““Community support allows teachers to plan and execute an enriching and meaningful curriculum at Arthur, it really does. And that’s huge.””
a Note from FOCA CO-PRESIDENTS
What a year it has been! This time last year, we were preparing to begin our journey as FoCA co-presidents. We would like to thank each and every member of FoCA’s Board for their patience and support as we found our way. This transition marked the beginning of a new phase for FoCA, acknowledging that we are no longer a fledgling start-up but a well established institution in our community. We successfully held our first open call for new Board Members, adding four talented, dedicated members of the community to our team this June. Our Board now includes institutional knowledge and deep commitment from long-time Board members coupled with new energy and perspective. What more could we ask for?!
What many people don’t know is that FoCA also has an extensive Committee structure, where hard-working volunteers plan events, write grants, weed gardens and more. We are so grateful to our Committees for contributing time and talent in support of FoCA’s mission. Thank you!
We would also like to extend a hearty congratulations to outgoing Arthur Principal Kim Newman. We count ourselves lucky to have had such a willing partner at Arthur these past five years. You worked so hard, usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. And yet you routinely attended FoCA Board meetings and events, responded to endless text messages and phone calls, and went out of your way to welcome not just FoCA but the entire community into your building. Fortunately, you not only led the school well, you helped prepare it for the future by mentoring Arthur Interim Principal Vic Hunter and nominating him to the FoCA Board a year ago. There couldn’t be a smoother transition and we can add that to your long list of accomplishments!
Of course, without the passionate commitment of our supporters, none of this is possible. From helping us raise $205,000 that provide for amazing programs like Bilingual Butterflies, Lego Robotics, and Dancing Classrooms, to attending events that help build community and connections among neighbors, the Arthur village continues to shine. FoCA’s vision is that Chester Arthur serves as an anchor and point of pride for the community. We are humbled by your support in this effort and look forward to another year of amazing results!
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Shannon Braden and Leigh Botwinik
Interim Principal
Vic Hunter
It is my distinct pleasure to partner with FoCA and the Chester Arthur community as Arthur’s Interim Principal for the 2018-2019 academic year. At this time of transition, I thank Principal Newman for her unfailing commitment to Chester Arthur and am eager to build on the momentum gained under her leadership. I first decided to pursue a degree in education when visiting my son’s classroom at Arthur 20 years ago and eagerly joined Arthur’s staff 11 years ago - first as a teacher and then as Arthur’s Teacher Leader. Education at Arthur is my passion, and I am committed to further developing the enriching and well-rounded academic and extracurricular experience Arthur offers all its students. Thanks to your continued support, and the dedication and hard work of Arthur’s incredible teachers, staff and students, I am confident that Arthur will continue to trend up this year and I am grateful for the opportunity to be at the helm!
HSA President
Elle Topche
The Home and School Association (HSA) is the direct link between Arthur families and student life at Chester Arthur. We work to connect and excite Chester Arthur families, teachers and staff about school activities occurring throughout the year! The HSA is also FoCA's partner in the school. Both organizations regularly interact to assist Arthur’s amazing teachers and staff in their efforts to ensure a fun and safe educational experience for all Arthur students.