The Anthony School

To The Anthony School Community

The Anthony School Parentcrew is a nonprofit, student-centered organization whose mission is to enrich the academic, social, and physical experience of each student and family at the Anthony School. Parentcrew is dedicated to the continued support of the school’s academic excellence and to building and sustaining a supportive and active school community.

As I sat down to write this letter I was conflicted about which component of my job as President of Parentcrew I should discuss – the passionate side, the business side or the futuristic side. I have decided that all three are so dependent on one another that they cannot be discussed independently.

It seems like being passionate about serving the Anthony community should go without saying; after all there is nothing any of us are more passionate about than our children. I am continually touched by the kindness and guidance the teachers give our children and the protective and nurturing focus the administration offers. As passionate as I am about my own children, I can honestly say I would not be compelled to volunteer if I did not feel a sense of passion coming from the faculty about my child as well. There are amazing things to be accomplished by the marriage of parent and faculty passion. Jennifer Rogers, last year’s Parentcrew President and this year’s Strategic Planning Officer, said it best when she said, “...when you support the school, by driving carpool, attending events, contributing to Annual Fund, being a homeroom parent, being a committee member, chair or Parentcrew officer, or being a volunteer at an event or project, not only have you enriched the experience of your child and the whole school, you have become more connected to the community. You have come to know more people – parents, teachers and students – who directly impact your child every day. Your child sees that you value him or her, as well as the school and the education your child receives. You model behavior to your children that a good member of society exhibits – community involvement and awareness. You become a more effective parent of an Anthony student...” Passion drives these actions and passion is definitely present at The Anthony School!

Along with my passion for The Anthony School I add my own business and organizational experience to Parentcrew. I’ve worked in corporate America, worked for some very successful entrepreneurs and now own my own company. The Parentcrew Board in place this year is comprised of many professional and talented people who are enthusiastic to serve the Anthony administration. We are so fortunate to be beginning the year with a very close-to-full slate of Officers and Committee leaders. Working to build Parentcrew’s membership is a two-fold process. We are eager to help new families get involved and we are committed to re-involving some long time families that offer a level of unmatched experience that will be intricate to our group’s success. Parentcrew has some new committees and events planned for the 2008-2009 school year and we are bringing back some events that have been missed.

How are we looking towards the future within Parentcrew? We have the advantage of knowing who will be leading Parentcrew in the next few years to come. Because we have a full slate of officers not only do we have a great infrastructure in place this year, we know who will move into what leadership roles for the 2009-2010 school year and the 2010-2011 school year. This is a huge step to keep from reinventing the wheel each year and it gives Parentcrew continuity. The Anthony School is about to embark on some tremendous growth and Parentcrew is gearing up to be a part of it.

At the beginning of this letter I mentioned three distinct facets of my outlook on volunteering: passion, professionalism, and an eye on the future. There is one additional element and it’s critical. That is YOU. You make up the heart of our organization and you are the key to Parentcrew accomplishing its mission. The 2008-2009 Parentcrew Board and I look forward to working with all of you, here’s to a great year!

Thank you -
Kari Bryde
2008-2009 Parentcrew President