Dear Parents,
An interesting Wall Street Journal article, "The School Volunteer Jobs That Most Help Your Kids", (October 7, 2009; Work & Family) cites the importance of parental school involvement throughout the school years. While we can clearly see the impact of our involvement during the elementary years, that effect becomes more cloudy as our children grow into adolescence. Research indicates that parent participation in the middle and high school years is equally critical. Staying involved gives invaluable insight to the school experience, strengthens the parent-teen relationship by showing interest in the child's activities, and sets a powerful example of volunteer service.
It is time to consider your involvement with St. Andrew's next year. The electronic 2010-2011 SAPA Interest Indicator allows you to tell us your areas of interest and may be accessed by clicking on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C3D7J7V. Requests from Parents, Faculty, and Administration have been considered in developing next year's SAPA activities. The Board relies heavily on your responses in the selection of parent volunteers. Appointment of the committee chair positions will begin on April 17, 2010, so please complete the Indicator before that date. After April 30, 2010, the electronic Indicator link will be turned off, substituting a paper format on the school's website. Should you have any questions, please email me .
There are several new elements to this year's tool:
- Sections 1-7 are opportunities to chair a committee; Section 8 lists general volunteer opportunities which will begin this May or by early August; Section 9 asks about special talents/resources which you might be willing to share
- New to Middle School-- 5th and 6th grade Room Coordinators
- Fundraising changes -- In response to your comments and consideration of other factors, the SAPA Board has voted to discontinue Upper School Sally Foster sales and Twinkletoe Marketplace for 2010-2011.
Your participation is vital to St. Andrew's community spirit and academic excellence. SAPA will be best prepared to sustain our exceptional faculty, administration, and students if our volunteers reflect a diversity of professions, interests, and cultures. I believe that there is a place for every parent to contribute and encourage you to join us. We need you!
Many thanks,
Cindy Dunbar
SAPA Chair