What is PAWS?
PAWS is an independent parent group that exists to enhance the relationship and communication between home and school, and to provide academic, social, emotional, and physical support to students.
Who belongs to PAWS?
Membership is automatic (and without dues) to any parent of a child enrolled at LTMS. In other words, all LTMS Parents are also PAWS Parents.
When are the meetings?
Generally PAWS meetings are held the 4th Monday of the month (6:30 - 7:30 pm). We meet in the LTMS Office Conference Room. Parents may park in the lower lot and enter LTMS on the north doors (gym/auditorium) or the main entrance for the PAWS Meetings.
Remaining Meeting Dates
- 1/25/10
- 2/22/10
- 3/22/10
- 4/26/10
What happens at the meetings?
The meeting agenda is coordinated by the principal based on parent input, upcoming events, and teacher requests. A typical agenda includes introductions, approval of minutes, financial report, upcoming projects and events, teacher requests, and a time for questions, comments, concerns and future agenda items. Specifically, PAWS plans and coordinates the concession stand for track and a basketball tournament, Panther Pride Clothing, School Information Magnets, Teacher Appreciation Week, the PAWS Enrollment Table, Student Directory, and the QSP and Red Wheel Fundraisers. In addition to these activities, PAWS has provided feedback on student events, parent/teacher conferences, fieldtrips, student recognition programs, enrollment procedures, and many other topics. Parents who have attended PAWS meetings have described the meetings as productive, friendly, and informative. All parents who attend the meetings are voting participants.
How does PAWS spend money?
Generally, PAWS provides funds for activities that reach a large number of students and are not funded through other sources. In the past, PAWS has provided money for student honor roll rewards, Kansas Assessment incentives, the musical, fieldtrips (transportation and entrance fees), supplemental curriculum materials, costumes for music, donuts for Education Week, ice cream after the first week of school, a stereo for parties, books for the library, supplies and books for Challenge Period classes, and PAWS has helped teachers with a variety of other curricular projects.
What leadership opportunities are available with PAWS?
After three short years, students and parents move on to the high school. Therefore, PAWS is always on the lookout for parents to lead the numerous projects and activities. Knowledge for leading various activities is passed on from parent to parent at the PAWS meetings. At the end of this year, we will lose many of parents who have led activities. Next year, we will need a new treasurer and chairpersons for many of our committees. PAWS participants today are the PAWS leaders of the future.
How can I become involved?
Participating in a PAWS meeting is the best way to stay involved and informed! If you can not attend, check out the (NEW) PAWS webpage on the LTMS website. On this link we will post PAWS Agendas, minutes, fundraising information, and expenditures. Parents will be able to sign-up on the webpage for automatic PAWS updates and reminders. On behalf of the PAWS, I would like to invite you to take part in PAWS activities and meetings.
If you have additional ideas recognize the positive contributions of our students, or if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me (Steve Ludwig) at 667-6260 or sludwig@usd232.org .
