We hope that you had many joyful and carefree moments with your children so far this summer and that you have many to come in the remaining summer days. During these stressful times, living in the moment, when possible, is more important than ever for our individual and collective wellbeing. The joy is always found in the present, and it is a welcome break from preparing for an uncertain future.
With that hope expressed, we can feel change in the air. As we think about starting the new school year, there is much to process and figure out. How do we prepare ourselves and our children for the new reality? How will we keep our children off the screens to the best degree possible? How will children manage in school when their natural way is to get close and they will need to remain masked and apart? Will our houses ever be clean or tidy again? Togetherness is great but sure makes tiding up never-ending!
Not much is certain or clear as we begin but one thing is-- our purpose here in our Litchfield community includes helping each other, cultivating compassion, supporting each other and lifting each other up when we are down. Because we live in a community filled with compassionate and caring souls, we can lean into hope and trust that we will get through what comes together.
Parenting is the best and hardest thing most of us will ever do. Together we are stronger than when we are trying to stand alone. This year, the goals of the 2020-2021 PTO are:
- That everyone (parents, teachers, staff, administrators, children) in our community will feel that they are part of PTO and that all involved will feel a sense of ownership and belonging.
- That we will create a culture built on a foundation of kindness, social justice and equality, inclusion and belonging. Additionally, that we will incorporate and support growth mindset and mindfulness initiatives, which are important for the wellbeing of our children. (We will align with social/emotional curriculum at our schools.)
- That we will offer programs to support parents and provide helpful information.
- That Membership Toolkit will have as close to 100% participation rate as possible.
- That we will fundraise effectively, unobtrusively, and creatively.
With Appreciation,
The PTO 2019/2020 Leadership Team
Sarah Bolton, Debra Cahill, Brynn Campbell, Kallyn Gangell, Amy Laskowitz, Sanna Lillie, Lauren Malia Eterginio, Monica Harrison, Melissa Thurston, Caroline Wilcox Ugurlu (Note: “Sweet” Caroline is banned. There will be no touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you during Covid 19.)
