This column is a regular contribution from Wilton Newcomers Club president Tara Thompson.

Do you know what WEF is?  If you’re like me, you probably just assumed it was some new acronym you would eventually have to use Urban Dictionary to decode.  And it probably does mean something cool and trendy in cyber-space (doesn’t everything?), but here in Wilton anyway, it stands for something pretty important:  Wilton Education Foundation.

Now that you know what the letters mean, are you wondering what the Wilton Education Foundation actually does?  Me too!

My three children are all enrolled in Wilton public schools. Technically, I am even a member of the PTAs at Miller-Driscoll and Cider Mill… which until now I’ve joined mostly to get the school phone book (or the Holy Grail for arranging playdates).   But so far, my involvement in school-related issues has been sorely lacking beyond helping my kids with their homework and making sure we had enough hair chalk on hand for Reading Rocks’ “Dress Like a Rock Star” day. Kind of silly considering that one of the main reasons we moved to Wilton was for the schools.

I’m vaguely aware of all the good WEF does:  they sponsor Reading Rocks!, the Get Smart for Wilton 5K each May, and the really fun “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?” and other programs like that, and all the money they raise helps fund important extras for the schools, like SMARTboards and teacher development. But I’d definitely like to learn more–and maybe there’s even something I can do to help.

On Monday, March 2 (yes, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the Sunday evening snowstorms will have ceased by then) at 10 a.m. in the WHS professional library, please join the Wilton Newcomers Club for bagels and coffee as we learn how WEF impacts teachers and students; have a conversation with superintendent Kevin Smith, WEF Board members and several teachers; and find out about volunteer opportunities. This meeting is not just for Wilton Newcomers Club members, it is open to everyone–but to make sure there are enough seats, bagels and coffee for everyone we do ask that you sign up via our website.

Regardless of how old our kids are, there is always something we can do to help them emerge from the protective parent bubble we try so hard to keep them wrapped within. WEF might be a great outlet for parents looking to get more involved in the process.  I know I’m looking forward to this meeting and I hope you are too.  See you on March 2!