School to Community Connection
January 2, 2002

Issue 15
Community Support Groups

The following community groups are dedicated to providing support directly to the local schools. They are volunteer organizations and always welcome new members.

HELP - Healdsburg Educational Legacy Partnership Foundation - The Foundation was organized in 1985 by a number of local citizens interested in offering assistance to K - 12th grade students. Current programs sponsored by HELP include Adopt-A-Class [community members adopt a classroom or department with a donation of $250 or more], Mini-Grants [teachers apply for up to $300 each for innovative programs for their classrooms. This program is funded by the annual Historic House Tour.], and numerous scholarships provided to HHS students. Meetings are monthly. For more information, call their voice mail number [(707)524-8747], visit their website [ www.helpfoundation.com ], or e-mail to info@helpfoundation.com.

HALL - Healdsburg Advocates for Language Learning - H.A.L.L. was organized in 1986 as a support group for the Immersion program, supporting it financially with fundraising and donations for much needed Spanish materials and supporting the classrooms with volunteers. All parents who have children in the Bilingual Immersion Program (& teachers) are automatically members of H.A.L.L. It is an informational resource for parents, schools and the district. Meetings are held monthly at Bank of the West. Contact Paula Wurlitzer at LWURLITZER@prodigy.net] for more information.

Graduation Celebration - This is a non-profit organization of community volunteers dedicated to providing alcohol, drug and tobacco free activities for all eligible Seniors on graduation night. A glorious all-night party is planned each year funded entirely by e$crip. The group consists of parents of students of all ages, not just parents of seniors. Meetings are monthly. Contact Rena Harold [431-1833] for more information.

Parent/Teacher Organizations - These groups directly affect the school campuses by raising funds for much needed programs and equipment. They also support parents by providing focus groups for discussing topics of interest to parents. Active PTA or PTO organizations are associated with Fitch Mountain School, Foss Creek School, HES, and the Junior High. Contact the school offices for current contact information.
 
BOP (Band of Parents) Music Boosters Club - This is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting music education at HHS and HJH. Their primary goal is to help make music education a rich and rewarding experience for our students by raising funds for field trips, instrument purchase and repair, and assisting with performances and transportation, among other activities. For more information, contact Mariko Morikawa, 431-8255, JMM224@aol.com
 
SPIN - Student Parent Information Network - SPIN links HHS with the community. Volunteers produce a newsletter each grading period which is sent to all parents of HHS students. This newsletter contains a calendar of events, information about current activities and an in depth message from the Counseling Office about important grade level activities and deadlines. In addition to that, at the beginning of the school year, there is an established "Buddy" program for Freshman students to assist in the first month's transition to the high school. For more information, contact names are listed in each SPIN Newsletter issue.
 
Greyhound Athletic Boosters Club - This group supports HHS athletes and helps generate over $20,000 a year for their programs. We support all the sports teams at the high school. By joining the Booster Club, you too help support these student athletes in one of Northern California's top high schools. New members are always welcome. Booster merchandise may be ordered at any time [see www.hhs.husd.com/images/boostersordr.gif]. Call Dick Bugarske (431-3420) for more information.

By Pat Louvau