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Math tournaments can be pressure-filled

occasions. As the time ticks down, contes-

tants rush through problems, crunching

numbers furiously in a race to beat the clock

and their opponents. Some wilt at the

pressure, and some seem to grow strong on

it. Count Allen Yang (‘12) as one of the latter.

Tremendous results

The math whiz has been whizzing

through tournaments this school year with

dizzying results:

First place at the 2011 N.C. State Todd

Fuller Math Competition for Wake

County seniors

A tie for second at the Duke Math Meet

Tied for first as of Feb. 6 in the Math

League Contest, through 4/6 contests.

(Yang has helped the CA Math Team into

a tie for sixth among teams from its

21-state division.)

Member of the fourth-place NC team at

the Princeton University Math Contest

He has not limited his success to the

United States. Yang, who also is a Canadian

citizen, earned his way, with impressive

results in Canadian tourneys, into the

Canadian Math Olympiad camp held Jan.

3-8 at York University in Toronto.

“Allen has an incredible amount of

experience with math contests, going back

to elementary school, which really helps,”

said CA Math Team advisor John Noland. “I

think his creativity and his ability to connect

new problems with simpler ones he’s already

solved, though, is what most sets Allen

apart. He’s also extremely good at looking at

a problem from a slightly different angle and

drastically reducing its complexity.”

Tied for first in Boston contest

On Jan. 6 Yang finished in a three-way tie

for first in the Who Wants to Be a

Mathematician? event, sponsored by the

Mathematical Association of America

(MAA) and broadcast live on the Web from

Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

The tie arose from a judging error. During

Yang’s semifinal

round, the

following

question

was asked:

Find the number

of solutions of the equation cos(cos(x))=x.

This answer is 1, which Yang gave.

However, the judges thought the answer

was 2, and because one of Yang’s competi-

tors gave that answer, that person made

the finals and not Yang. Once the judges

realized the mistake, Yang and the two

finalists were all awarded runner-up and

earned $3,000 each, as well as the same

amount for their school math departments.

“I was shocked; I wondered where I had

gone wrong in my answer,” said Yang.

“Another contestant and I discovered that

our answer was right, using a calculator, and

protested. They acknowledged their

mistake — they had made a typo in the

problem statement — and compensated us

generously.”

Added Nolan, “What most impresses me

about this result is that Allen thinks he’s

prone to making careless mistakes, and

both to qualify for this contest and to do so

well at the event, Allen had to be quick,

clever and extremely accurate under intense

time pressure.”

Sees math as art

Yang credits his numerical success to the

variables of age and fortitude. “I have been

competing in mathematics since a young

age — necessary for this subject, in my

opinion. If you look at the top students in

the nation, at least 90 percent have been

doing it since sixth grade, many since an

earlier age. The second important factor is

sticking with it. For several years, I have

been continuously studying mathematics.

The community around me has helped

tremendously; they have congratulated me,

pushed me, challenged me and rewarded

me for my efforts.”

To Yang, who has been accepted into

Princeton, math is an art. “Everywhere you

look around you, you’ll find math. Even in

Allen Yang + math = successSenior posting great year in math events

1

(continued on page 4)

“Everywhere you look around you, you’ll find math. Even in the most natural things…”

Allen Yang at the Elon University Regional Math Contest in 2009 where he tied for first for top individual honors.

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last three school years we have retained students at a

96% rate.

Invaluable staff and faculty

Our staff and faculty are high achievers. Just in the

last few years, Dr. Joselyn Todd has received the NAIS

Leading Edge Award, and science teacher Heidi Malloy

was named NAIS Teacher of the Future and 2011

Environmental Educator of the Year by the Green

Building Council of Raleigh.

Also, history teacher Robert Coven has received the

Peter H. Martorella Graduate Student Award at NCSU,

and Spanish instructor Vic Quesada has received the

NCSU Inspirational Teacher Award.

I’m pleased to state that we have attracted 16%

faculty of color and 21% staff of color. And I’m equally

happy to state that our five-year average of annual

attrition for staff is 6.6% and faculty 7.4%.

Impact of 2011-12 budget

Financially, we are on sound footing. We ran in the

black in 2010-11 and are on track in 2011-12.

We compensated for a net $800,000 reduction this

year and an additional $235,000 next year (resulting

from the end of our Charitable Remainder Trust). We

have no debt, and we possess strong, stable sources of

auxiliary income (rentals, summer programs, additional

programs).

We also have strong potential for increased annual

giving and targeted major gifts, and an endowment

that through a recent very generous gift has climbed

from $8 to $23 million.

Community survey results

The community survey provided good data and even

better results. To give just one example here, the

percentage of the 71 survey question responses that

rated CA as equal to or better than our peer schools

breaks down like this:

Parents ....................... 86%

Faculty ........................ 92%

Students ..................... 96%

Staff/admin ................ 96%

Looking at next 5, 25 years

Cary Academy will need to be ready to meet the

shifting demographics of the Triangle.

In the next five years alone, total school age

population has been predicted to jump 14.47%, and

there is expected to be a 57.21% jump in five years in

families with children aged 0-17 and with an income

of $150,000 and above. These trends will help Cary

Academy continue to attract mission-appropriate

students. And considering a large portion of this

population increase includes families and students of

color, Cary Academy is well positioned via its

diversity director and record of inclusivity to attract

these families to our school.

Steps forward

In eyeing the future, Cary Academy needs a vision

clarification. The board of directors should clearly

decide if Cary Academy wants to be an excellent

school for Triangle students that uses technology

effectively to advance student learning and

occasionally shares its innovative technology use

with colleagues, or does Cary Academy want to be an

excellent school for Triangle students that wants to

continually be on the forefront of innovative

instructional technology use and serve as a national

model? Presently we are somewhere in the middle of

this continuum and are staffed as such.

As for the future of facilities, Cary Academy would

be well served by building a second performing arts

center to fulfill one of our long-range facilities plan

goals and allow for further development of our fine

and performing arts programs. And we need to build

the field house at the stadium, also a long-range

facilities plan goal.

For the complete State of the School address,

please go to the CA Web site at http://www.

caryacademy.org/uploaded/MyCA/documents/

PTAAStateofSchoolJan2012.pptx.

On Jan. 24 at the PTAA meeting, I presented my

State of the School address, titled A Good Look in the

Mirror. I have also presented a version of the address

to the board, staff and faculty. But, in case anyone in

the community might have missed the address, I’ve

listed in this issue’s edition of my column some of the

high points and emphases.

Four probing questions

My speech focused on what I like to term four

probing questions:

Are we attracting and retaining the right students?

Are we attracting and retaining the right faculty

and staff?

What has been the impact of the 2011-12 budget

adjustments?

How are we positioned to meet the challenges of

the next five years? 25 years?

The right students

Cary Academy values a community of students

possessing diverse talents and backgrounds. We also

recognize a value in students who demonstrate the

potential for significant contribution and growth.

Many of our students have displayed exceptional

growth and talents this school year alone. To name

just four, Keaton Friedman is the world record holder

for long distance shooting on a rifle recently

commissioned by the military; Cat Newman presented

a paper on cardiovascular disease at the 2011

American Society for Anesthesiologists Conference;

Nick Noschese is ranked third in the nation in U18 in

his weight class in taekwondo; and Ryan Cinoman has

been selected top oboist for NC Honors Orchestra.

Cary Academy also seeks students with myriad

cultural experiences. For the last two years our

student body has been comprised of 26% students of

color. For the last two years the percentage of

students receiving financial aid has been 21 and 18,

respectively.

And while we are pleased with our students, they

and their parents seem to be pleased with us. For the

Don Berger, Head of School

Taking a good look in the mirrorHighlights of the head of school’s State of the School address

2

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3

MLK Day celebrated in song, verse at CAFrist time the event does not have guest speaker

Cary Academy’s annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration took

place Friday, Jan. 13, in the theater. But this year’s event featured a

big change from the past.

“More student voice”

This year’s Middle School and Upper School programs were

unique, as it was the first time that members of the Cary Academy

community — students, faculty and administration — took center

stage rather than an external speaker.

Cary Academy community members spoke on experiences

related to advocating for others and standing up to exclusion and

offensive behaviors. Both school assemblies included original

poems, songs, skits and reflections.

“Each year the MLK Committee’s student membership has

increased, resulting in more student voice for the program,”

explained Director of Diversity Shani Barrax-Moore. “This year, the

students thought their voices — and those of other members of

the Cary Academy

community — would

make it more relevant

and impactful for their

peers.

“Based upon the

feedback we’ve

received so far, it

appears that these

voices have helped

people realize that,

while we are by and

large an inclusive

community, there

are still those among

us who may not feel

that they truly

belong based upon

some facet of their

identity. We hope

that the program

encourages every-

one to be part of

creating a commu-

nity truly reflective of

respect, integrity

and compassion.”

Powerful words read

Poems and personal reflections featured prominently in both

assemblies. During the MS assembly, Jack Lattimore (‘16) read

his piece, Why, I Ask?

“Discrimination is evident in the world around us. It’s become firmly embedded in our society today. However, I ask why? Why should people go forth and discriminate against any feature of a person? … It’s diversity and variety of experiences that brings us together as a society. I hear dis-crimination wherever I go, despite the amount of harm that is done. Why is the question that I ask.”

During the US assembly, Jonathan Avery (‘15) read his poem

I Remember.

“I remember when I was called less than a human / I remember when I was called worthless / I remember when I was called stupid, dumb, igno-rant because of my skin pigment, because of my heritage, because of my family / I remember when I was torn down by a wrecking ball …”

At both assemblies Korey Weaver (’12) played and sang his

original song I Belong Here. Raven Watson (‘15) accompanied

him in song.

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from each class grows, the interest from those funds can be used in years to come to give back to Cary Academy in various ways, depending on the needs at the time.

“So classes may elect to help with the next big building project or may decide to give to a smaller need the school has at the time. The vision is that each student who wants to will have some say in how the money is spent. It is also another way to help our students stay connected to their graduating class.”

Making it funFundraising doesn’t have to be a chore,

and the Ravenels are approaching their task with a spirit of community and conviviality.

“We have added a new feature this year whereby parents can not only honor their seniors but also will be able to honor a teacher who has had a particularly strong influence on their child’s life,” said Sam.

“We will be soliciting a small group of parents to be on our committee,” he continued. “If any senior parents are interested, they are welcome to contact us. We also are planning on having a gathering at our home for all senior parents on March 29. We really want it to be a fun social event

4

Vicky and Sam Ravenel have a slight competitive streak, and that’s a good thing.

The chairs of the Class of 2012 endowment want to make the 2012 endow-ment the biggest money-raising venture of its kind in CA history.

“Obviously we want to raise as much money as we can, but we would especially like to be the class that raises the most money,” said Vicky. “Currently, the class of 2010 is in first place having raised more than $46,000.”

Life-changing schoolThe Ravenels are the parents of Tori (’10),

a student at American University in Washington D.C., and Nathan (’12). Having witnessed the effects CA has had on their children they were happy to become the chairs of the 2012 endowment.

“Both of our children had life-changing experiences at Cary Academy,” said Sam. “They worked hard but have been so inspired by the wonderful teachers at CA. We see how well prepared our daughter was for college and believe the same will be true for Nathan.

“We gladly took on this role as a ‘thank you’ to the teachers, staff and parents of Cary Academy who have mentored, challenged and helped shape the future careers of all our seniors. Of course, we also hope that this creates a lifelong connection to Cary Academy for us and our children.”

History of endowmentsThe Ravenels explained that the endow-

ments, though short in their history, will prove quite beneficial to Cary Academy for years to come.

“The endowments were started several years ago by Mark Easley and parents from the class of 2008. They wanted to honor their graduates and express their apprecia-tion for the stellar education their children received at Cary Academy,” said Vicky. “Each class since 2008 has elected to continue that tradition. As the endowment

Making 2012 the best endowment everThat is the goal of parent chairs Vicky and Sam Ravenel

Vicky and Sam Ravenel

the most natural things, you’ll see math,

whether it be Fibonacci numbers in plants

or the various areas of science that are

dependent of mathematics.

“I enjoy the objectivity; it is not subjective

like many other academic subjects. There’s a

right answer, and little controversy over

results (Editor’s Note: Most times!)

Another aspect is its competitiveness.

Mathematics is the most developed of the

competitive sciences, and the level of

competition in unparalleled.”

Teammates drive him

Yang said his CA math teammates push

him to succeed. “My teammates are … a

driving force. Although I compete against

them often, they are more friends than rivals.”

The Morrisville senior also is co-captain of

the CA Science Olympiad team, a member

of the varsity swimming and track teams,

and participates in the CA Honors

Orchestra, playing the French horn and

occasionally the piano.

But math is where he is making his name

right now. “I have many competitions

coming,” Yang said, “like the AMC

(American Mathematics Competitions), the

first stage in the largest high-school

mathematics competition in the nation, and

HMMT (Harvard-MIT Mathematics

Tournament), one of the most prestigious

on-site math meets in the nation.”

Allen Yang continued from page 1

with a little business thrown in. We will make sure to advertise the date as soon as possible.”

There are several ways to give to the 2012 endowment fund. Parents can go to the CA Web site and click on Class of 2012 Endowment under the Advancement tab to pay with a credit card. For those who wish

to give by check, they may send a check made payable to Cary Academy with 2012 endow-ment in the memo line, or drop a check off in the Advancement office.

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5

A group of Chinese students visited Cary Academy as part

of a trip to the United States.

The group of 20 students and two teachers were from the

Experimental High School of Henan province, the school CA

exchanges students with yearly.

The group arrived in North Carolina on Jan. 20 and came to

CA on Chinese New Year Day, Jan. 23. The group left Cary on

Jan. 25 to visit Washington, D.C. and New York City, then flew

back home and arrived Feb. 1.

While they were here, the students worked on a group

project with their CA host students, in order to help their CA

friends get ready for their trip to China in May. Prior to coming

to Cary, the group visited Los Angeles and Disneyland and

Universal Studios.

Professionals in the making Abigail Arends (’17) played the title

character. She said CA’s arts program made the entire process seem realistic. “We have amazing resources to make us really feel like stars. I loved the fact that we were able to go through the whole process like real professionals!”

Eve Taylor (’17) played the role of Antigone’s sister, Ismene. Taylor has been acting and performing since a very young age. “The theater program here [at CA] is extraordinary so I audition for anything I possibly can.”

Playing Ismene brought her closer to her co-star. “Abigail and I formed such a great relationship that by the end of the process I really felt like we were sisters.”

Behind-the-scenes stars Taf Leggard (’18) wanted to experience a

theatrical production, but did not want to be on stage. She found her role behind the curtain as an assistant stage manager.

“I got to know the play, cast and crew very well,” said Leggard. “It was amazing to see the actors grow from not knowing

A crowded theater. Stage lights shining bright. All eyes are on you. After weeks of hard work and practice Middle School students took to the stage to perform their version of Sophocles’ Antigone.

The Greek play concerns a young girl who fights against authority in order to honor her deceased brother, standing up for what she believes while living in a world full of cruelty.

Fifteen years later “This was the first play to be performed

in the Fine Arts Center after it opened,” said director Glen Matthews. “Since this is Cary Academy’s 15th year, it was only fitting to re-visit the first play performed at CA.”

He added that Antigone was a good choice for the students and audience because it offered a forum for the explora-tion of perspective as it relates to right and wrong. “I am always searching for the perfect story to tell and the right piece for our students, and much of that search tends to be driven by what’s happening in the world around us.”

A round of applause for AntigoneMiddle School students perform the Greek tragedy for packed audiences

their lines and actions to putting on a remarkable performance.”

Leggard offered praise for her instructors, too. “Our director, Mr. Matthews, and head technician, Mr. (Shannon) Clark, are a large part of what made being in the play such a rewarding experience.”

Hard work + dedication = outstanding performances

“These young performers took a play with lots of difficult material and trans-formed the play into their own work of art,” said Matthews. “This piece requires so much of the performers…the language is incredibly demanding, and to make that language one’s own is a tremendous challenge. What an amazing, inspiring group of young people!”

(Editor’s Note: This is a corrected reprint of a story that appeared last issue. A mistake was made regarding a student’s gender in the original story. Since so many people keep Access articles for future reference and for scrapbooks, we want to do our best to ensure all the facts are correct.)

Head of School Don Berger welcomes the Chinese contingent to Cary Academy.

East meets West once againChinese exchange students arrive at CA on Chinese New Year

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6

You can learn a lot about life in a pool. CA swimmer Lauren Pederson (’12) will attest to that.

“I have learned a lot about leadership, hard work and persever-ance through swimming,” said Pederson, who has been swimming for CA every year with the exception of the eighth grade.

“I really enjoy being someone whom the younger swimmers look up to and do my best to talk to everyone and become their friends. Over the years, I have become a much harder worker and have learned how valuable it is to put all that you can into your practices and races. This can be applied almost everywhere in life and especially in school, and that is something that I only could have learned through sports.”

Swimming toward a common goalThe 100 backstroke is Pederson’s main event, but she also swims

the 100 butterfly, the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle. (For the past 13 summers Pederson also has swum for the Kildaire Farms Killer Whales.)

“One thing that I like about swimming is the fact that you are working out almost every muscle in your body at all times. I get satisfaction in knowing how hard I have worked when after a hard set my heart is pounding, and I was able to make all of the intervals for that set.”

Pederson added that she also relishes the team aspect of swimming for CA. “I really enjoy the fact that everyone’s individual swims work toward the common team goal of winning the meets. During meets, I love being able to see the individual races and then those scores being converted into a team score that reflects the efforts of everyone. Even if you don’t get first place, you are still able to score points for your team and help them win.”

Her coach, Athletic Director Kevin Jones, said, “It has been a pleasure coaching Lauren in

varsity swimming the past two years. She comes to practice ready to work hard every day and pushes other swimmers in her lane to do the same. She is a true role model and mentor for our swim program.”

Enjoys statistics, psychologyPederson also plays field hockey and competes in track and field

for CA. She is on the yearbook staff and a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society.

“This year, my favorite subjects have been statistics and psychol-ogy. I have really enjoyed being able to take classes that are out of the normal math, science, history and English curriculum. These classes are engaging and subjects that I have been able to apply outside of school as well.”

Pederson is undecided on a college but has decided on sports management as her major. Wherever she enrolls she will stay active in sports. “I plan on playing club field hockey in college and maybe club swimming. Other than that, I plan on participating in a lot of intramural sports.”

Life lessons one stroke at a timeSwimmer Pederson (’12) takes more than exercise away from the sport

Lauren Pederson (’12) in motion.

Photo by Doug VandeZande at VandeZande Photography.

McGuigan to serve as interim head of schoolJohn Sall, chairman of the Cary Academy board of directors,

announced Jan. 24 that Head of the Upper School Mitch McGuigan

will serve as interim head of school beginning July 1, 2012.

McGuigan has served as head of the Upper School for 10

years. He has 16 years’ previous experience as the head of two

private schools in Canada.

Sall made the announcement in an email to the CA com-

munity. “As Interim Head Mitch’s roles will include communicating

the vision to inspire our passion for teaching and learning,

ensuring strong leadership across our programs, and keeping Cary

Academy operating smoothly and sustainably,” wrote Sall. “He also

will ensure that the Strategic Plan and Instructional Technology Team

initiatives are implemented. Mitch is committed to Cary Academy’s

mission and positioning the school for a new Head in July 2013.

…Plans to hire a new Head of Upper School will be announced shortly.

The Search Committee of the board, led by Laurie Mesibov, will

continue the search for a permanent Head of School to start July 2013.”

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A faculty/staff spotlight

Shining examples of Excellence

7

For eight years Ray Pope has been the face of baseball at CA. But the varsity head coach also serves as assistant athletic director and as a physical education/health instructor.

“I enjoy my col-leagues and the daily challenges of my job, and I like coming to work every day with a smile knowing it will never be the same as the day before,” said Pope, who also works as an associated scout for the Atlanta Braves and teaches summer baseball camps. “As a teacher my job is to prepare students for the future, to insure that they are equipped with the tools needed to be successful, to create an atmosphere that fosters learning while implementing the department’s curriculum.”

A busy assistant ADAnd if teaching and coaching baseball

weren’t enough on his plate, Pope, who resides in Raleigh, always has a schedule full of activities as assistant AD.

“Some of my duties include scheduling sporting events at both the Middle and Upper School; interviewing, hiring, training and evaluating coaches; attending both TISAC and Middle School Conference meetings; organizing seasonal Middle School sport assemblies; and overseeing the care and maintenance of our athletic facilities.”

Athletic Director Kevin Jones said, “Ray is a cornerstone in our Athletic Department. Not only is he an excellent coach, but a role model for our athletes and a mentor for our coaches. His consistent and tireless efforts to continually improve Cary Academy’s athletic program oftentimes go unnoticed but are greatly appreciated.”

From Golden Arches to Blue and Gold“Before coming to Cary Academy I was

with McDonald’s for 37 years, the last 10 as an owner to seven restaurants,” said Pope. “However, I was not satisfied; I had a strong desire to work with young people, so decided to make a change. I decided to follow my dreams and go back to school (Rockville University) and get my degree and pursue living my dream. Too many people give up on their dream. Now this is a message I feel I can pass to our young people. If you have a dream, do all you can to achieve that dream! Don’t look back one day and say, ‘I wish I would have.’”

As coach and teacher, Pope is living his dream; he now interacts daily with CA students. ‘I like watching how the kids mature over the years and grow into young adults. I also like being there when they need someone else to talk with.”

With his own children grown and married, Pope said he spends as much time as he can with his best friend and wife, Judy. “We enjoy playing games, watching movies, spending time with our grandkids, and when we can, we love to travel.”

Dawn Bates has almost — almost —been with CA since the beginning. The sixth-grade math teacher and assistant head of Middle School has been with CA for 14 years. And for that length of time she has enjoyed the community aspect of her job.

“I interact with faculty and staff throughout campus and all Middle School students,” said Bates. “I really enjoy getting to know families over the years through teaching and advising. I enjoy being responsible for some of the nuts and bolts that make this such a wonderful place to work and learn.”

An active assistant headThough she teaches two sections of

sixth-grade math, serves as sixth-grade advisor and as co-adviser of the Middle

School Student Leadership, the bulk of Bates’ workload is taken up as the assistant head of MS.

“In this position I assist with the leader-ship and management of the Middle School program, and I develop and oversee student programs and activities including the club and lunch programs.”

She also oversees administration of ERB testing, coordinates dissemination of materials about the TIP program, shares disciplinary responsibilities, assigns and oversees faculty duties (duty roster/lunch seating/dance chaperoning, etc.); assists with the proofing of student narrative reports, and serves on the Emergency Management Team and Admissions Committee.

Head of Middle School Marti Jenkins said, “Dawn makes every day at the Middle School easier, brighter and a little more meaningful for all of us. A master at juggling multiple tasks, Dawn’s unique ability to focus on details such as club assignments, lunchroom seating and faculty duties ensures that our program runs smoothly. With sincerity and compas-sion, she also works closely with some of our students who may need a little reinforcement or redirection around school expectations. She is an integral part of the

Middle School, and I feel fortunate to have worked with her over the past 14 years.”

A baker and travelerWhen she leaves CA behind, the

Garner resident doesn’t slow down. “I enjoy cooking and baking and going to the gym,” said Bates, the mother of Meaghan (’22). “I also enjoy attending Carolina Hurricanes games and watching the Tar Heels

play basketball. And I love traveling, especially to Disney World.”

Bates, who holds a B.S. in education from the State University of New York (SUNY) — College at Cortland and a master’s in education from UNC-CH, is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

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i mportant dates

PTAA board meetingMarch 1

Winter Athletic BanquetMarch 1

Trimester breakMarch 5-18

Trimester 3 startsMarch 19

US 15-year celebration concertMarch 23

US conferencesMarch 30

During Don Berger’s state of the school

address, he addressed key questions such as: “Are we attracting and retaining talented students?” and “Are we attract-ing and retaining talented faculty and staff?” One question that interests me is “Are parents actively engaged in our community?” Parent involvement is strategically important because it directly impacts student retention and overall satisfaction. Midway through our school year provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on our efforts. Since we commonly communicate that the PTAA annually sponsors about 100 programs, I am stunned by our midyear numbers. By year’s end, we will easily implement more than 150 initiatives. Yet, quantity is only one measure of success. As we com-memorate 15 years in our school’s development, Building Community is the PTAA’s overarching theme. Do our initiatives support this year’s theme? Are

we listening to feedback that we received during last year’s series of focus groups?

Member Outreach: During the 2010-2011 focus groups, we discussed the ongoing challenge of how best to involve all commu-nity members into the PTAA. Year to date, 41 initiatives focus on engaging members. Each parent is a member of the PTAA. Our events, socials, breakfasts and programs, are designed so that members feel welcomed, informed and want to become involved in campus activities. Our nominations commit-tee is working tirelessly to identify new committee leads and board members for next year! Raise your hand, send an email, let us know of your talents and interests.

Social Activities: Building school spirit is an important way that we build com-munity, especially for our students. Funfest, Charger Cup, Senior Welcome Back Ice Cream Social, 6th Grade Community Service Project, 6-12th Grade Level Activities are several of the 41 year-to-date programs that focus on enhancing our children’s experience at CA.

Educational Programs: Ten educational efforts delivered by your PTAA include: an

US Robotics Club; Parent Ubuntu — A Portrait of the Millennial One Generation; Cybersmarts parent technology seminars; Gisella Abramson celebration and tree planting; MS assembly with Mike Lupica, renowned young adult author, columnist, ESPN sports reporter; band and orchestra workshops; and an 8th grade writing workshop.

15th Year Celebration: Plans for our 15th year PTAA gift, the PTAA Auction — Crystal Anniversary, and an upcoming US concert are major events planned to celebrate this milestone. I look forward to celebrating with you during our upcoming PTAA Crystal Anniversary Auction. Have you registered yet? There is still time; don’t delay!

Back to the question at hand, are we engaging parents? The quantity, quality and strategic efforts delivered by the PTAA happens because of active, enthusiastic and talented parents who are committed to building a vibrant community for all. To each and every one of you who have given tirelessly of your time and talent, thank you!

— Monica Udell, PTAA President ’11-’12

2011-12 parent engagement at all-time high

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1500 N. Harrison Avenue

Cary, North Carolina 27513

Telephone: 919-677-3873

Fax: 919-677-4002

www.caryacademy.org

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