You'd think that after three years of Back to School Nite, I'd have it down pat. But that video gets me every time! I keep telling myself it's good to get out of my comfort zone; but probably not at the expense of 1,000+ viewers! In any event, thank you for your patience and for your presence. The PTA and school adminstrators are always trying to come up with new ways to improve the evening for our parents, and I think this year was our best effort yet.

And speaking of new efforts, Westland teamed with our sponsors Ashley Tutors & One on One Basketball to offer a free after-school Homework & Hoops program to keep our kids occupied and interested on last Friday's half day. Not as many kids took advantage of it as we'd hoped, but it's a start. Those who did participate got all their homework done and had a blast on the basketball court! Homework & Hoops is now one of our regular after school selections on Wednesdays; it's not free, but it's a great chance to get some expert tutoring in a 5:1 setting, and burn off some steam as well. Please check out After School @ Westland on the school website (see story at left).

On Wed. Oct. 6th, we'll have our first PTA General Meeting of the year. It's a great chance to find out what's on tap for the upcoming school year, and how you can participate. Hope to see you there.

If you missed Back to School Nite or just had such a good time you want to come back for more, please remember the Columbus Day Open House on Monday, Oct. 11th. Parents are welcome to drop in any time during the day, and stay for as little or as much time as they'd like. You can pick up your child's schedule, chat with PTA representatives, enjoy coffee & a snack, and just generally get to know the place where your child spends so much time a little better. It's much more relaxed than Back to School Nite, and I encourage you to stop by if you can. 

As always, please contact me or Exec. Vice President Pattie Koh Friedman if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or especially offers of help!