INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Spring 2011 1 Calendar Page 5 Contribution Form Pg 8 Counselors Memo Pg 7 Fun Run Pg 3 Parent Handbook

Pg 7 PTO Budget 4 PTO Donors Page 6&7 SDMC Page 4 Teacher Grants Page 5

From the

Cardinals Nest
A Publication of Bellaire High School PTO

Dear BHS Parents, Its February and the time is ripe for many academic and athletic events throughout our student population. March 1 will kick off our testing season with the English Language TAKS. More TAKS tests, AP/IB tests, End of Course tests, and final exams await us as the semester winds down. We appreciate your support as we maximize the time to teach while administering all of these tests! Our new science wing construction will officially begin this month as temporary buildings are moved to another location on site. The two and half story wing will provide 23 new classrooms and some athletic space. We will lose three classrooms in the main building where the new wing will connect. A green roof will provide an open area for science studies and projects. The estimated completion time is Spring 2012! I look forward to seeing you at spring meetings, games, concerts, banquets, and other events. Sincerely, Tim Salem - BHS Principal

The Looming Budget Crisis and its Implications for HISD

The state of Texas is facing a massive budget shortfall this coming biennium, upwards of $27 billion. Given that public education is 40% of the state budget, we know that schools will be required to do more with less. But, how big the cut will be to education and how that cut is apportioned among the 1000+ independent school districts will be decided over the next few months as the 82nd legislative session meets. The initial budget offered by the House and Senate leadership, which includes a $9.8 billion cut to public education, is, in my opinion, a political document. As the opening salvo, the leadership has staked out a position that they will close the deficit without raising taxes or using the $9.4 billion rainy day fund. In other words, it will all be done by cutting spending. You may also see it written that the cut would be for $5 billion. This number represents the cut from this years budget. As one of the fastest growing states in the nation, Texas expects to have an additional 170,000 students to educate within the next 2 years. This would be like adding another school district the size of Austin and Fort Worth combined. The $9.8 billion cut refers to the difference between the suggested allocation for education and what the current funding formulas say the state is legally obligated to pay given projected student numbers and inflation (remember many costs such as health care, fuel, and utilities are all going up). In addition, demographics in Texas are changing. The number of children entering our schools who are not proficient in English, who live in poverty, and who move frequently is increasing. The effort necessary to educate these children is higher than average. As in most enterprises, the cost of doing more is more, not less. The estimate of HISDs share of such a draconian cut could range from $202 million to $348 million per year depending on the formula used to apportion the cuts between school districts. This is a zero sum game, if HISD gets less of a cut, another district will get more. So, how big is the HISD budget anyway? HISD has several major funds from which it pays its bills and educates our students. A brief, very simplified description follows: In Millions : General Operating Fund $1,660 The general operating fund comes mostly from our local property taxes (65%) and our share of the states Foundation School Program (32%). These monies are unrestricted and provide the core funding for all operational expenses. Special Revenue Funds $341 These are legally restricted funds that come from specific grant programs. For example, a grant for dropout prevention can not be used to pay the salaries of our custodians. Capital Projects Funds $211 Taxpayers approved selling $805 million in bonds in November 2007. As those bonds are sold, the revenue sits in a Capital Renovation Fund. Each year, money is pulled from that fund into the Capital Projects Fund to cover the current years construction and renovation expenses. The money to pay for our new science wing comes from this fund. These monies can not legally be diverted to operational expenses. Debt Service Fund $209 Part of our property taxes goes into this fund to pay back our bondholders. We are legally required to pay this. Food Service Funds $112 This is the money from the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program and can not be used for anything else. The states budget shortfall basically affects only the General Operating Fund and the Special Revenue Funds. A $200 million cut on a $2 billion operational budget is 10%. Sometimes the numbers get so big, it is hard to conceptualize what they mean. If you figure an average teacher salary to be $50,000, then loosing $200 million would be equivalent to loosing 4,000 teachers on a base of 12,829. Of course, firing teachers would not be at the top of the list, this is just an illustration. We all recognize that teachers are essential, so we wont be laying off 30% of them. And it is easy to say we need to get rid of waste. In any large bureaucracy, you will be able to find some waste. But, I dont believe that 10% of HISDs budget is being wasted. You have to have accounts payable, bus drivers, custodians, principals, even a superintendent for the school system to function. I dont believe we can cut our way out of this problem. Education is an investment. Texas has the second youngest population in the 1 nation. As the adults in the state, we have an obligation to step up and say that we are willing to invest in our children and our states future.

Its Raining
Messages to deliver to our elected officials - State, City, and School Board

Make Education a Priority According to the Texas Constitution (Article 7, Section 1) it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools. This means that the state has a constitutional mandate to provide education for its children. It must be a priority. There are no constitutional mandates for divided 2 lane highways, for athletes to be tested for steroids, for pregnant women to have sonograms, or any number of other things for which our legislators are voting. So, make education a priority and figure out a way to meet your constitutional obligations. Its Raining Use the Rainy Day Fund! It was set up for just this purpose. And, it renews as money flows in from state natural gas and oil tax revenue. We are willing to Invest in Education HISD is doing a zero based budget justifying every position. They are making a good faith effort to use our taxpayer dollars wisely. However, there is not $200 million in waste to find. Instead of cutting needed programs and teachers, I would prefer to pay more and invest in our childrens future. HISD can raise our local property tax rate 16.3 cents before the state steps in and reduces its share. HISD gets about $10 million for every penny increase, so they could raise $163 million and still have a tax rate below 17 of the other 20 school districts in Houston area. HISD is currently at 1.1567, well below the local average of 1.3996, which tops out with Humble at 1.52 and Katy at 1.5266. Exempt School Districts from the ReNew Houston Drainage Ordinance Education funds should be reserved for education. Fees to improve drainage should be assessed directly to taxpayers. Contact the Houston City Council and Mayor to discuss. Let Decisions on how to manage cuts be decentralized This applies to both the states interaction with school districts as well as HISDs interaction with each school. Decentralized decision-making produces more efficient outcomes than command and control. At the state level, send the money to the districts with as few unfunded mandates as possible. Dont know who represents you? Go to http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/ and type in your address. Plans are underway to make the second semester of the 2010-11 school year a memorable one. The Cardinal 2012 is planning a cupcake sale for Valentine's Day, with cupcakes and personalized messages delivered to recipients during the school day by Cardinal 2012 Teen Committee members. Other plans include the continued sale of the must-have accessory for Spring--the Cardinal red and black sunglasses, a perfect compliment to any Cardinal attire, as well as a possible carwash in May. Other plans in the works are a swim party at the Evergreen Pool the night of June 2nd, from 9-11 pm. The event will be open to all grades and friends from other schools. A student I.D. is a must for entry. Tickets to the event will be sold on campus during the last week of school. Since its formation in Fall 2008, the Cardinal 2012 has provided several social events for the class of 2012 and other students at Bellaire High. With three successful annual tailgates, a swim party in 2009, and carwash in 2010, and fundraisers, the organization provides many opportunities for the class to create lasting memories of its time at BHS. For more information, contact Teen Committee president, Caroline Meyerson, or email parent sponsor, Andrea Blitzer at andyblitz@yahoo.com.

PTO web site http://www.bellairepto.org

WeveaddednewClasspagesthisyear.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PTO

Join our social media network, read the newsletter or see the latest information about your student's class on the Bellaire PTO website. Go to www.bellaire.org, then click on the Parent-Teacher Organization on the right column, then follow the links or send an email to bhsinfosubscribe@yahoogroups.com

PTO MEETINGS
March 1 April 5 May 3

Free SAT Tutoring After School

VERBAL & WRITING: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 th Period, in Mr. Wolfs room, E343. MATHEMATICS: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 th Period, in Ms. Choprass room, 117. MATHEMATICS: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 th Period, in Ms. Parks room, 252.

Bellaire Fun Run / September 17 / 5K Run/Walk / Childrens 1 mile Race 3

The Bellaire High School PTO will host the 14th annual Bellaire Fall 5K Fun Run/Walk and the Childrens One-Mile Race on Saturday, September 17, 2011. The race benefits Bellaire High School and 2 elementary schools and 2 middle schools that feed into Bellaire High School. Bellaire High School PTO wants to thank the Foundation Surgical Hospital for their generous Title Sponsorship. If you or your company are interested in a marketing opportunity, sponsorships are available! Sponsorships start at $500 and we are looking for a FINISH LINE Sponsor. Your support of this wonderful annual event is greatly needed and appreciated. Please contact Madeline Spector regarding questions about the event: 713/553-3872.
Race Day Schedule 6:00 7:30 am Packet Pickup/Registration 7:45 am Childrens One Mile Race 8:05 am 5K Run/Walk 8:40 am Post Race Party 9:15 am Awards Ceremony Registration fees: Adult $20 Before September 9, 2011 $25 September 9 September 15, 2011 $30 September 16 & 17, 2011 Children (Under 12) $15 Before September 9, 2011 $20 September 9 September 17, 2011

The registration fee includes a 100% cotton T-shirt, commemorative cup, awards and random prize drawings. Availability of commemorative cups and T-shirts are guaranteed for those registering before September 9, 2011. Go www.BellairePTO.org and click Fun Run or call 713-665-2356 for more information about the Fun Run.

4 Shared Decision Making Committee (SDMC) --campus-level planning The SDMC facilitates information sharing among BHS administration, teacher, and parent representatives. It consists of BHS administration, staff, teachers, and PTO parent representatives and serves as an advisory group to the principal. Through the SDMC, campus-level planning and current issues are discussed, including topics such as: proposed administrative changes; student achievements and activities; security, parking and building issues; and HISD or THECB policy implications for Bellaire. This spring, the SDMC is continuing to participate in the Design of a New HISD Teacher Appraisal and Development System. In developing a new system, HISD is involving its District Advisory Committee (DAC) and the school-based SDMCs to develop the process and performance criteria for the new appraisal system. Working groups consisting of teachers, principals, and HISD staff are meeting concurrently to develop the proposed tools and instruments required to implement the appraisal system. All recommendations will be submitted to the Board of Education later in Spring 2011 for approval, so that the new system can be implemented in the 2011-12 school year. The SDMC also is discussing issues particularly relevant to Bellaire, such as those related to the new building project. The SDMC usually meets monthly at 3:45 pm. PTO representatives attend the meetings (which are open to anyone) and report back to (and take input from) parents during regular monthly PTO meetings. In addition, SDMC members and the PTOs elected leaders are invited to the monthly advisory meetings held by the HISD District V Board Trustee, newly elected Mike Lunceford. Please consider becoming actively involved in our school through the PTO, SDMC, and other volunteer opportunities at BHS. You will gain a deeper understanding of the BHS environment and can better advise your student. Two SDMC positions will become available at the end of this school year, as Donde Batten and Kim Rexford are completing their two-year terms. The PTO is accepting selfnominations from parents interested in serving on the SDMC, with elections to be held at the May PTO meeting. SDMC Members: Donde Batten, dbatten5@comcast.net; Kim Rexford, krexford@rexfordcapital.com; and Sharon Baker, sdbaker5@yahoo.com.

2010-2011 PTO Budget INCOME Fundraising Commitment to Learning (CTL) less: CTL Expenses Net Proceeds - CTL Food Sales Revenues less: Food Sales Expenses Net Proceeds - Food Sales Fun Run Revenues less: Fun Run Expenses Net Proceeds from Fun Run Total Fundraising Income Interest Income Other Income Total Income EXPENSES School Special Projects Staff Support Teacher Grants Luncheon Gifts First Fridays Teacher of the Year Total Staff Support Student Support Student Advocacy Fund Study Abroad Scholarships Afterprom 2011 IB Scholarships Total Student Support Parent Communications Newsletter Parent Handbook Total Parent Communications Discretionary Funds Principal PTO President Total Discretionary Funds Administrative Insurance Administrative Total Administrative Total Expenses Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 6/30/10 Net Assets 12/31/10 Net Assets RESERVE FOR SCIENCE WING 2010-11 CARRY OVER

$41,000 (2,400) 38,600 100,000 (70,000) 30,000 17,000 (7,850) 9,150 77,750 150 100 $78,000

$1,600 35,000 3,500 750 300 250 39,800 5,000 3,000 1,000 0 9,000 7,000 400 7,400 1,000 1,000 2,000 700 1,500 2,200 $62,000 $16,000 $55,558 $71,558 (60,000) $11,558

A Good Use of Social Networking

Weve all heard how Twitter has played a role in foreign elections. Well it can also be of good use right here in Bellaire. Whenever you have news that needs a tweed - please send a short email to twitter@bellairepto.org for it to be posted. Appropriate posts will include sports, events, any good news, 'bragging' news, locations updates for sports, emergency updates (i.e. unexpected school closures) and much more. If youd like to become a BellairePTO Twitter follower please sign up at http://twitter.com/bellairepto. 4

 WearepleasedtoannouncethefollowingawardsfortheSpring2011GrantCycle:

T
5

eacherGrants:TheTeacherGrantCommitteemetonFebruary14,2011toreview
applicationsforfunding.ManythankstoSharynBaker,MichelleBrookner,GeorgiaGraham, DianaLeeson,KimRexford,DenaRobinson,TimSalemandCathleenTrechterfortheirthoughtful considerationoftheserequests.

BetsyAnderson/MathDepartment$1500forremedialmathafterschoolsnacks UmaGhosh/Physics$2888foraLaptopand4digitaltimers SanjaKorman/Dance&Theater$2500torenovatedressrehearsalrooms. GigiNevilsNoe/Physics$2842foraclassroomsetofprojectilelauchers JayStubbs/DebateandCommunicationApp$3000forLexisNexisresearchfunds White/VanCoverdan/Edaburn/Bachrach/Leagans/Lawrence/Berry/Nocca$2500 tobringHouseofBluesperformanceandpresentationonthehistoryoftheblues HelenaZawila/Art$2848foraninteractiveboardandElmocamera

TheBHSPTOispleasedtobeabletoaward$18,078fortheSpring2011GrantCycle.Over$250,000has beendistributedbythePTOTeacherGrantprogramsinceitsinceptionin1996.Werecognizethemany worthyeffortsofteacherswhosubmittedproposalsfortheSpringGrantCycle.TheentirePTOappreci atesallofourteachersandstaffwhoworksodiligentlyallyearlongonourchildrensbehalf.Thankyou!

From the Registrar:
Juniors will be receiving a print out of their transcript during the spring semester. Parents should review these records very carefully and be sure that all questions and/or corrections are submitted to the registrar by the deadline specified so that the students' records can be absolutely correct before summer. Preliminary, unofficial grade point averages and class ranks (for use in early decision college applications) will be calculated in early September, based on the information we have in our file at that time. All questions and/or corrections must be submitted in writing. You will receive a written response from the registrar. The unofficial grade point averages and class ranks will be distributed to the students in the fall with their first report cards. This time frame is necessary so that new enrollees in the fall semester can be included in the ranking and so that those students who do not return to Bellaire High School in the fall semester can be deleted from the rankings. This will be in time for early decision applications. Graduating seniors will need to request final official transcripts in May for the schools they will be attending. Final transcripts will be mailed during the second or third week of June after all grades and credits are finalized. Three official transcripts will be provided for free to each student. No transcripts will be mailed to home addresses. If graduates wish to obtain an unofficial copy of their transcript after graduation, they can come to the registrar's office in person after the third week of June. There will be a $1 charge for this copy. Parents cannot request or obtain transcripts for graduates once the graduate is 18 years old. It is a violation of federal law to issue information to anyone other than the student once the student is an adult (18). Students will receive instructions for requesting transcripts after graduation in their diploma packet at the graduation ceremony. Sandra Lynn Farmer, Registrar

CARDINAL Calendar 2011 Friday, February 25, 2011 Friday, February 25, 2011 Tuesday, March 1, 2011 Tuesday, March 01, 2011 Saturday, March 12, 2011 March 1418, 2011 Tuesday, April 05, 2011 Tuesday. April 12, 2011 Friday, April 15, 2011 Friday, April 15, 2011 Tuesday, April 19, 2011 Friday, April 22, 2011 Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Thursday, April 28, 2011 Friday, April 29th, 2011 Tuesday, May 03, 2011 Saturday, May 7, 2011 Tuesday, May 17, 2011 Monday, May 30, 2011 Thursday, June 02, 2011 Saturday, June 5, 2011 Wednesday, June 08, 2011 5 Report Cards Early Dismissal Testing Schedule A PTO Meeting 7:30 p.m. SAT Spring Break PTO Meeting 7:30 p.m. Transitioning to College 12th Gr Report Cards Early Dismissal National College Fair Spring Holiday Testing Schedule B - Odd Testing Schedule C - Even Testing Schedule B - Odd Testing Schedule C - Even PTO Meeting 7:30 p.m. SAT Advocacy before Period 1 Memorial Day Holiday Last Day of School for Students SAT Report Cards

To date we have raised over $41,000 and 415 families have joined the PTO. Our school, students, and teachers benefit greatly from your donations, especially in this time of budget constraint. Listed below are the contributors who have generously donated to this campaign. Contributions of $50 or more received after January 11th will be recognized in our back to school issue in August 2011. The Diamond and Platinum donors reception with Mr. Salem is scheduled for April 30th, to be hosted and underwritten by the PTO board. It is not too late to increase your donation level to attend! For questions or comments, please contact Thuy Gibner (thuyathome@yahoo.com) or Kathy Lopez (kathryn.lopez61@gmail.com).

A big THANKS to all Commitment to Learning contributors for their generosity!

DIAMONDCONTRIBUTORS $1,000+
Julienne and Richard Chi Britt Davis Anonymous (2) Brent King and Rosemary Kozar Kathleen McAllister

PLATINUMCONTRIBUTORS $500$999
Rosemary Batson Cathleen Trechter and Ed Biegert Kay and Rick Burns Lisa and Warren Fisher Melanie and James Graves Jana and Doug Harker Lindsay and Donna Lambert Ann and Mitch Liberman Kathy and Bob Lopez Linda and Kevin Maher Nicola and Duane Morgan Melissa Newton Sherry and Rob Noblett Rick Owen and Lori Owen Dena and Larry Robinson Belinda and Alan Rossiter David Schumacher Wesley Scott Terry and Jeff Techmnaski Jing Liu and David Tong Heidi LeFrois & Christopher Veum

Peter and Ellen Khoo Janus and John Lazaris Jihong Wang and Qi Li Merridine and William Mao Cindy and Donnie Marion Renee Mathew Derek and Susie Mauzy Garry and Diane Osan Jean and David Register Kim and Robert Rexford Jeanne Southern Gina and Keith Taylor Kathy and Van Van Landingham Lanpin and Jichun Wan Jingyu Liu and Tuoyu Wang Diane Wattenbarger

SILVERCONTRIBUTORS $100$249
Eileen Allan Laura and Rory Alter Nancy and Mike Assel Marjorie Bernhardt Margaret Berry Howard and Juliana Bruce Charlene and Robert Burgess Bing and John Carter Denise and Bob Casey Tina and John Cohen Liz Basler and William Craigen Troung Dang Lei Dong Yan and Marc Dudey Jeff and Mary Felberg Steven Fowlkes Trina and Steve Fowlkes Cheryl and Eric Friederman Diane and Michael Gerlich Dinah and Griff Godwin Geogia and Nic Graham Roxy Headington & Connie Gray Nelson Gruber Diane and Ronald Hecht Leslie Hector Carol Helliker Kathy Herrin Nan and Bruce Hiran Marilyn and Cary Hoffman Dixie Holland Betsy and Bill Jansa Bin Jiang 6

GOLDCONTRIBUTORS $250$499
David and Bennie Ansell John and Cathy Bach Melissa and Chris Bagley Chevron on behalf of Jingyu Liu Cheryl and Tom Cooper Larry Blake and Kathy Cowan Denise and Phillip Dart Thomas Dorman Susan and Ken Fenson Serena and Kip Folkerts Xiuli Ge and Song Gao Mary and Mark Goodman Hui Zhang and Xiang Han Linda Hester Kathryn and John James Martha and Tim Jenkinson

Valen Johnson Tami and Pete Joslin Rebecca and Arthur Kay Richard Koehler Kelly Koehler and Richard Koehler Julie and Bryan Lane Roxanne Larizza Teresa and Henry Lau Elena and Ronald Levy Yongping Li Thomas Lytle Chris Markham Loren and Ted Meyer Pauline and Alfred Meyerson Cathy and Steve Moniaci Debbie and Robert Moser Leanna and Ted Muilenburg Nga Thi Nguyen Daniel O'Connell Carol and Greg Orsak Joan and Leo Ouinanian Nancy and Kenny Ozuna Kuan-Chen Pan Sandra and Tom Peacock Gina and Carlos Rodriguez Jane and William Schoellhorn Betsy and Keith Schulze Lucy and Ernie Seward Gadi and Jodi Shaulsky Ronald and Ann Sledge Allan Snyder Beth Soletsky Barbara Sorenson Juliana Soto Carol and Chad Speich Sandra and Gordon Start Stacey and Paul Summers Christie and Charlie Sylvester Katherine and Harry Tang Mindy Travillian Sandy and Jerel Twyman Amy and Jim Vanderhill Quoc Nguyen and Thuy Vu Yangyang Hao and Shupei Wang Yvonne and Jessie Wang Steve Weddle and Margaret Weddle Shuquing Wen Suzie and Roger Wernette Angela and Steve Wilson Judy and Chen Tsu Yang Lyubov and Ilya Yun Yuhua Zhang Fang and Youli Zu 6

BRONZECONTRIBUTORS 7 $50$99
Nancy and Guillermo Aguirre Steve Dwyer and Sharyn Baker Henna Basit Dagmar Beck Jolanta Bondaruk Sharon and Dan Brenner Khushroo Bulsara Maria Casukkas Joseph Cornelius Annemarie and Aaron Cruz David and Kelly Cummings Sylvia and Thomas Dischinger Lindley Doyle Nikole Franklin Carolyn Grealy Stephanie and Paul Gustafson Karey and Warren Halliday Feng Han

Debora Herlong Joni and Michael Hoffman Karen Hooper Eric Boerwinkle and Vicki Huff Mina and Will Jaco Sandy Judson Sandeep Khurana Lucia Khurana & Sandeep Khurana Peter Koinis Kay and Brian Kubena May Lau Jianming Xu and Lan Liao Dan Lin Hongbing Liu Steve and Michelle Maislin Sankar Maity Siva and Vijaya Mallela An Lu and Jianquang Mao Sharon and Craig McKenzie Kapil and Reeta Mehta Durwin Sharp and Christianne Melanson

Jeannie Kever and Scott Merville Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg Thomas Mo Sandra and Phililp Nauert Tami Owen and Les Owen Gus and Pamela Pappas Elsa Garza and John Patlan Gina and Michael Pepchinski Yingchao Piao Jodie Polan Trisha Pollard Sarvamangala & Venkataram Prasad Andrea and Harold Rockstedt Julie and David Rosenberg Vince Ryan Andrea and Scott Saenger Sue and Edward Schafman Karen Schmidt Holly and Sandeep Seth

HenKuo Shang Yanyan Shang Eva Zsigmond and Ross Shegog Evan Siemann Rick Campbell and Wooty Sixel Jaimala and Andrew Slaughter Alice and Edward Sponberg LaVerne Chang and Henry Su Hongmei Chen and Jianrong Tang Karen and Jesus Vallejo Anonymous Marlene and Patrick Wark Carole and Henry Williams Jorene and David Williams Vickie and John Wood Jean Wycliff Dave and MaryBeth Yard Chew Ling and Simon Young Levli and Xin Zhou Marsha and Mark Zimmermann

Guidance Department Memo

The Bellaire High School counseling office is gearing up for 2011 2012 course selection. Over the next two months, parents and students will be asked to select courses for the next school year. We focus on helping students to complete their graduation requirements and select courses that will prepare them for academic success in college. This always means seeking challenging courses and finding the most appropriate placement based on the students demonstrated skills and abilities. We encourage students and parents to examine both the students performance in the classroom and standardized measures, such as PSAT, Stanford, and TAKS. Students should examine their academic strengths and select their most rigorous courses from areas in which they have either a strong interest or, more importantly, have demonstrated strong skills. In many subjects we offer academic (regular), college prep, and PAP/PIB/AP/IB level courses, and juniors and seniors can even select dual credit courses. Through the Foreign Language Magnet Program, BHS offers 11 different languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. Also consider your students involvement in extracurricular activities, including employment, clubs and organizations, community service projects, and sports. These activities can be very beneficial, but they can also impact the students performance in the classroom by reducing the amount of time available for academic study. Scholarship Status Before Mrs. Rubin can actually count the amount toward total scholarship earnings, she needs a copy of the actual award letter. Students may bring the letter to her during lunch or after school and shell be happy to make a copy and return the original. Thanks to parents for helping her get this information. Charles Lawler, M.Ed., Lead Counselor Marlene Rubin, M.Ed., College Access Counselor 7

Volunteer Parking
Parking is no longer permitted at the church. When you park, please pay heed to the city parking restrictions posted on the signs surrounding Bellaire. Please do not park in the faculty lot. BHS loves their volunteers and we wish there were some other option!

Bellaire HS Parent Handbook 2010-11

Do you have questions about how things work at Bellaire High School? The parent handbook is produced by the PTO, in collaboration with the administration, to provide parents with answers to common and not so common questions. Topics discussed in the handbook include academic information, school policies and procedures, organizations and clubs, and senior and alumni information. The handbook is available and can be printed from the schools website:
http://www.bellaire.org/documents/ParentHandbook10-11.pdf

Need to find a friend?

School directories are now available for Please see Ms. Pastrano in the front office to get your copy (while supplies last.)
Profits support the class of 2011. 7

Report Cards
February 25 April 15 June 8

$5

A Publication of 8 Bellaire High School PTO

H.I.S.D. 4400 West 18th Street Houston, TX 77092-8501 School: 713.667.2064

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 5113

www.bellaire.org

Next PTO Meeting / March 1st @ 7:30 PM, preceded by a meet & greet (parent networking) session at 7:00 pm (BHS Library)

To receive email updates from Bellaire High School go to www.bellaire.org and click on the Subscribe to the BHS yahoo group link on the left side of the page. The group is for current Bellaire parents only.

Commitment to Learning
PTO Membership & Fundraising Campaign 2010/2011
Please print all information.
Contributor Name(s) ______________________________________________________
List all students in the family who attend Bellaire HS & their grade __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________ Emails_________________________________________________________________ Ive enclosed my contribution of $________ to the Commitment to Learning campaign (or the PTO membership fee only). Please refer to previous page for contribution levels. Check # ____________. Check here ____ if you wish your contribution to remain anonymous. Check here ____ if you are Bellaire HS faculty/staff. The PTO will send a tax letter for all donations of $250 or more. Please keep appropriate records for smaller donations. 8 Make checks payable to the Bellaire High School PTO and mail to Bellaire HS PTO, 5100 Maple, Bellaire, TX 77401 (Or bring to the next PTO meeting, or ask your student to deposit the form & check in the PTOs mailbox in the Main Office).