Volume 7, Issue 23

Cheatham Chatter #YouArePTA Monday, February 13, 2017

Monday, February 20

Tuesday, February 21

Wednesday, February 22

Thursday, February 23

Friday, February 17

Tuesday, February 14

Valentine

Exchanges

Mrs. King‘s

birthday

See attachment, page 7

Monday, February 13

Mrs. Perkins‘s

birthday

See attachment, page 6

Friday, February 24

Mrs. Thomasco‘s

birthday

See attachment, page 8

Earlier this month, Mrs. Ashley Dodson was presented with a plaque at the State Board of Educa-tion meeting in Austin for being named a state finalist for the presidential award for excellence in

Math teaching (PAEMST).

Head Lice Lice reported across grade levels

By Cassie Luther

School Nurse

We are seeing students with

head lice across grade levels. FACTS:

1. Head lice crawl from child

to child through head-to-head

contact.

2. Lice can‘t hop, jump or fly.

3. ANY child can get lice.

4. Lice can live up to 30 days

on a person‘s head and lay

from 50 to 150 eggs. If the

louse falls off a person, it dies

within 2 days.

WHAT SHOULD BE

DONE:

• Check your child‘s head for

lice daily: Lice are small tan to

grayish-white insects; Nits/

eggs are opaque, white oblong

-shaped sacks which are

firmly attached to the hair

shaft.

• Nits CANNOT be brushed

out. They can only be manu-

ally removed with a nit comb

or pulled out by fingers.

• Itching is one of the first

signs of head lice.

• If you find head lice on

your child treat with a recom-

mended over the counter

(FDA approved) head lice

treatment and remove all nits

(eggs).

(continued on page 2)

NO VISITORS

STAAR Simulations

Spirit Night @

NO SCHOOL

Staff Development Day

NO VISITORS

STAAR Simulations

Spirit Night @

4 p.m. to close

See attachment, page 5

NO VISITORS

STAAR Simulations

On the Blacktop

Cheatham Chatter Page 2

Students were asked:

Why are you in KC Council?

Brayden, 5th grade

"I like that we get to

draw and create our

own posters to pro-

mote our projects."

Cash, 4th grade

"I like helping stu-

dents and teachers.

It makes me feel

good."

Rishi, 5th grade "I like that we help

others in our com-

munity."

Joyclyn

"I like helping peo-

ple. It makes you

feel good."

Ainsley "I love helping oth-

ers and getting in-

volved in charity

projects."

A Multi-Volunteer From Copy Room to Multicultural Week, Insiya Patwa keeps busy as a volunteer

By Rachel Maygren

Chatter Editor

Though her service ranges from

tedious to the world of art, In-

siya Patwa is constantly looking for

other ways she can help out around

Cheatham.

As a volunteer in ArtSparks, the Copy

Room and Book Fair, Patwa recently

coordinated the hugely successful Multi-

cultural Week at the school.

Multicultural Week is an annual event

that celebrates the various cultures in the

Cheatham community.

A week dedicated to the diversity of the

community is something Patwa is pas-

sionate about.

―I want the kids to be proud of their

own heritage and culture and also be

open and accepting of other cultures

that may be different from their own,‖

she said.

Volunteering isn‘t just about being a

part of her own children‘s lives, Patwa

said, but also to make an impact on all

the kids.

―I want my kids to know that school is

important and I choose to spend my time

there.‖

Whether a parent works out of the home

or is home during the day, Patwa said

volunteering should be a priority.

―I think our kids benefit from the extra

efforts and support,‖ she said.

Patwa has two children: fifth-grader

Zarah and second-grader Aamir.

(continued from page 1)

Nits are not killed by lice shampoos,

so it will be necessary to wash the hair

with the lice product a second time in 7

to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.

Have your child sit under a bright light

and remove all nits with a metal comb

that is designed to remove nits. Remove

remaining nits with your fingernails. *Failure to do this important step al-

ways results in reoccurrence.*

Remind your child not to share

combs, hats, coats, hair accessories etc.

Students with long hair should keep

their hair pulled up in pony tail or bun.

Increased use of hair products are

encouraged (gel, hairspray, etc)

Blow dry and/or flat iron the stu-

dent‘s hair.

Remind your child to put his/her coat

inside their backpack.

Launder all clothing and bedding.

Laundry water should be at least 130

degrees Fahrenheit to kill the lice. Dry

on highest heat setting.

Vacuum all carpets, upholstery and

mattresses in the house. Throw away the

vacuum bag.

Sealing clothing, stuffed toys, pil-

lows, blankets or other small soft items,

for two weeks in tightly closed plastic

bags will kill both lice and nits. Dry

cleaning will also kill lice.

Soak combs, brushes and other

washable items for one hour in one of

the approved lice shampoos; or, soak

them for 5 to 10 minutes in a pan of 130-

degree hot water.

Check your child frequently for

signs of lice or nits.

If your child is positive for head

lice they must be screened by the

nurse upon re-entry to school the fol-

lowing school day. For more information you may go to the

Texas Department of Health website,

www.dshs.state.tx.us/school health/ and

type head lice in the search bar, go to

www.allenisd.org or call the school

nurse.

Cheatham Chatter Page 3

Did you know that you can have an opinion on what mascot will represent Preston Elementary? Cast your vote at http://

www.allenisd.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4137&ModuleInstanceID=57640&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-

8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=85487&PageID=49488. Choices range from Pioneers to Panthers.

President’s Corner Get involved at Preston Elementary

Did You Know?

By Tasha Young

President

If you have a child enrolled at

Preston Elementary in the Fall

and want to hold an officer‘s position in

the PTA, you‘re invited to attend the

Preston PTA Organizational Meeting

Monday, February 27 at the Allen Ser-

vice Center from 6 to 8 p.m.

The meeting will include the election of

officers, adoption of the Bylaws, ap-

proval of the budget and a few other Pre-

ston PTA related items.

If you want to run for office, be prepared

to speak up to 2 minutes about why you

would like to hold that position. If you

don‘t want to hold a PTA position, but

want to vote during the election, you

need to be a Preston PTA member.

You can sign up to be a Preston PTA

member during the Organizational Meet-

ing.

Any questions can be directed to Allen

Council of PTAs President, Marisol

Randle at marisol@randle.us.

Preston PTA Organization

February 27

6 to 8 p.m.

Allen Service Center

Celebrity Judges Who Am I?

Log onto the Cheatham PTA Facebook page on Friday

to discover this week’s Celebrity Judges.

I was a child actor.

I have two children.

I was a coach at a middle

school.

I am a twin.

I played tennis, ranking #18

in the state of Texas.

I serve on the Allen Council

of PTAs.

Cupcake Wars Celebrating 100% PTA Membership

By Rachel Maygren

VP Hospitality

Before the bell rung dismissing

2016, Cheatham PTA accomplished

what no other Allen ISD school had

done previously: 100% representation of

student body.

To celebrate this amazing feat, and say

thank you to the parents, students, busi-

nesses and community leaders who

helped make this possible, Cheatham

PTA will host a celebration March 22.

But not

just any

celebra-

tion — a

party with

Cupcake

Wars.

Entrants

will range

from stu-

dents to

parents. Judges

span from school

teachers to ad-

ministration.

The judges of

Cupcake Wars

will be revealed

each week leading

up to the celebra-

tion.

Watch for a sign-

up list to throw

your best cupcake

effort into the

judging pool.

The celebration

will include a per-

formance by

Cheatham‘s Choir

and guest speak-

ers, including

Texas PTA Presi-

dent Lisa Hol-

brook.

Go Green Get Paid for

Conserving Water Did you know that the City of

Allen has a rebate program when

you buy energy efficient washers

and also other products? Click

here for more information: http://

www.cityofallen.org/969/H2Ome

-Improvement-Rebate-Program

To-Do List

If your stu-

dent comes

home without

a jacket, water bot-

tle, book, shoe or

other essential

items — make sure

they check the Lost

and Found. Items

are donated at the

end of the grading

period.

Beverly Cheatham Elementary School

1501 Hopewell Drive, Allen, TX 75013 Ph: (972) 396-3016 Fax: (972) 396-3035

Web: allenisd.org/cheathames Twitter: Follow@CheathamElem

Principal: Stephanie Logan PTA President: Tasha Young The Cheatham Chatter is published by the Cheatham PTA in support of the PTA’s mission to be a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for the

education and well-being of every child. Send submissions by 5 pm on Wednesday prior to publication: cheathamcommunications@gmail.com. Content may be used on the PTA website and/or in the newsletter.

Content will be edited for space/clarity.

www.txpta.org www.allenisd.org/cheathames

Phase I Co-

gAT testing

registration

is until Friday. All

students must have

pre-registered to

attend testing that

will be given

on March 18.

Tickets for

the Allen ISD

Mother Son Dance

on Saturday are on

sale. The dance is

from 7-9

pm. Price: $35 per

couple ($10/extra

son) To purchase

tickets online,

please visit http://

allenisd.org//

Domain/15

Box Tops

Contest

ends Friday. Sub-

mit box tops in a

zip lock bag with

child's teacher's

name on it to the

office for a chance

to win extra recess

for the class.

Cheatham Chatter Page 4

By Julie Brunett

T-Shirt Coordinator

A few class shirts remain for

sale in the sizes below. Contact Julie Brunett

at juliebrunett@tx.rr.com to ar-

range to purchase one of the

shirts remaining in stock. Shirts remain $10 each. Class

shirts are worn on field trips and

for Field Day in May.

Kindergarten: Aftosmis 1 youth

medium and 1 adult medium Grades 1-5: 1 youth large and 6

adult small 6th Grade: 1 youth large and 3

adult small The following are also avail-

able but are very slightly dam-

aged: Nelson Kindergarten –

youth small; Grades 1-5 (red) –

1 youth medium and 2 adult me-

dium.

Last Class Shirts A handful of 2016-17 shirts remain

Celebrate Calm Free seminar for Cheatham parents

By Ayanna Bradley

Parent Education

Does your child: Push

your buttons and argue like an

attorney? Melt down over little

changes? If you answered ‗yes‘ to either

those questions, Celebrate Calm

can help. You can to attend two FREE

parenting workshops with Kirk

Martin of Celebrate Calm. Mar-

tin has given over 600,000 par-

ents and teachers very specific,

practical strategies to stop the

yelling, defiance and struggles. Attend February 23 at 10 a.m. or

6 p.m. at Allen High School. Watch video clips and learn

more at

www.celebratecalm.com.

Treating Each Child as Her Own For 17 years, kindergarten teacher Sheri Nelson has watched them grow

By Rachel Maygren

VP Hospitality

In a year filled with

growth and change, kin-

dergarten teacher Sheri Nelson

guides little scholars on their

road to discovery. ―I love helping them find their

independence,‖ Nelson said. Let-

ting children find that independ-

ence and their own way is cru-

cial to their development — both

in the home and at school, she

said.

After teaching for 17 years — 11

in Allen — Nelson said she runs

into past pupils all over. But no

matter the space, time and physi-

cal changes, Nelson said voices

always bring the memory of her

students back.

―She treats her students as her

own children … helping them

learn and grow. Our daughter

loved kindergarten because of

Mrs. Nelson,‖ said parent Marisa

Medrano. Nelson married her high school

sweet-

heart,

Brian,

nearly 16

years ago.

Together,

they have

two chil-

dren: 11-

year-old

Braydon

and 4-year-old Marisa. Nelson loves to travel and create

new things, but above all she

adores her children.

S P I R I T N I G H T J O I N S U S F O R

A T

Black Walnut Cafe - Allen955 W. Stacy Road, Allen, Texas 75013

# B W C S P I R I T N I G H T | W W W . B L A C K W A L N U T C A F E . C O M

4 pm to Close

Come enjoy great food, show your spirit and support a great cause at the same time!

15% of all sales during the above time frame will be donated to:

Save a tree - no flyer needed to participate.

Happy Birthday Mrs. Perkins!

Cheatham PTA likes to send birthday wishes and celebrate our teachers and staff members on their special day. Mrs. Perkins’

birthday is February 9. But we will be celebrating Monday, February 13! If your child would like to bring her a card or one of her favorite things from the list below, please do so on Monday. Thank you!

Favorites

Colors: Pink, Turquoise

Flowers: Gerber Daisy

Special Treats:Twix, Trail Mix

Drinks: Coke, Cherry Coke

Restaurants/Drive Thru: On the Border, Olive Garden, Torchy’s, Sonic, In-N-Out, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A

Stores: Target, Amazon, Gap

Hobbies: Movies, Shopping, Sports Games (Aggies)

Gift Cards: Any of the Above Stores

Class Needs: Black Expos, Skinny Expo Markers

Allergy/Sensitivity: Gluten and Scents

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Minyard PTA Birthday Coordinator at Lisa @Minyard.com

Happy Birthday Mrs. King!

Cheatham PTA likes to send birthday wishes and celebrate our teachers and staff members on their special day. Mrs. King is a 6th grade teacher. Her birthday is February 20. So we will celebrate on

Friday, February 17. If your child would like to bring her a card or one of her favorite things from the list below, please do so on Friday. Thank you!

Favorites Colors: Blue, Orange, I Wear A Lot of Navy Flowers: Hot Pink Carnations, Daisies, Roses, all; not Lilies though

Special Treats: I Love Milk Chocolate w/Nuts, but I’m trying to stop

Drinks: Fully Leaded Coca-Cola Restaurants: Bonnie Ruth, Brio, Square Burger in McKinney Drive Thru: Chick-fil-A Stores: TJMaxx, Dillards, Target Gift Cards:Target!

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Minyard PTA Birthday Coordinator at Lisa @Minyard.com

Happy Birthday Mrs. Thomasco!

Cheatham PTA likes to send birthday wishes and celebrate our teachers and staff members on their special day. Mrs. Thomasco is a 5thgrade

teacher. Her birthday is February 25. So we will celebrate on Friday, February 24. If your child would like to bring her a card or one of her favorite things from the list below, please do so on Friday. Thank you!

Favorites

Colors:Purple

Flowers: All

Special Treats:Chocolate/Peanut Butter-Reese’s Cups, Peanut Butter M&M’s, Rolo, Almond Joy

Drinks:Diet Coke, Diet Peach Snapple Tea

Restaurants:Italian-Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill, Outback

Drive Thru: Chick-fil-A, Sonic

Stores:T J Maxx/Home Goods, Target, Ann Taylor

Gift Cards:T J Maxx/Home Goods, Target, Ann Taylor, Walmart, SAMS

Class Needs: Prize Box Prizes, Clorox Wipes, Duct Tape, Printer Labels, Indoor Recess Games

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Minyard PTA Birthday Coordinator at Lisa @Minyard.com

2017 recipient: Lisa Smentek (Mama Tek).

Mama Tek works at Allen High School where

she has been the Tallenettes director for 13

years. She was recently diagnosed with stage

IV metastatic HER2 breast cancer and is

undergoing treatments.

Allen ISD’s 37th annual “Love Week”

benefitting a community member in need.

The $1 Dollar Donation Campaign

We are asking every student and every staff

member of Allen ISD to donate $1. Donations

accepted at all Allen ISD campuses.

February 13-17 Love Week 2017:

Allen Restaurant Support

Please visit and mention “Love Week” at the following restaurants:

Monday: Chick-fil-A, all day-both locations Tuesday: Chick-fil-A, all day-both locations Wednesday: Chick-fil-A, all day-both locations Liberty Burger, dinner Thursday: Chick-fil-A, all day-both locations Raising Cane’s, dinner Friday: Chick-fil-A, all day-both locations Bahama Buck’s, all day

Get to School Early!

Monday, February 27: Dreamy Peach Smoothie

Tuesday, February 28: Funky Monkey Smoothie

Wednesday, March 1: Sunrise Smoothie

Thursday, March 2: Cherry Pie Smoothie

Friday, March 3: Strawberry Smoothie

The Texas PTA and Allen ISD would like to invite you to the Preston Elementary PTA Organizational meeting.

Date: February 27,2017 Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Allen Service Center (Intersection of Bossy Boots and Watters Road)

1451 North Watters Road, Allen Texas, 75013

Kelli Litchenburg, Texas PTA Field Service Representative for Allen and Marisol Randle, President of Allen Council of PTAs will be facilitating this meeting.

In the past, the Organizational Meetings took place over two days; however, now Texas PTA has combined those meetings into one. This single organizational meeting will have information about PTA and how PTA supports our children and schools, the election of officers, adoption of the Bylaws, approval of the budget and a few other housekeeping items. Preston PTA Membership Dues The night of the organizational meeting is when the dollar amount will be decided for Preston PTA’s membership dues. Membership could range from $10-$12. Please bring cash and check only. Regulations An individual needs to be a PTA Member in order to vote or be eligible for officer’s/board positions; however, attendance at this meeting is not required. More opportunities to join Preston PTA will be communicated through the new PTA Board. The Election of the Officers If you are interested in becoming one of the PTA officers please review the following steps:

1. Review the descriptions of the officer positions provided. 2. You will need to sign up that night to become a Preston PTA member. Membership

is needed to be eligible to become an officer or board member. 3. You will need to nominate yourself that night. 4. All officer positions that night will be running from the floor. All officer positions

will speak 1-2 minutes about themselves and why they want to serve in that position.

.

If you cannot attend the meeting and want to be a: PTA Officer -

If you are unable to attend the meeting someone can nominate you from the floor. Someone will have to sign you up to be a member. ($10-$12) Please send cash or a check. Please make sure that you send a 1-2 minute blurb about yourself and why you want the position that will be read by the Field Service Representative.

PTA Board Member or a Member of the PTA -

Preston parents will be notified by the newly formed PTA board of future opportunities to become a member of Preston PTA.

For More Information

All questions can be directed to Kelli Litchenburg, Texas PTA Field Service Representative at alnkelli@purelyonline.com or Marisol Randle, President of Allen Council of PTAs at marisol@randle.us

Preston Elementary PTA Organizational Meeting

February 27, 2017 Agenda

Call to Order

Appointments

Special Guest Greetings

Explanation of PTA Vision, Mission, Purposes

Texas PTA Presidents Welcome Message (Video)

Motion to Organize

Adoption of Bylaws

Verification of 20 Joined Members

Election of Officers

Installation of Officers

Motion to Open Bank Account

Adoption of Budget

Announcements

Adjournment

PTA Board Positions Descriptions

President

Preside at all meetings of the association. Coordinate the work of the officers and committees of the association. Represent the Local PTA as a delegate to the Council PTA. Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating and audit

committees.

Vice President

Each PTA must have at least one Vice President. Their primary responsibility will be to serve as aide to the President; however, they may have additional responsibilities as listed below. The PTA may also choose to assign the duties below to Committee Chairs instead of Vice Presidents.

Membership

Coordinate PTA Membership Drives. Maintain the PTA Membership Roster. Distribute Membership Cards. Submit paperwork for Membership Awards. Preside in the absence of the president (in their designated order).

Fundraising (Ways and Means)

Identify potential fundraisers and present information to the board. Assist PTA board in selecting fundraiser. Coordinate PTA fundraiser(s). Preside in the absence of the president (in their designated order).

Programs

Identify potential programs and present information to the board. Assess members and students needs for programs. Coordinate PTA programs Preside in the absence of the president (in their designated order)

PTA Board Positions Descriptions

Secretary

Record the minutes of all meetings of the association. Maintain all records of the PTA Be responsible for meeting communications.

Treasurer

Have custody of all the funds of the association. Keep books of account and records including bank statements, receipts, budgets,

invoices, paid receipts and canceled checks in accordance with the records retention policy.

Make disbursements in accordance with the budget adopted by the association. Present a financial report, both written and verbal, at every meeting of the Local

PTA. Complete and file all necessary tax documents.

All board members are expected to attend monthly board meetings and all membership meetings (number determined by the bylaws). PTAs can determine the number of Vice Presidents needed and can determine any additional duties of the Vice Presidents. The Vice Presidents listed here are samples.

All questions can be directed to Kelli Litchenburg at alnkelli@purelyonline.com or Marisol Randle at marisol@randle.us

HOW TO PREPARE90 minute webinars will be offered in the fall and early winter. You’ll receive registration information and details about the day’s events through Under the Dome, Texas PTA’s Rally Day Facebook page, and The Voice.

WEBINAR 1 Planning for Rally Day What is it and how do I plan for it? Get details about this biannual event and how to plan for your PTA’s participation with maximum success.

o September 27 @ 10:00 AM or o October 4 @ 7:00 PM

WEBINAR 2The Policy IssuesBecome informed about Texas PTA’s legislative priorities and get tips for the day.

o November 1 @ 10:00 AM or o November 8 @ 7:00 PM

WEBINAR 3Setting up and Conducting MeetingsLegislators are accountable to community members, and that includes PTA members. Learn how to identify your legislators, make an appointment and prepare for a successful meeting. What you say and how you say it can make a huge difference for Texas students.

o January 10 @ 7:00 PM or o January 12 @ 10:00 AM

WHAT TO EXPECT8:30 – 9:30 am Event Check-In (Location TBD)

9:30 – 11:00 am Let’s Caucus! Get all the information you need about Texas PTA’s priorities to maximize your legislative meetings.

11:30 am – Noon Rally on South Steps of Capitol

Noon – 5:00 pm Lunch on your own and legislative meetings you schedule with legislators

*Tentative schedule and subject to change

RalLyDAy

FEBRUARY 272017

TExaS PtA

#1K4RALLYDAY

YOU AND YOUR PTA CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY ATTENDING RALLY DAY! A major difference between PTA and other parent groups is our dedication to advocacy. Public education is our one guarantee for a brighter and better Texas.

Each legislative session we hear about the need to improve public education, and history shows that following the conclusion of every legislative session, we all express our dissatisfaction with the results and wishing we had done more. By attending Rally Day, we are letting our PTA voices be heard and taking action while decisions are being made rather than after nothing can be done.

Attending Rally Day is an investment of your time and financial resources that, frankly, Texas students cannot afford for us to not invest. See you on the South Steps!

RALLY UNDER THE DOME!AUSTIN, TEXASFEBRUARY 27, 2017 8:30AM - 5:00PM

CURTIS MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA NOMINATION FORM2017-2018 School Year

Deadline: February 20, 2017

Would you or someone you know like to be more involved at Curtis Middle School? Interested in being in the know? The PTSA Nomination Committee is now accepting nominees for the 2017-18 Executive Board. The Executive Board is voted into their positions by the general membership in April. All positions are considered open, and a nomination does not guarantee the position as an officer. For more information regarding position duties, please see the CMS website. All nominations are confidential. Final candidates will be notified in March.

Submitted by:_______________________________________________________________________

Phone:______________________________Email__________________________________________

Nominations: Name, Phone, Email:

President __________________________________________________________

VP Membership __________________________________________________________VP Programs __________________________________________________________

VP Ways and Means __________________________________________________________Secretary __________________________________________________________

Treasurer __________________________________________________________

On the back of this form, please describe nominees’ qualifications for office and fitness to serve, as well as any other information about the candidate that may be helpful in assisting the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is only responsible for filling the officer positions listed above.

Other Appointed Positions and Standing PTSA CommitteesPlease circle any committees you are interested in serving or chairing.

Name________________________________Phone__________________Email_________________

Please return this form to Curtis Middle School in an envelope addressed to the PTSA Nominating Committee by February 20, 2017. You may also nominate via email at joinerfamily96@gmail.com. Please include the information requested in the email. Questions about the CMS PTSA? Contact Melanie Joiner at 314-239-0838 or joinerfamily96@gmail.com.

AHS Liaison NewsletterAllen Eagle Run Parliamentarian

Citizenship ScholarshipsConcessions SpiritwearCouncil Rep Staff Appreciation

Environmental Volunteer CoordinatorHistorian

Calling all superheroes! Get here in a flash and join us for the 15th Annual Mother-Son Bash! There will be dancing, refreshments and pictures. The dance is for all boys up to and

including those in the sixth grade.

Sponsored by Allen ISD Community Education. $35 per couple ($10 for each additional son). Purchase tickets on line at www.allenisd.org/communityed. Fresh flower

boutonnieres for boys and carnation stems for moms may be pre-ordered for a fee.

For more information, call 972-727-0502. Tickets to the dance will be mailed after Feb. 10, 2017, and cancellations may be made until noon of that day

Allen High SchoolCafeteria

Hosted by Allen ISD Community Education

Mother - SonDance

SaturdayFebruary 187 to 9 p.m.