HPTA: Hopkinton Crier Gifts of Hope

Nov 21, 2007 - Not your mother's PTA

Nov 29, 2007 - Enrichment programs from HPTA

Dec 6, 2007 - HPTA gets ready for Silent Auction

Dec 13, 2007 - Long time supporters of HPTA

Dec 20, 2007 - HPTA is unique

Dec 27, 2007 - Volunteers keep HPTA running

Hopkinton Crier
Gifts of Hope

Gifts of Hope: Not your mother's PTA

Hopkinton - Each year, the Crier supports a local charity or town organization with our Gifts of Hope holiday campaign. This year we have chosen the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association, which raises funds to support enrichment programs for the Hopkinton school system. For the next six weeks, we will feature an article on the HPTA - what they do, why they are important, upcoming programs, etc. Please give what you can during the holiday season to this important group. Do not send checks to the Crier, but send them directly to the HPTA at P.O. Box 608, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Make the check out to: HPTA. Thank you for your help.

In 1993, the Parent Support Organization (PSO) of Hopkinton's Middle/Senior High School merged with the elementary Home School Association to form a townwide PTA. A townwide PTA was viewed as somewhat unusual by the national PTA, but was felt by those leading the merger to be a way to keep a cohesiveness to our school system with an organization that would keep the whole school system in mind. Such a structure was felt to work best for equitably distributing volunteers and funds among the schools.

Since that time, the HPTA has budgeted over $1.8 million dollars for the Hopkinton School system. If we can raise $152,000 this year, we will hit that $2 million mark!

"The HPTA is a true partner with us in education," said Superintendent Dr. Jack Phelan. "The organization's support for school enrichment programs, technology, professional development, and parent volunteerism demonstrates to staff the value the HPTA places on teaching and learning. Through its publications and communications, the HPTA also provides the schools with additional vehicles to share information with parents and the community. All of these resources have been invaluable to the school district, and we are forever appreciative."

"The School Committee has always enjoyed a close association with the HPTA," said School Committee Chair Rebecca Robak. "They have provided for the schools in so many ways, from donating money and supplies for specific needs, to providing for teacher recognitions activities, to hosting student events. They have also helped us to communicate with parents, by hosting events like the State of the Schools forums, or by sending out emails on upcoming town wide events and elections. They have allowed us to offer many opportunities that the school district could not afford to offer on its own. We have benefited from and continue to enjoy our partnership with them. "

There are more than 150 positions across the six boards, all filled by dedicated volunteers. That number represents just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the numbers of people who volunteer in school, and after the school day has ended to provide enriching opportunities for our students. The HPTA's Town-wide Board focuses on system-wide activities such as fundraising, parent education, the Runner, and funds for teacher development and classroom materials. Five school-based Boards focus on the particular activities and needs of their school, such as enrichment programs, extracurricular classes, staff appreciation, and providing volunteer help.

We are 'not your mother's PTA' (sorry mom!). We are a dynamic group of parents - mothers and fathers - some who work full time, some who work part time, some who do not work outside the home. So many people generously donate their professional expertise, time, and talents to support our organization. There is truly a place and a need for everyone. We know we make a difference every day in our children's education.

We have won multiple awards from the Mass and National PTA for Most Outstanding Unit, Outstanding Programs, the Voices for Children Award and multiple awards for our Runner newsletter.

We've come a long way from the stereotypical bake sale. We have a 'No Bake Sale' each year, which is an annual appeal to all Hopkinton residents to support our organization. We offer some traditional school fundraisers - bookfairs and gift wrap - as well as some unique fundraisers like our Perfect Dress and Halloween Costume Sale. Proceeds from HPTA fundraisers go into the general HPTA budget, which forms the basis for allocating funds system-wide. Allocations are made in coordination with the Townwide Board and School based VPs, as well as with input from the Superintendent and school Principals.

In-school enrichment programs of all varieties have always been the primary use of HPTA funds in our schools, and this year is no exception. Our enrichment budget for this year is $67,050. Each school offers a selection of enrichment programs to its students which are based on their current curriculum and designed to enhance their learning experience. All curricular areas are covered - math, science, writing, social studies, the arts, etc. A few of these programs include: Blacksnake Woman and Traveling Medicine Dog and Animal Adventures at Center School; High Touch - High Tech and Starlab at Elmwood; Mystery Writing with James Gelsey and Techsploration at Hopkins; Pyramids and Pharaohs, and Yoko Watkins; and Visiting Artists and the Science Fair at the High School.

The HPTA is also committed to facilitating communication between our schools, families, and the community. We mail The Runner, our award-winning publication, to every school family. We host the State of the Schools Forum in April, and a New Parent Orientation in September. We communicate with our members frequently via e-mail. In addition, we communicate with all students pre-k - 8 via backpack flyers. We are happy to partner with other groups in the community for the benefit of our children - like the HEF, HAA, CAA, Youth Commission, Be Free Coalition, and ESL.

How can you help the HPTA to make a difference for our Hopkinton students? Become a member; support a fundraiser, donate your time and talents, or send us a check. Complete information regarding membership forms, and our many programs is available on our website: www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hpta or by contacting Jean Bertschmann, HPTA President, at jeanber65@hotmail.com or 508-435-5195.

Gifts of Hope: Enrichment programs from HPTA

Hopkinton - Each year, the Crier supports a local charity or town organization with our Gifts of Hope holiday campaign. This year we have chosen the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association, which raises funds to support enrichment programs for the Hopkinton school system. For the next five weeks, we will feature an article on the HPTA - what they do, why they are important, upcoming programs, etc. Please give what you can during the holiday season to this important group. Do not send checks to the Crier, but send them directly to the HPTA at P.O. Box 608, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Make the check out to: HPTA. Thank you for your help.

How can you arrange for your child to touch sea creatures... visit with Native Americans... be enthralled by a storyteller... build a volcano... launch a rocket... have a workshop with a living author... create with a current working artist... see all the constellations in the night sky... study the masterpieces? These enrichment programs, and dozens of others, are proudly presented to your children compliments of the HPTA.

As an organization dedicated to learning, the HPTA devotes a large proportion of its budget and volunteer energies to providing the community with enrichment programs. These programs include in-school enrichment programs that enhance the curriculum; after school programs which provide further growth opportunities; parent-oriented programs on child rearing and current issues; and teacher development programs to strengthen the skills of Hopkinton's faculty and staff. Enrichment programs are presented during the school day to all students in each grade, and some have additional smaller meetings within each classroom. They support every facet of the curriculum - language arts, science, math, art, drama. These programs help bring the curriculum to life, and present information in an interactive and entertaining setting. This year alone, the HPTA will spend over $60,000 on enrichment programs, which pushes the total over $750,000 spent since the HPTA started in 1993. These programs are reviewed annually for quality and value. Feedback from school staff helps to ensure that they continue to support the curriculum in the grade for which they are provided.

After the school day ends, the HPTA continues to offer enriching experiences for your children, independent of the HPTA's Enrichment budget. There is an extracurricular program at each elementary school and the Middle School, which offer a wide range of classes including sports, art, drama, science, foreign language, and the environment. Extracurricular chairs at each school work hard to locate quality programs, and bring them in to our schools for the convenience of parents, and enjoyment of students. Registration forms are sent home with students, and are available on the school pages at the HPTA website, www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hpta.

Parents are also included in the enrichment efforts of the HPTA. Each year, our Parent Programs volunteers provide multiple programs for parents, all of which are free of charge. To kick off the year, the HPTA hosts an annual New Parent Orientation. This evening provides parents new to the school system with an opportunity to meet the Superintendent and School Committee Chair, as well as to hear presentations from dozens of local groups which offer programs for their children. This year, the presentations by local groups were filmed at HCAM, and the program was broadcast repeatedly during the month of October.

Also in October, the HPTA was pleased to team with SPEAC to present a vital program for parents regarding bullying. Gerry Leone, District Attorney for Middlesex County and Hopkinton parent, was on hand to introduce the speaker and facilitate the program. In January, the HPTA will present a popular program on College Funding, featuring Hopkinton parent and financial expert Ron Foisy. Historically, the programs offered have ranged from nationally recognized authors and speakers, to intimate discussion groups dedicated to a particular topic. Topics presented have covered a wide range from parenting and homework advice, to information regarding development, and many programs focused on social development and strategies. Each year, we work closely with the Wellness department and other parents to present relevant topics of interest.

Faculty and staff benefit from HPTA enrichment opportunities as well. Well over $100,000 has been spent on Professional Development programs for staff at all levels. These funds have supported both on and off-site programs, and support the staff as they themselves continue to learn and grow, which has a direct positive impact in the classroom. Most recently, HPTA funds have supported the district initiative toward providing a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum for all students. The funds will support the development of an online district-wide curriculum that will be easily updated by teachers and readily available for parents to see.

How can you help the HPTA to continue to enrich the education of all Hopkinton students? Become a member; support a fundraiser; offer your time and talents; or send a donation. Complete information, regarding membership forms and the HPTA's many programs, is available on the HPTA website: www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hpta or by contacting Jean Bertschmann, HPTA President, jeanber65@hotmail.com, 435-5195. The articles in this Gifts of Hope series are available there as well. Thank you for helping the HPTA to 'Make a Difference Every Day'.

Gifts of Hope: HPTA gets ready for Silent Auction

Hopkinton - Each year, the Crier supports a local charity or town organization with our Gifts of Hope holiday campaign. This year we have chosen the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association, which raises funds to support enrichment programs for the Hopkinton school system. For the next four weeks, we will feature an article on the HPTA - what they do, why they are important, upcoming programs, etc. Please give what you can during the holiday season to this important group. Do not send checks to the Crier, but send them directly to the HPTA at P.O. Box 608, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Make the check out to: HPTA. Thank you for your help.

This year is a very special anniversary for the HPTA. On April 12, 2008, the HPTA will host its Silver Anniversary Silent Auction, celebrating 25 years of its largest and most profitable fundraiser. The event will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Westboro beginning at 7 p.m. The HPTA is planning a very special event for all Hopkinton residents, and invites the public to join in the fun!

The themes, items, and venues have varied over the past 25 years, but the common thread has continued to be the HPTA creating a fun, casual, and affordable evening for patrons who come together to celebrate and donate much needed funds for the Hopkinton schools. This year will be no exception. The Doubletree provides many exciting new opportunities, including reduced room rates for patrons who would like to extend the evening. In addition to the auctions, raffles and food, this year's Silver Anniversary Auction includes The Double Vision Band, whose music will provide a lively backdrop for the evening. In addition, a lucky auction-goer will come away with a sparkling piece of diamond jewelry, generously donated by Stephanie G Jewelers. Many more surprises are in the works.

The Silent Auction evening has something for everyone, including buying opportunities, entertainment, food and drink, and mingling with friends. Hundreds of items are available in three ways: a Silent Auction, a Live Auction, and raffles, including the Children's Gallery. Each of the hundreds of Silent Auction items are displayed with a bid sheet on which bidders can write their bid throughout the evening. As the tables close, the bidder with the highest recorded bid wins each item. Items range from gift certificates, services, technology, and food and beverages to priceless art created by local artists. The Live Auction, which has an auctioneer and live bidding, features higher value or more unique items including vacation packages, catering opportunities, and tickets to sold-out events. This year's Live Auction will have many new twists - including a Staggered Auction and a Reverse Auction.

Many of the raffles take place in The Children's Gallery, which is an annual favorite. Raffle items are donated by Hopkinton classrooms which are each given a theme, and families donate items to be included with that theme's 'basket.' The term 'basket' does not begin to do justice to the phenomenal packages the volunteers create. There are bookshelves filled with books and gift certificates; tents filled with outdoor play items; storage systems filled with games and crafts; duffel bags filled with sports equipment; decadent baskets filled with luxurious items for parents to relax and enjoy with; and so many more. Other raffles include priceless items signed by the students - a quilt, frames, t-shirts and more. A few lucky students will also win the 'Principal for a Day,' 'Police Chief for a Day,' or 'Fire Chief for a Day' raffles. For photos of past items, please check the HPTA website, www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hpta and click on the fundraising link.

As a service organization dedicated to the support and education of Hopkinton students, the HPTA would like to take the opportunity at the Silver Anniversary Auction to recognize other members of the Hopkinton community who also support our students. This year, the HPTA will initiate its Hopkinton Heroes Award, and the recipients will be honored at the Auction. Information and applications will be sent home with students, available in The Runner, and on the HPTA website at www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hpta, under the Hopkinton Heroes link. The HPTA will select five heroes to honor at a special ceremony at the Silver Anniversary Auction, and at an additional ceremony with the students who nominate them.

The HPTA is grateful to many local businesses who have already committed financial support for this Silver Anniversary event, including: Phipps Insurance, RE/MAX Executive Realty, Stephanie G, Hopkinton Country Club, E.L. Harvey & Son, McIntyre Loam, Joyce Plumbing, and Scott Septic. Many other local businesses will join in as the planning continues.

How can you help the HPTA to continue to enrich the education of all Hopkinton students? Become a member, support a fundraiser, offer your time and talents, or send a donation or Auction item. Complete information, regarding membership forms and the HPTA's many programs, is available on the HPTA website: www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hpta or by contacting Jean Bertschmann, HPTA President, jeanber65@hotmail.com, 435-5195. The articles in this series are available there as well. Thank you for helping the HPTA to 'Make a Difference Every Day.'

Gifts of Hope: Long time supporters of HPTA

Hopkinton - Each year, the Crier supports a local charity or town organization with our Gifts of Hope holiday campaign. This year we have chosen the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association, which raises funds to support enrichment programs for the Hopkinton school system. For the next three weeks, we will feature an article on the HPTA - what they do, why they are important, upcoming programs, etc. Please give what you can during the holiday season to this important group. Do not send checks to the Crier, but send them directly to the HPTA at P.O. Box 608, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Make the check out to: HPTA. Thank you for your help.

While the HPTA has been honored by this selection as the Hopkinton Crier's Gifts of Hope charity for this holiday season, it recognizes that its success stems directly from the Hopkinton community it serves. Hopkinton is a generous community. Its people and businesses provide a broad base of support for the HPTA, in terms of donated time, talents, and financial support. A future article will focus on some of the volunteers who help the HPTA achieve its goals; this article focuses on several local businesses that stand out as long term, loyal supporters of the HPTA, all of whom are dedicated to the health and vitality of the Hopkinton community.

Colella's Supermarket supports the HPTA in so many ways. From direct donations or administering support via the Guida program (which has donated over $58,000 to the HPTA); to endless donations of food and beverage; and space to display materials, Colella's is a staunch supporter of the HPTA. Owner Dale Danahy describes her motivation: "As members of a family owned business, we at Colella's are happy to support the town, the schools in which we grew up, and to support our future generations."

Phipps Insurance Agency is another long standing supporter of the HPTA, and in particular of the Silent Auction. According to Rob Phipps, "The Phipps Insurance Agency has been a prominent fixture in downtown Hopkinton since 1950 and the agency's association with the HPTA since its inception is one of the ways we help support the community that supports us. Everyone benefits from a strong HPTA and we are proud to be able to contribute to the success of their largest fund raiser by sponsoring the HPTA Silent Auction." This type of steady, long term commitment is essential to meeting the HPTA's fundraising goals each year. The Milford National, new to town, but eager to support education, has joined on as an Auction sponsor as well.

Re/Max Executive Realty is another local champion for the HPTA. Chuck Joseph describes their commitment as follows: "Re/Max Executive has really made it a priority to support the PTA over the years. It is our belief that the HPTA consistently does an outstanding job providing much needed volunteer support to our schools on a myriad of levels. Most of this work is under the radar screen. Yet, without it, our kids would not be getting the same quality of education that they now receive. Re/Max believes in this town and we try to back up these words financially."

Hopkinton Drug has also extended its generous support to the HPTA over the years. Beth Graubart portrays Hopkinton Drug as "a community pharmacy, dedicated to supporting the Hopkinton community. We enjoy supporting local organizations, like the HPTA, who share a similar devotion to our town."

There are many other local businesses that recognize the value of supporting education, as well as the benefit to the entire town of having healthy schools. E.L. Harvey & Sons, Micronet Associates, Scott Septic, and Joyce Plumbing are all loyal supporters of the HPTA, and the owners of all these Hopkinton businesses have children who are, or have been, Hopkinton students. As Madelyn Joyce describes it, "We support the HPTA, because we have been fortunate enough to see how much they, in turn, provide to the entire community."

Perhaps Verna Mims, of Printworks in Ashland, summarized the spirit of generosity for all these local businesses best when she said "A community is not the place where you live, it is what you share with others. The HPTA is a shining example of people who share their time, talents and resources with all of Hopkinton's children. As Hopkinton grows and changes, the HPTA has been instrumental in creating a true community that gives our children a sense of home and belonging. We are pleased to continue to support the HPTA's dedicated and generous volunteers." All of the professional communications produced by the HPTA - the No Bake Sale letter, Notes From Home, the award winning Runner newsletter, The Source Book, and the Silent Auction book are professionally printed at an enormous discount by Printworks.

How can you join these local organizations to help the HPTA to continue to enrich the education of all Hopkinton students? Become a member; support a fundraiser; offer your time and talents; or send a donation or Auction item to HPTA, P.O. Box 608, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Complete information, regarding membership forms and the HPTA's many programs, is available on the HPTA website: www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hpta or by contacting Jean Bertschmann, HPTA President, jeanber65@hotmail.com, 435-5195. The articles in this series are available there as well. Thank you for helping the HPTA to 'Make a Difference Every Day.'

Gifts of Hope: HPTA is Unique

The Hopkinton PTA is unique as an organization in many ways. In 1993, the Parent Support Organization (PSO) of Hopkinton's Middle/Senior High School merged with the elementary Home School Association to form one, town-wide PTA. A town-wide PTA was, and still is, viewed as somewhat unusual by the national PTA, but was felt by those leading the merger to be a way to keep a cohesiveness to our school system with an organization that would keep the whole school system in mind. Such a structure was felt to work best for equitably distributing volunteers and funds among the schools. Since that time, the HPTA has budgeted over $1.8 million dollars for the Hopkinton School system, which has been appropriately distributed between all six schools, as well as town-wide needs such as professional development and classroom support.

Comparatively, many other local towns have separate parent support groups for each school, as well as one or two additional support groups for the entire town. This type of structure means that each group is running multiple fundraisers of its own, often in direct competition with one another. This can be a challenge for school families, as well as local businesses, who would like to be able to support each group, but feel stretched thin by the competing schedules. In addition, it compromises the even distribution of these funds, as they are not shared among the different school groups. The HPTA feels very strongly that its system of one organization for the entire town allows more equity in each student's experience, as well as reducing some of the stress and competition for school families and local businesses. Operating via one central fundraising committee allows the HPTA to pre-plan multiple fundraisers in time for the production of The Source Book, so that families know what to expect as far as fundraising opportunities throughout the entire school year.

The HPTA fundraising committee works hard for your support. This year, the HPTA will offer more than 20 fundraisers, most of which come in the form of small, family oriented events. There are the traditional school fundraisers, such as a gift wrap sale, and bookfairs. As described two weeks ago, the HPTA's largest fundraiser is its annual Silent Auction. But the majority of the fundraisers offered provide a fun family outing, or economic benefit to local families.

Two new fundraisers, the Halloween Costume Sale, and the Perfect Dress event, provide opportunities for local families to donate gently used clothing they no longer need (tax deductible!), and for other families to purchase these beautiful items at a reasonable cost. The Halloween Costume Sale was wildly successful this year. Several hundred Halloween costumes were donated by local families, and sold for the bargain price of $5/costume. There were hundreds of happy faces seen shopping at the event. The Perfect Dress is a similar event, on a more sophisticated scale. Local families and businesses donate formal or semi-formal dresses, most of which have been worn once (or not at all!). Multiple dress shops have donated brand new dresses, many valued at more than $300, to the event. At the event itself, on January 12, the dresses will be for sale for between $20 and $40, depending on the style. Nowhere else can girls find such beautiful dresses at such an excellent price. The HPTA is proud to offer this opportunity to families interested in saving money on a dress that will only be worn a very few times.

The HPTA also offers many opportunities for families to have a fun night out, at a reasonable cost. There are movie nights; a family game night; a 'Night You'll Never Remember' with a hypnotist; a Karoake night; a fun day at Cold Stone Creamery with 'celebrity scoopers'; reduced price tickets to the PawSox, together with a Hopkinton section where families can all sit together; and the annual favorite Mini-Marathon. All of these events provide wonderful opportunities for families to spend time together, at a reasonable cost, reasonable time, and reasonable distance. The HPTA is happy to support Hopkinton families in this way.

The question often arises 'Why does the HPTA have so many fundraisers?' The answer is very simple: The HPTA has an incredible base of volunteers who are willing to take the time to organize these events to raise much needed funds for the schools. Participation in any, or all, of the events is optional. We are fortunate to have enough volunteers to make it possible to offer a wide variety of events, in the hope that one or two will appeal to each family. In these difficult economic times, the HPTA feels it has to be diligent in providing fundraisers of value to the participants, and offer a menu of choices large enough to appeal to everyone. The funds the HPTA is able to provide to the schools are vital, and volunteers are dedicated to working hard to maintain the level of funding that has been provided in past years. The funds raised are distributed across the entire district, so all students and faculty members will benefit.

How can you help the HPTA to continue to enrich the education of all Hopkinton students? Become a member; support a fundraiser; offer your time and talents; or send a donation or Auction item to HPTA, P.O. Box 608, Hopkinton, MA 01748. Complete information, regarding membership forms and the HPTA's many programs, is available on the HPTA website: www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/hpta, or by contacting Jean Bertschmann, HPTA President, jeanber65@hotmail.com, 435-5195. The articles in this series are available there as well. Thank you for helping the HPTA to 'Make a Difference Every Day'.

Gifts of Hope: Volunteers keep HPTA running

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the HPTA. There are more than 120 volunteers serving in board positions across the six schools and town-wide board. This represents only the tip of the iceberg in terms of volunteer support the HPTA is able to provide to the Hopkinton schools. On any given day, in any of the schools, volunteers can be found monitoring enrichment programs; collecting box tops or ink-jet cartridges; planning a fundraising event; setting up an extra-curricular program; supporting a grade level activity such as Ellis Island or Colonial Craft Day; coordinating volunteers; providing an appreciation event for the staff; taking photographs for The Runner; helping in the library; or performing a multitude of other tasks.

There are as many different motivations for supporting the HPTA as there are volunteers who do so. Here, in their own words, are just a few of the reasons volunteers choose to participate in the HPTA:

On February 5, 2008 at 9:30 at Hopkins School, the HPTA will hold its Job Fair, which kicks off the work of the Nominating Committee, charged with filling board positions for the 08-09 school year. Anyone interested in volunteering for the HPTA is invited to attend and learn about the opportunities available. There is truly a place and a need for everyone in the HPTA.

Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association

The Spirit of Hopkinton - Go Green!

Hopkinton Crier Gifts of Hope