LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Bluford Elementary Family,

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself and tell you a little about what the PTA does at Bluford. My name is Wanda Wilson and I am a native of Greensboro. I actually grew up on the Eastside of Greensboro, so that is one of the reasons why Bluford holds a special place in my heart. We decided for our oldest son to attend Bluford after attending the magnet fair. We thought that Bluford was the best fit for our family. We now have two sons who attend the school; one starting 5^th grade and the other starting 3rd grade this year and we had another son this past winter. I can't imagine a better school for them. We started going to the PTA meetings when our oldest entered Kindergarten and became inspired, wanting to do whatever we could to help. I know all too well that life in itself is very demanding and has several challenges, but this year along with all of you and the wonderful staff here at Bluford we will try to “Bridge the Gap between the teachers, parents, students and the community.”

Feel free to contact me by email at wrwnzuri@hotmail.com or (336) 965-2365 for any concerns, ideas, or issues you may have.  

ABOUT THE PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

The Parent Teacher Association at Bluford provides many services to our students. Our purpose is to make the student experience the best it can be. For only $5.00 anyone can become a PTA member: parents, grandparents, guardians, aunts, uncles, community members, business owners, neighbors, etc and the list goes on. Anyone involved in your child's life can join the PTA. When you join the Bluford PTA you also join the North Carolina PTA and the National PTA. Both of these organizations have websites with member exclusive information and programs.

As a non-profit organization, the Bluford PTA relies on donations and fundraising to pay for the programs and services it provides to students. We also sponsor spirit nights at area restaurants such as Chuck E Cheese, Skate Night, and Bowling Night. A percentage of the sales on these nights go to Bluford and help with funding such activities as the annual Christmas dinner, talent show, 3-D science presentation, author visits, and the teacher wish list, just to name a few.

The PTA is made up of a PTA Board of Directors which now includes each committee chairperson and general memberships. On the Bluford website and in our first newsletter of the school year you can find a list of PTA committees and subcommittees. The Board of Directors meets monthly to report on planned activities, make suggestions for future activities, set priorities for activities, and form a budget that is presented to the PTA general membership for approval. Everyone is encouraged to come to our monthly meetings which are generally held on a Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria.

Thanks for all of support

Wanda R. Wilson

PTA President, 2011- 2012