WELCOME TO THE NEW PIA WEBSITE!
This new website is easy to maneuver and streamlined in design, providing a wealth of information to all Parents in Action (PiA) parents, teachers, administration and the community. As part of PiAs continued dedication to serving its members and potential members, online viewers of the new site (www.ms2pia.info) will enjoy a wealth of information, alerts and news. We have included a great deal of information in a concise and convenient format and we strongly encourage parents, guardians, students, teachers, administration and the community to review all information contained on the website.
PiA believes that parent, students, teachers, administration and the community must work together to provide a quality educational experience and this new website is designed to provide support and assistance as we continue our plans for success. Fostering PiA's commitment to excellence in providing up to date information, this new website offers a comprehensive body of information and resources.
If you have ideas or suggestions on how the PiA can enhance the website, contact PiA at piaparents_yahoo.com. Be involved in your childs educational experience at (MS)2. Let your child know that you think school and the PiA is very important.
As a parent, guardian, teacher or administrator, your interest and involvement with your child(ren) and/or students education will promote a positive attitude toward learning and academic achievement. Please use this website throughout the SY as a guide for you and your child(ren) and/or student.
Stay engaged, informed and involved!
Sincerely,
Parents in Action (PiA)
2011-2012
Season's Greetings
A Holiday Message from the PiA President
The holiday season is a time to reflect on the successes of the past year, a time to spend with family and friends, and a time to be thankful for all the blessings each of us have. I am extremely thankful and proud of what the Parents in Action (PiA) have achieved this quarter. This was obtained through hard work and commitment.
We have enjoyed a successful Family Bowling Night; a Back-to-School Membership Drive; Rita’'s Water Ice Sale; and of course, the Back-to-School Costume Dance. In addition, we continue to look for ways to be more efficient and productive while providing a high level of commitment to all of our students, parents, teachers and administration. This combination has helped us achieve a level of profitability that we need to continue growing our relationships between Howard University (HU) Middle School of Mathematics and Science (MS)2 parents, teachers, administration and the larger community.
We also welcomed two new Executive Board members and five new Standing Committee Chair members in October during our special election. These additions have allowed us to expand our presence throughout (MS)2. The combined strength of all officers and committee chairs will make us a stronger PiA for our students, parents, teachers and the administration.
I am proud of the teamwork and dedication that PiA Executive Board, committee chairs and volunteers have demonstrated that helped give the PiA the strength to succeed. Volunteers have demonstrated the ability to respond to our challenges “head on” and did whatever it took to get the job done. As a result, MS2 knows that they can count on PiA volunteers to help them get the job done.
The 2012-13 School Year is just around the corner and with a new year, comes new challenges. I am very optimistic and committed to making new strides in securing new memberships and building a more cohesive relationship with all parents, teachers, administration and the community. I am especially confident because we have talented Executive Board members and volunteers that have shown the ability to rise and meet the toughest challenges. It gives me comfort to know that PiA has great volunteers!
Let me close by saying how much I appreciate what each of you have done this past few months to make the PiA successful and want to say a sincere “Thank You” for your commitment and dedication not just for this holiday season but throughout the year. I also want to send a special thank you to the Executive Board members for the extra dedication, support and encouragement.
On behalf of the Howard University (HU) Middle School of Mathematics and Science (MS)2 Parents in Action, I want to wish you and your family a very happy and safe holiday season.
Yvonne Buggs
The mission of PiA is to help establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationship between HU (MS)2 parents, teachers, and the larger community in order to provide an effective and holistic educational experience for HU (MS)2 students. This shall be achieved through the implementation of a variety of school wide activities, fundraising events and educational workshops.
2011 - 2012 HU (MS)2 PiA Executive Board
President:
piaparents_yahoo.com
1st Vice President:
Angela Knox
angiemd_bellsouth.net
2nd Vice President
Erica Hemsley
ejhemsley_hotmail.com
Treasurer
Rocelia H. Johnson
rocelia.johnson_yahoo.com
Assistant Treasurer
Ravyn Wright
tarayejw_yahoo.com
Recording Secretary
Lynne Weedon
lynneweedon_aol.com
Corresponding Secretary
Lonell Johnson
lonellj_gmail.com
Membership Committee Chair
Tina Bynum
tbynum1965 _yahoo.com
Fundraising Committee Chair
Rosa Singletary
singletary.family_verizon.net
Communications Committee Chair
Zina Colbert
zina.colbert_dhs.gov
Activities Committee Chair
Anisa Hall
anisa_hall_fanniemae.com
STANDING COMMITTEES
Nominating Committee
VACANT
Election Committee
Auditing Committee
Melina Bolling
mbolling1_hotmail.com
Bylaws Committee
Billy Robinson
billye392_verizon.net
What is the purpose of PiA and why would the PIA need monies?
In accordance with Article 2 of the PiA Bylaws, the purpose of the PiA is to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between HU (MS)2 parents, teachers and the larger community in order to provide an effective and holistic educational experience for HU (MS)2 students. This shall be achieved through the implementation of a variety of school-wide activities, fundraising events and educational workshops.The monies earned from activities and/or events go right back into (MS)2. This is especially important during these difficult economic times as funding for public charter schools has been significantly reduced and there is no indication that the downward trend will change anytime soon. By joining PiA and contributing to the fundraising events, you are helping to provide the funding for services and extra activities that are not covered by (MS)2.
How long does membership last?
Membership for (MS)2 PiA begins on September 1st and ends on August 30th of the following year.
How much are membership dues?
The 2011-2012 membership dues are $30.
Note: In accordance with Article 3 of the PiA Bylaws, every individual who is a member of the MS2 PiA is entitled to all the benefits of such membership.
What are the benefits of membership?
a) Supporting the children, teachers, and Administration of (MS)2, as well as the (MS)2
local community.
b) Provide the opportunity for individuals to raise their voices with other members, the
Administration and the HU (MS)2 Board of Directors.
c) Provide opportunities for parent education and awareness, communication and
leadership development.
d) Attending one (1) hour of a PiA General meeting would give you one (1) hour of
volunteer hours required by (MS)2. Note: Five (5) volunteer hours are required per
school year.
e) Member-to-member networking/relationships connecting you to (MS)2 when help is
needed on important issues involving your child, your childs teachers and the (MS)2
Administration.
f) Active extracurriculum involvement.
g) Keeping informed of policy and/or procedural changes and any other school related
issues.
h) Receive electronic copies of PiA Newsflash, which will include current events.
i) Build skills in leadership, communication and advocacy.
piamembershipform11_12.doc
WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering that organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive male role models for the students and to enhance school security. Today, more than 2127 active programs in 40 states and New Zealand participate in the WATCH D.O.G.S. Program!
Who can participate in PiA activities?
All are invited to participate in PiA activities and events. However, members of the PiA have special privileges during activities, such as reduced ticket prices and volunteer service hours.
What are the roles of the Executive Board?
The roles and responsibilities of the Executive Board are defined in Article 8 of the PiA Bylaws. The Executive Board consists of the following:
•President
•1st Vice President
•2nd Vice President
•Recording Secretary
•Corresponding Secretary
•Treasurer
What is the normal notification system when notifying parents about PiA general meetings, events, and activities?
Previously, PiA rely on (MS)2 Administration to notify parents of upcoming events and meetings. However, the PiA website will be updated regularly with all upcoming events and meetings. Additionally, if you have provided PiA with your email address, you will be notified by email as well.
PiA Volunteer Form 2011-2012 (4).doc
PIA Volunteer Tracking Form.doc
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we continue to settle into the school year, there are a few issues relating to school policies and procedures we would like to bring to your attention.
Firstly, students should report to school by 8:00 am. Starting Monday, October 3, 2011, all students reporting to school after 8:00 am will receive detention. Detention will take place from 4:30-5:15 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 3:30-4:45 pm on Fridays. You will be notified via school messenger if your child will be retained for detention at the end of the day. Please note that detention policies will apply to any and all disciplinary action, and are not limited to school tardies. You may refer to page 19 of the 2011-2012 Student and Family Handbook for additional information on disciplinary procedures. The Dean of Student reserves the right to exempt students from detention.
Secondly, as the weather is changing, please be reminded that students are not allowed to wear any external paraphernalia in the building other than the (MS)2 shirts and cardigans. Cardigans can be purchased in the business office on the 4th floor during regular business hours. Additionally, students are to only wear solid navy and/or white socks and solid black and/or brown belts. All students MUST wear socks, and a belt if their pants have belt loops. As stated in the Student and Family Handbook: Students arriving to school out of uniform will be sent directly to the front office, and their parents will have 30 minutes to provide them with the proper uniform prior to being sent home for the day. Repeated violations could warrant suspension and expulsion. Parents should refer to page 17 of the 2011-2012 Student and Family Handbook for additional information on specific policies and procedures regarding the uniform attire.
Finally, please speak to your child about their actions and behavior as they commute to and from school. It is important your child understands they are representing Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science and they must do so with pride and respect.
If you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns, please contact the Dean of Students Kenneth Caesar at kenneth.caesar_universitymiddleschool.org or 202-650-2041. We look forward to a productive school year. With your help and support, we will continue to do something extraordinary!
Allison L. Artis Kenneth B. Caesar
Principal Dean of Students
Friday, October 14, 2011 the entire student body will be attending The Dream Tour at DC Armory. The Dream Tour was created by The Harris Foundation, the ExxonMobil Foundation, and Dr. Bernard Harris (who was the first African American to walk in space). It is a motivational program that encourages Americas middle school students to find and achieve their potential. Last week, your student should have brought home a media release form giving permission for them to be interviewed at the tour. Please be sure to sign and return the form to the front office by Wednesday, October 11, 2011. If you have any questions, please email the Department of Supplemental Programs.
PiA Events Calendar (Final Draft) (3).doc
PiA Events Calendar (Final Draft) .pdf
JANUARY
7 Game Day Tournament 12:00pm - 4:00pm (MS)2 Auditorium
Parent's Day Out
19 PiA General Meeting 6:30pm - 7:30p (MS)2 Auditorium
(Pot Luck)
TBA Watch D.O.G.S. TBA TBA
FEBRUARY
11 Bowling Party 4:00p - 8:00p Blackburn Center
16 PiA General Meeting 6:30p - 7:30p MS(2) Auditorium
MARCH
9 Sneaker Ball 6:00p-10:00p Blackburn Center
22 PiA General Meeting 6:30p-7:30p Cafeteria
APRIL
14 Parent Educational Workshop TBA TBA
15 PiA General Meeting 6:30p-7:30p (MS)2 Auditorium
MAY
17 PiA General Meeting 6:30p-7:30p Cafeteria
24 Transition of New Officers 6:30p-7:30p (MS)2 Auditorium
30 8th Grade Activity 8:00a-8:00p Hershey Park
JUNE
TBA Watch D.O.G.S. 4:00p - 8:00p Blackburn Center
21 Assist with New Parent/
Summer Orientation 6:30p-7:30p (MS)2 Auditorium
Howard Univeristy Middle School of Mathematics and Science (MS)2
405 Howard Place, NW
Washington, DC 20059
(202) 806-7725
If you're interested in participating with the PiA or being added to our mailing list, please fill out the form below.
