A Tribute to Vartika
By Deepika Gajaria
Any given school day, down McCoy, you can spot Vartika running behind her 5th grader who's zipping past pedestrians on his scooter. I look down at my watch and know for a fact there are still a good 10 minutes until the bell rings. “What’s the rush?” I think. But then again, this is Vartika. She is a mom in motion, with hands always full of countless requests, volunteer projects, and her daily rounds checking in with parents, teachers, and even the occasional trespasser!
I have known Vartika since 2015. It was Aug and we just moved to Campbell. I had a toddler who was just shy of 3 years old and we came to tour the FH pre-school. Vartika was there with her daughter and shared the same 512 area code (for all your Austinities, you know how cool that is!). That’s when our friendship began.
Vartika was always hands-on but as the years passed she realized her super power was to get things done! She was always plugged into all the challenges and triumphs our kids faced at school and beyond. Covid was a deciding year for many of us when it was time to send kids back to school and Vartika knew the ins and outs of our rights as parents and where there were gaps.
There is a side to Vartika that many of us have had the luxury to experience- Her culinary works of art. There is never a meeting or a kids' birthday party where she doesn’t show up with the best chocolate chip, pistachio, cardamom, and rose cookies (yes, they are a real thing!) or whip up a flawless tres leches cake for Teacher Appreciation Day. This is her secret weapon to wooing volunteers and setting up long meetings in her welcoming home- We are always fed! And don’t bother asking her for a recipe or a cooking class (unless she auctioned it off during a fundraiser). It's more complicated than high school Algebra II :)
So what I am trying to say is- Thank you! (A little Moana pun intended). From the bottom of our hearts we are all so grateful to be called FH parents and more importantly having experienced it with you, guiding us along.
So as you hang up your shoes from the years of chasing your son down McCoy, I wish you joy, courage and grit for all your adventures!
This community is better off with you being a part of it for over a decade!
Below are just a few snippets of what the community has to say about you!
Here's to a life filled with joy and purpose,
Signing off for now,
Deepika
(A proud FH parent of two boys, Tashi and Vir)
Community Quotes
"Vartika, you are the bee who moves from flower to flower, carrying the pollen of connection, positivity, hope, and community. Because of your tireless love and dedication, Forest Hill has blossomed, and we have all grown into more than we ever imagined we could be." -Nayoun Lee
"Vartika has been a force of positivity on our campus since I first met her in 2017 in Mrs. Hannan's kindergarten classroom. Whether it is organizing interactive, multi-cultural celebrations over Zoom during the pandemic to bring our community together, orchestrating peaceful demonstrations in support of our teachers, or ensuring that there were engaging activities for children in our garden space, Vartika has been involved with her signature smile and can-do attitude! She is a strong engine that has improved the offerings and culture in our school for years and I can't wait to see what she accomplishes on behalf of all kids and families next. There is likely not an activity, event, or tradition at FH in the last 9 years that Vartika hasn't had a hand in helping make happen! :)" -Holly Henry
"Some people help when it's convenient. Vartika helps because it’s who she is. She is the kind of friend who shows up—no matter the task, no matter the need. Dependable, trustworthy, and endlessly generous, she has a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and understood. Vartika’s willingness to help, her ability to connect with anyone, and her steady presence make her the kind of person every community hopes for and every friend is grateful to have. We love you so much Vartika! Thank you so much for all you have done for us as a school community and as a friend" -Amber Menasco
One of the best features of Forest Hill, its vibrant community that makes the school experience so special not just for the kids but also for us parents, is thanks in large parts to Vartika! When my son first joined Forest Hill 6 years back, her inclusivity made us feel at home right away and now I realize that has set the tone for the overall parent involvement that drives the FH PTA." -Rujuta Kulkarni
"Vartika’s passion for Forest Hill is unmatched. I wish I could list all the ways we should thank her but this newsletter isn’t long enough! From the PTA to the multi-cultural potluck to school board initiatives, her commitment to making our school better for everyone is truly inspiring. We have been so lucky to have her; even if we all work together, we will struggle to fill her shoes. Vartika doesn’t just volunteer; she makes us all better!" -Sondra Herbert
"Vartika has been such a caring and dedicated leader for our Forest Hill community. She is one of our children’s biggest advocates and has worked tirelessly to create meaningful events that bring families together and help everyone feel welcome and included.What stands out most is her willingness to help. Whenever a question or concern comes up, she is often the first person to respond with kindness, guidance, and reassurance. She consistently goes above and beyond to support our students, families, and staff.Her dedication, warmth, and leadership have helped shape our school community, and Forest Hill will truly miss her presence." -Melissa Aranda
"Vartika is the most passionate school volunteer I’ve ever met. She has inspired me and I hold her responsible (in the best way!) for getting me into volunteering and I’ll always be grateful for that. Her impact on the FH community has been immense - she has this beautiful ability to bring the community together and create a supportive environment. Over the years, she has taken on many leadership roles and consistently set the bar high! She is superbly organized, involved, and ensures every teacher, staff member, and volunteer feels valued and supported! Be it leading, supporting, listening, helping or just being there - that’s Vartika for you! You’re the best Vartika!" -Sangeeta Katta
"The wonderful thing about Vartika is that she is always willing to listen very attentively when anyone in this community is having a problem, large or small. And then after listening, she thinks of what she can do to help and brings people together to get it done." -Ana Kolendo
"We’ve known Vartika since our daughter (now 5th grader) was in preschool. Initially, I thought she was simply a helpful parent. Little did I know, all the time and effort she would continue to contribute to Forest Hill over the years. The fundraisers, potlucks, festivals, performing arts showcases, cake walks, etc. She has organized protests to advocate for our kids and support our teachers. She does it all with a smile and positive attitude. Vartika’s hard work and dedication is fundamental in making Forest Hill an amazing school." -Praveena and Surendra Gupte
"I'm sorry that you're leaving, but I hope you have a good time at that place. I'm super sad to say this but I hope you have a good first day with the middle schoolers. Goodbye, my friend!" -Johan Pullela