Dear Parents and Readers,

This provides you with an overview of the plans and events of the Parents Initiative as well as some background information concerning its creation.

Being relatively new in the United States, I am very impressed by the level of personal initiative in creating, building, and maintaining communities. I think everybody (children and adults alike) benefits greatly from this type of initiative, i.e. not just from the actual financial support these groups raise but also by creating links and connections within the communities. Adults/parents act as role-models teaching leadership and responsibility. This encourages children to contribute in their own way and take part in the events.

I’ve also been inspired by the work of the teachers and the parents in creating and building the German School of Fort Lauderdale community. This school provides our children with an excellent education. I am very impressed by the fact that there is enough enthusiasm to create opportunities where our children can experience important events just like those we would celebrate back home. I feel privileged that my child is able to experience multiple cultures first hand. I am also very happy to know that my son will have memories of the ‘NIkolaustag’ and the ‘St. Martin Laternenfest’ etc., experiences we share from our own childhood.

These thoughts were my primary motivation - and this is how the Parents initiative came to life. I have been truly impressed by the response and interest I received from the parents. All of the ideas and our work-plan up until the end of the school year came from parent volunteers. This shows the creative power and the energy of our group, and we hope to expand this to a broader base. We are looking for more support, ideas, and volunteers.

If you feel you have something you could contribute, please feel free to contact me under evelinpataki@gmail.com.

And finally, a short review of the three events we are planning before the end of the school year:

T-Shirt Sale – on-going
T-shirts (both adult and children sizes) with the logo of the German School of Fort Lauderdale will be on sale as of March 05, 2011. It would be great if all students would wear their t-shirt at the year-end party. And, if you would like to purchase a few extra ones for you or for Oma and Opa and send those back home, they would be thrilled, too!

Flea Market – Saturday, March 26, 2011, 9:30pm – 03:00pm
at the German School of Fort Lauderdale
We will organize our first flea market at the German School of Fort Lauderdale, selling gently used donated German books, videos, toys, etc. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase German language items which are otherwise hard to get. They will be on sale for a great price, and the income will be reinvested to support the school. If you crave for a taste of the old continent, this is an event for you, too! We will be selling typical food (snacks) from Germany and Europe, coffee, and soft drinks. Come and take a look, have fun, and support a worth-while cause!

Year-end Party – Sunday, May 22, 2011
– time and location to be confirmed
This event is a great opportunity for celebration as well as a reward. We would like to continue with the very popular and successful set-up of this year-end event. We hope this to be our largest event despite the fact that there’s a lot left to be arranged, and we welcome ideas and people who would like to help with its organization. Please feel free to contact me if you are able to donate time and/or ideas (evelinpataki@gmail.com).

All proceeds will be benefiting the German School of Fort Lauderdale. We have one parent who is independent from the organizers and the beneficiaries who will oversee and monitor the receipt and investment of the money donations.

Roundtable/Stammtisch – on-going
One of our parents is organizing a ‘Frauenstammtisch’ once a month where moms from the school as well as German speaking women who live in the Fort Lauderdale metro area get together. The ‘Stammtisch’ is an excellent opportunity for newcomers to network, to receive the latest information, and to enjoy a nice evening.

Thank you very much for your interest. We would like to welcome you as a member of our initiative. The Parent Initiative will be as successful as we make it - all of us can play a part in it! Any and all support is much appreciated and benefits our community.

With best regards,

Evelin Pataki
evelinpataki@gmail.com