Partners in Education

Parents are full partners in their child’s education at Ascension School. An excellent way to develop this relationship is by your participation on either our School Board or Home School Association.

Ascension Home School Association

            The Ascension Home-School Association (HSA) oversees our school’s fund-raising efforts and Parent Service Program.  Its executive board, which consists of parents, the Pastor and the Principal, meets on the first Thursday of the month, from September through June.

Fund-raising

Fund-raising activities conducted by the HSA help pay our school’s operating costs. Every family has an annual goal and is required to participate in these activities.

            The HSA Option Program allows families to choose a fund-raising method that is best suited to their means. The first option allows families to “buy-out” their fund-raising obligation. Payment can be made in two installments.

With the second option, families agree to participate in all fund-raising activities. The “net” amount of their purchases must equal the fund-raising goal for the year. The backbone of our fund-raising program is the supermarket gift certificate/card program. Five percent of every purchase is credited toward your family’s goal. For example, if you buy $100 worth of certificates/cards, you earn $5 toward your goal.

The HSA sells gift certificates/cards for Shop Rite and Pathmark. These are accepted at all stores. In addition, the HSA has gift certificates for a local store, the Jollibee Market in Bergenfield.

Other fund-raising sales have included: candy, cookie dough, pizza dough and gift wrap.

Parent Service Program

          Every family is also required to give about 25 hours of service to the school. These activities include: School Board or HSA executive board member, fund-raiser chairperson, class parent, lunch aide and gift certificate/card sales. Parents can also earn volunteer hours by serving on the event staff for HSA-sponsored activities such as the Halloween Party, Thanksgiving Breakfast, Lunch with Santa, and the Family Fun Night

            Parents with special skills in areas such as construction, technology and marketing and development are encouraged to speak with the Principal to discuss ways they can share their talents with the school community.

Ascension School Board

            The Ascension School Board works closely with the Pastor, Principal and Parish Finance Committee to develop tuition rates and policies that govern our school. The board meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the school library (unless otherwise noted). The first hour of each meeting is an “open session,” during which parents are encouraged to share any questions, suggestions or concerns with board members. After a brief recess, the board conducts business in a closed session.