PTSA president finds niche at BSMS
Parent and Family Involvement Week (Nov. 15-19)
Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Kate Wood, who has been in the PTA for about 10 years, is a tireless volunteer at Bryan Station Middle School. (Photo: Tammy L. Lane)
When extra hands are needed at Bryan Station Middle School, PTSA president Kate Wood stands at the ready.
“Anything we need her to do, she just does it,” said first-year principal Fred Snodgrass. “I don’t think twice about it because I know the quality work she’ll turn out.”
Wood, whose children attend Bryan Station middle and high schools, has been a parent volunteer for about 10 years and has developed a reputation as a confident, dependable leader.
Kathy Smiley, the 16th District PTA’s vice president for membership, remembered when Wood first offered to coordinate staff-appreciation efforts at the middle school. Smiley, recognizing her potential, became a sort of mentor.
“I encouraged her every time I talked with her to do different things,” Smiley said. “I still talk to Kate on a regular basis. She bounces ideas off me, and I help her out.”
Often it’s behind-the-scenes volunteers like them who keep things running smoothly in the schools.
For instance, Snodgrass noted how well-organized the recent “ABC” event was (Academics, Basketball and Chili). He credited Wood with motivating a small army of parents to come out and support their children, meet the kids’ teachers, cheer on the girls’ team and enjoy a meal together. Wood’s personality and the way she relates to people make all the difference, according to the principal.
Other folks at Bryan Station Middle are also grateful for Wood’s contributions.
“She is visible at the school each and every day, completes copies for the teachers on a regular basis, works with the students and staff on fundraising projects and excels in highlighting each of the students’ strengths and accomplishments,” said Kate Raitiere, a language arts teacher. “Without Kate Wood, Bryan Station would not be same. She is a positive and integral part of the day-to-day happenings at the school.”
For her part, Wood said volunteering has really helped her get to know Bryan Station and what’s going on with the teachers and administration. Plus, it’s nice when students stop by the PTSA office just to say thanks for efforts like last month’s haunted house.
“It’s neat to see them get excited about things and appreciate the programs we do,” she said.
Wood urges fellow parents to get involved in the schools so their children will see how they value education, and she’s not discouraged if folks initially drag their feet.
“A lot of people think they don’t have enough time or they work or have kids in preschool or whatever. But there’s a place for everyone – whether doing something at home to help the school or helping with an evening event. I try to find places where they feel comfortable getting plugged in, especially if they’re new,” she said.
In one recent project, Wood needed a lot of helping hands to cut out some 600 paper stars for Kentucky Kids Day. Other times, she rounds up donations of food or items for a silent auction. And there’s always an opportunity to set up or break down events, or chaperone a school dance.
“Don’t feel like you have to be the PTA president to be involved. You can help out with a one-time event or chair a committee or tutor in a class. There’s always things to do at our school,” Wood said.
“One person doing it by themselves is just insane. But you get enough people together, you can really make a difference.”
How to get plugged in: