Wednesday, April 8, 2009

CELL PHONE SAFETY TIPS FROM PTSA

Almost everyone has a cell phone these days...even our children. PTA has provided great safety tips to help you guide your child's cell phone use.

Benefits:
• Cell phones can make communication within families a lot easier.
• Cell phones can be extremely helpful in emergencies.
• Text messages can be an efficient and discreet way for parents to communicate with their children, especially when they just need a quick answer.

Risks:
• The features available for cell phones and other hand-held devices are rapidly becoming more sophisticated.

Most cell phones now provide SMS (text messaging) capabilities, access to theInternet, pictures and/or video features. What You Can Do....Download, read and share full tip sheet here: http://www.pta.org/Documents/Cellphone_Tipsheet.pdf

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

OPEN NOHS PTSA positions

Attention all 8th grade parents: The NOHS PTSA is looking for parent that would like to serve on the NOHS PTSA. Open positions include: President, Reflections, Drug/Health, Kentucky Kids Day, Academic Recognition, Senior Breakfast, Class Representatives 9th, 10th, and 12th. Please contact Karen Coffey at 228-6765 or coff7023@bellsouth.net if you have any interest.

Friday, March 27, 2009

THANK YOU

The NOMS PTSA would like to thank
Jeff Griffin
Jed Turner
Lisa Bowman
Teresa Forrest
for doing such an outstanding job at the Bullying at NOMS information forum meetings, and
the administration for supporting the event!
Thanks a bunch!

2009-2011 SBDM COUNCIL PARENT REPRESENTATIVE

The NOMS PTSA is pleased to announce that Leah Simpson will be the NOMS Parent Representative on the SBDM Council for the 2009-2011 term.

Congratulations Leah Simpson!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Attention all 5th, 6th & 7th grade parents:

The NOMS PTSA would like to extend an invitation to all parents to join the PTSA (Parent, Teacher, and Student Association) and consider taking a position on the PTSA board. It’s a fantastic way to be involved in the school and see first hand what is going on. I have served on the PTSA board for five years, and have enjoyed every minute of it. There are several positions available ranging from minimal involvement to being a vice president. Below is a list of open positions:

President - oversee all operations of the Parent Teacher Student Association, conduct monthly PTSA meetings, quarterly General PTSA meetings, attend training meetings, coordinate with the staff and administration of NOMS for PTSA events, and the list goes on ...

Vice President of Fund Raising – responsible for organizing the PTSA fundraisers. There are usually six per year (Fall Catalog, pizza sale, plant sale, talent show, dance, etc.) (committee to help)

Vice President of Membership – responsible for conducting the membership drive on registration day and reporting membership of our organization. Also, responsible for hosting the annual student membership social.

Volunteer Coordinator – Responsible for supplying committee chairperson with names and contact information of those persons that volunteered to help.

Fall Fundraiser Chairperson – Responsible for overseeing and organizing the fall fundraiser. This typically includes determining prizes, coordinating with our supplier, distribution of sale catalogs (usually after the assembly), collection of orders and money, distribution of pre-packaged and sorted items to students. Our supplier does all the packing and assembly work. We only promote the program and distribute the product when it arrives (already sorted and labeled with each participates name and classroom). (committee/volunteers to help)

Newsletter Editor – Publish four newsletters per year.

Red Ribbon Week – A Program we celebrate encouraging the kids to make good choices avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, bullying, etc. This position is responsible the various activities that take place over one week (usually 4 days due to Fall Break).

Talent Show Concession Stand – Once a year organize and host the concession stand for the annual Talent Show / Silent Auction. (To be held in late February or early March 2010)

Reflections Program – Responsible for running the PTSA Reflections Program (Cultural Arts) on the school level, including publicity, collection are entries, submission to district and the awards ceremony. Some direction from the district level. (Beginning of the school year)

8th Grade Promotion Chair – Responsible for coordinating with NOMS staff responsible for organizing activities associated with 8th grade promotion. This typically involves a field day or cook out, field trip, award recognition, 8th grade dance, etc. (committee to help).

Legislative Chairperson – Responsible for keeping the NOMS PTSA board informed of legislative issues that pertain to our school, students, parents, etc.

Social / Dance Chairperson – Responsible for hosting two dances (socials) for the students each year. We host the first dance of the year – held on the first Friday of school, and a spring dance (typically the last dance of the year). Primarily responsible for securing the DJ, volunteers and concessions.

Please feel free to contact any member on our nominating committee if you are interested in any of the above or with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Betsy Lowe,
NOMS PTSA President, 749-4339, betsy4kids@aol.com

Nominating Committee Members:
Pauline Moore, 228-0578, pmoore2904@gmail.com
Beverly Smith, 292-2850, gypsybev@insightbb.com
Beth Scherer, 228-6112, beth.scherer@att.net

STATE REFLECTION CEREMONY - MAY 9

The Student Recognition for state Reflection winners is on May 9 in Frankfort.
All winners of the State Competition will receive directions, time, etc. in the written communication from the Kentucky PTA.

Reflection Pieces going onto the STATE competition

The following students Reflection Pieces are being considered in the STATE competition:



DANCE PERFORMANCE
Anna Rauh and Adama Kamara

DANCE CHORIOGRAPHY
Anna Rauh

MUSICAL COMPOSITION
Kayvon Ghayoumi

LITERATURE
Amanda Jack

Best wishes from your NOMS PTSA board! Thanks for representing NOMS so well!

REFLECTIONS DISTRICT RESULTS!

Congratulations to the following students for having their Reflection's Piece Place at Districts!

LITERATURE
Matthew Fraser - Excellence
Katarina Dewey - Excellence
Amanda Jack - Excellence
Nikhita Luthra - Merit
PHOTOGRAPHY
Megan Flanigan - Excellence
Richard Cockerell - Excellence
Jake Johnson - Honorable Mention
ART
Nikhita Luthra - Excellence
Kayvon Ghayoumi - Honorable Mention
DANCE PERFORMANCE
Anna Rauh & Adama Kamara - Excellence
DANCE CHORIOGRAPHY
Anna Rauh - Excellence
MUSICAL COMPOSITION
Kayvon Ghayoumi - Excellence

TALENT SHOW RESULTS

The NOMS PTSA is so pleased to announce the winners of the 11th Annual PTSA Mustang Talent Show but before we do we want to offer a huge THANK YOU to
our COMMITTEE:
Beverly Smith
Laura Karaglanis
Dorinda Workman
our JUDGES:
Terri Foster
Joyce Fletcher
Alison Erwin
our MCs and Sound:
Dominic Piedmonte
Alanah Stigler
Samantha Harrison
Scott Menefee for printing the programs!
AND ...
NOMS for their support!
And the winners are ...
Crowd Pleaser Award -
Wyatt Crawford
Judges Award -
Matt McGraw, John Roach, Evan Elkins, Garrison Bullock and Quinn Jones
Instumental
- 1st place - Chris Chen,
- 2nd place - Landon Jones
Dance
- 1st place - Arin Hurd,
- 2nd place - Katie Guinn and Mallory Love
Vocal
- 1st place - Brandie Neelly,
- 2nd place - Rachel Smith
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ABOVE STUDENTS AND ALL MUSTANG STUDENTS THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

From KY PTA - for YOUR STUDENT!

Kentucky State University is one of the college campuses across the country hosting an AgDiscovery program on its campus June 14 – 27 in Frankfort for students between the ages of 12 and 16. Ag-Discovery is an outreach program to help teenagers learn about careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, agribusiness, plant pathology and wildlife management. They study the life cycles and habits of insects (entomologists); research microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses (biotechnologists); examine cells and tissues under a microscope to identify diseases (plant pathologists); work to conserve and manage wild animals and their habitats (wildlife biologists); carry out animal health programs (veterinarians); and provide leadership and education on the humane care and treatment of animals (veterinarians and animal care inspectors).

The AgDiscovery program is a 2 week summer boarding program allows participants ages 12-17 to live on a college campus and learn about Agricultural science from university professors, practicing veterinarians and professionals working for the U.S. Government. Students chosen to participate in AgDiscovery will gain experience through hands-on labs, workshops, field trips and other group and team building activities. Students also will participate in character and team-building activities and diversity workshops.

The university will make a variety of animal species available to the AgDiscovery participants. Every participant will work with live animals during this summer program. The students will learn what it feels like to be a veterinarian through hands-on experiences.

AgDiscovery is a unique opportunity for students to gain a first-hand look at the many career paths open to them in the agricultural sciences. For those interested in an agricultural career, AgDiscovery is a great way to get started!

Students selected for the 2009 AgDiscovery summer session will pay only the cost of their transportation to get from home to the college campus for the start of the session and back again at the end of the session. The cost of tuition, room and board, and lab supplies for the 2-week program will be covered by various offices within APHIS.

A complete application package must be submitted to APHIS that is postmarked no later than April 17, 2009. APHIS will not accept application packages that are postmarked after that date and/or are incomplete. Students must submit a two-page essay entitled “Why I Want to Attend the AgDiscovery Program and What I Want to Learn.” Included in the essay In the essay should be information on interests and hobbies and an explanation on what you want to do when you grow up. Additionally, three character reference letters must be included.

Please go to the link below for more details and an application:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery/

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

SBDM PARENT REPRESENTATIVE ELECTION

Announcement:
The NOMS SBDM Council Parent Representative Election is being held next week at NOMS.

The election will open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9 and run until 3:45 on Friday, March 13. This will allow time for parents to participate in the election. The ballot box will be at the front desk at NOMS. There will be a name list for each person voting to initial when they vote so that there is a record of who voted. Only parents of students that will be attending NOMS in year 2009-2010 are allowed to participate in the election. Please remember to take time to vote in the election next week. As a reminder the personal information about each candidate is posted on the this web site just a few posts further down. Any questions, please contact Betsy Lowe at 749-4339 or betsy4kids@aol.com

Monday, February 23, 2009

TALENT SHOW THIS FRIDAY

Dear Parents and Students,

The 11th Annual Mustang Talent Show is being held this Friday. We have several fabulous performances! You don't want to miss. First and second place prizes given out, plus the "crowd pleaser" award.

DATE: Friday, February 27, 2009
TIME: 7:00 pm
PLACE: NOMS Gymnasium
COST: $3.00 per person

All students must be accompanied by an adult.
An adult can supervise more than one student.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT BULLYING...

Dear Parents and Students,

The NOMS PTSA is pleased to announce that it will be hosting
TWO Bullying Seminary/Forum
for parents and students at it's next General PTSA meeting.

DATE: Tuesday, March 17
TIME: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
or 7:00 - 8:00 PM
PLACE: NOMS Media Center

The three counselors at NOMS will be there to share the current policy at NOMS and discuss what you can do as a student or parent to help curb bullying at our middle school. Hope to see you there.

Any questions, please email or call Betsy Lowe at betsy4kids@aol.com or 749-4339.

Thanks,
Betsy Lowe
NOMS PTSA President

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Operation Spirit Announcement

Updates from Operation: SPIRIT

New Parenting 201 Class Starting on the South Oldham Campus - February 24, 2009
Open to all parents who have completed Parenting 101, Parenting 201 helps parents dig deeper into “Why We Parent The Way We Do”. This class is facilitated by Mr. Jan Horton, LCSW, DCSW. Mr. Horton is a retired Psychotherapist and offers parents a unique opportunity to learn more about themselves and their parenting styles.
This class includes four 90 minutes sessions and will run from 7:00pm – 8:30pm on February 24, February 26, March 3, March 5.
To register: www.operationspirit.org (click on “Small Groups”)

New Parenting 101 Class Starting on the North Oldham Campus – March 5, 2009
We are pleased to announce that the North Oldham facilitators will offer their 4 week Parenting 101 class at the North Oldham Firehouse starting Thursday, March 5, 2009. This class will include all 8 video sessions showing 2 videos per meeting. The class will run from 8:30am – 10:30am on March 5, 12, 19, and 26. For more information, contact Jean Schumm 241-6681 ext. 121.
To register: www.operationspirit.org (click on “Small Groups”)

Friday, February 13, 2009

PTSA Student Ice Cream Social

Today is the day!

The NOMS PTSA is hosting the Annual PTSA Student Member Ice Cream Social today, Friday, February 13. All students that are current PTSA members will be invited to the cafeteria by grade level to participate in this social event. They will get to make an ice cream sunday to their own liking. Other options are available for students with milk allergies. Nuts and peanut products will not be served.

6th grade: 1:30 p.m.
7th grade: 2:00 p.m.
8th grade: 2:30 p.m.

WAY TO GO MUSTANGS!

Candidates for SBDM Council

Below is a brief statement from each candidate.
In alphabetical order:

Cheryl Junion
"My name is Cheryl Junion. I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the SBDM Council and represent the parents and students of North Oldham Middle School. I would be able to serve having the vantage point of both my personal and professional background. My husband, Steve, and I currently have three children in the Oldham County School District. I have been actively involved in the school district as a volunteer in a variety of functions, including volunteering weekly at Liberty School and NOMS supporting teachers as an additional resource. I also had the opportunity to be the Chairperson for Kentucky Kids' Day this past year which allowed me to expand my knowledge of the PTSA and NOMS in general. In addition, I have had the opportunity to serve students and parents as a teacher in the state of Iowa for eight years prior to moving to Kentucky and bring additional teaching experience through my volunteer work with our church. Through this set of experiences and being a fellow parent, I would be honored to serve and represent you as part of the SBDM Council."

Leah Simpson
"My name is Leah Simpson. I would like to serve on the North Oldham Middle School SBDM Council. I have lived in Oldham County for the past eight years with my husband, Mark and daughter, Hailey. Hailey will be entering NOMS in fall of 2009 as a sixth grader from Liberty Elementary. Mark is the Senior Director of Legendary People for Texas Roadhouse Restaurants. I have spent the last eight years as a stay at home mom. During that time, I have volunteered in my daughter's classroom, served on the SBDM Council and on the PTA Board at Liberty. My family and I attend St. John's Methodist Church. Prior to moving to Kentucky, my family lived in the New Orleans, Louisiana area where I practiced law with an insurance defense firm. In addition to a law degree, I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Over the past six years that my daughter attended Liberty Elementary, I have had many opportunities to volunteer and to be involved with the school. Serving on the SBDM Council at NOMS will allow me to continue to be involved. Since I have served on the SBDM Council at the elementary level, I already have some experience and insight into the responsibilities of the SBDM Council. I would appreciate your consideration when making your choice for SBDM representative."

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

PTSA Meeting; Minutes from January 14, 2009

NOMS PTSA Meeting Notes January 14, 2009

The meeting was called to order by Betsy Lowe at 8:47 a.m. with 10 people in attendance including: Betsy Lowe, Cheryl Junion, Pauline Moore, Lyne Church, Beth Scherer, Dacia Jackel, Lana Rice, Robb Smith, Cynthia Paris and Kim Finnicum.

President’s Report: Thanks to Meg Demuth for a great teacher lunch, Kellie Harrison for all her work on the Reflections program, Laura for the great newsletter and Jenny Stegeman for all her efforts for the Paragon fundraiser – jobs well done ladies!
Bullying – in Iowa they have a program called Olweus which addresses bullying in K – 8th grades which we could think about using for a bullying meeting.

The survey results from the bullying survey on the PTSA web site are:
Knowledge of bullying: 51 people responded to the survey….
Never had a problem with bullies = 12%
Yes, aware bullying goes on but my student not affected = 24%
Yes, my student has been bullied = 59%
Yes, it’s everywhere = 25%
Interest in a program on bullying and availability:
Yes, nights = 48%
Yes, days = 21%
No, not interested = 23%
No, no time = 8%

Principal’s Report:
The 8th grade bathrooms have had taller partitions added and the bathrooms should be open next week. The 6th grade bathrooms will be started soon.
The results of the 8th grade explorer test which are similar to the ACT test showed that NOMS outperformed all other Oldham middle schools
Hoping to have the replacement for STI up and running in February, please be patient.
Report Cards go out 1-26-09.
NOMS will be hosting the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday 1-15-09.
EOY testing will be May 4 -15th.

Secretary Report: The minutes stand approved.
Treasurer’s Report: The checkbook balance is: $17, 809.00 as of 1-14-09.
Membership Report: The ice cream social is scheduled for 1-27-09 from 1:30 – 3:15. If you can volunteer please let Karen Morrison know, she is needing help with this.

Fundraising Report:
Little Ceasar’s fundraiser sign ups are going out this week
Snappy Tomato, need to talk with Chris to ensure all employees know that all purchases qualify on our nights
Monthly Java will continue
Spring Dance – change to right after school vs. evening dance on April 17, 2009.

Programs:
Reflections is complete thanks to Kellie, there were 87 participants. The awards night was poorly attended due to a KYA field trip that day.
Staff Appreciation Lunch: Meg did a great job, everyone loved it and want the recipes in the future.
Talent Show: 2-27 is the audition date, posters announcing this are going up and it will be announced in the daily announcements emailed home. Two judges are secured and they are looking for 2 more. Last year some acts were inappropriate so this year the curtain will be dropped during the performance if this happens again.
There will be a $3 admission to get in and this is not a drop off event, you must be with a parent.
Please let Beverly Smith know if you can help.

Teacher appreciation week: A motion to increase the budget for this from $400.00 to $800.00 was presented by Beth Scherer and seconded by Pauline Moore and passed unanimously. This is set for the week of April 27th. The tentative ideas are: Monday = Breakfast, Tuesday = Massages/Oreo Balls, Wednesday = Lunch (Meg handling), Thursday = Coasters with a gift card?, Friday = grab bags with balloons or something attached.
Lana is going to ask the Art teacher to do some posters
Please email Lana Rice at lanacrice@gmail.com if you can help out.

Secret Pals: The program is going well
SBDM Report: Robb Smith shared they are working on the school plan at this time
Betsy announced we have an opening for the July 2009 - July 2011 position on the SBDM council. Nominations are open now. Betsy will make and deliver the nomination forms to the front office and she will put them in the daily announcements (attachment). If you are interested or know someone that is, please submit your nomination by 1-27-09. The final vote will be the night of the Talent show 2-27-09.

New Business: Beth Scherer brought up the possibility of the kids watching the inauguration on Tuesday, Robb Smith will check into this.

Next Meeting February 11, 2009 at NOMS at 8:45 a.m.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

BULLYING SEMINARY AT NOMS

Dear Parents and Students,

The NOMS PTSA is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a Bullying Seminary/Forum for parents and students at it's next General PTSA meeting.

DATE: Tuesday, March 17
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
DURATION: Less than 1 hour
PLACE: NOMS Media Center

The three counselors at NOMS will be there to share the current policy at NOMS and discuss what you can do as a student or parent to help curb bullying at our middle school.

Hope to see you there. Any questions, please email or call Betsy Lowe at betsy4kids@aol.com or 749-4339.

Thanks,
Betsy Lowe
NOMS PTSA President

SBDM Council Nominations are Open

North Oldham Middle School
Site-Based Decision Making Council

This is your opportunity to make a difference. A two-year term position will be opening up on the SBDM Council July 1, 2009- July 1, 2011. Elections for this position will take place on February 27, 2009 at the NOMS Talent Show. Please find the nomination form below.

What is an SBDM council? As mandated by state law under KERA, the council is the governing body for this school. It determines school policy for curriculum, staffing, discipline, scheduling, instructional practices, extra-curricular activities and other matters pertinent to the operation of the school. (A more detailed information packet is available in the office.)

Who serves on the council? 3 parents, 3 teachers, a secretary, and the principal. The principal serves as the chairperson.

Who may run for council? Any parent, stepparent, foster parent or legal guardian of a student who will be attending the school during the 2009-2010 school year. A parent is ineligible if he/she is an employee or relative of an employee of the school or the district central office, or a local school board member or the spouse of a local school board member.

If you want to run for the council, what should you do? Complete the attached nomination form by writing a brief paragraph that includes basic information about yourself and why you would like to serve on the SBDM council. Return this form and paragraph to the school office by 3:30 pm on Monday, February 9th. Your paragraph will be posted on the PTSA web site http://www.nomsptsa.blogspot.com/ and the daily announcements.

When and who may vote? Voting will take place during at the NOMS Talent Show on Friday February 27th. Only families who will have children at North Oldham Middle School for the 2009-2010 school year may vote. If have any further questions, please contact Betsy Lowe at 749-4339 or betsy4kids@aol.com
____________________________________________________________________________

North Oldham Middle School
Site-Based Decision Making Council
Parent Nomination Form
(Term July 1, 2009- July 1, 2011)

● A parent representative will be elected to serve on the SBDM Council for the term that begins July 1 2009. This is a 2 year term for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.
● The election will be held on Friday February 27th during the NOMS Annual Talent Show.
● Nomination forms must be turned in to the school office by 3:30 pm on Monday February 9, 2009. Candidate information will be posted on the PTA web site http://www.nomsptsa@blogspot.com/.
● Candidates must be parents of students registered at North Oldham Middle School for the 2009-2010 school year. They may not be employees of NOMS, or employees of the district administrative office, Board members or a spouse of a Board member.

Monday, February 2, 2009

LITTLE CAESAR PIZZA INFORMATION

Due to the snow we have extended the Little Caesar Pizza Sale.
New dates for the Little Caesar Pizza Sale are:

Order forms due: February 6

Delivery Date: February 17