Community

PTAA Letter: “And We Are Off…” 

With the 2015-2016 Academic Year fully in swing at Cary Academy, I would like to issue a warm welcome from the PTAA.

The following excerpt has been taken from the “Action Plan” I have submitted, emphasizing my priorities as PTAA President for this year.

The Cary Academy PTAA has defined itself, since its inception, as a tool for enhancing the totality of the Cary Academy experience.  As we stand on the verge of our 20th year, we are afforded the foundation of an institution that has already achieved national recognition for ground breaking educational approaches.

Innovative enthusiasm on the part of the PTAA will be a critical piece to sustaining the momentum of Cary Academy in the years to come.

I am fortunate to be surrounded by a team of enthusiastic parent leaders and members of CA Advancement who have been planning and infusing new energy into a diverse range of community activities.  Here are some of the highlights in the near future:

PTAA General Membership Meeting

Thursday, September 10th (noon-1:30 pm) in the Administration Lobby

Topics will include the 2015-16 PTAA budget, PTAA action plan, the SEED project (presented by Jason Franklin) and some student demonstrations that highlight some of the recent PTAA grants. Please come and help fuel the energy and enthusiasm that is surging from within the PTAA.  I plan to have a brief description of the various committees that lie under the umbrella of the PTAA available so that all parents  can explore the best fit for their personal interests/talents within the community.  Please do complete the Cary Academy Time and Talent Survey which recently went out to all members of the Cary Academy Community.

Trimester Parent Coffees

CA Dining Hall, 8-9:00 a.m

Mike Ehrhardt will be our guest speaker and will be sharing information about the recently approved strategic plan, the ways we will organize ourselves to meet the exciting challenges in the plan, and highlight some of the projects lined up for this school year.   Please note that if you have students in multiple grades, the discussion will be largely the same (except for in the 12thgrade).  The dates for the September/October coffees are as follows:

  • 6th Grade: September 10
  • 7th Grade: September 2
  • 8th Grade: October 7
  • 9th Grade: September 24
  • 10th Grade: October 1
  • 11th Grade: October 15th
  • 12th Grade: September 15th

Cary Academy Evening at the Opening Performance of  the Carolina Ballet

Saturday, September 26th

The PTAA Cultural Arts Committee has arranged for a celestial evening with the Carolina Ballet featuring The Planets.  Join fellow Cary Academy families for camaraderie, light fare (in our private reception) and a chance to support Science in the Arts within the greater RTP area. 7:00 pm reception/Curtain at 8:00 pm.  Use the code CHARGERS for your discounted rate of $27!

Fun Fest

September 18, 2015, 3:15-7 pm, field behind the Middle School

This year the PTAA will be providing free Fun Fest t-shirts for all registering students and their siblings.  We will also have a PTAA hospitality tent for parents.  Much thanks to the sponsors who have assisted in making this possible.

Food Trucks

Our Charger Club (the equivalent of our athletic booster club) has arranged for food trucks to be on campus, immediately after school on some of our busiest athletic days (see schedule below). In addition, we are hopeful to debut live student musical performances at the beginning of selected athletic games. Our goal is to promote community as we vigorously support Cary Academy Student-Athletes in an attempt to sustain and promote the current upward momentum of the Athletic Department.  Mark your calendars for these dates in September and October!

  • Tuesday, Sept 1, 2015: Chirba Chirba Dumplings AND Backyard Bistro
  • Thursday, September 10, 2015: Smoothie king
  • Tuesday, Sept 15, 2015: Baron Meatball
  • Thursday, September 17, 2015: Chirba Chirba
  • Sept 25: Backyard Bistro
  • Monday, Sept 28:  Smoothie king AND Gussys
  • Tuesday, Oct 6: Barone Meatball AND Smoothie King

Charger Cup

Friday, October 2, 12-3:10 pm.

This annual middle school fun-field event showcases the Blue and Gold teams competing for the coveted “Charger Cup”.  Look for a sign-up genius for the opportunity to be a parent volunteer at this traditional event.

I look forward to meeting many of our new and returning Cary Academy families around campus or at the ballet.  Please know that I welcome all offers of support and service and feel confident that we can make this year a monumental one on so many levels. Feel free to email or phone me with any ideas, questions, or concerns.

Kind Regards,

Nicole C. Spector
CA PTAA President 2015-16