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 on March 6, 2010).
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/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
La Dolce Vita
Fundraising is a critical part of the ongoing financial sustainability of LPSI! Every year we hold a Gala Silent Auction/Party for parents and members of the Italian/American community in the 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. Our annual La Dolce Vita theme party is already scheduled so please clear your calendars for Saturday March 6, 2010. All parents are expected to be involved in at least one LDV committee, assist in setup and/or breakdown of the event, and either attend the event or work it.
Make a Donation
If you were unable to join us this year at La Dolce Vita, you can still make a donation. Grazie mille for your support!
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, Parent 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. The next one will be on Sunday, May 23, 2010.
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 of Babbo Natale. The date is set for December 13.
Year-End Party
Parents will work with teachers to plan a special event planned to delight children and celebrate our year together.
LPSI Capital Campaign
La Piccola Scuola needs to expand into a larger space. The demand is extraordinary and we would very much like to meet it with full day programs and more classes. Our short term goal is to identify and occupy a space suitable for expansion of LPSI. Our long term goal is to expand LPSI to include a K-8 program.