On Friday, October 21, purple-clad Giving Campaign volunteers shared goodies and good cheer at Beach, Havens, and Wildwood elementary schools. Balloons, purple pom-poms, leis, and green “I’m In” stickers greeted students as they headed home for the weekend.
“It’s been one month since the Giving Campaign launched, so spirit day is about raising awareness and celebrating the success thus far,” says Beach’s Giving Campaign representative Laura Jacobs, whose children are in 5th grade, 2nd grade, and TK. “So many families have donated and shown their support, and we want to continue the momentum.” Students and teachers also dressed in purple to show their commitment to Piedmont’s schools and the Giving Campaign.
This year’s spirit day also drew attention to the critical date of Tuesday, November 1st – the last day for families to make their Giving Campaign donation and receive the lawn sign highlighting their family’s support for Piedmont schools.
“Early participation and the lawn signs are a strong signal to the community that we are committed to the ongoing success of our schools. The Giving Campaign donations are essential to funding the gap between what state funds cover and what PUSD is able to offer.” says Giving Campaign co-chair Julia Ruthven.
With a solid first few weeks of community support, the Giving Campaign is nearly halfway to this year’s goal of raising $3.5 million for Piedmont’s students and schools. 100% of Piedmont Education Foundation and PUSD board members have already made their donations.
Other ongoing events include the annual grade-level competition, where each grade level will vie for the highest family Giving Campaign participation rate. The friendly and fun rivalry encourages all families in the Piedmont Unified School District to donate. This year’s winning grade level will be invited to a special event.
The Giving Campaign aims for 100% participation from Piedmont families. “A big part of the campaign this year is participation – “I’m In!” is our tagline,” says Jacobs. “We’re encouraging everyone to participate. The donation amount is not as important as showing your support for your community and your schools.”
The Giving Campaign team also hopes that spirit day serves as an opportunity to educate families about why the Giving Campaign is such a critical fundraiser for Piedmont schools. “The idea behind spirit day is to draw attention to the Giving Campaign and answer questions, especially for new families or people unfamiliar with how the funds are used,” says Beach Giving Campaign representative Zeena Fakoury, whose children are in 2nd grade and kindergarten.
“We’re so fortunate to live in a community that places so much value on music, library, and extracurriculars that other school districts may not have the opportunity to fund,” continues Fakoury. “We feel very lucky that everyone comes together to make those things available to our students. At the end of the day, the Giving Campaign is all for our kids.”
Scenes from campuses around town
Wildwood (photos courtesy of Carolyn Pan)
Alexandra Marino 
Kathy Derrigo and Karla Gudino 
Sephie Bradley and Charlie Parker 
Benjamin and Ethan Gupta 
Leo Shrago
Havens (photos courtesy of Katie Sharafi and Julie Ruthven)
Rosie Taharka gives a cheer for the Giving Campaign spirit day (Katie Sharafi) 
Antonia Molinare and Rita Fabi, Havens Giving Campaign Volunteers ready to pass out pom poms 
Max White, Mookie White and Lola Ruthven join the spirit day celebration (Julia Ruthven) 
Piper Guidi, Maya Stein and Avery Wright cheer on the Giving Campaign at Havens Spirit Day (Julia Ruthven) 
Rita Fabi hands out spirit day swag at Havens (Katie Sharafi) 
Esme Mitchell and Nora Donnelly show their spirit at Havens (Julia Ruthven)
Beach School (photos courtesy of Meghan Bennett)
Carson Jacobs passes out candy for the Giving Campaign 
Laura Jacobs and Zeena Fakoury 
Front L to R: Liam Gallagher, Frances Oates-Sternglanz , Freddie Oates-Sternglanz, Linus Oates-Sternglanz, Nora Holder. Back L to R: Laura Jacobs, Zeena Fakoury, Seth Sternglanz
To learn more about the Piedmont Education Foundation’s Giving Campaign or to donate, please visit www.piedmontedfoundation.org.
Years ago, I remember that a student in my first grade class at Wildwood tried to explain to the others what Spirit Day was going to be. He said, “It’s when you think of someone in your family that died, and invite their spirit to come to school with you.” The other children got such a solemn look on their faces. I had to try to keep my face straight as I explained that there was more than one meaning for the word spirit.