Fall 2011

Dear fellow UNCSA High School parents,

On behalf of the UNCSA High School Parent Support Organization (PSO), greetings to new and returning high school parents!  Congratulations on your child’s achievements!  It took a lot to get here, and we would like to welcome you to our group of like-minded parents.

Because we send our students here from so many places, it is harder for high school parents to interact and fundraise the way we could in our local schools.  In summer 2009, some committed parents volunteered to create the PSO as a way to support the High School Academic Program, meet other parents, and stay informed about high school activities. 

In our first two years, we’ve learned a lot, made new friends, and raised money for several projects.  Here are some of the PSO’s 2009-11 accomplishments:

• Funded the conversion of a computer lab back into a fully-furnished classroom
• Raised funds quickly to replace failed classroom LCD projectors
• Made a donation to the endowed high school teacher fund
• Hosted parent hospitality suites during move-in days for new students
• Sponsored teacher appreciation events for each trimester
• Funded science microscope maintenance that was not in the school budget
• Funded half the cost of security cameras on the classroom floor of the Gray Building
• Organized parent social events during Family Weekend and on prom night
• Established a Senior Gift tradition
• Organized the Family Support Network to welcome new families to UNCSA
• Published periodic newsletters to keep all parents informed about PSO activities.

Fundraising is going to be even more important this year, as the school struggles to adjust to yet another budget cut.  Through our individual donations and support tor PSO fundraising efforts, we can really help offset cuts to operating funds.

If you are a parent of a new high school student, you should receive a personal welcome from one of the PSO’s Family Support Network committee volunteers.  The Family Support Network links new parents with a current parent, for information and recommended services.  They can be reached at fsn@artist.uncsa.edu.  

Parents enrich school life through becoming involved by volunteering, attending social gatherings, and supporting UNCSA events and programs.  Your participation demonstrates a commitment to UNCSA and its students.  Here are some ways that you can become involved:

• Join the PSO – This link will take you to the school’s online donation form.  After filling out your personal information, designate your gift to the High School Parent Support Organization/PSO. Grandparents, alumni parents, alumni and friends can be a “Friend of the PSO.”  Friends of the PSO receive our newsletter and are invited to volunteer.  Membership dues are tax-deductible!
  
  
• Attend meetings - Specific meeting dates, times and teleconferencing instructions will be e-mailed to PSO members in advance of each meeting and can also be found at the bottom of this page as plans are made.
  
  
• Volunteer - Volunteering is a rewarding way to get involved, meet other UNCSA families, and make a difference in the life of your child.  The PSO has an annual slate of officers, and we have standing committees for Membership, Fundraising, Hospitality, Social Networking, Family Support Network, and more.  See the volunteer link for more details.
  
  
• Join the UNCSAPSO Yahoo! Group - Network with other parents, without geographic limitations.  In the past year, we’ve had discussions about student transportation, local restaurants in Winston-Salem, residence life, and more.  Membership in this group is restricted to parents of UNCSA high school students, to prevent spamming.  For an invitation to join this group, email Darlene Clemenger (cmemory_keeper@yahoo.com) and provide your student’s art and grade level.
  
  
• Participate in store-loyalty programs - Raise funds for the school while doing your regular shopping. See the Fundraising link for details.
  
  
• Attend social events - Meet other UNCSA families.  Details about social gatherings on Family Weekend, Prom Night and other dates will be emailed to all high school parents.



• “Like” the High School Academic Program Facebook page - Keep up on announcements from the school at https://www.facebook.com/PickleParents.

Best wishes for a fantastic school year!  I look forward to meeting you on campus in person.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Don Murphy

UNCSA PSO Chairperson 2011-12
Wake Forest, NC
919-562-0475
pso@artist.uncsa.edu

HS PSO By-Laws

General Meeting 9/23/2011

Fall 2011

Spring 2011

Winter 2011

Spring 2010

Winter 2010

Fall 2010

Fall 2009

PSO is planning a parent get-together on Prom Night. We will send out an announcement when we know the details.