Asslamu Alaikum everyone, 
 This is a recap of Friday's PTO meeting. The two major topics that were discussed were
1. Library Project
2. Workshop on Oct 31 with Dr. Sadiq.
  The library's software called "Library Edge" costs approximately $2264.00 and will be purshased very shortly.  The funds are available.
A kind sister is donating $1000.00s toward Islamic books for the library.  So that is taken care of.  The non Islamic books are our number one concern now.  We need additional funds for those which is about $2000.00.  This amount includes the books and shelves.  We also will purchase a software called "Bookware" for $395 to help us organize the existing books already in the library.
The workshop will inshallah attract a lot of people around South Florida and will be a good opportunity for us to discuss our projects. 
 Other topics that were mentioned were:  speed bumps and a bulletin board.  Brother Naweed said that we should immediately look into having speed bumps placed in the parking lot to help slow down traffic to protect the children.  He also said that we should place a big bulletin board at the front of the school with current events and etc. so everyone can now what is going on and what is needed. This will help in developing parents' interest in the school and being aware of what is happening. Everyone agreed that these are all good ideas.  Another big concern for the PTO was swine flu.  Many members were upset that we were not told that there was a case of swine flu present in the school. In the future, everyone should be told about this by letter or email so we can do what we need to to protect our children.  This should not be hidden.  Ofcourse, no names need to given. 

I think I have covered the main topics. If I have missed any, please forgive me and let me know.  Thank you.
Nabeela

Assalaam alaikum,
 
Last year one of  our GSA family members Sr. Wasila started a volunteer garden project. 
Several volunteers helped plant/garden but some of them are no longer in the area and with the upcoming accreditation visits/inspections the garden is in need of some attention.

 
Alhamdulilah Sr. Wasila, her husband and I spruced up the garden a bit this Sunday morning.  the garden beds are now clear and ready for planting!   Right now we have rosemary, thyme, aloe, cactus plants, avocado plant, citrus plant, banana plant and frangipane (makes pink flowers). 

 We will be doing some more planting in the next few weeks inshAllah and would love to have volunteers come out and help or if anyone has plants or trees to donate please let us know.   

Gardening can also be something that teachers can do with the children (sowing seeds/planting sunflowers etc. are nice project for the kids to do as a science project) or we can start a gardening club for children/young adults.   There are at least 8 beds for children to plant,  small flowers or herbs are fun for the kids to plant and they get excited when they see the plants grow!    

 
If you have any ideas for this project, please e-mail me at laura@assahaba.org  
jazakAllah khairun,  Laura
 

The goal of the PTO Board is to develop a purposeful and responsive PTO that will serve and adapt to the needs of parents and teachers while enhancing our children's academic and social environments at GSA-and to have FUN in the process!

With your involvement, PTO can: Benefit our children through Scholastic Book Fair, playground equipment, after school enrichment programs, grants for supplies, services and funds, community service to develop social awareness, and opportunities for social interaction in a safe environment.

"When parents are involved in their children's education at home, they do better in school. And when parents are involved in school children go farther in school and the schools they go to are better."

MaShaAllah elections for the PTO committee were held on Saturday, September 5, 2009. 

PTO will be in touch with parents with more information about how parents can get involved and contribute to the PTO.

Jazakom Allah Khairan

PTO

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 11:10 AM, aj zaki <zakihomes@gmail.com> wrote:

 
Here is an update about the Library Project.
 
1- Br Naweed will check with sis Sarah and Sis Leila about the software they recommend purchasing. he will  be the lead person to do further  research to find the best software system that fits the school's needs (criteria considered, Cost,best quality for the money,warranty,software maintenance etc).
Software Co will be chosen by Wednesday this week inshAllah so we know exact fundraising requirements
 
2- I will meet with Sis Leila and Sis Sarah to further discuss the design of the Library .(shelving-displaying books-book selection-number of book selections and volumes-check out system etc)
 
3-Sis Amani and Sis Kheira will spread the word about the library project to all teachers.
 
4- Sis Huda ,Sis Maha and Sis Nabeela will play a major role in talking to the Class parents and letting them know about the library project and having them assist us in spreading the word to all parents in their classroom,
and also will help in the Culture day to spread the word ,once we have the fliers ready you all will have them first.
 4- Laura is working on the flyer to be distributed on  Culture day ,Please provide her with all of your great ideas and thoughts to be in the flyer and also we all here (on line)can  discuss all ideas thoughts to be presented to all for raising funds to make this library project a success.
 
5-Sis Sarah will help also with Class parents  in presenting  this library project, she  will email them and all parents on her e-mailing list,the flyer regarding the project and raise their anticipation and hopefully participation in this endeavour.

 
Please feel free to present any idea or thought  you have . this project is our project and the progress and success of it will depend on all of us and our collective teamwork.      So let's go team.
Br Amjad Zaki