Welcome Parents!
Just five years ago, our family was where many of you probably have been – trying to make the best decision for where your child should go to school. Magnet schools, charter schools, school of choice, year-round, traditional – our heads were spinning. My husband, Jeff, and I researched, narrowed down our choices and applied to a year-round school, a magnet school and a school of choice. I still remember the day I received the letter in the mail telling us that we had not been selected for any of the schools for which we had applied. I was devastated. I cried. I was angry. I felt rejected. Little did I know at the time what a blessing that letter was.
After our first visit to Vandora Springs, I felt much more at peace. All the staff and teachers were so warm and energetic, and the administration was engaged and just as warm and inviting. I remember talking to friends at larger elementary schools afterwards, mentioning how friendly Principal Mr. Peuler was during the visit. I’ll never forget what one friend said – “Your child will really never get to know the principal. He simply can’t get to know all the kids.” Within two weeks of kindergarten, my daughter knew that Mr. Peuler loves golf and that “he is really nice.” Every day since then has proven the same. Mr. Peuler knows every child at Vandora by name. His frequent visits to classrooms, his presence in carpool, and his daily walks through the halls are testament to his “hands-on” leadership style.
And then there was the evening I happened to walk into the school’s conference room for what I thought was a general PTA meeting, only to find out it was a Board meeting. While I tried to slowly back out of the room and wave my goodbyes, I was instead invited to take a seat, listen and learn. Before the evening was over, I was given the task of ordering lollipops for the Valentine’s Day fundraiser. I went home, still wondering how I managed to get “roped in” so easily and, at the same time, secretly excited that I had been asked to play a role, however small. My daughter was so proud, and still is, to have a PTA mom.
That fateful night was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I’ve made so many incredible friends, helped create so many memories for the students, and gained incredible respect for the teachers and staff who give their hearts each day to our children. I invite each parent to get involved in the PTA. No role is too small – baking cookies, running a game at the Winter Carnival, planting flowers, volunteering at the Book Fair – all of it adds up to the workings of a great school.
So I say, “WELCOME BACK” to those of you who are returning to Vandora Springs and “WELCOME” to those of you who are new to our school. To all of us I say “CONGRATULATIONS!” We are the lucky few who have, by chance, found ourselves at the finest elementary school in all of Wake County!
Wishing you the best in the coming year,
Sarah Cope