From The PTA President
As a kid (only a few moons ago), I recall thinking summer vacation was
way too short and it ALWAYS ended long before I was ready...but at the same
time, there was this excitement as August drew to a close and we prepared
for the first day of school....Well, there are some things that never seem
to change and clearly this is one of them!
While the Principal's letter and teacher assignments may have been more
anxiously anticipated this year, it most certainly added to the momentum of
school time excitement! The list of staff changes and the numerous
name changes added to the suspense of what the first day of school will
surely bring. And, who can't wait for that?
So, as I welcome all the returning and new families to our school this year
I must also welcome the many new staff members and, of course, our new
principal, Kate Callahan.
As I enter my 7th academic year here at Dondero, I am finding myself as
excited for this year as I was for my first one. Change is
unpredictable, but change is also good.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kate Callahan in July where we
reviewed the PTA fundraising format and budget. We discussed our
successes and some of our struggles over the past few years and I am looking
forward to working with her and capitalizing on her enthusiasm for her new
position and our school along with her love of education. From this
discussion comes a few beneficial changes to the PTA's Fall schedule, and I
welcome you all to the first PTA meeting on September 9th to continue the
discussion. There is no question that the needs of our school must be
better met, but the only way to accomplish this is for us all to come
together, parents and staff alike with Kate and work together toward our
common goal.
With that being said, I know that many parents have stopped into the school
this summer to offer their services and we would love to take you all up on
this! During the Popsicle Party, on August 31st, starting at 3:00,
there will be posters and sign-up sheets for particular skill sets or
interests.
And ,if you aren't able to attend this party, here are a few places where we
could use some helping hands (or minds):
Artistic abilities - murals, posters
Carpentry work
Gardening, landscape design
Scrapbooking
Computer programming - variety of skills
Website Design
Marketing
Photography
Coaching - Soccer, basketball
Biology, chemistry skills
Engineering
Historic / cultural interests
Although we do need volunteers to assist the staff with school hour
projects, there are many projects that can be done at home, from your
computer, and on your own time. Any interest is appreciated at any
level and if there is a skill set or interest that is not listed here, we
would love to hear from you.
Also, if there are products that you or your company could possibly donate
we would love to see if we could benefit from that as well. (For
example, last year Cisco donated two flip cameras and Bob Santulli's company
donated a flyer for the barn dance community event.) We are always
looking for technology donations, building materials, and art supplies.
Any and all donations could make for inspiring classroom or school projects!
Finally, I wanted to let you know that we have gotten the PTA website back
up and running again after a short hiatus this spring. If you have any
interest in working on this website please let me know.
This year is sure to bring many changes and ones that I know we will all
enjoy. As always, if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns
please feel free to contact me at
adamsc8791@hotmail.com. I look forward to another fantastic
year at Dondero and I will see you at the Popsicle Party!
Best regards,
Emy Adams
PTA President
