Hi Parents,
Research over the past 20 years supports that parents’ involvement in school improves academic and social success for their children. I know all of our children are on their way to high achievement based on the amazing parents we have and your involvement with our school and the Parent Association (PA). Here are a few highlights of our recent successes.
Last year we decided, through feedback from our Parent Survey, that we would eliminate morning P.A. meetings. In their place, this year we have hosted two Parent Coffees and two Parent Happy Hours. Thank you to the McGinnis and Gibson families for hosting our Happy Hours. Attendance was strong–with an average of 20 parents at each event–both Moms and Dads. Plus, we have our first ever “Dads’ Night Out” on March 8th at the Wood Cask. Thank you, Mark Hannah, for putting this together.
Our Trivia Night was always a “Friendraiser” and has quickly become an easy and fun fundraiser for RWS. This year we raised the most money ever for this event – almost $5,600!
We decided to eliminate our past gift wrap fundraiser based on the Parent Survey (thank goodness!!). Our only fall/winter fundraiser was poinsettia sales raising over $1,200 in proceeds. Our spring fundraiser is TJ’s Pizza, which is closing tomorrow –please bring your order forms and money to school. This is an easy, well-received, and YUMMY promotion. Your support of our fundraisers has been strong which has given us the opportunity to purchase new outside trashcans and request bids for a new fence for the science garden.
We also changed our logo for the Spirit Wear. With the vote from the RWS students, the “soaring eagle” won the election in November. Our new logo and spirit wear has been a hit for the students and parents. Come check out our new short sleeve shirts for the Spring. We still have hoodies, long sleeve shirts and winter hats available, too. We are planning to have adult golf shirts and water bottles for spring. If you need any Spirit Wear, simply email me or stop by the front desk for help. You may pick out what you like from inventory – and we will invoice you.
Lastly, and most importantly, our contracts are due this month. Let me tell you about my recent experience at RWS. I had the pleasure of giving tours for the first ever Open House held during the school hours. It was amazing! Seeing our school through the eyes of a visitor reminded me of our first experience at RWS. It reminded me of WHY our family fell in love with RWS. Little did I know that registering our son for EC would be life changing for not only our son, but also for us as parents. It is so crazy to me that we just signed a contract for 1st Grade!! Sometimes we simply take this place, and this opportunity for our kids, for granted. As I gave my tour and I saw the kids in action, I was so proud to hear all about our winter garden and our very own RWS ecosystem. I saw the middle school students making clay creations and writing short stories in Art. My tour witnessed the First and Second graders exploring music and the JK learning about coordination and teamwork with Coach. I know our visitors were very impressed. When we would enter a classroom, the student greeter would say hello and explain what they were working on that day. There was no script; it was just our kids being who they are….amazing!
I encourage each of you to take a tour and remind yourself of why you chose RWS in the first place. I could go on and on. This is truly OUR school, OUR students, and OUR home.
Thank you for letting me represent you as part of the leadership team for our Parent Association. It has been a wonderful experience getting to know each of you, and I look forward to working with you next year,
Val