Hello Families,
We hope you all had a good first couple of weeks of school. Our kids are still adjusting and getting back into the swing of things, but we are happy to be back at Bay Park!
In these first weeks of school you have already been bombarded with ways to get involved – in the school, PTA, 3 minute zones, donations, book fair, safety committees, you name it. We encourage you not to be overwhelmed by these requests, but jump in and take some on. Take on whatever works for you – you don’t need to do it all! It doesn’t matter how much time you have, there’s always something that can work with your schedule. You will soon start feeling the sense of community and how your time truly does make a difference to not only your own child(ren) but to the other children, teachers, and parents as well.
We have received some questions regarding the PTA and what it’s all about. Do we need to attend the meetings? What does it mean to be a member? And many more. Let me try and help you out! :)
Why participate in the pledge drive? This Pledge Drive is one of three major fundraisers in the school. Any money you give is just money going back to the school. It pays for our snow day, art teacher, field trips, school community activities, and many more. Your child benefits from this all! The experiences at BPE are because of the money generous donors have given to us and we would like to continue making a difference in the lives of the students. Anyone can join-aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.
Why become a member of the PTA? We all chose this school for a reason, for what we thought it would do for our child(ren)…the only way the school can continue to provide that (and more!) for our child(ren) is if WE (every one of us) help…time, money, etc. The school district and school do not have the resources to do it – it’s parents that make it. This is your chance to make a difference and voice any opinions, vote on budget allocations, and be involved! This group of dedicated people has the childrens best interest at heart. We want to make the learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom are memorable and impactful. If it wasn’t for this group (and your donations) there would be no Junior Theater program, no art teacher, no mural that was painted on the small wall the children see everyday, no Stingray Store for the children to spend their hard earned Stingray Bucks at. Being a part of this and seeing the outcome of all the hard work is more rewarding than anything you can possibly imagine. You see it in the smiling faces of the children you’ve helped create these experiences for.
Don’t have time? It doesn’t matter. Come to the meetings if you can. Donate your time anywhere you see fit. Donate financially at a level that feels right for your family. Being involved shows your child your commitment to their education and that you want to be there for them even if it’s not helping out in the classroom.
Lorena and Lalita
Bay Park Parents, PTA board members, Kindergarten/TK Liaisons
