Science Smarties

The school science fair was last week, and Kenzie and Emma did very well. Kenzie took first place in 6th grade and Emma took 3rd place in 5th grade. This qualified the both of them to go to the Granite District Science Fair, which was held yesterday. They both earned an Award of Excellence and I'm so proud of them. Emma's project was on the Left Brain vs. Right Brain.

Kenzie's project was on carbonation.

SB 199 Update

Senator Bramble has changed his bill to leave out the language about dues paying organizations. It is a great compromise and I'm very happy with the bill. The more parents we can get involved in their children's schools, the better! You can read the text of the bill here:
http://le.utah.gov/~2009/bills/sbillint/sb0199s01.pdf

A Little More On SB 199

I have had a few questions on SB 199 and I'd love to share my thoughts once again. All of the questions are about the amendment added that would allow a school to work with an organization that waives dues upon request. I agree that this makes the bill better, but I still have a problem with it for a few reasons. (not necessarily in order of importance to me)

First, it would require every local unit (about 600), every council and region (nearly 100), and State PTA to amend their bylaws. This would take at least a year and take valuable time away from helping kids.

Second, a local PTA unit can do a fundraiser to raise money for all of their programs, but State depends solely on membership dues to fund all of their programs. This includes the money they give to the Regions and Councils. Their budgets are already very tight and they have no other way to raise funds.

There is the possibilty of "scholarships" for those who truly can't afford it. In fact, I have paid someone's dues myself because they honestly couldn't swing $5 at the time. But those who just don't want to pay because they don't want any of their money going to National PTA probably shouldn't be in leadership positions anyway. One of the reasons that PTA is so effective in advocating for children is that we present a united front. If somebody can say, "I'm a PTA President but I think the PTA is wrong" it will affect how strongly we can advocate for children.

I think its wrong to legislate who schools can and can't work with. I think it's wrong to legislate how a private organization conducts its affairs. There are many organizations that collect dues, and they shouldn't be told how to conduct their business either.

I'm surprised at the many people who claim to be against "Government Control" who are supporters of this bill. All the organizations and people I know pushing this bill are those angry at PTA for helping to get the voucher issue on the ballot. So is the sponsor, Senator Bramble. The woman who helped write the bill claims that it isn't an Anti-PTA Bill, but that's exactly what it seems like.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!

Utah Senate Bill 199

I don't think I've ever gotten "political" in any of my posts, but that is a big part of who I am. If I feel strongly about an issue, I don't just sit back - I get in and fight the good fight. Well, I'm up for another fight right now. A bill has been introduced in the Utah State Senate that would effectively outlaw PTA. The sponsor of the bill says that the purpose is to guarantee equal access to all parent groups - which I am all for. But then why outlaw all groups that charge dues? PTA is the largest parent organization in the state and does so much good!!! The groups supporting this bill are being very vocal, and so I am asking all those who want to see parent involvement in schools encouraged to contact your senator and representative and tell them to stop this bill. I absolutely believe it would harm Utah children and I can't just sit by and let that happen!
(There is a lot of misinformation out there, so if you want to discuss it, I'd be happy to. And if you disagree with me, I'd love to hear why...really)

Slow Me Down

If you're sound is turned up, you are hearing my new favorite song. I heard it this week at the District Dance Concert and it just "spoke" to me. I had been feeling this way for some time, and I decided that it was time for me to "slow down." In fact, one of my New Year's resolutions was to complete the things that I had committed to, but not volunteer for anything new. I have already been tested on my resolve a couple of times, and it wasn't easy, but I did say "no." I don't know why it's so hard for me; I feel this need to say "yes" to everybody. But I realized that saying "yes" to everybody else was causing me to say "no" to my family too often. They are the most important thing in the world to me, but my actions weren't showing them that, and they deserve better from me. So my dear hubby and sweet kiddos are helping to "Slow Me Down."

He's On The Charts

I took Britton in this morning for his 18-month check-up. I think he must have remembered the nurse because he took one look at her and begged for me to hold him. He was fine with the doctor, but cried and started climbing all over me whenever the nurse came in. Of course, she's the one who has to do the dirty work - give the shots. He is a healthy little guy with, and I quote, "beautiful ears." He is now up to 20 lbs. 14 oz., which puts him on the chart at the 1st percentile. This means that 99% of kids his age weigh more than him. He's also at the 25th percentile for height. So, he's still my little dude, but he made it to the bottom line of the chart -yeah! Now the doctor can quit worrying about him.

Pay It Forward

Okay, Keri, Kendra, and Emily each get a handmade item for me in the next 365 days. Emily will probably be sooner and the others later since I will need to get it south. :o)

The Rules:
1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!. 2. Winners must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway! 3. The gift that you send to your Three Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count! 4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love!If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! SO, REMEMBER... it is good... :) Pass it forward.