Melanie Bartlett and Maura Howe, Friends of Palms Co-presidents; Lanee Burns, PTSA President

As a Palms parent, you are automatically a member of Friends of Palms (FOP)—the primary parent organization at Palms.  Our mission is to raise money and provide parent volunteers to cover critical expenses such as computers, art supplies, campus supervision, tutoring, and classroom supplies and much more—things that parents want for their students but that LAUSD does not always provide.  We also organize popular activities for students and families to build our community. 

To download the 2011-2012 budget, click here.

The PTSA (Parent-Teacher-Student Association) is a national organization that addresses other needs that directly benefit our school and our students, including student-welfare programs (such as school nurse supplies) and campus beautification.

Some of what Friends of Palms provides:

• sends regular email communications to all families that have signed up. Click here to sign up!
• hosts the welcome-back breakfast for teachers each September and the ongoing teacher appreciation luncheons
• coordinates student and family events including the Back to School Family Picnic, Book Fair, Dining for Dollars and Community Days
• helps to arrange tours of colleges and trade schools for 8th-grade classes and provides parent chaperones
• provides parent tour guides during Visitor Days for prospective Palms families
• maintains a volunteer database so committee coordinators can contact interested parents for assistance
• provides daily front-door supervision
• offers a tech support aide to help teachers with equipment and software
• provides a stipend for supplies for each teacher
• offers after-school library hours
• maintains this website

We know how busy parents are so we respect your time by creating EASY ways for you to participate.

Combined FOP/PTSA meetings are held monthly, usually on the first Tuesday of the month, at 7:00pm in the school library. FOP/PTSA meetings are one of the best ways to find out what is happening at Palms, hear from school administrators and guest speakers, and to make sure your voice is heard.

1. Donate as much as you can afford to the ANNUAL FAMILY DONATION. This pledge drive is our only significant money-raising event all year and all families are encouraged participate. All donations, no matter what the amount, are greatly appreciated! You'll find a pledge form and blue envelope in this packet.
2. Sign up to receive email communication from FOP. Complete the online form. You will then receive a regular e-mail to keep you informed about important dates, events, and more throughout the school year.
3. Join the PTSA. A membership envelope was sent home in the "back to school" packet.
4. Attend the monthly FOP/PTSA meeting. Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 5^th at 7pm. All other meetings will be the first Tuesday of every month. Meetings are at 7pm in the library. It's a great way to stay connected!
5. Volunteer as much as you can. Fill out the volunteer form, and check your email blasts to see where help is needed. Your participation shows your child how much you care about his or her education.
6. Register your Ralphs & Vons cards so Palms receives a percentage of every purchase, at no additional cost to you.
7. Connect at the first annual Back-to-School Family Picnic, the Coffee with the Principal mornings and Dining for Dollars events to meet fellow Palms parents and get to know your community.
8. Participate in Palms Pride Days. Send your child to school in green and white on the first Friday of each month, or purchase a Palms sweatshirt to show your school spirit. Sweatshirts are at the Family Picnic, on Back-to-School Night, and at other events.
9. Speak with your child regularly to find out what is happening at school. Remind children of the code of conduct, the need to treat everyone with respect, and the importance of telling you about any concerns they have. The teachers, counselors, and school staff are here to support your child.
10. Keep everyone's children safe. Never drop off your child across from the school unless your child can safely reach and use the crosswalk. Don't block a crosswalk even briefly, never let your child jaywalk, drive slowly, and obey all stop signs and restricted-turn signs. Respect our neighbors.