the eligious event to members in the greater community.  SSL activities cannot include preparation or participation in the performance of religious services.  Religious institutions and their activities are often on the pre-approved but not recruiting list.  This means that you can earn hours for helping at a food/clothing drive but not for assisting in a religious school lassroom.

Another question relates to fundraisers.  A fundraiser may count (get pre-approval) if it serves an organization, not an individual, and is held in a public location only.