Currents Sept 05 - Punahou School

BY ANNE HOGAN ‘70 EZER, PFA PRESIDENTCaramel ApplesI would like to extend a warmaloha to all of our Punahou families.I hope that you and yourchildren have begun this newschool year with a renewed senseof anticipation.When I reflect on the fall season,I think of golden, red leaves,caramel apples, Nebraska football(I grew up in Nebraska and it isindoctrinated in you from birth),the first day of school, and newbeginnings. For my family, September 2005 brings many suchnew beginnings: Kelsey’s freshman year in the Academy, Matt’sleaving home to attend college at Claremont McKenna inCalifornia, and parenthood for Scott and me with only onechild living at home.The PFA encourages all parents to become active partners intheir children’s education. We believe that such a partnershipcreates a bonding experience for our students and their familiesthat will last for the rest of their lives. We know that many, ifnot most of you, are working parents and that your time is precious.However, we hope that you will consider volunteeringfor one of our committees or attending one of our meetings.For the last thirteen years, these monthly meetings have broughtme closer to the life of the school and have provided me valuableinformation about what was going on in our community.Our mission at the PFA is to extend a sense of community to allof you. We are constantly striving to find ways to improve ourcommunication with you, and we always appreciate hearinghow we can serve you better. I sincerely hope that the 2005-2006 school year brings you and your families many happy andenriching experiences.We took Matt up to Claremont several weeks ago, and as I satin the opening ceremony of the orientation program listening tothe welcoming remarks by various dignitaries, I experienced oneof those “aha” moments. As emotional, and in many ways difficult,as the experience was, I realized how well Punahou hadprepared each of us for this moment in time. On Matt’s firstgrade classroom bulletin board, there were three values listed inbold letters: Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness.These values were woven into lessons throughout the year. Ineach subsequent year, inspirational and supportive teachers,supervisors, coaches, and deans reinforced these values andintroduced new ones. Throughout his career as a Punahou student,Matt was challenged to think outside the box, to selfadvocate,and to give back to his community. These values andskills have instilled in him a confidence to navigate life outsidethe Punahou cocoon.Throughout our years as Punahou parents, we have beenweaned ever so subtly from hands-on participants to behindthe-scenesadvisors, cheerleaders, counselors, and observers. Forme personally, I credit my involvement with the PFA in preparingme for this next phase of my life as a parent. As a PFA participant,I have become a part of something larger than myself,and it has provided me a connection with many caring and supportiveindividuals.18 CURRENTS