Parents and Educators Enriching the Lives of Children at
The Elementary Schools of DeWitt

DeWitt Elementary PTA, P.O. Box 695, DeWitt, Michigan 48820
President: Theresa Butcher, 669-1270, tbutcher@hearttruss.net             
Communications: Pattie Galica, 668-8423, pgalica@comcast.net

President’s Message

As president of the DeWitt Elementary PTA, I occasionally hear of misconceptions about our group.  I would like to take this opportunity to address some of these misconceptions and maybe convince those of you who have not yet joined us to reconsider.

Misconception #1:  If I join the DeWitt Elementary PTA, I will have to attend meetings.  This is not true.  We know that most people are not interested in attending PTA meetings.  In fact, several years ago, the PTA reevaluated the monthly meeting format and decided to separate our meetings into Business Meetings (about 7 or 8 per year) and Program Nights when we host Parent Education Programs or Family Activity Nights (about 3 or 4 per year).  The Business Meetings are open to everyone, but are geared toward the leadership team.  They usually last about an hour and, in addition to PTA business, include reports from the building principals.  The Program Nights, on the other hand, are invitations to all elementary families to join us to learn something or to have fun.

Misconception #2:  It makes no difference whether I join the PTA or not.  This is not true.  Your membership in the DeWitt Elementary PTA shows that you support the programs and events we sponsor.  These include Carnival, Tailgate, Fun Run, Spirit Sale, Mileage Club, Holiday Gift Shop, Conference Cuisine, Staff Appreciation, Parent Education Programs and Family Activity Nights.  And the income from memberships contributes to the allocations that we are able to give to the Elementary Schools (over $20,000 this year).  Yes, you can participate in all PTA events even if you are not a member.  But the support you show through your $8 membership means a lot to those of us who organize the events and to all DeWitt Elementary students.

So, if you are one of the 400 plus families who have already joined the PTA, thank you!  Please help us spread the word about the DeWitt Elementary PTA.  And if you haven’t yet shown your support for all the DeWitt Elementary PTA does for our community, our schools, and our children; please look for a membership form on our website or in the office at your child’s school, send the form in with your child, and know that you have done something extra for your child’s educational experience!

 Parent Education Program

 Has there been an issue on your mind about your child’s development or education?  What burning question do you have about what is going on at school?  Submit your question by November 7 to Ros Kramer (668-1081 or rozkramer@comcast.net).  Then join us on November 15, when we will host a panel (which will include a counselor, a principal, a teacher, and a parent with a child psychology background) to address your questions and concerns.  Kids’ activities and childcare will be provided.

Homecoming Tailgate

A big thanks to all who attended this year's Homecoming Tailgate.  A great time was had by all!  Major kudos to the following volunteers (who not only worked tirelessly, but never got to eat!): Cindy & Mitch Maher, Nancy Zamiara, Lisa Sullivan, Don Iacobellis, Laura Heinritz and Theresa Butcher.  Thanks also go out to our student volunteers:  Jeff Zamiara, Peter Tratt, Erin Schneider and Dan Tratt.  Last, but not least, we want to thank Mike Heinritz and American Rentals for the tent and Bill Kirkendall of Spartan Catering for the delicious dogs!  See you next year!                      --Dave and Amy Tratt

PTA Spirit Item Sales

This year’s sale was a great success! Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser.  Stock is getting low, but some items are still available.   If you are interested in making a purchase, contact Laura Heinritz at 669-7258 or heinritz@att.net.   Go Panthers!

Fast Friends

Fast Friends is a great way to lend your "voice of experience" to a new family to DeWitt and help them make a smooth transition to the school system and community.  If you would like to offer to make contact with a new family to serve as their resource about school activities, grocery stores, churches, sports, scouting, hair salons, doctors, etc. please contact me.  I will match you up with a new family as they contact me.  Don't worry about knowing everything there is to know.  A resource list is available to get you started or we can find the answer together.  Your friendly voice will be appreciated by someone new!  --Lori Fox, lfox@acd.net or 668-0033

2006 PTA Carnival Needs You!

We have several vacancies on the 2006 PTA Carnival Committee. Working on the carnival can be challenging and fun, and we need your help to make the 2006 carnival the best yet! Call Lucille Hall at 669-8281 or send an email to dewittcarnival@yahoo.com to find out more.

FYI:  Parent Workshop

Metro Parent Magazine, in cooperation with the state PTA, is presenting a workshop entitled “Reclaiming Our Kids:  How to Reassert Your Influence in a Threatening World” in which you can learn strategies to combat the negative commercial influences of today’s society on your children.  It will be held on Saturday, October 29, from 9 am to 1 pm in Livonia.  For a brochure contact Theresa Butcher or visit www.metroparent.com.

The Open Houses were a great success! Special thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and to all of the parents, schools, and community that show their commitment to our children.   

Building Notes

FECC

Our school year at Fuerstenau is off to a wonderful start!  The Open House was a big success and very well attended.  We also had our first book fair and would like to thank everyone who helped out.  As you may already know, Sarah Hegerfeld recently began working full time and therefore was unable to continue as PTA building representative at Fuerstenau.  Kristi Lewis is happy to be our new representative.  Thank you Sarah and welcome Kristi!  Next month we will be hosting a Conference Cuisine for the staff at Fuerstenau.  If you have a special dish that you would like to share or want to help, please give us a call.  See you at school!                --Penni Sweeney 327-8456 and Kristi Lewis 669-8820 

Schavey Road

A lot is happening at Schavey Road!  The Open House was great.  Thank you to all who participated.  Coming up in November are Holiday Gift Shop and Conference Cuisine.  If you signed up to help you will be getting a call.  If you didn’t sign up and want to help, contact us!                --Donna Seeger and Cindy Brushaber

Scott School

We would like to thank everyone who filled out one of the 144 volunteer forms that we have received.  It is the wonderful parents of DeWitt that make our job as PTA Representatives fun instead of work.  We will be contacting some of you for the Fall Teachers' Conference Cuisine which will be held on Monday, November 21,and Holiday Gift Shop that is coming in December.              --Deb Blake and Christine Stine

Herbison Woods

All is well at Herbison Woods—busy as usual!  Holiday parties will be held on Monday, October 31.  The sixth graders will be going to the Junior High to watch a movie.  The fifth grade parties are organized and held in the individual classrooms.  We are still looking for a parent volunteer from each homeroom class.  This person would assist us in organizing volunteers for classroom activities.  Please call us if you’re interested.  And thanks again to all the volunteers.  We couldn’t do this without your help!              --Donna Sowulewski 669-1701and Reana Walsh 668-0790