The Bascomb PTA Mission is three-fold:

1. To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools and before governmental agencies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children;
2. To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children; and
3. To encourage parent and public involvement in the schools of this nation.

The Purpose of the Bascomb PTA:

• To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community and place of worship.
• To raise the standards of home life.
• To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
• To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.
• To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.

Count on the PTA:

• To involve parents, teachers, students, grandparents, school officials, business people, government officials, senior citizens, single people, couples without children. If you care about children and youth, you should belong to your PTA.
• To provide parents and teachers with a way to share experience and knowledge about children. PTA works with principals, superintendents, school boards and your community to make sure your concerns are heard and needs are met.
• To be the largest and most effective volunteer association working for the education, health, safety, and well-being of all children and youth.

Bascomb PTA at the local level works to promote the well-being of all children in our community. Bascomb PTA speaks on behalf of all children and youth at local, state, and national government levels.

Bascomb PTA at the state level coordinates programs throughout the state. Bascomb PTA's leaders can receive training to help increase parent and community involvement. Georgia PTA organizes volunteers to represent Bascomb PTA's views in our state legislature.

Bascomb PTA at the national level provides current information about children and youth. Bascomb PTA has an impact on issues that cross state lines, such as parent involvement in education, needs of working parents, and child safety.

There's no better value. It costs only a few dollars a year to belong. A portion of your dues goes to your state and national PTAs to help make these and other programs possible.

A PTA membership provides many benefits to a card-carrying PTA member. National PTA and Georgia PTA offer a variety of PTA Member Benefits from businesses and organizations. Some are ongoing, while others are seasonal or event related. Use your PTA membership card to take advantage of these benefits. Listed here are the State and National Member Providers for 2008-2009.

---

Georgia PTA Member Benefit Providers

Alliance Theatre offers a 20% discount on tickets for some events. Tickets must be purchased in groups of six or more.

Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers offers group discounts to events throughout the year.

Atlanta History Center offers a 10% discount off any level of annual membership. (Individuals - $50, students/teachers - $25 with ID, family membership - $75.) For more information, contact the Atlanta History Center at 404 814-4000.

Chattahoochee Nature Center offers PTA members a 10% discount off a family membership.

Georgia PTA/CWK Network is excited to announce our partnership with Atlanta-based Connect With Kids to bring important and innovative educational resources to families.

Fernbank offers PTA members a 10% discount off any level of membership when you present your PTA membership card.

The Georgia Force, Georgia 's new arena football league, has signed a partnership agreement with Georgia PTA to promote parent/family involvement and student achievement through family activities, reading and the arts.

HoneyBaked Ham Company offers delicious membership incentives. PTA Members receive a 10% discount when you present your membership card.

Party City offers a 20% discount card to PTA board members. A limited number of cards will be issued to each PTA board of directors. The discount card can be used at any Party City location and as often as needed. In addition to receiving discounts at Party City, all PTA members will receive a 10% discount and free shipping on Oriental Trading Company orders placed through Nancy Thornton. For more information or to receive the discount cards, a member of the PTA board must contact Nancy via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 770-896-1699.

Zoo Atlanta Membership has donated to the Georgia PTA a Rare Care Sponsorship of the Sumatran Orangutan, and it has extended its educator discounts to Georgia PTA members. Mention Georgia PTA when purchasing a Zoo Atlanta Membership by phone (404.624.WILD) or in person to receive $10 off an Individual, Dual, Family, or Family Escape Membership. Note: the discount is not valid for online purchases.

---

National PTA Member Benefit Providers

When you make purchases from these companies, not only will you receive a discount, but National PTA will also receive a percentage of royalties from the sale.

Barnesandnoble.com
National PTA and Barnesandnoble.com have developed a discounted online bookstore for PTA members featuring over one million titles of books, textbooks, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and videos. Members will save 5% on all purchases ordered from this site in addition to any normal site discounts of up to 40 %. New titles and special discounts will be featured periodically. Orders of $25.00 or more qualify for Fast & Free delivery within 3 business days or less (see site for details).

Kidz-IDZ
The Kidz-IDz School ID Card Program enables all students attending PTA-affiliated schools to get a hard plastic School ID Card – for free! School ID Cards play a key role in maintaining student safety, as they can make the difference in a missing or injured student being quickly identified and provided with the appropriate assistance.

Liberty Mutual
As a member of the PTA you qualify for a special group discount on your auto, home, and renters insurance through Group Savings Plus® from Liberty Mutual. With Group Savings Plus, you can enjoy the ease and convenience of paying your premiums through checking account deductions or direct bill. You’ll also enjoy fast, easy round-the-clock claims service and a variety of discounts including multi-car, multi-policy, safe-driver, passive restraints and anti-theft device discounts.

MedicAlert Foundation
MedicAlert Foundation has partnered with PTA to provide peace of mind to parents through discounted memberships to the MedicAlert Kid Smart® program. The program provides 24 hour child emergency ID and family emergency notification services that safeguard and identify children in an emergency. With a single phone call, emergency responders can talk with a representative to access medical history and records.

Sharp Electronics Corporation
Sharp Electronics Corporation is offering PTA members special purchase opportunities on AQUOS liquid crystal televisions and other audio, video, home appliance and home office products. Sharp is a world leader in the liquid crystal television category, and is pleased to offer these state-of-the-art flat panel TVs and their other products at extremely attractive discounts.

Southwest Airlines Vacations
Southwest Airlines Vacations has teamed up with National PTA to offer PTA members an exclusive discount on vacation packages. Members can save 5% on vacation packages to more than 40 exciting destinations, in addition to everyday low rates and ongoing special offers.
Southwest Airlines Vacations offers convenient and affordable vacation packages, perfect for busy parents trying to plan their next getaway! Simply choose your destination, select your flights and hotel accommodations, then add theme park tickets, tours, rental cars, and more — all in one place, for one low price.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile and PTA have partnered together to bring PTA members exclusive discounts on wireless mobile service and equipment. All PTA members receive special discounts on selected promotional devices, exclusive discounts on monthly service charges and waived activation fees on T-Mobile products and services.

Why Join - The PTA: More than Bake Sales

Find answers to the most-asked questions about parent-teacher groups

Research shows that getting involved in your child's education helps him thrive at school. Not only is your child more likely to earn higher grades and stay in school, but according to a study done by the Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan Project, the schools themselves get better when parents take an active role. One great way to keep a constant connection to your child's school is to join the PTA.

You might remember the PTA from your own childhood as moms selling cookies and chaperoning class trips, and chances are, your local PTA still does those things. But the PTA is also a great way to share opinions and information with other parents and your child's teachers, to learn about what's going on in school, and to be part of a strong voice speaking for children's welfare.

What is a PTA?

The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a grass roots organization that brings parents and teachers together so they can work towards improving the lives and education of students. Over 6.5 million people belong to PTAs nationwide, making it the largest child-advocacy volunteer association. Simply, a PTA is a group of adults, both men and women, affiliated with a school that have organized to work to help children thrive and learn — whether that means fundraising for school supplies, educating parents, helping teachers, or fighting for legislation to ensure every child gets a high-quality education.

What's the difference between a PTA and a PTO?

The technical difference between a PTA and a PTO (or PTF, PTG, HSA, etc.) is that PTAs are part of a national association headquartered in Chicago, which has lobbyists working at national, state, and local levels to advocate for children's issues. Groups calling themselves PTAs pay dues to state and national organizations and abide by national group rules. PTOs, on the other hand, are independent groups that have their own rules and keep their efforts concentrated on their particular school district or town. Even though it sounds like there is a big difference, in practice both kinds of parent groups function in the same manner: No matter which your school has, it will mainly concern itself with local school issues and its goal will be to improve and enrich community schools.

Is there a big time/monetary commitment?

Many parents are hesitant to join the PTA because they fear it will cut into their already overscheduled lives and stretched budgets. But not to worry! First of all, dues to join the PTA are often as low as $5 a year, and rarely go above $25. Meetings usually occur one evening a month, but may only happen quarterly — and you're encouraged but not required to attend. As for additional volunteering requirements, you will probably be asked to help with fundraising efforts, but your involvement is ultimately up to you. It's important to keep in mind that a meaningful contribution to a PTA project does not have to be time-consuming. You can sign up to do the monthly newsletter, or just volunteer one weekend afternoon to help out at a car wash fundraiser. Even if you don't have time to volunteer, you can help out with supplies or donate server space for the PTA Web site — there are a thousand ways to help.

What do PTAs actually do?

Activities and roles vary from group to group, but you can probably expect to be involved with:

• Fundraising: At meetings, members bring up things the school needs help buying, from art supplies to computers, and decide how to raise funds - from smaller endeavors like car washes and ice cream socials, to large-scale events like a spring carnival.
• Book Fairs: A special kind of fundraiser, PTAs are often called in to help manage and promote this event that offers students reasonably priced books, stocks classroom libraries, and raises money for the school. Find out more about Book Fairs here.
• Teacher Appreciation: The PTA takes charge of showing that teachers are valued through end-of-school luncheons, Teacher Appreciation Week events, finding classroom volunteers, and other morale builders.
• Back-to-School Night: Most PTAs run this important get-to-know your teacher’s event that allows all parents to find out more about what's in store for their children. Read more about this event in this article.
• Scholarships: Many PTAs maintain a scholarship fund for children of PTA parents.
• School Beautification: Efforts to re-paint, plant gardens, clean school grounds, and fix up facilities are often spearheaded by the PTA.
• Parent Classes/Workshops/Seminars: Some PTAs offer classes in practical subjects like Internet safety, have experts come and discuss issues such as homework, or hold workshops on good health habits.
• Newsletters: Find out what's going on in your school and in your PTA through its newsletter, which often also introduces a teacher each edition, reports on past successes, and offers parenting tips.

Why should I get involved?

Besides generally increasing your own child's odds of succeeding at school, there are myriad benefits to joining the PTA.

• You can get advice from other parents. Find out about the best babysitter in town, where the kid-friendly restaurants are, which field trips are the most fun to volunteer for, get recommendations for good pediatricians and tutors, and add your own knowledge to the pool.
• You'll gain a greater understanding of broad educational issues. What's an IEP? How will the No Child Left Behind act affect your child's school? When will your child take standardized tests? Discover answers and discuss opinions on these questions and many other important matters.
• You'll improve teacher morale. When teachers feel connected and appreciated by the community, they are more invested in their student’s performance and are happier and more enthusiastic about their work.
• You'll be up-to-date on what's going on at school. Not only will you know when school events are happening, you'll also learn about new staff, student accomplishments, new rules, budgets, and changes in curriculum.
• You'll help improve schools for all students. Research done by the PTA and other groups shows that when the community gets involved in its schools, the schools get better. Not only will you be part of group that is committed to making your local school stronger and safer, but you will also join a national chorus that says that it is important that every child gets the chance to thrive at school and at home.
• You can influence important decisions. You will get to vote on how PTA-raised funds are allocated, suggest new projects, and voice your opinion on issues affecting your child, like how to create a drug-free community or what should be covered in school health programs. It is a great way to let administrators and politicians hear what you have to say about today's issues, from funding for the arts to national standards to preventing violence in schools.

How do I join?

That's the easiest part! Anyone can join the PTA. Call you child's school and ask for the name or e-mail of the PTA president, or simply show up at the next meeting. You'll be welcomed with open arms.

PTA Committee Requirements

• As a committee chair, you are also a Board member, please make every effort to attend monthly PTA Board and General meetings, typically held the second Tuesday of each month. The PTA President will let you know ahead of time if he/she needs you to report on your committee at an upcoming meeting.
• Most require occasional Buzz or Pawprint newsletter submissions. Please note that it is your responsibility to meet the weekly and quarterly deadlines when needed for these publications.
• Have fun!

ACADEMIC BOOSTERS: Coordinates the honor roll certificates at the end of each 9 weeks and helps order any needed banner pins (for PTA sponsored programs) at the end of the school year. Requires 1 chairperson.

APPRECIATION: Organize the following for Bascomb faculty and staff appreciation:

• Small birthday gifts for ALL teachers and staff
• Recognizing staff on special appreciation days or weeks such as our custodians, café staff, specials teachers, nurses, media staff, front office, and administration.
• Coordinate with Hospitality chair to host a “Back to School” luncheon for teachers the week of pre-planning.
• Coordinate with Hospitality chair to host a Teacher/Staff appreciation luncheon during second half of school year.
• Requires 1 chair person.

BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB: Organize 1 ice cream party on the last Thursday of each month for students purchasing a book of their choice to donate to the Media Center. Make bookplates for each student/book featuring their picture. Occasional Buzz submissions/monthly Pawprint submissions of students joining. Requires 1 chairperson.

BOBCAT BUZZ EDITOR: Prepares the weekly publication of the PTA newsletter, the Bobcat Buzz. Communicates with the President of the PTA, Bascomb staff person, and committee chairs. Is responsible for layout, proofing, and submitting in a timely manner. This is ongoing throughout the year. Requires 1 chairperson.

BOOK FAIR: This committee manages two book fairs, one in the fall and one in the spring. Is responsible for gathering volunteers, setting up/breaking down fair, and working with media staff. Occasional Buzz submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

BOXTOPS/LABELS: Coordinates the school-wide collection of Campbell’s labels and General Mills Box Tops and utilizes the funds raised to make purchases for the school to benefit its students. This is ongoing throughout the year and requires Buzz and Pawprint submissions to promote program. Requires 1 chairperson.

BUSINESS DONATIONS: Coordinates donation efforts from local and corporate businesses including Bascomb Business Partners. This is ongoing throughout the year. Requires 1 chairperson.

CAREER DAY: Coordinates with school counselors to gather parents and community members to speak to students about their careers. Create schedules for each grade level and goody bags for participants. Buzz and Pawprint submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

CHESS CLUB: This is a chess club sponsored by the PTA and is in addition to Kid Chess or any other chess programs. Chair manages this extra curricular program that offers students the opportunity twice a month to come before school to play chess. Occassional Buzz submission. Requires 1 chairperson.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Coordinates the Recycling Program, Earth Day, and other environmental issues at Bascomb. Occasional Buzz and Pawprint submissions needed. Requires 1 chairperson.
EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN: Promotes awareness of gifted and special needs children by organizing events and programs throughout the school year. Occasional Buzz and Pawprint submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

FATHER/CHILD BREAKFAST: Requires coordinating this activity-based event to bring fathers together with their children. Responsible for collecting money for tickets and dispersing to students prior to the event along with coordinating volunteers, planning menu, organizing crafts and games. Typically held in the fall of each school year. Buzz and Pawprint submissions to promote event. Requires 1 chairperson.

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS: This committee hosts an evening event that is f-u-n for the whole family which might include a Spaghetti dinner or pizza/trivia night. Resposible for organizing, pre-planning, and coordinating volunteers. Buzz and Pawprint submissions to promote event. Requires 1-2 chairpersons.

FUNDRAISING (MAJOR): This committee works closely with the PTA Board on recommendations for types of fundraising which lends the PTA opportunities to raise funds to enhance multiple aspects of the school environment for the benefit of its students. This includes large fundraising efforts like Fun Runs, gift wrap, etc… Buzz and Pawprint submissions to promote event. Requires 1-2 chairpersons.

FUNDRAISING (MINOR): This committee is in charge of minor fundraising items throughout the year such as Publix and Kroger commitment cards, Upromise, Target, and Pike’s. Occasional Buzz and Pawprint submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

HEALTH AND SAFETY: Assists the clinic and teachers with needed supplies and coordinates Red Ribbon Week. Buzz and Pawprint submissions required. Requires 1 chairperson.

HELPING HANDS: This committee assists in acknowledging deaths and births within the Bascomb community as well as organize the pick of items to donate to charity each month. Occasional Buzz submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

HONORS CEREMONY (4th Grade): This committee coordinates this year-end event that celebrates the fourth graders’ achievements. Requires 1 chairperson, traditionally a fourth grade parent.

HOSPITALITY: Organize the following for Bascomb faculty and staff:

• Coordinate with Appreciation chair to host a “Back to School” luncheon for teachers the week of pre-planning.
• Coordinate with Appreciation chair to host a Teacher/Staff appreciation luncheon during second half of school year.
• Coordinate refreshments on an as needed basis for various events that may arise within the Bascomb community including each morning/afternoon of Meet & Greet.
• Requires 1 chairperson.

INFORMATION DISPLAYS: Coordinates the lobby display cases and bulletin boards. Requires 1 chairperson.

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Promotes awareness of county, state, and national legislative programs affecting education. Possible Buzz or Pawprint submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

MATH COMMITTEE: Manages this extra curricular math program designed to challenge students and enhance skills. Possible Buzz or Pawprint submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

MEDIA CENTER: Coordinates volunteers on a regular basis to assist in the Media Center. Also manages the PTA-sponsored Authors in the School program and assists in training days for parents. Occasional Buzz and Pawprint submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

MEMBERSHIP: Organizes ALL aspects of Membership for the Bascomb PTA including coordinating the membership drives:

• During August Meet & Greets.
• During August/September Curriculum Nights.
• Buzz and Pawprint submissions.
• Requires 2 chairpersons.

P.A.S.S. COORDINATOR: Parental Awareness for Safe Schools is a program of the Cherokee County School Police Department designed to inform parents and others in the school community of critical issues related to providing a safe environment for teaching and learning. This coordinator leads up a Crisis Team made up of Bascomb parents and organizes safety awareness speakers/programs while working alongside other coordinators within the Etowah zone. Buzz and Pawprint submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

(THE) PAWPRINT: Quarterly newsletter distributed to all students’ families. The editor gathers PTA and school-related news to produce this communication and recognition publication while working closely with the PTA President, school staff, and committee chairs. Requires 1 chairperson.

PUBLIC RELATIONS: Coordinates efforts with the local media to spotlight events at Bascomb. Requires 1 chairperson.

REFLECTIONS: This committee coordinates this multimedia arts competition sponsored by the PTA and provides support (including judges) for Bascomb entries at the county and state levels. Organizes a Reflections ceremony for all Bascomb participants. Buzz and Pawprint submissions. Requires 1-2 chairpersons.

ROOM REPRESENTATIVE: This committee chair acts as a PTA liaison to assist Room Moms with any questions they may have. Organizes 2 room mom meetings at the beginning of the school year and works closely with the PTA President when necessary to communicate with classrooms. Buzz submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

SCHOOL BEAUTIFICATION/PLAYGROUND: Enhance and maintain the school grounds by coordinating the delivery of mulch, pine straw, and other landscaping needs. May choose to establish work days throughout the year to encourage participation from parents, teachers, and students. This would also include coordinating with teachers and the Environmental Resource Chair for a beautification project for Earth Day. Additionally, works closely with the PTA Board to suggest and implement improvements for front and back playgrounds along with checking maintenance of playground structures. Buzz submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

SCHOOL PHOTHOGRAPHER: This committee takes photos of all special events, clubs, parties, etc… around the school throughout the entire year. Yearbook chairpersons can assist by communicating what photos they need for the yearbook. Own Digital Camera required. Requires 2 chairpersons.

SCIENCE FUN DAY: The committee coordinates this day of fun science activities for all students in first thru fourth grades. Buzz and Pawprint submissions. Requires 1-2 chairpersons plus grade level coordinators.

SCIENCE RESOURCE ROOM: Facilitates the use of multiple high level science resources available to the entire faculty to enhance instruction by maintaining and organizing science supplies in room #620 . Works with SFD chair and coordinators, teachers, and PTA Board. Requires 1 chairperson.

SKATE NIGHT: Organizes and promotes monthly skate night event at local roller rink. Must attend each skate night, record attendance, and award class with highest participation. Liaison between vendor and PTA Board. This is ongoing throughout the year. Buzz submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

SPECIALS LIAISON: Assists the Specials teachers with various activities on an as needed basis throughout the school year. Possible Buzz submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

SPIRIT SHOP: Purchase supplies to sell at the school store. Promote store throughout the year while coordinating with volunteer chair to have parents work the store every Tuesday and Thursday. Set up store at Meet & Greet. Requires 1-2 chairpersons.

SPIRIT WEAR: Promote, coordinate, and distribute Bascomb’s "spirit wear" for youth and adults.  Requires 1 chairperson.

• This is ongoing throughout the year and requires some planning during the summer.
• Works closely with PTA Board and is liaison between vendor.
• Organize and sell school spirit wear at Meet & Greet and Curriculum nights.
• Buzz and Pawprint submissions.

STUDENT COUNCIL: Coordinates with the head of the 3rd & 4th Grade Student Council to utilize their members for school or PTA projects.  Requires 1 chairperson.

TALENT SHOW (4th grade): This committee produces this show that offers fourth graders an opportunity to showcase their talents towards the end of the school year. Buzz and Pawprint submissions. Requires 1-2 chairpersons, traditionally a fourth grade parent.

THE HEALTHY CHILD: This committee researches children and family health issues to provide articles and information for submission to the Buzz each week and The Pawprint each quarter. This is ongoing throughout the school year. May organize classroom activities or challenges. Requires 1 chairperson.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: This committee coordinates most large-scale and/or regular volunteer efforts by working with the PTA Board and other committee chairs throughout the school year. Buzz and Pawprint submissions. Requires 1 chairperson.

WELCOME: This committee works with the Registrar to organize information folders and welcome bags for new students and their families to help familiarize them with the Bascomb community. Works with Registrar to maintain new student bulletin board in front foyer. Requires 1 chairperson.

YEARBOOK: This committee coordinates picture taking with the School Photographers throughout the year to capture students and various events including parent volunteers, teachers, staff, etc. Prepares pages for yearbook printing and works closely with vendor. This is ongoing throughout the year. Buzz submissions. Requires 2 chairpersons.