By Carole Howley

Welcome back to another terrific school year!  As always, the first few days of school are a little busy and a lot crazy.  But once everyone settles into new routines, we can begin to think about the fun opportunities that lie ahead. 

The PTA has several events planned for the fall including: The Franklin Institute – Hot and Cold Assembly, Fall Fair, Spirit Days, Skate Night, Art Reflections and Vera Bradley Bingo.   It will take the dedication of a strong and willing PTA, which we have at Strawbridge, in order to make each event a success. 

We all know that fundraising is an important function of our PTA.  Without it, the PTA would not be able to support its programs.  This year we will try a new approach to fundraising, replacing the gift wrap and chocolate event with Scrips (details next month) and Bingo Night (all-around more fun!).     

Please don’t forget the Fall Fair, a great family fun day.  The kids look forward to it every year; you will be amazed at how many “Strawbridge Graduates” come back for the day too.  Did you know that it is one of our biggest fundraisers?  Please come out and support the fair by dedicating an hour or two of your time to help work at a booth.  The kids enjoy seeing their parents working and it is a great way for both kids and parents to socialize.  It is surprising how many new and old friends you meet while tying prizes to a fish line. 

The Vera Bradley name is one of the hottest names in accessory fashion and who doesn’t love a good game of Bingo?   Bring them together and we are talking about a winning combination.  To make the evening a success, we will need the help of many.  So no one volunteering misses out in the chance to win one of the wonderful prizes, we will be offering incentives to our volunteers too.  Double your fun, volunteer and play!  Share a bingo card and a volunteer spot with a friend so the two of you can switch and enjoy both activities.  Moms, dads and friends come out and join the Bingo Volunteer Team. 

Now I would like to thank those many volunteers who have helped out preparing for our new school year.  Rich and Christine Inzana and my husband Ted for building the shed;    Kim Parker for decorating the playground for the first day of school; Kathleen Grimm, Heather Tallman, Colleen Reece, Dina Dougherty, and Jiansong Lou for stuffing First Day Packets;  Lindsay Peterson, Christie Gignac, Amy Foley and Sherri Keating for helping with the audit; Kim Dunkle and  Missy Blatcher for Indoor Bulletin Board; Mimi Sellers and Tracey Lacey for Outdoor Bulletin; and the Inzanas again for maintaining our website. 

And a giant thanks to everyone who has joined the PTA, supporting our success in the upcoming year.