Willett Back to School Information

August 14, 2023

Dear Willett Families,

On behalf of the Willett Elementary School PTA, I wish to extend to you a warm welcome to the 2023-24 school year! Whether you are a new family, or this is your student’s 7th year here, you can find fun and fulfilling ways to get involved with the Willett community and make a difference.

The best way to stay informed is to subscribe to Who’s News – the PTA’s weekly publication of all the opportunities and programs that are happening on campus. If you are a planner like me, you can also subscribe to the Willett calendar, and never miss a spirit day or book club meeting. If you are on social, you can find us on Facebook (@Willett PTA) and Instagram (@kapow_willett_proud)

Want to get involved but don’t know how or when you would actually find the time? Join the PTA. I promise you - I can find a volunteer role that will fit your desires and your schedule! Find out more information about membership at our first association meeting on September 19th at 6:15 pm in our new MPR. The first 45 minutes will be an opportunity for you to enjoy some light refreshments, connect with other parents and learn more about what the PTA does for the school and where you might fit in. Most importantly, if you become a member you can vote and influence what PTA-sponsored programs are available for our students.      

I don’t need to belabor the realities of state budget cuts and teacher shortages. Willett is the amazing school it is because of our talented faculty and staff. The dedication and enthusiasm our teachers, para educators, and support staff have for our students is unparalleled. Did you know that we are starting this school year with every teaching position filled? We are so grateful and want to acknowledge the choice that each of our Willett teachers makes to pour into our students on a daily basis. This year we are paying special attention to the experiences of our beloved teachers and staff. We hope to bring new life to their staff lounge and provide small comforts like refrigerator space for their lunches and snacks they can grab on the go while they are prepping for our students’ next fun project.

The PTA can’t function or provide any of the programs or academic support to Willett students without the generous support of our families and community. Our annual budget is donation-based and depends entirely on philanthropic support. We run on the hard work of a few dedicated, resourceful and brilliant volunteers. So this year, in addition to the suggested donation of $180 per family we will be asking you to donate your time, energy, goods and talents to specific focused projects. Asking for this monetary donation directly may seem forward because it is, but it is also the most efficient way for us to raise money so that we can spend more time focused on implementing programs and initiatives to benefit our Willett community. Please contribute whatever feels comfortable for your family. Monthly installment plans and more information are available here. Note, Willett PTA is a registered California non-profit organization, and your contribution may be tax deductible.

I have been involved in PTA for over a decade at 7 different school sites, and my youngest, Bella is now in 6th grade. Like many of you, I went to Willett, back when it was West Davis Intermediate and Mr. Willett was a teacher. The start of a new school year still brings about the same feelings of anticipation and excitement and I can’t wait to work with our amazing PTA board and all of you to make this an incredible year.

If you have any questions or are as excited as I am to jump in and get involved and don’t want to wait until our first PTA meeting in September, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can be reached at president@willettpta.org.

Yours sincerely,

Michele M. McCuen

Willett Elementary PTA President, 2023-24