Date: October 31st 2008

Subj: Time to step up

Well, it is here. Senior night and my son's last home football game. As I look back on seven years of hard work for the HHS band boosters during marching season, I don't think so much about what all I had to give, but what my sons received from it. I know there are other senior parents, who have also worked very hard, thinking these same thoughts about their own involvement and what it meant to their sons and daughters.

But then I have another thought, and this one is not as pleasant. I think of how hard it has been to get parents to step up and become involved these last two years. Some of you underclassmen parents (and middle school parents) have
stepped up. You have worked shift after shift at the choo choo, the concession stand, and/or the wrapping booth, sought support for the band from our local area merchants, and helped in many other ways, and I thank you for all you have
done. But what about the rest of you?

Who will be the next ones to step up to the plate and help out? Yes, it is tiring work, sometimes in the cold or heat. But isn't it worth it? Aren't your kids worth it?

Tonight is senior night. Senior parents will be involved, and rightly so, with the activities of the night and will not be available to work concessions. So here is a chance for you to step up and help.

Soon, and very soon, the senior parents, and even alumni parents who help, will come to the point of no longer being involved. What will you do then? How will you know how to do the jobs that are left open, the jobs that must be done to
make band happen?

Wrapping booth will soon be starting up, and it must be manned by at least one adult every hour the mall is opened. If we don't do this, they could shut it down and not allow us access there anymore.

At this point of the year, we start to break even financially. Though there are some large expenses still to come for concert band, much of what we raise now is for next year's band to have the necessary funds to have band camp and start marching season. So, what is the cost of not stepping up? Well, monetarily, if these fundraisers aren't manned and fail, band fees will soar to a minimum of $1,250 per student. But isn't there a greater cost? My sons know I have supported their interest in music. They know I understood their desire to be involved in the band and the benefits to them of an education in the arts. Moreso, I know I have supported them. And that's something you can't put a price on.

Won't you step up to the plate? Call Laura Dilisio (619-1033) and make plans to help out for concessions at this last home game.