October 16, 2008

ValleyViewpoints

Katee Shean supporter thanks dedication to dancers

Editor,
I am among the thousands of people who attended and enjoyed “So You Think You Can Dance” at HP Pavilion on Thursday, Sept. 25. I was awestruck by the talent of all of the dancers we saw, especially “hometown hero” Katee Shean.

As the parent of a dancer, I have watched Katee perform for many years at local dance competitions and performances. I have also read the articles in you newspaper regarding Katee’s dedication to dance and her years of training.

I would like to send out a thank you to some key people I believe have been forgotten in these articles. Although Katee did indeed dance at Atlas School of Dance, the teachers who actually trained her in jazz, ballet, tap and hip-hop are no longer teaching at that studio.

There is no mention of Teen Dance Company where Katee trained throughout her high school years. I thank her coach at Pioneer High School and her college professors at Chapman. These people deserve a big bravo for their dedication to young dancers everywhere. It is the hard work of these individuals who have helped Katee and many young dancers like her that I applaud. To these teachers and coaches I say “thank you for a job well done.”

An Almaden parent

State education superintendent encourages joining PTA

Editor,
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and Secretary of Education David Long recently called on parents, teachers and administrators to join the PTA.

Proclaiming September and October “PTA Membership Months,” Secretary Long said, “PTA support for children is critical for the future of California. I urge anyone in California who cares about children and our public schools to join the PTA. Superintendent O’Connell and I are both proud PTA members. Students truly benefit from the active involvement of caring adults and we want every school in California to have a strong PTA. Join us—join the PTA!”

Here in Santa Clara County, we’ve made it easy for you to join by forming a PTA – Santa Clara Valley PTA – that exists to support children and PTAs throughout the county. We are committed to helping parents understand the importance of supporting their children in school activities, and we encourage parents and community members to be informed about education issues in order to understand and support our schools.

Santa Clara Valley PTA is not attached to one school; rather, it is a grant-giving and mentoring PTA for PTAs at schools within Santa Clara County. Its mission is to support the school PTAs, especially at schools where the majority of children live in poverty. Please join us!

Anyone can join the Santa Clara Valley PTA for an annual membership fee of $10. You can use the online form at http://www.capta6.org/scvpta/, or mail your check with your name, address, phone, & email address to Santa Clara Valley PTA, Sixth District PTA office, 1290 Ridder Park Drive M/C 214, San Jose, CA 95131.

Diane Foote
Santa Clara Valley PTA president

Barbara Spreng
Sixth District PTA president

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