Annual PTA Events Timeline
Fall
Back to School Night
Adults gather on campus and visit classrooms to hear from teachers.
Grizzly Fund Launches
John Muir’s biggest fundraising campaign! Over 60% of our annual budget is made in the 1st month.
The 2025 Grizzly Fund raised over $175,000 to support our many programs, including our dedicated art teacher.
Individual donations and corporate matches are critical to our success.
Outdoor School
One of the most important and anticipated parts of the 5th grade learning experience at John Muir.
Hiking, gardening, dancing, campfires, and music-making are all part of the outdoor education experience.
John Muir is committed to sending every 5th grade student and the PTA helps with scholarships.
School Tours
Weekly school tours given to prospective families on campus.
Organized and run by parent volunteers.
Winter
Holiday Gift Fund
An annual collection that’s an opportunity for families to say “thank you” during the holiday season.
By donating to this school-wide fund, we can distribute the donations to all of the part-time and full-time staff members.
Literacy Week
Book donations are gathered at school for the Student Free Book Exchange.
A week of school-wide events including Pajama Day with donuts & DEAR (drop-everything-and-read), Dress Like a Book Character day, Author Visits, Buddy Reading, and Thursday evening Literacy Night.
Read-A-Thon
An at-home, two week reading extravaganza fundraiser that takes place in mid-February.
Families sign up for an account to log their minutes and accept donations for their reading from friends and family.
Funds raised support literacy coaches and other school programs.
Art Night Out
An adults-only festive fundraiser to celebrate community and creativity at John Muir.
Held at St. John’s church in Berkeley, with childcare offered at John Muir.
Includes cocktail hour, live music, a silent auction with community-led activities and items, and a live auction during the buffet dinner with student-created artwork.
Spring
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
A week in May to show appreciation for our wonderful teachers and staff.
Gifts and activities are organized by the room parents and vary per classroom.
May Fair
A tradition that’s over 100 years old! An evening lawn gathering that includes games, a cake walk, climbing wall, food trucks, face painting, and more!
Free to attend. Students can sell tickets for the event’s raffle to help fundraise for our school.
5th Grade Promotion
Daytime event celebrating the graduating 5th graders.
Grizzly Day
A school-wide field day hosted by the PTA on the last day of school.