President's Note, 10/18/21

10/18/2021 11:56 pm

From Plano ISD to National PTA and many organizations in-between, there are a lot of seminars, talks, podcasts, and other opportunities to gain information and enrichment for both students and their families.  

One program that we at Schimelpfenig PTA sponsor every year is the National PTA Reflections program.  The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life. The 2021–2022 Reflections theme is I Will Change the World By…  Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.  Submissions at Schimelpfenig are due by Monday, November 8th.  For program rules and eligibility, please visit our website HERE.

This year, we have enrolled in National PTA's School of Excellence program, the goal of which is to improve the lines of communication and critical thinking between PTA, school administrators, and our community.  Next week, we will be including a survey in this newsletter that we ask you to complete as step two in our year-long commitment to identifying and implementing an action plan for school improvement.

Plano ISD has a wonderful parent education program this year, with a variety of topics available every month virtually and weekly Lunch and Learn topics meeting in-person.  Please check the QR code or click HERE for the October calendar. Offerings this week include Building Bridges between Parents and Child: A Substance Abuse Prevention Workshop on Monday and Wednesday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and Rituals and Routines: Why Have Them? on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Make-Up Picture Day: Tuesday Oct. 19th!

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Remember that Tuesday, October 19 is Schimelpfenig MS school photo retake day!

Wednesday, October 20th is Unity Day

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Unity Day, started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in October 2011, is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. This is a day when we can come together in one giant, ORANGE message of hope and support. The call to action is simple: wear and share the color orange. This vibrant statement becomes a conversation starter, showing support for students who have been bullied and for bullying prevention.

Update Your and Your Student's Info on our Website

10/18/2021 11:51 pm

Anyone who doesn't update by the end of this week (October 22nd) will no longer receive the newsletter

Don't forget to update your parent and student information on our SMS PTA website to stay connected with us! 

This will ensure that you receive our eNews newsletters, special eBlasts and other important PTA news during this school year.

Chipotle Spirit Night - 10/13

10/11/2021 11:37 pm

Sunday, October 10 was World Mental Health Day

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This day aims to raise awareness around mental health matters, communicate the importance of destigmatizing mental health, and rally communities in advocating for a world with mental health education and support for all. This year, the World Mental Health Federation calls attention to the barriers in accessing mental health systems and support in an unequal world.  Learn more and discover tools, resources and more by visiting the campaign toolkits developed by the World Mental Health Federation and the World Health Organization.

National PTA News

10/11/2021 11:34 pm

• Listen to National PTA's Notes latest from the Backpack podcast:  What is Social Emotional Learning, Anyway? What life skills does your child need to thrive? There’s a lot of learning happening in schools that goes beyond academics. Karen Van Ausdal talks about what Social and Emotional Learning looks like, why it’s important and how families can help. Listen now.

• October is LGBTQ+ History Month.  National PTA believes that schools should be a safe, supportive and respectful environment for all students.  PTAs believe that every child deserves to go to school excited to learn—without the fear of bullying, violence or discrimination.  To read more and find out how you can become an advocate for LGBTQ youth in our community, click here:  LGBTQ Community Inclusivity in PTA - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• October is National Arts and Humanities Month.  Encourage your student to enter the National PTA Reflections program.  (See information below about how to participate in our SMS PTA Reflections program.)