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Friends of Serrania (FOS) is a 501(c)3 California non-profit organization.

Friends of Serrania (FOS) is a 501(c)3 California non-profit organization that was founded in 1997 when parents felt the need for a fundraising entity that could operate without the restrictions imposed by the national PTA organization. The board of directors for this corporation is comprised entirely of volunteer parents and staff and its sole purpose is to raise money for the school. There are a number of larger fundraising events throughout the school year (see below) and along with the PTA, we are proud to be able to provide the students with an enriched education at Serrania.

The 2011/2012 board was elected in June and the members are as follows:

President - Shannon Hall (2nd grade parent)
Treasurers - Lisa Hassas (3rd) & Amy Klosterman (1st & 4th)
Secretary - Lauri Aud (3rd grade parent)

Administrative Board Members include: Robin Toder (principal), Sibyl Sperber (5th grade teacher) & Carol Bonelli (1st grade teacher). Nellie Kerr (2nd grade teacher)
Parent Board Members include: Manda Gholikhani(1st Grade Parent), Kristi Bala (1st Grade Parent) Jessica Gilhearn (1st Grade Parent) Amy Lichtenstein (2nd & 1st).



Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments at fos@serraniaavenue.org

We are all aware of what it costs for pre-school and daycare prior to when our children arrive at kindergarten. And we are all aware of the cost of private schools. It is certainly a relief to not have to come out of pocket for these expenses. The taxes we pay cover the basics, yet what is an enriched education for our children worth? Starting in September, we ask each family to make a financial contribution to the General Appeal of $300 but please contribute whatever you can. Our goal is to have every family participate, at what ever level they can. Put your contribution in a sealed envelope with "FOS General Appeal" on the front. You can pay by credit card, check, or paypal. Remember, this is a tax deductible donation and you will be given a receipt for tax purposes in January. If you have any questions, please vontact us at fos@serraniaavenue.org.

Advertising is available at Serrania Elementary through banners that are displayed at the corner of Serrania Ave. and Quedo Dr . This is a great way to promote business! Not only do you get the attention of the over 600 student's families that attend Serrania, you have the attention of all the traffic throughout the neighborhood. And what better way to advertise to the community that you care about the local schools! The banners are available for a 365 day calendar year in the following sizes:

3x4 for $500.00
4x6 for $1000.00

We will supply banners for local businesses and non profit organizations, subject to approval. Custom banners will be considered on a case by case situation. Please contact Shannon Hall with any questions at banners@serraniaavenue.org or (818)523-2421.

As an added bonus will also be posting any supporters of Serrania on a new webpage which is in development so you will get the banner plus recognition on our website!

Although our standard curriculum at Serrania is strong because of our outstanding teaching and support staff, we believe that it is necessary to provide more than the basics for all of our students. The following are Serrania's primary annual fundraisers that are hosted by the PTA, FOS or both:

Our annual Spellathon is a lot of fun and raises money for our enrichment programs at the school. Students are given spelling words to study from their teachers and then they compete to see how many words they can get right to earn donations! Pledge sheets are due the week following the Spellathon. Students can earn prizes for amounts raised.

A fun store open for the holidays, kids can shop for family, friends and of course themselves! Items range from $1 to $10. The shop is open during break, lunch and afterschool for the whole week December 6-10th 2011 in the Parent Center, room 30. All profits benefit the school.

This is a wonderful family event with attractions, game booths, good old home style cooking and local entertainment. There is always a raffle with great prizes and themed baskets to win. Contact us at fos@serraniaavenue.org

Students collect pledges from family and friends based on how many laps they can do around our track in a specific amount of time. Event day is a lot of fun and all the money that is raised goes towards the funding of our PE program. Contact us at fos@serraniaavenue.org

Serrania's Welcome back BBQ & Silent Auction. An incredible family event and a great opportunity to make new friends and hang out with those you already know. This year the event will be located at Serrania Elementary so all can attend! Great food, Live DJ & family fun activities.

We are actively seeking donations for our auction. Please contact us if you have any donations.

Contact us at fos@serraniaavenue.org
Attachment: Welcome Back BBQ Flyer

2 children won the “Shannon Brown Experience” at our Silent Auction in October and will be playing with this NBA Superstar on November 8th at our own Serrania Elementary! The fun will begin after school at 1:30 pm on the playground basketball courts (unless it rains). This will be a BIG event you won’t want to miss!! We will have a snack shack open selling drinks and snacks and a MC hosting all the fun! Come cheer with the crowd as they take on Shannon Brown!!

This year the DUCKS are back with new, hip designs and fun weekly prizes! We will have 3 weeks to Sell! Sell! Sell! for our kids! We have added catalog sales with wrapping paper and jewelry options. Sell magazines - new or renewals, and catalog items - pick a duck for every 2 sales! The duck table will be set up in the lunch area. We have weekly incentives, and contest incentives! Check out the flyer for all the details! Fundraiser ends November 3rd.
Attachment: files/ducks serrania 2011-2.pdf

The decision on how to spend the money raised through the school year is done based on a school wide survey that is sent out to the parents in June. There is an Allocation Meeting that takes place at the end of the year where we review the information received from our Serrania families and teachers and decide on the placement of the funds. Over $80,000.00 was raised in the 10/11 school year and was allocated to the following programs for 11/12:

• PE program


• Computer teacher and program


• Classroom aides


• School beautification


• Office support