CLASSROOM INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES
The Webster PTA provides each teacher with the opportunity to hire an instructional aide to assist in the classroom. The ability to delegate some classroom duties enables the teacher to focus his/her efforts on teaching, to the advantage of the entire class. The number of hours per week funded varies by class size. This use of PTA funds has been strongly supported by the Webster parents and staff.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
The enthusiastic involvement of parents at school is a vital and vibrant tradition at Webster. Parent volunteers assist with many classroom activities, as well as with PTA programs. Time commitments begin at a few hours each month. Choose your own area of interest or expertise, and contact your child's classroom teacher or a PTA representative (handbook page 26-27). The rewards for your child, yourself, and your school are great!
CLASSROOM SUPPLIES, MATERIALS AND FIELD TRIPS
Our teachers receive PTA funds to purchase curriculum-related tools and materials for the classroom. This financial supplement enables them to obtain instructional kits, speakers, and other enhancements for projects that go beyond the traditional course of study. The PTA also supplements the cost of field trips related to classroom study. Scholarships are available to ensure that no student is denied participation due to financial need. Guidelines for parent chaperones on classroom field trips.
TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Every classroom at Webster is equipped with several computers that are woven into many facets of the teacher's curriculum on a daily basis. All have CD ROM and Internet capabilities. Our Computer Lab is equipped with 20 iBooks and the Library includes a six-computer on-line and CD ROM research center. PTA funds new hardware and software, and provides each class with computer training in the Lab.
ART STUDIO
This program exposes each Webster student to the fine arts, including instruction in technique, discussion of related artists, and hands-on art production. Our PTA-funded teacher, with a background in both art and education, presents a series of projects that integrate art and other curricular areas, with each class participating in every project. In the spring, the students' work will be displayed in a school-wide art show.
GARDENING ANGELS PROGRAM
Taking place in gardens scattered all over the Webster campus, this program provides hands-on gardening experiences for students and parent volunteers. Our PTA-funded instructor has added structured lesson plans to the bi-weekly sessions made available to each Kindergarten – 3rd grade class. This program incorporates math, science, recycling and responsibility.
EAT A RAINBOW
The PTA and Site Governance join forces to bring the terrific Eat A Rainbow program to Webster. This exciting nutrition education program exposes our students to good eating habits, enabling them to make healthy choices.
LIBRARY ENRICHMENT
Funds for new book purchases, including reference materials and software, are made available through the PTA's Direct Contribution Drive, the Book Fair, and the Adopt-A-Book program featured at Open House and every year on your child's birthday! (See the librarian for more information.)
MUSIC CENTER-ON-TOUR ASSEMBLY PROGRAM
The PTA will again sponsor cultural events from the Music Center of Los Angeles County. The program has been popular with our students for several years, and exposes each child to a wide variety of musical styles over the course of his\her elementary school experience.
SAFETY
There are several committees dedicated to improving the health and safety of Webster students. One group of parent volunteers directs morning traffic daily to expedite drop-offs and to keep our kids safe. Disaster preparedness, nutrition and pesticide use have also been addressed by the PTA. New issues and concerns will receive attention as needed.
MULTI-CULTURAL DINNER AND ART SHOW
Each year the PTA organizes a grand international pot luck dinner, with a dish reflecting the cultural heritage of your family as the only price of admission. The annual art show takes place the same evening, making it one of the most popular events of the year.
PARENT EDUCATION
The PTA sponsors lectures and discussions on topics related to parenting and education. Assistance to parents with childrearing issues is a top priority of the Webster PTA and the California State PTA.
SITE GOVERNANCE COUNCIL
The Webster Site Governance Council is a shared decision making body created to maintain a formal and effective procedure for forming and implementing polices which promote the vision of the school and reflects the District's goals. The council is comprised of a mandated ratio of parents, teachers and other staff, as follows, all of whom have been elected to serve a 2-year term.
CHARACTER COUNTS
The CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition is a nonpartisan alliance of educational and nonprofit organizations that work together to strengthen the character of young people by advocating consensus ethical values that transcend political, religious, class and ethnic divisions. These values, called the ÒSix Pillars of CharacterÓ are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. The Webster Site Governance Council joined this alliance in 1999. The result is an ongoing effort by Webster parents and staff to integrate character education into programs at school and into family life at home.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
In-class and after school projects organized and implemented by parents and teachers put the Character Counts values into action. Last year Webster children raised funds for Hurricane Katrina aide, sold dog treats to raise money for the Agoura Hills Animal Shelter, adopted families for the holidays, collected books for school libraries, and many other community service projects. This year, they will clean beaches, rescue animals, collect and donate books and feed the poor, among other projects.
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