Wow!  Here we are at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year.  If you are a continuing president, please pay close attention to all of the details – there are many changes to PTA programs and events.  For new presidents, read through all of the materials that you receive so that you are aware of upcoming events.  We want everyone to have the chance to participate.  Here is a short list of reminders to keep you on track:      

· Pay your insurance if you have not already done so. Mail your check made payable to “NYS PTA” for $255.00 with the form sent to you or with a note with your unit name, unit code (10-_ _ _) and the name, address and phone number of a contact person.                                                

· You must be a unit in good standing to participate in local and state functions such as the Reflections Program and the Presidents’/Principals’ Dinner. If your unit is not in compliance by November 1st all checks will be returned this year.  Keep this in mind before you invite your Principal or Superintendent. Your insurance must be paid; your first membership payment must be sent by November 1, 2008 and your bylaws must be current. Please call your AD if you have any questions about your status.

· Look for the NYS PTA Resource Guide, which will be arriving in September. It also contains a bonus CD which gives you the option to print specific sections for your officers and chairmen.  Do not just file this manual away, but give out the respective sections to your chairmen, such as Bylaws, Membership and Treasurer. The information will be an additional resource for you and your board members as you carry out your responsibilities.

· Start your membership campaign and set dates for executive board and general membership meetings if you have not already done so. Present your proposed budget to executive board for approval before presenting to the general membership for adoption at the first General Membership meeting.                                           

· Remind board members that PTA is tax exempt; give them the number and form to use ONLY when making approved PTA purchases. Remind all board members that they must be      members of your unit.

· Review convention packet and resolutions with members so that delegates can truly represent your PTA at convention.  Vote to send representatives to the NYS PTA Convention being held this year in Rochester, NY from November 7 – 9, 2008.  Nassau Region will be leading the floor team for convention – consider joining us to have the full convention experience!  Our floor team training will be held on October 22 at the Garden City BOCES.

· Be sure to visit our website regularly at www.nassaupta.org.  All flyers, registration forms, and conference brochures are available for downloading.  Share the site address with your members!  We welcome any comments or suggestions.

· Share Reflections information with the appropriate chairman and personnel in your school – be aware the drop-off and pick-up dates are much earlier this year.  Drop-off will be on December 1 – 2, 2008 and pick-up will be on December 11, 2008.

For your General Membership Meeting:

Have your Membership Chairman collect membership dues and have your Treasurer present the budget to the general membership for adoption.

Present the report of the audit committee if specified in bylaws.

Consider electing nominating committee members from the general membership at this time. 

Sincerely,

Gracemarie Rozea

Nassau Region PTA Director

  A Message from the Region Director