I am grateful to join so many others in our community to advocate for the health, education and welfare of children throughout our district -- and beyond!  I honor the legacy of PTA and all the many women – and men – who have collaborated over the years to bring such things to our children as universal kindergarten, child labor laws, school lunches, the juvenile court system, and so much more. . . .Yes, these were all things brought about by the advocacy of PTA.  I am grateful to be able to continue this good work in a community that cares so deeply about education and the welfare of every child.  

Personally, PTA has been incredibly meaningful to me. I began my PTA career co-chairing a major school fundraiser when my son was a skinny kindergartner.  I went on to sell t-shirts, cookie dough, magazines, and gift wrap for the PTA. For years I was known as the ice-cream lady for the Friday fundraiser I co-chaired. I've organized science expos; planned budgets; made piñatas; coordinated Valentine's dances, kindergarten round ups and back to school barbecues. I've raised funds to pay for the burial of a beautiful nine year old girl. I've advocated for health services for children throughout the district and helped nurses secure epipens and eyeglasses. I've stocked earthquake bins and PE equipment.  I've been truly and deeply loved -- perhaps as never before -- when I dressed up in a large, furry, WARM, red suit and became Clifford, The Big Red Dog, day after day to promote the annual Bookfair. . . . .I’ve planned lunchtime Chance to Dance Fridays that saw hundreds of teachers, students and staff dance together outside on beautiful spring days, just for the pure joy of it. I've help plan a memorial for an educator and administrator I loved and admired.  I’ve walked precincts, marched in parades, advocated for painting and policies. . . .all of which paved my way to serve on the Board of Education and to embrace our district wide vision -- extraordinary achievement for all, while simultaneously closing the achievement gap -- a mission I am completely dedicated to.

My skinny kindergartner is now 6 foot 2 and 200 pounds of boy. Even my daughter is taller than me now.  The sands of time have blessed me with beautiful memories of my time as a PTA mom. I cherish these memories and each relationship built along the way.

But my stories are no different from other PTA leaders throughout our district. We do remarkable work for children and families from Webster, Pt. Dume and Cabrillo to Muir and SMASH and Samohi; from Lincoln and Jams to Edison and Olympic; from Malibu High and Grant to Roosevelt, Rogers, Franklin and McKinley. . . .There is so much to be proud of!

Collaboration and community building, focusing on the health, joy, well being and achievement of our children: these things are important to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with PTA leaders and in our community to continue to build important and meaningful things for children and families.  Sincere and heartfelt thanks for this opportunity.

Warm regards,

Kelly McMahon Pye 
President
Santa Monica – Malibu Council of PTAs