November 20, 2009

---

Why Join the Blair PTSA??

By joining the PTSA you show that you believe in quality education.  When parents are involved, students perform better in school.  They have better grades, test scores, attendance rates, and are more likely to graduate.

Did you know that our Blair PTSA funds a "mini-grant" program to support student- or teacher-designed projects that benefit the school?  We also raise money to support school improvements, such as the outdoor water fountain on the athletic fields and translation equipment for non-English-speaking parents.  PTSA leaders advocate before MCPS school board and central office staff and the County Council for improved funding and staffing levels for Blair, for fair graduation site policies, and for other issues that affect our school and community.

We need your voice, so please get involved by joining the PTSA, coming to meetings, volunteering your time, and contributing your talent.  Membership forms may be downloaded in English or in Spanish.  You can mail or bring your membership form to the school.

---

The Blair PTSA Minigrants Program is delighted to announce a matching dollar for dollar fundraiser!

Through the wonderful generosity of one of our parents, donations marked for the Minigrants Program will be matched by her donation dollar for dollar--up to a total of $600!  Deadline: December 1, 2009

Minigrants are awarded to student groups, staff, and parents whose projects support the creativity, development and resources of our Blair community.

As you may know, after fully funding Blair's After-Prom Event, the PTSA budget was not able to support the Minigrants Program as extensively as last year.

As we continue to collect funds in order to expand our awards budget, please use this exceptional opportunity to donate to the Blair Minigrants Program.

Checks should be made out to the Blair PTSA and earmarked for Minigrants.  For more information about the Minigrant program, please contact Minigrant co-chairs Gail Peck (gpeck at peckstudios.net), or Judith Arbacher (r-jarbacher at erols.com).  Deadline for matching donations: December 1, 2009

---

The September/October Edition is available!

Editors: Terry Fischer, tfischer11 at hotmail.com
and Francine Krasowska, krasowska at gmail.com

The deadline for submissions for November/December 2009 is November 10.

Deadlines for the rest of the year:
January 11 for January/February 2010
March 10 for March/April 2010
May 10 for May/June 2010

---

PAINLESS WAYS TO RAISE $$ FOR MONTGOMERY BLAIR HIGH SCHOOL

---

2009 - 2010 Parent Handbook

---

2009 - 2010 Student Planbook

---

MBHS Calendar

---

PTSA Calendar

November
25	Early release day - Students dismissed after lunch
26-27	No School - Holiday - Thanksgiving
30	SGA Canned Food Drive starts
December
1-18	SGA Canned Food Drive
1	BBOPS meeting, Band Room, 7 p.m.
4	Chorus Coffeehouse, Choral/Guitar Room, 7 p.m.
5	SAT & Subject Tests Citrus Pickup, Blair stadium, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
7	Financial Aid Information Night, 12th Grade Parent meeting, Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
10	11th Grade Parent meeting, Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
11	Blair Cabaret
12	ACT Test
14	PTSA Executive Board meeting, Staff Lounge, 7:00 p.m.
15	PTSA meeting, Media Center, 7:30 p.m.
16	9th Grade "Chat and Chews", Navigating Nineth Grade, Media Center, Conference room A, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m
18	Winter Dance
24-31	No School - Holiday - Christmas & Winter Break

Complete 2009/2010 PTSA Calendar

---

Class of 2013 Up-Dates

If you have questions, they may be directed to Maima Barclay, 9th Grade Academy Lead Teacher. at 301/649-2808 or via email at Maima_D_Barclay@mcpsmd.org

“We are committed to providing all students with the best education possible. A firm foundation is critical.”

****************************************

The PTSA at Montgomery Blair High School is an organization that represents every part of our community - the parents, the teachers and staff, and the students. We are a passionate group that works hard on many fronts to make sure all our students have the opportunity to be successful. We meet monthly, advocate on many levels, raise funds to support our many projects, and invite all members of our community to take an active part in what we do. There are many plates at the table this PTSA sets for involvement.
Join us – and “Go Blazers!”