Frequently Asked Questions

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Virtual Backpack
* What is Virtual Backpack?

* Why have a Virtual Backpack?
* How is Virtual Backpack delivered?

* Who can receive Virtual Backpack?

* How often is Virtual Backpack delivered?
* How do I sign up for Virtual Backpack?

* Does this mean we can now sign-up to volunteer online?
 

Culver's Day
* How does Culver's Day benefit Homestead?
* How do you participate in Culver's Day?
* When and where is Culver's Day for Homestead?

Market Day
* What is our account number for Market Day?
* When and where is Market Day pickup?

Meijer Community Rewards Program
* How does Meijer Community Rewards benefit Homestead?
* What is our account number for Meijer Community Rewards?

PTA Meetings
* When and where are the PTA meetings?
* What is the general agenda of a PTA Meeting?
 

Would you like to ask a question that doesn't appear above?
Click here to email the PTA webmaster!
We'll do our best to answer it, and may even add it to this page!
 

 

What is Virtual Backpack?
The Virtual Backpack is PTA's new attempt to get information to parents quickly and efficiently and with less paper waste. Announcements, upcoming events, documents and forms that were previously sent home in the Friday folders will now be included in the Backpack.
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Why have a Virtual Backpack?
We as a PTA and as a school are trying to make a concerted effort to save paper, use our resources wisely, and eliminate waste.  In the past, we have relied on PTA volunteers to create the forms, print copies, cut papers, and stuff Friday folders. All of this is quite time consuming, creates an onslaught of paper and hinders a "one stop shop" for information for parents. The VBP is trying to streamline information such as reminders for Curriculum Night, Picture Day, Culver's Night, Skate Parties, Market Day reminders as well as documents that used to be printed. (You will still receive some paper forms - such as picture or Market Day order forms - from outside companies.)  It's a good way to keep all parents and guardians informed without being overloaded. This virtual backpack effort can save thousands of dollars, and create a better sense of community with our parent group.
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How is Virtual Backpack delivered?
On the last day of each week, an email is sent to those who choose to receive it.  This email will contain announcements, dates for the coming week, links to flyers and documents and other miscellaneous information.
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Who can receive Virtual Backpack?
Any Homestead family with internet access and an email address can sign up to receive a copy of the Virtual Backpack (see instructions under "How do I sign up for Virtual Backpack" below).
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How often is Virtual Backpack delivered?
Generally once a week.  However, there may be pertinent announcements mid-week that are sent out in addition to the weekly Backpack.
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How do I sign up for Virtual Backpack?
Ahhhh, so we've piqued your interest! ☺ GREAT!!  We have streamlined the sign-up process to make it easier for everyone.  All you have to do is go to www.oswego308.org, click the icon for Communicate 308, and follow the prompts, designating Homestead as your school.  Once you sign up, you will begin receiving VBP on the last day of each school week.
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Does this mean we can now sign-up to volunteer online?
We are not set-up yet to have volunteer sign-up online, but we'd like to offer that at some point.  For the time being, volunteer sign up may still need to be accomplished with paper forms.
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How does Culver's Day benefit Homestead?
10% of your total purchase is donated to Homestead PTA.
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How do you participate in Culver's Day?
Culver's Day is all day and includes the drive-thru.
The Culver's Day form is sent home in the Friday Folder.
* Write your child's teacher's name on the form,
* Bring the it to Culver's anytime that day,
* After ordering, present to cashier,
* Cashier will fill in the amount.
* Enjoy your meal and visit with some of your classmates!
Culver's offers lunch and dinner options as well as wonderful frozen custard!
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When and where is Culver's Day for Homestead?
Location: 2781 Route 34 (Mason Square), Oswego
Date: Third Wednesday of each school month
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What is our account number for Market Day?
The Homestead Account number is 18941
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When and where is Market Day pickup?
Location: Homestead's Multi-Purpose Room
Dates: Check the PTA calendar on the Home Page
Time: 6:00 - 7:00PM
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How does Meijer Community Rewards benefit Homestead?
Apply for and use your Meijer Credit Card, and a percentage of your purchases will be donated to Homestead PTA!
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What is our account number for Meijer Community Rewards?
The Homestead Organization ID # is 613113
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When and where are the PTA meetings?
Location: Homestead's Learning Resource Center
Date: First Tuesday of every other month
Time: 7:00PM
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What is the general agenda of a PTA Meeting?
* Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance
* Approval of the previous month's minutes
* Treasurer's Report
* Correspondence
* Committee Reports
* Principal or Assistant Principal's Report
* Presentation Topic
* Adjourn
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What YOU Can Do!!

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If you find yourself thinking,
"I'd like to help the PTA, but I just can't make a
big commitment right now. What can I do?"
This page is for you!
Here is a list of opportunities.

PTA EVENTS:
Have some fun and attend the many events hosted by the PTA throughout the school year.

PTA MEETINGS:
Stay informed...attend a PTA Meeting on the first Tuesday of every other month! They are held at 7pm at Homestead School. Babysitting is available. Other sources of information include this PTA website and the monthly PTA newsletter, the "Homestead Herald".

MARKET DAY:
Purchase frozen foods from Market Day and a percentage of your order is donated to the school! And, if you happen to have a bit of time on the Thursday that you'll be coming to pick up your order, show up a little early and help us sort and package the orders! We can always use the help!  Visit the official Market Day website to browse their selections or place an order.

Homestead's Market Day Account Number is 18941.

MEIJER COMMUNITY REWARDS:
If you shop at Meijer, consider enrolling in the Meijer Community Rewards program. It's an easy way to support Homestead School. Visit the Meijer Community Rewards website for more information and to enroll online.

A portion of your purchases at Meijer may benefit Homestead PTA! Homestead's Code # is 613113.

LOOKING FOR MORE?
Of course, if you're available and willing to volunteer on a more frequent basis...check out the Committee Page, find something that interests you and contact the chairperson(s). They're only a mouse-click away and they'd be thrilled to hear from you!