Hello Fellow Children’s Workshop Parents!
I am honored to serve as the Children’s Workshop PTG President for 2011-2012. My son has attended Children’s Workshop for five years and flourished in the welcoming academic environment. It continues to be a pleasure to work with Hillary Whiteside, Alicia Ritter, and Sherry Lacson on efforts that benefit every child who attends Children’s Workshop.

Many parents have generously donated their time to the Parent-Teacher Group, and we hope that you will get as involved as your time allows. Our lives are very busy just caring for our children, but the success of the PTG group is magnified by even the smallest donation of time and energy from parents. One of my favorite quotes sums this concept up best:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,

committed citizens can change the world;

indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead

As thoughtful and committed parents, we advocate for our children, and ultimately that changes their world. Children’s Workshop is a truly unique educational environment with dedicated staff who appreciates any and all support we parents can provide.

Here are a few simple ways you can get involved:

• Ask your favorite manicurist for a gift certificate to donate to our annual fundraising gala
• Help serve food at the Friendship Feast
• Offer an idea for a fundraiser that the PTG group can consider
• Send in your Box Tops for Education or coins for the Coin Drive

The PTG group is working on projects that will support the school and the families. We’d love to hear your ideas and thoughts! Feel free to e-mail me at tracey.franks@gmail.com or join us for our meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. at the Cook Education Center, 2255 Camino del Rio South.

I look forward to meeting you at one of the many great events we have planned for the school year!

Tracey Franks

PTG Membership & Officers
PTG membership is open to all parents of students enrolled in Children’s Workshop, and it is at no cost. We encourage all parents to attend PTG meetings whenever possible and to be involved in PTG activities as much as possible. Any parent or guardian of a child enrolled at Children’s Workshop is eligible to run for any of the Children’s Workshop PTG elected positions and volunteer for any of the remaining positions.

Children’s Workshop PTG Executive Committee • 2011-2012

Children’s Workshop PTG Meetings
Meetings of the PTG Board, and all other parents of Children’s Workshop students who wish to attend, will be held at 9:00 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings will be held in the IEP Room on the third floor of COOK Education Center.

PTG meetings perform a key role in facilitating the communication of information on school events and issues as well as in developing new ways in which the PTG can contribute to and enhance the learning experiences of all students attending Children’s Workshop.

“From the Backpack”
The Children’s Workshop newsletter, “From the Backpack,” will be emailed to all parents and guardians of Children’s Workshop students on a monthly basis. The newsletter will provide information on upcoming school events, news about our school, and related community news/events.

“From the Backpack” will also provide a link to access our school Website Calendar where you will find dates and information about PTG Events for 2011-2012.

In addition to the monthly newsletter, supplemental email blasts will be sent as a friendly reminder to events that will occur within the week.

In an effort to support and encourage parents to take time out for themselves and enjoy an affordable opportunity for a night out, the Children’s Workshop PTG has scheduled a Parents’ Night Out each month. The program is also designed to provide our students with an opportunity to play with their peers and develop important social skills.

The cost of the evening is $10/hr for 2:1 staffing and $15/hr for 1:1 staffing. There is a 72-hour cancellation policy due to staffing requirements and a minimum of 4 students must participate each month to run the program effectively. Pizza will be served, but parents are welcome to bring any food their child enjoys or requires for a special diet.

Mark your calendars for the following Parents’ Night Out dates in 2011-2012!
Saturday, October 15th
Saturday, November 19th
Saturday, January 21st
Saturday, February 18th
Saturday, March 10th
Saturday, April 14th
Saturday, May 12th
Friday, June 1st (night of the annual TIEE Gala)
Saturday, July 14th

Please e-mail or call Cindy (cbyrne@tiee.org or 619-521-3990) to reserve your child’s space for the next Parents’ Night Out.