School PTA Presidents Honored
at District Appreciation Luncheon

March 27, 2009

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto joined district officials in thanking 66 school PTA presidents this week, saluting them for their child advocacy efforts on behalf of Plano ISD and all Texas school children. School Board President Lloyd "Skip" Jenkins remarked, "You've made our job in Austin a little easier," referring to efforts of PTA leaders to positively influence Texas legislators' decisions regarding proposed education bills. "Our state legislators do listen, because they know that we are represented by a very active group of parents."

Dr. Otto and Mr. Jenkins joined fellow administrators, school trustees and the Plano ISD Council of PTAs in honoring PTA presidents, who were accompanied by their school principals, at a March 26 recognition luncheon held at Collin County Community College's Spring Creek Campus.

Teacher of the Year Thanks PTA Presidents for 'Inspiring by Example'

Keynote Speaker Janet Napoli, 2008 Plano ISD and Region 10 Teacher of the Year, shared with PTA leaders a powerful presentation (863k).

Ms. Napoli emphasized that PTA leaders "inspire by example," leading a dedicated group of volunteers and modeling the power of involvement. Her fun and emotional presentation featured student comments, an Aesop's fable and a comparison of national advertising slogans to the value that PTA volunteers bring to their communities.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it," said Ms. Napoli, quoting William Arthur Ward, as she concluded her presentation and thanked guests for their service to Plano schools.

Luncheon hosts and honorees included (l-r) Lloyd "Skip" Jenkins, school board president; Janet Napoli, Plano ISD and Region 10 Teacher of the Year; Cara Mendelsohn, Plano ISD Council of PTAs president; and Dr. Doug Otto, superintendent of schools.

Luncheon program presenters included Karla Oliver, executive director for government and community relations; Cara Mendelsohn, Plano ISD Council of PTAs president; Dr. Doug Otto, superintendent of schools; Lloyd "Skip" Jenkins, school board president; and Janet Napoli, 2008 Plano ISD and Region 10 Teacher of the Year.

"Through your efforts in PTA, our students and staff have more opportunities and our community is more aware of important initiatives and programs," Superintendent Doug Otto told PTA leaders. "You make this district what it is, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Thanks to PTA Presidents from Plano Students

Plano school children created thank you notes which were used as place mats at the PTA appreciation luncheon. The student artists attend the following elementary schools: Andrews, Beverly, Centennial, Christie, Forman and Mendenhall.

About the Plano ISD Council of PTAs

Cara Mendelsohn was elected by her peers this week to serve a second consecutive year as the president of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs. She leads a dynamic executive board comprising two dozen PTA leaders who chair a number of committees from "Legislation" to "Arts in Education" to "Cultural Diversity" and many more.

The award winning Plano ISD Council of PTAs is the key link in the line of communication between the local, area, state and national PTAs as well as with the school administration and the general public. Councils provide opportunities for conferences, leadership training and coordination of efforts. The Council of PTAs offers information, support, inspiration and instruction for Council members. The Council serves to strengthen local PTAs, develop leadership potential, promote PTA membership and serve the community.

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Gulledge Elementary School Principal Renee Rucker (left) and PTA President Leanne Leung were among luncheon guests.

Top 10 ways you know you REALLY are a PTA President

10. You agreed to serve on the PTA board because you wanted to get to know your child’s school better. Now you know everything except the entry code!

9. You keep forgetting to pick up your dry cleaning, but you can remember all the parts of your bylaws and PISD’s distribution policy!

8.  You find yourself “making a motion” for your child to take out the garbage!

7. You used to make fun of your teenagers for how much time they spend on the phone and texting, but now they make fun of you for all those PTA-related emails!

6.  You daydream during your PTA board meeting about starring in a musical about Robert’s Rules of Order!

5. You haven’t balanced your own checkbook in ages, but you review the treasurer’s bank reconciliation monthly, read the PTA fiscal report and can amend the budget like a pro! 

4. You remember getting a C in spelling when you were in school, but you can now accurately spell Hedgcoxe and Schimelpfenig!

3. Instead of saying “goodnight” to your kids you say “this meeting’s adjourned.”

2. You count you and your spouse attending Life Member Banquet as “date night”!

And the #1 way you know you REALLY are a PTA President…

1.  You have neglected your laundry, making dinner, sometimes your kids and spouse and a million other things, so you could put the families of your school first – and you have made a difference!

So with that, I thank you for your service and hey, let’s do it again next year!

Haggard Middle School Principal Julie Anne Dean (right) and Haggard PTA President Laura Tate are pictured at the luncheon.