KNIGHTLY NEWS

December 20, 2023 | Norton Elementary PTA Newsletter

President's Message

Season's Greetings, Norton Knight Families!

We have a couple of weeks until we reach the end of 2023! The last few months were packed with events at our school. A picture is worth a thousand words, so please enjoy the highlight photos in our 'Around Campus' section of the newsletter.

Looking ahead to spring 2024, it is already time to plan for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year! Please join Norton PTA at the first membership meeting of 2024 on Thursday, January 11th from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Our program "What to Expect When Expecting a Husky" will answer questions about how to smoothly transition from elementary school to middle school. Ms DeLeon, our counselor, will give a brief presentation of important dates and a panel of current Norton/Husky parents will be available to answer questions based on their recent experiences. This meeting is for grown-ups of all grade levels. RSVP by January 9th.

Also, in late January/early February, the PTA Nominations Committee will start seeking candidates who are interested in joining the 2024-2025 Norton PTA Board. No experience is necessary--just a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Even if you have the slightest interest, contact a current PTA board member and we'll help you find a role. There are many training resources available to guide new leaders. We welcome new faces and fresh ideas to our Norton PTA team. More information will be communicated in late January.

I hope your winter break is filled with comfort and rest! Have a great time celebrating the new year and be safe.

Faye Cagle
President of Norton PTA
president@ptanorton.org
Join the PTA! ptanorton.org

In this Issue

Upcoming Events
Membership Update
Volunteer Guidelines
Volunteer Opportunities
Meet the Board
Dad's Club/Watch D.O.G.S.
Knight of the Month
Staff Birthdays
Allen ISD Council of PTA/Allen ISD Events
Around the Castle
Everyday Fundraising
PTA Meeting Dates
Calendar
Connect with Us

Upcoming Events

RSVP by January 9th

World Cultures Day 2024

Save the date for Norton’s Annual World Cultures Day on February 23, 2024. Click on the button below to view all of the ways you can participate on this day. Sign up by February 2nd!

The goal this year is for every culture in our school community to be represented on this night. Please make plans to volunteer and attend!

View Flyer & Sign Up by Feb 2nd

Allen Eagle Run - Saturday, March 2, 2024 - Register

Membership Update

Norton PTA is 454 members strong!

Thank you to the individuals and families who have already joined the PTA. We continue to welcome members through out the year. JOIN NOW to help us support our Norton students and faculty.

Since the beginning of the year, Norton PTA has been recognized for its member involvement by earning the following awards:

Head Start - Recruitment of 75% or more of previous year's total membership

Golden Apple - Recruitment of 100% of school faculty

MARS Membership - Recruitment of at least 50 men for membership

Generations Involvement - Appointment or election of 1 grandparent to serve in eligible Board position

Good Standing - Diligently completing the administrative procedures required of a local PTA to achieve good standing (including reporting membership numbers, leadership roles, filing a completed tax form, and review bylaws).

These awards show that our community is comprised of a diverse group of individuals who are dedicated to the common goal of making our school a better place for our students and teachers.

JOIN NORTON PTA

A Knight's Guide to Volunteering

Volunteer Guidelines

These guidelines and expectations are set forth to insure the safety of our students and staff. Before anyone can volunteer at Norton, they must:

COMPLETE the Allen ISD Volunteer Application and receive notice that they have CLEARED the background check. This must be done/renewed each year for every volunteer.
Read the Norton Volunteer Guidelines and return the signature page to the front office.
Join Norton PTA

Always bring your ID or driver's license with you to check-in with the front office. The receptionist will give volunteers a visitor ID sticker and a volunteer lanyard to wear while you're on campus. For the safety and clarity for all, please keep these two identification items on you at all times. Return the visitor ID sticker and the lanyard to the front office when you sign out.

Submit Allen ISD Volunteer Application

Read Norton Volunteer Guidelines

Join Norton PTA

Volunteer Opportunities

We would love your help. For certain events, we ask that you sign up for one spot only in order to include more individuals. Sign ups are first come, first serve.

World Cultures Day (2/23)
Spring Book Fair (3/4-3/7)
Love Cart (3/7)
Spring Picture Day (3/28)
Spring Carnival (4/25)
Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day (5/8)
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week (5/6-5/10)
6th Grade Celebration (5/23)

Use the button below to find upcoming volunteer opportunities through out the year. Links will be added to the sign up page linked to the button as the event nears.

Meet the PTA Board

Abira Ahmad

Name: Abira Ahmad

Current Role: Spelling Bee Coordinator

Years in Current Role: First year in this position and I am excited!

Roles/Positions in the past: I have previously volunteered in the school at various events and gatherings.

How many students do you have? I have 2 boys in 3rd & 4th grade.

When did you join the PTA? This is my first year joining the PTA

What is one piece of advice you would give to a new board member or someone interested in joining the board?
My advice for anyone thinking of joining would be--DO IT. It’s a good way for you to connect with your kids and learn more about the school. Also, the people on the PTA are AMAZING. We moved here 2 years ago and everyone has been so welcoming and kind. Plus we have tons of FUN!

Jennifer Hsieh

Name: Jennifer Hsieh

Current Role: Spirit Gear Chair

Years in Current Role: First year

Roles/Positions in the past: None

How many students do you have? Charlotte Hsieh, 2nd grade

When did you join the PTA? I joined when my daughter started kinder at Norton and have been active since!

Why did you join? I wanted to be involved, see my daughter having fun at school events while volunteering, and get to know other parents and faculty

Why did you choose your current board position? It is closely related to my profession and I love clothes/shopping/buying all the things!

What is your favorite event/memory? Volunteering at the holiday party and the zoo!

What is one piece of advice you would give to a new board member or someone interested in joining the board? It's rewarding to see how happy your child is when you volunteer! They almost feel a sense of ownership in your work (even though sometimes they're more distracting than helpful) but it's sweet to see how proud they are when you show up!

Dad's Club

Be a Watch D.O.G.S. Volunteer

WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is a national program with the goal of providing positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. For more information, visit the Norton PTA Watch D.O.G.S. page or contact the coordinators below to sign up.

WatchDOG Coordinator: Jeff Clark, Dads Club Chair, dadsclub@ptanorton.org
Program Coordinator at Norton: Peyton DeLeon, Norton School Counselor, peyton.deleon@allenisd.org

Knight of the Month

Thank you to Montgomery Insurance Agency / Farmers Insurance for sponsoring Norton's Knight of the Month. This program recognizes a Norton teacher or staff member every month for their outstanding work and dedication to our school.

December Knight of the Month

Congratulations to Ms. Szeryk! She is Norton’s K-6 Gifted & Talented Campus Specialist, but her contributions to Norton goes beyond her job title. Ms. Szeryk goes above and beyond for Norton and our students. She is a GLOW GETTER who always looks for opportunities to empower students through experiential learning through her programs like the MORE Store, Recycling Sale, and the morning announcements. We are so grateful to have Ms. Szeryk to guide our Norton Knights.

November Knight of the Month

Congratulations to Ms. Lyons! She is a life long learner at heart! From spending time planning with our instructional coaches to trying new things with her classes- she works so hard to ensure she is doing her very best for her 5th grade students. She also coaches a UIL team that will compete later this school year. We are so grateful to have Ms. Lyons as a Norton Knight teacher!

October Knight of the Month

Congratulations to Miss KH who always does an amazing job of advocating for her students. She collaborates across teams to make sure her students get the help they need. We appreciate her joyful, positive attitude and her love for students!

Norton Staff Birthdays

Allen Council of PTAs / Allen ISD Events

Allen ISD Middle School EXPO Night

If you're a family with a 6th grader or new to the district, save the date for Middle School Expo Night, January 23 from 6-7:30 p.m. at all middle schools! Come learn about the school, meet staff members & students, and learn about course offerings and programs/clubs. Learn more >> https://www.allenisd.org/article/1364204

Allen ISD Parent University

Allen ISD Parent University provides free programs and resources to parents and guardians. Check out their Calendar of Events.

Join us for the next Parent University, Thursday, January 25 from 6:30-8 p.m. online. Our topic is The Power of Nutrition with our Allen ISD Student Nutrition Department. Learn more and RSVP! https://allenisd.org/parentuniversity

Around the Castle

Our GLOW GETTERS had a great time at our fundraising finale GLOW PARTY!

Norton Knights were greeted by visiting Allen H.S. football players and cheerleaders for Reading with the Eagles.

October Love Cart! Our teachers and staff were treated to a candy buffet!

It was a beautiful fall morning to Walk, Bike, and Roll to school!

Our Norton Knight families honored their loved ones at the Veterans Day Celebration!

Norton families and staff stocked up on books at the Fall Book Fair before the holidays. The Ereckson BEST Robotics Team and Mathnasium-Allen were in attendance at our evening STEAM night.

The room was all 'a buzz' with excitement as our 4th-6th grade qualifying students competed in the Scripps Spelling Bee.

These two 4th grade Norton Knights were celebrated for their music composition and photography entries in the PTA Reflections Art Competition.

The Grinch couldn't steal our holiday spirit as Norton PTA hosted a Holiday Luncheon for our teachers and staff. Norton partnered with Toys for Texans to collect donations for the annual toy drive.

Everyday Fundraising

Did you know you can make donates to the Norton PTA through your everyday shopping and grocery purchases? All donations go directly to support the programs and events our organization offers. No amount is too small - please consider signing up with the shopping partners programs. For more information, go to Norton PTA Shopping Partners.

Kroger Community Rewards Program

Register online at Kroger Rewards to add Norton Elementary NPO # BH491 to your Kroger Plus Card. Your everyday grocery purchases will benefit Frances E Norton Elementary PTA.

Walmart Round Up Program

Sign up for Walmart's SPARK GOOD program & round up your register total to the nearest dollar to support Norton PTA when you make everyday purchases online at Walmart or using the Walmart app. Start by making Norton PTA your preferred charity.

PTA Membership Meetings

General membership meetings are a great way to stay informed about PTA matters. Everyone is welcome at the general PTA meetings (members & non-members), but only members can vote. There will be an opportunity to join PTA at each meeting. It is important for members to attend the meetings so we will have quorum to vote on PTA business. We pair our membership meetings with a program for parents & guardians after the business portion is complete.