Parent Organizations

Colfax Avenue School has two active parent organizations, PTA and PACE (Parents Association of Colfax Elementary), which provide many educational and pleasurable activities for all students. All parents, friends and community members are encouraged to join these groups and volunteer services, materials or time to one or more events. Your efforts and contributions are welcome, appreciated and needed. Working side by side, both PTA and PACE strive to meet Colfax Avenue School's needs in order to maintain its high standard of education. For additional information on these parent organizations, please contact the school office.

Research proves that involved parents have children that do better in school. Thanks to last year's Parent Center grant, every Colfax parent will be receiving a monthly copy of "Parents Make the Difference," an informative newsletter which gives parents tips on how to get involved with their child's education. Topics include: how parents can motivate children, ways parents can use discipline to help children learn, helping children adjust to families in transition, the importance of listening and reading and how to be the parent vs. being a friend. Look for your newsletter at the beginning of every month in your child's backpack!

Working side by side, both PTA and PACE strive to meet Colfax Avenue School's needs in order to maintain its high standard of education. For additional information on these parent organizations, please contact the school office.

PTA

The PTA is an integral part of campus life at Colfax Avenue. General membership meetings are held throughout the year and a monthly PTA newsletter, DATELINE, is distributed to all children in English and Spanish. Membership in the PTA offers many discounts on various school activities and spirit events. PTA funds many essential programs for the children, especially the Needy Children Fund and the 31st District PTA health and Dental Clinics. Volunteers are invited to join the PTA on a variety of committees.

PACE

PACE was established in 1991 as a non-profit organization to raise funds for the school. PACE has successfully funded a school librarian, music teacher and art teacher, provided a "voice mail" system for the school office and purchased earthquake and classroom supplies. Working side by side, both PTA and PACE strive to meet Colfax Avenue School's needs in order to maintain its high standard of education. For additional information on these parent organizations, please contact the school office.

PACE $ AT WORK

In 1999, PACE purchased a computer program that enables each Colfax family to receive prerecorded phone messages. These messages impart useful information and announce upcoming events throughout the school year. We're still getting the last few kinks out but you should have already received a message or two from Mrs. Freckmann. If you have not received at least one call this new school year and would like to get them, please let the office know. Also let the office know if you would like to receive the messages in Spanish. This is another great way to get the word out to the parents of Colfax students as to goings on at school, so don't miss out!

A word from our PACE and PTA Presidents

Hello, and welcome! If your children are attending Colfax Elementary School for the first time, then you have chosen wisely, and we congratulate you. Even though our school motto is: "Rooted in Education, and Reaching for the Stars," our "sub" motto could easily be: "The best kept secret in the San Fernando Valley."

To the parents who are back from last year, years prior, and with new children to add to the Colfax family a heartfelt thanks for your continued support and vote of confidence.

As your PACE President and PTA President, we can assure you we will do everything in our power to help you, your children, and the teachers in whatever way we can, to make the school year 2006-2007, enriching, gratifying, and as socially amusing as we possibly can.

However, keep in mind that PACE stands for Parents Association of Colfax Elementary. That means you play the major part . As PACE officers, we're your servants. And whatever you can do to help us provide for the betterment of our children, will be greatly appreciated. Joining a fundraising project is just one example. It's how we make the money to provide for art, music, drama programs; class outings to museums; and whatever emergency situations that may arise. But the first thing we need you to do is please attend the PTA/PACE meetings once a month, just to show you care. It's the best place to learn what we're doing; and it's where you can offer your input, your vote, your talent and help make Colfax Elementary School the best it can be.

We wish you and your children a great year filled with good health, strong friendships, and inspired creativity.

Sincerely yours.

PTA Co-Presidents Greg O'Connor and John Heaner
PACE Co-Presidents Nora McGarry and Michelle Austin