Yesterday, like many thousands of parents in Santa Monica and Malibu, I was busy at my children’s schools, helping them settle in for their new year, and making sure I had done my job to ensure that all the details were in place to ensure a smooth start for all. As I walked through the schools, reconnecting with old friends and watching my sons navigate between nervousness and excitement, I was once again overwhelmed by what has now become an annual revelation, that of gratitude and respect for the army of PTA volunteers who contribute not only on opening day, but every day.
PTAs’ contribution cannot be underestimated and makes the difference between adequacy and excellence for our schools, our parents and students, our teachers and staff, and indeed for our communities. From the extraordinary leadership generated by our PTA unit presidents, to the support and guidance coming from Executive Board members and committee, each and every one of us joined together this opening day to provide world class support to our world class schools.
Superintendent Dianne Talarico has asked for 2007-2008 to be the year of teamwork. On this opening day, I was impressed by the level of genuine cooperation between PTAs, principals, teachers and staff at the schools I visited. It was more than just a word. Teamwork was living and breathing in our schools in a way that comforted parents, eased transitions for students, and ultimately provided a calm and productive work environment for teachers and staff. PTA is committed to keeping this teamwork going throughout the year to help ensure that closing day is as calm and productive as this opening day.
Cooperation between parents, administrators, teachers and staff is a welcome and necessary beginning. But we must also continue to strive for cooperation among schools. In addition, our schools and our PTA Council will be striving for opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with our communities. We know how much our schools contribute to our communities, and we know and appreciate how much our communities contribute to our schools.
When I was young, the beginning of school was always my very favorite time of year, a time filled with promise, excitement and challenges. Yesterday, on my first day of school as Santa Monica Malibu PTA Council president, I had that feeling again. We have accomplished so much, and have so much ahead of us.
My fourth-grader burst out of school at the end of his first day, beaming, and announced that this was going to be “the best year ever!” I knew that was true and I also knew that it was the result of the combined effort of our whole team!
Rebecca Soladay Kennerly
President, Santa Monica Malibu Council of PTAs