One of the hardest jobs faced by PTA & FFS is trying to juggle all of the financial needs of our school WITHOUT constantly conducting fundraisers. I’m sure many of you have cried out in despair, “Not another fundraiser?!” Of course, we are always looking for new, creative ways to raise money for our school, but when you read the newsletters from other schools in our district, you can see they are holding similar events in order to raise greatly needed funds for their schools. In other words, we are not alone. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support so far this year – whether you have donated time, money, baked goods, passed an order form around at the office, served on a committee, or all of the above – thank you for all of your efforts!

Still, I am happy to report that there are NO fundraisers scheduled in December! However, there are a few wonderful opportunities to be involved in our children’s education and the community in which we live.

• We have the opportunity to help others in our community who are in need by contributing items to our annual Holiday Basket Food Drive.
• We will be able to sit down with our child’s teacher during Conference Week (December 1st– 5th) to discuss their progress and set goals for the coming months.
• We will be able to celebrate the success of our fundraising efforts and see our students shine during the All School Dance Recital Program on December 10th. This program is made possible solely through the support of, yes, fundraising by Families for Stevenson and a grant from the Burbank Arts Education Foundation. And, of course, the wonderful instruction by Megan Baade and her teachers from Garri Dance.

Our economy is in such turmoil right now, and many parents are struggling to make ends meet at home, at work, and at school in a day filled with constant distractions and demands. Rather than looking at this holiday season as one where we may have to “cut back” or “do without,” I hope we all will recognize the opportunity we have this holiday season to cherish the many priceless gifts that we share every day with our children and loved ones: love, support, comfort, laughter, and unforgettable moments together. So skip that shopping trip to the mall and turn off the TV. Instead, take a walk outside, help a neighbor in need, or play a game together. It will be a welcome distraction for you, and a priceless gift to your child – the gift of your undivided, undistracted attention.

Carrie Brown, FFS President