Parent Resources
Comprehensive support tools for the JSSPVA community. Find essential information on dues, school supplies, directories, and scholarship programs in one location. Tap below to find out more.
Support and recognize all Sears teachers and staff through a community-wide holiday appreciation fund. Contributions are optional and distributed to all staff.
Get involved in your child’s classroom by helping organize parties, field trips, and communications. A great way to stay connected throughout the year.
Fostering a welcoming and inclusive school community where every student, family, and staff member feels valued, respected, and empowered to belong.
Covers classroom celebrations and grade-level activities throughout the year. Simple annual contribution with easy payment and reimbursement options.
Simplify back-to-school prep with optional pre-packaged supply kits delivered directly to classrooms—or access grade-level lists to shop on your own.
Bringing parents together through connection, education, and community support.
Supports Sears athletics and school spirit through fundraising, events, and volunteer efforts. Helps fund equipment, uniforms, and student opportunities.
Provides confidential, need-based financial support for school activities, supplies, and programs to ensure all students can participate fully.
Partners with school leadership to enrich learning and strengthen our school community by organizing meaningful experiences, community events, and philanthropic opportunities aligned with the four tenets of the Portrait of a Sears Graduate.
Empowers teachers and directly enhances classroom learning to support specific needs.
Aims to raise awareness on sustainability issues and topics with the Sears’ community.
About the Fund
The Giving Tree Fund ensures that all JSS teachers, staff, and behind-the-scenes employees receive appreciation from Sears School families during the holiday season.
How It Works
Families contribute during the first part of the school year. Funds collected provide a monetary holiday gift in December to:
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Classroom teachers and floating associates
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Specials teachers (PE, Music, Art, Foreign Languages)
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Student services teachers
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Administrative staff and custodians
Suggested donation: $50 per student (all amounts welcome and optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this fund created?
To acknowledge all staff who make our school special—not just core teachers—while reducing the burden on parents during the busy holiday season.
How are funds distributed?
The entire fund is distributed once yearly in December to maximize gifts to all employees.
Can I still give my teacher a personal gift?
Absolutely! Notes of appreciation and personal gifts are always encouraged.
Are class dues related to this fund?
No. Class dues cover party expenses and are kept in a separate account.
Questions? Email jsspvadonate@gmail.com
Ways To Donate
Zelle -($50 per student to jsspvadonate@gmail.com)
Checks - of $50 per student payable to the JSSPVA are also accepted. Please write “Giving Tree” on the memo line. Drop off at the school office or mail to: The Sears School Giving Tree JSSPVA, 542 Abbotsford Road Kenilworth, IL 60043
Giving Tree Fund
Grade Dues
The JSSPVA collects grade dues for each grade level to help cover expenses for activities and items used during classroom parties throughout the school year, including Halloween, Winter, Valentine’s Day and End-of-Year parties. Some grades, in particular, may have special parties that support longstanding Sears traditions, for example the 5th grade “We The People” play followed by a dessert reception. The suggested donation is $50 per student.
Please note that 8th Grade dues are separate from the annual grade dues. Because the 8th Grade budget is maintained independently, information about these dues will be communicated directly to all 8th Grade families each school year.
The 8th Grade dues help fund the many special events, celebrations, and traditions that make students' final year at Joseph Sears School memorable. These include activities unique to the graduating class, such as the Beach Party, Halloween Party, community service projects, graduation celebrations, and other end-of-year traditions.
The exact amount of the 8th Grade dues varies each year based on the size of the graduating class and the projected expenses for these activities.
How to Donate:
Zelle (gradeduesjsspva@gmail.com)
Booster Club
The JSSPVA Booster Club leads initiatives that support Sears athletics and builds school spirit in partnership with Sears Athletic Department and Administration. The mission of the JSSPVA’s Booster Club is to enhance athletic programs, foster school spirit, and provide scholarships through fundraising that supports student athletes and athletic initiatives beyond the school’s operating budget.
Get Involved! Through parent volunteers, we strive to promote school spirit, sportsmanship, and outreach to other schools and organizations in need of athletic support. This is achieved through spirit wear sales, pep rallies, student-athlete awards, concession sales, and events: Turkey Trot, Field Day, etc.
Room Parents
If you are looking for opportunities to be involved with your child’s classroom, consider being a room parent for the 2026-2027 school year! Room parents support the classroom teachers with class parties, field trips and communications, and also help plan the grade level parent party. It’s a wonderful way to stay connected to your child’s class throughout the year.
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please use this form.
School Supply Kits
As you get ready for the 2026–2027 school year, we encourage families to start by reusing supplies from home whenever possible. If you need to purchase items, please consider shopping locally, and if you find extras you won’t use, donating to a charity is a great option.
Grade Level Supply List
View your child's grade level supply list here.
Prefer a bundle?
For a limited time, the JSSPVA offers an optional school supply kit bundle. Kits are delivered directly to classrooms and will be waiting for students on the first day of school—helping families save time and helping teachers start the year strong.
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Order deadline: July 1, 2026
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Order here: Closed for 2026-2027 School Year
Scholarship Fund
Each year the Joseph Sears School Parents’ Volunteer Association sets aside funds for need-based scholarships to help offset the costs of activities and fees. The School advertises the scholarship availability and credits the JSSPVA for funding. Sears families request assistance from the School directly, and the administration determines whether a family qualifies for scholarship funding. If you would like to inquire about obtaining scholarship funds, please email shelfand@kenilworth38.org.
All scholarships are confidential; the JSSPVA gives the money directly to the administration to help each family.
The JSSPVA Scholarship Fund covers:
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7th Grade Springfield field trip
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8th Grade Washington D.C. field trip
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School supplies
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Class dues
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School-sponsored clubs and programs, including:
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Chess Club
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Creative Dramatics
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Great Books
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Instrument rental for band and orchestra
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Lego League
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Science Olympiad
Diversity, Equity & Belonging
At Joseph Sears School, we believe every student, family, and staff member should feel safe, welcome, and valued. Through open dialogue, inclusive practices, and a commitment to belonging, the DEB Committee helps foster a school community where diverse perspectives are respected and celebrated.
Guided by the Portrait of a Sears Graduate and the Four Cornerstones, we strive to promote empathy, equity, and meaningful connections that strengthen our entire school community.
Special features:
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Caring Parent Community
Formed in the 2024-2025 school year, the Caring Parent Community is an expansion to the DEB Committee (Diversity, Equity, and Belonging)—as part of the JSSPVA’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity. The Caring Parent Community is a welcoming network of Sears families dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting one another throughout the parenting journey. Recognizing that every child and family has unique experiences, the Caring Parent Community provides opportunities for parents to connect, share resources, and learn from one another in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Green Initiatives
The JSSPVA Green Initiatives committee supports sustainability initiatives at school and district-wide. The Green Initiatives aims to raise awareness on sustainability issues and topics with the Sears’ community by leading efforts that support students’ involvement in Green initiatives.
Initiatives include coordinating efforts in the outdoor classroom, grounds beautification, school recycling efforts, Earth week events, and bike and walk to school events.
Enrichment
The Enrichment Committee serves as a collaborative bridge between the JSSPVA and school leadership, ensuring our efforts enhance the student experience and support the Portrait of a Sears Graduate (Fearless Learner, Creative Thinker, Courageous Advocate, and Compassionate Citizen).
Working closely with administrators and faculty, the committee identifies opportunities where parent involvement and community partnerships can meaningfully enhance the student and family experience. This may include philanthropy and service initiatives, special educational experiences and field trips, parent education programs, guest speakers, community-building events, and other enrichment opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom.
As a new committee, our focus is on listening, collaborating, and thoughtfully responding to the evolving needs of our school community while creating experiences that ensure strong alignment with school goals.
Teacher Grants
The JSSPVA champions educational excellence at Sears by administering JSSPVA Teacher Grants to empower teachers and directly enhance classroom learning. Funds are designated to Sears teachers to support specific needs and awarded following the full grant lifecycle.