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Welcome Letter From The Nysmith PTO President.
As President of the Nysmith School PTO for the 2007-2008 school year, I’d like to welcome both the new and returning families to our Nysmith community. Our 23 PTO committees are planning a very exciting school year for you and your children.
If you are a new parent at Nysmith, I have a good idea how you’re feeling. My son is beginning high school at Thomas Jefferson, and I’ve been inundated with information leaving me feeling a bit overwhelmed. I want you to know that at Nysmith, you’re not alone!
When we came to this school for the first time, I remember being very nervous about leaving my child with people I didn’t know, and wondering how much they would care about and appreciate my child. I was nervous, and the word apprehensive doesn’t even begin to cover it! But after seeing these teachers in action, day in and day out, I can tell you without a doubt that these experienced teachers will care for your children and teach your children with love, respect and enthusiasm. Carole and Ken Nysmith have an innate ability to hire the best teachers. There is no cookie-cutter mentality here regarding the children. The teachers appreciate and celebrate each child and the different gifts and personalities that each child brings to the school.
There are many people here to help you with your questions and concerns. That includes not only the faculty and staff, but also your fellow parents, including the PTO officers and committee chairs. We’ve been where you are now and we can help you get the most from your Nysmith experience.
During my 12 years of PTO service at Nysmith, I’ve often been asked by parents, “Which of the many PTO committees should I get involved with? There are only so many hours in the day!” The answer to that question lies with your interests as well as with your child’s preferences.
Does your child like to see you during the school day? Volunteer in the Lunchroom for an hour, or help out at the Book Fairs.
Do you want to enjoy good times with your child? Come spend a beautiful spring day at Field Day, become a room parent by joining RAC, join us at the Renaissance Festival, or watch your child enjoy an evening of Bingo with fellow classmates in February.
Want to help the community with your child? Join us for sandwich-making for Martha’s Table, help make a point in basketball for Special Olympics, or help the needy in our area by participating in our food drive. Join the Red, White & Blue committee and help wounded soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Hospital, or contribute to our campaign to send thousands of Girl Scout cookies to our troops abroad.
Want to say a special thanks to our teachers for all of their love, devotion and dedication to our children? Help out during Teacher Appreciation, or join the cutting/pasting/stapling Helping Hands sessions.
Want to celebrate our Nysmith community’s cultural diversity? Give a country presentation, or dress your child in the traditional attire of your heritage during the International Festival.
Want to help your child’s grandparents enjoy a memorable day with their grandchildren at Nysmith? Spend a few hours here during Grandparents Day – the smiles on the faces of the children and grandparents alike make for some special memories.
This list is by no means comprehensive, but it may help to direct you in one or two areas. The bottom line is this: to feel involved in the Nysmith Community, you need to get involved in the Nysmith Community. I highly encourage you to attend the monthly PTO meetings held the second Tuesday morning of each month. If you’re a working parent, you can remain in the loop by reading the PTO meeting minutes found on the Nysmith Intranet, where you will also be able to find contact information for all our PTO committees.
You, the parents, make up an integral part of the PTO. The PTO is stronger because of you, and our community is a better one because of what you bring collectively and individually. We thank you in advance for your involvement and hope both you and your children have an unforgettable year at Nysmith!
Denise Bunting
Nysmith PTO President 2007-2008
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