American Preparatory Academy Parents/Teachers Organization (PTO)

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Hi Everyone!! I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you for allowing me the honor to be the President of American Preparatory Academy’s PTO. I am very excited to work with each and every one of you. We are going to have a great year.

 I want to briefly give you my story and how I came to APA. My son, Randy, is in the First Grade with Mrs. Spyra. Randy was born with something called Apert Syndrome.  Apert syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, craniofacial anomalies, and severe symmetrical syndactyly (cutaneous and bony fusion) of the hands and feet. Basically, Randy was born with webbed hands and feet in addition to the bones on his skull being fused prematurely which causes them not to grow as they would in a typical person. Randy has had multiple surgeries to correct this and will continue to need future surgeries as he grows. This is why he “looks different”.

 Randy has had therapy (ST, OT, PT) since he was 6 months old and continues in Speech therapy with Ms. Jessica at APA for his high pallet and articulation. Being involved is very important to me because  when Randy started Kindergarten last year he was constantly made fun of, asked why he was different and his teachers gave up on him and told me that they could not help him  because he was not like the other kids in class!! They just gave up on him. He looks different and needs to be redirected at times, he might need some extra help on some areas BUT he deserves the right to an education, the right to have friends and the right to be able to be part of a team.

 I visited APA about 4 times before making my final and very important decision. I also visited other schools as far South as Pinecrest and back North to Coral Springs. I searched, visited, analyzed, revisited and was really amazed at APA. I really liked the fact that all the kids were friendly, well mannered. Ms. Soraya was very understanding and listened to me with respect and care.

 We are all here for one reason, our children. We all have different stories but we are all here for the same reasons. I want to welcome you and tell you that as President I am available to all of you. We are a family; we are all advocates to our children. They deserve a better education, they deserve a safe environment, and they deserve a drug and bully free school.

The first day of school I was very nervous thinking “what if the kids make fun of him? What if he has no friends?” That Friday of the first week of school I picked up Randy from school and took him to lunch with my mom and he looks at me and says “Thank you, Mommy” and when I asked “Why?” he looked at me and said “For my new school, I love my teacher and Coach Mac is a good coach and so cool, he lets me play Basketball”. There were a lot of tears at that moment. I was so happy. My son’s teacher and coach care, he participates and has friends!! When we walk in to school in the morning I see not only his classmates but the Middle and High school kids saying “Hi Randy!” and giving him a high five. He is welcomed, accepted and the kids see beyond his differences.

At APA parents are able to communicate with not just the teachers but with a Principal that understands and is here for the children as well. I invite you to join us in the meetings, events, to voice your opinions.

Lastly, I want to welcome the board. You all bring great experience to the Board and together we will make a big difference, not only in the lives of our children but of all the children at APA. We are a family. We will be working very closely this year and in the years to come.

We are ready for a great 2009-2010 School Year!!!!!!!