The apple is the universal symbol for school, and has a symbolic meaning. The PTA can also be described as an apple. The children are the seeds, which will grow into trees and one day, stand strong on their own. The school is the fruit, which nourishes the mind and feeds the hunger for knowledge. And the parent is the core… The one who protects the seeds, supports the fruit, and brings the two together.

So as you can see, it takes each one of us, working together, to take the small, fragile seed of a child's mind and raise it into a strong tree, who can spread out his branches and reach for his dreams.

Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

~ Margaret Mead

Every time I read that quote, I get excited about all the possibilities we have to make a difference in the lives of children. It doesn't really matter how we do it... serving on the school board, being a teacher in the classroom, serving as president of a local unit PTA, or simply volunteering in your child's school as the room parent or "popcorn lady"... every second counts.

As a child raised by a single father, I know first hand that confusion, loneliness, and low self-esteem can create giant obstacles that a child feels are too big to overcome. I can't stress enough, the importance of making a child feel loved, cherished and safe. We may not always know what is going on in that child's home, and we may be the only happy moment in their day. Talk about having an important job!

A children's Advocate... Nothing is more important! I challenge you to make a change in the life of a child. Who knows, that child might just make a change in yours.

Melody Bills
President ~ Lubbock ISD Council of PTAs