More Information about the HSA

Comprised entirely of parent volunteers, the Medford Home and School Association (HSA) has a twofold mission: first and foremost, we strive to build community across the seven schools in our district, primarily by planning fun and family-friendly events that bring kids together outside of school. Second, we raise money, and donate it directly back to our schools. All of the funds raised are utilized to purchase resources or fund initiatives that go beyond the approved budget.

Unlike a traditional PTA or PTO our organization is centrally managed district wide. All seven schools in Medford (5 elementary schools, Haines 6th Grade Center, and Memorial Middle) participate in our activities and funds raised are distributed equitably across the district. There are still school specific activities and fundraisers. The HSA has representatives at each school to help the school administration manage those events, and to coordinate district wide activities.

Contributing to the Kickoff Fundraiser at any level is an easy way to support your school, teachers, and students. Over a quarter of the total funds raised by the HSA come directly from this start of school fundraiser, and the money we raise in the first month dictates how we plan and prepare for events throughout the year. 

The Kickoff Fundraiser is designed to conveniently bundle together several forms and activities, so you can submit one form and one payment for all of the children in your household. There are different “perks” depending on the level you choose, like bundling Snack Attack or tickets to one of our key events.

All contributors are eligible to vote in our Executive Board elections that are held annually at the end of the school year. Our Executive Board is actively engaged with the district administration to plan events, coordinate activities, and build community across our schools. As you will read about in our newsletters, the HSA plays an important role in enabling our principals to deliver additional resources to our students. This partnership allows us to work together to make our schools unique and enriching places for our children to learn and grow. Please consider supporting us this school year.

Snack Attack is offered by the HSA on early dismissal half-days. In lieu of sending your child to school with a snack, a ‘Philly’ soft pretzel will be delivered to your child’s classroom. A donation to our Kickoff Fundraiser at the $50 or greater level includes Snack Attack for all children in your household for all half-days this school year. If you do not make a Kickoff Fundraiser contribution there will be an opportunity to order Snack Attack for your child in advance of the first scheduled early dismissal half-day.

Becoming a room parent is a great way to get involved at your school. Room parent's responsibilities usually include helping with class parties and assisting on field trips. This is a position that only exists at the elementary school level. Interest in being a room parent is usually strong, particularly at lower grade levels. An application to sign-up as a room parent will be sent home during the first week of school. The HSA has developed a selection process to assist the teachers and school administrators in selecting room parents but ultimately the number of room parents, selection, and responsibilities is a school staff decision.

Our typical events include Food Truck Night, Holiday Shoppe, Designer Bag Bingo, Wizards Basketball, and a Pool Party. Some of these are fundraisers and some of them are open events. Other fundraisers we typically hold are chocolate/coffee sales and shop/dine events. The HSA also raises funds each year dedicated specifically in appreciation of our Transportation staff. This involves hosting a breakfast and showing them our gratitude for the work they do.

All families in the district will receive our newsletters and flyers sent home through the school. When you become a member you can elect to be added to our email list as well, which will be another way that we will communicate about our events. The HSA also maintains an active Facebook page and Instagram page.

If you are not an HSA Member, but would like to join our email list, just click here to Subscribe directly.

More information about volunteering with the HSA can be found on our Volunteer Information Form.

You can check the status of your membership, and any other online forms that you have completed with the HSA, by sending an email to checkmyinfo@medforhsa.org. Our system will automatically reply back with your current year HSA contribution information, event registrations, or other sign-ups you have completed with the HSA. Make sure you send your email from the same address that you would have used when completing online forms.

Visit the How We Help page to see all of the ways Medford Township Public Schools benefit from HSA fundraising.