Contents

Letter from the Editors

Parents Association FAQs

Fall Picnic:
A Blanket Success

SFDS
Upcoming Events

SFDS Calendar

SFDS eNews Homepage

FAQs about the Parents Association

What is the Parents Association?
Simply put, the Parents Association is the framework through which most parent volunteering gets done.

The PA has three main goals:

• build community
• raise money for the school
• support the faculty and staff

The PA oversees more than 24 events, fundraisers, and committees. Together these require hundreds of volunteers to succeed. It’s the job of the PA to help structure these activities, supply volunteers, and make sure they run smoothly.

How do I become a member of the PA?
Are you a parent? Then you’re already a PA member. To become an active member, on the other hand, you need to volunteer in some way.

How do I volunteer?
Easy. Scroll through the list of activities sponsored by the PA (you’ll find one at http://www.sfds.net/Ways_to_Give/Volunteers/index.html). Pick something you like, then call or email the person in charge. You can also contact the volunteer coordinators, Caroline Louie and Rich and Andrea Scheve, who can steer you to activities that need volunteers.

Who is in charge of the PA?
Each spring, parents elect four people to head the Parents Association. Officers for 2007-2008 are:

President - Elaine Foppiano
President-Elect - Diana Wolf
Treasurer - Liz Kind
Secretary - Richard Lew

What kinds of events and activities does the PA oversee?
The PA oversees more than 24 different activities. They include

• fundraisers (e.g, Library Party, Scrip),
• community-building events (e.g., Fall Picnic, Concert for the Community), and
• support for faculty and staff (e.g., Staff Treats, Library Helpers).

What is the most popular event?
The centerpiece of the PA calendar is CultureFest. Held annually in the spring, this evening, adults-only event is built around a cultural theme that changes every year. Last year, the theme was Hawaii. Parents are treated to a sparkling night of music, cocktails, dinner, silent auction, culminating in a live auction. More than 500 people attended last year, helping the School raise more money for tuition assistance. 

What are other popular events for new parents?
Two of our most popular events are:

• The Library Party, coming up on October 25-26. A perennial favorite for parents and children, this year it’s being coupled with Family Photo Night.
• Grandparents and Special Friends Day, scheduled for February 15. This half-day event gives parents the opportunity to help out in the classroom, while their children get to show off their school to grandparents and adult friends.

Where can I get more information?
Visit the Parents Association pages of the SFDS website http://www.sfds.net/Parents/.