Welcome to Piedmont SERVES 

Student Engagement, Responsibility and Volunteerism in our Elementary Schools

Tri-School Opportuntities 2024

Spring Clothing, Toy and Book Drive to support Closets at

Bridges Academy at Melrose and Lockwood STEAM Academy, OUSD

Monday, April 15-Monday May, 6

It is time again for our annual Spring Drive to support Closets at our 2 partner East Oakland OUSD schools to get needed items to families in time for summer vacation. Please donate gently used clothing and shoes (all sizes: infant, children and adults), purses/tote bags/backpacks, toys and childrens books.  Adult clothing and household items also accepted.

Have furniture or small appliances, email saraheisemon@gmail.com to see if we can accept and get it to a family in need.  Please include picture(s) of furniture -- dimensions, even approximate, are helpful so we can figure out if and how we can transport.


Please follow the guidelines for donations.  We want the kids to feel good in what they wear.  We also do not want to create hours of extra work delivering, sorting, etc. for the Piedmont parents who volunteer to help.  Thank you very much for your support!!!


*Please no stained, ripped, out of style or clothing in poor condition.

*NO UNDERWEAR or SOCKS unless new in packaging or with hang tags.

*NO SHOES unless in like new condition.

*Please no toys or games that are broken or have missing parts and no books in poor condition.  No adult books.


Contact: saraheisemon@gmail.com


Drop-off location

Havens Earth Day Fest, Sunday April 21, 1-3pm

9 Abbott Way

55 Wildwood Gardens

Piedmont SWAPS!

Gently used Puzzle, Game and Book Swap

Sunday April 21, 1-3pm @ Havens Earth Day Fest

and

Wildwood Centennial Celebration (details to be announced)

With Tri-School SERVES 

Ready to try puzzles with more pieces?  Want to pass on a much loved game and try a new one?  Need some new summer reading?  Bring your gently used puzzles, games and books to Havens Earth Day Fest and swap for some new-to-you items.  Remaining items will be given to kids at our partner OUSD schools and otherwise redistributed.  Have puzzles and games that are missing pieces -- bring them and place them in the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover bin to be used for crafting at schools, scouts groups, etc.  This is a free activity.

Past Opportunities and Events

Piedmont SWAPS!

Athletic Gear and Clothing Swap

*Also Dance, Scouting (Girl and Boy) and Piedmont Paraphernalia

Thursday, March 7

4:45-7:00 Time Slot 1 (you are bringing items to swap)

5:30-7:00 Time Slot 2 (you are not bringing items to swap)

Ellen Driscoll Auditorium (Havens Elementary School)

With Tri-School SERVES and Piedmont Community Service Crew (PCSC)/Piedmont Service Club (PSC).

See below for sports and items being accepted.


Kids outgrown their athletic gear and/or clothing?  Tried a sport and it did not work out?  Need a bigger ball and cleats?  Want to support our PUSD Student Conservationists and Schools -- and help our environment?


Come to our 1st Piedmont Swaps!  Bring in your no-longer needed athletic items and swap them for things you want.  Those who have items to swap can enter during the first time slot (4:45-5:30) and stay until the end (7:00) .  Those without items to swap can enter at 5:30 and stay until the end (7:00).  A suggested optional donation at the event will support this and future Piedmont Swaps! events, Tri-School SERVES and PEF (cash at the door or through the on-line PEF store -- QR code at the event).


Please make sure that all items are in good usable condition and that clothing has been washed after last wearing.  No broken gear or clothing with holes, rips or stains (all washed cotton t-shirts accepted in the reduce/reuse/recycle bin for reuse and recyling, donation, crafts, etc.). Tie shoes and other paired items together.


See below for sports and items being accepted.  Have something that you feel is appropriate and in good condition, but not on the list, bring it anyway.


This event and all swap items are free.  Volunteers will not be checking or inspecting swap items. Items are as is, no guarantees -- your ownership and use of items are at your own risk.  Volunteers may remove items from the Swap for any or no reason.


Left over swap items will be given to students at our OUSD East Oakland partner schools, Bridges Academy at Melrose and Lockwood STEAM Academy and other Bay Area non-profits, schools, groups and individuals.


Want to volunteer at our event, please use our SignUp Genius.


Contact: saraheisemon@gmail.com


Drop-off location

9 Abbott Way, Piedmont

*for those with items to give, but not coming to the Swap -- if you want to enter at Time Slot 1 you need to take your Swap Items directly to the Swap and show your items at the door

Athletic Gear and Clothing being accepted (alphabetically listed)

Ballet and Dance: leotards, tutus, ballet/dance skirts, wrap sweaters/tops, ballet shoes, tap shoes, other dance shoes

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts: uniform items, current handbooks, badges and other patches, vintage items

Piedmont Paraphernalia: PHS/MHS/PMS/Beach/Havens/Wildwood clothing and uniforms and other items.   PE uniforms in good condition.  Piedmont Turkey Trot (you know you need the shirt from every year for your collection).  Camp Augusta (not Piedmont, but lots of kids and families go).  Anything else Piedmont or purple -- PIEDMONT PURPLE POWER!

Athletic Clothing and shoes, kids and adult sizes

Other: sports bags, backpacks

Baseball: bats, balls, clothing, cleats, etc.

Basketball: balls, clothing, etc.

Fencing: epee, sabre, protective gear, etc.

Field Hockey: sticks, balls, etc.

Fitness:  balls (all kinds), frisbee, jump rope, weights, balance items, etc.

Football: etc.

Golf: clubs, bags, clothing, etc.

Gymnastics: leotards and other clothing, etc.

Hockey: skates, sticks, pucks, protective gear, etc.

Ice skating: ice skates, etc.

Lacrosse: sticks, balls, etc.

Other: clean cotton shirts (can have holes and stains) accepted in the reduce/reuse/recycle bin for reuse, donation, crafts, etc. -- de-aquisition all of those no longer useful freebie and other shirts!

Pickleball: balls, rackets, etc.

Soccer: balls, cleats, shin guards, etc.

Softball: balls, bats, clothing, etc.

Snorkeling and other water sports: fins, masks and snorkels.  Paddle and other boards, inflatable kyaks, etc.

Swim: caps, goggles, etc.

Tennis: rackets, clothing, etc.

Track & Field: shoes, clothing, etc.

Volleyball: ball, etc.

Water Polo: ball, etc.

Winter Sports: equipment .  Please note that coats and winter clothing and boots will be accepted at the door and taken to DBFL for its annual Ski Sale to support PUSD

Tri-School Fall Opportuntities 2023

Fall Clothing, Toy and Book Drive to support Closets at

Bridges Academy at Melrose and Lockwood STEAM Academy, OUSD

FLASH Collection ending Wednesday, January 17

One of our partner schools, Lockwood STEAM Academy postponed its Closet to the new year so we are doing a 1 week FLASH collection of donations.  Cleaned out a little over the holidays?  Got some great new gifts and need to make some more space on your shelves and in your closets?  Here is a perfect opportunity to have your things go to those who really can use them.

Please donate gently used clothing and shoes (all sizes: infant, children and adults), purses/tote bags/backpacks, toys and childrens books.  Adult clothing and household items also accepted.


Please follow the guidelines for donations.  We want the kids to feel good in what they wear.  We also do not want to create hours of extra work delivering, sorting, etc. for the Piedmont parents who volunteer to help.  Thank you very much for your support!!!


*Please no stained, ripped, out of style or clothing in poor condition.

*NO UNDERWEAR or SOCKS unless new in packaging or with hang tags.

*NO SHOES unless in like new condition.

*Please no toys or games that are broken or have missing parts and no books in poor condition.



Drop-off locations

*9 Abbott Way, Piedmont

Tri-School Spring Opportuntities 2023

Spring Clothing, Toy and Book Drive to support Closets at

Bridges Academy at Melrose and Lockwood STEAM Academy, OUSD

Monday, April 17-Monday May, 8

We are hosting our annual Spring Drive to support Closets at our Partner Schools in East Oakland and get needed items to families in time for summer vacation.  So start your spring cleaning and donate the clothing that your kids have outgrown, toys that they no longer play with and other things that you are ready to pass on!

Please donate gently used clothing and shoes (all sizes: infant, children and adults), purses/tote bags/backpacks, toys and childrens books.  Adult clothing and household items also accepted.


Please follow the guidelines for donations.  We want the kids to feel good in what they wear.  We also do not want to create hours of extra work delivering, sorting, etc. for the Piedmont parents who volunteer to help.  Thank you very much for your support!!!


*Please no stained, ripped, out of style or clothing in poor condition.

*NO UNDERWEAR or SOCKS unless new in packaging or with hang tags.

*NO SHOES unless in like new condition.

*Please no toys or games that are broken or have missing parts and no books in poor condition.



Drop-off locations

*9 Abbott Way, Piedmont

*Havens SpringFest, Sunday, April 30

*Havens in front of Ellen Driscoll Auditorium, Friday, May 5 @ 8:15-8:45am drop-off - look for Sarah

*Beach Elementary School (inside front entrance)

Tri-School Winter Holiday Opportuntities 2022

Gently Used Clothing, Toy and Book Drive

to Benefit The Closet

at Bridges Academy at Melrose and Lockwood STEAM Academy (OUSD)

now-Tuesday 12/13

It is time again for our annual Holiday Drive to support The Closet (this year at 2 OUSD elementary schools) to get needed items to families in time for winter vacation.

Please donate gently used clothing and shoes (all sizes: infant, children and adults), purses/tote bags/backpacks, toys and childrens books.  We are focusing on clothing for the cooler winter months.  

Please no stained, ripped, out of style or clothing in poor condition - we want the kids to feel good in what they wear!  Please no toys or games that are broken or have missing parts and no books in poor condition.

Thank you for your support!  


Drop Off Locations

9 Abbott Way

Target Gift Card Giving

Help families in need at our partner school, Lockwood STEAM Academy OUSD have a happy holiday season.  Please consider giving a Target gift card (any amount appreciated).  Gift cards will be given out by Lockwood STEAMS Academy's Community School Manager at her discretion.

Buy through PEF Scrip program and double your impact - a percentage of gift card purchases goes back to our school district.

Thank you for your support!

More information to come.

Lockwood STEAM Academy Winter Fest

Saturday, December 10

12:00-3:00pm

with setup and cleanup before and after

SERVES is excited to restart its weekend activities after a long hiatus due to COVID.  Weekend activities allow our elementary students with their families to participate in community service and volunteer events and activities beyond our Piedmont community.  This holiday season our partner school, Lockwood Steam Academy, OUSD has asked us to help them host their first Winter Fest!!!  We love our schools' Fall, Winter and Spring Fests - let's help our partner school have their own great event.  We are looking for people to both volunteer and/or donate items for Winter Fest.


***Parents, please note that you will work with your kid/kids as a team at the station for which you signed up so please just sign up once for each parent-kid pair.  You may also be working with Lockwood STEAM Teachers and Staff who are volunteering at the event.  We also hope that you will come before or stay after your shift to enjoy the Winter Fest - you are welcome to play games, craft and get some snacks!


We would like it to include...

1.  The Closet:  items donated through our annual Holiday Clothing, Toy and Book Drive will be available to families so that they can get much needed items

2.  Snacks:  donate snacks and/or help run the snack table at the Fest

3.  Games:  donate game prizes and/or help run the games at the Fest

4.  Crafts: donate supplies and/or help run the craft tables at the Fest


Please see the sign-up genius for more details - sign up as a family or as part of a group (for example, you can organize your child's class or scout group to supply prizes and run a game at the Fest).  Unable to come, but want to donate, please click here for our Amazon wish list and have things delivered directly to Sarah so that she can take donations to the event.  Have questions or your own idea for the Fest, please contact Sarah Eisemon.

Tri-School Spring Fest Opportuntities 2022

Gently Used Clothing and Toy Drive

to Benefit The Closet

at Bridges Academy at Melrose (OUSD)

Please bring gently used clothing and shoes (all sizes: infant, children and adults), toys, books and bags/purses/backpacks.  We are focusing on warm weather clothing for spring, summer and early fall.

Please no stained, ripped, out of style or clothing in poor condition - we want the kids to feel good in what they wear!  Please no toys or games that are broken or have missing parts, no stuffed animals or plushies unless they are brand new with tags or in their original box.


Donations can be dropped off at your school's Spring Fest.  Items can also be dropped off at the following homes by Sunday, May 8.  Thank you!!!

117 Dudley Ave

55 Wildwood Gardens

1049 Harvard Rd

201 Linda Ave

Tri-School Winter Fest Opportuntities 2021

Gently Used Clothing and Toy Drive

to Benefit The Closet

at Bridges Academy at Melrose (OUSD)

Please bring gently used clothing and shoes (all sizes: infant, children and adults), bags/purses/backpacks and toys.  We are focusing on warm winter and rain clothing and festive holiday clothing.

Please no stained, ripped, out of style or clothing in poor condition - we want the kids to feel good in what they wear!  Please no toys or games that are broken or have missing parts, no stuffed animals or plushies unless they are brand new with tags or in their original box.


Please drop off donation by Monday, December 13.  Thank you!!!

Card Making for Senior Citizens at 

Grand Lake Gardens Senior Living 

Community

Make a card, draw a picture, write a poem (who doesn’t like a well done acrostic or haiku) or make decorations to spread holiday cheer to Senior (Citizen) Residents of Grand Lake Gardens Community.  Let’s let them know that we are thinking of them.


Please drop off by Monday, December 13.   Thank you!!!

Tri-School Book Drive to Benefit

Bridges Academy at Melrose (OUSD)

April 19-May 8

Hey kids!  Finished reading some great books and ready to pass them on?  Cleaning out your bookshelves?  Please donate your gently used books to elementary school students at Bridges Academy at Melrose, an OUSD school in East Oakland.


Please use the following guidelines in selecting books for donations.


 

Drop Off Locations (at homes throughout Piedmont).  Please leave your donations on the porches/at the front doors.  



For those participating in Haven's May Day Event on May 1, leftover books from the Book Exchange will be donated to Bridges Academy and other organizations, groups and individuals.  Please bring your books that need new homes.


Thank you for participating and sharing the joys of reading!

Piedmont Climate Challenge

SERVES is working with Piedmont Climate Challenge to encourage and support students and their families working to protect our planet.  From now until Earth Day on April 22, we regularly will post an activity or highlight a topic.  Please see the Piedmont Climate Challenge to sign up and for more information.  Piedmont Climate Challenge is open and free to Piedmont Residents.

Activity 1

Join the Piedmont Climate ChallengeEach elementary school has items own group/team that you can join after signing up (creating an account).  Havens and Beach are under "Community Group" and Wildwood is under "Team."


Explore the Piedmont Climate Challenge website and use it as a guide and conversation starter for how your family can participate and make a difference.

Activity 2

Eat more vegetables and less meatDo you know that meat production becasue of the way we feed livestock is carbon intensive which is bad for our environment.  Eating more plant based foods can reduce your household’s impact on our climate.


How to get your family involved            * Brainstorm meat free meals that you can make and eat together.

* Visit a local farmer’s market to pick up fruits or vegetables to share.

* Or come up with your own great idea!

Activity 3

Activity 3: Save Water:  Do you know that the average standard flow shower uses almost 4 gallons per minute?  Taking shorter showers, even if it is only 1-2 minutes less, can save 1000's of gallons of water per household each year.  It also saves energy used to heat that water.  TIme your shower to get a baseline - then set a timer for a slightly shorter time (average American shower = 8 minutes).  Have a family competition, calculate the water you save, have fun!  And make sure that you shower long enough to get yourself clean!  Please see piedmontclimatechallenge.org for more details and other water saving ideas.

EVENTS and OPPORTUNITIES 2021

Students and Seniors Share Stories Happy Spring

(rescheduled)

SSSS is a new (as of fall 2020) virtual collaboration between Piedmont Elementary Schools and Grand Lake Gardens Senior (Citizens) Community.  Senior Residents and Elementary School Students meet (via Zoom) and tell their favorite story or memory, read together and share their writing and art


For our Students and Seniors Share Stories Happy Spring share a story or poem you write, make a piece of art, listen to a story and spread spring cheer!


When: Thursday, March 18

Time: 4:00-5:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting


RSVP to Sarah (please put SERVES Students and Seniors Share Stories in the subject line) with the number and names of students who will attend (siblings welcome).  I will send out zoom links the week of the event.


Past Students and Seniors Share Stories have included First Day of School Memories, Halloween Costume Party and Holidays 2020.

Card Making for Senior Citizens at Grand Lake Gardens Senior Living Community

Let's celebrate and make Lunar New Year and Valentine's for Seniors living at Grand Lake Gardens.  


Please drop them off at Sarah's home by Thursday, February 9 so that they can be delivered in time. 


Many thanks to those who made holiday cards in December - we made enough for all Residents and they really loved them!

Tri-School Virtual Winter Festival 2020

December 7-18 (some opportunities extended!)

Updated Wednesday, December 9.

Thank you to all who are participating in Tri-School SERVES Winter Festival!  While some of our events are closed and underway (our Chess Masters are already playing!), we still have events and opportunities open.  We have extended the closing date for Holiday Cards and Decorations for Senior (Citizen) Residents at Grand Lake Gardens and Winter Art Exchange to Friday, December 18 to give people a chance to create.

Complimentary paper/ephemera kits and like new/gently used stamps, dies/embossing folders (if you have a sizzix or similar machine) and more available.  Supplies generously donated by artists, crafter and paper lovers from the Creative Escape community, an independent craft, scrapbooking and paper store in Los Gatos.  With their generous donation over 175 Art Kits already have been assembled and given to Students at Bridges Academy at Melrose, and OUSD elementary school in East Oakland and Kids at Hamilton Families Shelter in San Francisco.

* * * * *


2020 has been a memorable year.  Despite challenges and real concerns, sadness and tragedies that individuals have faced, as a community we have remained strong and committed to our families, neighbors, friends, schools and larger community.  For most of us our holidays will be different from those past; there is much to celebrate in novel ways.  Tri-School SERVES is pleased to host the first Tri-School Virtual Winter Festival, a week of holiday cheer, celebration, community and hope for a better 2021.  We hope that you will join us!


Virtual Winter Festival Events and Opportunities

Thank you for joining us for our Virtual Winter Festival. Participation is optional and open to all Piedmont Students and their families, most are free.  Please participate only to the extent that you are comfortable and can keep everyone healthy and safe.  Please join us for as many of the event and opportunities as you would like - we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Have any questions - or want to help out with Winter Festival or future SERVES events, please contact Sarah.  Please put SERVES Winter Festival in the subject line so that I easily can find your email.  Thanks!

Students and Seniors Share Stories: Holidays 2020 

(for Students with their Families)

Students and Seniors Share Stories is a new (as of fall 2020) virtual collaboration between Piedmont Elementary Schools and Grand Lake Gardens Senior (Citizens) Community.  Interested Senior Residents are paired with a group of Elementary School Students and tell their favorite story or memory. Then Students are given the opportunity to share.


For our Holidays 2020 event read a winter poem you write, share a winter picture you create, listen to a winter tale and spread holiday cheer!


When: Thursday, December 10

Time: 4:00-5:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting


RSVP to Sarah (please put SERVES Winter Festival in the subject line) with the number and names of students who will attend (siblings welcome).  Spaces are limited to keep the zoom groups personable - we will try to accommodate everyone, but if you are interested please contact me asap.  I will send out zoom links the week of the event to give people a chance to sign up and for me to divide Students into groups.


Past Students and Seniors Share Stories have included First Day of School Memories and Halloween Costume Party.

Holiday Cards and Decorations for Senior (Citizen) Residents at Grand Lake Gardens

(for Students with their Families)

Write a poem (who doesn’t like a well done acrostic or haiku), make a card and make decorations to spread cheer to Senior (Citizen) Residents of Grand Lake Gardens Community.  Let’s let them know that we are thinking of them.

Complimentary paper/ephemera kits and like new/gently used stamps, dies/embossing folders (if you have a sizzix or similar machine) and more available at Sarah's.  

Please drop off your creations by Friday, December 18 at Sarah's.  Below are ideas and inspiration.  Please be creative!  And make as many as you want!


You can create a

Poem

Small moment

Letter

Card

Postcard

Drawing or Painting

Cut snowflakes

Paper chains and other garlands

Ornaments (make your own - you can buy blank plastic balls and unfinished wood forms from Amazon and craft stores, including Joann Fabrics and Michaels)


Drop-off Locations

Gift Cards for Families in Need - Jewish Family Services

CLOSED

(for everyone)

Donate gift cards for Families in Need.  You will receive a family with a short bio.  Please consider purchasing gift cards through Scrip (a percentage goes to our schools) and doubling your impact - help a family and help our schools!


Link to purchase gift cards through Scrip

https://www.piedmontedfoundation.org/scrip/


Stay tuned for more information

  Piedmont’s Night of Light  Friday, December 11

(for everyone)

Many peoples and cultures around the world have festivals of light.  Light can symbolize goodness, knowledge and intelligence, spirituality, purity, morality, energy, creativity and hope.


Let’s celebrate with a Night of Light to end our week long festivities.  Please safely place lights in your front window or on your porch.  Turn them on at sunset. We look forward to seeing our City full of Light!

I’m an Awesome COVID Parent Badge and Drawing

CLOSED

(for Parents only)

Badges, trophies, certificates of participation - why should our kids get all of the recognition?  We parents deserve a reward, especially during these trying times.  Fill in the badge in the link (to be added) and email it to Sarah (please put SERVES WInter Festival in the subject line) to be entered in a drawing for $50 “gifty” gift card good for local restaurants or PayPal funds.  Email must be received by Friday, December 11 at 11:59pm to be entered in the drawing.  One entry per parent.  You will be notified by email if you win so please be sure that you put your correct address.  Have fun and thanks for participating.

Scrip

Winter Art Exchange

(for Students and Adults)

Make 5 pieces of original art inspired by winter and/or the spirit of the holiday season.  Turn them in.  You will receive 5 randomly selected pieces of art created by others in the community!  What a fun way to share and get a little package of creativity in return!


The Details

Please put your name and if you are a student school and grade on each piece of your art - this will help everyone get a diverse selection of art.

Each piece of art should be original - no photocopies.

Each piece of art should be between 3”x5” (smallest) to 8.5”x11” (largest) in size.  It can be a drawing, painting, collage, mixed media - it can be flat or have textural elements and ephemera (for example buttons, rhinestones, trim, etc.) - be creative!

Consider writing a little note to the new owner on the back of your art.

You will not get your own art back so please do not turn in anything that you want to keep.

Complimentary paper/ephemera kits and like new/gently used stamps, dies/embossing folders (if you have a sizzix or similar machine) and more available at 9 Abbott Way.  

Drop off your art at Sarah’s home by Friday, December 18.  You may pick up your package of exchanged art at Sarah’s home on Monday, December 21 - a gift just in time for the winter vacation!

Please remember that we are a diverse community and refrain from religious themes and sentiments or anything that may be exclusionary or hurtful.

Happy Creating!

Winter Chess Tournament 

CLOSED

(for Students only)

Calling all Student chess players.  Test your skills, try out a new strategy, hone your existing game and sign up for the first Winter Festival virtual chess Tournament!


The Details

You will play one game (start time 5:00 pm) each day from Monday, December 7 through Thursday, December 10 for a total of 4 games.  In fairness to all participants, please sign up only if you are able to play all four days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at 5:00pm - if you don’t show up your opponent will not be able to play either.


To sign up email SarahPlease put SERVES Winter Festival in the subject line.  Include your student’s name, her/his chesskid.com user name, age, chess level (beginner, intermediate or advance) and a telephone number where you can be reached during tournament play.  Age and chess level will be used to help determine your opponents.  You will be emailed a schedule of play that will include your opponents first name, user name and phone number.  The phone number is included in case you need to coordinate, solve tech issues or won’t be able to play a game (nice to let your opponent know).  You can reschedule if both player can find another time.


Students will be playing each other on chesskids.com.  You will need to have an account to sign up for the tournament - it is free.  SERVES, Winter Festival Volunteers and PUSD are not affiliated with or responsible for chesskids.com and are not able to help with the website or its use or answer questions or problem solve.  It is being used as a platform for the virtual chess tournament.  So if you have questions or problems with the website and its use please contact chess kids.com.


Keep track of your wins and losses and email your results to Sarah to receive your Certificate via email!

Scrip

(for everyone)

Below is the link to purchase gift cards through Scrip.  A percentage of the amount purchased goes to support PUSD.  Get your holiday shopping done and support our schools!


https://www.piedmontedfoundation.org/scrip/

SERVES Activites and Opportunities

Havens Community Clothesline

Location: Havens Elementary School front gate (Highland Ave)

We invite you - parents, students, teachers, staff and other Havens Community members - to make and hang art, messages of inspiration/thinking of you/thanks/etc., letters, posters, public health messages (like wear a mask or stay safe).

We want to share our love of and support for our School Community!!!

A few things to remember when participating

* Everyone at Havens Belongs.  We are Caring.  We are Courageous.  We have Integrity.

* Please wear masks when you come to Havens to hang up your art.  Come only with your family and do not meet up with others.  Let's keep our community safe and healthy.

* Items on the Community Clothesline will be taken down to keep our School neat and as otherwise needed.  Items will not be returned so please do not hang anything that you want to keep.

Students and Seniors Share Stories 

with Grand Lake Gardens Senior (Citizens) Community

Students and Seniors Share Stories is a new (as of fall 2020) virtual collaboration between Piedmont Elementary Schools and Grand Lakes Gardens Senior (Citizens) Community.  


Interested Senior Residents are paired with a group of Elementary School Students and tell their favorite story or memory.  Then Students will be given the opportunity to share their stories and memories.  Each meeting will have a topic or theme for inspiration.  Past events have included First Day of School Memories and Halloween Costume Party.


Students and Seniors Share Stories is on-going.  Please check your school's newsletter and our website for upcoming events.


Past events with Grand Lake Gardens Senior Living Community include game days, holiday festivities and card making.

Spring Clothing, Toy and Book Drive to support Closets at

Bridges Academy at Melrose and Lockwood STEAM Academy, OUSD

Monday, April 17-Monday May, 8

We are hosting our annual Spring Drive to support Closets at our Partner Schools in East Oakland and get needed items to families in time for summer vacation.  So start your spring cleaning and donate the clothing that your kids have outgrown, toys that they no longer play with and other things that you are ready to pass on!

Please donate gently used clothing and shoes (all sizes: infant, children and adults), purses/tote bags/backpacks, toys and childrens books.  Adult clothing and household items also accepted.


Please follow the guidelines for donations.  We want the kids to feel good in what they wear.  We also do not want to create hours of extra work delivering, sorting, etc. for the Piedmont parents who volunteer to help.  Thank you very much for your support!!!


*Please no stained, ripped, out of style or clothing in poor condition.

*NO UNDERWEAR or SOCKS unless new in packaging or with hang tags.

*NO SHOES unless in like new condition.

*Please no toys or games that are broken or have missing parts and no books in poor condition.



Drop-off locations

*9 Abbott Way, Piedmont

*Havens SpringFest, Sunday, April 30

*Havens in front of Ellen Driscoll Auditorium, Friday, May 5 @ 8:15-8:45am drop-off - look for Sarah

*Beach Elementary School (inside front entrance)