School 15 HSA Plans for an Exciting Year

As summer reaches its end, the School 15 Home and School Association readies itself for another exciting year, but it will be difficult to top the events of 2022-2023! Led by outgoing president Dana Howard, the HSA was able to host a Trunk or Treat, donate to students and faculty in need, provide toys and prizes for students, and much more. Howard began as Vice President in 2014 when her eldest daughter, Emma, was in first grade. A couple of years later, she became President. Under her reign, the HSA grew both its bank account and school presence through various fundraisers and activities.

By far, the biggest event of last year was the Centennial Fun Fair on June 4, 2023. Students, families, staff, alumni, Board of Education members, and City Council members all gathered at School 15 to commemorate this incredible milestone. Guests were able to shop at a vendor fair, enjoy face painting and balloon twisting, take a run through a giant inflatable obstacle course, play lawn games, watch a slideshow and virtual school tour, view old pictures and articles, and enjoy food and music. Through the generous sponsorships of Pina Nazario, Shoprite of Passaic, alumnus Sarah Mikolajczyk, Agamie’s Deli, and Dance World Academy and the charitable donations of alumnus Sheriff Richard Berdnik and Board of Education member Mark Brunciak, the HSA was able to come out financially ahead despite the spending required to put on an event of that caliber.

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of good leadership, but school 15 would not have had the success they did without Howard. However, her younger children, twins James and Lucy, will begin at Woodrow Wilson Middle School this year, so the HSA is now in different hands.

The current HSA consists of President Emily Thompson (former Recording Secretary), Vice President Carol Camacho (former Corresponding Secretary), long-time Treasurer Ferdous Salam, and newcomer Secretary Kathleen Grannis. Along with principal Dr. Luginda Batten-Walker, the team hopes to host events that will foster meaningful bonds between students, increase parent involvement, and create a welcoming school community.

In order to be successful, the HSA hopes that more families will attend the monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The first meeting will be held in conjunction with an ice pop social on September 12 at 6:00 pm. By being present, parents can assert their opinions about what kinds of events and fundraisers they would like to see this year. Volunteers are desperately needed to grow our HSA and offer more family programs. Together, we can make good things happen.