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  • PTA Job Specific Training on Wednesday, August 25

    August 24, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under News

    The Plano ISD Council of PTAs invites all local unit Board members to PTA Job Specific Training on Wednesday, August 25, 2010.

    Plano ISD Sockwell Center

    (North of Willow Bend Mall)
    6301 Chapel Hill Blvd.
    Plano, Texas 75093

    This event is an excellent opportunity for members to receive job specific training for almost every position in PTA. Each position will have a daytime, some evening sessions and time for questions about the upcoming school year. No reservations required!

    Click here to view more details, specific training times, and print the flyer.

    Arts in Education

    August 24, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under Arts in Education

    Plano ISD Reflections Artwork Selected for Exhibit in Austin!

    Contact chair: artsineducation [at] planopta.org

    Council Reflections Information

    The 2010-2011 theme is “Together We Can…”

    All Reflections forms, rules, logos and other resources are available from the Texas PTA Reflections page.

    Remember that Reflections is a Program and not a competition. For this reason we are all strongly urged to use the same Award Levels:

    • Award of Excellence — approx the top 20% of your entries that are forwarded on to the next level of judging
    • Award of Merit — approx the 2nd 20% of your entries
    • Honorable Mention — approx the 3rd 20-30% of your entries
    • Participation Award — the rest of your entries

    Correct number of entries allowed per age group/division:

    You are allowed to send up to 20% of your total number of entries to the Council level judging regardless of age group or division. If you do not have entries in one area you may send more in another. As long as you do not send more than 20% of your TOTAL entries based on the number that you complete on your ‘Participation Form’. Please only send QUALITY works rather than quantity.

    State PTA has pre-set ALL deadlines this year to avoid the hundreds of questions that they receive from parents every year. However, the local and council deadlines are NOT set in stone — you are able to set you own deadline but it must be prior to the one set by State. These are ESTIMATE dates so you can plan over the summer and complete your Plan of Work.

    • Entries are due to the local campus in late October for local judging.
    • Local Master Spreadsheet for advancing entries should be emailed to Council Chairman by the deadline.

    At the bottom of the entry form the following information is requested: Local PTA good standing status and Membership dues date paid. Please ensure that all this information is completed.

    If your PTA has not yet paid their membership dues please put the date that they will be paid. Good standing is having paid your dues, so mark this box with a YES. This information needs to be completed otherwise if State sees blanks it is possible that the entry will be disqualified. There is no time for your Council Chairman to locate this information so please ensure that it is completed before you send them on.

    All entries forwarded to Council must have one of the following colored dots to signify age/division

    • PreK – 2nd Grade (Primary): Red Dot
    • Grade 3-5 (Intermediate): Blue Dot
    • Grades 6-8 (Middle School): Yellow Dot
    • Grades 9-12 (High School):Green Dot

    Music/Dance Choreography/Film/Video: place dot on the front of the envelope not the entry form side

    Literature entries: place the dot on the front (outside) of the folder not the entry form side

    Visual Arts/Photography: place dot on the BACK of the entry

    Size / thickness / length parameters

    • Visual Art may not exceed 24 inches by 30 inches, including a mat, and be no more than 3/8 inch thick
    • Photography: maximum 11″x14″ including mat
    • Literature: not to exceed 8 1/2″ x 11″ and must not exceed 2,000 words
    • Music Composition: may not exceed 5 minutes
    • Film Production: may not exceed 5 minutes
    • Dance Choreography: may not exceed 3 minutes. The artist’s statement must be at the beginning of the recording. (It is not included in the 3 minutes.)

    Correct number of copies of entries to be included:

    • Literature: 2 copies, 1 attached to the inside back of the folder & 1 left loose inside the folder
    • Music: 1 copy of tape/CD and notation (if required), both inside a large envelope
    • Dance Choreography: 1 copy of CD or DVD in a plastic or cardboard container then placed in a large envelope
    • Film Production: 1 copy of CD or DVD in a plastic or cardboard container then placed in a large envelope

    Entry form completely filled out

    Do not seal the open end of sheet protectors containing entry forms.

    2 hard copies of your Master Spreadsheet (entries advancing to Council ONLY) including”

    • Student’s Name, first and last
    • Title of work
    • Group by age group and by arts category (ie Primary-Literature, Primary-Visual Arts, Senior-Music etc)
    • Make sure your name and your school name are on the list

    Email this master list to your Council Chairman by the date that they specify so that they can prepare adequately for their judging.

    Participation Form completed. 2 copies

    This standard PTA form tallies your totals for each category and age group or division — please check the sample you were provided with and ensure that this is completely filled out before forwarding to your Council. Verify that you are advancing no more than 20% of your total entries to Council.

    Tri-fold Brochure

    State PTA has a color tri-fold brochure that is available in both English or Spanish that can be used to help promote the Reflections Program — they are limited so local units are urged to order early – email Carrie Mays at programs@txpta.org or call 1-800-825-5782 ext. 215.

    Traveling Exhibit

    State PTA would like everyone to know that there is traveling exhibit of Reflections Artwork that is available to help promote the program. You will be shipped approx 25 pieces of artwork from previous years and will be able to keep it for 2 school weeks. The only cost involved is approx $30 to ship it to the next location. To schedule the exhibit for your school or Council email Carrie Mays at programs@txpta.org or call 1-800-825-5782 ext. 215.

    2009-2010 Council Judging Results

    We had a tremendous response to the Reflections Program this year. Fifty-six Plano schools participated this year and they received and judged 2,697 entries! They advanced 562 entries for Council level judging, which occurred on December, 9, 2009. The Council award results are as follows:

    Award of Excellence advancing to State judging 57
    Award of Excellence 43
    Award of Merit 102
    Honorable Mention 153
    Total Awards 355

    For a complete listing of Plano award recipients by school, please click on the link at the end of this article.

    Thank you to all of the students who participated and to all of the parents who encouraged them to express themselves through the arts.

    Students Nationally Recognized for Arts Achievement

    More than half-a-million kids participate in PTA national arts program

    CHICAGO (May 15, 2009) — As arts programs disappear from schools nationwide every year, hundreds of thousands of children have less and less ways to creatively express themselves.

    That’s why the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is proud to announce this year’s national award recipients of PTA’s Reflections Program. The nearly 40-year-old arts based program — themed this year as “Wow!” — provides opportunities for kids to receive recognition for their artistic efforts and expressions.

    PTA is recognizing six students as recipients of PTA’s Reflections Program Outstanding Interpretation Award — the best-of-the-best in six arts categories. The six students will be recognized during a special ceremony at the 113th Annual PTA National Convention and Exhibition (June 26-June 29) in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. They also will receive cash awards of $800 and cash awards of $200 will go to their local PTAs.

    The organization will also recognize 71 students with Awards of Excellence and 119 students with Awards of Merit across four grade divisions — primary, intermediate, middle/junior, and senior — and six arts categories — dance choreography, film/video production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts. All the national award-winning pieces will be featured in a virtual gallery in July; however, the complete list of winners is currently available on PTA’s website.

    Professionals from well-respected institutions, including the National Assembly of States Arts Agencies, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Cable in the Classroom, College of Arts and Sciences, DC Youth Orchestra, The Dance Institute of Washington, Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and National Children’s Museum, volunteered to judge close to 1,500 art pieces which reached the national level of judging.

    Programs

    August 24, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under Programs

    Contact chair: programs [at] planopta.org

    Program Ideas

    Hospitality

    August 24, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under Hospitality

    Contact chair: hospitality [at] planopta.org

    Training materials and other resources

    The PTA Hospitality Chair “Survival Kit”

    Smiley Smartie – No explanation needed!
    Bit of Honey – Because nice matters!
    Rubber Band – don’t stretch yourself too for or you will break!
    Phone Book – Call for help! You can’t do this job alone!
    Nestle Crunch – Plan ahead and avoid the “last minute crunch!”
    Piece of String – To help you tie up loose ends!
    Atomic Fire Ball – For that extra energy boost.
    Binder Clip – Keep organized records in your procedure book!
    Hi-Liter – Highlight and acknowledge that efforts of those who help you!
    Smiley Eraser – It’s not the mistake, but how you recover that matters most!
    Almond Joy – SMILE! Enjoy what you do! Make it fun for you and others!

    Some or all of these ideas can be used to create a fun and inviting environment at your local PTA unit! Spread a little “sunshine” wherever you go!

    Also, with this year of “hospitality issues” on food items allowed, and permits I would be happy to work with you on the “dos” and “don’ts” ENJOY!

    Other Resources

    Hospitality Chair Basics

    Staff Appreciation

    Documents & Forms

    Legislative

    August 22, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under Legislation

    Contact chair: legislation [at] planopta.org

    Resources:

    Membership

    August 10, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under Membership

    Contact chair: membership [at] planopta.org
    * Membership Q&A
    * Membership Awards
    * Texas PTA Member Benefit Card
    * Training and other materials

    Life Member Celebration News

    This year, 2010-2011, we have decided to return to a banquet format at the Plano Centre on February 10th, 2011. The cost per ticket will be no than $25 per person.

    Membership Resources

    Hi, I’m Gretchen Abner, the PTA Council Membership chairman. I want to introduce myself before the school year gets along too fast. The Texas PTA Membership theme for 2009-10 is “Building for Success” and we’ll be playing with that theme throughout the year. Logos are available for downloading from the “Members Only” part of the Texas PTA web site. There are all sorts of membership resources available on the [Texas PTA website](http://www.txpta.org) and I know more are coming.

    If you haven’t visited the site yet, go to www.txpta.org and sign in as a member. The username and password (found on your membership card). You’ll find Membership Theme information under “Resources,” and you can find Joining PTA information under “About PTA”. You will see there is a lot of good information available!
    I know many of you have already been hard at work with your membership drives and I hope you are finding it easy to encourage parents (and high school students) to join. I’ve already heard from many of you, but if you have any membership questions, I’m happy to help you find the answers you need.

    If there is anything I can do to make your job a bit easier or help you find the information you need, please let me know. If you are able to attend any of the PTA Council regular meetings (see schedule on www.planopta.org), please come say hello to me! I look forward to working with you this year!

    What Is PTA? Download a brochure printed with Six Languages
    * Cover and outside content [pdf file]
    * Inside content [pdf file]

    Chair Guide: For new and experienced Membership Chairmen, the best resource available is the Texas PTA Membership Chair Guide [pdf file]. This will cover all aspects of membership including campaigns, forms, suggestions, ideas, awards and more!

    Dues: Local units must remit council dues of $75 by October 15. You can download the dues form [pdf file].

    Texas PTA Membership Benefit Card Info

    Texas PTA member discount information has been collected and posted in the member-only section of the Texas PTA website. You’ll need the username and password from the back of your PTA Membership Card or Texas PTA Member Benefits Card to access it. The 2009-2010 username and password will still work for another couple of months, then you must use the current passwords on this year’s PTA cards.

    Each participating company has slightly different ways of accessing the PTA member benefits, but none of them work by showing your card. Here is the list of benefits.

    Membership Awards Info

    Texas PTA eliminated two membership awards a couple of years ago- the Hand-in-Hand and the 100% Participation Award, but the Plano Council of PTAs will be giving these awards again to those locals who earn them. We know y’all have been working hard to INCREASE your PTA membership and we want to encourage you to continue! Both the Hand-in-Hand award and the 100% Participation award are awesome goals, and will help you build a stronger, more vibrant PTA at your school. AND because I have heard such great ideas about how you are conducting your membership drives this year, we’ve also added an award called… Creative Membership Campaign. So, please continue your wonderful efforts to gather those PTA members and community members. The award entry form will be available in the fall.

    Thank you for your commitment to our community and your school’s success! If you have any questions, please let me know.

    Membership Q&A

    How can you determine who is a Community Member of PTA, rather than a Faculty Member?
    Texas PTA defines faculty as principals, assistant principals, teachers, counselors, and aides employed at the campus full time. To apply for the Golden Apple, you will need 100% of your school faculty as PTA members on your membership list, with dues paid and sent to Texas PTA by October 15. The award application will also need to be sent by October 15.

    How would you classify a grandparent – a regular PTA member or a community member?
    That is a great question! It depends! If the grandparent is the primary caregiver, they should be a regular member. They would probably be interested in the newsletter and directory, etc.. If the grandparent is not the primary caregiver, but is in support of the local school, a community membership would probably meet his or her needs. Each local PTA will have different standing rules that will dictate the differences in regular and community memberships. Generally, most PTAs don’t give a directory to community members but do give them to regular members.
    I don’t think our PTA got an invoice from Plano PTA for Council dues. Can I get another copy?

    I don’t think our PTA got an invoice from Plano PTA for Council dues. Can I get another copy? Where do I send the check for Council dues? What is the deadline?
    Invoices were sent in the first week of school to each local PTA. You can print out copies on the Plano PTA website at www.planopta.org, then click on Board and Chair information, then click on Membership. Scroll down to the topic of Membership and you will see the link to download a new form. According to local by-laws, your Council dues are payable no later than 10/15. Please send your check to:

    Plano ISD Council of PTAs
    c/o Gretchen Abner
    2700 W. 15th Street
    Plano, TX 75024

    I’m totally lost! I have never been the Membership Chairman and I was unable to come to any of the training. What should I do?

    The first stop you should make on your membership journey is the Plano PTA website at www.planopta.org, then click on Board and Chair information, then click on Membership. Scroll down through the information and take a few minutes to go through the PowerPoint from our fall coffee and training. Also, a great resource is the Membership Chairman Guide from Texas PTA. You can download a FREE copy. You will see a link to it from the membership page on the Plano PTA website.

    I have some parents and teachers that have filled out the PTA member forms and are requesting some of the free items from the PTA national office. How do I go about getting those?

    Some PTAs use the membership form provided by National PTA. On the bottom of this form is a list of things that National PTA provides to members, like resources, training and email updates about important issues and news. To sign up for the email updates (there are several topical email newsletters), go to the National PTA website. All the other items are also available on the National PTA website, including training.

    How much are PTA dues?

    There are several kinds of dues. The local membership rate is comprised of the National dues ($1.75/per person), plus the Texas dues ($2.25/per person), plus the local portion (this is set by the by-laws of the local campus). Last year our Texas PTA State dues went up by a dollar (as of July 1st, 2009). All by-laws were automatically updated with this change. That means you are now charging $1 more for your dues this year. If last year you charged $20, this year you’ll charge $21.

    Additionally, each local PTA pays annual dues of $75.00 to Plano ISD Council of PTAs. Please keep in mind that if a PTA member decides to claim his/her Texas Life PTA status at any one given school, they are only reducing their dues by the Texas dues of $2.25. They must still pay the National dues and your Local dues to be a PTA member with local voting rights in our community. Please be on the look out for the PTA Council dues form, which will be inter-office mailed to your school’s office attention PTA Membership Chair.

    What are benefit cards? I’ve been in PTA a long time and I’ve never heard of them! Is it the same as the membership card?

    Texas PTA has worked hard to show its members that there are MANY benefits to being in PTA. The benefit card lists many of the vendors that offer a discount to PTA members, including Sea World. To access the benefits, you must go on the Texas PTA website (www.txpta.org) and sign in as a member. The user name and password are on the back of the PTA membership benefit card. There is no longer a Benefit card per se; however, the benefits are listed on the Texas PTA website.

    Did I miss the Early Bird Award?

    The Early Bird award is for local PTAs that have submitted a membership list and paid dues for at least 75% of the number of members they had on record on March 15, postmarked by September 30th. This is an automatic award, so there is no form to fill out.

    Where do we get the Membership Cards?

    The cards come from Texas PTA, if you are missing them, please contact your President to be sure first, then contact Texas PTA. Some unit’s cards are still in Austin because they needed a piece of information before they would release the cards. To get those, please call 1-800-TALK-PTA.

    How can you check if someone is a Texas Life Member?

    Each local PTA should have a list of the people to whom they have awarded a Texas Life Membership. I have an inexact, but fairly comprehensive Plano ISD Council of PTAs list of Texas Life Members. Originally, I was planning to post the list on the Plano PTA website. Because of privacy considerations, I will email you the list of recipients awarded from school if you request it from me. If you are in a secondary school and would like to check if someone from one of the feeder schools has received the award, please email me or contact the Texas PTA office, which maintains the comprehensive list (1-800-TALK-PTA).

    Once I have completed the membership list, what do I do?

    Make a copy for your Secretary, Treasurer, President and your procedure book. Then send your original or a copy to Texas PTA along with your dues check. If the check is sizable, please send it return receipt requested, certified mail.

    Our PTA is refining our budget. Can you tell me what to expect with Life Member Banquet?

    This year, 2010-2011, we have decided to return to a banquet format at the Plano Centre on February 10th, 2011. The cost per ticket will be no than $25 per person.

    You will also want to budget for the LM certificates ($35) and LM pinettes ($15) and/or Extended Service certificates ($50) and ES pinettes ($40) from Texas PTA. These can be ordered off the Texas PTA website, but you should make sure to do this at least one to two months in advance. Most PTAs hand out the awards and pins out at the banquet.

    At our middle school registration, we had someone say they were already a Life Member, but that it was awarded at the elementary school. Can they get the Life Member discount at both schools?

    You can take the Life Membership at whichever school the member chooses, but it can only be taken at one school. Remember, they have been awarded a Life Membership from The Texas PTA but not likely from the National PTA or from your local unit. Life members still must pay those dues any subsequent dues from another school.

    I have not ordered membership envelopes for our PTA. Is that necessary?

    No, the envelopes are just one way to collect dues. Some PTAs like them because it is easy for members to fill out the envelope and stick a check inside. You can use whatever method works best on your campus. If you want to order the envelopes, you can do that on the Texas PTA website.

    How do I know what our PTA number is?

    Please contact your president for this information. If you still can’t get it or are unsure, please email me.

    I am unsure of the number of PTA members we had last year. How can I find out?

    You should have this information in the binder that was passed on to you, but if you don’t, please email me.

    Have an unanswered question?

    Email membership@planopta.org
    Gretchen Abner, Membership VP, Plano ISD Council of PTAs

    The Plano ISD Education Foundation

    August 10, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under News

    The Plano ISD Education Foundation is a strong partner with Plano schools and a long-time collaborator with Plano ISD PTAs. Organized in 1993, the Foundation shares a common goal with Plano PTAs, ensuring Plano schools are strongly supported by the community. The non-profit organization currently raises approximately $1 million a year in private support through its winter fundraiser Ski Plano, and through contributions from 3,600 individuals, organizations and corporations. All proceeds benefit priority projects identified by the District for which tax dollars are not available. The Plano Council of PTAs is represented on the Foundation board of directors, ensuring ongoing collaboration for the benefit of our Plano schools and community.

    Read more

    SLANT 45 — Down, set, hike!

    August 10, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under News

    The Super Bowl is coming … and there is a SUPER way for kids to get involved! Join SLANT 45: Service-Learning Adventures in North Texas, and team up with other kids to become a CHAMPION of community service!

    Read more

    School to Life

    August 4, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under School to Life

    Contact chair: schooltolife [at] planopta.org

    Please note that the information below is offered to aid students in planning their scholarship search. Available scholarships and application deadlines may be changed without our knowledge by the offering organizations. Please remind students to follow up with the organizations to verify requirements and deadlines or meet with their counselor. Also, the counselor may know of more opportunities. This just gives you a taste of the diversity of available scholarships and programs.

    Scholarship Search May Be Worth a Full-Time Effort

    According to this article from the Chicago Tribune, students who spend their time searching for money to pay for college may be better off than those who find a summer job. Read the full article here.

    Resources

    • Plano ISD University Ready is a resource to help students and parents with readiness for post-secondary education.
    • Collin College Destination College offers workshops and other resources.
    • College for Texans provides resources for finding and selecting a college.
    • Check the calendar for college recruiting and other events.
    • The DFW International Community Alliance (www.dfwinternational.org) has a Guide to Scholarships for New Americans and Minority Students on the website, listing over 100 opportunities. To view the scholarship listing, go to the Resource Center and view “Scholarships.”
    • Innovation Opportunity Camp: The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UT Dallas offers a two-week camp to teach students how to turn their ideas into new businesses and solutions for the world. Through team-based learning, business simulation games, and interaction with successful entrepreneurs and UTD faculty, students will learn about entrepreneurship as a career option — how to build a successful new venture and turn it into a career.
    • Mike Mansfield Fellowship is an intensive two-year professional development program that’s open to U.S. federal government employees with an interest in the U.S.-Japan relationship. Fellows spend a year in Japanese language and area studies training in Washington, D.C., followed by a year working in Japanese government or ministry offices. For more information, visit the Web site.
    • Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture sponsors several scholarships. For more visit the Web site
    • The Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest is open to students age 14 years or older who are attending a high school prom in the spring. US citizenship is required. Entrants must enter as a couple (two individuals) and attend a high school prom wearing complete attire or accessories made from duct tape. Visit the Duck Tape contest web site for details.
    • Kohls Kids Who Care Scholarship program for ages 6 to 18. For more visit Kohls’ Web site
    • Tall Clubs International (TCI) offers a $1,000 scholarship for tall people, the Kae Sumner Einfeldt Scholarship. Individual chapters may also offer local awards. Women who are at least 5’10″ and men who are at least 6’2″ are eligible for the award. Candidates must be under 21 years old and plan to attend college in the fall. Visit Tall Clubs International website.
    • The David Letterman Scholarship was established by David Letterman in 1985 to provide scholarships for telecommunications students at Ball State University. The awards are intended for average students who nevertheless have a creative mind. Winners are selected primarily based on creativity. Visit the scholarship page for details.
    • Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. Scholarship Foundation is open to African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander or Native American students who are interested in a career in law. Applicant must be in the top 20% of their class, have a minimum combined SAT score of 1650 or equivalent ACT score, and demonstrate a financial need to attend college.
    • Texas Telephone Association Foundation Scholarship
    • Mitchell Elementary PTA Scholarship: $500 scholarship for applicant who attended Mitchell Elementary for 1st through 5th grade and is enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program at a college or university for the upcoming academic year. Requires an essay, resume, and three letters of recommendation. Deadline is in March.
    • Martha J. Hunt Scholarship: $500 scholarship open to seniors who attended Mendenhall Elementary School and will enroll in an accredited undergraduate degree program at an accredited college/university in the fall. Based on financial need and merit. Requires one-page paper stating goals, personal history (extracurricular activities, awards, etc. and three recommendation letters. Application deadline is in March.
    • Patty H. Meyer Scholarship, Centennial Elementary PTA: Applicant must have attended Centennial Elementary School in fifth grade and be enrolling in a accredited undergraduate degree program at a college/university with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Based on financial need, community service, academic merit and essay response. Requires two recommendation letters. Application deadline is in March.
    • Balanced Man Scholarship–Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity: Fraternity has several chapters offering the scholarship. Deadline is in March.
    • Tall Texans of Dallas Minimum height (5’10″ for females, 6’2″ for males–in stocking feet). Selection also based on academic achievement, school activities, volunteerism and employment. Deadline is in March. www.ttod.org
    • Scovell Scholarship Foundation: 10 scholarships of 3,000 will be awarded to North Texas graduating high school seniors with leadership abilities, high moral character, demonstrated financial need and a connection to sports. Must continue their higher education in the state of Texas or at a Big 12 Conference or Southeastern Conference university. For additional information and application visit www.scovellscholarship.com or via the Scovell Foundation link on www.attcottonbowl.com. Completed applications will be accepted through March deadline.
    • The Career and Technology Association of Texas lists several scholarships at www.ctat.org/awards-and-scholarships.
    • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Dallas Branch: $1,500 — Applicant must be interested in pursuing a career in Civil Engineering.  Postmark deadline is in March. Visit www.dallasasce.org/branch-scholarships.
    • Plano Retired Teachers Association $1,200 — Open to any senior planning to pursue a career in education. Requires: a transcript, resume, brief statement of financial need, a one page statement of goals and values and a recommendation from a current teacher. Postmark deadline is in March.
    • Chi Zeta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – $1,500 — Open to African American female seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA, minimum ACT score of 18/SAT score 900 (critical reading & math). Selection is also based on rank, extracurricular activities, leadership, community service, personal essay and recommendation letter. Applicant must have applied and/or have been accepted to their school of choice.
    • Dallas Metro North LO of Texas Business Women, Inc. – Open to graduating females of PISD. Applicant must submit an application form, a one-page statement of qualifications and career advancement plans, and three references. Due date is in March.
    • Greater North Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. – Applicant must be an African American female or male graduating high school senior in the class of 2010 and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Requires an official transcript, a short essay, and two recommendation letters. Completed applications must be mailed by March deadline.
    • Brinker Elementary PTA Scholarship – $1,000 — Applicant must have attended Brinker Elementary School for grades 3-5 and be enrolling in accredited undergraduate degree program at a college/university for the upcoming academic year. Based on financial need. volunteer service, academic merit, and essay response. Requires two letters of recommendation. Application deadline is in March.
    • Gwen Pharo Scholarship offered by The Public Affairs Luncheon Club ($2,000), is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates high standards of scholarship and community leadership. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and have volunteered in school and community activities and/or political organizations, services, or causes and /or have worked at paying jobs. Requires an essay. Applications must be received by March deadline.
    • LULAC National Scholarship Fund – LULAC councils award scholarships to qualified Hispanic students who have applied to colleges/universities (including 2 year colleges) or vocational schools that lead to an associate’s degree. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal residents. Complete applications are due to local LULAC council by March deadline.
    • Plano-Richardson Alumnae Panhellenic $1000 — Scholarship is open to senior girls who will complete the Panhellenic sorority recruitment process. Applications available in March www.planorichardsonpanhellenic.org. Applicants must also register for recruitment/rush (form is available on website).
    • Alpha Delta Kappa Scholarship - Open to graduating females planning to enter the field of education. Applications must be postmarked by March deadline.
    • Slough Foundation -Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be a U.S. Citizen, and be a Texas resident at the time of application. Results of FAFSA required. Additional information and application is available on their website. Completed applications must be postmarked by March deadline and received in the Slough Administrator’s office by April due date.
    • Heritage Land Bank Scholarship – $2,500 — Open to seniors who intend to pursue an education in an agriculture related field. Requires a photograph and brief essay. Postmark deadline is in March.
    • Collin County Texas A&M Mother’s Club – Open to students who will attend Texas A&M, College Station in the fall. Requires application, one page paper stating reason for wanting to attend Texas A&M and an official transcript. Information and application are available online at www.collincountyaggiemoms.org.
    • Parker Women’s Club Scholarship Will be awarded to an outstanding graduating senior who is a Resident of the City of Parker.
    • Stars on the Rise Scholarship sponsored by the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is open to all in the Greater Dallas area pursuing higher education. Academic rigor, community service and/or employment, and SAT/ACT scores are considered in the selection process. Visit www.gdhcc.com for application deadline information.
    • Ozarka “Every Drop Counts” Earth Science Scholarship – requires an essay. Application at www.ozarkawater.com (under the “Doing Our Part’ section, bottom page).
    • Plano ATPE (Association of Texas Professional Educators) $1,000 — Applicant must intend to major in education. Requires three reference letters and a one page essay. Completed applications are due early April.
    • Frisco RoughRiders Foundation Scholarship – Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and participate in at least one athletic activity (Marching Band will count as an athletic activity) in their senior year and in at least one extracurricular activity in their senior. Requires an essay and two letters of recommendation. For an application, visit www.RidersBaseball.com. Deadline is early April.
    • Collin County Master Gardeners Scholarship $1,000 — Open to seniors who reside in Collin County and intend to major in one of the following: Botany, Entomology, Environmental Science, Forestry, or Horticulture. An essay and one teacher reference is requires. Deadline is mid-April.
    • Plano Principal’s Association $1,500 — Open to seniors who will attend an accredited undergraduate degree program at an accredited college/university with a minimum 12 credit hours per semester. Applicant must seek a degree in the educational field and/or related degree working with children. Completed applications are due mid-April.
    • Annual Essay Contest on Ayn Rand’s Novel for 11th and 12th graders – Prizes vary depending on contest. To see rules and guidelines and to submit your essay, go to aynrandeducation.com/essay-contests.
    • Hedgcoxe Elementary PTA Scholarship $500 to a graduating PISD High School senior who attended Hedgcoxe Elementary School for at least two years including 5th grade. Applicant must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be planning to attend a two or four year college. Requires a 500 to 1500 word essay on “How My Years at Hedgcoxe Impacted Me,” a personal history (extracurricular activities, awards, etc.) and two recommendation letters from non-family members. Email president@hedgcoxepta.org for an application. Deadline is May 1.
    • Goldreich Orthodontics Scholarship $1,000 — Open to students who will attend a two/four year college/university. Requires an essay on “The Importance of a Smile” and senior photo. Deadline is early May.
    • Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Norwood M. Brenneke Scholarship $2,500 — for students who will be seeking a degree in Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Architecture, Art/Architectural History, Archaeology , Anthropology or Engineering. Selection is base on financial need, merit and interest.
    • THE FASHIONISTAS of Dallas scholarships This is a non-profit organization whose mission is to sponsor exhibitions and educational programs that are a cultural platform for Dallas and the international fashion world. THE FASHIONISTAS also raise money to provide scholarships for local fashion-design students. Questions may be directed locally to: Jillian Prado PS Styling,  c: 214.801.7889, jillian@psstyling.com. Deadline is May 31st.
    • Delta Kappa Gamma – Future Teacher Recruitment Grant Female seniors with genuine interest in teaching as a profession. Selection is based on merit as well as financial need. Deadline is March 24. There are several awards, ranging from $500 to $1,000.
    • Dallas Metro North Chapter of Texas Business Women – Female seniors from Plano or Richardson ISDs. Deadline is March 31. There are several awards, ranging from $500 to $1,000.
    • Plano West Swim and Dive Team Booster Club Scholarship Seniors on the Plano West Swim and Dive Team who plan to attend college in the fall. Deadline is April 1. There are two awards of $250 each.
    • Stars on the Rise Scholarship (sponsored by Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) is for Seniors, regardless of their ethnicity, who are planning to attend college in the Fall. Deadline is April 2. There are several awards, ranging from $500 to $20,000.
    • PCI Health Training Center Scholarship Seniors who plan to attend PCI Health Training Center to study in the Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant or Patient Care Technical program, and who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Deadline is April 15. There are three partial scholarships and 15 full scholarships available.
    • Collin County Texas A&M Club (CCAMC) Scholarship Seniors who reside in Collin County and who plan to attend Texas A&M – College Station in the Fall. Deadline is May 3. The amount of the award is unknown at this time.
    • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship (sponsored by The Plano Community Forum) – Minority seniors who attend a PISD senior high school. Deadline is April 24. There are several awards available, ranging from $250 to $1,500.
    • Joycie Turner Scholarship (sponsored by Collin County Economic Development Corp.) – Collin County seniors who plan to attend a two-year or four-year college or university or a two-year technical training school in the fall. Deadline is July 16. There are three awards, ranging from $1,500 to $3,500.
    • Wolfpack Soccer Scholarship Seniors who are on the Plano West Men’s Soccer team and who are planning to attend college full-time in the Fall. Deadline is March 30. There are two awards, one for $500 and one for $300.
    • The National Association of Secondary School Principals and Prudential Financial Spirit of Community Awards: These awards honor both middle level and high school students for outstanding acts of community service.
    • Nestle Very Best in Youth Program wants to recognize students who believe they can make a positive difference in their community. These students will also receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice. More information and applications are available on the web site or in the Counseling Office.
    • NASA Texas Aerospace Scholars Program: TAS consists of programs for high school juniors, and community college students.
    • Robertson Scholars Program: For those interested in applying to Duke or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Robertson Scholars Program allows students to take advantage of the faculty and other resources of these two universities.

    President

    July 13, 2010 by admin  
    Filed under President

    Contact: president [at] planopta.org