From Texas PTA: New Laws Passed Regarding Teen Drivers and Child Booster Seat Usage

Parents need to be aware of recent new laws that go into effect September 1 regarding driving and child passenger safety!

• HB 339 prohibits teens under 18 from texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.
• HB 537 requires that everyone in the car, regardless of age and regardless of where they are sitting, needs to wear a seatbelt.
• HB 61 requires that all children younger than 8 years and less than four feet nine inches tall be in a child safety seat system.
Visit the legislative page of the Texas PTA Web site for a downloadable flier and more information.

Teen Drivers
Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Inexperience, driving while distracted by cell phone use and other teen passengers, and failure to wear seatbelts are all contributing factors.

Parents can help their teens become safer drivers by taking an active role. Supervise practice driving and be a good role model by practicing safe driving yourself. Remind teens of the new laws regarding cell phone use and texting while driving. Remind them that they and all passengers are required to wear seatbelts.

Booster Seats
Car crashes remain the number one killer of children ages 2-14 in the United States. The Safekids Buckle Up Campaign recommends the following safety tips:
• Use a booster seat correctly in a back seat every time your child rides in a car.
• Use a booster seat until your child weighs between 80 and 100 pounds, and is about 4 feet, 9 inches tall. For most children, that will be between ages 8 and 12.
• Tell all drivers who transport your child that booster seat use is a must when your child is in their vehicle.
• Booster seats are not installed the same way car seats are. They sit on the vehicle seat and are used to properly position the adult safety belt for an older child. Always use a lap and shoulder belt with a booster seat.
• Never place the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the child's back.
• Be sure all occupants wear safety belts correctly every time. Children learn from adult role models.

Why Join Dodd PTA???

Dear Dodd Families,

Partnerships between parents, educators and children enhance children’s success. We know that children learn more and have better lives when everyone in the school community works together to share thoughts and information and work on projects to benefit children. The Dodd PTA hosts programs that benefit the children at our school. Last year some of the programs included:

• The NED Show (character building)
• Todd McKinney (making right choices)
• Rhythm Web (music culture awareness)
• Mad Science (fun with science)
• The Creature Teacher (different animals of our world)
• and also the school carnival, field day, AR (accelerated reading) store, & sock hop
• 4^th grade “Green Team” (recycling & environmental awareness); Earth Day celebration
• Reflections program (arts in education/art expression)

For this school year we are planning:

• various character education programs
• family nights – carnival, sock hop, movie night
• Wylie ISD health fair
• Field day, AR store, “Green Team”, Reflections

By becoming a member of Dodd PTA, you can become an important part of helping to ensure that these plans become a reality. We also welcome your new ideas for the benefit of our children.

Members of the Dodd PTA receive:

• Local PTA - newsletter, website access, school directory
• State and National PTAs– access to websites, legislative news, discounts at Sea World, Schlitterbahn, Fiesta Texas, Southwest Airlines Vacations, Barnes & Noble, Sharp Electronics, Nationwide Insurance, T-Mobile, La Quinta, Aflac, Enterprise Rent-a-car, Dell

Please join with us to make a difference in the education, health, and welfare of our children. Complete the attached form and return it with your dues payment to your child’s teacher.

If you’d like any additional information about the Dodd PTA, please feel free to contact:

Lori Wakeman- Membership Chair Allison Moore - President

glp.wakeman@verizon.net OR allib5@verizon.net

We look forward to having YOU as a member!

Ready for School to Start?

Meet the Teacher Night is Friday August 21st from 4-6pm. See you there!