Little Rock PTA Council
News and Updates
LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT
November 2014
Message from the President
Thank you to Mr. Jeremy Owoh, J. A. Fair Principal, and his staff for
hosting our October School of Information Training Meeting. We enjoyed their
hospitality.
Following lunch and a brief business meeting, PTA leaders divided into
officer groups for training. During the training, new officers who missed the
Arkansas PTA Summer Leadership Training had an opportunity to learn more
about their new PTA roles and responsibilities. Several LR PTA Council past
presidents and State PTA Officers were in attendance including our State
President, Charles Warren. We are so very appreciative of ALL of the State leaders who took
time to attend and assist with the training sessions. We also appreciate all LR PTA leaders who
participated in the training!
Congratulations to those units that submitted PTA membership dues by September
30th. President Warren informed the group that 85% of the LR PTA Council units have now
earned the Early Bird Award! The LR Council extends a special congratulation to each of you.
The initial membership dues deadline is always November 1st each year, so each unit should
have submitted any dues collected to date to the State PTA Office.
Two PTA-supported contests are currently in progress—American Education Week
(Nov. 17-21) and Reflections. These contests offer students a unique opportunity to showcase
their many artistic and writing talents, so please encourage student participation!
Our next meeting will be held at Watson Intermediate School, 7000 Valley Drive, on
Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The
business portion of the meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
I look forward to seeing you then!
Sincerely,
Greta Freeman
LR PTA Council President
LR PTA Council Meeting Dates 2014-2015
November 11
Watson Intermediate
February 10
Founder’s Day
Hall H. S.
December 9
Brady Elementary
January 13
LRSD Administration
March 10
Central H. S.
Inside this issue:
Featured School
2
PTA Spotlight
3
AEW and Reflections
4
Treasurer’s Corner and Membership Matters
5
LRSD News
Adult Education News
Parent Involvement
6
7-8
9
PTA Highlights
10
BE a PIG
11
Dates to Remember
12
LR PTA Council and State Officers
12
LR PTA Council Fee Form
*
Email Attachments
*
April 21
Mann Magnet M. S.
May 12
Spring Awards Celebration
TBA
Featured School—Watson Intermediate School
Watson opened in mid-October 1967 as
part of the Pulaski County Special School
District. In 1979, the building was
renovated. The library was enlarged by
taking in the space of two former
classrooms.
Two new classrooms were added to both
ends of the building to compensate and add
additional space. This increased the number
of classrooms to 26 and doubled the library
space.
Waston Intermediate School has 388
students in grades 3rd-5th. There are 29
certified staff members including the principal. There are 19 support members (clerical,
paraprofessionals, security officer, custodians, and child nutrition workers.) The school is
open from 7:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The general instruction hours are 7:50 a.m. to 2:35
p.m. Students are admitted into the school at 7:15 a.m. for D.E.A.R. Time (Drop Everything
and Read). The breakfast in the classroom line operates from 7:45 a.m. - 7:50 a.m. The
students have breakfast in the classroom from 7:55 a.m. - 8:05 a.m.
School Mission
“In collaboration with parents and the community, Watson Intermediate faculty and
staff will provide every student with a positive learning environment that develops
independent learners and problem solvers through effective instruction and
appropriate assessments and responsiveness to intervention.”
WATSON’S CREED
Each day, I will do the “Eagle” Way
Engagement – I will work on the work!
Accountability- I will be responsible and take ownership for my actions!
Greatness – I will not settle for mediocrity!
Leadership – I will be positive in my doing!
Expectations – I will present quality!
www.lrsd.org
PTA Spotlight
Stephanie Pickett- Walker grew up in Augusta, AR
and graduated from Augusta High School in 1984. She is
the daughter of the late John E. Kendall, who was a middle
school principal, and Ruth Kendall, who is currently retired
as an Elementary Teacher. Both were educators for the
Augusta School District. Mrs. Walker attended Arkansas
State University at Jonesboro, AR and later transferred to
the University of AR at Pine Bluff where she received her
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Walker
went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Elementary
Education from the University of AR at Pine Bluff. It was
her desire not to only follow in the footsteps of her mother,
but she also aspired to one day become a school Principal.
Mrs. Stephanie Pickett-Walker
Mrs. Walker added to her program of study in
Principal
Elementary Administration/Educational Leadership at the
University of AR at Pine Bluff and completed the program
at the University of AR at Little Rock where she received her Building Level
Administrator License. Mrs. Walker began her teaching career in 1990 in the Lee
County School District in Marianna, AR, as a third grade teacher. She taught two
years in Lee County. She moved to Pine Bluff and worked at Landmark Elementary
School as a fifth grade teacher in the Pulaski County School District for two years
and as a second grade teacher in Pulaski County for two years. Mrs. Walker taught
in Hope, AR, as a fifth grade teacher for one year and in the Pine Bluff School
District as a sixth grade teacher for ten years prior to coming to the Little Rock
School District. Mrs. Walker came to Watson in 2007 as a Math Coach and during
the same year was hired as interim Assistant Principal. Ms. Walker served as the
Assistant Principal at Watson for a little over two years until she was hired as the
Principal of Watson Elementary in 2010 to the current time. Acquiring a good
quality education has always been encouraged, embedded and instilled in the life
of Mrs. Walker as she was growing up. It is still one of the main platforms that she
firmly stands on as she encourages students on the importance of acquiring an
education.
In Mrs. Walker’s philosophy of education, she believes that each child is a
unique individual who deserves a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in
which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is
her desire as an educator to help students to meet their fullest potential in those
areas by providing highly qualified, well trained staff as well as an environment
that is safe and encouraging towards learning.
Mrs. Walker currently lives in Little Rock, AR. She is the wife of Andre Walker
and is the mother of one son (22 years old), Reverend Joshua Pickett. She is a
proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Mrs. Walker enjoys cooking,
spending time/fellowshipping with family and friends, fishing and traveling with her
husband on the back of their Harley Davidson motorcycle.
American Education Week—November
17-21, 2014—presents all Americans with
a wonderful opportunity to celebrate
public education and honor individuals
who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education.
The weeklong celebration features a special observance each day of the week.
Please submit all entries to Nicole Thomas, LR PTA Council 3rd VP. You may contact
her at [email protected] or [email protected].
Please visit www.nea.org for further explanation.
www.nea.org.
Reflections—“The world would be a better place if...”
National PTA
Reflections is
America’s
oldest and
largest arts
education
program of its kind. The program was developed in 1969 by Colorado’s PTA
President Mary Lou Anderson to encourage students to explore their talents and
express themselves. Since then, the Reflections Program has inspired millions of
students to reflect on a specific theme and create original artwork.
Each year, students in Grades Pre-K through 12 are recognized for bringing the
theme to life through film production, dance choreography, literature, music
composition, photography, and visual arts. The 2014-2015 Reflections program
theme is “The world would be a better place if...”
All students must follow the general participation rules, as well as rules for each
arts category listed above. For all forms and guidelines contact the State PTA. All
entries are due to the State PTA by January 15, 2015.
In 2012, the Special Artist Division emerged as an optional division for students
whose physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges meet ADA guidelines.
Check the Arkansas State PTA website regarding state availability, guidelines and
rules.
www.arkansaspta.org
www.pta.org
Treasurer’s Corner
Treasurers, please check to make sure your records are in order. If you still need help with your audit,
Sandy Becker and Marilyn Hopson will provide assistance. The following deadlines (in red) should have
been met, in addition to IRS filing which is due soon:

LR PTA Council Fees were by November 1, 2014 (please submit if you haven’t done so), using the
Registration Fee Form, to LR PTA Council Treasurer, Marilyn Hopson, P. O. Box 461, Little Rock,
Arkansas 72203.

Submit your State and Local PTA Membership Dues and Report to the State PTA Office by November
1, 2014 (please submit if you haven’t done so).

Secure or renew your Bond Insurance Policy by November 1, 2014 (please secure if
necessary).

By November 15, 2014, all units must have filed their taxes with the IRS. Doing so
allows the your unit to accept tax-deductible donations and to claim an exemption
from paying income tax on your receipts. If your unit receives less than $50, 000
during the fiscal year, then you have the option to file your taxes online using form 990-N
(ePostcard). This form can be filed as early as July 1st and as late as November 15th; however, there
are no extensions with this form. You will only need to know is your PTA’s Tax ID# (EIN), unit name,
address, and the current officers. If your unit receives at least $50,000 or more, then a Form 990 or
990 EZ is required. This form does permit filing of an extension if necessary. If you need immediate
assistance with filing these forms, please contact either Marilyn Hopson ([email protected]),
LR PTA Council Treasurer or Sandy Becker ([email protected]), LR PTA Council Advisor.
Membership Matters!
With Today’s PTA Membership, families also have access to
important benefits, including:
For assistance with
membership
questions or
concerns,
contact Shannon
Johnson, LR Council
2nd VP—
[email protected]

Dozens of national programs, experts, and turnkey resources

Regular updates and advice in the form of e-newsletters,
PTA.org, Our Children magazine, and a robust Back-to-School
kit of resources

Leadership development through webinars and e-learning
courses

Millions of dollars in grants to help build PTA capacity and skills

Prestigious national awards

Cost savings from national retailers and other PTA partners

Invitations to PTA conventions as well as our conferences for
emerging minority leaders, male mentors, and advocates

Support services and staff to help establish and manage your
PTA
LRSD News
The Little Rock School District is Seeking Budget Efficiency
Advisory Committee Members
Interested applicants who wish to serve on LRSD’s Budget Efficiency Advisory
Committee should complete the advisory form and return to the Office of the Superintendent by the
close of business December 1st, 2014. The committee will advise and make recommendations to
the LRSD Superintendent/School Board on budgetary issues, including overall priorities and
revenue requirements based on its understanding of the budget process, and community
feedback in developing future budget strategies.
www.lrsd.org
Little Rock School District
Adult Education Center
Improve your reading, math, and writing skills
GED Test Preparation
English as a Second Language
College and Career Readiness Skills
Workplace Education Programs
CLASSES ARE FREE!
Visit us today!
4800 West 26th Street
(26th and Madison Streets)
501-447-1850
The Little Rock Adult Education Center provides equal access to all programs and activities.
For more information about program services for persons with disabilities,
contact Adult Education Administration at 447-1850. All programs are open enrollment, open exit.
Little Rock School District
Adult Education Center
Inglés como Segundo Idioma
Mejore su lectura, escritura,
comprensión auditiva y expression
• Preparación para el GED en ingles
• Pruebas de GED en inglés y español
• Conseguir un mejor trabajo

CLASSES ARE FREE!
Visit us today!
4800 West 26th Street
(26th and Madison Streets)
501-447-1850
El Centro de Educacion para adultos de Little Rock provee igual acceso para todos los programas y
actividades. Para informacion acerca del programa de servicios para personas con discapacidades
comuniquece con la administracion de Educacion para adultos al telefono 447-1850.
Todos los programas estan disponibles para inscribirse o dejar de asistir en cualquier momento.
PTA Highlights
Dad’s Day—Compliments of Gibbs Magnet
*******************************************************
Arkansas PTA wants every PTA to “BEAPIG” or be a “PTA in Good Standing”.
PTAs In Good Standing
B
Bylaws; PTA bylaws must be current and on file with the state PTA office. Bylaws are
required to be renewed every three (3) years.
E
Elected Officers Form; PTAs must keep a list of current PTA officers on file with the state
PTA office.
A
Audit Report; PTAs must prepare an Audit Report and submit it for review with the state
PTA office.
P
Paid Membership Dues; PTAs must have submitted all state/national PTA dues with the state
PTA office.
I
Insurance; PTAs must purchase bond insurance with a policy date of November 1st. If a PTA
uses AIM, AIM will provide a list of insured PTAs to the state PTA office.
G
Government Agency (IRS) Reporting; PTAs must file a Form 990-N (ePostcard) or Form
990-EZ with the IRS and submit a copy of each year’s filing with the state PTA office.
Join the AR PTA revolution!
LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT
PTA COUNCIL
P. O. Box 461
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203
Submit stories and information to:
the President
[email protected]
the
We’re on
web at
November
1
Membership dues to Arkansas PTA office (Form enclosed)
1
Council fees payable to Council treasurer (Form enclosed)
7
Professional Development—Students Out
12
Council Meeting
11-13
“Check Us Out”, all schools, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
15
LR PTA Council Workshop at Hall, 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
15
990N or 990EZ form due to IRS
17-21
American Education Week
18
ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day
20
School Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
24-28
Thanksgiving Holiday (Schools Closed)
Watson Intermediate School
Lrsd.org
December
LR PTA Council
5
Reflections Entries due to the LR PTA Council
9
Council Meeting
18
School Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
19
End of 2nd Quarter (40 days)
22-Jan 2
Winter Vacation (Schools Closed)
Brady Elementary School
LR PTA Executive Board, Committee Chairs, and State Officers
LR PTA Executive Board Officers
Greta Freeman
[email protected]
1st VP
Neva Johnson
[email protected]
2nd VP
Shannon Johnson
[email protected]
3rd VP
Nicole Thomas
[email protected]
Secretary
Shikara Linsy
[email protected]
Treasurer
Marilyn Hopson
[email protected]
Parliamentarian Michelle Odum
[email protected]
Historian
Charlene Kirk
[email protected]
Handbook
Shikara Linsy
Greta Freeman
Charlene Kirk
Bylaws
Neva Johnson
Membership
Shannon Johnson
Awards
Nicole Thomas
Virginia Stuckey
President
LR PTA Council Committees
Advisory
Presidents Club
[email protected]
President’s Task Force
[email protected]
Newsletter
Greta Freeman
ViPS Rep
Ginny Belotti
[email protected]
AR PTA State Officers
AR President
Charles Warren
[email protected]
President-Elect
Keli Gill
[email protected]
VP of Legislation
Henri Smothers
[email protected]
VP of Membership
Beth Everett
[email protected]
Secretary
Betsy Hayes
[email protected]
Treasurer
Melinda Kinnison
[email protected]
Im. Past President
Ray Samaniego
[email protected]
Bylaws Chair
Julie Delashaw
[email protected]
Reflections Chair
Geraldine Nichols
[email protected]
Central Region VP
Phillip Crutchfield
[email protected]
Central Region FSR
Michelle Odum
[email protected]
Arkansas PTA
Office Manager
Shelley Ussery
[email protected]
Monday thru Wednesday
9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Phone: 501-753-5247 Fax: 501-753-6168
National PTA
www.pta.org
Little Rock PTA Council Registration Fee Form
(The PTA Council Registration Fee is in addition to your National & State dues paid to the Arkansas PTA. Your fee
supports the work of your local PTA council.)
Name of Unit:
______________________________________________________________________
Name of President _________________________________Phone # ___________________
Email Address
____________________________________________________________
School enrollment as of October 1
___________
Council fees are based on your school type/size. Please check the appropriate column.
___
High School
$100
___
Middle School
$ 75
___
Elementary School w/ enrollment over 300 students
$ 50
___
Elementary School w/ enrollment under 300 students
$ 25
___
Metropolitan, ACC, Felder and Hamilton
$ 25
Check # ________
Amount Remitted $_________
Please mail your check (payable to Little Rock PTA Council) and this form to:
Marilyn Hopson
LR PTA Council Treasurer
P. O. Box 461
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203
Please pay fees before November 1.
Fees must be received before a unit will be
considered eligible for PTA Council awards.
Office Use Only:
Date Postmarked _____________Date Received _____________