Welcome to the GeoKids Program! The Middle Gate PTA, in partnership with teachers and administrators, is pleased to provide this geography enrichment program for your child/children. It’s fun, it’s free, and every child in 3rd and 4th grade is encouraged to participate. The topics that will be covered this school year are: 

• The 50 states of the United States
• The 50 capitals of the United States 
• The seven continents and 5 oceans
• The Western Hemisphere- Canada, Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America

   

How it Works
Each month, your child will bring home a GeoKids packet with a study guide and practice test (there is an answer key for the practice test on the school website). The packets will be handed out by your child’s teacher on the following dates:

• September 11th,
• October 23rd,
• November 27th,
• January 2nd,
• February 5th,
• March 5th, and
• April 2nd.

Once each month, teachers will administer a map “test” at school (these tests are exactly the same as the “practice tests” in your packet and online ). The tests are scheduled to be administered in the following weeks:

• October 2nd,
• November 15th,
• December 11th,
• January 29th,
• February 26th,
• March 26th, and
• April 30th.

At the end of the testing week, the tests will be collected and scored. Once scored, they will be returned to students. Student’s scores on the GeoKids tests do not affect their grades and will not appear on their report cards. This district-wide program is intended to help students prepare for geography in future grades. It is also a great opportunity for families to discuss personal connections with places here in the United States and around the world. Support and encouragement from you can make this a great learning experience for the whole family!
Thank you for supporting this great enrichment program!
 

• G3 Schedule
• G4 Schedule

	www.coffeepond.com HARD COVER $30 (valid through 12/1/18) ($35.00 12/2/18 - 4/15/19) Password: mghardcover19 SOFT COVER $27 (valid through 12/1/18) ($32 12/2/18 - 4/15/19) Password: mgsoftcover19 ALL orders must be placed online Note: each order must be done individually. Order the for the first child, and at the end, you will be given an option to order for another child. Questions? Contact mgspta@gmail.com
	The children will use headphones during certain classroom activities, in the Library/Media Center, and for testing purposes.  We encourage you to purchase a set for your children) (and have them sent to school (labeled) in a Ziploc bag.  Additionally, you are encouraged to purchase an inexpensive pair which meets the three main components: durability, comfort, and quality.  The following link will bring you to an item which has received positive reviews in these areas and at a decent price. Headphones at Amazon
	National PTA teams up with businesses committed to supporting PTA’s mission of serving all children by offering our members special discounts, fundraising opportunities and other unique deals. Click here to save money with Member Benefits Providers.

	Box Tops for Education awards 10¢ for each box top collected. All you need to do is clip them from participating products (in PDF) and send them to school. Visit the Box Tops website for more information and to find out how to get Bonus Box Tops. Or just download a collection sheet here.
	A+ School Rewards points accrue with each purchase where the Stop & Shop Card is used. It even works with purchases made online with Peapod by Stop & Shop.  These points determine the cash total which is automatically credited to our school’s account. All you need to do is register your card. Here are instructions (in PDF) on how to get enrolled. School ID: 05945
	United Way contributions can directly benefit your child's education?  This is a great opportunity for our working parents to support the programs and initiatives sponsored by the Middle Gate PTA.  And…it's as easy as 1, 2, 3!  Contact your human resource department to determine if your company participates in the United Way campaign and to determine enrollment dates for your area. Contact PTA Treasurer to receive the TIN number necessary to designate your contribution.  Follow your company's enrollment and designation process. Spread the word! Anyone is eligible to participate! By telling your family, friends and co-workers, you have the power to make a huge difference in our school! So little effort, but such a great cause…your child's education!  Contributions to United Way are tax deductible! All donations received by the Middle Gate PTA will be placed in our general PTA fund.  All PTA members have a voice in determining how proceeds are spent.

Forms for Parents:

• PTA Membership Form 2018-2019 (in PDF)
• Volunteer Interest Form (in PDF)
• Dismissal Pad Order Form (in PDF)
• Goldmine Birthday Book Club (in PDF)

PTA Information

• FAQs (PDF)
• PTA Meeting Schedule 
• How to add the MGSPTA Google Calendar to Your Calendar 

PTA Committee Chair Documents:

• PTA Treasury Guidelines (in PDF)
• Form: Funds for Deposit (in PDF)
• Form: Cash Box Tally (in PDF)
• Form: Cash Box Request (in PDF)
• Form: Request for Payment (in PDF)

PTA Executive Board
The members of the board are always available to answer questions, take suggestions and help resolve PTA related issues.  We look forward to working with you to make Middle Gate PTA a welcoming and productive organization to serve the needs of the school community.

PTA Executive Board Members 2017/2018 and 2018/2019

 

President	Amy Habboush
Vice President	Jessica Sachs
Secretary	Gabrielle Joshpe
Corresponding Secretary	Jennifer Atherton
1st Treasurer	Emily Howard
2nd Treasurer	Stacy Liparidis
Assistant Treasurer	Meredith Britton

2018

8 PTA Awards!