Wow! It's official. This is the last President's message you will receive from me for this school year. This time seemed a long way off way back in September. I'm much calmer and wiser as the finish line approaches. It's a bittersweet good-bye; it's been a pleasure representing our parent community but I'm good to move on now. With my departure I will take some amazing learning experiences with me.
 
Admittedly, I wasn't sure I was equipped for the job but with anything, you figure it out and grow into the position. In this role, you see and hear a lot about what affects public education and in particular in Lafayette. I feel I'm a much more educated and passionate voter. It shouldn't take a PTA-president role to achieve this mentality. My hope is we can all take the easy road to becoming a more educated and passionate voter by following our Legislative Rep's blurbs and recommended websites. Writing to congressmen and attending rallies. The next few years are going to be critical to turn our state into a proactive rather than reactive government so we maintain our excellent schools.
 
With a bird's-eye view, you see what an amazing community of volunteers we have at our school. I don't think we can thank or recognize our volunteers enough. Volunteers aren't usually in it for the "glory" we just want to do our part.  However, it is nice to hear a thank-you once in awhile. So if you didn't hear it enough from me, thank you to everyone for working all the school events, donating cookies, contributing to fundraisers, and supporting our teachers. No matter how big or small the job, we needed every one of you to accomplish so much. Over $300K and 45K volunteer hours came from our community for 2008/2009. That's amazing.
 
Thanks to the PTA Board who donated their time and talent to make careful decisions regarding our school: Lori Bosshart, Patty Gonser, Lynda Hansen, Carol Spiering, Angela Ketcham, TJ Kirke, Heather McNally, Dawn Brightbill, Adam Hamalian, Helen Rasmussen, Sue Rusk, Pam Lewerenz, Annette Robison, Mandy Curry, Julie D'Amante, Dana Fillinger Ashburn. You all made my year so much easier and enjoyable. And parents, thanks for your words of appreciation to me and letting me know the newsletter is actually read!  
 
Lastly, thanks to the teachers for being with our kids each day and helping them to mature into the next grade level. You are a truly gifted and patient lot.
 
The next president's message will come from Dana Fillinger Ashburn. Please give her the same warm welcome you all did for me. Dana is a caring and meticulous person who will keep the parents at the forefront of her new role. Thanks Dana for leading us into 2009/2010. 

 

P.S. Thanks to the Stryker family for hosting a mini-fundraiser to support our school. Almost $2K will be donated to the BV PTA.
 
Francie Low

June 5, 2009