Open Letter to the PTC

Riverdale Grade School PTC:

On behalf of 325 children, 30-something adults, and one twitterpated second-year principal, I am proud to extend an enormous THANK YOU!

I'm not certain to what extent everyone -- even those of us who benefit directly from your selfless efforts -- realizes just what a role you play in everyday life at the grade school. I have worked with a number of parent-teacher organizations (but only one PTC) over the course of my career. What we have -- what you give to your kids -- is something incredibly special.

I write this letter on the heels of perhaps the most important and celebrated event of the year (next to Field Day, of course) in the semi-annual PTC Auction. This year's event was a huge success, measured mostly upon the popularity of the dance floor. In a year when we are away at Smith and the neighborhood gathering point is currently a construction site, having the opportunity to see so many Riverdale parents enjoying one another in one place is a treat. The thank you letters adorning the tables said it all: your children wanted to tell you they appreciate all that you do for their education, and they did so in eloquent and simple and powerful ways.

In particular, for the auction, we are grateful to Diane MacDonald, Susie Keeton, & Torie Laurent. Shelby Quintos organized and presented the student art pieces, and Barbara Cohen masterminded the Riverdale Tree.

But for all the glitz of the auction, the daily and weekly work of the PTC is often obscured by the work it allows the professional educators to do. I took a moment to jot down a quick list of the ways in which I've been personally affected by the PTC's work:

• Auction
• Paddle Raise
  
• Grants for Teacher-Driven Initiatives and Projects
  
• Jazz Band Support
  
• Community Schools Opportunities
  
• Sports (and other) Fees for Students in Need
  
• Green-Up Day
  

One of my first experiences at Riverdale came at Green-Up Day in the Spring of 2008. I was eager to ingratiate myself with my new adopted community, and very nervous. I arrived with a pile of rakes and shovels and was promptly put at ease by Carolyn Bentzinger, PTC President at the time. Though I never was able to work directly with her, I have always been grateful for that day. Maya Klein, our President last year, has been an invaluable source of guidance for me, and gracefully guided us through an incredibly tumultuous year. This year I have been blessed to work with two wonderful and passionate women -- Jeanne Foden-Vencil and Anita Scarlett. In fact, I look forward to executive meetings of the PTC every month, if only because I get to spend time with such a dedicated group of talented people.

Let me close by saying that, ultimately, we are judged by what we do for others. The RGS PTC is a group of people dedicated to providing educational opportunities for their children, who, in turn, will make a difference in the world.

Thank you.

Jeremiah