BHBL High School PTSA

PTSA Programs and Committees

Every year the BHBL HS PTSA runs the following programs that help support student learning and builds bridges between school, home and the community. Of course, these programs could not be offered without the generous support from parent volunteers, teachers and the community.

Afterglow - the PTSA, the HS Chapter of SADD and others individuals help defray costs for this program which is a post-prom event to keep students safe after prom. Afterglow operates as it's own not-for-profit in which the PTSA assists with providing volunteers and makes a monetary contribution towards refreshments and other incidentals.

Arts in Education - Arts in Education is a program that brings artists, authors, storytellers, bookmakers, musicians, dance groups etc. directly into our schools. Teachers use the arts as tools for addressing the arts standards and incorporate the arts in to other academic subjects.

Audit - This 3-person committee meets per PTA Unit By-Laws to audit the PTSA financial records for the previous school year. Members examine the financial transactions and the procedures to assure both the membership and the board that the funds of the PTSA have been properly administered and that good financial practices have been followed.

Founders Day Awards - Since 1939, the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake PTAs have annually recognized one or more outstanding PTA members as Founders' Day Award winners. This is the highest form of recognition given by our PTAs.

These special people can be either volunteers or staff with the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Schools. They are chosen to recognize their years of service and their notable dedication "above and beyond" the usual to the needs of local students and families.

Building Council PTSA Representatives - Work with teachers, administrators, staff and other parents on important issues such as health, safety and character education. Members then communicate needs to PTSA.

By-Laws - The By-Laws committee meets every 3 years to review and update our PTSA by-laws.

Follies - This event is usually held in the Spring and is a district-wide talent show for kids of all ages. Volunteers are always needed to help publicize event and assist where needed.

Freshman Orientation - Provides a welcome for our new freshman to our school community.

Fundraisers - Fundraiser(s) finance the many PTSA programs that may run over the course of the school year. The chair of this committee will work with the PTSA officers to plan the fund raisers and to meet the financial goals of the PTSA. In the past the Follies and School Pictures have been our main source of income.

Membership - Organizes the PTSA membership drive, collects dues and distributes membership cards and maintain a list of members. Supplies membership list to the Executive Board.

Newsletter - Responsible for collecting stories, news and events for the creation of and distribution of the OMS PTA newsletter.

Nomination Committee - Elected usually early in the year, this 3-person committee (with one to serve as Chair) is responsible for nominating one person for each officer position for the following school year.Committee is active March through May. Members find the best possible nominees for PTSA openings and administer the annual election process (cultivate candidates, coordinate publicity, prepare ballots and conduct voting process). Position requires that discussions are kept strictly confidential and nominees must be members of the PTSA, have knowledge of PTSA, and able to work well with people.

Odyssey of the Mind - Work with small groups of students to help them learn creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process. Teams will compete against local schools and have the potential of going to a national level.

Parent Forums - Each year the HS may host a variety of forums.

Reflections - This is a National PTA arts program with the intent for children to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works. Students may enter the competition with works in the following categories: Photography, Visual Arts, Literature, Musical Composition, Dance Chorography, and Film/video production.

Scholarships - In the Spring, the guidance office selects graduating seniors for two different PTSA sponsored scholarships: the VOTEC and the Citizenship Awards. Additionally, the PTSA sponsors an Eileen Briggs Scholarship through the PTA Council which awards a scholarship to a student which artist ability.

Staff Recognition Luncheon - This program allows our PTSA and parent volunteers to show our appreciation for the dedication and talent that the school staff shares with our children every day by providing a luncheon in the spring in a fun, theme based environment.

Teacher Representative - The chair is always held by a teacher who acts as a liaison between the faculty and the PTSA.