Dear Gavilan Peak Families,

Some of the best parts of being a Gavilan Peak family happen outside the classroom. They're the moments — Moms and Dads Breakfasts, Peak Week, the Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Luminaria, Mother-Son Laser Tag, the Father-Daughter Dance, field trips, pizza lunches — when school stops feeling like school and starts feeling like their place. Those days and nights are the heartbeat of our school community, and they exist because parents like you decided to be part of building them.

That's what the PTO really is: a group of parents who decided they'd rather know the people in their child's school than just wave at them in the pickup line. I'm writing today because I'd love for you to join us.

What being on the PTO board actually feels like

It's not just meetings and to-do lists. It's:

• Friendships you didn't expect. Some of the closest parent friendships at Gavilan Peak started with two people setting up lights at Luminaria.
• Knowing the people who shape your child's day. Beyond conferences and classroom check-ins, you'll work alongside teachers and the principal on the events and decisions that make the school what it is.
• A real voice in which events happen, how we fundraise, and how we support our teachers and students.
• The fun of pulling something off together. There's a particular kind of satisfaction in standing in a gym full of laughing kids and knowing you helped make this happen.

About the commitment

I know joining a board can sound like a bigger leap than it is. The truth is, you give what you can, when you can. You won't be handed a binder and left to figure things out alone. Past board members and seasoned event chairs will be right there beside you, with years of playbooks, vendor contacts, and "here's how we did it last year" wisdom ready to share. You'll have a team. Nobody does this alone.

And one honest question

If not you, then who?

It's a question every person currently on the board asked themselves before raising their hand — myself included. The answer turned out to be parents just like us. People who weren't sure they had the time, weren't sure they were "the type," and stepped up anyway. We're better for it — and so is our school.

Your child will only attend Gavilan Peak once. The years move fast. If you've ever thought I should get more involved — this is the invitation.

Let's Talk

I'd love to meet up for coffee and chat — no pressure, no commitment, just a conversation about what the board and PTO does, what's involved, and where you might fit in. You can email me at gavilanpeakpto@gmail.com or call/text 619-696-8620.

We'd love to have you.

Warmly,

Aaryn Ehlers
President, Gavilan Peak PTO