PTA NEWS:

Hoover English teacher Brian Crosby will discuss his most recent book, “Smart Kids, Bad Schools,” at the next Hoover High School PTSA meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in Room 401 at the school.

He will also talk about how public education can be more effective.

California State PTSA scholarships are available to graduating seniors planning to attend a university, community college or an accredited trade school. Students should consult their counselors for an application. For the latest Hoover news, visit www. hooverhs.org.

TOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL

The PTA thanks parents and students for their donations to Toll’s Toy and Book Drive. Toll supplied four boxes of toys and books for Glendale families in need. A special thanks also to Brigitte Sroujieh, who headed up this PTA project.

Toll students may pre-order 2008-09 Toll yearbooks from Wednesday through Jan. 16, from Mr. Shih in Room 3204. A Parents on Patrol meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 13, in Room 1202. The next PTA Assn. meeting is at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 in the Toll Library at Toll Middle School, 700 Glenwood Road.

The PTA is looking for volunteers to help in the Toll Library during school hours and at the Malt Shop on Fridays. Contact Margaret Hall at (818) 247-2318 or MhallPTA@aol.com if you have questions, or are interested in helping.

BALBOA ELEMENTARY

The Balboa PTA is preparing for Founders Day and the Honorary Service Awards. If you would like to nominate a person for an award — someone who you think has gone the extra mile to help the children of Balboa, fill out a nomination form and put it in the ballot box in the front office.

Also, if you have candid photos of Balboa activities (PTA events, field trips, school parties, etc.), submit them for the yearbook. You can drop them off with the front office staff. If you are interested in volunteering, call the school at (818) 241-1801.

FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY

Primary art classes have started Thursdays after school, once again being taught by Burbank artist Randall Williams.

The PTA meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15, and members will be recognizing all the participants from the Reflections Art Contest. The school had several students move up to the next level.

Congratulations to Glendale Council level winners Karina Acevedo (photography) and Connor Cruz (film). Karina’s entry placed first in the middle/junior category and will continue on to the district level for judging. Thank you to Catalina Lee, Reflections chairwoman, for her excellent work and to all the students for their hard work!

Yellow Ribbon Week will be celebrated next week. Check the school calendar for daily themes.

JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY

Jefferson Elementary School reminds parents that there is no school Jan. 19, due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Luc Paul, Jefferson Elementary School PTA president, invites parents to become involved in the Jefferson PTA by calling the school office at (818) 243-4279.

MARK KEPPEL ELEMENTARY

Keppel parents are asked to check for fliers for Domino’s Pizza nights and mention Mark Keppel. Benefits go to the fifth-grade class at Keppel.

Remember there is no school Jan. 19, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Mark Keppel’s next PTA association meeting is at 6:30 Jan. 21 in the Keppel cafeteria.

The Father/Son Dinner will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 in the cafeteria. Tickets are on sale at the front office. The cost is $10 per person.

If you would like to nominate someone for an award for exceptional service to Mark Keppel, you can obtain a nomination form from the Keppel front office or e-mail PTA President Adrine Novshadyan at anovshadyan@yahoo.com.

 FRAN TUNNO can be reached by e-mail at fran@ frantunno.com.