About FFS
The Families for Stevenson Booster Association (FFS) and PTA are Stevenson’s parent volunteer groups. These two groups work hand in hand to provide the much needed support our school requires due to continuing State Budget cuts in education.
The mission of FFS is to raise money to fund Art, Music, Dance and other Specialty programs. The lack of Arts Education funding in public schools today puts more pressure than ever on parent groups like FFS to make up the shortfall. Without the annual fundraising FFS does, your child would not experience these amazing programs!
There is no need choose which parent group to be involved in… The Families For Stevenson Booster Assoc. and PTA share meetings, information and volunteers. By working together, we are having a positive impact on our children’s education!
Want to know more? Come to our monthly meetings which are held on the second Thursday of each month. You’ll get to hear first hand what is going on at school, as well as meet other parents!
Both groups need ongoing parent and community involvement to be successful in making Stevenson a wonderful place to learn and grow! Join us as we help our kids reach for the stars!
Emma and Madeline
Co-President: Emma Clarkson
Coming from England, Emma wasn’t sure what she would find, sending her daughter Madeline to school in a new town and a new country.
She was thankful to find such a great school with so many friendly, welcoming parents and teachers who made it easy to get involved – perhaps a little too easy! From the first days designing the school website, she has gradually become more and more involved in both FFS and PTA, editing the newsletter, organising Talent Show and fundraising for PTA and FFS.
Being part of FFS and PTA as well as the wider school community is incredibly rewarding. I would encourage parents to get as involved as they can. Stevenson is a truly wonderful school with dedicated teachers, staff and a great group of volunteers supporting it. A surprising benefit of being so involved in school is seeing the excitement and pride that my daughter gets from seeing me at school and working behind the scenes to make her and her friends’ experience here the best it can be.
Renée, Jackie and Michael
Co-President: Renée Kregler
Renée has lived in Burbank since 1978 and came to Stevenson Elementary when her daughter Jackie entered the third grade. The following year, she joined the PTA as the 2nd Vice President. In 2008/2009, she took on the role of Treasurer for Families for Stevenson which she is continuing this year, as well as serving as PTA Auditor.
Last year, Renée was also involved as a Room Representative for her son’s kindergarten class and participated on many Stevenson event committees including Breakfast with Dads and Stevenson Rocks.
“Volunteering has always been a part of my life,” said Renée. “My mother taught me the importance of getting involved in the community at a young age and this commitment is something I hope to pass on to my kids.”
“I encourage everyone to become involved with Stevenson Elementary through PTA and FFS,” stated Renée. “With everyone’s busy schedules these days, this is a great way to make a direct impact on your children’s educational experience.”
Lori and Family
Vice-President: Lori Durbin
Treasurer: Michelle Krecl
Tiffany with Scotty & Niko
Events Director: Tiffany Bakas
R.L. Stevenson has been a “second home” for me since my son Niko started Kindergarten 5 years ago. I first began volunteering in the classroom which was so much fun. I have to say that my career in PTA (LOL) started when I was visiting the bathroom during a PTA meeting….Yes, you read that right. I was actually helping my then 3 year old son in the bathroom during a PTA meeting. I had been to most of the meeting and there was only 10 minutes’ left of discussion. I thought I could make a break for it! However upon my return I was receiving “congratulations” for running as the 1st VP. ” WHAT!” I shrieked! “What do you mean?” I asked everyone around me. This is crazy I thought… I had been asked a few days back if I would be the membership person. “Somebody who sends out a few envelopes-NO BIGGY” I was told. I said “I would think on it” and here we are a few days later I was running as 1st VP. The moral of this story is DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LEAVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PTA MEETING! Haha, really it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I did work harder than I thought THAT YEAR. But, along the way I met fabulous, passionate people who I am proud to call my friends! My son Niko is now in the 5th grade and my other son Scotty is in the 2nd grade. I was happy to step up and become the PTA president. This year I want to stay true to PTAs mission- Children’s Advocacy. Because we have such a fabulous Booster Club PTA doesn’t have to do tons of fundraising. We can truly do what we are supposed to do- support and speak for our children. In addition I would like to provide parenting classes for our parents. This will help children’s home life and build a stronger community of families here at Stevenson. I look forward to working amongst fellow PTA presidents and providing each other with ideas and supporting one another.
Kari, Jacob and Dylan
Financial Secretary: Kari Conahan
Kari is a mother of 3, Jacob 7, Dylan 4 and Paige 2. In the summer of 2009 she gave up her career to be home with her children. She knew she always wanted to be a part of her children’s school but she had no idea what she was embarking on.
“I am truly amazed at what both the PTA and Families for Stevenson Booster Association strive to provide ALL our children.
It is a far cry from what I remember as a child. Until I got involved I never realized the amount of time, energy, and creativity each parent puts forth to make extraordinary things happen for all our kids. To be apart of such a profound group of individuals is such a gift.”
Fundraising Director: Kelly Bashar
Kelly Bashar is passionate about the role of arts in the schools. Maybe because of all the studies that support the fact that kids learn better in a creative environment. Or maybe it is because she is a performer and writer who has performed in schools and seen it’s positive effects herself. Most likely, it is because she can vaguely remember way back in the olden times how much she looked forward to any kind of arts program when she was in school.
When Kelly’s oldest daughter started at Stevenson last year, Kelly and her husband Armand made a very conscious decision to be involved as much as possible. With all the budget cuts facing education, parental volunteers and support are key to any school being able to thrive. Armand’s experience as a Graphic Artist and a Burbank native and Kelly’s own artistic endeavors made FFS a perfect way to get involved. Now they have two girls at Stevenson and the bottom line is, their kids, all our kids, will be happier and school will be much more rewarding if we have a strong arts presence.
Auditor: Christy Semsen
Sun Safety Director: Michelle Thornsberry
Gina and family
Teacher Liason: Gina Boulais
Gina Boulais is the teacher liason for FFS. She has 3 children including two in middle school and one who is still here at Stevenson. She also teaches 2nd grade here! Volunteering at school and being a part of school events is so important to Gina. “I choose to volunteer for FFS because I believe that students excel with parental involvement.” So don’t be shy! Sign up for an event or simply ask teachers if you can help in the classroom! It’s a great way to stay connected to your kids while offering a service at the same time.