Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.
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Q continued from page 80 100 percent of proceeds going to Haiti relief. Servers were dressed as utensils, and the room decorated with large-than-life teapots borrowed from a Make-A-Wish Foundation event. "We parents have skills, desire, and energy — assets we can bring," she says. Parent Sarah Garcia works with students in Ballantyne Elementary's photography club, which she founded. PTAS CHANGE WITH THE TIMES, INCLUDE CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS So much for bake sales and wrapping- paper drives. The new, new PTAs in Ballantyne schools hold capital campaigns instead. Monies raised go predominantly for new technology, even in elementary schools. But PTAs mean far more than extra school funding. Lisa Kelly, president of the Ardrey Kell PTO (they just changed their national affi liation to save cost), says one of the biggest benefi ts of getting involved in your children's PTA, especially at the high school level, is the ability to glean ideas from other parents on everything from the best classes to take to inside tips on the college-application process. "There are so many plusses in it for parents," Kelly believes. And she ought to know – she served as PTA president at McAlpine Elementary, Endhaven Elementary, and then Community House Middle School before taking the post at Ardrey Kell. She also works as a Realtor® for Allen Tate. Yet, Kelly fi nds time and energy for the PTA jobs because "I want to do what I can to help students and make a difference in my children's school." In her experience, another advantage of PTA involvement is learning what's going on in the community and what teens here are 82 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE doing as they get older. Shane Yokley, former Ardrey Kell PTA president and now volunteer coordinator at the school, agrees. "Defi nitely get involved so you will know who your kids' friends are, and understand the dynamics of the whole school community. For me, just knowing who my children are hanging out with has been critical." Volunteer opportunities abound at every grade level, so each PTA sends a sign-up sheet home with students on the fi rst day of school. With school budget cutbacks, the needs keep growing. For instance, at Ardrey Kell they are always in search of volunteer test proctors. Nadine Baccellieri, president of the Community House Middle School PTA, suggests the best way for parents to get started volunteering is to join a booster club related to their child's elective sports or other program. "A parent can tailor their volunteer efforts to their desire," Kelly notes. Today's PTA has also adapted to the schedules of working women. "We do more functions in the evening," says Kim Winters, president of the Endhaven PTA. "We now hold our general board meetings before CELEBRATING TEN YEARS 2000-2010 PTAs are an integral part of Ballantyne schools. programs instead of the mornings, so parents can be there. And our book fair is always open one day in the evening to offer working parents a volunteer opportunity." Even if they work, most PTA presidents in Ballantyne don't view their role as a burden. As Baccellieri observes, "I love it. I love being at school and seeing what goes on. It's my way of giving back." FALL 2010 Sometimes parents decide to leverage a talent they have. Sarah Garcia, a professional photographer, started a photography club at her children's school, Ballantyne Elementary. Two years later, 45 children come once a week for her instruction and encouragement. "We have our own photo gallery in the school where kids display shots of their classroom showing all the good things going on here," Garcia notes. Principals like Dr. Rhonda Gomez at Endhaven Elementary know they can count on parents to jump in, even if it's a new activity. When Gomez discovered the school had 38 different countries represented, she asked Josie Villarroel, whose daughter attends the school, if she would be willing to organize a Multicultural Fair. Fair Attracts Over 100 "I thought it was a great idea," says Villarroel, a native of the Dominican Republic