Welcome Letter
Hello Van Meter Families!
Welcome to another exciting year at Louise Van Meter Elementary! I hope you had time to relax and recharge over the summer and are ready for a fantastic school year ahead. Whether you're a returning family or brand new to our community—I'm so glad you're here. I’m Kristin Finkelstein, and I’m honored to serve as this year’s Home & School Club (HSC) President. As a Van Meter parent for six years, I’ve loved being involved—from Room Parent to student leadership programs—and I’m excited to keep building the strong, connected community that makes our school so special.
The Van Meter Home & School Club is a parent-led, volunteer organization whose main purpose is to support our students, families, teachers, and staff in every way we can. We aim to bring the Van Meter community (parents, teachers, and kids) closer together through community events and programs. We also organize, staff, and fund equipment, classes, and people that enrich the educational experience for students at Van Meter. We are part of One Community Los Gatos, (OCLG), a collaboration between parents, schools, and the greater Los Gatos community to elevate the educational experience beyond the basic, state-funded curriculum.
If you are looking for ways you can support our school, ensure your child receives the best possible education and your entire family gets the most out of your experience at Van Meter, here are a few ideas:
1. Donate. Programs like STEAM, Art, Music, PE, Spanish, & Library are not possible without donations. Keep an eye out for more information on all of the programs and events that OCLG contributions fund. Discuss as a family the monthly or yearly value of your child having access to these programs on a weekly basis, and consider donating during the campaign.
2. Volunteer. Help out with the numerous events and programs that we plan throughout the year based on your time commitment or interest level. You can access all volunteer opportunities through the 'Community' tab on the homepage of the H&SC website.
3. Participate. Attend our family campus events and our parent events to make sure you stay connected!
4. Be positive. Our teachers and staff are incredibly hard-working, wonderful people who are dedicated to the safety, care, and academic success of all of our children. Please remember to be respectful with feedback and kind in your correspondence. It's the Bulldog Way! ;-)
We are all in this together, so however you choose to support Van Meter, your time and contribution will be greatly appreciated! Please feel free to contact me, or any one of the H&SC members, if you have suggestions or questions. I look forward to connecting with each of you this year!
Go Bulldogs!
Kristin Finkelstein
President, Van Meter Home & School Club 2024–2025
kristin.finkelstein@vanmeterhsc.org