Make a Difference for the Sandy Hook Elementary School population

The Sandy Hook PTSA, along with the National PTA are requesting handmade unique snowflakes for the students and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  When school resumes for them on January 12, the entire school will be decked out in unique handmade snowflakes created by those who care. It will be a "Winter Wonderland" with each snowflake representing its maker in a gesture to show the school they are not alone.  There is a world of support for them in their grief, and they are not expected to resume a "normal" school atmosphere. It will not be normal for a long time.

Please make a snowflake. It can be turned in at the El Diamante High School main office by this friday; December 21, at 2:00.  If you choose to send it yourself; mail all snowflakes (of your own design) to:

Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT  06514                               Be as Creative as Possible!

They must arrive by January 11, 2013.

Need help discussing school violence with your children?

Many parents may feel at a loss about how to approach the subject of school violence with their children.  For information on helping your child cope, discussing issues of violence and hate, and keeping your school safe, please visit our National PTA website at PTA.org/school/violence.

Legoland tickets are now available

Legoland Tickets are available for PTSA members. You can contact Melanie Kazmier for your buy one get one free tickets at melakazmier@gmail.com or from El Diamante High Schools Main Office.
       Remember to use your Enterprise rental car discount if you need to rent a car. Have a very joyous Christmas vacation.

Poetry Contest

     The National Amateur Poetry Competition is now accepting entries for their poetry contest.  New and previously unpublished poets are encouraged to participate.
                $25,000.  in prizes awarded!
     All qualifying poets will receive an editorial comment from a qualified editor.
All poems must be 26 lines or less (line limit is strictly enforced!) and can be written on any subject, in any style.  Mail your original poem to
                     Poetry Contest
                     1501 Broadway
                       12th Floor H
                  New York, NY  10036
       Submissions must be postmarked by January 31, 2013.
                                   Entry is free.

Have fun and write about what interests you.  This is for all ages; parents, grandparents and students.

EDHS PTSA is Thankful

     We are thankful, this holiday season, for our incredible teachers, staff and administrators at
El Diamante High School.  Please thank them for all they do for our students and families.


                     Happy Thanksgiving!

November 26, 2012, is the last day for Reflections entries

Turn in your Reflections entries before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 26.
All entries should be turned in at the Main Office, on or before November 26.

It is not to late to begin an art project.  Go to ptareflections.org for the entry form and rules.

                          "The Magic of a Moment" 
                                                       is this years theme.

Have fun creating your one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Take Survey to help El Diamante get HEART Grant

     Please, go to the El Diamante High School website and the first item listed under School News is Need Your Help.  Take your short one page survey here.  This grant would allow for after school activities for all students at our school site. On the survey, choose the activities your student would be interested in.  All the other Visalia High Schools have the HEART after school programs and benefit from it. Our students would also benefit greatly from the Heart after school program.  Thank you.

Correction needed about Legoland Tickets

Your Legoland Free admission coupons will not arrive until after Thanksgiving.  So sorry if I got your hopes up and then ruined your holiday ideas.  You must have a free admission coupon from your PTSA.
Your PTA Membership Card is not your free admission coupon.
You will need to collect your coupon(s) from the schools Main Office after Thanksgiving.
Start planning your Christmas Vacation!

What are you doing for Thanksgiving Vacation?

     Remember to use your PTA Membership Card to get great member discounts.  If you are traveling and need a rental car use your PTA Membership to save $20.00 a day on an Enterprise car rental.

     To obtain a PTA discount, visit:
 http://www.enterptise.com/car rental/deeplinkmap.do?bid=002&cust=NACA102

If you have any questions, please contact Enterprise at (916) 787-4500.

If you are traveling toward San Diego and want to go to Legoland you should know PTA members receive one Free ticket to Legoland with every full-price paid admission.  Legoland is located in Carlsbad, Ca., along with SEA LIFE Aquarium which offers the same Free admission with every full-price paid admission for all PTA members.

Enjoy your holiday.

Thank you for voting.

     Thank you for voting in the 2012 Election.  For those of you not old enough to vote, please keep your zeal for the American Process and encourage others to care about the political process (no matter how flawed it is).   We have so many intelligent and talented students at our school.  It is encouraging for the future.  El Diamante has may alumni who are currently in Law School and interested in government and will be able to make a difference with their profession soon.  We want what is best for our children, students and community, but voting is only one way to create better educational opportunities.  

     To really create change for the betterment of our school, get involved. Tell PTSA your ideas, ask questions, get to know others in your school community.  If parents do not communicate with the school, how can their needs and the needs of their students be identified and met.  California schools are underfunded and fiscally unsound, but they still have phones and live staff to speak with callers, as well as email.
(Actually, Visalia Unified School District is fiscally sound due to proactive, intelligent planning.  We have one of the best school districts in the state, and our students are still offered a very well rounded education by professional, knowledgable teachers.) If you are appreciative of this fact, thank Dr. Craig Wheaton, your Superintendent of Schools for V.U.S.D.  He, and his staff, work tirelessly for our students benefit; doing their best with what is available to them. Their best (in my opinion) is amazing.  Make yourself available to assist your school.  You will meet other like minded parents with the same interests and concerns.  Before you know it, your questions will be answered, school problems clarified, targeted and dealt with.  You and your families will have a much better understanding of your child's educational needs, you will have new, enjoyable, like minded friends and acquaintances to assist you with the betterment of your child's education as well.  It does not take up your time like you think it will, and you will have less to worry about.

     Please get involved in your child's education and school.

 

Have you met with your high school students counselor?

    Many parents have told me in the last two days, their student has not met with a school guidance counselor to plan future classes to assist in the pursuit of college placement.  If this is true for your student, call the school and set up an appointment ASAP, especially if your child is a sophomore, junior or senior with questions.  It is never to late to get information regarding your child's future.  We are a country of second chances when it comes to education, so if your child was slow to mature and take school seriously but wants to pursue higher education there is much hope for them.
     If your student knows what they want to achieve as a career goal you are very fortunate.  Assist them in researching which schools will offer the course of study they are interested in, and what are the requirements for qualification to apply for admission to the school.  There are an endless amount of very good schools, but you and your child need to decide which one is "The One", (the right fit) for them.  There is nothing wrong with your child if they are not quite ready to think about leaving home to attend school elsewhere after graduation from high school.  Not everyone is meant to go to college right away, and not every college/university is ready for your child.  
     If your child does not know what they want to do or study after high school you have your work cut out for you.  There are so many categories of interest our students are not exposed to during their short 18 years of exposure to the world.  Partly because the area we live in is somewhat isolated from many career choices, and students rarely see what work is actually done by most professionals.  Spend time with your child learning their interests and find areas of study related to their interests.  Let them try something new and creative, or out of the ordinary to narrow down likes and dislikes.  Look at your high school schedule of classes. If your child is mechanically inclined maybe physics or auto tech. will interest them.  El Diamante has an excellent Agriculture Program.  This covers everything from Leadership, Public Speaking, Farm Maintenance, Agricultural Biology, Horticulture, Floral Arrangement and more.  There are many areas of study. Go in the direction of the students interest.   Good luck!
   

Pardon Me.

Pardon me.  I had to wash the egg off of my face.

Vote November 06!!!!!!!!!!

You know why. 

Welcome to PTSA e-mail

Dear El Diamante High School PTSA Members,

     I cannot thank you enough for your memberships.  They allow us (PTSA) to have the leverage of being the largest volunteer organization in the WORLD, thus we have the manpower to make changes for the benefit of our children.  Locally, at El Diamante H. S., your membership allows for Senior Scholarships, Teacher Appreciation Luncheon,  $2.00 athletic sports physicals for ALL our student athletes, Student Driver Night, Christmas Meals for El Diamante Families that would otherwise go without, and much more.    
Our families are the greatest asset we have at this school  -  THANK YOU!

    Hopefully, you received an email from the PTSA welcoming you.  There were a few emails that failed in there delivery.  I apologize.  If you did not receive a "Welcoming" email the PTSA is in need of your email address, except for Ruth G. I typed yours in wrong.

      Thank you also for sharing your children with El Diamante.  We have such a variety of clever, lively, caring, intelligent, and talented youth.  They are always a pleasure to meet and work with.  You have taught them well at home.  The PTSA looks forward to a very successful academic year for your students.
Parent participation at school events is always encouraged.  The students like knowing parents care about what is going on in their lives.  What affects one student, affects the entire school population, so parent involvement is important.  The teachers are very involved with student activities. (Sometimes it seems like they have cloned themselves because they are everywhere interacting with students.)  I have honestly never known such a good school administration.  They will soon know every student on site by name and face, and genuinely care about what is affecting them on a daily basis.  (Is there a family member who is ill?  Do they have to care for younger siblings so a parent can work?  Are they just having a tough day?  These are all concerns they address with students daily.)  Your children are at a school that genuinely cares for their wellbeing, but it is up to the students and parents to engage in the school as well.  We are glad you are attending El Diamante High School.  It is our families that make us strong.  Thank you again for your membership.    

Student Drivers-Future Voters

Student Driver Night is tonight at 6:00 in the school Library.  I really hope everyone attending leaves with a better understanding of the importance of voting in local elections, and how it affects drivers, their pocketbook (Gas $) and their vehicles wear-and-tear.  For example: You have an average person driving their average fuel efficient car to-and-from work, and to-and-from school (parent), and to-and-from various activities.  This is a person who occasionally drinks a beverage while driving.  (People get thirsty.) This person does not have time to study all the items for the election, even though they have had the information for two months.  They also can't remember to register for the absentee ballot in time to vote in the next election, and  their polling place is nowhere near where they work.
     Well, as time goes on the roads age and crumble, and the car ages and does not ride as smoothly or comfortably.  An election comes around and the voting population gets to choose - raise taxes to repair crumbling roads, - or vote for toll roads so only the people using the roads pay for road maintenance, -  or vote against road improvements because they are a tight-wad.  All of a sudden, this average person gets a huge promotion and pay raise for all their hard work.  They are so busy with their success; voting is forgotten, but they managed to arrange a lease on their dream car with every imaginable luxury.
     Meanwhile,,, the election is over and some toll roads will be established, but it will cost this average person with a luxury car $5.00 each day in traffic tolls just to get to work. A few months later the toll booths are in place and the roads established.  There is another road they can use to get to-and-from work, but it is not well maintained and very busy.  It is also a longer, slower drive.  This average person figures out the cost of using the toll road each month: $10.00 a day (going to-and-from work) for an average of 22 work days in the month.  This $220.00, vs. using the toll road only to get to work for a month - $110.00, vs. using the slower, unmaintained road for free.  The average person decides to use the free road and just leave home earlier to get to work in order to save money and still be able to afford a morning beverage. Life is good for the average person, leaving earlier for work but not getting to see their family in the morning.  Driving on a pothole riddled road, not realizing the damage it is doing to their expensive luxury car.  Then one day, the road begins attacking the cars with bits of road kicked up by tires and - denting and chipping the exteriors, and cracking windshields, even causing accidents.  It would have been much cheeper for the people to use the toll road or pay a road use tax to maintain the roads, but it's the accidents that you do not see that occur inside these vehicles that are the most costly.  They cost drivers their self confidence.  What you do not see from the outside is the anger and fear the average driver has because their bladders are full from the beverage they consumed on the long ride over the bumpy unmaintained road.  Then the stress of watching and listening to their vehicle get pummeled by loose gravel and potholes takes its toll.  Finally, they have to react suddenly to avoid an accident.  There goes the contents of their bladder into their heated luxury seat. OOPS!  Shocking isn't it?
       If only they had voted and encouraged others to vote as well.   Then they and their car could still be intact.  Do you know how expensive a driver side seat with a heater is to replace?  All the wiring and electronics, not to mention the customizer who knows what you did?  Then there is the shame.  I don't know about you, but I would not want to find out.  It is better to vote, than loose your contents.

                  Vote November 06!

Important Information for All Junior and Senior Athletes

Are you planning to participate on a collegiate athletic team?  If it is a Division I or II NCAA team you hope to participate with you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse before November 5, of your Senior Year in High School.  Even if you plan to go to a community college and then transfer to another college or university later, you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse NOW to be able to participate later.  This does not apply to Rowing, Rugby or Badminton, but check out the website to learn if your sport has to register.   There is a fee, but it is worth every penny when you get to participate in Collegiate Athletics.  Go to NCAA Clearinghouse to sign up.

November 06, 2012; Make a Difference Day - VOTE

I am not confused. Today is Saturday, October 27, Make a Difference Day. This is a great day to join others in the community and assist each other in making our community a more aesthetically pleasing, welcoming and enjoyable place.  It also allows volunteers to meet and socialize with like minded citizens, and possibly make new friends and acquaintances.  This has great benefits for everyone.
   
 I am simply referring to Election Day on November 06, 2012.  If you have already voted by Absentee Ballot,  Thank You!!!!  If not, send in your ballot before Oct. 30, or else you will need to take it to your polling place on election day. 

The California Public School System's livelihood is at stake in this election.  Our students are the future workforce of this county, state, nation, world.  We need to support our public schools in whatever way we can in order to provide a proficient population for the future of our nation.  This election day it is so simple.  Just make a thick line connecting the YES arrow for Proposition 38, and Measure E when you cast your vote.  All state public schools are scheduled to loose an enormous amount of state funding due to the California State Budget Deficit. I do not know about you, but my family cannot afford private school or special on-line classes to supplement public education once it begins to lack the classes my child needs.  Home schooling is an option, but for High School Students it can be extremely difficult to get adequate math and science instruction. (I know, I home schooled for one year.  Very poorly I might add. We survived and were able to do some great things we otherwise would not have done, but my child's math and science instruction was lacking.) I gladly and thankfully let my children benefit from the professionals in public education.

Proposition 38: Will provide much needed funding for our schools for 10 years.  This will allow El Diamante to continue offering all classes needed for graduation requirements and college admission with adequate classroom sizes.  Our school is scheduled to receive just over $2 Million in 2013, to keep the school running as usual, when Prop. 38 passes.  We have an exemplary teaching staff, administration, and office staff.  We need every one of them.  Our school also needs water, heating and cooling, electricity, text books, computers and cable. The list goes on and on.  Our students need the best we have to offer for their future success.  Our community livelihood is dependent on your YES Vote on Prop. 38.

Measure E:  This is a no brainer. This Measure continues to fund VUSD school maintenance and upgrades, also allowing for construction of a new Middle School to ease the severe overcrowding of our middle schools.  Measure E will continue what Measure G has been doing for the past several years. Measure G will expire at the end of this year, but our schools need to be maintained.  The community will not have any tax increase.  In fact there will be No Changes to taxation because of Measure E. 
     Measure E will replace/repair leaking roofs and upgrade electrical systems,
improve access for the disabled, update science and computer labs, replace or repair flooring, plumbing and ventilation systems, upgrade fire and life-safety systems as required by state law, and more.
Please vote Yes on Measure E.

           VOTE on November 06, 2012
                   and Make a Difference for Education!
  

Seniors: Important Tips

All seniors.  Congratulations on working hard and staying on track with your studies.  You are so close to graduation, yet still so far.  (That is a paradox.)  You are about to learn what Busy really is.  To make life a little easier (if you have not already) keep ALL testing scores in a file in a safe dry place: STARR, SAT, ACT, and all major tests you have taken, along with a copy of your school transcripts.  Begin asking teachers, mentors, fellow volunteers if they will be willing and able to write you nice letters of recommendation.  If they agree, let then know the specifics of what the recommendation is for, so they can tailor the letter specifically to you and your triumphs.
Be gracious and thank everyone who has helped you get this far.
Always double and triple check your spelling so you do not appear rushed and sloppy.
If you get a moment or two, make some lasting memories with your friends. Reach out to other seniors you have not yet met. You will be surprised at how many wonderful fellow students you have that have not yet made your acquaintance.  The PTSA is proud of our hardworking Senior Class of 2013.

Help needed for Math teachers and students

Please help our MATH teachers and students.  They have so many problems.
What can "I" do to help?  You'll figure it out.

Novel November: November is Novel Writing Month

November 01 - 30th at midnight.  This is Novel Writing Month.  It is actually GLOBAL.
If you have a story to tell, or are interested in getting your students writing, then this is for you and everyone else with something to write about. Just sign up, then on November 01, start writing.
                       This is for anyone and everyone!
If you are interested for yourself or your classroom (yes it is for all ages and all occupations) Google: National Novel Writing Month.  If you complete a novel in November, the cover art will be done free by graphic artists, and many do get published if that is your desire. No one reads your work except you, the author. 
             WRITE IT DOWN!!!!
This is your creation, your story, write whatever you need to. Sign up now, before November 01, or you will have to wait until next year.  Have fun.

PTA Reflections Arts Program. Nov. 26 Entry Deadline

Do you love to Dance?  Write Music?  Write?  Paint or Draw?  What about Photography or Film Production? Are any of these ways you express yourself?  If so, you need to make an entry for the National PTA Reflections Program. All El Diamante High School students can enter.  The awards and rewards can be great.
          This years theme:  "The Magic of a Moment"

Create an original work of art relating directly to the theme.

This year we have a new category for those students needing assistance creating their artwork.
Turn in you original work of art to the Main Office on or before November 26, 2012.
Find rules in the Main Office, or at PTAreflections.org.

Contact Janelle Bland at janellebland@yahoo.com
or Melanie Kazmier at melakazmier@gmail.com 
with any questions.

Do you have younger siblings, children, or children you care for that would like to participate but there school does not have this arts program?  You are in luck!
With a $5. student membership in our PTSA, other students from non-participating schools can create an entry and submit it through the El Diamante H. S. PTSA.
PTSA membership forms are available in the schools main office.  All that is needed is your name, phone #, address, and membership fee.

        Start Creating "THE MAGIC OF A MOMENT"  

Visalia's Most Talented Nov. 10, 2012

If you are interested in talent competitions then you will love this event.  The Visalia Education Foundation presents;  Visalia Unified students in grades K - 12  performing solo and group presentations including dance, vocal music, instrumental music, theater, magic acts, ventriloquism, baton twirling, etc.  Performances are limited to 5 minutes or less.
Monetary prizes and trophies will be awarded.

For more information go to:  www.visaliaef.org

We have amazing talent in Visalia. You will be entertained.

Positive Discipline/Communication with your child

WOW! It has taken awhile to pass on the incredible information received from Deni Camit, our Visalia Unified School District Psychologist. She spoke briefly at our last PTSA meeting this month as our special guest presenter. Every household with a child attending a VUSD school should have received a brochure on Positive Discipline.  It is an amazing 7 sessions of how to use Positive Discipline Tools for all ages. Basically, it teaches how to communicate with your child/student in an encouraging and motivating manner while allowing the child/student to be accountable for their own actions.  
I Highly Recommend this 7 sessions series.  The last session for this year is;
 October 30, 2012, 6:00-7:30 pm. at the
         Visalia Learning Center, Room 9
                  630 S. Atwood
                  Visalia, CA 93277

The topic is "Discipline that Teaches."
1. If you say it,  mean it,  if you mean it, follow through.
2. Create closeness and trust by making sure the message of love gets through.

Call to register:  Paula Kreger 730-7566

Child Care is provided, so register.

For more information contact Deni Camit at dcamit@vusd.org

The Positive Discipline 7 Sessions will be presented again in 2013.
You will learn how and when to use 10 Positive Discipline Tools:
1.   Connect with the child before you correct
2.   Take time for training
3.   Invite Cooperation
4.   Make sure the message of Love gets through
5.   Focus on Solutions (not blame)
6.   Hold children accountable with their self-respect intact
7.   Be kind and firm
8.   Encourage,  Encourage,  Encourage
9.   Choose your battles
10.  Use Discipline to teach  

This is all available in Spanish during the first part of the year 2013, and in English again next fall.
All sessions are on Tuesday's.  It is actually life changing for your family if you implement what you learn.
Please check it out.

Student Speech Contests

There are two separate student speech contests you should know about.

1. The Lions Clubs are having a speech contest.  The topic;  "How Do We Create and Keep Jobs in America".  This is a 5 to 10 minute speech.  Everyone in grades 9-12, from any Visalia school can participate.  The scholarship awards are big $.  Go to MD4.org and look under Student Speech Contest for rules and information.

2.  AAUW (American Association of University Women) is having an annual speech contest.  The contest is open to all high school students, grades 9-12, from any school in Tulare County.  The topic; "Sexual Harassment in School... Big Deal?"  Interested students must submit an "intent to participate" notice to the local AAUW Ca branch by Dec. 21.  There are many cash prizes awarded.  For rules and information contact Jan Johnson at 559-625-2926.
 

Yellow Ribbon Cards needed for all students.

All High Schools and Middle Schools!!! What is on the back of your students' School Student ID CARD?
It is the perfect place to put Yellow Ribbon information and the VUSD Hotline information.
Students are losing their Yellow Ribbon Cards as soon as they receive them, but when one is needed; It is NEEDED! The Yellow Ribbon Card contains lifesaving live hotline phone numbers for anyone and everyone to call during a crisis. Most people do have at least one crisis to go through as they grow up. Not everyone has someone to talk to during a crisis. This information on the back of a student ID is easily accessible by ALL.  Not many students lose their ID Card. If they do, they get another one.  Having emergency crisis information on the back of a students ID makes sense. They know exactly how to use it and they will not lose it. (These hotlines do get used.) Our community needs this information in a convenient predictable manner, because when someone is in crisis they most likely will not try to look up the information.  They are in fight or flight mode and need immediate assistance.  You cannot get any more immediate assistance than having all the crisis information on the back of your student ID.  Let's give our students every opportunity for their own wellbeing and to be able to easily assist their friends and family in crisis situations.
Please have your school put live saving information on the back of every student ID card!!!

October 30, 2012, is Student Driver Night

Student Driver Night is next week on Tuesday evening in the Library at 6:00. There will be useful presentations from police officers, insurance agencies, driving schools and more. 

The Raffle prizes are amazing. Every year a lucky student wins free behind the wheel driving school.  This is a Big expense, so to get it free is really great.  There are many other raffle prizes as well.

For those of you coming straight from work and/or practice there will be some food and water in the Library. We do not want anyone to starve, faint, or have a growling snarling stomach due to starvation.

The El Diamante High School PTSA looks forward to you attending Student Driver Night, and learning what every driver needs to know about teens behind the wheel.

How can I help El Diamante? I don"t even have time to sleep.

If you can only do one thing in the next 4 years to assist our school(s): VOTE IN THE NOV. 6, 2012 ELECTION.
The liveliness of all our schoolchildren and public schools is at stake.
If you honestly can not decide whether to vote for or against an issue you can skip it. (Don't tell anyone. It is a secret no one can speak of.)
The California State PTA, District and Council PTA's all support MEASURE E: It will provide for school maintenance and reparations to schools 10 years old and older.  It will help fund the building of new schools to ease our overcrowding. There will be NO TAX Increase from Measure E.

The California State PTA, District and Council PTA's all support Proposition 38: When passed this will provide El Diamante with much needed $ (Approximately $2 Million next year) to continue providing a quality education allowing students to prepare for a future trade and/or college admission. If it does not pass our children's education WILL be compromised. It already is lacking because of funding.

P.S. There is no funding for technology at our school. Every classroom and the Library have been equipped with new computers and software in the last 2 years, thanks to superhero actions by our School Administrators. This is a monumental accomplishment.

Vote November 06, 2012!!!!!

Christmas Dinners

When a students needs are met at home, they can be more effective and engaging at school. If they know their school community cares about them and their family, the possibilities are endless for what can be achieved. We have amazing students from very different socio-economic backgrounds, and want them all to succeed and be their best.  Every year the El Diamante PTSA and student body collect donations to assist our school families with limited resources with a nice Christmas dinner.  We provide a pre-cooked, well balanced holiday meal that feeds 6-8 people to families who would otherwise go without. (The dinner is pre-cooked because some of our families do not have an adequate way to cook such a meal.)   This is just one thing we enjoy doing for our school community during the holidays. If you would like to share in creating a united and caring school community you can donate a tax deductible gift to EDHS PTSA.
Donations can be turned into the school office or mailed to: 5100 W. Whitendale, Visalia, CA 93277.
Attn: PTSA.  Your gifts need to be received by Thanksgiving.
Thank you

Welcome to PTSA

Glad you found us. We would like to welcome everyone interested in the El Diamante High School PTSA to read our blog and keep up to date with what we are doing. Check in later this week to learn more.

PTSA on the Web

The El Diamante PTSA now has a blog presence to make announcements more accessible. Join us online by bookmarking this site el-diamante-ptsa.blogspot.com