Tritt Tiger Foundation Blog Site

Weekly science instruction in the Discovery Porthole Science Lab and computer lab instruction is brought to you by parent donations from the Tritt Tiger Foundation. See where your Foundation Investment is going!

Kindergarten
Dead or Alive?
During March, the kindergarteners will be learning about living and non-living organisms. The terms living and non living are used in a special way by biologist. Living things are organisms in nature that are currently alive or have been alive at one time (often termed once living). Nonliving things are things that have never been alive. This concept is not an easy one for young children to grasp since they naturally want to classify dead things as non living. Your children will explore these concepts by listing observable physical attributes of items found on a nature walk, discussing characteristics, sorting by those characteristics and classifying each organism. They will delve further into their study of living organisms by studying plants and their root systems. Check out picture & more at http://tritt.typepad.com/sciencelab/

Computer Lab
In the Computer Lab, the Kindergarteners have finished their unit on drawing and will be moving to keyboarding (yes, typing!) and inserting images to go along with their writing. This takes what the Kindergarten teachers are doing in the classroom one step further. More computer news is available at: http://tritt.typepad.com/computerlab/

1 st Grade
Science Lab: Leaf Safari and Animal Necessitates
During March, the first graders will be studying the characteristics and basic needs of plants and animals. They will start by studying plants (including using the magnifying glasses) and later on in the month, they will move on to animals. They will compare and describe various animals through an up-close and personal analysis of animals in the Tritt zoo. What are the specific needs of Petey, Shelley, the spider or our snake? Be sure to ask your child. Check out picture & more at http://tritt.typepad.com/sciencelab/

Computer Lab: It’s Still All about Money
The first graders are continuing their lessons in money by getting ready to show what they know about fair trades in money. They will be creating a picture of 3 different ways to show the same amount of money. More computer news is available at http://tritt.typepad.com/computerlab/

2nd Grade
Science Lab
During March, your 2nd grader will be investigating the life cycle of different organisms. They will start by studying the changes in a ladybug. Later in the month they explore how a frog changes during its life cycle. They will conclude their study by studying the metamorphous of butterflies. They will get to experience it first hand as they observe the butterfly larvae will live in their classroom! Check out more at:  http://tritt.typepad.com/sciencelab/

Computer Lab
In Computer Lab, your Second grader has been graphing all sorts of things as well as working on their keyboarding skills.  They will continue to work on math and writing skills throughout the remainder of the year. More computer news is available at: http://tritt.typepad.com/computerlab/

3rd Grade
Science Lab: Kids & Magnets – A Strong Attraction
During March, the third graders will be studying Magnets during the beginning of the month. They will investigate magnets and how they affect other magnets and common objects. They will investigate how magnets attract and repel each other and discuss polarity and the strength of magnets. Later in the month, they will move onto the study of heat, heat energy and investigate how heat is produced. Be sure to ask them about the 5 different heat-producing stations: 1) hand sanitizer, 2) hair dryer, 3) desk lamp, candle, match and foil, 4) a block of wood and sandpaper and 5) a wire hanger!   Check out picture & more at: http://tritt.typepad.com/sciencelab/

Computer Lab: Power Point Continues
Third graders continue their use of PowerPoint. They have produced some wonderful PowerPoint Presentations using the research they have conducted in the Media Center and using Cobb Virtual Library in the computer lab.  More computer news is available at:  http://tritt.typepad.com/computerlab/

4th Grade
Science Lab: Ecosystems growing at Snail’s Pace?
During March, the fourth graders will be studying ecosystems. They will be learning the parts of an ecosystem, the role of organisms, the flow of energy and how they work together to keep a community alive. Then they will create their own ecosystem, complete with live snails! This is a favorite activity so be sure to ask you kids all about it.Check out picture & more at http://tritt.typepad.com/sciencelab/

Computer Lab: Perfecting their Writing Skills

In the Computer Lab, students will be publishing more of their writing, some even publishing a newspaper about events they’ve been studying in Social Studies and finishing up their writing on the OlympicsMore computer news is available at: http://tritt.typepad.com/computerlab/

5th Grade
Science Lab: Cells – A Smelly Matter?? A Little Cheeky??
During March, the fifth graders will be studying cells. They will diagram and label parts of various cells (plant, animal, single-celled, multi-celled organisms) and then study them. Finally they will discuss the structural function of a cell – generalized and specialized. The lessons start off by studying an onion! Kids will create slides with onions cells and examine them under a microscope. Then they will move on to the examining a slide they will make of a cheek cell so they can compare the differences in structure and functions. Check out picture & more at: http://tritt.typepad.com/sciencelab/

Computer Lab: Perfecting Their Writing Skills
In the Computer Lab, students will be publishing more of their writing, some even publishing a newspaper about events they’ve been studying in Social Studies. They will incorporate the Winter Olympics into lessons over the next month. More computer news is available at: http://tritt.typepad.com/computerlab/

Thank you for your investment in the Tritt Tiger Foundation Patron Program this year.  We look forward to bringing you another successful year of Tritt Tiger Foundation Programming.

TRITT TIGER FOUNDATION BOARD NOMINATION INFORMATION
APPROVED FEBRUARY 5, 2010

TIME COMMITMENT

• The TTF Board term is April 1 to March 30, with meetings during the summer.
• The board meets once a month, usually the 1st Friday of the month at 7:30 AM.
• Executive Board meets at least every-other month in addition to attending monthly Board meetings.
• There will be an annual planning meeting and additional committee meetings may be required.

TTF BOARD BEST PRACTICES FOR ALL BOARD MEMBERS:

1. TTF strives for 100% board participation in the Patron Program. Although there is no required donation level, it is recommended that board members participate at the suggested level of $100 per child.
2. Participate in the donor recognition event through either a food or monetary contribution.
3. Assist in establishing goals to support TTF strategic plan.
4. Create and submit budget by the indicated deadlines and adhere to budget throughout term.
5. Be familiar with the Constitution/Bylaws and policies and procedures.
6. Track time and resources used to meet goals to be used for future planning.
7. Identify and develop potential leadership for committee for upcoming year.
8. Ensure turnover with incoming & outgoing Board members is complete prior to start of new board term. Provide necessary transition documentation and mentoring before the end of each school year.
9. Attend 80% of Board meetings as a voting member. When not in attendance, send a representative or committee member in your place.
10. Attend annual strategic planning meeting.
11. If new to the Board, attend annual Board orientation meeting help in April.
12. Maintain confidentiality of TTF business matters.
13. Be a positive representative of TTF.

BOARD FUNCTIONS:

1. No limitation on total years of service as a TTF Board member.
2. Term limits in any one position are recommended to be 1 year minimum and three year maximum.
3. Define a member of Executive Board as President-Elect who will serve as president the following year, or when the President’s term has concluded. This person would serve as a backup for the President in the case that the President could not perform duties as described.
4. President will serve one year as Past President / Member at large after President role is complete.

13 voting positions
12 from TTF Board
1 from Tritt Administration

Standing Committees

• Strategic Planning Committee (ongoing)
• Investment Committee (ongoing)
• Nomination Committee (Spring)
• ByLaws Committee (ongoing)

EXECUTIVE BOARD POSITIONS

President

• Sets vision & strategy for the Foundation
• Working with administration, oversees the TTF programs
• Represents TTF at all public events
• Appoints Nominating Committee as well as other necessary committees
• Creates and oversees TTF Annual calendar
• VOTING POSITION / Executive Board member
• REPORTS TO DONORS / STAKEHOLDERS

Vice-President – FUNDRAISING

• Oversees Patron Program, including oversight of committee chair to coordinate campaign, publicity, track income, maintain donor base and manage reporting.
• Oversees Matching & Grants Chairperson
• Oversees Square One Art Fundraiser
• Works with Communications & Foundation Council to assure fundraising information is effectively communicated to donors.
• Coordinates donor recognition activities
• Can represent TTF at all public events when President not available
• VOTING POSITION / Executive Board member
• REPORTS TO PRESIDENT

Vice-President – PROGRAMS

Candidate:

• Oversees ASEP Programming, and all TTF events, including Meet n’ Greet, Enrichment activities, and Annual Meeting.
• Oversees Labs via Lab Liaison
• Works with Communications & Foundation Council to assure information is effectively communicated to donors.
• Facilitates annual satisfaction & needs assessment survey
• Can represent TTF at all public events when President not available
• VOTING POSITION / Executive Board member
• REPORTS TO PRESIDENT

Vice-President – COMMUNICATIONS

• Oversees all communication vehicles, establishes communication message.
• Creates Communication timeline and strategy based on TTF annual calendar
• Works with Classroom liaisons and teacher liaisons to assure information is effectively communicated to donors.
• Can represent TTF at all public events when President not available
• Works with board members to effectively publicize events and TTF activities.
• Monitor & maintain TTF email account & database
• Produces communication materials as needed
• Check general TTF email account regularly
• VOTING POSITION / Executive Board member
• REPORTS TO PRESIDENT

Treasurer

• Responsible for making bank deposits
• Duties include: Set annual goals and budget , prepare and manage the budget process, create and update financial polices, contract with an external auditing firm, ensure tax documents are complete
• Oversees financial transactions for the annual Tritt musical
• VOTING POSITION / Executive Board member
• REPORTS TO PRESIDENT

Secretary

• Coordinates with President to establish agenda. Distributes agenda at least 2 days prior to each Board meeting
• Writes and distributes minutes within 1 week after meetings
• Creates Board and Committee folders with all reference info
• Manages the governance and oversight of Board, maintaining the bylaws and ensuring the TTF Board is in compliance.
• VOTING POSITION / Executive Board member
• REPORTS TO PRESIDENT

TTF COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Patron Program

• Manages all aspects of Patron Program execution
• Works closely with VP – Fundraising to set strategy and fundraising calendar
• Manages communications, forms, donations, prizes, magnets, donor database and fundraising statistics.
• VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Fundraising

After-School Enrichment Programs

• Organizes After-School Enrichment Program (ASEP) programs, including coordination with vendors and promotion of programs, creation of ASEP semester schedule.
• Recruits and manages fundraising committee volunteers as necessary
• Facilitates ASEP class surveys for all participants, each class, each semester
• Assists with Patron Program as necessary.
• VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Programs

Matching Gift & Corporate Grants

• Manages Matching Gifts & Grants program:
• Works to increase the number of corporate matching gifts through various strategies, such as collecting names of parents’ workplaces, follow-up with parents working for companies known to match, maintaining current list of local companies that match donations.
• Investigate grants that are a good fit for Tritt and writes applications as necessary.
• Assist with Patron Program as necessary.
• VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Fundraising

Classroom Liaison Council Coordinator

• Recruits and manages Foundation Council classroom reps and grade reps.
• Organize & attend all Foundation Council meetings and planning sessions.
• Maintains regular contact with grade reps to share and gather information. Grade reps are responsible for:
• Highlighting grade specific benefits of the TTF programs in Science lab & Computer lab to parents
• Distributing information about classroom participation in Patron Program
• Responsible for bringing input from classrooms to TTF Board.
• VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Communications

Event Coordinator

• Plans, coordinates, and executes major TTF events throughout the school year.
• Events include: Teacher Welcome Back Breakfast (July), Welcome Back Family Picnic (July), Meet n’ Greet (July), Teacher Appreciation (January), Annual Meeting (Spring) and potential Science Day, Science Fair, ASEP Fair, etc.
• Works with other committee chairs to volunteer as needed.
• VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Programs

Teacher Liaison

• Maintains regular contact with teachers to actively share and gather information about TTF programs
• Speaks and communicates to teachers on behalf of TTF
• Works with teachers to identify potential volunteers for TTF
• VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Communications

Assistant Communication

• Establishes communication message.
• Works with board members to effectively publicize events and TTF activities.
• Oversees Committee to implement strategy through various vehicles: online newsletter (3x year), email campaigns, web site, bulletin board, Tiger Talk News, school events and Principal’s messages.
• Monitor & maintain TTF email account & database
• Produces communication materials as needed, i.e. Meet & Greet brochures, letterhead & note cards.
• NON-VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Communications

Webmaster

• Designs and maintains TTF website
• Changes and updates website as needed
• Maintains website account, emails addresses, and technology needs of the Board
• NON-VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Communications

Lab Liaison

• Communicates to Lab Instructors – establish open communication regarding needs and ideas of Board
• Communicates issues, needs of Lab back to the Board
• Works with Classroom liaison coordinator to create regular messages about lab lessons by grade level
• NON-VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Communications

Square One Art

• Works with Art Department to coordinate event date for Square One Art
• Distributes flyers, samples, and order forms
• Collects order forms, tallies orders, prepares deposit slips
• Picks up orders from Square one Art
• Distributes orders to families
• NON-VOTING POSITION
• REPORTS TO VP – Fundraising

TTF / PTA Liaison

• Maintains open knowledge, collaboration, and communication between the TTF and PTA.
• Attends TTF Board meetings and PTA Board meetings
• Assists in streamlining communication, requests, and programs across the school calendar to prevent multiple, uncoordinated request of parents or teachers
• NON-VOTING POSITION
• TTF COUNSEL

Community Liaison

• Provides business perspective and community perspective to TTF strategy, fundraising, and events
• Assists in reaching new communities for Foundation support
• NON-VOTING POSITION
• TTF COUNSEL

Past President / Member-at-large

• Provides continuity and history when needed
• Assists where needed in planning, event coordination, manpower
• Conducts New Board Member Orientation in April
• NON-VOTING POSITION
• TTF COUNSEL

Principal

• Serves as an advocate of TTF by sharing information about activities with the larger school community
• VOTING POSITION ( 1 vote from Administration)
• TTF COUNSEL

Assistant Principal

• Serves as an advocate of TTF by sharing information about activities with the larger school community
• VOTING POSITION ( 1 vote from Administration)
• TTF COUNSEL

http://www.trittfoundation.com/wp-admin/media-new.php

Click here to download the Board Job Descriptions in PDF form.

A 21st Century Classroom is a learning environment designed:

1) to help all students learn, regardless of their learning needs and styles, and

2) to give teachers more ways to engage and interest students while receiving immediate feedback on student understanding of the subject matter.

This new classroom model engages the student with technology, interactive images, feedback, and interdependent projects. Students can research, create, and report in the classroom. The goal of this classroom is to teach students self-directed thinking and information skills. The 21st-century learning environment doesn’t wait for teachable moments; it creates them.

The ACTIVBoards that the Tritt Tiger Foundation has purchased acts as the center of the 21st Century Classroom. The ACTIVBoard system fills lessons with action and interaction. It is a whiteboard and a giant computer screen in one unit. Teachers use digital “pens” to click on areas, bring up the Internet, graph, draw and do all the teaching they would have done on the chalkboard and more. By using the ACTIVBoards in a 21st Century classroom environment, the school is making better use of its current technologies – not by replacing them, but enhancing them. Below is a depiction of how the 21st Century Classroom works:

ACTIVBoards are used in a majority of classrooms including the TTF sponsored Computer Labs and Science Lab. ONLY 15 MORE ACTIVBOARDS ARE NEEDED TO ENSURE 100% OF OUR STUDENTS ARE LEARNING IN 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOMS. Our goal this fundraising season is to make sure we raise enough money to purchase the remaining 15 ACTIVBoards.  The pictures below show how kids learn using the 21st Century Classroom technology:

The Tritt Tiger Foundation will sponsor the following after-school enrichment classes this semester. Click on each link for additional information and registration forms. Registration has begun. For more information please contact Tara Riddle.

Click here for Spring 2010 Schedule and Program Descriptions

Yoga Fun for Kids

Exploration of Art Gr K-2

Exploration of Art Gr 3-5

Kid Chess

Cardio Kool Kids Original

Cardio Kool Kids Advanced

Clay Class with Mrs. Weitzman

Club Scientific (class FULL)

Choi Kwang Do

Dance

Karate: The Gentle Art

Spanish Information Spanish Registration Form

Each vendor donates a portion of all class fees (less course materials) to the Tritt Tiger Foundation to help fund enrichment programs at our school!