PTSA

John Muir PTSA

Join Donate E-Sign Purchase Calendar Volunteer

Visit us on:

PTSA MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the John Muir PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families.
To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children;
To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children;
To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation.

Meetings Calendar

Agendas will be posted around the Meeting day. Click on the date of the meeting below to access Agenda.
Minutes are available upon request from the PTSA, or contact us

Join Calendar

2025-2026 PTSA MEETING DATES WILL BE HELD ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

MONTH	All Meetings are on a Tuesday (click for Agenda)	LOCATION
August	08/19/2025	Cafeteria
September	09/09/2025	Library
October	10/14/2025	Library
November	11/18/2025	Library
December	No meeting
January	01/13/2026	Library
February	02/10/2026	Library
March	03/10/2026	Library
April	04/14/2026	Library
May	05/12/2026	Library

Direct Ask Fundraiser

Committed to Enriching the Educational Experience For Muir Students!

Our Goal is to Raise $100,000!
To ensure that Muir Programs continue to thrive, PTSA asks that each family donate $25 per student. We understand each family’s situation is different, and some years you may be able to give more and some years less. We hope you will donate what you can, because every dollar matters for our students. Your donation is tax-deductible.

Any donation would be greatly appreciated!

DOUBLE your donation - Does your company participate in a match program? Check with your company’s HR.

100% of your tax-deductible donation will be spent on Muir Programs.

Donate

About Muir PTSA

About Muir PTSA: FAQs

Who can join PTSA?

Anyone who cares about the students at John Muir! Parents, students, family, neighbors, friends, Faculty, Staff & Administration. Anyone can come to PTSA meetings or help out at Muir and PTSA events but you must be a member to vote at the meetings on how money is spent. Your membership is your voice and by increasing our numbers you help the Muir PTSA have greater leverage in advocating for your children.

What does it cost to become a member of JMMS PTSA?

The annual membership fee for each school is $9.00. Of that, $0.50 stays at John Muir and the rest is divided among the Burbank PTA Council, the regional 1st District PTA, the State PTA and the National PTA to advocate for the health, safety and well being of children all across America.

How can I give directly to support my child at John Muir?

This year, we are asking everyone to Double It Up by adding an additional $9.00 donation to your membership amount. Remember to ask your employer about matching your donation too.

Dollars are being cut from education funding every time the California Legislature tries to balance the budget, so your direct double donation will help ensure the high quality educational experience we expect for our children. Your donation is tax deductible so please give what you can!

Where do PTSA fundraising dollars go?

Here is a partial list of what our PTSA has accomplished in the last few years:

Donated Scholastic Books to classrooms.
Donated and ran Snack Shack at Tri-School Track Meets.
Paid for assemblies and programs each year at Muir.
Paid for and assisted with 6th grade DAY OF THE ANCIENTS.
Paid for and assisted with 7th grade AROUND THE WORLD DAY.
Paid for the professional theater company and assisted with 8th grade SHAKESPEARE DAY.
Donated drinks for School Dances.
Donated to and organized Totally Appreciated Gathering (TAG) in appreciation of Muir's great staff.
Volunteered to turn an eyesore at the back of the school into a thriving garden that the kids take care of.
Obtained a grant from Lowe's so that an outdoor classroom could be added adjacent to the Muir Student Garden.
Maintenance of Muir Parent e-mail database.
Continued support of Challenge Day (a program that challenges our students from different backgrounds to work together).
Provided prizes for Muir's annual Spelling Bee.
Purchased 2 bass instruments for Muir's Orchestra.
Provided leadership training for parents to learn to fight for funding for Muir's students in local and state government.
Donated gift cards as Muir Motivators to reward kids that struggle for doing well.
Donated dollar coins for Muir Students of the Month to recognize high achievement.
Donated to and volunteered at The Rockin' Family Fun Night and Rockin' for the Arts concerts that provides band performance opportunities and raises money for Muir grade level field trips and arts programs.
Donated and put together racks so that students' backpacks weren't laying on the floor outside of classrooms.
Parent involvement in the Arts departments: Drama,Visual Arts, Orchestra and Choir. (See the separate tabs for Choir, Instrumental and Drama to find out about those programs.)

How would you use my help if I volunteered?

Muir is FAMOUS FOR FRIENDLINESS! At Muir there are many levels of involvement – you choose what works best for you!

Volunteering allows you to get to know the people at Muir and how the school works.

You can work from home behind the scenes or at events on campus when we need help. Examples:

Help during the school day with grade level field trips or our special themed Grade Level days (such as Day of the Ancients, etc).
A teacher may have a specific project requiring your help.
Helping with Registration.
Assist with TAG events (Totally Appreciated Gatherings) for Teachers and Staff.
Helping with check-in for School Photos.
Holiday Baskets & Food Drive.
Book Fair set up, staffing and packing up.
Fundraisers.
We also need help with: Spring Fair, Promotion, 8th Grade Awards Ceremony, Concessions or tickets at our Rockin' concerts, after school dances, Xeroxing, working in the Ball Room at lunch and so much more!

Want to learn more about Volunteering? Please come to our monthly PTSA Meetings, sign up for our Newsletter, join our Facebook group and click below to fill out the Volunteer interest form. IMPORTANT: All volunteers must complete the Volunteer paperwork required by BUSD to become a cleared volunteer. You can submit the required forms online.

Is the Muir PTSA open to new ideas?

Absolutely! We would love to hear from you. Please come to our monthly PTSA Meetings or contact us.

How do I get information about Muir?

Check this website frequently. Choir, Instrumental and Drama information will also be posted here under the Arts tab. Please come to our monthly PTSA Meetings , sign up for our Newsletter, and join our Facebook group.

Donations

The John Muir Middle School PTSA is a non-profit organization run by parent volunteers committed to the well-being of our students. We provide funding for student programs, assemblies & activities throughout the year, such as:

Fall or Spring Festival
6th Grade Day - Art Day
7th Grade Day - Science Center Field Trip
8th Grade Day - for the Promoting 8th Grade Students
Student of the Month
Support of Holiday Baskets/Food Drive
Coordinating Council Communication
Reflections
Spelling Bee
Penny Wars
Totally Appreciated Gatherings (TAG) for Teachers and Staff

We can't do it without your donations. Your tax-deductible donation will help to ensure that these activities continue at Muir.

DOUBLE your donation - Does your company participate in a match program? Check with your company’s HR.

Honorary Service Awards (HSA)

CALIFORNIA STATE PTA HONORARY SERVICE AWARD PROGRAM

Do you know of someone or an organization that deserves to be recognized for their service and dedication to John Muir Middle School? Here’s your chance: nominate them for an Honorary Service Award (HSA).

John Muir Middle School PTA supports the California State PTA Honorary Service Award Program. If you know of a deserving individual or organization for one of the awards, please submit your nomination on the form provided below. JMMS PTSA will make all donations in the name of selected service award recipients. You do not have to provide any money with your nomination.

Deadline for submission for all nominations is ________________. Please drop completed forms off in the school office to the attention of HSA chair. If you want, you may submit more than one nomination. Email submissions are also accepted.

If you have any questions, please contact

Honorary Service Awards (HSA) recognizes the service and dedication of both individuals and organizations. They may be awarded only by unit, council, district PTSA and the California State PTA and should be presented by duly authorized PTSA representatives at PTSA sponsored meetings or at functions of allied groups.

The HSA Program includes the Honorary Service Award, Continuing Service Award, Golden Oak Service Award, Very Special Person Award, and donations to the HSA Program. A person may receive more than one of any of these awards.

Funds contributed to the HSA Program provide resources for the California Scholarship and Grant Program (Scholarships 7.28, 338; Grants 7.17, 312).

A person may receive more than one HSA, more than one CSA, or more than one Golden Oak Service Award, or may have more than one donation made in his/her name.

HONORARY SERVICE AWARD

An Honorary Service Award (HSA) may be given to an individual or organization in special recognition of outstanding service to children and youth.

CONTINUING SERVICE AWARD

A Continuing Service Award (CSA) may be given to an individual or organization in special recognition of continued service to children and youth and may or may not have received a California State PTSA Honorary Service Award.

GOLDEN OAK SERVICE AWARD

The Golden Oak Service Award is the most prestigious PTSA award in California. This award may be given to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the welfare of children and youth in the school or community.

VERY SPECIAL PERSON AWARD

The Very Special Person (VSP) Award may be given by individuals or PTSA constituent organizations to recognize an individual or group.

DONATIONS

Donations may be given by PTAs/PTSAs or by individuals in tribute to a person, a group or in memoriam. The donation may be made in any amount. An acknowledgement card or certificate, as requested, will be sent when a donation of $10.00 or more is made. Anyone or any group may donate to the HSA program fund; the fund is not limited to contributions by PTAs (Donation Form, Forms 363).

Membership

This year, PTSA is more important than ever. You can count on us to fight in Sacramento for MORE FUNDING for our schools! We will keep you connected and informed!

Register yourself, your student (we are the parent, teacher, STUDENT association here at Muir), or other family members. Anyone can become a member.

When you become a member, you are not volunteering to do anything, you ARE supporting students at Muir and across the country! PTSA is a non-profit organization committed to the well-being of our children and families. It is only $9 to join!

Here are some of the things the Muir PTSA organizes, funds, and supports:

6th Grade Day - Art Day
7th Grade Day - Science Center Field Trip
8th Grade Day - Promoting 8th Grade Students
Reflections Art Program
Teacher Luncheons
Student of the Month Pins
Spring Festival. . .
and so much more!

Mission Statement

The mission of the John Muir PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families.
To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children;
To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children;
To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation.

Officers and Chairpersons

JOHN MUIR PTSA

Email Us

OFFICERS 2025-2026

President	Cristi Castillo
Vice President - Programs	Jackie Hackbarth
Vice President - Ways and Means	Melanie Williams
Vice President - Volunteer Coordinator	Maya Cauble
Recording Secretary	Angela Kilgore
Treasurer	Ellen Sedrakyan
Financial Secretary	Open
Financial Reviewer	Christina McKenna
Auditor	Open
Parliamentarian	Alen Dilanyan
Historian	Open
Corresponding Secretary	Open

CHAIRS

2025-2026

Art	OPEN
Book Fair	Jackie Hackbarth
Diversity/Equity/Inclusion	OPEN
E-Sign	Kimberly Panosian
Fall Festival	Melania Gordzholadze
Founder's Day	OPEN
Garden Sustainability Chair	OPEN
Hospitality	Juliana Cho
Honorary Service Awards	OPEN
Legislation Advocacy	Armond Aghakhanian
Membership	OPEN
Passive Fundraisers	OPEN
Promotion	OPEN
Reflections	OPEN
Teacher Appreciation Giveback (TAG)	Juliana Cho
Social Media	OPEN

OTHER CONTACTS

2025-2026

Teacher Liaison	Mark Norberg
ASB Liaison	Erin Konstantine
Website	Connie Nassios Barbara Felipe

PTSA Links

Reflections, 25-26 - I Belong

Volunteers

We need volunteers to make events and activities a success for our students and families. If you are interested in Volunteering, please click on the volunteer button and we will add you to the list to be contacted when we need help.

IMPORTANT: All volunteers must complete the Volunteer paperwork required by BUSD to become a cleared volunteer. Submit the completed forms online to johnmuirptsaburbank@gmail.com.

Parent-Student Participant Waiver | Communicable Disease Waiver

PTSA Fundraisers

Book Fair

Spring Book Fair

Dates: March 13 - 17, 2023
Hours: During Lunch & After School / Room 603

Yes! It is true! We have a Book Fair right before Spring Break where your Marvelous Muir students can stock up on books to read all break long! The Book Fair will be open Monday through Friday at lunch and after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. On Wednesday, the Book Fair will be open during Open House! Set up your e-wallet today, and your student doesn't even need to carry cash! Link in the accompanying email: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/content/fairs/how-ewallet-works.html?fairId=5244466

Can't come to the fair? Shop online! https://www.scholastic.com/bf/johnmuirmiddleschool4

It's Book Fair Time!

Visit our school's homepage to get the latest Book Fair news, shop our Online Fair, and more!

www.scholastic.com

Want to help? We need volunteers to set up, staff and tear down, pack up the Book Fair. If you would like to help, please make sure to complete the Volunteer interest form and mark Bookfair and we will send you the link to the online sign up when we start planning the event. Please note you will need to be a BUSD cleared volunteer in order to help.

Box Tops

E-sign (Electronic Message Sign)

Ralphs

Shop at Ralphs? Yes, your purchases count! Simply click on the Ralph’s button for instructions on how to connect your rewards number to Muir. You only need to do this one time and your registered for the entire school year.

How it works: Ralphs/ will donate a percentage of your purchases every time you shop. This program does not affect your store savings, rewards or totals. This is FREE money for our school. It is Ralph’s way of giving back to the community.

Online: You can also register online by visiting Ralphs.com Community Contributions (bottom) and our NPO# 81615. You must register every year: The program starts new every school year. If you have registered your card before, your contribution will end. You must re-register starting September 1st.

Why?: Just think of how much money we could receive if everyone participates. Our school needs money to continue wonderful programs for our kids, like Greek Day, School Dances, etc. Please share the link with family and friends who shop at Ralphs and would like to help support our school, it is FREE and EASY.

Next time you shop at Ralph’s, you should see a message at the bottom of your receipt indicating that you are actively contributing. Thank you!

Amazon Smile

You can help Muir when you shop! There are lots of stores that offer give back or reward programs that can help our school.

Shop using Amazon Smile to support John Muir Middle School. Simply click on the Amazon Smile button and select our organization, John Muir Middle PTA.

DON’T FORGET to save it as a Bookmark to make it easy to return and shop on Amazon Smile.