FAMILIES AS PARTNERS WELCOMES YOU TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

Williston Families As Partners (FAP), Williston’s “PTA” organization, provides a forum for parents, teachers, administrators, and community members to actively discuss activities, events, and programs in the Williston schools. The participation of teachers and administration differentiates our FAP from a typical PTO/PTA and helps further promote our children’s health, well-being, and educational success. FAP also serves as the fundraising arm of the Williston School District.

Who Is Involved in FAP?

As a parent and community member, you already belong to FAP. Additionally, at the start of the school year, each house selects one or two parent representatives to attend monthly meetings of the FAP Advisory Council (FAPAC), the governing body of FAP. The FAPAC also includes reps from the school board, administration, upper and lower houses, Related Arts, and Student Services. Items discussed are then communicated to families via distribution of the minutes, house meetings, newsletters, email, and/or the School Bell. The Council meetings are a relaxed gathering and are open to all—you do not need to be a representative to attend. Meetings are typically held the second Thursday morning of each month.

Additional house-level FAP meetings are scheduled according to the needs of the house. Agenda items include house-related and schoolwide issues (e.g. curriculum, upper house satisfaction survey results, school budget). FAPAC representatives work closely with house teachers to facilitate meeting topics and coordinate other house events.

What about Fundraising?

There are two levels of fundraising in the Williston school system. The first level consists of events sponsored by FAP. These events for the 2012-2103 school year include the Williston Wins capital campaign Steve Mount Memorial Fun Run, Circus Smirkus Artist in Residence, Craft Fair, Book Fair, Variety Show, Big Basket Raffle, and our new ink cartridge and cell phone recycling initiatives. All monies raised through FAP events are pooled and distributed to houses for field trips, team building activities, teaching grants, FAP-sponsored speakers, Student Services, graduation and more. The FAP budget for 2012-13 will be published in the September School Bell.

The second level of fundraising is undertaken by the 5th-8th grade houses to support their end-of-year overnight field trips. Each house determines its fundraising needs to supplement their particular trip tuitions and sponsors various fundraisers to raise their needed monies. FAP does not fund these trips.

How can I become Involved?

By volunteering in your child’s classroom, attending house FAP or FAPAC meetings, volunteering at an FAP community event, or simply donating to “Williston Wins,” you can benefit our schools in many ways. Please look for additional information in house newsletters and the School Bell throughout the year.

• The most current Minutes of the FAPAC meetings are available here.
• Check out the FAP Calendar for events coming up.  Click here.