Dear Rice family:
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Remember that Staples commercial we all know and love … the woman riding the cart … happy, carefree … and the kids behind her scowling faces? So true — in my household anyway!
Welcome parents of new sixth graders. Sixth grade is a wonderful, exciting experience for all of our new students, so don’t be apprehensive about the transition. The staff at Rice has been doing this a long time, so your student is in great hands!
With packet pick up behind us now, we are looking forward to the beginning of the school year. Our most important fundraiser of the year is actually our membership drive. We plan to send home forms with each of your children over the next few weeks. Please consider joining our organization.
I’m often asked “Why is PTA membership important?” “If I join, do I have to volunteer?” I get these questions all the time. Since we do not hold traditional fundraisers at Rice, our membership monies are key to supporting all the wonderful activities and services offered each year. Every dollar from membership funds parent education programs, grade level field trips, teacher workshops, teacher appreciation luncheons and special amenities throughout the building.
This year, we would like to see 100% parent participation in membership. I know this is a lofty goal, but I believe that everyone can benefit from being a PTA member; and it’s only a $16 membership fee.
And to answer the second question: no, you do not need to volunteer, but it is truly appreciated if you do. Volunteering has been a part of my family for generations and I am very excited and honored to serve as your PTA President again this year.
I know Rice Middle School is one of the best in Texas and the staff and administrators exemplify that excellence by their commitment to our kids. PTA is an organization that comes together to generate monies for the betterment of Rice and its students. It takes an army of volunteers to run/manage the programs we offer every year. To this point, I challenge all Rice parents to give back to the school.
As a long time volunteer, I feel giving back is important for my child and it benefits others as well. Rice Middle School has a diverse student body and I’d like to see that diversity represented on the PTA committees. Please see just a few of the key positions we need filled this year. Please consider volunteering for one of the events we have slated this year.
Some of these volunteer positions can even be done at home. Some positions require only one night chaperoning a student social, or selling candy on a Friday after school. If you can’t volunteer, consider a one-time donation to the PTA. Simply fill out a membership form and include your donation. Every dime we spend from donations goes to benefit the Rice Middle School community.
Last year our goal for PTA was to increase our visibility and communication channels for our Rice community. In May, the general membership approved money for the installation of a new electronic marquee for the front of the building. However, the electrical quote came in for more than what was originally approved. We are lacking approximately $2,171.00 to complete this project.
While the executive board and the general membership feel this is worthwhile, it will take the approval of the additional funds to complete this much needed project. Other options would include repairing the sign, which would cost over $12,000 and the sign would remain a manual process. We would need to see a significant increase in donations to complete this previously approved project. If you have input or questions about this, feel free to contact me at president@ricepta.org. Your feedback is important to me.
I look forward to serving the Rice community again for the 2011-12 school year.
Melanie Pellegrino
Rice PTA President
