My name is Vivian Ortiz and I am the Parent Coordinator for P.S. 246 Poe Center School. I am also the proud mother of two amazing sons; a twenty one year old former student of P.S. 246 and a nine year old current student at the school.

Regrettably, I was not always as involved in my children’s academic life as I should have been; avoiding all the conferences and PTA meetings with the infamous ‘too busy’ excuse.

However, on September of 2015, I decided to change that and went to the first PTA meeting of the school year. I was surprised to find only eight other parents in attendance, and took my seat feeling both guilty and curious.  

The information the principal provided us that evening (general information, school events, fund raising initiatives etc.) blew me away. I had no idea such a wealth of information was given at these meetings. Motivated, I made certain to attend every meeting for the rest of the year.

However, after seeing the continued lack of attendance and participation by parents, I approached the principal and asked how I can contribute to the school. Needless to say, she was elated by my offer! She explained all the ways I could be of help and I immediately brought up fundraising for the school through box tops for education. The principal suggested I give a presentation on the program at the very next PTA meeting. The rest, as they say, is history.

The following year, I signed up to be in the PTA committee. My intentions was to be a secretary or treasurer but almost every other candidate was running for the same thing. So I also put in for the president, and to my surprise, I won! It almost felt like a set up! I was very nervous about the new role, not knowing what to do or where to begin, but thankfully the principal took me under her warm, supportive wing. She showed me the ropes, and thankfully the rest of the staff was supportive as well. It felt like I had been doing it for years!

I am now on my fourth year at PS 246 first three as PTA President and now as Parent Coordinator. It has been quite an amazing journey. I have had the privilege of meeting all the wonderful families of our kids and as well as those from other schools. This has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made in my life. It has been a pleasure helping our kids and guiding their parents to resources and information they need to be part of their child’s academic life.

I was originally compelled to join the PTA after years of wondering, “Why this?” and “Why not that?” Then it occurred to me; why not be part of the change you wish to see? Since then, it has been an honor and a privilege helping to support our children’s education and work with an amazing group of parents and educators. I am pleased to be part of an organization that is committed to making a difference in the education, health, and safety of all our students. But to truly challenge and nurture our children with educational programs, events, and services, requires all the support we can get. Your contributions, whether it is your time or ideas, makes all the difference in the world.  

As Jane Hull says; “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.”