CKA President’s Message Fall 2009 Debra Weller, Mission Viejo When I left the library on July 10th after my storytelling performance, I felt grateful that my summer could begin. Summer break is synonymous with renewal, pondering and nourishing my soul.  Stepping back from the required daily demands of the school year allows a chance to breathe and seek joy in other activities. I feel like Eric Carle’s Hungry Caterpillar emerging from the school cocoon into a beautiful butterfly for a short season.  As a butterfly I can flit amongst family and friends making memories. Each new memory carries me through the busy school year.   The short season finishes abruptly and the return to the classroom is inevitable. I get excited but suffer from anxiety dreams when I put my head on my pillow and plan the first weeks. This year, as we return to our classrooms, we are facing many challenges due to the stifling budget crisis. We know we will be asked to work with fewer supplies, higher class sizes and smaller pay checks. Yet I know each of you will continue to be passionate heroes to the children and families who enter your classrooms. Ben Stein, a journalist, wrote in his final column, “I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters. This is my highest and best use as a human.”  I applaud you for your efforts and continued dedication to educating young children by providing a positive environment for learning. You are my heroes! Membership in the California Kindergarten Association can strengthen and support you through this economically challenging time. This is the only state organization created for Kindergarten teachers and managed by Kindergarten teachers. We have the power to be heroes to our colleagues and heroes for CKA!  Please help CKA to grow in membership by actively recruiting Kindergarten teachers in your district and in the private schools in your communities. Put aside some special personal renewal money to attend the conference in January. Bring friends and make it a celebration weekend.  Refer district and county administrators to our web site www.californiakindergartenassociation.org. We will be offering video teaching tips and workshops on our website within the next six months. Participate in a CKA Kindergarten Teacher Appreciation day on Oct. 11 at a local Lakeshore store.  Help CKA to be a powerful organization representing the most important teachers in young children’s lives-You, the honored hero, the Kindergarten Teacher! Debra Weller CKA President