To All of the Wonderful Parents and Members of Atlantic Beach PTA:
As the 2020/2021 school days dwindle down and the anticipation of summer break escalates, I want to take the time to share a few reflection points from this past school year. When I try to encompass this past year into a singular word, I think of the word “perseverance” as there have been so many challenges that we have faced during the school year, yet we still endured. But as I continue to reflect, the word “Resiliency” seems to be a better fit. The definition of resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties (i.e. toughness) or the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape (i.e. elasticity). We started the year off not knowing what school would look like in August of 2020 (all virtual, all in-person, or some combination of both), the concern of campus closings throughout the year due to COVID outbreaks, the shuffling of teacher classrooms due to students transitioning back to campus, and the list can go on an on. But through it all, the students, teachers, and administrators bounced back from whatever setback that occurred this year. I attribute that “resiliency” to the model you set for them at home.
All of you were amazing in making this year successful in spite of all of the year’s challenges. You created outdoor classroom space by allowing the PTA to purchase 12 new picnic tables for ABE. You poured out your love and appreciation to the teachers and administrators by supporting Teacher Appreciation Week in the Spring as well as other teacher appreciation gifts during the year. You showed up for the Spirit Nights throughout the year that not only helped fund projects at ABE, but also supported our local business partners in their time of need. You continually fund the Teacher Grants Program that allows our teachers to purchase items for their classrooms and get 100% reimbursement. You gifted $3,500 to help fund the Leader-In-Me program at ABE which helps our students fulfill their leadership potential. You sponsored Spirit Day at ABE that showed the students the Spirit of the Dolphin as well as gifted each student with an ABE drawstring bag. You funded replacement items for the school in times of need: the refillable water bottle station in the main hall, a new refrigerator in the teacher lounge in conjunction with FABE (Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary). You purchased a new music program that incorporates more interactivity with the students. You gifted each student with a new book for summer through Scholastic Book Fairs. You got a Gaga Ball Pit for Coach Carper! (Well, technically it was for the children to have another outdoor activity.... but Coach Carper has been really excited about this for quite some time.) You partnered with FABE to refurbish the marquee to help beautify ABE’s campus. And I am sure I am missing other examples of your awesomeness, but like I said before, you are amazing!
All of ABE’s PTA programs are funded by your generosity through membership dues, purchases of tote bags & ABE t-shirts, donations, and most importantly your support of Dolphin Fest. Without you, the Spirit of the Dolphin would not exist and our children would not have such a wonderful school to attend. You make ABE happen.
Thank you so much for allowing me to serve as your ABE PTA president this past school year. It has been my honor to do so. I trust you will have a relaxing summer and I look forward to seeing you on Aug 10th for ABE’s PTA first event of the 2021/2022 school year - BooHoo/Yahoo Breakfast!
Sincerely,
William Peterson
Spirit of the Dolphin Awards: Tina Spina and Teresa Romano
This is an annual award traditionally given to someone leaving the school. The award itself is in recognition of someone that has gone above and beyond volunteering. It is for someone who has enriched our little pink school and left a lasting mark for our students, teachers and families. This year, we have two such recipients.
Tina Spina
Tina Spina has been a rare gem at ABE. With her quiet and gentle touch, she has enriched all of the lives at ABE with her talents, dedication and love for all ABE students.
If anyone has embodied the spirit of the dolphin, it is most certainly this kind and loving woman. Never one to say no to students or parents when needing help, she has always gone out of her way to lend a hand wherever and whenever she could.
Tina has consistently gone the extra mile and worn so many "hats" while at ABE. She has always given her time and heart so selflessly, never once complaining about extra tasks and special requests that came her way. i.e. Cultural Arts, Testing Proxy, Book Fair, Yearbook, Dolphin Fest, Video Crew, Leadership Club just to name a few. None of these events, programs or projects could have been possible or as successful without her guidance or support.
Tina has, is and will always be one of the best "dolphins" at ABE.
Teresa Romano
Teresa Romano has definitely been an unsung hero at our little pink school. As the yearbook photographer, she was at nearly every school event, for the duration of the event, making sure each grade level was photographed and represented. As co-chair of the Book Fair, she helped ensure the library was stocked with good reads and each student had a book to call their own.
For the last five years, she has quietly and tirelessly been behind the scenes capturing memories for our yearbook; for the last three years she has been ensuring our library had new books, students received free books and advising student leadership clubs.
Teresa has touched all of the lives at ABE with her talent for photography, her passion for children's literacy and her desire to encourage and support all of the students at our little pink school.
It is with this in mind, we happily and gratefully name her as this year's Spirit of the Dolphin award recipient. A small acknowledgement for all of her efforts and dedication to our school. Thank you Teresa for being amazing you!
Volunteer of the Month: Erin Allen
As our school year comes to an end, we would like to celebrate one final Volunteer of the Month: Erin Allen. Erin is a very special parent who helps our school in so many ways. At the beginning of this year, she spearheaded the effort to get new picnic benches for the Kindergarten classes; a huge help as our school has increased its outdoor teaching. Erin is also in her second year serving as president of FABE (Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary). This year Erin helped to organize Dolphin Dash without the need for Boosterthon, which raised more funds than in previous years. These funds are vital in providing so many extra programs for our children (extra PE teacher, school technology upgrades, outdoor shade structures, etc). Thank you Erin for donating so much of your time in order to help make ABE an extra special place for all our children!
Volunteer Opportunities with the PTA
Are you looking for ways to get more involved in your child's education? The PTA at ABE is a great way to do just that. There are opportunities that can fit your schedule and offer lots of flexibility.
Current open positions include:
VP of Communications
Yearbook Chair
Hospitality Chair
Walk-n-Roll Chair
and many others.
For more information contact Kate Ryder or visit the ABE PTA website here.
Order School Supplies Online by June 4th
Want to save time shopping for school supplies this summer? Of course you do!
Wait for your order to arrive (before the first day of school)
Go to the beach!
Box Tops (yes, in the Summer, too!)
Business Partners
Donations from our Business Partners specifically assist programs that impact students directly, such as the book initiative, reading programs, leadership team grants for faculty, resource class support, school beautification initiatives, teacher appreciation, connectivity for families and more. As we receive updates on our school calendar and programs, ABE PTA is committed to ensuring the Business Partner program continues with exposure to ABE families and students both in-person and virtually. Without the continued partnership of Business Partners and PTA Members like you, these programs would not be possible.
Do you own a local business or know one would love to support ABE? We are currently working to secure our Business Partners for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year and would love to connect with local businesses. Please contact Lindy Mullen at lindy.y.mullen@gmail.com for more details.
Platinum
Fishman Pediatric Dentistry
Bach to Rock Jacksonville Beach
MBody Yoga
HC Brands
Beaches Orthodontics
Gold
The Brace Place Orthodontics
Farmers Insurance Jim Jordan Agency
Aqua East Surf Shop
Jacksonville Mom
Jax Surf & Paddle
Jumpin’ Jax House of Food
Mathnasium Beach Blvd.
Johnson's Cabinetry & Flooring, Inc.
Beaches Wellfest
Beach Lacrosse
Morgan King - First Coast Sotheby’s
Whit's Frozen Custard
Silver
The Tutoring Center
Palm Insurance - Tom Alford
SourceFuse
Bronze
The Healing Playroom
Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center
Dolphin Donation Partners
HC Brands
Rockaway
Sumo Design Studio
If you know a local business interested in becoming a part of our Business Program, we want to know!
Contact Lindy Mullen, Business Partner Liasion or visit
