Who We Are
FRIENDS OF CANFIELD
Friends of Canfield is a non-profit organization that supports, enhances and enriches the educational environment of Canfield Avenue Elementary School. Our intention is to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where we celebrate the whole child, empowering them to discover themselves and find their own voice. We strive to expand social consciousness through an appreciation of other’s feelings, cultures, beliefs, morals and values. Friends of Canfield aims to model honest, open communication with one another, the principal, the teachers and the students. The mission of Friends of Canfield is to:
- Raise money to supplement staffing and resources not provided by the district as well as to fund extracurricular programs and activities;
- Positively recruit and respectfully treat our volunteers; and
- Celebrate our diversity by creating events that bring the community together.
Friends of Canfield (FOC) is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board represents the best interests of our students and the parent community in maintaining excellence throughout the elementary school experience. The Board meets monthly to discuss how to raise revenue for the school and how to best spend that money to support the students, teachers and staff at Canfield. Board members work with school administrators and staff to achieve these goals and make Canfield a better public elementary school. The Board openly discusses all ideas and programs that may enhance the educational experience for all students current and future. The Board also works to involve all members of the Canfield community in order to identify and use the skills and talents available in our school community to achieve our goals.
FAQ
What the heck is FOC?
We’re glad you asked!
Friends of Canfield (FOC) is a parent-led volunteer nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our school through two key efforts: building community and raising critical funds. We organize events that bring families together and fund essential programs, like PE, music, library, and technology, that are not covered by public school budgets.
In other words, FOC is the heart and hustle behind all the extra-special things that make Canfield Avenue Elementary feel like home. Think:
Art Teacher Computer Classes, P.E. Coach, Teacher’s Aides, The Annual Musical, Movie Night, Fall Family Dance and more!
So, why join the FOC Board?
Because you care.
About your kid. About your school. About the community.
When you join FOC, you join a powerhouse group of volunteer parents who make the school magical, not just for their kids, but for yours, too. You help shape the Canfield experience, bring fresh ideas, and ensure our events are fun, inclusive, and full of heart.
In addition, your participation in FOC sets an example for your kid. You demonstrate leadership and commitment to the community, both important examples to set for our children.
What’s the commitment?
Whatever works for you.
We meet monthly (on Zoom PJs welcome), and there are volunteer roles for every schedule and skill set, whether you’re a working parent, stay-at-home superstar, or somewhere in between.
Why it matters: Canfield is one of the top-rated LAUSD schools, thanks to our amazing teachers and the families who show up, pitch in, and support our kids. More parent involvement = more resources, more joy, more opportunities.
Do I have to be on FOC to volunteer?
You do not. FOC draws from the broader Canfield parent community throughout the year to ensure our events are successful, but participation offers you more ability to influence the direction of our school and your child’s Canfield experience.
Bonus Perk? You’ll feel good. Like, really good.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing you played a part in making school a place your child will remember with joy. So Ready to jump in? Join FOC — and help make the magic happen.