As we gear up for another school year, parents and teachers alike anticipate more community involvement. Meet Kate:
Kate Thomas
Parent @ Arleta School
Parent @ Arleta School
What do you do?
I co-chair Arleta Boosters, which is our version of the PTA, without the dues. I also sit on the site-council, which is a group of teachers, administrators and parents at Arleta School. I also work part time outside the home & school.
I co-chair Arleta Boosters, which is our version of the PTA, without the dues. I also sit on the site-council, which is a group of teachers, administrators and parents at Arleta School. I also work part time outside the home & school.
What is your inspiration? (Why do you do what you do?)
One of my inspirations and reasons for being interested in the growth of the Foster community is that it is where my children are being raised. My involvement in their education and maintaining a connection with community is a primary focus.
One of my inspirations and reasons for being interested in the growth of the Foster community is that it is where my children are being raised. My involvement in their education and maintaining a connection with community is a primary focus.
What brought you and/or your business to this fine community?
We liked the area and could afford to live here.
We liked the area and could afford to live here.
3 Ways to unite the Fine Folks of Foster and it’s neighboring communities:
Connecting the schools with the community! How can we work together to support our youth, while also seeing growth in businesses? Bike path on Foster would be great! there are a lot of bikers, but they tend to ride on the sidewalk due to the high traffic. That is dangerous for pedestrians and an inconvenience for bikers.
Connecting the schools with the community! How can we work together to support our youth, while also seeing growth in businesses? Bike path on Foster would be great! there are a lot of bikers, but they tend to ride on the sidewalk due to the high traffic. That is dangerous for pedestrians and an inconvenience for bikers.
How do you envision the future of your neighborhood?
Walking down foster with my children and having multiple places (that don’t sell cheap plastic items) for them to stop into.
Walking down foster with my children and having multiple places (that don’t sell cheap plastic items) for them to stop into.
Having good schools and a child-friendly shops is so important toward having a safe and strong community. Too often the schools feel disconnected with the communities they are in.
Here’s a cool presentation on one idea for how to get the 85% of portlanders without school aged children to feel connected to their community schools:
http://www.good.is/post/good-ideas-for-cities-developing-local-support-for-portland-s-public-schools/
That link in my comment talks about ‘school branding and marketing,’ I would totally wear a hip ARLETA SCHOOL or MARYSVILLE, or LENT ELEMENTARY t-shirt with some retro mascot drawing.
It could be a good way to show support and fundraise for the schools.