Serving the PTA

When my son started school I was so excited for him.  I was excited to also meet the parents of his peers and be part of an educational community.  I went to my first PTA meeting when he was in preschool.

To my surprise it was only a handful of teachers and parents (most of who were excited preschool or kindergarten parents like myself).  It was clear there were people that wanted to make a difference at the school and in the lives of the children & families in the community.  It is still just a few people who attend meetings but a whole team of families continue to support events and make donations of time and money.  They entrust the PTA board to work transparently in the best interest of the children.

It was easy to serve the school and get involved.  Volunteers were needed to help in classrooms, office, library and at events like the book fair, carnival or family nights.  Serving brought me together with parents and families, it helped me feel connected to the caring people who spend every day with my child and it allowed me to peek in and see what my child was doing.

Three years later, I have served as vice president and president of the PTA.  We have changed some of the events, added to them, made things different.  We have raised funds to purchase amazing technology for the school, support the arts and physical education.  We have given away thousands of books and created literacy nights that are attended by many families.  We have made a difference for many children.

This is my last year serving this school.  My family is moving and I will no longer be coordinating and connecting within this community.  I will miss the amazing parents and community supporters I have had the pleasure to meet and work with.  I will soon say goodbye to an amazing school community.

Let this be a call to action.  The PTA connects people.  It connects parents to teachers, and community to our school.  The PTA provides support through volunteers and funds.  The PTA needs leaders who can interact with teachers, administrators and parents but most importantly, the children!  If you can give your time and talents, I encourage you to do so.  The work can be hard, but the rewards are worth it!

Change can spark the most extraordinary things.  Step forward and speak with the principal or attend a PTA meeting to see how you can help move the next year forward.  Maybe you can serve on the board, or as an event chair or a room parent.  Move the PTA in a new direction.  You are needed ~ the children will benefit... and that is why we are all here!

Thank you for allowing me to be part of an amazing community the last 3 years.  I have worked hard on behalf of our children, families and teachers and I appreciate your trust.  It has been the most amazing adventure!

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