The OLW Family and School Association consists of all school parents, guardians, teachers, administrators and our pastor, acting collectively on behalf of Our Lady of the Wayside School and our children. Active participation and cooperation has been a vital part of the effectiveness of our Family and School Association and has been the foundation of a caring school community.

Our Lady of the Wayside Family and School Association has several purposes. Its primary purpose is to promote communication among parents, guardians, teachers and administrators, with focus on the educational and spiritual development of our children. Additionally, it is to promote good will and cooperation among parents, faculty, administration, school board and parish; and to direct and coordinate parental support for special activities, programs, social events and fundraising.

The by-laws of our OLW Family and School Association are included in our Handbook/Directory.

Through the volunteer efforts, the Family and School Association offers numerous services under the following Family and School Board Committees:

• Communication/Publicity – Coordinates all communication between the FSA, school families, parish and community. This includes the School Calendar, Monday Memos, E-Mail Communication, Legislative Action Person, Photographer, School Mailings, and this website.

• Fundraising – Oversees all profit generating events that fund the FSA school gifts. Attends event meetings as needed, serving as a resource and liaison with the FSA board. This includes the Progressive Party, Annual Craft Fair, and Auction.

• Hospitality – Arranges refreshments for various school functions throughout the year, coordinates and oversees all captains, and maintains inventory for all functions. Confirms availability of area needed and arranges physical set up with the Parish Business Manager. This includes the Kick-Off Coffee, Winter Open House, Confirmation Reception, Volunteer Thank You Coffee, Faculty Thank You Luncheon, Graduation Farewell Dinner, Graduation Reception, Bakers, DARE Reception, and Kindergarten Graduation Reception.

• In-School Services – Supervises and coordinates all activities performed in the school to support the students and staff. This includes the Health Committee, School Store, Copy Service, Milk Program, Picture Day, Student Fundraiser, and Registration.

• Student Enrichment – Oversees student enrichment programs and financially assists class-sponsored field trips. This includes the Library/Media Center, Book Processing, Picture Parent, Cultural Arts, Cotillion, Reading Programs, and Book Fair.

• Membership Services – Oversees school and volunteer related records, and social activities offered to member families. This includes the Handbook/Directory, Volunteer List, Welcome Wagon, Ice Cream Social, Uniform Exchange, and Family Sock Hop.

• Room Parents – Receives student class list in August and contacts volunteers to fill positions, prepares packets for room parents, and handles phone calls during the year. This includes Room Parents, Pizza Day, and Emergency Phone Relay.

• School Gifts – Provides research and procurement of items designated for purchase by the FSA Board, and works throughout the year in conjunction with the Principal and the Parish Business Manager to secure pricing and installation.