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!
Jennifer and Autry
Co-President: Jennifer Jesperson
Jennifer always knew that she wanted to be involved in her son’s school. She comes by it naturally as her mother was the President of the PTA when she was a child. Jennifer started volunteering as soon as Autry started kindergarten and never stopped. In 2008/09, she was the Vice President of the PTA and the Secretary of Families For Stevenson. Now, as Co-President of FFS, Jennifer hopes to raise awareness among the parents and community and to continue to raise more money for the arts. It’s a proven fact that children who are exposed to the arts do better in school and life.
Today, it is recognized that, to be truly well educated, our children must learn to appreciate the arts. With the tragic cuts in our school budgets we, as parents, must do everything we can to help our children. “Music is in our blood. My husband Peter and I have worked in the music business for decades and it continues to inspire us daily. We hope Autry learns to love the arts in general as much as we do.”
Jennifer wants to extend an invitation to anyone and everyone to get involved in FFS. “As a team, we work very hard to ensure that our children get the best education we can possibly give them. Please join us in our quest! We have a great time and we’re always looking for new ideas!”
De and Arthur
Co-President: De Eldridge
De had no idea what challenges and fun she was about to embark upon when showing up for her first PTA/FFS meeting. Stepping up to volunteer for various events throughout the year, she became increasingly more involved.
“I will never forget the proud smile on my son Arthur’s face each and every time he sees me working at school. Volunteering has created yet another special bond for us.”
In her second year she tackled the school’s newsletter (the Pirate News) and lead the website development team to launch the school’s first website www.stevensonpirates.net. As co-chair for the 2009 annual spring fundraiser “Stevenson Rocks”, she (and her trusty co-chair Jennifer) lead the amazing committees though a hugely successful and fun event.
With a passion for music and art, De plans to continue to be involved with the FFS for a very long time. “It’s important in these times of budget cuts and a poor economy to continue to provide our children with the extracurricular activities with art and music programs funded by FFS throughout the year.”
De welcomes all newcomers to join PTA and/or FFS to share in the fun, adventure and lasting friendships developed by simply being involved.
Kym and Wyatt
Co-Vice President: Kym Wheeler
Kym first discovered FFS when she learned that they were responsible for the dance class that her son Wyatt took in kindergarten. “I was impressed that Stevenson had such an active group of parents that were committed to arts education.” Last year she got to know some of these parents better and when the opportunity arose to participate in the organization, she saw a chance to be more involved. As a speech therapist with 10 years of experience, she has seen first hand what a difference parental involvement can make in a child’s education. In Wyatt’s kindergarten class she was a Room Representative and has continued to seek out ways to help. The Arts have always played an important part in the life of the Wheeler family. Kirk is a singer-songwriter and mixes for TV and Film, while Kym has a background in dance.
Kym believes that in the face of budget cuts to our schools there is an opportunity for parents to step up and help our educators make Stevenson the best it can be for our children.
She looks forward to the challenges of the coming year and the journey ahead.
Co-Vice 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.
Renée, Jackie and Michael
Secretary: 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.”
Treasurer: Laurie Grote
Jessica and Paige
Auditor: Jessica Good
Jessica just sent her oldest off to 6th grade this year, but still has her youngest daughter, Paige, in 2nd grade at Stevenson. She is an “oldie” at Stevenson and a founding member of FFS. Jessica served as FFS President for 3.5 years and this year is excited to take a “break” from the leadership role. Jessica headed many FFS and PTA committee’s, and last year had a great time running the school Talent Show!
Aside from volunteering at Stevenson and Jordan, Jessica also works part-time as the Executive Director for the Burbank Arts Education Foundation. “Arts Education is a crucial part of learning for all of our kids. Every child should have access to art, music, dance and theater during the school day. Studies show that students who participate in the arts at least 3 hours, 3 days a week are 4 times for more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. I am so proud to be part of an organization like FFS – making arts education accessible to every Stevenson student.”
Gina and family
Teacher Liason: Gina Boulais
Gina Boulais is the teacher liason for FFS. She has 3 children including one in middle school and 2 who are 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.
Kari, Jacob and Dylan
Fundraising Director: 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.”
Sun Safety Director: Michelle Thornsberry