Welcome to Stevenson, one and all and, as we have been saying to everyone during this first week of school, “Happy New Year!”  It is indeed a new school year. Most of us are feeling equal parts relief and excitement, as the new year begins. We’re also feeling a little anxious. Anxious in a general way – will our kids get the “right” teacher this year? will they make good friends and be a good friend? will they eat the lunch we made them? But this year, we’re all a little extra anxious because of the California State Budget cutbacks and the effect this will have on our public schools.
Well, the cutbacks do exist and the circumstances are dire. But one thing we wanted to share with you and your families that might add an upside to our current situation is the fact that we have our kids in BURBANK schools. For a little insight into how our schools compare with other public schools, have a look at yesterday’s (Sat., 8/22) Burbank Leader.  There are two articles worth reading (one is about test scores and another on “securing independent revenue for Burbank Public Schools”). In our opinion, it clearly illustrates that our school system here in Burbank is more manageable than most and that our teachers, principals and Board of Education are trying to do what they can to look out for our children’s best interests.

Now to bring this right down to a local level, what you all can do right here at our school is become a member of Stevenson’s  PTA. Believe us, our Stevenson PTA ain’t your mama’s PTA anymore! It’s made up of working moms and stay-at-home moms; working dads and stay-at-home dads; folks with wonderfully diverse backgrounds! And we would like to invite you to become involved!
Our PTA is the best way to be informed and stay informed about what is happening here at school – events, fundraisers, town hall meetings, the in-side scoop about what’s going on within the School District and around town!

And maybe more importantly, let us say that in today’s economy and with all the school cutbacks, we will need parent involvement more than ever before.  Keep in mind, PTA is the ONLY state and federal lobbying group fighting for our children’s rights. We know this might sound a little heavy handed, but it is the truth. Becoming part of the Stevenson PTA will make ours a stronger community!

If you haven’t met either of us yet, please come up and say “hello”. We would love to meet you!

“The Tag Team” -
Tiffany Bakas – Stevenson  PTA President
Felix Chamberlain – Stevenson PTA Exec. V. P.