From every PPCHS club and organization, to school events and fundraisers, down to the smallest details of advertisement posters, it all comes down to the decision of one person: Mrs. Battle. Every single activity that takes place at Charter needs to first be sent to our assistant principal primarily through email, with details of the event or idea that a student is seeking to bring to life on campus.

Students lined outside Mrs. Battle’s office promptly at 7:00am in the morning with her email inbox simultaneously overflowing with varying proposals from PPCHS students is not a rare behind the scenes occurrence at Pembroke Pines Charter High School. With specific requirements and a tight schedule, some students might be met with disapproval from Mrs. Battle. However, by following the guidelines below, there is a higher possibility of your event being added to the confirmed list and addressed with a sparkly emoji of approval from our administrator. 

1. How do you win the battle?

When approving events, Mrs. Battle takes into consideration three key factors such as when the event will take place, if it has been done before, and if so did it have a successful result. When sending a proposal to Mrs. Battle it is important to add the answers to these questions in your description of the event. These specific points are important to consider when approving or denying events because Mrs. Battle explains, “If there is too much going on in that specific time frame it won’t be possible because you can’t have too much going on. You have to spread it out.”

2. What are favorable timeframes and dates?

With a multitude of events occurring weekly at Charter, Mrs. Battle carefully selects dates that won’t conflict with other events previously approved. By doing this, Jags are able to see an equal flow and balance in the number of activities that take place. Additionally, Mrs. Battle emphasizes that repeating events isn’t favorable and should be taken into account when coming up with an idea to avoid duplicates. If previous events have been done previously and have had a successful outcome, the likelihood of it being approved increases. By looking out for these details, the possibility of getting a confirmed yes is most likely.

The highest chance for clubs and organizations to get approval for their event is to submit their proposals a year in advance. Mrs. Battle explains, “During the month of May, I reserve everything in the auditorium, the cafeteria, and everything for the following school year. That way everything is laid out; the whole plan. Then after that, it’s simply where things can fit in after that, so your best chance is the year before.” It’s also a matter of first come first serve, so avoid procrastination and have your plan detailed out as early as possible. 

3. What’s A NO from Mrs. Battle?

When it comes to prohibiting event types, Mrs. Battle tries to keep an open mind, always putting the best interest of the students in mind. “Honestly there is nothing that I can think of where if I hear it I’m immediately like no, that’s not going to happen,” she shared. Her openness allows students to explore various concepts once pitched thoroughly and with adequate time preemptively. 

She believes in the potential of novel ideas to enhance the student experience and recognizes that “students keep coming up with new ways to make things possible”, so she’s “willing to hear anything”. Her flexibility means that most proposals get a fair chance at receiving her coveted approval if it is school appropriate and fully planned out. 

4. What happens if you lose the battle?

In cases where an event does not receive immediate approval, Mrs. Battle provides suggestions to improve proposals, encouraging students to consider alternative dates or locations. “Let’s pick another date, or let’s pick another location,” she emphasizes, showing her effort towards guiding students toward successful plans rather than issuing flat rejections.

To keep track of the numerous proposals she manages, Mrs. Battle relies on a school-specific calendar dedicated solely to organizing events. “I have my own school calendar that’s only for school events, and I lay it all out,” she said, acknowledging the meticulous planning such a role demands. This structured system not only helps her stay on top of student initiatives but also allows for balanced scheduling that accommodates as many possible events for PPCHS students throughout the year

5. What is the best money maker?

Several clubs at PPCHS all revolve around one common goal, to help raise money for charity. Organizations such as Forza Stefano, Best Buddies, Humane Society, and numerous other clubs all raise money to help those in need, whether it be animals, or children and adults who suffer from major illnesses. These clubs depend on funds raised through school events. However, what is the overall best moneymaker that can help these clubs achieve their goals?

According to Mrs. Battle, the mastermind behind every event, the best fundraisers are school dances and bake sales. Battle expresses, “[The best money making events] would have to be the dances, but that’s obvious. Everything else you’re going to make about $500, but the dances are where the big money comes from.” 

Most students are more fond of the larger, more grand events such as homecoming and prom, yielding thousands of dollars for the clubs that host these annual events. Taking place on a Saturday night, students are given the opportunity to dress up and go have fun alongside their friends. Dancing to the various beats produced by the DJ present, and snacking on the food options available to students, homecoming is one of the most popular events among students. 

Additionally, bake sales are simply the most convenient for most students. Right after school, once a month, one club is allowed to have a bake sale. Students can find it placed directly in front of the fountain, the central location for student traffic. Once there, a table filled to the brim with a variety of students favorite snacks and treats, neatly arranged. As a result, these two main attractions are seen as the best way for clubs to make money at Pines Charter.

6. The final victory

Mrs. Battle is one of the foundational parts of the PPCHS behind-the-scenes process. Ensure that when you are attempting to host an event, plan a fundraiser, or start something new on campus that you go through the approval process steps discussed above with our administrator. Follow these guidelines and win the epic battle to make your ideas a reality at Charter!