I am pleased to be part of the Mason PTA team that will be supporting our students, teachers and staff for the upcoming 2007-2008 school year. I have recently returned from the annual 9th District PTA unit training and one thing that was made very clear: “when parents participate and develop relationships with their school, their children are more likely to achieve high academic performance.” To this end, the PTA is looking for parents to participate and make a difference in their children’s educational experience. While the stresses of everyday life do take up a lot of our time, I would ask that at a minimum, everyone join the PTA and attend the PTA meetings that occur a few times a year. If you have the time, please also consider donating a few hours of your time to contribute to a school event to or assume a leadership role in your PTA.

This year we will build upon the success of our previous efforts with a focus on supporting education and being relevant to our children’s learning. However, we cannot do this without you. Did you know that the general membership (called the Association) is the most important component of the PTA? The Association is required to: Elect a nominating committee Elect Officers of the PTA Adopt the budget and approve expenditures Adopt the audit reports Approve PTA programs and events Elect convention delegates to state and national annual events We have many exciting program ideas that will engage and connect our students with their families, school and community. I would like to thank all those who volunteered last year, and especially the PTA Board for doing a great job. I look forward to working with you and our school community to make things happen for our students during the next school year.

Sincerely,
David Keely, PTA President 2007-2008