Welcome to the HTMS PTSA & Foundation

The Hightower Trail Middle School PTSA stands for Parent, Teacher, Student Association. The PTSA is comprised of parents, students, relatives, teachers, staff, community and friends who promote and support the academic, social and personal growth of our students. We provide a variety of teacher and staff support, student curriculum enrichment, programs that encourage awareness and education, as well as the events that have come to define the culture of Hightower Trail. Your membership contribution goes a long way in financially supporting the programs/events for our students. What is the ptsa?

$10, in grants available for non-county budgeted classroom supplies/programs that benefit our students Student/Teacher Planners Vision/Hearing Screening for 7th Grade Honors Program Support Arts in Education Program Support Clinic Support Environmental Education & Recycling Program School Directory COMMUNICATIONS (WEBSITE/NEWSLETTER) 8 th grade dance And much more… What does the ptsa provide?

Membership Fees HTMS PTSA Membership Fee = $8.00 $3.75 of that fee goes to… ECCC (District) GA PTA (State) PTA, Inc. (National) $4.25 goes to support HTMS programs/activities Donations to PTSA The suggested donation amount is $40.00 per student but all donation amounts are appreciated! All donations to the PTSA are tax deductible and 100% of your donations go directly to support HTMS programs/activities! Where does your ptsa membership and donation money go?

1. Join the ptsa to help support the important programs/activities we provide for our school 2. Volunteer  No experience required  Flexible for every schedule  Invest in our students  Easy sign up  Give Back  Meet new people  Make a difference 3. Visit our website at for more information on the ptsa and how you can be involvedwww.huskyptsa.info how can you help?

Proposed PTSA Budget

What is the foundation? The HTMS Husky Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide funding for needed programs and facilities which enhance the educational experience and which are not currently paid for by the PTSA.

What does the FOUNDATION provide? The HTMS Husky Foundation was formed in October, 2007 to provide funding for needed programs not currently financed by Cobb County, the state, or the PTSA. We are led by a Board of Directors from the HTMS community of parents, educators, and the local businesses.

What are the goals of the FOUNDATION ? TECHNOLOGY ENRICHMENT : Purchase one mobile IPAD lab for – completed. SAFETY : Continue hiring a Cobb County Police Officer to direct traffic from 8:00-8:45 am, covering the high-traffic time before the county’s crossing guard arrives. LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ENHANCEMENTS : Continue maintaining the outdoor amphitheater classroom, Nature Trail (used for Week in the Woods), and the lobby aquarium.

What are the goals of the FOUNDATION ? STUDENT ENRICHMENT: Continue running The Husky Hut school store Continue providing:  Husky 101 (incoming 6 th grader orientation)  6 th Grade Family Pizza Social  Sneak-a-Peek locker maintenance/distribution  Continue facilitating Student Banking COMMUNICATION: Improve communication with parents & school community via electronic updates & website RESEARCH: Work with faculty and staff to research future opportunities.

How do we raise money? The Annual Campaign collects donations from parents, admin, faculty, staff, & matching corporate grants The Husky Hut school store sells school supplies, Spirit Wear, Shake-a-Snack, CRCT books, and Mandatory Reading books Special Events Husky 101 6th grade orientation 6 th Grade Family Pizza Social Food sales: Chick-fil-A Biscuit Days & Donut Days - Student Night of the Arts concessions

Thanks to your support…the foundation has provided Interactive Smart Boards : Exciting high-tech, educational hardware purchased and installed by the Foundation Locker maintenance : Hired and paid for a locker maintenance and repair company to ensure that all lockers function correctly for years to come Guidance Office Furniture : Purchased new furniture for a warm & welcoming environment LED Sign : Helped purchase and install this attractive and useful communication tool at the school’s entrance Outdoor Classroom : Provided construction support for the outdoor Amphitheatre; provided outdoor electrical system, lattice and wood sealant; purchased and installed 12 benches accommodating 72 students. A fully equipped computer lab

how can you help? 1. Donate to the Annual Campaign 2. Double your donation by asking your employer about a Matching Gift 3. Volunteer for a HTMS Husky Foundation event or committee

What is the difference between the ptsa and foundation?

HTMS PTSA HTMS Husky Foundation To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. What is the Mission? To provide funding for needed programs and facilities which enhance the educational experience and which are not currently paid for by the PTSA. The HTMS PTSA provides materials, educational opportunities and special events which support the goals of Hightower Trail and our community. What Do We Provide? The Foundation provides funding for technology and equipment purchases, and other identified school and student needs. Parent Volunteers, Educators, Administrators, School Faculty and Partner in Education Representatives. Who Is Involved? Parent Volunteers, Teachers, Administrators and Community Representatives serving as Board Members. Parent Volunteers serving as Committee Chairs, and many parent volunteers assisting with events throughout the year. Fundraising initiatives to date have included: Annual membership campaigns member donations mural initiative grocery cards, recycling Georgia Natural Gas partnership How Do We Raise Money? Fundraising through: Supporter Donations to our Annual Campaign from parents, grandparents, teachers and staff; Corporate matching gifts; and Various fundraisers throughout the year, including the Husky Hut, biscuit and donut sales, and the sale of concessions at the 6th Grade Pizza Social and Night of the Arts. The funds from your memberships and donations support the following programs and supplies:  Student/Teacher Planners  Husky Highlights Weekly Newsletter  School Directory  Teacher Grants for Classroom Supplies  Vision/Hearing Screening for 7th Grade  Honors Program Support  Arts in Education Program Support  Clinic Support  8th Grade Dance  Environmental Education/Recycling Where does that Money Go? Here are some examples of items funded by the Foundation:  Fully equipped computer lab  Interactive whiteboards in classrooms  Construction and maintenance of amphitheater  Traffic officers (8-8:45 every morning – before the County Crossing Guard begins)  Purchase and installation of the LED sign at the front entrance of the school  Mobile laptop cart with 30 laptops – mobile classroom  Mobile iPad cart with 40 iPads – mobile classroom Members vote at the first general PTSA meeting of the year to approve the budget for the school year. Who Decides How to Spend That Money? The Foundation identifies goals and priorities based on input from the administration, faculty and staff, parents and students. The Board votes to support crucial financial needs of the school.