May 18, 2007

Dear Hauser Parents and Staff,

Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to be PTA president this past year. I really have very much enjoyed it.

There are many things I’ve learned (or relearned) this year, but I’d like in particular to share a few:

1. Frequent and timely communication generates good will. The comment I’ve heard more than any other this year is “Thank you for increasing the level of communication coming from the PTA.”
2. Attend school board meetings when you can. The school board expects parents who are concerned about district issues to stay informed via attendance at meetings. (For an explanation of how school boards work, and tips on how you can work with them, click here.)
3. If you are a person who, from time to time, voices complaints, try to be a person who shares compliments as well.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of simple acts of kindness. Several experiences this year have taught me how much it can mean when someone comes forward, and says or does something unexpectedly kind. Please share this gift with as many people as you can.

I wish to thank Leslie Berman for all her hard work this year. I hadn’t realized how many things a principal has on her plate until I saw Leslie in action. My gratitude also goes to Gwen Heine, Diane Powers, and all Hauser teachers, staff, and custodians for their help with PTA this year.

I want to thank my executive board and my committee chairs for all you did this year. I am imperfect and nobody in the PTA knows this better than you. I couldn’t have asked for more a more patient and supportive group. You did your jobs well, and every parent at this school owes you a debt of gratitude, though I owe you the most.

The increased level of communication would not have been possible without the help of Chris Hajer. He made the e-mail and website happen.

However, and this is important, I want to express an equal amount of gratitude to everybody who participated in our PTA in any capacity this year, whether it was attending just one meeting, bringing refreshments when needed, chairing a committee, or sitting on the Executive Board: thank you for doing what you could. That’s the most important thing.

So the time has come to turn over the reins to Cathy Louthen, Tina Duve, Marianne Fieseler, Lisa Veon, Michelle Hejna, and all of next year’s volunteers. I wish you all the gratifying experience I’ve had.

Sincerely,
Mary Jo Robling