The new school year is upon us, and all of your Phi Theta Kappa programs have already been planned...or have they?

Have you thought about service projects? What about the new Honors Study Topic? Have you set your Five-Star Chapter Development goal?

If the answer to these questions is no, don't panic. We've got the solution! Regional programs can provide great ways to network and gather ideas to get your Phi Theta Kappa chapter started on the right track this academic year.

One of the best ways to meet other Phi Theta Kappans in your area and exchange program ideas is by attending regional meetings. Regional meetings include a variety of activities such as insightful educational forums, mock chapter leadership activities, social events and even some sightseeing. On top of all the great learning opportunities, they're actually FUN!

Don't know when or where your regional meetings will be? All of Phi Theta Kappa's regional meetings are posted on the Society's web page at www.ptk.org/directories/regional_meetings.htm. You may also consult your own region's web page for more information. There are more than 40 regional meetings currently planned for this fall. Be sure your chapter is represented at each of your region's events!

Any excuse is a good excuse for Fellowship.

Phi Theta Kappans from four states came together with family and friends at Hershey Park, Pennsylvania, (the sweetest place on Earth) on August 6, for a Middle States pre-semester kick-off day of fellowship and fun hosted by the Middle States Regional Officers. Every Phi Theta Kappan wore their loudest and most visible Phi Theta Kappa attire, so they were easily identifiable throughout the day. Middle States President Karen Publick adds, "This kind of activity allows Phi Theta Kappans to come together to relax and enjoy, while exchanging ideas, networking, and forging connections that will serve to strengthen our region's chapters in the coming year." A meeting was held during the picnic lunch for the 170 people who attended.

Scholars act out at regional meetings.

At the Carolinas Regional Honors Institute in July, the Regional Officers took a very proactive role in the study of the current Honors Study Topic, "The New Millennium: The Past as Prologue." As part of their exploration, the officers developed a series of skits that follows the life of one family over the last 100 years. The first installment was presented at the Regional Honors Institute. Carolinas Regional Secretary Robin O'Neal adds, "The cast includes all four of our Regional Officers and volunteers from chapters from around the region who both act in the skit and work backstage. It is a true team effort, and one we are enjoying. We have lovingly named our troop 'The Y2K Regional Players'." Members of the Carolinas Region can look forward to additional skit installments at upcoming regional meetings.

Need ideas for service? Look to regional service projects.

To implement the International Service Program, the America Reads Challenge, chapters in the Georgia Region are asked to plan a poster contest for children in grades 1-3 in their local areas with November 1, National Family Literacy Day, as the deadline for entries. The theme for the contest will be "The Family that Reads Together...," asking students to complete the sentence and then illustrate their response. "This year we decided to implement the International Service Program in a way that would connect families, schools and communities in support of children's literacy," explains Georgia Regional Coordinator Dr. Martha Wilson. "By using this poster contest theme, we hope to focus on the vital connection between families and good reading habits in children." Winners will be awarded at the Georgia Regional Convention next February.

Have you set your Five-Star Chapter Development goal yet?

It's not too late! Nothing will get your Phi Theta Kappa chapter organized faster than the Five-Star Chapter Development Program. Set your goal and submit your Chapter Goal Form today! Consult your advisor, Regional Coordinator or Director of Regional Programs Clancy Mitchell, 800.946.9995, ext. 562, clancy.mitchell@ptk.org for more information.