G.E.B.A.S. Foundation
(German English Bilingual Alternative School)

The Parent Foundation of Fairview German Language School
Parents working together to ensure an excellent education for our children.

What is GEBAS?
GEBAS is Fairview's parent association - like a PTA or PTO. The GEBAS Foundation was established in 1978 as a non-profit organization with the primary purpose of raising supplemental funds to assist in the educational programs of the school.

Parent involvement has been a vital component of Fairview since the inception of the program. The GEBAS Board consists of 11 board members who serve a two-year term on the Board.  The Board now serves in many capacities other than fundraising including planning special events such as the annual Fasching, organizing volunteers to help fill all the various needs at the school, coordinating the travel and exchange program with our partner school in southern Germany and introducing prospective students to the school with school tours and other recruiting efforts.

Fundraising does remain a key part of what GEBAS does and the funds are spent on supplies, materials and programs not covered through the general school budget.

All parents are encouraged to get involved in our school. Please contact any member of the GEBAS Board by leaving a message at the school office at 363-2100 for more information.

Where Does the Money Go?
You write checks to GEBAS all the time but what does GEBAS do with your money? Here’s a summary of just some of the major projects GEBAS funded over the past school year:

-Matched money raised by travelers to Germany
-New Fairview magnets declaring our Excellence
-New banner on old building declaring our Excellence
-Food for students on testing days
-Supplies for Buntetellers
-Annual Fall picnic
-Library automation upkeep
-Water cooler for office
-Magazine subscriptions for all classrooms
-Classroom supplies of all teachers
-Subsidization of field trips for all teachers
-Subsidization of tutoring
-Better Babysitter Class
-Special requests from teach-ers: books, classroom materials, DVD’s, microscope, ground keeping ceremony refreshments, classroom rest mats

Fundraising Events Sponsored by GEBAS

Magazine Sale
One of Fairview’s most important fundraisers is the magazine sale, which takes place in September or October. Students sell subscriptions or subscription renewals. Profits from this sale are used to support the German travel program as well as activities at Fairview School.

Halloween Pumpkin Sale
This sale, held in October, allows children to buy inexpensive Halloween and fall-themed items, such as pumpkins, candy and trinkets.
Holiday Gift Shop. Held in December, the Holiday Shop gives students an opportunity to purchase gifts for their families and friends during the holiday season. Profits from this fundraiser help teachers purchase classroom supplies.

Used Book Sale
Used children’s books and magazines are sold to benefit our school library. Gently used donations are accepted in the office year-round.

Fasching
Fasching, Fairview’s version of a carnival, is one of the largest fundraisers held at Fairview and requires the cooperation of many volunteers. All profits from this fundraiser go directly to support the needs of Fairview School and its teachers and staff.

Flower Sale
Orders for spring annuals, vegetables and perennials are usually taken in February for pre-Mother’s Day delivery. Profits generally benefit the Greenspace.

Foundation Drive
A Foundation Drive is a request for funds made to Fairview parents and alumni. This drive is usually conducted by mail with a specific goal in mind. In the past, income from these drives has helped Fairview to purchase updated lighting for the gym, build and improve the Greenspace area, and update the atlas collection in the library. Other fundraisers such as a Wrapping Paper Sale may also be conducted to benefit the school. GEBAS also supports social functions, Awards Night and Family Math and Science Nights.

GEBAS meetings are open to all parents and take place monthly in the school library (see Falkenpost calendar or web site for dates).

GEBAS Board Members Needed!
Step up to the challenge, have a say! Fairview Parents, please consider getting involved with GEBAS, Fairview's Parent Board, comprised of 11 elected volunteers, which functions like a PTA. All parents are welcome and encouraged to run for a GEBAS position. As a GEBAS member, you'll learn more about our school during monthly meetings and play an active role in maintaining Fairview's excellence, and you'll have the opportunity to serve during our first year at our new school! GEBAS is charged with organizing Fundraisers and allocating money raised for school programs and teachers. The following positions are open. Please contact Jodie Zultowsky by April 25, if interested and she will give you more information. Ballots will be sent out prior to and counted on May 12, during the next GEBAS meeting.

Volunteer Coordinator, organizes parents to support school functions. Ideal for a parent interested in learning about Fairview programs and communicating with lots of parents.

Ways & Means Chair, coordinates the Magazine and Wrapping Paper Sales and/or other fundraisers.

Travel/Exchange Coordinator, Ideal for a parent with a fifth or sixth grader interested in going to Germany, who would like to help students raise money to pay for some of their travel expenses.This person also works with Laura Pearson to plan for the German students' Spring visit.

Special Events Chair, organizes Fairview's great Fasching Festival and other special in-school fundraisers, i.e., Holiday House.

Corresponding Secretary, Coordinates the preparation of the Fairview directory.

Thank you so much for getting involved. You'll be glad you did.