It is with sadness and regret that I must report in this letter that President-Elect Kerry Pigott has resigned from her position in the Parent Association for personal reasons. I would like to take the opportunity to thank her for all of her creativity, energy, enthusiasm and assistance with all of the MVPA events and programs this year, including the Phoneraiser. It has been a real honor to plan and work with her throughout the year. Best wishes to you, Kerry!

I am pleased to announce that President-Elect Karen Summerson has agreed to move up to the presidency and with her Kimberly Bedi will fill the position of the 2007-08 President-Elect. I truly appreciate the willingness of these two individuals to step up to the plate and know with certainty that they will lead the MV Parent Association with dedication and strong leadership. Please consider assisting them in the planning of events and programming for next year. This is YOUR Parent Association and it is only as great as you make it!

SCRIP NEWS
IMPORTANT! Start stocking up for the summer. There is only one more order cycle left until school is out for the summer! The next SCRIP order pick-up is June 1. These dates are subject to change; check while ordering. The next SCRIP order/payment deadline is May 25 (last order for the school year). Remember, SCRIP pick-up is now in the Business office and available on the scheduled pick-up day from 8-8:30 a.m. and 3-3:30 p.m. To increase your earnings just “think SCRIP” when making upcoming purchases. It just takes a little planning…how simple! Some new SCRIP retailers are Dunkin’ Donuts, Cold Stone Creamery, Avis and Budget Car Rentals. Please go to the SCRIP SCOOP page for exciting SCRIP news. If you would like to gain the tuition benefits that SCRIP has to offer or desire more information about this program you may register online at mvcds.4scrip.com/catalog and follow the directions to begin saving money.

MVPA EVENTS

MAUMEE VALLEY CAMPUS RALLY WITH JIM “BASKETBALL” JONES
MAY 18 FROM 3-5 PM. 
ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND 
Jim E. Jones is one of the country’s top basketball handlers and is a highly demanded motivational speaker. The show includes basketball spinning, dribbling, juggling and his inspirational message on “The Winner’s Attitude.” He focuses on motivating kids to believe in themselves, never give up and work hard.

There will be hot dogs, popcorn, snacks and home-made baked goods for sale at this event. There will be free treat bags for the first 100 students in the Varsity gym and great prizes!  For more information on his show, go to www.jimbasketballjones.com 

Information and permission slips have been sent home with our students. There is no fee to attend and is sponsored by the MVPA. Volunteers are welcomed and needed and baked goods are also needed; please contact Chairperson, Becky Evans at 419-472-1770 or at evansfamily@buckeye-express.com.

MVCDS YEARBOOK ADS
Mr. David Hanson, Yearbook faculty advisor, has advised the MVPA that parents can still purchase parent or buddy ads for the 2006-07 MVCDS yearbook. These ads are an integral part of the fundraising process that assists in the production of the annual yearbook. Please go to the www.mvcds.net site and click on the link for yearbook ads, where it says “click on here” or you can contact Mr. Hanson at dhanson@mvcds.net. Thank you for your assistance.  

PARENT TIPS - Kids Exposure to Smoking in Movies

Here are some staggering statistics:

-A national study of adolescents in the United States found that 38 percent of youth smoking initiation can be traced to exposure to smoking in movies.

-Children with the highest exposure to smoking in movies are nearly three times more likely to start smoking than those with the least exposure.

-The current movie rating system does not prevent children from seeing smoking in movies. About 60 percent of youth exposure to smoking in movies is from G, PG, or PG-13 rated movies.

-An analysis of the top 50 grossing movies from May 2003 to April 2004, found that 58 percent of PG rated movies and 68 percent of PG-13 rated movies depicted smoking. 

In the next issue I will relay to you some ways to promote and support an anti-smoking campaign related to the movie industry. 

If you have a concern or question on a Parenting issues/topic that you would like addressed here, please e-mail me at joaniebarrett@ameritech.net.

 Kiss your kids and enjoy time with your family!

All My Best,

Joanie Barrett
2006-07 MVPA President