News from our PTA

Gail Baugh and Madeline Behrens-Brigham

Here in SF, many of us don't have connections to our public schools--we have no children, we're not thinking about public schools, we are busy with work--all important reasons.  Urban schools have special challenges, particularly with many families working multiple jobs, speaking languages other than English, or struggling with their own personal issues–all while they are parenting their young children.

We all have a responsibility to make our communities vibrant--discover what you can do at your local public school:  read for an hour, take care of the school gardens, clean a teacher's classroom, organize school uniform and underwear donations, healthy snacks donations, Spanish-language translation, tutoring a child one on one, help in the library, volunteer to copy teacher lessons for the classroom, help with the school website and newsletter.  You let us know of your interest, and we will get you started.

Remember this as you think about why you should be involved at your local public school:  We believe important people are attending our public school.  Most of us went to public schools, and they provide good educations.  It is possible the next Steve Jobs, the next Michael Tilson Thomas, the next Michael Jordan, the next Carlos Santana is attending our school.  People who make significant contributions to our community most often have humble, not privileged, beginnings.  Remember that being a mentor for our school and our kids will uncover brilliant minds.  Be there for the discovery! 

Here's wonderful example of giving from one of our founding PTA members:

Office Max had a school special this summer to buy five packages of crayons for four cents each.  One week only. Five to a customer. Our PTA vice-prez sent out the word.

We all sent the word to others.  A neighbor went and offered quarters to the seven people in front of him in line to buy the crayons. That was impressive.  When I went the other morning on my way to work, there was no one in front of me or behind me to ask so I asked if they'd waive the limit.  They said "No".

I answered that I'd been there three times this week already and that it did cost in gas to stop by but I'd be back tomorrow as our school needed as much help as they could get. I explained that our PTA was the first in 50 years and that none of us had children in school. I was in my van getting ready to leave when the manager came out and said that I could take three cartons of 36 each plus my five that I'd already gotten which made 113 packages of crayons!!!

The young sales clerk had been touched by the story and was willing to ask his manager despite his initial "stick-to-the-policy" stance.  In addition, the manager gave me invitations to all the teachers for a special reception/shopping time for them.

I just collected crayons from a friend who had relatives in town and stopped by an Office Max on the way to the Alcatraz tour so all of them could pick up the boxes as well.

I bet that they tell of doing that more than reporting what they saw on Alcatraz.  Our secretary hosted a gathering and spread the word as well. She collected 47 boxes.

With very little effort, we now have crayons for every classroom and every child.

Stay tuned, perhaps our membership drive will learn some tips?