With PTA’s help, you can fulfill your resolutions

Happy new year, Brookdale! We hope you’ve had a wonderful winter break and are feeling invigorated as we return to the rhythm of school days.

As a new year starts, many of us reflect on the past and consider the future. How have we spent our time? What have we accomplished? Where do we hope to be – as a person and as a family – by this time next year? 

Maybe you’ve resolved to live healthier, to spend more time with your children or even to dedicate yourself to a hobby. As it turns out, the PTA can help with these goals and more. Take a look:

Live healthier, part I

Say you’re hoping to get up off the couch and into the gym. Basketball Nights not only give you the chance to get moving, they help you teach your son or daughter that exercise can be fun family time. Basketball Nights are coming up. Girls’ night is Friday, Jan. 7; boys’ night is Friday, Jan. 21.

Live healthier, part II

If you aim to take fewer trips past drive-thru windows, try ordering from Market Day. Each month, the flier is full of good food including a bunch of time-savers that can help you put a balanced meal on the table even on a busy weeknight. Market Day offers new deals and incentives each month. Check Page 6 for January deals.

Get involved

If you’re not already a member, start by joining the PTA. You’ll be part of a volunteer organization that works to improve the school experience for all our children. Find a membership form here.

All year, the PTA offers opportunities to volunteer. Sometimes, you’ll be in your child’s classroom. Other times, you help at activities or family nights or work behind the scenes to help plan the fun.

Each month, we meet to discuss how we can support our students and our teachers. Please join us to share your views. The next meeting is at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, in the multipurpose room.

Make the most of family time

The PTA calendar is full of events that encourage you to take a break and spend time with your children. Look for the Winter Family Fun Night coming in March, followed by the Spring Fling in April.

Pursue a hobby

Whether you’re a Lego artist, an aspiring movie maker or a chess master, you have a store of knowledge about your hobby that would inspire a Brookdale student. You could hone your skills and pass on your interest to the next generation by leading a class in the PTA’s Enrichment Program. Classes run four afternoons in April, and organizers will be looking for volunteers in March.

Whatever you’ve decided will be important for you and for your family this year, we hope Brookdale PTA activities will be part of your plans.

Here’s to a healthy, happy 2011!