Proud Mama - Son Runs Marine Corps Marathon

It was a very proud day for me today. My son, Stephen, ran the Marine Corps Marathon. He has been training for months, and had the perfect day for the race. Stephen attended Frederick County Schools, graduating from James Wood in 1999. He attended Lord Fairfax Community College and received his Bachelors Degree from George Mason University. I am proud of all of my children, but today was Stephen's special day.

Peggy Clark

No campaigning today - Special Mom's Day

About the Candidate

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Since mid June, after filing as a candidate for the Frederick County School Board from the Red Bud District, I have visited with folks on about 100 neighborhood streets. As I have visited with voters in the Red Bud District neighborhoods, several questions have been asked.

“How long have you lived here?” I moved to the Winchester/Frederick County area in 1974 to teach Kindergarten at John Kerr. While a single teacher, I met my husband when I was moving into an apartment on Williamson Road (he lived across the hall – very romantic). We were married in 1978, and have lived for over 30 years in the Red Bud District. All of our children attended Frederick County Schools.
“What is your educational background?” I have a Bachelors Degree from the University of Maryland in Early Childhood Education and a Masters Degree from James Madison University in Early Childhood Special Education. I have extensive coursework in the field of Autism, and have taught many students who were on the Autistic Spectrum.
“Where did you teach?” After graduating from college, I taught in Garrett County, Maryland and then worked in the DC area as a secretary in an insurance agency and law firm. I taught Kindergarten at John Kerr, taught 4 & 5 year olds at First Presbyterian’s Weekday School, was the Educational Coordinator for the Migrant Head Start Program, and completed my teaching career as an Early Childhood Special Educator with NREP.
“Have you served in leadership positions?” I was Vice President and President of our local professional organization, the Frederick County Education Association which had over 800 local members from all areas of our education community including teachers, bus drivers, and support staff. While President, I met with members, administrators, and the School Board. I attended all School Board Meetings and had input on salary and budget issues. While President, FCEA adopted Senseny Road in the Adopt a Highway Program.
“What are you doing now?” I retired from teaching after the 07-08 school year. Since retiring, I have continued to be involved with local children and families. I volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic, Healthy Families, and help with Children’s Choir at my Church. Last year I volunteered at NREP, and worked with a child who needed special help.
“What do you see as the greatest needs for the Frederick County School System?” It is important to continue having an excellent academic climate in our schools where students are challenged and successful in their learning. Appropriate class size, adequate salaries, and skilled professionals are all critical to having the system function well. I am also a proponent of Full Day Kindergarten both for benefits to local families and to students who would have time to learn in a more natural and less stressed manner.
“How can the citizens of Red Bud help?” Citizens can help in two ways: first, each family can make volunteering in their child’s school a priority. Second, please vote on November 3. Vote for Peggy Clark – your neighbor, a trusted community leader, and local educator for the past 30 years.

Trust a Teacher - Vote for Peggy Clark

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are less than four weeks from the November 3 election!
Thanks to my husband and many supporters for getting the yard signs in place throughout the district. Everywhere we go the message of "Trust a Teacher" is visible. As I continue to visit citizens each evening, many are beginning to recognize me as a candidate for School Board, and greet me with "I saw your sign", or "I saw the article about you in the paper". My favorite was the gentleman who looked at my flyer that says "Trust a Teacher", and said "OH, YOU ARE THE TEACHER!"

I have been featured in three different articles in the Winchester Star in the last week. On October 6, the Star ran an article about both candidates running for the Red Bud seat on the School Board. The article ran on the front page of the paper, and included a nice picture of each of the candidates which caught the eye of many readers. The link to that article is: http://www.winchesterstar.com/pages/view/budget.html. The article had several of my quotes attributed to both candidates, and included at least one untrue statement from my opponent who was quoted as saying that he had not received a questionnaire from the Political Action Committee of the Frederick County Education Association. Since those are sent by registered mail, and his signature showed receipt of the questionnaire, he was obviously not being completely truthful in his statement to the Star reporter.

My husband printed a heartfelt Letter to the Editor which also ran on October 6. Two articles in one paper - that was a great day for my campaign!

On October 10, the Star ran the Letter to the Editor from Patricia Grosso, Chairman of the FCEA Skyline UniServe PAC with a strong endorsement of my candidacy. I have printed an excerpt of that letter below:
Clark Gets the Nod
Each political season, the Frederick County Education Association committee of the Skyline UniServ PAC meets with candidates for local and state office to determine which are most supportive of our educational goals.
As the chair of the committee, I saw that letters and surveys were sent to all candidates requesting that they call our office to arrange an interview appointment. We received confirmation receipts from all candidates but one. But only one candidate chose to return a survey and meet with us this year.
Peggy Clark is an outstanding candidate for the School Board position in Red Bud District. Peggy served our members well as president of the Frederick County Education Association for two years and as vice-president before that.
She already has a good working relationship with the school administration and with other School Board members. Peggy understands the budget process, School Board policy issues, the SOQs on the state level, and how all of these affect the teachers and students in our schools. She also understands the joys, rewards, and difficulties of being a teacher. It is our pleasure to recommend Peggy as the candidate for Red Bud District.

My thanks to all of you who are helping me to get my message out to the citizens of the Red Bud District. I truly believe I am the best candidate for the School Board Seat from the Red Bud District. My experience as a local educator, parent, and my involvement over the last 35 years in community activities will give me an insiders view of issues and problems that will be brought before the school board in the next four years. I look forward to being given the opportunity to serve the citizens of the Red Bud District.

Peggy Clark

Candidate for Frederick County School Board

Red Bud District

The Weather has been Glorious for Campaigning!

OCTOBER The weather has been absolutely perfect for campaigning! Since mid-June I have spent most evenings visiting with voters in the Red Bud District. My goal has been to make personal contact with as many voters as possible, so that they might know me, and also so that I might learn more of what our local citizens think about the Frederick County Schools. The response has been overwhelmingly positive! What nice folks we have in the Red Bud District!

On Sunday, October 4 I was able to combine personal time with campaigning. My husband and I had an early pancake breakfast at Greenwood Fire Department before he went to his Park Ranger job at Clearbrook. After breakfast, I spent several hours greeting friends and neighbors who came to the Pancake Day. It was a beautiful morning, and everyone went away happy (and full)!


After I attended Church, I donned my sneakers to participate in the CROP walk to help alleviate hunger in our community and throughout the world. I walked the four mile loop around downtown Winchester with friends and neighbors. I think my months of campaign walking made the four miles an easy stroll.


If you would like to get in touch with me, please e-mail me at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net. Hopefully, the weather and everyone's health will stay good, and I can visit lots more of you before the election on November 3.

Happy October!

Peggy Clark

Candidate for Frederick County School Board

Red Bud District

ELECTION DAY IS JUST SIX WEEKS AWAY!

Dear Friends,
Today is the first day of Fall, and that means that election day is just six weeks away! As I have campaigned throughout the Red Bud District, I am finding most people very happy with the School System, and their children's educational process. On November 3, I am hoping to be elected to the Frederick County School Board as a representative of the Red Bud District. It will be wonderful to join a group of individuals who are working so well together to keep our local schools excellent.

The Winchester Star ran an article today titled, Election Deadlines Approach by Drew Houff that gave an overview of the local races.
Here is an excerpt from the article, or you may see the entire article at http://www.winchesterstar.com/pages/view/election.html
Frederick County voters in the Red Bud, Shawnee, and Stonewall magisterial districts will elect their respective members to the Board of Supervisors and School Board.
In the Red Bud District, voters will decide between Republican Christopher E. Collins and independent Richard E. Howett for supervisor and Mary M. “Peggy” Clark and David W. Glander for School Board.
In the Red Bud district, there is no incumbent supervisor. Philip Lemieux announced in August that he would not be seeking re-election because a job he was taking would make him ineligible due to the Hatch Act.
Howett, who currently serves as the Red Bud representative on the Frederick County School Board, decided not to seek re-election and instead try to earn a seat on the Board of Supervisors.
I appreciate your support as I continue through the campaign, hopefully to achieving my goal of being a local educator representing my friends and neighbors on the Frederick County School Board.

Happy Fall!

Peggy Clark

Candidate for Frederick County School Board

Red Bud District

Please contact me at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

TGIF - Trip to the National Zoo

Dear Friends,

On Friday, my husband and I took a daytrip to the National Zoo in DC. It was a glorious day! I thought you might enjoy some of the pictures we took. It was nice to have a little time off from campaigning.

Peggy Clark

Hob Nob in the Valley

HOB NOB

September, 2009

Dear Friends,

I have attended the Chamber of Commerce political event Hob Nob in the Valley several times. This year I was able to attend the Hob Nob as a candidate! How very fun, and a little nerve- racking. My husband Basil and friend Ellen Cunningham attended the event with me. We talked with hundreds of people, and had some great discussions about the School Board race, and others across the State. I was interviewed, and had several "clips" on the late night news on Channel 3. A straw poll was held and I won the straw poll vote for the Red Bud Seat on the Frederick County School Board. I wish it was the real thing, but will have to wait until November 3 for that!

My thanks to all of you who have contributed money to my campaign. I have been able to purchase a variety of campaign materials that are really helping me to get my message out to the voters in Red Bud. At Hob Nob, I think I had one of the nicest displays - all purchased with donated money.

I am continuing to campaign door to door and at local events. I had hoped to reach nearly every voter, but seem to be running short of time. Hopefully, the message is getting out there! Folks are very excited about the prospect of having a recent Frederick County Teacher on the School Board, and I believe the overwhelming response from voters is that they do Trust a Teacher!

Thanks to all of you for supporting me!

Peggy Clark

Candidate for Frederick County School Board - Red Bud District

Please e-mail me at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

A Campaign Gift

Dear Friends,

I have received many wonderful campaign gifts, since I began this journey in June to be the next School Board Member from the Red Bud District of Frederick County. My thanks to all of you who have contributed with money, time, and encouragement. Your faith in me has made me even more committed to serve on the School Board and use my experience and personal gifts to help guide our school system.

Of all the gifts to my campaign, the nicest and most surprising came this week from my "opposition", Gary Hall. Gary had announced his candidacy before I did, and has a love for the Frederick County Schools. He is a caring and concerned citizen who would serve well in any position that he held. After meeting me, and researching my qualifications and commitment to education and the citizens of Frederick County, Gary made the decision to step aside, and back my candidacy for School Board. Printed below is the text of Gary's letter to the editor of the Winchester Star. My thanks to Gary for his gracious action, and helping me to become your next School Board member.

A ‘great fit’
After meeting and getting to know Peggy Clark, I have decided not to run for the Red Bud District School Board seat in Frederick County. I feel Peggy is a great fit for this position. Her background, open-mindedness, and ability to be a great listener should prove to be valuable assets as a representative for the people of the Red Bud District. If you are undecided on a candidate, take some time to talk with Peggy. I think that you will be happy that you did.Thanks to all of you who helped and supported my candidacy. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Gary L. Hall
Frederick County

CALL TO ACTION - SEEK MORE SCHOOL FUNDS!

Dear Red Bud Families,
As your School Board Candidate, I have been visiting with many of you in your homes and neighborhoods. Our schools have gotten off to a fairly smooth start, and children seem happy with their classes, and parents satisfied with their child's teachers and programs.

I am also hearing of the impact of our recent budget cuts from parents, students, and teachers. As we continue to see the impacts to our education system from the economic downturn, it is imperative for citizens to speak out. DON'T IGNORE THE SLEEPING GIANT! If your elected officials in Frederick County, Richmond, and Washington, DC do not hear from you, they will assume everything is just fine, and no additional school funding is needed.

In Frederick County Schools this year, there are many changes due to reduced funding. MANY positions were cut! These were positions in every area of the School System, and their loss means less service to our children. The Federal Stimulus money kept Frederick County Schools from having to cut salaries, but we were dangerously close to having that too.

This is a CALL TO ACTION! As you see issues with your child's education as a result of reduced funding, let your elected officials know. SCHOOL FUNDING IS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK locally, as well as at the State, and at the Federal Level. School Boards across the State and across the Country cannot provide the best education our youngsters deserve with reduced funding.

Citizens of Frederick County, let your voice be heard that our schools need to be a top budget priority. Your children's futures depend on it!

Peggy Clark

Candidate for Frederick County School Board

Red Bud District

To contact me, E-Mail:friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

The Promise of a New School Year

August 26, 2009 - Opening Day of School for Greenwood Mill Elementary School!

August 2009

The start of a new school year always holds such promise! This year the Red Bud District has two new school environments that have opened, which provide new opportunities to our children.

Senseny Road School will now be home to all of NREP (Northwestern Regional Education Program) and several Head Start classrooms. This will mean that our regional special education programs will now all be under one roof. This will cut down on a huge amount of travel time for staff who served students both in the Early Childhood Program and the Severe Disability or Emotional Disability Programs. A benefit to the students will be a facility where all of their needs can be met in a single building.

Greenwood Mill Elementary also opened it's doors to students today. It is a larger school than some of our older elementary buildings, with a beautiful campus set among several of the newer Frederick County neighborhoods. The intention is for Greenwood Mill to be a neighborhood school, where many children can walk or ride bikes to and from school.

I have been campaigning for the Red Bud Seat on the Frederick County School Board. As I have traveled through the Red Bud neighborhoods, I have picked up on the excitement about the new opportunities for our children as we begin this school year. It is a year full of promise for great things, but also some anxieties because of the economy and some changes. Please continue to share your views with me, so that after the elections (if I am priviledged to gain your votes and win), I will be able to represent our families and children in the best possible way.

I am looking forward to a very promising year for our schools. To contact me, please e-mail me at: friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net.

Sincerely,

Peggy Clark

Working Together to Improve Math Scores

Dear Friends & Neighbors,
I have a concern about our youngsters grasp of basic math concepts. In a time where there is a calculator on every computer, cell phone, and desk, all of us tend to rely on these tools rather than performing basic math operations in our heads.
For a campaign tool, I have chosen a simple ruler to both get my message out, and help reinforce basic math concepts. A ruler can be used for measuring distance, as a straight edge, but also as a number line. It is my hope that parents will take some time to show their children how to add and subtract using the number line, and also introduce fractions in an easy, visual way.
Math SOL scores are often less than we would like to see. I feel that a big part of the problem stems from our students lack of a basic understanding of elementary mathematics principles. I encourage parents to help their children and the schools by reinforcing these basic math principles at home. Below are a few ideas that you can use in addition to using my ruler as a number line.

• Teach your child to count out coins.
• Teach your child to read time on a circular clock with hands, not just on a digital one.
• Encourage your child to help you in the kitchen with measuring using measuring spoons and cups.
• Make math fun, and use it every day - do basic math functions without a calculator!

Have a wonderful back to school week!

Peggy Clark

Candidate for Frederick County School Board

Red Bud District

Have questions or concerns? E-Mail me at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

Campaigning with Friends and Family

Peggy Clark, Candidate for Frederick County School Board - Red Bud District

With Baltimore Friends at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley - August 13

Clark Family enjoying the Greenwood Fire Department Dinner and Auction - August 8

August has been a wonderful time to gather with friends and family. This year the "gathering" has gone hand in hand with campaigning. I have attended many functions during the last several weeks with friends and family at my side, all wearing a button saying "Trust a Teacher, Vote for Peggy Clark for School Board" . My Step-Daughter Erin posted a great entry on her blog that features our fun evening on August 8 at the Greenwood Fire Company Yard Party.

http://snappshotphotography.com/blog/2009/08/08/peggy-clark-step-mom-for-school-board/.

Last week, my friends from Baltimore took a "day trip" to come visit me. We went to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley where we were treated to a wonderful tour of the gardens, thanks to my Cousin, Mary Stickley (who is in charge of the MSV Gardens). We also toured the house and museum and ate lunch in the Tea Room. It was a delightful day! My friends all wore a campaign buttons, and told everyone that we met to vote for me. I'm so sorry that my school chums live in Baltimore, and can't vote in the Virginia election on November 3!

Thanks to all the folks who are helping to make my campaigning a wonderful experience. I hope to "make you proud" on November 3!

Peggy Clark

Candidate for Frederick County School Board

Red Bud District

Please contact me at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

Picnic for Creigh Deeds

I was honored to be invited to a picnic at the home of my friends Donna and Dickie Dick in Frederick County on August 11. The purpose of the picnic was to give an opportunity to meet and hear from the Democratic candidate for Governor, Creigh Deeds. I had met Creigh a few years ago, and was very impressed with his caring manner and his obvious love of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

His speech last night reflected his understanding and commitment to education issues. I was thrilled to hear that he shares Governor Kaine's passion for preschool education. Over the last 30 years, I have seen firsthand what a need there is in Virginia, and particularly in Frederick County for quality preschool education for our children. Creigh Deeds is also a strong supporter of increased funding of K-12 public education, and salaries for teachers that keep up with our neighboring states.

I had a brief opportunity to share my views with our candidate for Governor. I was also introduced to the assembled crowd as a candidate for the Frederick County School Board. It was an honor to be recognised at that fine occasion.

Peggy Clark

Candidate for Frederick County School Board

Red Bud District

Please contact me at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

Summer Travels

Dear Friends and Family,

My husband and I usually travel during the summer, but this year we have stayed closer to home to give extra time to campaign for the Frederick County School Board. We are hoping to take our "summer vacation" in November after the election.

I was able to take a short trip to Staunton and Harrisonburg last week. On August 2, my sisters and brother gathered at Bethel Church in Staunton to remember our Mother who would have turned 90 on August 5. She would have been my greatest supporter in my School Board Campaign, and I credit her with shaping the person I am today.

I was also able to attend the first several days of the Bible and Music Conference at Massanetta Springs in Harrisonburg. I attended the conference many times for a day or an evening with my Mother over the years, but never to stay "on campus" for several days. It was a bittersweet time for me. The experience of hearing powerful Bible speakers was amazing, as was the chance to practice in a choir under a nationally known director. However, the experience pulled at my heart strings as I remembered my Mother who passed away in November, and was such a part of my Massanetta experience. The last morning I was there, I took picures of the wake-up bagpiper. His music filled the air, and was a fitting end to my days at the conference.

Hope you are all having a renewing summer!

Peggy Clark

Candidate for Frederick County School Board

Red Bud District

Please contact me at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

Summer Campaigning

Dear Friends,
I have been having an exciting time campaigning for the position of Frederick County School Board Member from the Red Bud District! Here are two pictures of events I have participated in during the last week.

• On July 17, I was invited to attend and speak at the Blue Ridge Women's Picnic which was held at the Winchester Park. It was a wonderful event with great food and great folks. Everyone was so warm and friendly, and I had an opportunity to present my thoughts and positions regarding the School Board Seat. My thanks to the Blue Ridge Women!



• On Tuesday, I attended the July School Board meeting. The events at the meeting were well covered in the Winchester Star article on July 22. The main event was changing the name of Senseny Road Elementary to Senseny Road School.



• On Friday, July 24, I volunteered at the Free Medical Clinic's Refreshment Booth at the Bluemont Concert on the Loudoun Street Mall. I baked cookies to sell, and helped other Free Medical Staff & Volunteers during the concert. They did very well, and increased needed funds and gave exposure to this worthwhile organization.



• I have been visiting with voters in the Red Bud District. Virtually everyone has been warm and friendly. I have been challenged with some difficult questions. I appreciate the honest sharing of ideas. It will help me to better represent the citizens of Red Bud after the election.

I hope you're having a great summer!Please contact me at my e-mail address: friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

Peggy Clark

I Love Virginia!

I love living in Virginia! The picture I've posted is one of thousands we've taken over the years of me and the family in various places around the State. This one is at the Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where my husband and I spent last Sunday afternoon.

As we raised our children in this beautiful State, we took them to literally hundreds of places around the State. Often the places we visited, were also visited by folks who had traveled hundreds of miles to see the exact same spot. We are so fortunate to have nature, history, and government right at our back door.

I would encourage all of you to take the opportunity to take day trips or longer journeys to places in Virginia. We are blessed to live here. I once gave my Mother a plaque with the following inscription. It's a little corny, but says it well:

"To be a Virginian, either by birth, marriage, adoption, or even on one's mother's side, is an introduction to any state in the Union, a passport to any foreign country, and a benediction from the Almighty God." (Anonymous)

Enjoy your Virginia Summer,

Peggy

Candidate for Frederick County School Board

Thanks to Friends and Family

Thanks to my Friends and Family for offering so much support to me in my campaign to be the next School Board Member from the Red Bud District. I appreciate your creative ideas to help make campaign materials, and your expertise in so many areas. I have very talented and energetic friends and family!

This is a picture with our first Clark child, Lisa, who attended Senseny Road Elementary when they still had 6th grade! She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Roanoke College, and appreciated the education she received in the Frederick County School System.

Peggy Clark

Candidate for School Board

Red Bud District

A New Day for Senseny Road School

It is a new day for the landmark school in the Red Bud District - Senseny Road School. My four children all went to Senseny Road for their elementary years, and I spent time volunteering, attending school events, and leading cub scouts in that building. I also taught at NREP for 15 years. This combination makes me uniquely qualified to make decisions for Red Bud citizens as your next School Board Member.

I wanted to give you an update on what is going on at Senseny Road.

• The Senseny Road Teachers and Staff packed up their rooms in June, and almost all of the boxes and furniture has been moved by the Frederick County Maintenance Staff.
• Kristin Waldrop, has moved from her office at Senseny Road to her new office at Greenwood Mill.
• The NREP Program Administrator, Ralph Reese and Assistant Administrator, Rita Copenhaver are settling into their new offices at Senseny Road.
• The maintenance staff is doing wonderful things in the building to spruce things up before the NREP boxes and furniture arrive in August.
• Classrooms and therapy rooms have been designated. The three programs within NREP (and two Head Start Classrooms) will be altogether once again under one roof.
• The Early Childhood Programs will be located in the areas that were the Kindergarten and first grade. This should be a wonderful area for our little ones to grow and learn.
• All of the NREP students will enjoy using the Senseny Road Gym and Cafeteria!

This is a busy summer for the Red Bud District. All of the major school happenings are going on HERE! I look forward to keeping the citizens of Red Bud informed on the progress of our schools over the summer. Please e-mail me your thoughts and concerns. Your concerns are my passion!

Peggy Clark

E-Mail: friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

A Nostalgic View of Senseny Road School

SENSENY ROAD SCHOOL has been a landmark in Frederick County for many years. This year it will change from it's position as the Red Bud district's elementary school to the new site of the Northwestern Regional Programs (NREP). I was a teacher at NREP for 15 years, and a parent of children and step-children at Senseny Road School for 25 years.

My history with Senseny Road School is unique, and gives me an insight to the assets and issues of this community. As a candidate for the Red Bud seat on the Frederick County School Board, I wanted to share some of my connections with Senseny Road.

• We lived within a mile of Senseny Road School for 10 years.
• While my children attended Senseny Road School, I was an active parent volunteer.
• I was a substitute teacher at Senseny Road before returning to full-time teaching.
• I was a Cub Scout Den Mother at Senseny Road for 4 years.
• As FCEA President, I organized the Adopt a Highway program. Our "highway" was Senseny Road. For two years, I went out on Saturday mornings with family and co-workers to keep Senseny Road litter free.
• For the past 20 years, I have lived a few miles from the school, but still travel Senseny Road every day. I have watched the changes to the building and community over the years.

I have been involved in the Senseny Road Community for over 30 years. I am proud of this heritage, and seek your vote on November 3 to elect me to be your next School Board Member from my home district - Red Bud.

Frederick County is Growing Strong!

Frederick County's Population is reported to be up 25% since the 2000 census! That is an increase of 14,689 people going from a total population of 59,209 in 2000 to 73,898 in July of 2008! Read all the details in the article found in the Winchester Star, dated July 7, 2009.

The rise in population has a tremendous effect on our County government, especially relating to the Schools. As you consider your vote on November 3, take time to research the candidates running for local offices.

I am running for the Red Bud Seat on the Frederick County School Board. I have :

• Lived in Frederick County for over 30 years (IN THE REDBUD DISTRICT).
• I taught school in Winchester/Frederick County over the last 30 years.
• My children all attended Frederick County Schools.
• I have been a leader in the school system, church, and community for over 30 years.
• I have the knowledge, experience, and passion to represent you on the School Board.

Vote for Mary M. "Peggy" Clark

Red Bud Seat - Frederick County School Board

Comments? Concerns? E-mail me at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net

Thankful for a Wonderful 4th of July

********************

Dear Friends of Peggy Clark,

I am a huge fan of fireworks, and was able to see a great display at the Winchester Park on Friday night. Then on the 4th, I watched the displays from DC, Boston, and New York on television. The ones at New York were so amazing!! I am thankful that even with financial strains on the budgets of cities and towns across this great land, that many areas still let us enjoy this proud tradition.

Happy July to all!

It's always a good thing to be looking up!

Peggy

Kudo's from Peggy Clark

A big THANK YOU to some folks who are helping me with my campaign for Frederick County School Board.

THANK YOU Marilyn Heath Lauffer at http://www.virtualdollhouse.net/ under EarthScapes by Heath...Naturally for giving me the rights to use her lovely Red Bud picture for my campaign materials.

THANK YOU to Erin and Corey Snapp at http://www.snappshotphotography.com/ for helping me set up this blog, and taking the pictures you'll see on the blog. They take incredible pictures - check out their website!

THANK YOU to folks who have contributed to my campaign - The Friends of Peggy Clark. Your monetary contributions are making it possible for me to get my message out to the voters in the Red Bud district of Frederick County.

If you would like to contact me directly, please e-mail me at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net.

Welcome to the Friends of Peggy Clark!

Welcome to the Friends of Peggy Clark,

On June 8, 2009 (two days after my son's wedding), I announced my candidacy for the Red Bud Seat on the Frederick County School Board. I am very excited about this opportunity to serve the citizens of Frederick County.

On June 16, I made a formal announcement of my candidacy to the Frederick County School Board. Below are excerpts from my speech.

I'm Peggy Clark, Retired Frederick County Educator, and former President of The Frederick County Education Association, and I would like to announce my candidacy for the Red Bud Seat on the School Board. I come to you as a candidate to become a member of a Board that I have known and repected for many years.

I have been an educator all of my life. After my graduation from the University of Maryland, I taught 1st and 2nd grade in Oakland, Maryland. Then after a short stint as a secretary in Washington, DC, I came to Winchester to teach kindergarten.

I took off for a number of years to be a stay home Mom, but the call to teach was too strong, and I taught Preschool during my children's preschool years. I also was Educational Coordinator for the Migrant Head Start program for several years.

I returned to full time teaching in 1993 as an Early Childhood Special Educator in a position that I held for fifteen years. During those years, I became involved in the Education Association, serving as a Building Representative, Membership Chair, Vice President, and then President in my last two years of teaching.

My children attended Frederick County Schools from Kindergarten through graduation. They both went on to graduate from college, get great jobs, and marry. I know how good Frederick County Schools are, and have been involved in all facets of the school system for many years.

I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve on the School Board. My experience as a 30 year resident of the County, a parent of children who spent their entire school career in Frederick County, and an educator qualify me as an excellent candidate. I also have the recent background as the Education Association President where my duties included attending all school board meetings, meeting with the superintendent and others in the administration. I worked with employees at every level to ensure that Frederick County Schools were a wonderful place to teach and to learn.

I believe in Frederick County Schools, and I believe I will be a great asset on the School Board. I look forward to joining you after the November election.