President's News
Posted on 09/13/2010
September 2010
Dear Parents,
Welcome back! I hope you all had a restful and relaxing summer.
It’s hard to believe that we have started another school year and each year passes more quickly than the last. The start of the school year is the start of many new beginnings and new feelings. The sense of anticipation is high in my house as my second daughter has just gone away to college, my son has entered the High School and my youngest daughter has entered Stewart School. I can’t believe how fast time goes. I have found that being involved in the PTA keeps me connected to my children’s school and has been a rewarding experience for me.
My name is Gail Madigan and I am honored, as well as excited to serve as your PTA President for the 2010/2011 school year. Working alongside of me is President Elect, Lisa Sutherland and Executive Vice-President Colleen Tariche. We have been in touch over the summer with several parent committees who have been hard at work all for the benefit of our children. Our membership committee chairs Ronda D’Antonio and Maureen Strysko have been working endlessly on our membership drive and will start it off with a raffle (a $100 American Express card) for those joining membership before September 17th .This raffle is among several other membership incentives they have planned. Our sportswear committee chairs, Roberta Clark and Doris Brunning have worked hard to bring several new cash and carry items to our Sportswear Sale, so be sure to look for those at your back to school nights and PTA meetings. Arts and Ed, chaired by Heather Widell and Jennifer Schmitt have worked with their committee to book exciting programs for all of our students. Keep an eye out for eblasts from Rhonda Kraff, Christina Kilberg and Cathy Wood, chairs of Health and Safety committee for their upcoming Health Awareness evening. We are grateful to all of the amazingly talented parents who are involved with the PTA and contribute their time and talent in many ways, big and small.
All of our students have noticed how beautiful the schools look this fall as our staff has worked tirelessly over the summer to present schools that they will be proud to attend. You can see the proceeds from the recent school bond have been put to work with the new driveway at the MS and the new roof at the HS. Back to school is an exciting time for our students, the staff and parents alike. Many opportunities lie ahead and we are eager to get started. The PTA will give parents an opportunity to be engaged in their children’s school life. Research shows that in schools where parents are involved, students have a greater chance for success and is evidenced by higher test scores, more consistent attendance and an overall involvement in their school. As parents and guardians it is important we show our children that we value education through our active involvement in the schools. Attend a PTA and Board of Education meeting or volunteer on a PTA committee, participate in all district votes. Simply collecting Boxtops4Education shows your child that you are interested in their education and in their school. There are many ways in which you can be involved, such as volunteering your time at Book Fairs, Holiday Parties, Photo Day and the Freshman BBQ in addition to our popular fundraising events such as the PTA Dinner, our Sportswear Sale and our Plant Sale.
As always, The PTA would like to welcome the new teachers and staff to the district as well as our new 6-12 Guidance Coordinator, Mrs. Gina Christel, and our new Stratford Principal, Ms. Eileen Vota. We look forward to them sharing their talents and expertise with our district.
The PTA continues to focus on improved communications with parents. To help meet that goal, the PTA website will provide you with important announcements, school related information and PTA news. We hope you will visit the site often at www.gardencitypta.org for updates and encourage you to join our e-mail list. I am excited to introduce you to our new electronic newsletter that will be coming your way this school year. You will be able to read about what is going on at each school in our district. Our website will soon have a section of web links for you and your child to enjoy together concerning many different interests.
On behalf of the PTA Executive Board and all the volunteers who give their time so freely and enthusiastically, I thank you for your support. If at any time during the school year, you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at gmadigan@gardencitypta.org.
Again, welcome back and have a great year!
Sincerely,
Gail Madigan