2001-2002

Open a New Window, Open a New Door. Travel a New Highway that's never been tried before. You'll find you're a dull fellow, punching the same clock, walking the same tight-rope as everyone on the block. The fellow you ought to be is three dimentional, soaking up life, down to it's toes. Whenever they say you're slightly unconventional, just put your thumb, up to your nose and show them how to dance to a new rhythm, whistle a new song; toast to a new vintage, the fizz doesn't fizz too long. There's only one way to make the bubble stay: Simply travel a new highway, dance to new rhythm, whistle a new love song, toast to new vintage - OPEN A NEW WINDOW - everyday!
Words from the song 'Open a New Window' from the mucial 'Mame'.

Theme for 2001 - 2002: Open A New Window

Inspirations

    Thank you very much for showing this interest in YOUR PTSA. The year focused on three broad areas continuing to follow the lead of the School Improvement Plan developed by the staff and parents at Osborne High School.
     The PTSA at Osborne High School has begun a course to become the school's premiere Partner in Education. We have the most at stake, have the most opportunity, and have the most ability to augment the school's curriculum to make our student's high school years the best they can be. Having these things is a first step. Moving to the next step, we now need to consistenly demonstrate this and to implement it. Most of the PTSA members have jobs outside the family household and have revalidated that their most significant jobs is that of parent/supporter to these teens and those who teach them. No excuses. These students deserve the best efforts from all that assist them through their high school years.
     In PTSA, students are members also and they need to put forth their best to make these good years for them. Joining together and facilitating the connection of the stakeholders of this community, our success is limited only by our imagination and perseverence.
     The organization made a conscious effort to blend in with the school demonstrating cooperation and building trust between the stakeholders. A number of successes came as a result of this approach and in 2002-2003 will continue to improve.
     Here is a summary of the results from this year using the three broad goals
              1. Facilitating the connection of the various support / booster groups at Osborne.
The success in this area came in the form of added communication within the Booster Organizations. They are one of the backbones of the support at Osborne High School. There were a number of ideas that were shared, lessons learned, and cooperative efforts between various Booster Organizations. Such cooperation gained positive attention in the school, local community and Cobb School District Office. Examples of such were the activities associated with the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorists attacks on our country. The school coordinated a number of different activities and events and many organizations pulled together to get these accomplished. The lessons learned from our students were evident in their comments and their actions. Other examples were joint fundraisers and de-conflicting calendars to support each other. It was also very cool to see the behind the scenes support provided to teachers when requested, and the tangible demonstrations of saying thanks to our entire staff at Osborne High School.
           2. Fostering participation in school sponsored extra curricular activities.
The first organizational fair was held during Fall Open House. Put together jointly by the Administration and PTSA, over 75% of the groups participated and gained new members. At a minimum it provided visibility into the positive structured activities that the school provides for the students and the diverse set of opportunities are available to students their personal growth through participation in these clubs. As the year progressed, various organizations utilized PTSA to assist them with team building discussions/exercises, transportation needs, hospitality activities, logistics support and other forms of assistance requested.
            3. Focusing attention to public relations within the school and local community.
This area saw both a rise and fall. Through many personal visits the difference during the last two years on reporting from the local media had significantly improved. Promotions and differnt structure within the local paper at the close of year, really set this initiative back. Additional time will be required during the 2002-2003 year to regain this more positive relationship. However, a number of positive articles were written about Osborne and some of their students. TV coverage was present and represented a positive slant on subjects ranging from the "Anthrax Scare" in the Fall, Student Athletes during the Winter, and the Red Regiment Band invited to go to Japan in the Spring. The community was informed through neighborhood newsletters on the events at Osborne and local clubs had talks provided about the good things going on at OHS. Consistent communication with Cobb District School resulted in increased focused attention of needs of the school and our website was touted as one of the most comprehensive, informative and inclusive in the state. All thanks to you. In a school with a significant transient rate, such activities will need to be repeated in future years simply to maintain the ground gained this past year. In addition

It was a fantastic year in tangible results, although a bit different from normal PTSA operations. Out students are a great group of young people from the world over. As we continued to try new things, analyze the results, refine the process and continue to move forward, they will have the type of high school years they deserve. Thanks for Opening That New Window the past two years for our students and parents.

If you would like a copy of our annual report, please feel free to contact the Georgia PTA in Atlanta (a link is on the home page of this site)