A Welcome Letter from the 2011/2012 PTA Executive Board
September 8, 2011
Dear Parent/Guardian,
On behalf of the Executive Board of the PS11 PTA, welcome to the 2011/2012 school year! We look forward to seeing you at school, meetings, events, and fundraisers.
There are a few things we would like to remind returning families and introduce to new families.
YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE PTA
Every parent and/or guardian of a PS11 student is automatically a member of the PS11 PTA. When you hear of the fantastic things the PTA does, it is you who is responsible. When you hear the gratitude of the teachers as we pay for school supplies, they are thanking you. When you see all of our kids having fun at events, parties and field trips, it is because of you. When the PTA needs to raise funds and recruit volunteers to make this all possible...we look to you to help.
PTA OVERVIEW
Executive Board: The PTA is overseen by the Executive Board. Read more about the 2011/2012 Executive Board members. Feel free to say “hi” if you see us around the school. We would love to hear from you, but often time is limited or the kids want our attention too. If you have a suggestion or comment, we prefer that you email us. That way, we can respond more thoughtfully. Please send an email to ptaps11@gmail.com.
PTA Information: Meeting minutes, details on upcoming events, bylaws, etc. are posted regularly. Please check back often.
PTA Meetings: There are two sets of meetings. Executive Board Meetings and General Assembly Meetings.
Executive Board Meetings Everyone is welcome, but voting can only be done by Executive Board members.
General Meetings We strongly urge you to attend these regularly. The meetings always provide the latest information, updates from the principal, latest budgets, etc. Your input is important at these meetings – you will be voting on PTA budgets and other key issues. Attending these meetings will help keep you involved and informed on issues related to your child’s education.
BUDGET AND FUNDRAISERS
The PTA spends hundred of dollars on every child in every grade. Many of the activities and programs that make PS11 so special would not be possible without the funding from the PTA. And with increasing cuts to the DOE budget, the PTA’s help is needed more than ever. This year, we have a target goal to raise $300,000. It can only be done with your help. We will need your donations and your help soliciting from others. We have an Annual Fund, as well as many unique fundraisers, including the Fall Festival, Sample Sale, Gotham Comedy Night, and Spring Auction Gala.
The most important thing you can do is to be involved: Volunteer your time. Come to meetings. Read the minutes. Give us your thoughts. Jump in and help. Ask questions. Donate what you can. Everyone is busy, but please find a little time to help contribute to your child’s educational experience. It’s a wonderful investment that will produce lasting benefits.
We wish you and your children a successful and happy school year. We hope to see you at our first PTA Meeting on Wednesday, September 28th at 9am in the Auditorium.
Juan, Kathryn, Sue, Gigi, Brad, Veronica, Fran, Todd, Elinor, Suzanne, Lindsay, Dana and Jamie
PS11 PTA Executive Board 2011/2012
A note from your 2011/12 PTA Co-Presidents
"I feel so lucky to be a part of PS 11" is a sentiment I have heard many, many times over the past year. From the eager 5 year olds starting their journey to the seasoned teachers and administrators, PS 11 is filled with unique individuals working together to create a strong community. This commitment to quality education; caring and respect for each other and the environment; and an overall support of each child's gifts and talents, is what makes PS 11 a hidden gem in the heart of Chelsea. As a new parent to the school this past year, I have been struck by the principal, the staff, and all the hard-working teachers and how they consistently help each child to flourish. But what binds much of this community together is the parental and family support. Many studies prove that without a strong commitment from parents, both financially and in volunteer time, schools cannot succeed, regardless of the quality of its educators. That noted, the PTA welcomes each and every parent or legal guardian at PS 11. Just as we parents encourage our children to take healthy risks and be proactive, I ask you to do the same. Become more involved in the PTA. Challenge yourself to attend every monthly meeting, volunteer more time than you did last year, donate extra to the annual fund, chair a committee...there are endless ways to join in the action and see results. You will make new friends, connect to parents in other grades, show your child how invested you are in his/her education, and have a lot of fun while you're at it. (That's a key to the PS 11 community!) Any involvement strengthens your child's growth and wellness. What a great investment!
Sincerely,
Kathryn Crosby
Hi. My name is Juan Brea and I want to welcome you to the PTA of PS 11. Yes, you're a member of the PTA! Every parent and guardian of a PS 11 student is a member of our PTA. As a member, you are encouraged to participate as much as you can to help our school and our students thrive.
I believe PS 11 is truly a unique educational environment. One of the things I like most about the school is the involvement of our parent body. We're a great community and I feel blessed my family is a part of it.
A little bit about me: This is my third year on the PTA Board -- one year as Treasurer, and commencing my second year as Co-President. I have two children in the school: Chelsea's in 3rd grade and Sadie is in Kindergarten. My wife, Laura Josepher, is a chairperson for the school auction. And I make my living as a financial advisor and operations professional.
I look forward to meeting you and finding out how you can contribute. With school budgets being slashed, our PTA has an ever increasing need to raise funds. But while fundraising is critical, your time is also invaluable. We can't make all the great things we have planned happen without scores of volunteers. Every family can and should be involved in some way. I love finding out what you're good at and figuring out how to put your skills to work for the school.
You can usually find me outside school at drop off, but feel free to email me anytime with questions or suggestions.
All the best,
Juan Brea