From the Principal's Desk: Middle School Has Many Ways to Pitch In

Every community member deserves a school they can be proud of. But how do we develop that sense of pride? Whose responsibility is it to create a system of which we can be proud? 

On my way to work each day, I drive by several other schools. They’re clean and the people outside are happy as they enter the campus. I’m sure those are nice schools. But honestly, I don’t have any sense of pride for those schools. The school I feel proud of is the one into which I put my time and energy. My sense of pride comes from the contributions I make toward its success, the hard work I do every day, and the relationships I build with people.

Ask yourself, “What have I done today to make me proud of Albany Middle School?” If you can answer the question, it’s probably because you have made a contribution of your own. This month, I’ve noticed many parents and community members who have taken action. 

Here are just a few examples:

• At last week’s AUSD board meeting, the community recognized and . These are parents who serve and lead for school improvement. They support us by providing for additional staff and programs that help children learn. Their response to opportunity makes them proud.
• The met for the first time last week.  New leaders took the positions of president and vice president. They set a meaningful agenda that outlined multiple opportunities for parents to get involved. They established a detailed operating budget that focuses on programs that help student learn. Their responses to opportunity make them proud.
• Individual parents are managing the blue lunch cart every day, supervising and assisting in our school-site recycling programs, serving as volunteers in our school library, and helping us with large-scale events such as Picture Day, fundraising assemblies and after-school clubs. They contribute in subtle yet important ways that make them proud.
• Robert Menzimer and Peg Healy, current leaders for the program are working very hard to raise funds, recruit and train volunteers, and coordinate hundreds of people so that every eighth grade AMS student will have a writing coach this coming spring. Their responses to opportunity make them proud.

The first month of school has almost passed. We have accomplished so much already and we are successful because so many of you are responding to opportunities. As this next month begins, we will continue to depend on parents and community to help us make our students successful. Remember that the examples listed above are just a few.  There are many more. If any of them pique your interest, please call.  They are already organized. They know what their goals are. And they know how you can help.

Getting involved as an active member of our school community doesn’t have to require an intense commitment of time, money or energy. Each person can contribute in meaningful ways that make sense for them.  It’s a great way to make you feel proud.

Sincerely,

, Principal

This letter originally appeared in Albany Middle School's Cobra Clarion and has been reprinted here with permission. Learn how to sign up for the middle school email newsletter , and scrolling to the '"schools" section. Click the green "Keep me posted!" button below to receive an alert when we post a new message from Principal Parenti.