For the past two years, PTA Council has promoted the value of sound enhancement technology in the classroom . This technology (a system of infrared wireless microphones and speakers placed strategically around the classroom) allows students to hear the teacher’s voice at the same sound level, no matter where the teacher stands or where the children are located.

Sound enhancement provides all children with a front-row seat to learning. Based in part on the effort of PTA Council, the importance of this technology was recognized by National PTA last June when the membership adopted the resolution, Classroom Auditory Learning Issues, written by Suzanne DeMallie (parent and PTA member at Stoneleigh Elementary School).

Thanks to Suzanne’s persistence, the April/May issue of Our Children (National PTA magazine) includes an article written on this topic by her. See page 4 for the reprint. In addition, an article about sound enhancement was recently published in the Washington Post, relating the positive experiences of the new technology in Alexandria, VA and Prince George’s County MD schools. Unfortunately for Baltimore County, next year’s budget will not include funding for sound enhancement systems. We will, however, continue to champion this issue.

In late April, our annual Recognition Awards Ceremony was held. At that time, we honored outstanding PTAs/PTSAs as well as individuals who have impacted the lives of children and shown dedication to the mission and purposes of PTA. See page 7 for the list of awardees. Also that night, PTA Council officers for 2008-2010 were elected. Many thanks are extended to Laura Nossel, PTA Council president from 2000-2002, who conducted the installation ceremony. See page 3 for the list of our new officers. Congratulations to all!

Celebrate our teachers during PTA Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-10. Since 1984, PTA has honored “the dedicated men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children”. PTAs around our county, state and nation will mark this week by paying tribute to our teachers with thank you cards from students and parents and other special activities and events.

As PTA elections for next year are taking place in our schools, please add PTA Council’s Leadership Training for all incoming and continuing PTA officers and committee chairs to your calendars. The training will be held on Thursday, June 12 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Loch Raven High School. More information will follow.