First Impressions

If you will recall from a previous post, I had some reservations about getting involved with Anna's school PTA. The stereotypes of the PTA were taking over. But I knew that I needed to give it a shot and see what it was all about for myself before I pass any more judgement.

Last night was the first meeting and I have to say that I rather enjoyed it and can see it being a great resource for me and our family. It really helped that I had an ally last night. My neighbor and I carpooled and were both newcomers. My neighbor's good friend was also there for the first time and it was just great to meet her too and share stories of the first weeks of school. I really believe that we can't do this alone and being in a room with people who are experiencing similar situations is so great. Gives some confirmation that what you are feeling and experiencing is normal.

For instance, it is good to know that my daughter is not the only one that is cranky and wore out at night! Because I tell you, she is CRANKY! We are still trying to figure out how to get her to bed a little earlier each night. Working parent's guilt plays into her bed time and our struggle to realize that she needs to go to bed earlier! Oh and throw in that we signed her up for swimming lessons and they start tonight. Much responsibility for her behaviour shall be placed on us! And I need to realize too that Anna's 'cranky' is another child's 'angel'.

Back to the PTA meeting. There was good information about the budget and activities. Not much pressure for volunteering so that was good, although I am sure there will be more in the future. The best part of the meeting though was presentations from PTA members who also are elementary teachers. They gave some great insight into reading strategies to do at home. Some good reading and word games. We joked on our way home that we want to wake our kids up and make them read with us so we could play them! But we didn't - rewind to the discussion on crankiness.

Next month they are bringing in a man to speak that has first hand experience with catching an online predator who was targeting his daughter. Useful information no doubt! We fret about that at our house as Anna gets older. Want to be equipped with as much information as we can.

I will be returning to the PTA meetings and look forward to this school year and all that it has to offer us in learning, friendships, and personal growth. Just never know what path your life will take and what tools you will need!