August, 2008

Greetings Fellow Westover Parents,

     Summer is quickly coming to an end and it was wonderful to see so many new and returning families at the "Back-to-School Family Picnic." The Quad was filled with over 250 attendees for this festive first event of the 2008-2009 academic year. Many thanks to Laura Howell (P '09) and Lorraine Hickcox (P '09) who co-chaired, and to all the parents who pitched in to help make the picnic a success.

     What an exciting time this is for the girls! Starting a new school year brings the promise of a fresh start and perhaps some anxiety about all of the "unknowns" yet to come, especially for the "new girls." Please feel free to be in touch with any questions or concerns you might have. All of the "new girls" have been matched up with an "old girl" who will help them to get adjusted, and the Parent-to-Parent connection offers the same support for new parents as well. If you have amy questions about either of these programs. please be in touch (mtruini@westoverschool.org)

     Some dates to put on your calendars now: Parents Weekend will be October 24 and 25, 2008. Invitations and schedules will be sent home by mid-September. This is the time for class visits, teacher conferences, class meetings, and college workshops, as well as an opportunity to see Westover students on stage and on the playing fields. But please know that if you need to speak with a teacher or administrator prior to that time, you can feel free to contact them via email at firstinitiallastname@westoverschool.org.

PARENT COUNCIL OVERVIEW

    As the Parent Liaison I have the great good fortune to meet and work with so many of the Westover parents, and I look forward to continuing the excellent work of the Parents Council during this upcoming Centennial year.

Laura Howell (P '09) has agreed to take on the responsibility of President of the Parent's Council.  Laura has been a vital member of the Council for the past three years, working as co-chair of the Drama Fundraisers, and assisting on virtually every event at the school.  This year’s council will again be comprised of three committees. Each oversees certain functions within the school to complement all that the faculty and administration do daily.

Student Life/Student Affairs Committee –Chaired by Karen Hartmann  (P'10)

This group of volunteers will strive to make the most of your daughter’s non-academic time at Westover. This committee gets involved by administrating and supporting special events, such as the Glee Concert, Drama Productions and Dance Recitals. There are other great programs such as Adopt-a-Corridor/Lounge and the International Dinners. Parents have as much fun participating in this committee as the students it benefits.

Parent Outreach Committee – Chaired by Ruth Zeiss (P'09, '11)

This committee works to ease the transition for new parents to the Westover community, while keeping all parents informed and connected to the activities and events that affect their daughters. The Parent-to-Parent connection is an important program that links "new" and "old" parents as a support system. If you are a "new" parent and would like to be connected, please contact Director of Admissions, Laura Volovski.

Monthly Parent Meetings--Chaired by Peg Sheehan (P'09)

Meetings are held for parents in Red Hall six times a year and provide an opportunity for a social and informational gathering. The dates for the 2008-2009 meetings are: Thursdays: October 23, November 13, January 8, February 12, March 26 and April 16. Meeting time is 7:00 p.m.  Agendas and reminders will be sent out monthly. Please join us!

Annual Fund Committee – Chaired by Art Mulligan (P'06, '08)

One of the great contributors to the Annual Fund in years past has been the Parents group. Of course we hope to be able to show our continued support there.

The Parent’s Council welcomes your participation! We urge you to get involved and to get the most out of the Westover experience for you and your daughter. We need your feedback too so please, call on me at anytime.

If you would like to learn more about any of these programs or other parent’s activities referred to, please be in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Marla Truini

Director of Drama/Outreach,  (P'09)

Steering Committee, Westover Parents Council

203-577-4597

mtruini@westoverschool.org