Welcome to Harman PTO

Dear Harman Families,

I just love summer, I really do. The hot days, going swimming, and stocking up on popsicles are what I live for all year. Just when I had mastered the art of washing towels every day and had conditioned my kids to find me when the whistle blows for sunscreen reapplication, boom! August 15th snuck up on me. Time to switch from summer fun to school business.

Time for school supply shopping is upon us. (Unless you’re a very organized mom and remembered to order the school supply kit in the spring. If this is you, I applaud you!) My kids insist on making the yearly trek to Wal-Mart with me. Our cart fills with yellow pencils, notebooks, new socks and maybe a new t-shirt or two. Then I’m the “meanest mom ever” because I won’t let them use the new pencils or wear their new shirts. “It’s for school,” I say, over and over. I can only attribute their enthusiasm to the start of a new school year.

They can’t wait to see their new teachers, see old friends, and use those new supplies! While they load up their new backpacks I’m thinking, "I hope they do ok". It’s so hard to start over and yet they do it year after year. Little brave soldiers they are! I need to have a little bit of their confidence and take-charge attitude. Yes! I can pack those lunches! I can sign those emergency forms! I will sign up for all the volunteer opportunities!

Speaking of volunteering, have you signed up to volunteer for PTO activities? Please, please, please sign up! Honestly, it truly is fun and very much worth every minute. My kids are so proud to have me at school. They will run up to me and hug me. Nothing compares to that rock star reception I receive as a guest reader or party helper. “Thank you Mrs. Waller,” they all chorus after I pass out cookies. Is this what Beyonce feels like? If so, sign me up! The PTO has needs for all types of volunteering. At home helpers for computer work, in-school jobs like photocopying things for teachers, classroom volunteers for parties, there is literally something for everyone.

You can email me or call and I am happy to get you in touch with a chairperson who needs extra help. I hope everyone survives the first day, no tears, no forgotten lunch boxes, and all the pencils sharpened. Who am I kidding? Just do the best you can, give you little ones a big hug! They (and you) are going to settle in just fine.

Sincerely,

Jenny Waller
Harman PTO President
937-938-5572
jenrwaller@yahoo.com