With the school year well under way and the arrival of Autumn, Debra and I would like to welcome all the incoming 6^th graders and their families to the SSMS PTA and welcome back all the 7^th and 8^th grade families and friends. We would encourage all those who are able, to volunteer some time to help make the SSMS PTA the success that it is. The purpose of the PTA is to promote the welfare of our  youth in home and school and to bring into closer relation the home and the school, and that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of youth. The 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. 

One of the most important ways you can support the SSMS PTA is by becoming a paid member. It is $9.00 for the first family member and $6.00 for all additional family members and friends.  Forms were in the 6^th grade orientation packet and sent home in a Sept. mailing. The forms can also be down loaded on-line at the SSMS web site. PTA link. A great benefit of paid membership is the SSMS PTA Student Directory. It includes all member names, addresses, phone #'s and e-mails (with permission).  Paid membership is the only way to receive a Directory. You will also receive e-mail notification of all PTA events and happenings and our electronic newletter.  Our goal for the 09-10 school year is to surpass the 537 membership total of 08-09. Your support is greatly needed and greatly appreciated.  There is power in numbers.

Debra and I are looking forward to the PTA agenda for this school year. We welcomed back the SSMS Staff with a bagel and coffee breakfast. We held our first PTA meeting with Mr. Brunetta speaking about the Rec Center Dances. We are still in need of a Chairperson to work with Mr. Brunetta to ensure a continuation of the dances.  The Health Fair will be on Sept. 30^th, an all day event promoting nutrition and fitness for every student.  The Book Only Book Fair is from Oct. 5^th through Oct. 7^th, Picture Days are Oct. 16^th and Oct. 19^th and the greatly anticipated SSMS Fundraiser Gala on November 10^th. PTA's Annual event featuring the SSMS Staff playing Jeopardy for your entertainment.  The profits from the fundraiser are used to run the SSMS PTA for the year. including but not limited to: SSMS Student Directory, Newsletter, Reflections, Thanksgiving Baskets for families in need, all AIM (Arts in Motion) productions, Staff Appreciation Luncheon, 6^th grade end of year event, 7^th grade field day ices,  8^th grade Breakfast, Dance and Party, Jenkins Awards, Septa Scholarship and A for Effort Awards.

Debra and I are anticipating a successful and rewarding 09-10 school year.  The SSMS PTA is only as good as its leadership and membership therefore we would like to thank all the volunteers who took on the Executive Board and Committee Chair positions.  We would encourage everyone to attend monthly meetings, log onto the SSMS PTA web site to be kept up to date and to look for our electronic PTA Newsletter published 3 times a year. And lastly, thank you to all who have become members and may the rest of you sign up soon. Please e-mail any questions and concerns,  to pbkelly@optonline.net and dites220@aol.com.

Sincerely,

SSMS Co-Presidents Phyllis Kelly and Debra Penkava