I’d like to start by saying that it is an honor and a pleasure to serve as your Strandwood PTA President this year. I am a firm believer that “many hands make light work”, so I invite all of you to get involved, get excited, and help us keep the beloved programs in place at Strandwood that we are all so proud to have.

Introductions…

For those who don’t know me, my name is Lydia Gali, and I have the privilege of acting as your PTA President. I wouldn’t have been able to step into this position this year if it wasn’t for the incredible support from the parents that form the rest of our Executive Board. Therefore, thank you to those who are already stepping up where my schedule limits me.

My family moved to Pleasant Hill in 2014. My oldest daughter was just 6 months old at the time and I was already pregnant with my second child when we found our forever home here in Poet’s Corner. We wanted to move to a community that could grow into our “village” and I have to say, we couldn’t have selected a better place. I now have 2 happy, healthy, thriving girls, happily enrolled in fourth and third grade at Strandwood.

My educational background consists of a degree in Economics and Social Science with an emphasis on Social Services. I enjoy volunteering in my local community, currently serving on the Pleasant Hill Education Commission as co-Chair. Over the past few years, I spent a lot of time at Strandwood volunteering in classrooms, doing yard duty, and substitute teaching. This gave me great insight into the strengths, and also the needs, at our beloved school.

This year I accepted a full time teaching position in Bay Point, enthusiastically taking on a 5th grade class that was in desperate need of a teacher for the 2023-24 school year. While I also help my husband run a family owned business that supports our household, my heart has always been most full when working with local underserved communities. Therefore, I am excited for this full-time teaching opportunity this year, while also making my PTA president duties a priority.

Who We Are

The Strandwood PTA is mostly made up of working parents, who graciously volunteer their time as a 2nd or 3rd job. Therefore, if you have any desire to help or be involved, I promise that we can find a way for you to contribute.

A great way to start is by attending the PTA General Association Meetings to learn how you can help. Additionally, you can email me directly and I promise to respond in a timely manner. You can also Contribute to the Roadrunner Fund, and VOLUNTEER to help us make Strandwood even better than it already is!

The Strandwood PTA program is a space of collaboration, transparency, and approachability. And I am fully committed to continuing that methodology this year.

As a PTA, our goals remain consistent: to support and strengthen Strandwood Elementary, ensuring all students can reach their full potential!

We are here to build community and to support you and your Roadrunner through enriching programs, events, and fundraisers. We have a lot of fun ideas for this year, and I am hopeful that they will bring the same joy, fun, excitement, and funds as the years’ past!

WORD OF THE YEAR - VOLUNTEER

The truth is, our PTA was not meant to be run by a single person or even a handful of people. The coveted programs at Strandwood that we are fighting to keep in place take many hands to ensure their continued success. The PTA presidents and members of the past have worked hard to build great programs that enrich the lives of our precious kids.

I want to ensure we keep that momentum going and do what we can to strengthen it, together! Whether its on jump start day, two weeks into the school year, or two months into the year – it’s never too late to get involved and volunteer to help keep Strandwood ahead of the curve and thriving.

How else can I help?

There are a variety of ways you can help! The PTA is a not-for-profit organization that relies directly on the support of family and friends of Strandwood Elementary. Through donations and the help of our volunteers, the money we raise goes directly back to Strandwood—directly back into the enrichment of our children’s education. By contributing to the PTA, you are helping fund things like:

• Expanding school staff: Instructional assistants, science teachers, reading aides, and a district technology specialist.

• Enriching students' education: New learning opportunities through art, science, music, and more!

• Powering classrooms: Supplies needed for our students to thrive in their classrooms or from home.

• Supporting technology: Accessibility and support for students and teachers through classroom equipment, Chromebooks, and staff.

The Roadrunner Fund is one of the PTA’s major annual fundraisers that provides these critical programs and activities. I’d like to encourage all families to donate $270 per Strandwood student per year—that’s $1.50 per school day. Your donation is tax deductible. Make a donation today! And please don’t forget to ask if your company has a matching program. Here is a list of some companies we know to offer matching donation programs.

Can I join PTA?

We’d love to have you. We rely on all our amazing parents/caregivers to help make Strandwood a safe, welcoming school that is supportive for all students. To join the PTA, you simply pay a yearly membership fee of $10. This membership allows you to participate and vote in all General PTA Board meetings and gives you a say in how PTA funds are spent. It’s a fun and enriching way to be directly involved in your child’s educational experience.

Joining the PTA is not mandatory and does not mean you have signed up for a position on our executive board. However, if you are interested in having a more hands on role within PTA, please contact me directly! We have a lot of wonderful opportunities for parents to become more involved and all are welcome.

A calendar of meetings can be found on Konstella. Meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of each month. (Join Konstella to receive meeting reminders).

How else can I help?

Get involved and volunteer! Whether you can share your professional expertise or a hidden talent, whether you can help every day, an hour a week, or for a specific event, you are definitely needed!

Helpful links:
Strandwood PTA website
Strandwood Elementary School website
MDUSD website
PTA Parents’ Guide to Student Success

Thank you!

Thank you for being a part of our wonderful Strandwood community and for your commitment to enhanced education. I’m so excited for this year and cannot wait to see you all around the campus and at our events. Please reach out with any questions.
 
Warm regards,

Lydia Gali
PTA President