Friends of Palms
Cara Pohle
2022-2024 Friends of Palms President
- Friends of Palms Vice President: open position
- Friends of Palms Secretary: Shachar Lavi-Pangindian
- Friends of Palms Treasurer: Todd Helmerson
Read the Friends of Palms Welcome Message
Friends of Palms
As a Palms parent, you are automatically a member of Friends of Palms (FOP)—the primary parent organization at Palms. Our mission is to raise money and provide parent volunteers to cover critical expenses such as computers, art supplies, campus supervision, homework help, and classroom supplies and much more—things that parents want for their students but that LAUSD does not always provide. We also organize popular activities for students and families to build our community.
See the Leaders page for the Friends of Palms board members and committee chairs. See the Budget page for the annual budget.
The PTSA (Parent-Teacher-Student Association) is a national organization that addresses other needs that directly benefit our school and our students, including student-welfare programs (such as school nurse supplies) and campus beautification. See the Leaders page for the PTSA officers.
- provides daily front-door supervision
- provides a stipend to each teacher for classroom supplies
- funds the Art in the Afternoon program
- funds technology purchases of hardware and software, including the annual BrainPOP license
- funds class field trips
- sponsors the Spelling Bee.
- pays for instrumental music coaches
- purchases supplies for Beautification Day events
- purchases P.E. equipment
- scholarships for students to take the Eighth Grade East Coast Trip
- sponsors the Historic Figure Pumpkin Decorating event
- buys books for the Library
- funds uniforms for sports teams and the Drama department
- hosts breakfasts and luncheons for teachers
- coordinates student and family events including the Meet & Greet, Book Fair, Dining for Dollars, Beautification Days, and BIG SUNDAY
- organizes the morning Drop-Off Lanes
- provides parent tour guides during Palms Previews for prospective Palms families
- maintains this website
Your participation
We know how busy parents are so we respect your time by creating EASY ways for you to participate.
Combined FOP/PTSA meetings are held monthly, usually on the fourth Tuesday of the month, at 6:30pm in Zoom. FOP/PTSA meetings are one of the best ways to find out what is happening at Palms, hear from school administrators and guest speakers, and to make sure your voice is heard.
Donate Now!
Make a one-time donation, sign up for the convenient monthly plan, or write a donation check to "Friends of Palms" and mail it to:
Friends of Palms Donation
10860 Woodbine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Ten Ways You Can Help Make Palms a Great Experience for Your Child and Family
- Donate as much as you can afford to the Family Annual Donation Drive. This pledge drive is our only significant money-raising event all year and all families are encouraged participate. All donations, no matter what the amount, are greatly appreciated!
- Watch this website for up-to-date news and read the weekly email.
- Join the PTSA. Participate in councils and committees.
- Attend monthly FOP/PTSA meetings. They are usually held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, at 6:30pm in Zoom. Attending is a great way to stay connected!
- Volunteer as much as you can. Fill out the Volunteer Form and check the Volunteer Opportunities page. Your participation shows your child how much you care about his or her education.
- Register your Ralphs card so Palms receives a percentage of every purchase, at no additional cost to you. Participate in Labels for Education. Sign up for eScrip and the Office Depot 5% Back to Schools Program.
- Connect with other Palms families and get to know the Palms community at the Meet & Greet, Dining for Dollars, concerts, and other events.
- Take pride in Palms by sending your child to school in green and white on the first Friday of each month, hoping them with Palms Pride weeks, and purchasing Palms gear to show your school spirit. Gear is sold at the Meet and Greet, on Back to School Night, and at other events.
- Speak with your child and his or her teachers regularly to find out what is happening at school. Remind children of the Code of Conduct, the need to treat everyone with respect, and the importance of telling you about any concerns they have. Help them observer the Dress Code. Meet with your child's teachers at regular conferences. Look at each teacher's website with your child. Check in regularly through the Parent Portal. The Palms teachers, counselors, and school staff are here to support your child.
- Keep everyone's children safe. Drop off your child only where it's safe, so they never cross a street outside safe crossing area. Don't block a crosswalk even briefly, never let your child jaywalk, drive slowly, and obey all stop signs and restricted-turn signs. Respect our neighbors. For the most convenience and the highest safety, use our morning drop-off lanes.