Burbank Parent Education Center: BPEC COUNCIL

Meet Your Board & Council Reps!

The Parent Education Council (BPEC) is made up of parent volunteers in the program who promote, support and strengthen the program in all ways possible. The council is also a valuable channel of communication between class members, teachers, administrators, and the community.

Parents are elected to various board positions and help raise funds or host events throughout the year for the students and their families. If you would like to join the board or want to be a council representative, please come to one of the monthly Council Meetings.

*Scroll to the very bottom to see past board members. If you were on the board, and you have a group Executive Board photo, please email to: burbankparented@gmail.com
Please note the school year of the photo, ex.: 2001/2002. THANK YOU!!!

2011 / 2012 Executive Board:

Melissa Helmink • President
My name is Melissa Helmink and I have been involved with the Burbank Parent Education council and board for over 5 years. Currently I am President and work along side some really exceptional parents within the board and the council! I have 2 rambunctious little boys and it has been such a blessing to be a part of this amazing program. I treasure the memories that my family and I are making from Parent Ed!

Lesli Bjork • Vice President Co.

Julie Hall • Vice President Co.

Lynn Gruzen • Treasurer

Shoushan Undorf • Membership Secretary

Jennifer Beck • Donations

OPEN • Donations Co.

Melina Aghanian • Fall Festivities

Chris Slaughter • Spring Festival

Judie Annozine • Publicity/Historian

Sarah Quinealty • Entertainment
1 year as a council rep, 1 year as Community Services Co, and mother to 1 fantastic son!

OPEN • Entertainment Co.

Katie Frazier • Recording Secretary

OPEN • Safety

Kristi Dadekian • Childcare Coordinator

Rebecca Avery • Hospitality

OPEN • Hospitality Co.

Andrea Stuckey • Preschool Press Editor

Twila Bluestein • Baskets with BPEC

Davena Sicam • Baskets with BPEC Co.

Misty Martin • Baskets with BPEC Co.
"BPEC stole my heart nearly 14 years ago when I enrolled with my son. Now with a daughter, 4 yrs old, I returned and got involved! Served 1 yr as a council rep and 3 yrs on the board. I'm so grateful to be a part of this wonderful program. It's been an amazing experience working along side such devoted parents. We'll always cherish the wonderful memories we've made here!"

Shari Cox • Basket Coordinator

Karina Everly • Purchasing

Shannon Landon • Community Services Liaison

Anne Askerneese • Community Services Liaison Co.

Sydney Teuscher • PTA Liaison

Susan Kusumi • Parliamentarian

Linda Matsumoto • Resource Teacher, Burbank Adult School

WHAT DOES THE COUNCIL DO?
1. Raises and disburses funds as deemed suitable for carrying on the various business of the Council as it benefits the program. *This includes purchasing needed educational materials.
2. Publishes the Preschool Press.
3. Provides loans to students so they can attend the program.
4. Serves the program by providing toys and equipment through various fund raising activities.
5. Provides educational programs for its members and the community.
6. Participates in certain community projects such as holiday food and gift baskets for the needy.
7. Sponsors several family activities, including Boo Bash and the Spring Festival.

WHO ARE THE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES?
Although every student enrolled in the program is a member of the council, two representatives and two alternates are chosen from each class in September.

WHAT DO THEY DO?
They and/or their alternatives attend all Council meetings and report back to their classes as a way of keeping everyone informed. Also, they help support all Parent Education Council projects. Although the representatives have a special responsibility, all class members are encouraged to attend the Council meetings.

WHEN DOES THE COUNCIL MEET?
Meetings are usually held once a month throughout the school year in the Student Lounge from 12 - 2pm. Free childcare is provided in nearby rooms for all those who make reservations ahead of time. Our teacher aides and other adults provide excellent childcare. Hospitality provides a satisfying meal at every council meeting.

WHO PROVIDES THE LEADERSHIP?
An Executive Board, made up of class members, is chosen annually. This board meets monthly in the evening, and any class member is welcome to attend these meetings. Please let a Board member know that you plan to attend, for your suggestions, ideas, and questions will always be helpful.

WHY SHOULD YOU BE INVOLVED IN PARENTS COUNCIL?

You will want to show a special interest in the Parent Education Council and their activities because being involved adds an additional dimension to being part of this program. This is also a precursor to PTA (Parent Teacher Association), a program you will encounter at the public school level starting in Kindergarten.

2011/2012 Executive Board