CT PTA President's Letter
December, 2000

I hate January.  New years always bring with them new resolutions.  I concentrate on all the stupid little things that I want to fix and totally lose perspective on all the great things I actually accomplished.  It seems to me that many PTAs do the same thing.   We PTA leaders spend a lot of time talking about what we need to fix, the projects we wish we had time to start.   Depressing way to start a year, don’t you think?   We PTA people want to make life better for everyone.   So we get caught up in the chase of excellence, the fantastic possibilities for the future, and we totally ignore the successes around us.  Well, I have turned over a new leaf.   Last year I resolved to start my new year on a positive note by concentrating on good things.   (Unlike last year, I will not make a feeble attempt at clever verse.)  I will, however, take this opportunity to again thank the PTA people who helped make 2000 a great year.

My thanks go to Region Directors, past and present.   I wish they had a dime for every time someone said, “I’m supposed to have bylaws?”  or “Can the principal really run my meeting?”   Call after call, day in and day out, Connecticut PTA’s RDs are there for our members.  I couldn’t do my job without them. Thanks, Jan, Suz, Mark, Pat, Donna, Kathy and Barbara.    

My thanks go to the vice presidents.   Can CTPTA increase membership by 10+%?   Yes we can.  Can we pull off a convention in absentia?  Piece of cake.  Can we successfully attempt a whole new type of Day at the Legislature?   Without a doubt.   Can we think outside the box and create a new way to train PTA leaders?   Most certainly yes.  Can we fill in for anyone at the drop of a hat?  You bet.   These VPs are great and I am privileged to serve with them.    Thanks, Kevin, Linda, Therese, George, and Jill.

My thanks go out to our treasurer.   Spreadsheets, audits, financial statements, nonprofit law, IRS regulations, bills, debits, budgets, accountants, and comptrollers—finances make me dazed and confused.    Number-crunching takes a sense of humor and sense of judgment, and our treasurer has it all.   Thanks, Arlene.

Thanks to the CTPTA commissioners.   These dedicated people examine topics, attend meetings, investigate positions, and bring information in subjects such as tobacco and abstinence education, AIDs, safe schools, assessment, teacher tenure, office procedure, and state education leadership.   This job takes dedication and discernment.   Thanks, Peg, Margie and Donna.

Thanks to the committee chairs.   From a National PTA-approved set of state bylaws (hurray!) to an amazing awards luncheon; from scholarship deliberations to newfangled newsletter programs; from pithy press releases to entertaining history; from an awesome website to outstanding units; from Honorary Life Members to honored nominees, these chairpeople are the best.    Thanks, Suz, Pete, Susan, Barbara, Sally, Sunni, Eileen, Dolly, Fran, Jerry, and Tom.

My thanks also go to my board.   Connecticut PTA is in fine hands with these intelligent and diligent people.   They keep me on my toes by asking the right questions and making good moves.   My thanks to them all—Paul, Pete, Irene, Carol, Terry, Melba, Pam, Colleen, Pat, Ann, Mark and anyone I might have missed.

My thanks to all the hard working local unit members, teachers, and all others who man the front lines, advocate for our children, and make Connecticut a great place for kids.  You are the backbone of CTPTA.

Connecticut PTA thrives on the talents and time of its officers and board, its presidents and its members.   Connecticut PTA is what it is because of committed people.   I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all you do for our children.

Deborah Walsh
President, Connecticut PTA

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