Oak tree represents the strength of PTA

RITA PARDUE- FALLMAN

The oak tree -- why is it part of the seal of the national PTA?

There are many things to ponder in life. And now, there’s one more

thing to consider -- the relationship of the oak tree with PTA.

This beautiful tree is a symbol of strength, endurance and

sturdiness with its broad canopy of protective branches that spread

upward and outward -- far reaching, yet intricate in its growth,

unique in its ability to nourish the tiniest of leaves at the tip of

its furthermost twig.

Some consider the state organization the trunk of the oak tree,

and the National PTA the deep and anchoring roots.

The districts and councils form the gradually spreading branches

and the units are the beautiful leaves. The oak tree is truly a

meaningful symbol used on PTA pins and logos.

HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL

Julianne Erikson, PTSA president, invites everyone to the

“Reflections Showcase” at 7 p.m. March 14 in Room #401. This is the

opportunity to recognize and honor the Hoover students who

participated in this year’s PTA Reflections Contest, which carried

the theme, “A Different Kind of Hero.”

Kristina Drummond, a senior, placed first in the High School

Literature division and went on to the First District competition.

The students who competed at the Glendale Council PTA level will have

their works showcased at the school district office from Feb. 22 to

March 18.

Congratulations to Sarah Kleinberg. She has been certified by the

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This is a

rigorous certification process, and is valid for 10 years.

PTSA wishes a very fond and sad farewell to Ellen Wally, who will

retire on March 21. Wally has worked at Hoover for more than 19 years

and was a devoted PTSA parent. For more information, call (818)

242-6801.

TOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL

PTA President Julie Zastrow thanks parents Kathy Drummond,

Kimberly Swan and Cindy Brown for doing a great job organizing the

PTA Founders Day tea. Zastrow extends kudos to Principal Jan

Canfield.

Canfield is traveling to all the Hoover cluster feeder schools

preparing sixth-graders for their upcoming middle school experience.

Call your local elementary school office for Canfield’s traveling

schedule. For more information, call the school at (818) 244-8414.

BALBOA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Lisa Deyell, PTA president, extends thanks to Julie Zastrow, Mary

Rose Grim and Kanda Lawson for all their work on “Everybody Loves

Reading.” Also, thanks to community members who came to read to the

children. Balboa PTA hosted a 75th birthday party for the school,

with cupcakes for every child and a cake for the teachers and staff.

Thank you to Kanda Lawson for all her help in coordinating this

event.

For information, call the school office at (818) 241-1801.

FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PTA President Ed Torres, Reflection’s Coordinator Steve Wilson and

Principal Maria Gandera presented each student who participated in

the Reflection’s program with a certificate.

The Musical Mobile will visit on Thursday. Jersey day is Friday.

The next assembly will be with the Chameleons, a mime troupe.

After-school programs are in full swing including the after-school

homework club, gifted and talented education program and the garden

club.

During lunch, the intermediate grade levels have the opportunity

to be part of the Franklin Intramural Basketball League.

Parent meetings for each grade level continue from February

through March. For more information, call (818) 243-1809.

JEFFERSON

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Ted Gatto, PTA president, invites everyone to attend PTA meetings,

which are on the last Thursday of the month. The board meeting takes

place at 6 p.m. followed by the general meeting at 7 p.m.

KEPPEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kahlena Funk, PTA president, invites everyone to save the date for

the annual Founder’s Day celebration, to be held Friday at the Hilton

Glendale Hotel.

For more information and event times, please call the school

office at (818) 241-2113.

* RITA PARDUE-FALLMAN

can be reached by e-mail at rita@ritapardue.com. Mail

can be dropped off at the

Hoover High School PTA box.