PTA Presidents & Principals' Luncheon (continued)

Collin College Conference Center was the location for Plano ISD's annual appreciation luncheon for PTA presidents across the school district. They attended the event with their school principals.

PTA President at Plano East Senior High School and Williams High School, Karen Quilliey (center) was doubly appreciated at the luncheon by Principals Karen McDonald, Plano East, and Sara Bonser, Williams.

Featured speakers were Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto; Paul Weaver, district director of counseling and guidance, who provided the keynote speech; Karla Oliver, executive director for government and community relations, who welcomed guests; and Cara Mendelsohn, Plano ISD Council of PTAs, who provided the PTA greeting and was honored for her dedicated service to Plano schools.

Haggard Middle School PTA President Laura Tate enjoyed the appreciation luncheon with Principal Julie-Anne Dean. Laura received an "Extended Service" award from Haggard Middle School at the Plano ISD Council of PTAs' Life Member Ceremony in February.

As keynote speaker, Paul Weaver took guests on a journey through his childhood and career, beginning with the PTA friends who welcomed his family to their new hometown of Avery, Texas, and the PTA leaders in Plano ISD who have provided a "spirit of gentleness" that they have spread over their schools and the community by volunteering. "Your service has encouraged parent participation, and you truly are ambassadors for the district," he said.

Cara Mendelsohn, Council of PTAs president, was presented with an appreciation gift at the luncheon, colorful butterflies on canvas, by Coordinator of Counseling and Guidance Paul Weaver, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto, and School Board President Lloyd "Skip" Jenkins.

Cara Mendelsohn welcomed Barron Elementary School Principal Michele Loper and PTA President Candy Martinez to the luncheon.

"We have watched the Plano ISD PTA's grow from isolated entities into a group that serves together for the benefit of all students," said Paul Weaver. "I do believe you have found the answer to No Child Left Behind because you are actively seeking ways to leave no parent behind. You provide a source of validation to our staff for their roles as educators; you support the academic goals of all students, and you are making a difference daily in our community. Read Paul's full speech to PTA presidents .

Nancy Humphrey, Murphy Middle School PTA president and Stinson PTA member; Ana Hajek, Schell Elementary School PTA president; Michelle Brown, former Schell PTA president and current Plano ISD Council of PTAs newsletter chair; and Susan Dantzler, Schell principal.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto, during his remarks to luncheon guests, said, "You understand how important it is to be involved in this great enterprise of serving children. Our schools are not just good, but they are great, in large part due to our PTA volunteers."

Meadows Elementary School Principal Bryan Bird and PTA President Janie Lynn enjoyed the luncheon, which was held at the Collin College Spring Creek Campus. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, fellowship with other PTA leaders and remarks of appreciation from school district and PTA leaders.

"There is no way to measure your worth to our community. Our schools are the heart and volunteers are the glue that maintain this continuous Valentine of love, support, and inspiration for Plano ISD," Paul Weaver told PTA presidents at the luncheon.

Associate Superintendent Richard Matkin and Area Assistant Superintendents Mike Collinsworth, Roxanne Burleson and Patty Meyer were on hand to show appreciation to PTA presidents and principals.

Karla Oliver, Plano ISD executive director for government and community relations, and Cara Mendelsohn, PTA Council president, work side-by-side year round to support the efforts of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs. For their dedication, they were each presented with PTA Life Memberships from District PTA Council this year.

 

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