1. education
2. school

Arkansas PTA
March, 2015
Lights…
Camera…
Volume 93, No. 1
Are you ready for your close up?
Lights, Camera, Action…PTA. You can play a starring role. How?
Attend the 90th Annual Arkansas PTA Convention on April 24-25 at the Holiday Inn City Center in
Fort Smith. We have lots of exciting things planned for this year’s event. Our workshop sessions
include opportunities to build your PTA skills, enhance your parenting skills or learn more about
education programs in our state. Please make plans to arrive early Friday to attend a special “MakeIt, Take-It”. While this workshop will be repeated on Saturday, the Saturday seating will be limited.
“May the Force Be With You” at our Reflections luncheon which will feature a “Star Wars” theme
and include cirque style entertainment from Re-Creation Circus of Little Rock. Hollywood glamour
is on the menu for the Friday evening awards banquet where we honor the accomplishments of
educators, administrators, community leaders and PTA units from across Arkansas. We will also be
announcing the winners of our “10 to Win” and “30 for 30” membership competitions (for more
information visit www.arkansaspta.org).
It’s an election year at Arkansas PTA. You will have the opportunity to meet and elect the new
officers for your Arkansas PTA board of managers. Add to all this, amazing door prizes, fun and
games, and you will have a weekend that will energize your unit, bond your leaders, grow new ideas
and be entertaining, as well.
Don’t forget about the 2nd annual “Sooie’s Choice” Award. Simply bring a standard 2’ X 3’ poster
board that includes information about events, programs, activities and accomplishments of your PTA
this school year. Highlight whatever you choose and be creative! Delegates at the convention will
vote for the unit that presents the strongest year. The winner will receive the travelling “Sooie’s
Choice” trophy from the 2014 winner, Parkview Elementary in Van Buren. This is a great
opportunity to share all your hard work and be recognized by those working on behalf of their PTAs
across the state.
Beth Everett, State Convention Chair
In 2014, Parkview Elementary PTA was selected by the
convention delegates to receive the traveling trophy that we
call the “Sooie’s Choice Award”. Get to work on your poster
board and let’s make sure this traveling trophy hits the road in
2015. It makes for a great conversation starter about PTA in
general and about the BEAPIG promotion in Arkansas PTA.
President’s Message
2015 State Convention: Find your PTA “role of a lifetime”!
This state convention marks the end of my term as state president. At the
beginning of the term, I shared with you the logo to the right and a theme
with a rhetorical question of “What role will you play in PTA?” This
convention, with a Hollywood backdrop, is a great way to wrap up the
topic. I’ve had a lot of fun donning various hats and costumes these past
two years. It certainly wasn’t subtle at times, but I hope that everyone gets
the point – we all play various roles in our lives and PTA is no different. As
a PTA leader, you find great joy when you find a PTA position (role) that
suits you. Some of us like roles that are comfortable – roles that fit into our
skill set and natural abilities. Some of us like roles that stretch us – roles that develop new skills and
test our ability.
Our convention is set up to allow you to network with experts in Arkansas and across the nation.
Given the Hollywood theme, let’s say it this way – we will try to give you (or show you how to get for
yourself) the script, the props, the financing and the supporting cast to get your PTA show started –
so that you’re ready to get back to your school and say “Action!”
By the way, this convention will also be fun – if you like fun. We have an entertaining keynote
speaker. We have a circus acrobatic show for Reflections. We have our own version of “Hollywood
Game Night”. Oh yeah, and we have prizes. So unless you’re a “fun hater”, I hope to see you in Fort
Smith.
This is my last president’s message. I hope that you find a role in PTA that gives you joy, pride and
fulfilment. I’ve found many roles in PTA that have meant more to me than most will ever know.
Hollywood is a city built on telling stories, so here’s my PTA story:
My first role was that of elementary PTA Treasurer. As an accountant, it was right up my alley. I
wrote PTA checks for teacher appreciation days and classroom enhancements and became known as
the “money man” around the school. I quickly found out just how much a PTA does. As much
volunteer work there is to do in PTA, cash is still king. As treasurer, I saw everything the PTA did. In
fact, writing our PTA check for Council dues introduced me to the work of a PTA Council.
A couple of years later, I was called by the PTA Council President with a request to serve as the
Council Vice President. I pointed out that I had actually never been to a Council meeting.
Apparently, that wasn’t a requirement to be elected. In fact, I could attend my first meeting the next
day when I accepted the nomination as VP. Two years as VP is easy work he said. It might have been
if the President hadn’t had surgery. I was called into a lot more leadership duties than I had planned.
Having never served as a local unit president, this role really stretched me and took me outside my
comfort zone. However, I stayed on the Council to serve as an elected President and was exposed to
some great things going on in the school district. I got to know all the district principals and tour
each school. That type of exposure is priceless – I encourage each of you to consider it if the
opportunity is available to you.
I was in my second year as Council President, when I was contacted by a state
PTA board member. We knew each other through a civic organization and she
had seen me in action in the Council PTA. There was a vacancy on the state
board. It seemed like the natural next step, so I decided to serve.
I started out as the Parent Involvement Chair (now the Family Engagement
Chair). I don’t think I spoke at the first two board meetings. True, I was
learning, but I still didn’t feel like I was contributing. The state PTA treasurer
resigned in the next summer. As an accountant, I was asked to assume the
treasurer duties. It was this period of time that I finally felt I was making a
real contribution. I didn’t know much about bylaws or advocacy or
Reflections or membership or National PTA (this list could go on for a full
page), but I did know about keeping “the books”. I was using my time and
talent to support state PTA leaders that knew what they were doing. I could
take care of the books as they took care of the work of PTA.
Here I am, in dress rehearsal,
for the role of a lifetime that I
hope to play. JJ, call me!
If they gave out Academy Awards for PTA work, this was the closest I would get to getting an Oscar,
albeit a “supporting actor” one. However, they don’t give out Oscars at PTA. That doesn’t mean I
still might not use my last presidential address as the vehicle to give an Oscar acceptance speech.
You need to come to our state convention to find out.
2016-2017 Reflections Program Theme Search – Arkansas Entries
Arkansas PTA received pages and pages of theme applications. Each state is allowed to submit
five entries to National PTA and they are listed below.
Just think – one could be the nationwide theme for 2016-17 Reflections!
LOL
by Zuzu Warren (4th Grade)
Prairie Grove PTA, Prairie Grove
The imagination world…
by Thomas Foster (3rd Grade)
Roberts Elementary PTA, Little Rock
The sky is not the limit
by Emily Jefferson (5th Grade)
Roberts Elementary PTA, Little Rock
The world thru my eyes
by Kennedie Cox (3rd Grade)
City Hights Elementary PTA, Van Buren
Why not?
by Atticus Warren (7th Grade)
Prairie Grove PTA, Prairie Grove
Winner, Winner - Chicken* Dinner!
Arkansas PTA proudly announces the following winners for Reflections 2015. All winners
are invited to our Celebration Luncheon on Friday, April 24th.
*Actual menu may not include chicken and is served at lunch.
2015 Reflections Winners
1st – Kalexus King
2nd – Katie Fimple
3rd – Julie Paull
HM – Carol Belle Foster
HM – Azaria E.J. Pierce
Choreography - Primary Division
Choreography - Primary Division
Choreography - Primary Division
Choreography – Primary Division
Choreography – Primary Division
Bernice Young Elementary
Lakewood Elementary
John Tyson Elementary
Don Roberts Elementary
Holcomb Elementary
1st – Kenslee Roberson
2nd – Samantha White
3rd - (Tie) Lea Edwards
3rd - (Tie) Rhett Shuman
HM – Scarlett Barnes
HM – Jayden Beasley
Choreography - Intermediate Division
Choreography - Intermediate Division
Choreography - Intermediate Division
Choreography – Intermediate Division
Choreography – Intermediate Division
Choreography – Intermediate Division
Forest Heights Elementary
Crestwood Elementary
Meadow Park Elementary
Indian Hills Elementary
Bernice Young Elementary
Amboy Elementary
1st – Caitlyn Ashley
HM – Kelvin Stubblefield
Choreography – Middle School Division Ramsey Junior High
Choreography – High School Division Little Rock Hall
1st – Paul Haustein
2nd – Jett Johnston
3rd – Carter Lee
Film – Primary Division
Film – Primary Division
Film – Primary Division
Lakewood Elementary
Lakewood Elementary
Lakewood Elementary
1st – Kai Davis
2nd – Dakota Leker
3rd – Vin Zimmerman
Film – Intermediate Division
Film – Intermediate Division
Film – Intermediate Division
Crestwood Elementary
Crestwood Elementary
Indian Hills Elementary
1st – Aaron Oliger
Film – Middle School Division
Walker Elementary
1st – Will Robinson
Film – High School Division
Chaffin Junior High
1st – Jacob Clark
2nd – Timara Holt
3rd – Jake Veach
HM – Ruby Latch
HM – Lyriq Miller
HM – Max Stephenson
Literature – Primary Division
Literature – Primary Division
Literature – Primary Division
Literature – Primary Division
Literature – Primary Division
Literature – Primary Division
North Heights Elementary
North Heights Elementary
Valley View
North Heights Elementary
North Heights Elementary
Amboy Elementary
1st – Armani Woods
2nd – Raga Mandali
3rd – Asia Hicks
HM – Shaniya Burdett
HM – Andrew Dillman
HM – Emma Mosley
Literature – Intermediate Division
Literature – Intermediate Division
Literature – Intermediate Division
Literature – Intermediate Division
Literature – Intermediate Division
Literature – Intermediate Division
North Heights Elementary
Don Roberts Elementary
North Heights Elementary
North Heights Elementary
Lakewood Elementary
Crestwood Elementary
2015 Reflections Winners
1st – Layla Haynor
2nd – Melody Volavong
3rd – Parker Ross
HM – Molly Gritus
HM – Rylee Norton
HM – Lauren Sights
Literature – Middle School Division
Literature – Middle School Division
Literature – Middle School Division
Literature – Middle School Division
Literature – Middle School Division
Literature – Middle School Division
Ramsey Junior High
Chaffin Junior High
Chaffin Junior High
Chaffin Junior High
Chaffin Junior High
Chaffin Junior High
1st – Angela Wang
2nd – Gaylee Spurlock
3rd – David Xiang
HM – Rachel Farhat
HM – Amanda Hicks
HM – Carley Moe
HM – Parker Stroud
Literature – High School Division
Literature – High School Division
Literature – High School Division
Literature – High School Division
Literature – High School Division
Literature – High School Division
Literature – High School Division
Little Rock Central High
Valley View
Little Rock Central High
Chaffin Junior High
Little Rock Hall High
Chaffin Junior High
Chaffin Junior High
1st – Carol Belle Foster
2nd – Isaac Sorenson
HM – Kaya Harris
HM – Henry Sorenson
Music Comp – Primary Division
Music Comp – Primary Division
Music Comp – Primary Division
Music Comp – Primary Division
Don Roberts Elementary
Amboy Elementary
Amboy Elementary
Amboy Elementary
1st – Kailee Webb
2nd – Isabel Fuentes
3rd – Brady Billingsley
HM – Maddie Cochran
HM – Linda Huggins
HM – Derrick Smith
HM – Ryan Yumang
Music Comp – Intermediate Division
Music Comp – Intermediate Division
Music Comp – Intermediate Division
Music Comp – Intermediate Division
Music Comp – Intermediate Division
Music Comp – Intermediate Division
Music Comp – Intermediate Division
Parson Hills Elementary
Tilles Elementary
Bernice Young Elementary
City Heights Elementary
John Tyson Elementary
Boone Park Elementary
Bernice Young Elementary
1st – Brinn Brammer
Music Comp – Middle School Division
Butterfield Trail Middle
1st – Kenneth Pham
Music Comp – High School Division
2nd – Alexandra Salamone Music Comp – High School Division
3rd – Safi Alsebai
Music Comp – High School Division
Chaffin Junior High
Southside High
Little Rock Central High
1st – Kaden Hurst
2nd – Azaria Pierce
3rd – Natalie Athey
Photography – Primary Division
Photography – Primary Division
Photography – Primary Division
Indian Hills Elementary
Holcomb Elementary
Bernice Young Elementary
1st – Brady Billingsley
2nd – E.J. Bonilla
3rd – Leighanne Bonilla
HM – Brock Billingsley
HM – Seth Hilts
Photography – Intermediate Division
Photography – Intermediate Division
Photography – Intermediate Division
Photography – Intermediate Division
Photography – Intermediate Division
Bernice Young Elementary
Parkview Elementary
Parkview Elementary
Bernice Young Elementary
Barling Elementary
1st – Crey Hargrave
Photography – Middle School Division Fairview Elementary
2015 Reflections Winners
1st – Michael Partain
Photography – High School Division
2nd – Josey Didion
Photography – High School Division
rd
3 – Mallory Koenigseder Photography – High School Division
Van Buren Freshman
Northside High
Chaffin Junior High
1st – Gavin Jones
2nd – Azaria E.J. Pierce
3rd – Jenna Southard
HM – Madigan Bowsman
HM – Katelyn Corbitt
HM – Jagger Jones
HM – Jazmin McGuire
Visual Arts – Primary Division
Visual Arts – Primary Division
Visual Arts – Primary Division
Visual Arts – Primary Division
Visual Arts – Primary Division
Visual Arts – Primary Division
Visual Arts – Primary Division
Forest Heights Elementary
Holcomb Elementary
Cavanaugh Elementary
Crestwood Elementary
Bellview Elementary
Bellview Elementary
Cook Elementary
1st – Aryn Martinez
2nd – Asia McKinney
3rd – Ashlyn Cancel
HM – Megan Bean
HM – Aurora Herrera
HM – Custodio Reyes
Visual Arts – Intermediate Division
Visual Arts – Intermediate Division
Visual Arts – Intermediate Division
Visual Arts – Intermediate Division
Visual Arts – Intermediate Division
Visual Arts – Intermediate Division
Bonneville Elementary
Beard Elementary
Cook Elementary
Indian Hills Elementary
Fairview Elementary
Fairview Elementary
1st – Lowell Matias
2nd – Sylvanna Bentley
3rd – Buck Santos
HM – Leah Delanney
HM – Sophia Gebreab
HM – Astrid Ketcham
HM – Marlee Richardson
Visual Arts – Middle School Division
Visual Arts – Middle School Division
Visual Arts – Middle School Division
Visual Arts – Middle School Division
Visual Arts – Middle School Division
Visual Arts – Middle School Division
Visual Arts – Middle School Division
Butterfield Trail Middle
Fairview Elementary
Fairview Elementary
Carnall Elementary
Chaffin Junior High
Chaffin Junior High
Lakewood Middle
1st – Nivetha Srinivasan
2nd – Javier Fernandez
3rd – Caitlyn Pugh
HM – Jesus Rodriguez
HM – Elizabeth Sloas
HM – Morgan Southern
HM – Mikaela Thayer
Visual Arts – High School Division
Visual Arts – High School Division
Visual Arts – High School Division
Visual Arts – High School Division
Visual Arts – High School Division
Visual Arts – High School Division
Visual Arts – High School Division
Little Rock Central High
Northside High
Ramsey Junior High
Northside High
Valley View
Springdale High
Northside High
1st – Jatyra Campbell
2nd – Michael Thomas
HM – William Gordon
HM – William Nickell
Visual Arts – Special Artist Division
Visual Arts – Special Artist Division
Visual Arts – Special Artist Division
Visual Arts – Special Artist Division
Tilles Elementary
Ballman Elementary
Ramsey Junior High
Ramsey Junior High
Congratulations to all our winners and to all students that participated this year!
PTA Leaders, please encourage students to begin working on their various works of art using the
2015-2016 Reflections theme:
Let Your Imagination Fly
Nominating Committees and Elections
by Betsy Hayes, AR PTA Secretary
Talking about officers for next year makes me realize that spring is around the corner!
Thank goodness!
Please check your bylaws to see when your unit should be forming a nominating committee. It
should tell you the month and how many people are on that committee. Remember: it is to be an
odd number and the president cannot serve on this committee. This committee is to nominate
one person for each elected office. This usually means president, vice president, secretary, and
treasurer. Some units include a second VP, which is in your bylaws. Everyone nominated must
be a PTA member and agree to serve if elected. These officers are expected to abide by the PTA
Ethics and Code of Conduct.
Along with the nominating instructions, your bylaws specify the month of the announcement and
the month for the election. A unit must give 30 day notice before the elections and allow for
nominations to be taken from the floor. Elections can be by show of hand or ballot but only by
PTA members.
Remember to look for experience but also try to involve new people for these positions. Never
should a board be hand-picked by the outgoing or incoming president. Each PTA should strive for
diversity among its officers and members; the PTA board should reflect the diversity of the
student population if at all possible. Good Luck and have a productive end of the year.
Dotting the “i’s” and Crossing the “t’s”
by Melinda Kinnison, AR PTA Treasurer
Here are just a few reminders for maintaining proper financial records.
1. Two signatures are required on all checks! Yes, we realize that the bank will send it through, but
the bank isn’t the institution requiring two signatures – it’s the IRS. When your books are audited,
that is one of the things that the auditors should be checking!
2. Each transaction needs a receipt! There are many ways to organize these, but the point is that you
have them. Again, checking for these should be a part of your audit process.
3. Your bank statements aren’t “for treasurer’s eyes only”, but they are for members only. Most
bonding insurance companies will not cover a claim if your bank statements are not being reviewed
by someone who is not authorized to sign checks. This is a great job for a Vice President or a
President Elect – if they are not signers on the account. This may be done at board meetings,
before the treasurer takes them for balancing the account, or you may even make arrangements
with the bank to have a second set mailed to the person reviewing the statements. Make sure that
they are signed (or initialed) and dated by the person reviewing them. At the end of the year they
should be filed with your audit.
4. If someone requests your bank statements, contact Arkansas PTA! Non-members do not need to
know which bank you are using or your account numbers. If someone is requesting financial
information, your audit is considered a public record. A copy of your audit should provide the
information that they are entitled to view. You may always give permission to someone to look
closer at your records, but they do not need to have their own copies.
Membership Contests Ends March 20, 2015
by Beth Everett, AR PTA
VP of Membership
To encourage membership growth at the local level and meet our state goal of 30,000 members,
Arkansas PTA announced two membership contests with real cash prizes.
“10 to Win!” gives your PTA a chance to win up to $500.
For every 10 members you remit to Arkansas PTA by March 20,
2015, your PTA gets one chance in a drawing for a cash prize 10 $50 winners, 5 $100 winners and one big prize of $500.
“30 for 30” gives your PTA a chance to win $1,000.
For every 30 members you remit to Arkansas PTA by March 20, 2015,
your PTA gets one chance in a drawing for one cash prize of $1,000.
That means if you send in 30 more members by March 20, 2015 you have
three chances to win up to $500 and one chance to win a cool grand
($1,000).
Arkansas PTA Announces More Winners for 2015
Winning Participants of the Membership Database Race:
Boone Park Elementary PTA (North Little Rock)
Membership Chair Michelle Jones
PTA Member
Leah James
Parkview High School PTSA (Little Rock)
Membership Chair Deborah Fletcher
PTA Member
Jack Burge
In the Membership Database Race, each PTA submitted membership
lists electronically to the office of Arkansas PTA. We randomly selected
two PTAs to receive $50.00, with each PTA’s Membership Chair
receiving an additional $50.00. We then randomly selected one PTA
member from each PTA’s submitted membership list to receive $50.00.
2015-2017 Arkansas PTA Board of Managers Nominees
Nominee
Keli Gill
Shelly Anderson
Taja Howard
Jennifer Garner
Melinda Kinnison
Christine Hardin
Beth Everett
Charles Warren
Phillip Crutchfield
Betsy Hayes
David Howard
Michelle Cadle
Tanya Broadnax
VACANT
Board Position
President
President Elect
VP - Leadership
VP - Legislation
VP - Membership
Secretary
Treasurer
Immediate Past President
VP - Central Region
VP - West Region
VP - NW Region
VP - NE Region
VP - SE Region
VP - SW Region
Region
NW
NE
NW
NW
Central
West
West
West
Central
West
NW
NE
SE
SW
Julie Delashaw
Rick Holman
Twanna Johnson
Marsha Jones
Mandy Hoffman
Denise Ennett
Nena Tucker
Geraldine Nichols
Bylaws Chair
Communications Chair
Diversity & Inclusion Chair
Education Chair
Family Engagement Chair
Health & Safety Chair
Outreach Chair
Reflections Chair
Central
West
Central
NW
NW
Central
West
West
President, Keli Gill
I am a school secretary in Springdale Arkansas. I live in Springdale with my husband Tom
and three children - Austin, Devin and Rylee. I began my journey with PTA in 2007 when
my oldest child entered kindergarten. The next year found me on my first PTA board. I
served my local units as a parliamentarian and then two years as a unit president. I was
president for the 3rd time when my kids were rezoned to a new school and we opened a PTA
in that school. I joined my local council board in 2010. My move up to the council level
opened my eyes to a whole new PTA. In the fall of 2010, I served on the planning
committee for the 86th annual Arkansas PTA convention that was held in Springdale AR. In
the spring of 2011, I wrote and received a $20,000 grant from National PTA for the Springdale City Council
PTA (SCCPTA). I served as the SCCPTA VP and the project lead for the Common Core State Standards
Initiative and grassroots advocacy project. I spent the fall of 2011 and most of 2012 traveling with my board
members training PTA members in grassroots advocacy and the impact of the Common Core State Standards
here in Arkansas. During our grant process, we trained many PTA members from across the state at various
events such as the National PTA Legislative Conference and the National PTA Convention. We also made
presentations for many state and national groups, including the Arkansas School Board Association, the
National Association of Secondary School Principals and the National School Board Association. In 2011, I
stepped up onto the Arkansas PTA Board of Managers as the Common Core State Standard Initiative
Chairperson for 2011-2013. I became the SCCPTA President for the year 2012-2013. In March 2013, I
presented at the Arkansas Legislative Day and have continued to research the legislation that has been presented
during the 2013 Legislative session at the Arkansas General Assembly. I served as the Arkansas representative
to the National Council of States in 2013 and 2014. During my journey I found a deep love of PTA and what
PTA represents. I hope to continue to work with PTA for many years to come.
President Elect, Shelly Anderson
Shelly Anderson is originally from Memphis, TN but now resides in Jonesboro, AR with
her husband of 18 years, Jeff, and their two children, Aynabeth (17) and Jack (11). Shelly
has a marketing background but currently works in the field of medical sales. She is very
active within her community by being a member of Junior Auxiliary, a Past President of
her local PTA at Valley View Schools, being the county President for Out of the Dark Inc.,
a youth drug prevention program within the schools as well as being supportive of other
philanthropic endeavors. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and
children. Shelly has been a Board member for the last four years serving as the Northeast AR VP and is excited
to continue the important work that PTA does, for many years to come.
VP of Leadership, Taja Howard (she’s the one on the left)
When my oldest began Kindergarten 12 years ago, I honestly didn’t know what PTA was
locally much less that it was a national organization. A parent volunteer, another PTA
member, stopped me in the hall of our little elementary school and asked if I wanted to
become a PTA members and “help”. I was blessed to be a stay at home mom, and was so
excited to become involved with anything that would ‘help’ where my child’s education
was concerned. During that first year, I volunteered for many local events that our PTA
sponsored and was glad to be a voice for local decisions that affected my oldest child.
During my time in PTA, I have remarried, to an amazing man, and my family has grown to five amazing boys
that my husband and I raise. Over those years, due to the importance of issues that impact my children and
ALL CHILDREN, my voice has grown too! I am thankful that because of PTA, we each have a voice! I had
no idea then how big of an impact PTA would have on my life and how important an association it has been for
over 100 years. Since joining 12 years ago, I have held several local unit positions; President, Treasurer,
Council Rep, Yearbook Chair, Membership Chair and Council Hospitality Chair and with each new position
comes a wealth of new knowledge. About 8 years ago, I became the Northwest Field Service Rep for the
Arkansas PTA, and I have met several great new people since then. Two terms as FSR, a term as Bulletin Chair
and a term as ARPTA NW Region VP have given me many learning experiences as well as many great
memories. No matter what hat I have worn for PTA, it has been fun and very informative. I look forward to
many years of “helping” and I am still glad I was ASKED all those years ago!
VP of Legislation, Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner lives in Springdale with her husband, Greg and two children, Glenn (17) and
Summer (12). She has been active in PTA since 2000 and currently serves as the Springdale
PTA Council President, Treasurer for Sonora Middle School PTSA and Treasurer for
Springdale High School PTSA. Jennifer is a graduate of the College of Engineering at the
University of Arkansas and is owner of Real Time Engineering in Springdale.
VP of Membership, Melinda Kinnison
Melinda Kinnison is from North Little Rock and currently serves as the Treasurer for Arkansas
PTA. She and her husband Mike have been married for 27 years, and both of their children
have graduated from high school. Melinda is employed as a Medical Technologist at Baptist
Medical Center – Little Rock and as the Keyboard Musician at Lakewood United Methodist
Church. She has represented Arkansas PTA at meetings with the Arkansas Department of
Education, the legislative committee for Whole Community, Whole Child, and the Arkansas
Grade Level Reading Campaign.
Secretary, Christine Hardin
Christine Hardin lives in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She has been a member of PTA for many
years throughout the years as her children attended Fort Smith public schools. She served
as president at Ramsey Junior High for two years and also served as president for two years
at Northside High school. She has served on Fort Smith Council two terms as the
Reflections chair. Christine has served three years as Health & Safety chair on the Arkansas
State board, and for the last two years West Region VP on the Arkansas State board.
In addition to her PTA activities, she has served as a Girl Scout Leader, sat on the Board for
Habitat for Humanity as Secretary, and as the Vice President, and Step Up and Speak Out. Christine works
several hours a week at the Children’s Emergency Shelter, and does all of the Health & Safety for Fort Smith
Public Schools.
Christine’s PTA experience began as most of ours does, when her children entered the school system. Her moto
is the more time you spend with your children and being involved in their school, the better the child does.
Christine will continue to support and promote the mission of PTA by encouraging parents and community
leaders to get involved and become advocates for our children. As a parent, she believes that getting involved
and supporting the efforts of PTA and their advocacy for children is a responsibility and a privilege.
Treasurer, Beth Everett
Beth Everett became involved in PTA when her now 12 year old son, Aidan, started
Kindergarten at Parkview Elementary in Van Buren. She has served on the boards of
Parkview, Northridge Middle School PTA and is the current President of the Van Buren
PTA Council. For the past two years she has been the Vice President of Membership for the
Arkansas PTA Board of Managers. Beth has a BA in History from Thomas More College
in Crestview Hills, Kentucky and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of
Kentucky which led to a 9 year career in legislative administration in both Kentucky and
Tennessee. She has been married to her husband, Dennis, for 17 years and is Mom to Aidan and his little
brother Evan, 8.
Central Region VP, Phillip Crutchfield
Phillip lives in North Little Rock with his wife Sharonica and children; Courtney, Kaylon and
Christopher. He pastors Christ’s Church Assembly in North Little Rock, and has been
involved in pastoral ministry for 10 years. Phillip is a native of Little Rock, and is a 1984
graduate of Little Rock Central High. He became involved in PTA at the urging of his wife in
2009 to help cope with several physical disabilities and has served as unit & council
President, as well as a Central Field Service Rep. He also served as Vice President for several
units within the North Little Rock district. He is often called on at fall festival time to prepare
turkey legs and funnel cakes for elementary schools. As a parent he frequents the halls of Lakewood middle and
the NLR East campus to ensure that Christopher and Kaylon are always on task. He is leaving his children a
legacy of serving others, having served in the US Marine Corp Reserves and in law enforcement.
West Region VP, Betsy Hayes
Betsy Hayes, a resident of Fort Smith, has 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. She has
been involved with PTA for 30 years - as a teacher, parent, and now a grandparent. Elected
positions she has held at the local units include: President of Ballman Elementary, President
of Ramsey Junior High, and Secretary and Vice President of Southside High School. For the
Fort Smith Council of PTAs, she has served as President and Secretary. For four of the last
six years, Betsy has been the Vice President and then the Field Service Rep for the West
Region. In 2010 she attended the National PTA Legislative Conference in Arlington,
Virginia. In, 2012, Betsy served as the chairperson for state PTA convention
NW Region VP, David Howard (he’s the one on the right)
My first experience with PTA was a pretty unique situation. I had two boys in public
school, however they attended a school without any parent involvement group at all. I had
heard of PTA but really didn’t know much about it, or think it was as important as it is. I
first got involved at a local elementary school helping out friends and from there I got on the
committee to help plan state convention for 2011, seeing the definite need to get more
fathers involved in my area. At that convention I became the Northwest Region Field
Service Rep and served the next two years learning about the importance of PTA nationally
while helping those within my state in any way I could. Seeing a need for representation in other areas of our
state, I volunteered to become the Southwest Region VP. I am married to the woman of my dreams and
blessed to be raising five amazing young men, all who know the importance of PTA and support my efforts.
NE Region VP, Michelle Caudle
Michelle and her husband Elijah reside in Weiner, a small town in Poinsett County, located
in Northeast Arkansas, not far from Jonesboro. She is the mother of two boys, Andrew 14
and Conner, 7. Michelle is extremely active in her community as the Philanthropy Chair for
Valley View PTA, Scout Master, Cub Master and Secretary of the Weiner Baseball/Softball
Association. She spends many hours doing other projects such as being a chairperson for
various community fundraisers as well as serving as the Secretary for Out of the Dark, a
drug prevention program in area schools and has been nominated as President of Valley
View Schools PTA. She is also a heavy advocate for Legislation in Education, fighting at our State Capitol for
fair and proper legislation for our schools. She has been a leader in helping legislators to better understand the
effects of Act 60 which consolidates small schools regardless of academic success. Michelle has already proven
to be an advocate for education and is very excited to serve Arkansas PTA, to join forces in order to bring
positive change for Arkansas students.
SE Region VP, Tanya Broadnax
For the last 20 years, Tanya Broadnax has always been in engaged in her community. A
native of California, she was part of the PTA at Longan Elementary School and Team Mom
for the High School Football team and Second Cheer Coach for the pee-wee cheer team.
She has deep roots in Dermott and came back there after a career in the health industry.
Since returning to Arkansas, she has been a youth organizer and worked with the girls scouts
Troop 1040 in Dermott. She works for Rural Community Alliance as their Southeast
Regional Director. Their vision is called Excellent School, which is a produced by nurturing
close collaboration between school and community. Another goal is to support vision planning, resource
maximization and collaboration within the community.
Immediate Past President - Charles Warren
Charles Warren, you just completed two years as the Arkansas PTA state
President. What will you do now?
“I’m going to DisneyWorld!”
Convention T-Shirts Sneak Peak
Don’t forget to order your convention T-Shirts when you register.
Only 5 extra shirts will be ordered for on-site purchases.
When you are registering for the 2015 Convention in Fort Smith…
Consider Putting a Team Together for Hollywood Game Night!
We need a team of three to join our “celebrity” state PTA board member to play a variety of games
with a “Hollywood” twist – as seen on TV. Have fun with it. Make up your own team name with a
“Hollywood” spin (“50 Shades of Great!” and “Three Men and a Babe” are already taken).
If you know movie trivia…
…This is for you.
If you like to laugh with PTA friends…
…This is for you.
But if you are an old stick-in-the-mud that hates anything fun…
…This is not for you.
If you don’t have three friends can’t find three people to make a team, we
may create a team of one PTA convention delegate and three state board
“celebrities”.
Hollywood Game Night will have real cash prizes for the winners
(in addition to bragging rights).
Arkansas PTA announces the 2015 PTA Scholarships and Awards
Helen Woodhouse Scholarship
FS Root/Ed Trice Scholarship
FS Root/Ed Trice Scholarship
Parent Education Award
Safety Award
Communications Award
Heroic Effort
Children’s Champion
Outstanding PTA
Outstanding Council
Teacher of the Year
Administrator of the Year
Kay Adams
Hannah Beck
Lauren Smith
Park Hill Elementary (NLR)
North Little Rock High School
Van Buren High School
Northside High PTSA
Trusty Elementary PTA
Lakewood Elementary PTA
Mike Falleur (Northside High PTSA)
David Israel (Howard Elementary PTA)
Don Roberts Elementary PTA
Little Rock Council of PTAs
Jennifer Perry (Parkview Elementary PTA)
Shanda Coleman (Amboy Elementary PTA)
Fort Smith
Fort Smith
North Little Rock
Fort Smith
Fort Smith
Little Rock
Little Rock
Van Buren
North Little Rock
Arkansas PTA Board of Managers will call on a vote so support the 2015-16 Legislative
Program at the General Session of the State Convention. The revised program reads:
Proposed Legislative Program for 2015-2016
Arkansas PTA supports quality education for all children
WE SUPPORT MEASURES THAT PROVIDE FOR:
1. Expanded funding for public schools
a. Adequate and equitable system of public education that would provide every child and every
community with quality opportunities for their future
b. Adequate salary for teachers and support staff (certified and non-certified)
c. Increased state funding where federal funds have been reduced
d. Instructional technology and classroom learning materials
e. Support adequate funding for the education of all children
2. Children’s health and safety
a. Community health education
b. Safe, nurturing and hazard free environment
c. Drug awareness and prevention
d. Playground safety
e. Comprehensive health care for all children and families
f. Support for positive internet education for parents and children
g. Continued work to ensure that tolerance and respect is extended to all children and, families
of diverse communities
h. Promotion of healthy lifestyles, including nutrition and physical activity
i. Protection of all children from bullying, including cyber bullying
3. A quality education for all children
a. Expansion and development of preschool and before/after school programs.
b. Cultural arts and physical education programs taught by individuals with appropriate
certification, as part of the school curriculum
c. Support for school improvement efforts
d. Service to all children in the least restrictive environment
e. Student assessment and testing for the purpose of identifying how instruction can be
improved and learning increased
f. Stronger family engagement provisions, adequate funding and modifications made to
accountability in the No Child Left Behind Act/Elementary and Secondary Education Act
g. Strengthened Arkansas educational standards regardless of school setting
WE OPPOSE MEASURES THAT:
4. Weaken or minimize the power of local school boards
5. Put public money into private or parochial choice/voucher plans. Public dollars should be used to
support public schools
6. Divert tax monies from school districts without the support of the affected district’s board of
education
7. Weaken collaboration between school, home and community
IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE SUPPORT BENEFICIAL LEGISLATION,
BUT IT’S JUST AS IMPORTANT TO OPPOSE ANY THAT MAY HARM
To assist you in the review of the Legislative Program, the changes from the
2014-2015 Legislative Program are provided on the next page.
The Convention Program will only print the program listed above.
The Legislative Program outlines the positions of Arkansas PTA that Board members use
when discussing legislative issues with our state and national legislators.
Proposed Revisions to the Legislative Program for 2015-2016
WE SUPPORT MEASURES THAT PROVIDE FOR:
2. Expanded funding for public schools
a. Adequate and equitable system of public education that would provide every child and every
community with quality opportunities for their future
b. Adequate salary for teachers and support staff (certified and non-certified)
c. Increased state funding where federal funds have been reduced
d. Instructional technology and classroom learning materials
e. Support adequate funding for the education of all children
f. Textbooks and classroom materials
g. Provide our public school children with an adequate and equitable system of public education
that would provide every child and every community with quality opportunities for their
future
3. Children’s health and safety
a. AIDS Community health education
b. Asbestos-free Safe, nurturing and hazard free environment
c. Drug awareness to include alcohol and tobacco and prevention
d. Playground safety
e. Provisions for Comprehensive health care for all children and families
f. Protective child labor laws
g. Violence-free school community
h. Promote Support for positive internet education for parents and children
i. Continued to work to ensure that tolerance and respect is extended to all children and,
families of diverse and communities to help promote safe and nurturing environments
j. The Promotion of healthy lifestyles, including nutrition and physical activity
k. The Protection of all children from bullying, including cyber bullying
4. A quality education for all children including:
a. Expansion and development of preschool, full day kindergarten and before/after school child
care programs.
b. Cultural arts and physical education program/programs taught by individuals with
appropriate certification, as part of the school curriculum
c. Support for school improvement efforts
d. Serving Service to all children in the least restrictive environment
e. Student assessment and testing for the purpose of identifying how instruction can be
improved and learning increased
f. Stronger parent family engagement provisions, adequate funding and modifications made to
accountability in the No Child Left Behind Act/Elementary and Secondary Education Act
g. Meeting Strengthened Arkansas educational standards regardless of school setting
5. Welfare Reform
a. Adequate and safe daycare for all children
b. Children should be the first consideration in all aspects of reform
c. Provide appropriate job training and placement
6. Collaboration of parents, teachers, communities, and school administrations working together to
educate all children.
7. Legislation to exempt PTA from sales tax on all items purchased with PTA money
WE OPPOSE MEASURES THAT:
1. Weaken or minimize the power of local school boards
2. Put public money into private or parochial choice/voucher plans. Public dollars should be used to
support public schools
3. Promote gambling because of the potential damage to Arkansas children and youth; however we take
no position on the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery
4. Divert tax monies from school districts without the support of the affected district’s board of
education
5. Weaken collaboration between school, home and community
Proposed Bylaw Changes for 2015 Convention
Allow Newly Elected State President to Assume National Duties at the end of State Convention
Change Article VIII, Section 1, Item d of the Arkansas PTA Bylaws to read:
d. The newly elected officers shall assume their state and national duties at the end
of the State Convention. The national duties of the newly elected president and
president elect shall be assumed at the close of the National Convention. The newly
elected president or his/her designee shall be the Arkansas delegate to the National
Council of States.
Change Article IX, Section 1, Item c of the Arkansas PTA Bylaws to read:
c. Select the representative for Represent the Arkansas PTA on the National Council of States.
Rationale:
National PTA desires to have newly elected state presidents at the National PTA convention for
training at the start of his/her term. The change allows the newly elected state president to participate
in National PTA training, paid by National PTA.
The National Council of States has become a strategic meeting specifically designed for state PTA
leaders that are not the current state president. This change will allow the newly elected state
president to select the representative from Arkansas for this meeting.
Convention Schedule of the 2015 Arkansas PTA State Convention
Friday, April 24, 2015
8:00am – Registration Opens
8:45-9:45 – Make it, Take it
9:00-9:45 – First Timers Orientation
10:00-11:30 – Opening General Session
12:00-2:00 – Reflections Lunch
2:30-3:45 – Workshop Session I
 Retaining Today’s PTA Members
 Strong Fathers, Strong Families
 Understanding the School Lunch
Program
 How to Train a Parent for Student
Success
3:45-4:15 – Exhibitor Time
4:15-5:30 – Workshop Session II
 I just got elected to the PTA Board,
what do I now
 Conquering Your Fear of Public Speaking
 HOPE Academy
 Everyone on Board & Doing the Right
Thing (Diversity Training)
6:00-8:00 – Awards Banquet
8:00 – Hollywood Game Night
Saturday, April 25, 2015
8:30am-9:30am – Region Meetings
Elections of Field Service Reps
9:45 – Silent Auction Closes
10:00-11:15 – Workshop Session III
 Getting Fathers into the Classroom
 Make It, Take It (Repeat from Friday)
 Common Core and Math
Misconceptions
 I just got elected to the PTA Board,
now what do I do? (Repeat from Friday)
11:30-2:00pm – BEAPIG Buffet &
Closing General Session
Installation of Officers for 2015-17
Arkansas PTA
Convention T-Shirts
Sneak Peak
Don’t forget to order your
convention
T-Shirts when you register.
Only 5 extra shirts will be
ordered for on-site purchases.
P.O. Box 1015
North Little Rock, AR 72115
Phone: 501-753-5247
Fax: 501-753-6168
Toll Free: 1-800-PTA-4PTA
Email: [email protected]
www.arkansaspta.org
About PTA
It was founded in 1897. As the largest volunteer child advocacy association in the nation, Parent
Teacher Association (PTA) reminds our country of its obligations to children and provides parents and
families with a powerful voice to speak on behalf of every child. Its mission is: PTA is 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. PTA is comprised of nearly 5 million parents and other
concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent
involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and membership in PTA
is open to anyone who is concerned with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth, so
join today! PTA Takes Action Network with millions of advocates who stay informed on the latest
happenings on Capitol Hill so join today to learn more about how you can take action on legislative
issues affecting families, schools, and communities. www.pta.org/takesaction/
Make sure you follow Arkansas State PTA on Facebook and Twitter!
We continue to increase our focus on social media in 2015!
Call to Arkansas PTA Convention
PTA Presidents:
The 90th Annual Arkansas PTA Convention (State Convention) is scheduled for April 24-25, 2015 at
the Holiday Inn City Center in Fort Smith. This State Convention is the official meeting of the
delegate body of the Arkansas PTA. Delegates to the State Convention are elected or selected by
each local PTA unit in Arkansas. According to Article XVI: State Convention, Section 2 (a) of the
Arkansas PTA Bylaws:
Each PTA unit shall be entitled to be represented at the annual convention by its
president, three (3) other local officers, or their alternates, and one (1) delegate for
each fifty (50) members as shown on the books of the state treasurer.
All voting delegates must present a completed credential card and their membership card when they
check in at the State Convention. In addition to the voting delegates, any PTA member presenting a
2014-2015 membership card may attend the State Convention as a non-voting delegate upon
payment of the registration fee. Please sign up as voting delegate so that you can have a voice at the
State Convention and help us meet a required quorum.
We will be able to offer you online registration by searching for the “2015 Arkansas PTA Convention”
at the following website: www.eventbrite.com. If you register by March 31st, you will save $15.00 on
the registration fee. For even greater savings, please consider purchasing the “Early Bird Registration
& Meal” package. Register for all meals as soon as you can because we will not be able to sell meal
tickets (even in the package deals) after April 10th. Any registrations received after April 10th will be
held and processed as “onsite” registrations at the stated onsite registration fee.
The 2015 State Convention theme is “Lights, Camera, Action…PTA”. The West Region councils and
units have been working “pre-production” for months for you to enjoy a fun and exciting convention
with a “Hollywood” twist. Specific time has been set aside for a visit to our Exhibitor Hall. Plus, a
“Hollywood Game Night” setting is a perfect time to relax at the end of a busy day of PTA training on
Friday. Please check out the website of “ReCreation Circus” at www.recreationstudiorlr.com to get
a taste of the incredible show we have planned for Reflections this year.
The hotel room rates at the Holiday Inn City Center, 700 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith have been
“reserved” for PTA delegates at $99.00 per night. These rates are available until April 1st. Please
reserve your room quickly to lock in this rate.
A convention schedule is listed in this newsletter to help you plan your convention activities.
Additional information will be posted on our website, www.arkansaspta.org, as it becomes available.
Arkansas PTA President