Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! My name is Laila Collins. I am the new PTA President at Briarwood. I am honored and excited to serve as your president this year. It will be a crazy year due to the construction but it will all be worth it when our beautiful new school opens in the fall!
You might be asking yourself: “Where is all of the PTA paperwork I usually have to fill out?” The answer: "Right here - on our website!” Over the summer, we worked to set up a new and improved website which will allow us to go to a more paperless process. Our web address is the same: www.briarwoodelementarypta.org. But when you visit, you’ll see lots of special features. You can log on to the website to join PTA, volunteer, sign up for e-Scrip, and see our calendar of events for the year. We encourage you to mark this website as a favorite and visit often to stay informed about PTA and the many programs planned throughout the year.
“Why should I join PTA?” That’s a question we hear often. PTA is one of the oldest and most respected child advocacy groups in the nation. But PTAs have changed since we were kids. Today - schools really depend on their PTA to fill in funding gaps and supply volunteers. While our PTA still organizes and supports lots of “fun” events, we also help pay for school programs and activities at Briarwood that cannot be provided by the district.
45% of the money raised this year is budgeted for “Direct School Support.” That includes funding for the Afterschool Assistance Program (ASAP), additional Educational Assistants in the classrooms, school assemblies, teacher grants and stipends. A large part also subsidizes Camp Colman, the annual 5th grade outdoor education program – greatly reducing the cost to families. Click here for a look at the 2011-2012 budget chart.
“How else can I help?” In addition to joining, the main ways to support PTA are by participating in fundraisers and volunteering your time. In the “First Day Packet” on our website, you’ll find a list of volunteer opportunities. The Jog-A-Thon is our primary fundraiser this year and will take place on September 30th. Look for pledge packets in kid mail soon. Our goal is to raise $30,000. Please give generously!!
PTA is a fun group and we would love for you to join us at our first meeting of the year - Monday, September 19th at 6:30pm in the library. If you have any questions related to PTA, you can contact me at laila.collins@comcast.net or 425-793-7898.
