About the Friends of Bell

Friends of Bell (FOB) is a volunteer-run non-profit organization of families, community members, teachers and administrators committed to supporting Bell Elementary’s mission to empower students to thrive.

Volunteer

We provide advocacy, resources, and hands-on support by:

Building connections with local business and community organizations for the benefit of all
Fundraising for academic and enrichment opportunities, facilities updates and critical positions
Cultivating a sense of community for Friends of Bell members and students to develop lasting relationships

FOB was incorporated in 1998 by a group of Bell parents, faculty members, and neighbors. It has 501(c)(3) status, so donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

All parents, guardians, teachers and staff are considered members of FOB, but we need the personal commitment and dedication of many to ensure Bell School's success.

The FOB Board is made up of parent, community and faculty volunteers; a list of board members is provided below. We are always seeking parents and other members of the community to become more involved with FOB in a variety of ways and welcome your input and new ideas.

FOB meetings will be announced in the weekly Blink and on the school calendar.

Learn How Your Donations Support Bell

About the FOB Board

The FOB Board is made up of parent, community and faculty volunteers. We are seeking parents and other members of the community to become more involved with FOB in a variety of ways and welcome your input and new ideas. See how you can get involved here. All FOB meetings will be announced on the weekly Blink and on the school calendar.

jodie foffel

President

Bell parent

Contact

Becky Barnhart

Business outreach chair

Bell parent

Contact

Laura McDaniel

marketing & comms

Bell parent

Contact

Kat clary

vice president

Bell parent

Contact

Erin Wolod

Community building chair

Bell parent

Contact

TBD

Fundraising chair

Bell parent

Reach out if interested

Jamie kleinschmidt

secretary

Bell parent

Contact

Brian Gurber

School Activities Chair

Bell parent

Contact

michelle sunder

technology

Bell parent

Contact

jennifer clyder

treasurer

Bell parent

Contact

Liz Ralph

Good Neighbor outreach Chair

Bell parent

Contact

Sara Warner

Staff Appreciation

Bell parent

Contact

Kathy Casillas

faculty chair

DHH teacher

Contact

Carla Bregitzer

Volunteer Chair

Bell parent

Contact

Honorary Board Members

Ashley Reyes, Principal
Martha Haro, Assistant Principal

Other Committee Contacts

Neuro-diversity

Fine Arts

Equity

President's Message

Why donate to the Friends of Bell?

I understand the idea of donating your precious time and money to a public school seems unnecessary. You’re probably saying, “Isn’t that what taxes are for?” Well, yes and no. Your tax dollars provide Bell School with a lot of what our children need. However, Friends of Bell, through your support, provides the additional resources that maintain and expand Bell School’s exceptional educational experience.

But let’s take a step back for a second. Why do you donate your time or money to a charitable organization? I’ll bet it’s because you believe in what that organization provides, and you believe your support benefits that organization. Now I think we can all agree that our children’s school is one of the organizations we care about most.

I also believe that dedicated teachers and administrators build the best schools when they have the resources and support they need. That is why Friends of Bell works tirelessly with parents, teachers, administrators, residents and businesses to help provide the nurturing, stimulating and challenging educational environment where our children flourish.

So if you believe in giving to organizations you care about most, please join me in showing you believe in Bell School by donating to Friends of Bell today.

How FOB Donations Support Bell

The allocation of funds raised is determined by the Local School Council, which is an elected body. Funds raised by Friends of Bell support many programs at Bell School, from the computer lab and athletics, to the art room and theater residencies.

Without our generous donors, Bell School would have a very different look and feel. Friends of Bell is so thankful to all our donors, our faculty and the entire Bell community. Friends of Bell is passionate about helping Bell School enrich the lives of its students. The Bell School Staff works hand-in-hand with the Friends of Bell in order to bring a well-balanced and fun learning atmosphere to our school.

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Each grade year has a dedicated arts or humanities residency that is funded from donations received. Residencies include CircEsteem (kindergarten and 1st grade), Civics (1st – 2nd grade), Looking Glass Theatre (3rd grade), Poetry (4th grade), Fulcrum Point (5th grade), Shakespeare (6th grade), Mosaics (7th grade), Legacy Project (8th grade). Some of the residencies will do a performance and others will have a tangible item produced that will be displayed or installed at the school for future students, parents, and teachers to enjoy. Some of the residencies will use a social hot topic and engage the students and build the performance or art from the students’ viewpoint.

TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS

Bell School has a long-term plan for technology and maintenance of current technology. Friends of Bell has been able to help increase technology throughout the building. Some tech items funded are iPads, carts for iPads and Chromebooks, classroom projectors, document cameras, Apps, and PCs for the Computer Lab. Bell School is always polling their staff to find out what they need to enhance the learning environment.

class size reduction

Bell School always will try to have the most ideal class size for learning. In order to achieve this CIWP (continuous improvement work plan) goal, Friends of Bell has helped purchase positions thanks to fundraising donations. In the past some of the positions included additional art, music and gym teachers, additional grade level teachers and additional classroom aides to bring the teacher student ratio within what Bell considers ideal for learning.

PARENT SPEAKERS

The Community Outreach Committee is dedicated to finding speakers that help parents navigate the different stages of development with their child(ren). Past speakers have included topics such as: executive functioning, navigating social media, and engaging children in family activities.