Email the PTA at uparkpta@gmail.com with any questions or to volunteer for any fundraisers, events, or programs.
Apple Campaign (Direct Giving)
University Park Elementary successfully serves an ethnically and socio-economically diverse community of learners while facing budgetary challenges brought about by gaps in education funding at the state and federal levels. As a result, the UPark PTA requests donations from families and the community during our annual direct giving campaign, called the Apple Campaign.
The funds raised during the Apple Campaign (as well as the Online Auction) allow the PTA to provide an annual grant to the school to help cover the cost of additional classroom teachers. These extra classroom teachers who would otherwise not be supported by our enrollment numbers, allow UPark to maintain small class sizes; which
benefits each and every student at UPark.
Donate to the Apple Campaign today!
Online Auction
The UPark Online Auction is a week-long online auction geared toward raising money to support students and staff at UPark. Combined with the aforementioned Apple Campaign, funds from the auction support our annual grant to the school.
Supporters of the UPark Online Auction will find diverse offerings from summer camps and gift cards to local establishments to the coveted reserved parking space and fabulous getaways. The Online Auction is where families can bid on personalized student experiences with UPark teachers, birthday wishes on the school marquee, and fun gatherings with fellow parents.
Support UPark by bidding at the Online Auction!
Fun Run and Carnival
The Fun Run and Carnival has been in existence at UPark for over 20 years! It is by far the most beloved event at UPark and attended by current families, prospective families, and the surrounding neighborhood as a celebration of community.
The event kicks off with a fun run around the University Park track for students and kids. Following the fun run, a lunch will be served and carnival games will commence. Come enjoy bouncy castles, games, face painting, prizes, and more!
Backpack Program
At UPark, we support our families through short or long term hardship with weekly food assistance. The Backpack Program parent volunteers procure food donations and purchase food at a discount through our community partners in order to send supported students home with 1-2 bags of food each week. When students have access to nutritious food at home they arrive at school ready to learn and play. If you would like to purchase grocery cards for or volunteer with the Backpack Program, please email the
PTA at uparkpta@gmail.com.
If you are a current UPark family and would like to request food assistance, please contact the main office or email one of our school psychologists, Jordan McElligott.
Multicultural Night
Multicultural Night is an annual evening of food and fun from around the globe as the UPark community celebrates our breadth of diversity and join together to recognize our students of all heritages and cultures. It is a fun night for all ages!
Art Night
Art Night is an annual evening of creativity and family fun as students and families gather at the school to participate in the creation of art and the appreciation of art that has been created by students throughout the year. We look forward to showing you what our students have been up to in art class and creating new art together!
Restaurant Nights
UPark hosts restaurant nights approximately once a month during the school year. At each restaurant night, the participating restaurant has agreed to donate a percentage of sales back to the UPark PTA. These funds are used to support PTA programming for students and teachers throughout the year. Gather your friends and head out to the next restaurant night for delicious food and a good cause!
Click HERE to see the school calendar, which lists upcoming restaurant nights.
School Garden
The school garden and its parent volunteers foster a love of the earth through education and cultivation of plants on school grounds. Each Spring, seeds are planted and cared for by parents and students leading to a bountiful harvest in the Fall. The garden volunteers coordinate with classroom teachers to incorporate the garden into the curriculum. Food harvested from the garden is approved for the garden-to-cafeteria program and also supports our families in need via the backpack program. Email the PTA at uparkpta@gmail.com to inquire about volunteering in the garden.
Green Team
University Park’s sustainability initiative supports the goal of reducing waste and the use of energy through reduction in materials consumption, reusing materials when indicated, composting, and recycling. The initiative is promoted school-wide as an everyday model of action for all students and staff. Teacher sponsors, parent volunteers, and students participate in daily jobs around the school building as well as in forming larger strategies for sustainability at school and home. To become a Green Team volunteer parent or student, email uparkpta@gmail.com.
Passive Fundraising Opportunities (no cost to you!)