March PTSA Newsletter

Message from the President

I am often asked, “Why should I become a PTSA member?” It’s a good and valid question.  But first to answer that, let me ask:  Did you know that 90 percent of students in our country attend public schools?  Did you know that the National PTA is the largest child advocacy group in this country? 

The National PTA works in cooperation with many national education, health, safety, and child advocacy groups and federal agencies collaboratively on projects that benefit children. The National PTA has been involved in child nutrition programs in schools since its inception, advocating in 1923 for hot lunches to be served in schools and the expansion of the milk program in the 1940s and 1950s. The National PTA was a key advocate for the Child Nutrition Act of 2010 that seeks to improve the quality of school lunches. The National PTA continues to advocate for improvement in the No Child Left Behind Act, to increase funding for programs for students with disabilities, and for improvements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The National PTA also advocates for increased Early Childhood Education programs and increased funding for general education. 

Currently our family membership based on the number of school families is at 14%.  That means that of every 100 Holliston school families, 14 are PTSA members. That is far below our goal of 50% membership. 

So back to the often asked question, why become a member of the Holliston PTSA?  The cost of membership for the year is $15 per family. Of that, $4 is paid to the State and National PTA for membership dues. The remainder is used to fund High School student scholarships, parent education programs, and the Reflections Art Program. For that price, you help fund our local programs and you add your voice to the collective voice of the National PTA. The advocacy achievements of the National PTA happen not just because of the tireless efforts of its members, but also because it speaks for so many concerned citizens that our legislators have to respond. The louder our voice, the more we are heard.  We are the voice of the PTA and we are powerful!

Add your voice so that we can speak for the benefit of all children.  Learn more about our Spring Membership Drive and become a member today!  Our children will thank you.

—Annalisa Michielli, President, Holliston PTSA

PTSA Auction

Spring is coming! And so is the 18th Annual PTSA Auction, Spring Fling! Come dressed in your favorite spring attire. Our gala fund-raising event will be held at the Warren Conference Center, Ashland, on Friday, April 27, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Reservations can be made before April 20 by completing the Auction Reservation Form available online.

New this year—all attendees are eligible for door prizes. We are giving away a Kindle Fire and an iPad! Don’t miss out—only 200 reservations will be accepted—make yours today!

Calling all neighbors! Contribute to the Neighborhood Donation Drive and win a chance for a night out—dinner and a movie, valued at $150. For every $25 you contribute to your neighborhood drive, you will receive 1 chance in our Neighborhood Drawing. Your local neighborhood coordinator will be sending you a letter soon. You can also contribute to the Neighborhood Donation Drive online.

Dogeball Tournament

A Dodgeball Tournament to benefit the Miller School Playground will be held Friday, March 16 (a Professional Day) at Holliston High School Gym.

Elementary School Start Time: 9 a.m.

Middle School Start Time: 11 a.m.

High School Start Time: 2 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for the winning and the most spirited teams in each bracket! Refreshments will be sold throughout the day. Please see Backpack Express for more details on this event.

Commemorative Brick Purchase Program

The Miller School Playground Project is offering an ongoing Commemorative Brick Purchase Program. Through this program, you can sponsor a brick that will be engraved with your personalized tribute or message. Personalized bricks will then be incorporated permanently into the new playground’s patio area. For pricing, order forms, or more information, please visit our website.