I cannot adequately express the feeling I get when I cross the threshold into a room of eagerly awaiting children.  All eyes are on me as the mystery we are reading unfolds.  I get the biggest kick out of it when I read a passage that gives a clue to some mystery previously mentioned and the children sit up straight and give quick looks to each other as another piece of the puzzle becomes clear.  Even the teacher notices their reaction and smiles at her students’ adeptness.  She has taught them well.  She also appreciates the extra time I give her to work on lesson plans while I read.  Knowing that I am there to help her she will ask me to reinforce a lesson she has taught on comprehension or the difference between literal and figurative speech in writing.  She shared with me that quite a few of her students listed me as one of the four best things they like about school.  I was bowled over with pride and joy.  Never have I been bestowed such a wonderful compliment.  And the icing on the cake?  The love in my daughter’s eyes and the huge smile on her face when she sees me walk in the room.  Every child is happy I am there, but only one child can say, “That’s my mom.”  Which is why when the PTA gets involved every child benefits.  But when YOU get involved the child who benefits most is your own.
I strongly encourage you to reach out to your local PTA or join your state PTA.  Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential and it’s my goal to ensure they get that chance.