The Parents’ Association was formed in the late 1990’s as a fundraising support group for St. James’ Parish Day School. The main purpose of the Parents’ Association is to help fund annual facility maintenance and upgrades, educational events for the students such as (Bubble Fun, Captain Carl’s Marine Life, Snow Day, etc.), scholarships for families in need, and conference and continuing educational support for the teachers of St. James’.
In addition, the Parents’ Association organizes many social and community building events throughout the year. Money raised through membership and fundraisers during the year help fund these valuable programs. This year some of our special events include:
Activities
Fall Welcome Coffee
The first day of school can sometimes be more difficult for parents than children. Members of our Parents’ Association are on hand to offer a shoulder to lean on, if needed. It is also a great time to catch-up with friends missed during the long summer break and meet new members of our school community. It is a great way tostart off the year!
Kindergarten & Beyond Coffee
Choosing the right school for your child and family post-St. James’ can be a daunting process. You are invited to join a group of St. James’ parents who represent various public, private, and parochial schools in our area. These parents have children currently enrolled at these schools and speak to you openly about their experiences.
Adopt-a-Family
St. James Parish Day School adopts several families from Hillsides for Christmas. With your help St. James’ has the opportunity to support other families in our community who are in need during the holiday season. This is our annual outreach project.
Dad’s & Special Friend’s Breakfast
Children have the opportunity to bring Dad or a Special friend to St. James’ for a special breakfast celebration. The children have a blast introducing their guest to their St. James’ friends and everyone enjoys the breakfast.
Day School Sunday
During the spring, St. James’ Church invites the families of the School to join in a morning worship service. The children sing their songs from Chapel and the teachers open their classrooms and showcase each student’s work from the school year. The Parents’ Association provides the refreshments (cotton candy, popcorn and pretzels) for this fun morning event.
Fundraisers
Wall Tiles
There is no better way to commemorate your child’s time at St. James’ than with a personalized hand-printed tile. These tiles are purchased in the fall, fired and then
mounted on the wall next to the outdoor play area. They are adorable!
Fall Book Fair
The Book Fair kicks-off with Pajama night, which includes a “bedtime story” with milk & cookies. The Book Fair runs daily for four days. It is a great way to come together, shop for teacher recommended books, pick-up a Christmas presents, and support the school.
Original Art
Each child will participate in an in-class art project that can be printed on a variety of fun items for your family. Items include: water bottles, note cards, t-shirts, tote bags, and wall clocks to name a few. These fun items make great gifts and will be available for purchase in the spring (just in time for Mother’s/Father’s Day)!
Spring Trike-a-Thon
Everyone is a winner when the children rev their engines and get ready to ride for St. James’. Each child collects pledges from friends and family members to support them as they ride the St. James’ tricycles around a “racecourse” in the courtyard. This is a not-to-be missed event!
Parent Social & Auction
o Call the sitter and join in for a night of fun and fundraising with other members of the St. James’ Community. Last year, with the generous help of our donors and bidders we raised over $20,000. What a great night!!
Thank you for considering membership in the St. James Parent’s Association. We look forward to seeing you around campus and at many of the wonderful events held throughout the year!