class 2008 - 2011 - Cary Academy

Message from Monica Udell, CA PTAA President 2011-201215 Years of Celebrating Community .... 2011-2012 PTAA RecapDuring 2011-2012, we focused on “Building Community” through a year long celebration of our 15 Year Anniversary. Fourstrategic priorities included: engaging members, funding educational programs, sponsoring social activities, and planning a15th year celebration.Engaging MembersOutreach for new families was a key priority for your PTAA. We made personalized welcome calls, hosted coffees, dinners,and parent socials. Sixth-grade parents stood out as the most represented parent group at the 2012 Auction. Theirparticipation resulted in a pizza party celebration for all 6th grade students. Perhaps our most significant result is that werecruited and engaged a significant percentage of new community members into 2012-2013 PTAA leadership roles.Funding Educational ProgramsA few notable PTAA efforts included launching a US Robotics Club, providing equipment for the Computer and NetworkingEssentials Class and pico pocket projectors for the 6th Grade World Cultures team. We rewarded the 6th Grade studentsfor successfully completing their 1000 book reading challenge with new furniture for all MS language arts reading corners.Parents enjoyed a well-attended Parent Ubuntu - A Portrait of the Millennial One Generation and Cybersmarts parenttechnology seminars. Special class assemblies included the Gisella Abramson celebration and tree planting and the MSassembly with Mike Lupicd, renowned young adult author, columnist, ESPN sports reporter.Social ActivitiesOne important social success was our 15th annual auction. Almost 300 adults enjoyed the PTAA Crystal Anniversaryfestivities and profits increased 12% over the 2011 auction. Perhaps, the most meaningful measure of the value of PTAAsocial activities came as a “shout out” during Commencement Exercises from speaker, Eric Fisher. Knowing that our recentgraduates appreciated all of the breakfasts, lunches, and myriad of social events means the world to our parent volunteers.15th Year CelebrationWe honored our founding Head of School, Don Berger and celebrated 15 years of Cary Academy community on Sunday,April 29th. The afternoon culminated by unveiling the PTAA’s 15th anniversary sculpture named “Connections.” The 2011-2012 PTAA assembled all constituent groups to select a gift commemorating this milestone year. We commissioned a workof art by noted sculptor, Matt McConnell.Four symbolic elements are embedded in the design. First, four rings represent Cary Academy's core values of discovery,innovation, collaboration and excellence. Next, branches connect our past, present and future network of students, alumni,faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and board of directors. Third, varied colored leaves represent the vibrancy anddiversity of our community. Finally, the sculpture's light represents the shining outcome of the growth and collaborationfrom our "connections" to one another.We hope that you enjoyed this yearlong celebration of CA Community.Monica UdellCA PTAA President 2011-20125