Susan Ramey and Kristen Schaefer (PTA Mom and long time friend) chat about the project.  Susan is skeptical about sustained success.  Kristen offers a hand.

As told by Susan Ramey.

‘Wow.  That could’ve been a lot worse,’ I thought to myself.  I wonder if I’ll beat Sam home?

“Sue, hi.”

I turned around.  I saw Kristen Shaefer stick her head out of the classroom door, so I stopped and glanced at my watch.  “Hi Kris,” I replied, “are you here to pick up Josh?”

“Of course,” she answered.  “You know, I don’t think my Mom picked me up more than three times after school my entire life. And when she did, I was probably in trouble!”

We laughed. 

“I stay in that minivan for hours a day,” Kristen continued.  “Josh is in the computer lab right now. He sure is excited about the showcase.”

I must have grimaced; I could hear the tenor of her voice change. 

“So how are things going with the big showcase?” she asked.  “You seem to be spending more time here then you do at work these days.”

‘Tell me about it,’ I thought to myself.  I have been involved in this project from the beginning. When Sam asked me to approach her teachers about arranging a field trip to observe the scientists at my office, I thought it was a great idea.  A good learning experience.  But what was once a one-shot event has blossomed into a corporate community project, which I now have to coordinate.  Once the virtual mentoring project began receiving media recognition, my director asked me to become more involved with the Showcase.  Now I can barely keep up…

“I know,” I began, “I was just wondering if I was going to beat Sam home.  I’m leaving a planning meeting right now.  I’m so glad Josh is excited.  So is Sam.  From what I hear the kids are doing a great job.”

After the meeting I just had, I wish I could share their enthusiasm.  I couldn’t help wonder about Pat’s reaction -- or lack, thereof – to the sudden change in plans.  “Pat is placing a lot of responsibility and her reputation on these kids.”  I couldn’t believe I said it out loud, but there it was.

Kristen cocked her head to the side.  “Really?” she said.  “Sue, you seem a little edgy today.  What’s going on?”

I fumbled in my bag for my keys.  Kristen and I have served together on the PTA for years.  Our children have grown up together.  Sometimes it takes me by surprise, how well she knows me. “Oh, it’s nothing new,” I said, and took a step toward the door.  “Just the continuing saga of my life!”

“Tell me about it,” Kristen replied.  “I feel like my life would make a great reality TV show!  So remind me -- when is the big event again?”

“A very short 3 weeks away,” I replied.  “Next month on the 20^th and 21^st”

She nodded her head.  “Well one thing is for sure,” she offered, “all this publicity has to be good for both your organization and the school. And what’s good for your workplace must reflect well on you. After all without you none of this would be happening.”

I smiled.  “Yeah, well, without my persuasive daughter you mean.”

Kristen was looking at my hand.  I looked down and realized I was frantically tapping my car key on the desktop in front of me.  I could tell she wasn’t going to let this one go.

“Okay Sue, let’s have it,” Kristen started. “You’re worried about the showcase, aren’t you?  So spill your guts.  C’mon.  We’ve been through worse things than this together.  Remember the last fundraiser?”

Oh yeah, I remember.  Like most of our other fundraisers, the vendors made more money than we did.  And then all the arguments over how to spend the money …  Never again.  Without Kristen’s cool-headed guidance, it could’ve been much worse.

“You’re right, maybe this showcase isn’t as bad as I thought,” I answered.  I wonder if Kristen would have any interesting insights?  She is so good at problem-solving.  Besides, Kristen really did live for crises like these.  Who am I to deny her these pleasures?  I put my keys back in my bag and patted Kris on the shoulder.  There’s plenty of food in the fridge and Sam is perfectly capable of making her own dinner.

“How about a diet coke while you wait for your future scientist to finish up in the computer lab?” I asked. 

We walked to the vending machine in the main lobby, bought two cans, and slid into an open classroom.  Kristen stood by the door to watch for Josh.

“I take it you are less than impressed with the plan…?” Kris asked in a leading tone.

“I don’t expect the school to be as up to date as a major corporation,” I began, “but this showcase will receive media coverage from across the state. My boss is making sure of that. It just seems like there is something getting in the way.  It is going to take a lot of teamwork to have this school ready by the 20^th. As it stands now, we will all look incompetent.”

Kristen nodded her head attentively and asked, “Is it just the equipment for the presentation?  I’m sure my husband knows some people at his office -- we could borrow a few things?”

“Now that might be a good idea,” I replied.  “But, it is more than equipment I’m concerned about.  It is the logistics.  This group cannot even have a normal meeting. People come and go, there is no agenda, and definitely no leadership.  And I’m concerned we’re putting too much of our fate in the hands of the students…”

“Really?” Kristen looked surprised by what I was saying.  Perhaps I was being too critical?  “What about Gladys?” she continued.  “She seemed to be on top of things when she presented to the PTA last week.”

I could only imagine the slogans she spewed at that meeting.  I was glad I missed it.  I shook my head.  “Gladys, as usual, has visions of universal support in her head. She sees this as an opportunity to shine. I’m not sure she even fully understands the project…" or the frustration, I thought to myself "… or the amount of work that goes into it, and the time our people are donating. You know how it works.  If a big project comes along we may not be able to put in as much time.  We’re already having to readjust our plans because one of the lab teams is behind on their quarterly goals.  I think we need a solid back up plan.  We’ll be fine in a few weeks, but we need to get others involved if this is to continue next year.”

By the look on her face, I could tell Kristen was concerned.  I probably should’ve kept this to myself.  “That doesn’t sound like Ruth and Chris…” she finally answered.  Kristen has always been very supportive of the school and the staff. 

“I know.  I don’t blame them,” I quickly replied.  “They are putting in a lot of extra time on this. But let’s face it, this thing just sort of grew out of control. It was meant as a one-time classroom experience.  That’s how I got involved, anyway. I don’t think they are getting the support they need from Gladys. And there’s tension there, too.  Ruth mentioned that other teachers are feeling the pressure to come up with similar projects, and not just here but throughout the entire district. Pat told me the other day that some of the other school technologists are being asked to evaluate their infrastructure to do similar activities.  She has a meeting with Kelly and the other techies this week; she’s going to find out more.  Anyhow, I’m not sure this competition is a positive thing. You know what Deming says about competition. Besides, corporations like ours are having cutbacks, and the reality is that the money just is not always going to be there to support these things. ”

I took a big breath and exhaled.  It felt good to get those things off my chest.  Kristen was a good friend and I knew she’d have good advice.

She smiled.  “Sounds like you need a consultant,” she offered.

‘More like a referee…,’ I thought to myself, but I’ve seen Kris in action.  “Are you volunteering? If so, I have notes.” I wondered how I could get Gladys and the others to let another parent in without feeling threatened. “You know Kris, we have another meeting scheduled in 2 days.  If I put together an agenda and manage to get all parties into the room at the same time, I think we can develop a plan.”

Kristen was smiling.  I could tell she was excited to be ‘in the loop’ with the project.  “And my role would be…?” she asked.

“What you do best,” I answered.  “Analyze, organize and attack. Speaking of attack, have you seen Jan Stevens lately?” 

Kristen raised an eyebrow.  “Jan Stevens, from the fundraising committee?” she asked.

“One in the same,” I replied.  “I ran into her at soccer practice the other night.  She was very agitated, and she barely spoke to me.  Not that we’re best buddies or anything, but she usually at least comes over and chit-chats.  I walked over to say ‘hi’ and she was very short with me.  Apparently, she has issues with this project and I think she’s planning a meeting with Gladys.  If she starts getting vocal, it could really be bad for the project. You know Jan.  When she puts her mind and money into something there is no stopping her.”

"Don't remind me,” said Kristen.  “You know Jan is old school.  'reading, 'riting, and 'rithmatic.  Anyhow, it definitely sounds like you could use some reinforcements.  Count me in.”

I was glad I had shared my thoughts with Kristen – and that she was willing to help.  This team needs more help.  It shouldn’t take much to convince Gladys of that.  I’ll just tell her that Kris will join us at the next meeting.  Who knows?  Perhaps we’ll even have an agenda ….

“That’s great, Kris.  I really appreciate your willingness to help.”  I patted Kristen on the arm and smiled.

“My pleasure,” she responded.  “You know I love things like this …”  She stretched her neck and looked out the door.  “Hey, Josh,” she shouted, “I’m over here!  In room 204.”  Kristen turned to me as I was pushing my chair in.  “There’s Josh,” she said.  “I have to go.  I’ll call you later?”

“That sounds great,” I answered.  “I need to get home and get some food ready for Sam, anyhow.  Have a great evening, Kris – and, thanks.”

As we walked toward our cars I was feeling much better.  I thought to myself, ‘Gladys and the rest of the staff at Poplar Hill are lucky to have parents so willing to pitch in.’

“This is going to be a great project,” I said to Kristen.

She smiled.  “What could go wrong?” she returned with a wink.

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