Community

Volunteering at Havens

See sign-up links at the top of the page for all current volunteer needs

In the Spring of the prior school year, the following roles are selected:

• HPC Board Slate: Chairs and Committees for our assortment of responsibilities will be filled based on volunteer interest solicited in the Spring. 
• Buddy Families:  Volunteers are selected by the school counselor to match incoming new families Grades 1-5 with a current family in their grade.  This match happens early summer so connections can be made before school starts. 

At the start of the school year, the following roles are selected (2025 deadline: 8/15):

• Room Parents: A room parent will be selected for each classroom from a list of volunteers collected at the beginning of the school year.  Parents may volunteer via sign-ups offered at the first HPC meeting after drop off on the first day of school or by emailing HPC Communications Chair the first week of school. Room parents are responsible for communicating grade level messages from the HPC Communications Chair and teacher-specific messages, recruiting grade-level parent party hosts and Harvest Festival grade-level scarecrow leads, and for acting as the community hub for your child's class by organizing class playdates. 
• Library Volunteers: Two library volunteers will be selected for each class from a list of volunteers collected at the beginning of the school year. Parents may volunteer via sign-ups offered at the first HPC meeting after drop off on the first day of school or by emailing the HPC Library Committee the first week of school if interested. The library class schedule will be shared so that parents may confirm their availability during designated class times. Library volunteers alternate shifts during weekly or biweekly library classes. Volunteer responsibilities including shelving books, checking out books for students, and assisting teacher librarians with in-class activities as needed. Please note that there will be a mandatory training during the first few weeks of the school year (multiple options available). 

Classroom opportunities, such as in-class volunteering or field trip drivers will be communicated directly from your teacher or room parent.

HPC always welcomes parents who want to get involved.  Please email us if interested! havensparentboard@gmail.com

PUSD is always looking for more substitute teachers. This is an easy and fun way to be on campus and really make a difference. Info about how to become a substitute teacher can be found here.  

Giving to Havens and the Piedmont Unified School District

We are incredibly lucky for the excellent public schools in Piedmont, however, financial support from all families is crucial to maintain the level of resources and strength of programming.  The following is a summary of the annual donation asks.

Giving directly to Havens:

• At the start of the school year visit the Havens page of the PiedmontStore.org to make an annual contribution to the Havens Parents Club, Havens Staff Appreciation Fund, and Havens Field Trip Fund.
• Sign up for ASE programs throughout the year for aftercare needs 
• Attend the Havens Dad's Club annual fundraiser Poker Night, usually in January
• Purchase Havens gear
• Purchase books at the semi-annual Havens Book Fairs
• Give to the HPC Staff Appreciation Committee when asked to support their programs. Ex: bringing baked goods or donating a bottle of wine
• Donate supplies when teachers indicate a replenishment or replacement need for their classroom

District Fundraisers: 

Piedmont Education Foundation (PEF) is a charitable organization and Piedmont school resource that runs several critical Piedmont-wide school fundraisers - including the Giving Campaign and Spring Fling.  PEF also operates piedmontstore.org which is a website dedicated to collecting funds for all Piedmont school and school-adjacent needs. 

• The Giving Campaign (September - December): PEF’s biggest annual contribution fundraiser, which bridges the gap between state funding and the actual cost of our kids’ education.  This campaign supports the entire Piedmont school district.  Participation is the key metric.  You will receive a letter in the mail from PEF with a specific dollar donation request per student which has been specifically calculated for the following year’s predicted need.  
• Spring Fling: PEF’s spring social fundraiser that raises money exclusively for Piedmont elementary schools.  This fun umbrella fundraiser has many components including:
  • A gala event with a silent auction, live auction and raise the paddle giving
  • An online auction 
  • “Comings and Goings” photos - professional photos of kindergarteners and fifth graders
  • Themed parent parties to host or attend!

Other ways to give: 

• Attendance: When your child is absent, the cost to the district is $61.32 of state funding for each day missed.  You may donate to make up for that loss here.  This is of course optional.  Alternatively if you are planning travel, consider an independent study for absences of a week or longer.  Independent studies meet the attendance requirement for state funding, however, they do require signifiant planning by your teacher so please give them ample notice in advance!
• Substitute Teaching:  A number of parent substitute teachers donate their earnings back to the school district.  PUSD HR can assist in setting this up for you if interested.