Peter Economy, PTG President 2010-2011

My name is Peter Economy. I am a long-time TIEE parent and president of the newly formed COOK/USC Parent Teacher Group (PTG). I am very excited about this new group, and about the activities that we are planning for you and your children over the upcoming year.

You will find out more about these activities in each issue of our weekly electronic newsletter “From the Backpack,” that will arrive in your email box every Friday. Please check the newsletter weekly for information about both school and PTG events and notices.

As you know, TIEE is a wonderful school and the teachers and staff are really special. I am personally looking forward to making this great learning experience even better. The COOK/USC Parent Teacher Group is YOUR group, and I encourage and invite you to join us. We meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send me an email at: peter@petereconomy.com.

Here’s to a successful, learning-filled, and fun school year!

Peter Economy. President
COOK/USC Parent Teacher Group
peter@petereconomy.com

Schedule of PTG meetings
Meetings of the COOK/Urban Skills Center PTG Board, including the President and other officers as well as all other parents who wish to attend, are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings will be held in COOK Education Center’s IEP Room on the third floor.

Function of PTG meetings
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 COOK Education Center and Urban Skills Center.

“From the Backpack”
The COOK/Urban Skills Center PTG Newsletter “From the Backpack” will be emailed to all parents and guardians of COOK Education Center and Urban Skills Center students. “From the Backpack” will be emailed on all Fridays that do not fall on school breaks or holidays.

In “From the Backpack” you will find information on school events and notices as well as PTG news and event information. “From the Backpack” will also provide access to the TIEE website and to the school calendarl where you will find dates and information about PTG Events for 2010-2011. The school calendar is highlighted in the left-hand column of this page. Click on any item and the site will take you to the month’s calendar.

PTG Membership & Officers
PTG membership is open to all parents of students enrolled in either COOK Education Center or Urban Skills Center, 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 COOK Education Center or Urban Skills Center is considered a PTG member and is eligible to run for any of PTG’s elected positions and volunteer for any of the remaining positions.

COOK Education Center/Urban Skills Center PTG Executive Committee • 2010-2011

Peter Economy
President

Jen Swope
Co-Secretary

Jaime Kurtz
Co-Secretary

Merritt Smith
Treasurer

Saadiya Usmani-Khan
Treasurer Elect

Isabella Moore Communications Chairperson

PTG Program Parents and Committee Members
The individuals pictured below have volunteered to be Program Parents (i.e., representatives of COOK Education Center and Urban Skills Center programs) or they have volunteered to Chair or Co-Chair various activity and fund-raising committees.

Cheri Monis Urban Skills Ctr Parent

Diana Rowland
Social Events Co-Chair

Val Shields
Boxtops Fundraiser Chair

Mary Taylor
Bingo Family Evening Committee

Sheryl Bobroff
Jog-A-Thon Committee

Volunteers enhance our school’s vibrancy
We believe that parent volunteers are essential to the vibrancy of COOK Education Center and Urban Skills Center. All of our volunteers share a commitment to creating fun and happy experiences for the children, experiences that enrich their lives, ensure their success in school, and build wonderful memories of their school years.

Parent volunteers participate in many and various school activities, with varying time commitments. Some volunteer their time as Room Parents and assist with special activities for the classroom, some represent the class at PTG meetings. Some parents prefer to contribute funds. Others prefer to contribute their time and energy and serve on committees or facilitate a monthly birthday party. Either way, their contribution is important to us and we welcome it.

PTG volunteers
Participating in our Parent Teacher Group (PTG) is a wonderful way for parents to become actively involved with the school. Participation is truly fun; it is very rewarding; and, because it is vitally important to the unique quality of the school, PTG is greatly appreciated!

Each year, PTG volunteers organize several fun events, starting with our back-to-school Open House Ice Cream Social, and our Spring Gala.

The PTG also sponsors a number of activities throughout the school year to raise funds in support of important school needs. Among these activities are the annual Bingo Night and the Jog-a-thon. With the funds raised, PTG will be able to provide many valuable items for the school, including IPODs, laptop computers, Smart Boards, and other educational support materials and equipment.

Say “Happy Birthday” to our Students!
COOK-USC PTG parents Barbara Carson and Diana Rowland are coordinating monthly birthday celebrations for our students. They are looking for at least one family for each month. If your family is willing to be a monthly birthday sponsor (i.e., donate goodies for a party) or volunteer, contact Barbara Carson at BarbCars123@aol.com or 858-759-6117.