Neil Armstrong Middle School PTO President Message

Neil Armstrong Middle School PTO

Message From The President Neil Armstrong Middle School 5800 Murray Avenue Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: (412) 854-8751 Fax: (412) 833-5029 Voice Mail: 412-833-5005 School Hours: 8:05am - 3:05pm

Message From The President A Message from the PTO Co-President Leslie Poe Another school year is upon us! I can’t believe that school is starting again; I think I still have a cooler in my car filled with Gatorade from baseball and softball season! But time, as they say, marches on. I walked into Neil the other day with the PTO treasurer and I felt like I was walking into the embrace of an old friend. I guess I felt the way the returning 6th graders must feel—the newness of the place has worn off, but in its place is a feeling of comfort, of acceptance. I guess I should feel comfortable; this will be my sixth year here! But I also vividly remember what it felt like the very first time I walked into Neil as the incoming PTO President. I think I felt like all the incoming 5th graders must feel—a little scared, very nervous and strangely excited about the prospect of beginning a new chapter in my life. And like the 5th graders I felt a little apprehensive. I knew very little when I agreed to take on the presidency of the PTO. But, oh, what I have learned!! Not only did I learn how to run a PTO, but I learned how many wonderful dedicated parents it takes to make an EFFECTIVE PTO. I also learned what is means to be surrounded by a group of good and decent people who are willing to do whatever I ask of them—and more. I learned about the school and how it ran. And I learned about the people that ran it and really got to know some of the wonderful people to whom we entrust our children. But most of all, I learned more about my children and myself than I thought possible. These last five years have definitely been a learning experience (as I am sure this year will be also!), but I am much better for it. All new beginnings, I believe, are a little scary and a little exciting. It is with both of these feelings that we begin a new year here at Neil. If you are a parent of a 6th grader, hopefully you will feel much more comfortable this year—comfortable enough to join a committee, or several, or maybe even chair one. If you are the parent of an incoming 5th grader, hopefully you can overcome any feelings of timidity and jump right in by volunteering. WE NEED EVERYONE!! In fact, we try very hard to have both grades represented by a chair for each committee. On this website you can find a listing of all the committees here at Neil. I encourage everyone to find something they find intriguing and volunteer. We need everyone’s help and everyone’s input. And don’t worry about your experience or lack thereof, we provide on-the-job training! Believe me, you will not regret the time you spend with us. I know myself that no matter how bad my day had been, when I walked into the cafeteria and saw my oldest son smile, or my daughter run to give me a hug, or my youngest bring his friends to meet me, I couldn’t help smile myself and silently thank those people who so many years ago encouraged me to take this position. So, if you have any previous experience and want to share your knowledge, or if you don’t have any and just have a desire to help, please volunteer. You, too, might find that you learn more than you thought you would. And you might find, like me, that just knowing you are helping in some small way lets you walk a little lighter, with your head up, thankful for new beginnings!!! Give what you have; to someone it may be better than you dare to think. ----Longfellow