PA Welcome Letter  August, 2010

Dear Parents/Guardians,

On behalf of the Rockland Country Day School and in my capacity as incoming President of the Parents Association (PA) I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new and returning students and their families. I hope that you are having a fabulous summer and recharging your energy for the exciting school year ahead. All of us at the PA are looking forward to reconnecting with returning families, teachers, and staff and getting to know all newcomers. We welcome your energy, ideas, talents and contributions.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I’m the mother of 10th grader Jamie and 6th grader Coby, and have served as both President and Vice President of the PA. I am excited to be returning as President for 2010 – 2011.

Being active in the school has given me the opportunity to develop special connections with many of our school’s amazing teachers, administrators, students, and other parents. I love the warmth, creativity, and commitment to individuality that RCDS fosters and I feel honored to be able to partner with the school in creating the best possible educational environment for our children. I believe that my family’s experience has been enriched by my involvement in the PA; I have become more integrated into the RCDS community as a result.

I know that many parents are busy with the demands of everyday life, but I know that even a small contribution of your time and energy can significantly contribute to the PA’s efforts to foster a vibrant and nurturing educational environment, to support the teachers and staff, and to sponsor and support enriching activities for our children. The PA’s involvement in fund raising activities helps generate money for specific teacher requests, extracurricular activities and special events. There are so many ways that parents can contribute and, in doing so, become advocates for our children. The PA will be announcing the date of our first meeting very soon. At the first meeting, we will have information about opportunities to volunteer. I hope to see you there.

One of our goals for the upcoming year is to build on Dr. Mahoney’s themes of Collaboration, Communication and Stability. Collaboration involves the strengthening of partnerships between various facets of our community in order work on mutual objectives. Communication refers to the identification of the most effective means of ensuring that all members of our community are informed and up-to-date on all important information and events. Stability involves a return to equilibrium after the changes that come with the beginning of the school year. We hope to support them as much as possible.

Another goal for the upcoming year is a rededication to the importance of kindness, respect, and good manners. RCDS has always recognized that children learn best in an environment where differences are celebrated, kindness is the norm, the rights of others are fiercely protected, and good manners are demanded. The PA supports the goal of zero-bullying, effective conflict-management, and the ability of students to conduct themselves in a dignified and respectful fashion.

I look forward to another action-packed school year. Your input and involvement are always appreciated. The contact information for the Executive Board of the Parents Association is below. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, ideas or observations:

Jill Pohs – President

Suzanne Hasz- Vice President

Myriam Barenbaum- Secretary

Dominique Neblung- Treasurer