Right about this time of year, school is picking up, fall sports are starting and the holiday season is creeping into stores (and our calendars). In an effort to keep track of all the dates and events floating around, I will be sending out a monthly newsletter with important PFA dates for the current month, as well as announcements about future events.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
- Sunday, 9/8/24: PFA EDUCATION FUND $50,000 GOAL!
We are requesting a $500/student annual donation and are aiming to have $50K by the one-month mark, so we need 35 more parents willing to make this requested contribution to help us reach this goal! The PFA needs to raise $150K this year to help bridge the gap between the funds given to the school by the State and the District and what we actually need to create an amazing learning environment for our kids.
Need to know more about the Ed Fund – well, here you go:
- Did you know that there over 1000 students enrolled at Foothill Middle School this year?
- Did you know that Foothill Middle School is the largest middle school in the entire Mount Diablo Unified School District?
- Did you know that despite these numbers, FMS is still only assigned one full time and one part time school counselor?
Sound crazy? Well, it is! The PFA believes that a study body of this size needs two full time counselors, at minimum, so the Education Fund ensures our students have this. In addition to helping students with individual mental health and social needs, our school counselors also assist with class schedules, implement 504 plans and IEPs, educate the entire school community about important social-emotional issues to foster an environment of support and acceptance and much more. Counselors have direct interaction with our kids and are absolutely crucial to the wellbeing of our student body. Please consider the value these individuals bring to our school and make your tax-deductible donation today!
- Wednesday, 9/11: DINE & DONATE AT BURGER LOUNGE
The most passive (and delicious!) form of school donations is back! The PFA will be partnering with Burger Lounge on Wednesday, September 11th from 11am to 9pm. When our parents support this local business, they graciously give us 20% of all purchases when you mention the Foothill PFA. Ordering online? Use the code “FUNDRAISER” so the purchase will count toward the PFA’s total. See attached flyer for details!
- Wednesday, 9/11: 8TH GRADE PANORAMIC PICTURE
8th grade students are encouraged to participate in a class picture after school next Wednesday at dismissal (1:40 p.m.) on the grass field. We are hoping to be done with the process by no later than 2:30 p.m. Although participation is not required, this is a fun way to capture our graduating class! No dress code or attire required. Just send your 8th Grader and remind them to smile (with teeth, preferably!).
- Monday, 9/23: PFA MEETING – IN PERSON AT SCHOOL LIBRARY AT 7PM
Come meet the PFA Board, Principal Stull and fellow parents at the PFA’s second membership meeting of the year. This month’s meeting will be held at 7pm in-person at the school Library, which is located in the A-hallway, immediately across from the office. Join us for information, snacks, and face-to-face interaction with other parents!
- Friday, 9/27: LAST DAY OF SPIRIT WEAR SALES
The PFA’s online spirit store officially closed on August 31st, so the only way to purchase spirit wear is through the PFA table on Friday mornings! We will continue to sell merch on Friday mornings (between 7:30 and 8am) through the end of this month, but 9/27 will be the last date your child can get the goods. The super popular hoodies and pajama pants are sure to sell out so don’t miss this opportunity to get your kid some gear and support the PFA’s fundraising efforts! Cash, credit, or Apple Pay accepted.
SAVE THE (OCTOBER) DATES
- Friday, 10/4: STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
We need donations of food, drinks or money (to purchase items) to help show our gratitude to our amazing staff who educate, support and guide our kids each day! Keep an eye out for the signup in the coming weeks.
- Monday, 10/21: FMS PARENT SOCIAL AND “ED FUND”RAISER
You won’t want to miss this annual event which serves as a welcome gathering for our parent community. This low-key, high-fun event takes place at Mike Hess Brewery and will give you an opportunity to share drinks, food, and middle school war stories with your fellow Griffin parents. Best of all, the PFA will have gift baskets to (what else?) fundraise for the best cause of all – your child’s education! More info to follow.
- Saturday, 10/26: COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY
Come together with the FMS community to work on much-needed projects at our campus. This half-day event is a great opportunity to beautify our school and give our kids a nicer place to spend their time. For more information, reach out to Lori Bhatia at lhibbeler@yahoo.com. Signups for this popular event will be sent out in early October!
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS?
Do you own your own business and are looking for a way to reach more people? Look no further! Advertising on Konstella offers you easy access to our network of local parents who are invested in our community and interested in supporting local businesses. The PFA also gets a share of the advertising costs, so you can do good at the same time you grow your client base. WIN/WIN! Click below for more details and get your business name on the bottom of the next Konstella message that goes out!
Konstella Business Advertisements
As always, thanks for your anticipated support, involvement, and commitment to our students and school community. Go Griffins!
~Zer Iyer
PFA President