Giving and Volunteering
One of our goals is to foster a strong community among LPSI parents and families. LPSI parents derive a deep sense of satisfaction from working on “real,” practical projects that enrich and strengthen their children's preschool experience. This is also a very important piece in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and it is not idle chatter. There is a real culture of collaboration in the LPSI Family, and we expect parents to actively involve themselves by joining volunteer committees (Parents Club and other parent committees) and by participating in fundraising events (the biggest of all being our La Dolce Vita gala).
Collaborating with other parents and community members who care about the success of La Piccola Scuola Italiana is also a great way to make friends!
Why support LPSI?
LPSI teaches Italian language and culture to those who will become the future ambassadors and keepers of Italian heritage and culture in the Bay Area and beyond: our children. Further, not only does LPSI give our bambini the myriad benefits of bilingual education while giving them the chance to know Italian culture, it also provides their parents an opportunity to share and celebrate Italian culture and bilingual education with each other. At LSPI, this is a very inclusive process, true whether or not our families are Italian or simply lovers of Italian culture or bilingual education. No demographic is arguably more crucial to the preservation of a way of life than young families, and no institution can reach out to this critical demographic better than a school. If you love and cherish Italian culture and language and want to see future generations keep Italian traditions alive and relevant in the Bay Area, we hope you agree that supporting LPSI is a worthy cause. Your contribution, particularly at this early stage when the school has more in common with a start-up company than an established institution, can truly make a difference. And this difference will yield dividends for many years to come, for many generations of children, their parents, and their grandparents.
We thank you in advance for all that you chose to do for
LPSI.
— The Board of Directors, our Staff, our
Parents, and our Children
LPSI is growing
La Piccola Scuola sta diventando grande! Our new site is at 728 20th Street, at the corner of Tennessee and 20th in the Potrero Hill/Dogpatch neighborhood. For more details, click here.
To get the school ready for the Fall we have assembled a team of professionals. Our construction manager will be former LPSI parent Vince Rinaldi, who also did our current site. We have also hired an architect from Italy, Michele Zini, who is a world expert in Reggio Emilia-inspired school design. Michele is truly impressed by our school and our lively community of families and teachers, and has very graciously agreed to work within our modest budget.
But to achieve the ambitious goal of completing this project by the beginning of the school year, we need your help. Please contact us if you would like to know more. We hope you can make a small contribution to the education of young children and the thriving of the Italian language and culture in the Bay Area.
Make a Donation
Please click here to make a donation. Grazie mille for your support!
La Dolce Vita
Fundraising is a critical part of the ongoing financial sustainability of LPSI. Every spring we organize “La Dolce Vita,” a gala silent auction and party for parents and members of the Italian-American community in thea Bay Area. Parents and staff are expected to play an active role in the event, such as soliciting donations, setting up, and assisting at the party itself.
Parent Educational Series
We will have several opportunities to meet during the year and discuss topics that are of interest to parents in general, and LPSI parents in particular.
Parent Committees
There are several committees run by parents that sustain the school and enrich our community, including La Dolce Vita, Parents Club, Computer, Facility and more! It is expected that all parents will sign up for at least one of the committees and actively participate as needed.
Family Picnics
Come meet each other or reconnect at our bring-your-own-lunch picnics.
Open Houses
Volunteer to attend one of the Fall Open Houses and give prospective families your thoughts on why you chose LPSI for your child(ren).
Festa di Natale
Our traditional holiday party with a special appearance by Babbo Natale.
Year-End Party
Parents work with teachers to plan a special event designed to delight children and celebrate our year together.