End Of Year Letter From Anne Strawbridge
Sunday, June 10, 2018
I have to begin by saying it has been my privilege to serve over the last two years as President of the West Vincent PTA. In that time, I have repeatedly witnessed what a devoted community can do to expand their children’s environment for success. Dozens of volunteers devoted hundreds of hours to make our PTA events, programs, after school clubs, and activities a huge success.
On behalf of the PTA Executive Board, I want to thank our entire school community for their support of our many programs and events for the students at West Vincent Elementary School. From basic membership to chairing an event or program, from volunteering to simply attending an event, your contributions of time, effort, and/or money validates and broadens your child’s educational experience. Further, your support of the PTA expands every child’s opportunity for growth.
Here are some highlights from 2017-2018:
The PTA funded assemblies which showcased Social Emotional Learning by Thom Stetcher Associates, STEM by The Franklin Institute and Dialed Action Sports Team’s BMX Bikes, and Music by Steven Courtney. Parent Volunteers put on two successful book fairs that put thousands of dollars of books in the library and classrooms, two fun bingo nights, two fine art nights, multiple spirit nights, the West Vincent’s Got Talent show, our wildly successful All Pro Dads, and a Spring Spectacular featuring live music by Steven Courtney with the return of popular silent auction and Teacher Treasure items.
The PTA introduced a new major fundraiser, the Wildcat Walk-a-thon, where every child participated side by side with the staff. Not only did the Wildcat Walk-a-thon raise a remarkable amount of money which allows us to expand on current events, programs, and services, it provided an important opportunity for our children to take ownership in the process of supporting their own school. They loved it, and will never forget watching Mr. Smith get drenched with Gatorade!
Parent volunteers helped children publish hundreds of books in the PTA Publishing Center, provided a Student Directory free to every family, and produced an awesome yearbook to record many memorable events. Our Annual PTA Project helped fund additional I Pad technology into two classrooms. Join our Facebook Page to check out all the fun and memorable moments from this year. To join the PTA (starting July 1 for next year), sign up to volunteer, or for more information on events, please visit westvincentpta.org or contact a board member.
None of this would have been possible without your membership and support from the staff, teachers, parents, and many volunteers, not to mention the significant contribution and exceptional talents of my fellow board members: Cindy Hutcheson, Jamie Williams, Siobhan Hummel, Katie Felmlee, and Samantha McQuillan. We will miss Jamie and Samantha, but we welcome Misty Cebry and Alan Scholl to the Executive Board and are grateful to them for volunteering their time to continue to make West Vincent a school of which we are all proud. Special thanks also to Lyn Noon as Communications Chair for keeping us all informed each and every Sunday.
Have a great summer, and remember Mr. Smith’s instructions: “Stay Safe! Have fun! Read! Do math everyday! Above all else, do the right thing!” And speaking of doing the right thing, I encourage you to sign up for something new next year, and you can see for yourself what an amazing school we have the privilege of calling our own.
Anne Strawbridge, President WVES PTA
P.S. Back to School Bash will be here before we know it. See you then!
2018-2019 PTA Executive Board
Cindy Hutcheson, President
Katie Felmlee, 1st Vice President
Siobhan Hummel, 2nd Vice President
Alan Scholl, Treasurer
Anne Strawbridge, Recording Secretary
Misty Cebry, Corresponding Secretary