Dear ATD families,
Another year winds down and I ask you to please read one last email from me. My sixth grader is graduating, so this is my final year as an ATD parent. As trite as it may sound, it's been an honor to serve as your PTO president. I started volunteering at our children's previous school when my older kid was in pre-K, and then I got involved when we moved to Williamsburg. All said and done, I've actively participated in an elementary school PTO for a dozen years.
Our family started off in a much larger school, with considerably different needs than our small cozy ATD.
But one thing about both PTOs is the same. The feeling of community, of fun, of purpose, of connectedness, of service, and setting a good example for our children, are experiences shared by every volunteer when they sign up to help. It is proven time and time again that tight communities fare better in every aspect of life. The PTO sponsored events we attend as families support our kids' sense of safety and belonging. They are designed to educate and entertain. And connecting neighbor to neighbor strengthens the village, which in turn holds our children.
But I have to be honest. I'm worried about what's to become of all the sweet school traditions of the ATD we know and love. I have watched volunteer involvement dwindle every year. This past year we've operated with a skeleton crew. Somehow we've pulled off the big events like Harvest Feast, Science Night, and the Dance. We've also managed the Teacher Luncheon, Movie Nights, regular PTO meetings, teacher requests, and supported so many other things that make our school special. The amount of work is the same, but there are fewer and fewer people who take it on.
For example, NOT ONE person signed up ahead of time to help with Science Night. That is, aside from the three member executive board (always the default organizers) AND Llama Maynard (who set up her amazing Planetarium). Yes, some folks absolutely stepped in the night of (many thanks to them!), but imagine being the three people who've been planning every detail for several months, to see zero guaranteed help for an event many people plan to attend. It's exhausting. It's unfair to the few who consistently give their time. To be clear, every member of the PTO who volunteers regularly has at least one student at the school. We have jobs, family responsibilities, health concerns, bills, good days, bad days. We don't have more time, talent, or money to give than others. We just choose to give what we can. Something. There are so many ways to contribute!
So here's the reality: These events will not happen next year without more families pitching in. My kids were lucky enough to experience all these wonderful traditions, but maybe the next generation of ATD students won't be so fortunate. I'm not trying to serve drama, threats, or guilt trips. It's just a fact that it's unsustainable with volunteer numbers as they are. Especially those in leadership roles.
So, I appeal to you now to think about how you will choose involvement going into the next school year. First and foremost, we NEED two new executive board members... Vice President and Secretary. In addition to my departure, it is also the last year for our fabulous Secretary, Becky Wellspring, who also has a graduating "senior". Thank you for everything, Becky!!! Amy Pagano, who deserves a beaming gold star for her commitment this year, will step up to the position of Treasurer. And drum roll for the new president... Monica Bhowmik. Monica not only took on the role of treasurer for several years, but served as Vice President this year. I could not have done it without her by my side. Monica, you are the best!
We suggest those folks with younger students dip a toe in a meeting here or there. Participate where you can, and observe how things are done. And we strongly encourage caregivers of 6th, 5th, and 4th graders to step up in a bigger way. The responsibilities of executive board members are: monthly meetings, occasional execution of tasks, helping to recruit others to make all of our events a success, and possibly overseeing one event a year.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP:
A current Kindergarten family is needed to volunteer to organize the Boo-Hoo breakfast in September. PTO pays for breakfast items to be brought unless you want to organize other past Kindergarten families to sign up and bring goodies.
We also want to get someone to take on the PTO directory as well as putting together the volunteer signup genius links for events (both of which can be done from home!)
Lastly, keep an eye out for a sign up for Summer Garden care.
So I leave you in good hands. YOUR hands.
Take care and farewell.
Gratefully,
Korena
