I can’t believe how fast the summer went, or that my youngest is in third grade this year.
To new parents and students, welcome to the Birney community! You are now part of a vibrant and diverse group of parents, teachers, staff and students dedicated to the personal and academic enrichment of your child. Being part of Birney’s International Baccalaureate (IB) community means you will soon be asking your kids whether they “have an IB attitude,” and whether teasing their brother or sister is “principled.” You may even find your child urging you to be a “risk taker” by taking on that new challenge at work or the gym!
To returning parents and students, welcome back! Did you miss your favorite teachers and friends over the summer? Make sure to say hello to Ms. Amanda when you see her around campus, and check in with your teacher from last year to let them know how you are taking on the challenges of your new grade level.
I am happy to report that due to our successful fundraising during giveBIG, the Run for the Green Jog-a-Thon, and the Pride Parking event, as well as many generous donations from the community, Friends of Alice Birney Elementary (the non profit foundation supporting the school) was able to fund art and music instruction, garden instruction, Spanish instruction and a part time librarian for the 2012-13 school year. None of these programs were funded by the district, and without your financial help, we would not have been able to provide them this year. Having these programs is what makes Birney a unique school that teaches to the “whole child,” nurturing both academic performance and creativity. These programs also keep our IB certification status up to date.
In addition to the fundraisers we held last year, this year we have some exciting new ways to support Birney financially. First, we now have a simple way to make a monthly donation. Did you know that if every family donated just $10 a month, we would be well on our way to supporting the Spanish, art, music and garden programs? Just click on the “Birney Monthly Donations” to the right of the screen and follow the prompts. I’ve already signed up for a monthly donation of $20. It was quick, easy and secure. Coming soon, we will have an Amazon Store Front for Birney. That means, whenever you buy something on Amazon.com, and you use Birney’s storefront, Birney gets a commission. More on that program in the coming days.
I am looking forward to another great year of friendship, learning, exploration and fun at Birney. And I look forward to meeting and working with all of you to keep Birney the special place that it is.
Laura Dadmun
Board President, Friends of Alice Birney Elementary