2025-2026 SMART Fund

ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

our most important fundraiser of the year!

Why is it so important? The district provides a base level of funding to meet common core standards. The SMART fund allows our school to fund additional programs and support teachers to expand your child's education beyond the basic curriculum.

The more SMART fund donations, the more we can continue providing quality programs for ALL children at Highlands.

100% of your donations to the Highlands SMART Fund stay at our school to support our programs.

You may be wondering “Why does the PTA need to fundraise anyway?” It supports crucial school needs that significantly enhance the educational experience for every child at Highlands Elementary. Your donations help our school!

Don't forget that you may be able to double your donation if your employer matches your donation. Check here to see if they do.

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Thank you to our recent SMART Fund donors! (updated12/16/2025)



Fall 2025/Spring 2026
Alexandre Drobychev Alison & Zoltan Gombosi Alison Taba & Brian Navasca Alysa Kim Alysia & Andrew Shinohara Amy Sims Charlotte & Ryan Corces Chris Carlos and Andy Weidner Christy Huggins Dan & Kim Baker Daniel Pizarro Daniel Teng Diana & Ivan Smiljanic Elizabeth Jensen & Pete Sung Emiko Kurotsu & John Brack Gina Blohowiak & Riki Nakasuji Gwen Shen & Kevin Kim Irina yang & Rex Cao Jackie & Hani Sharkey Janice Arenas-San Janice Man & Christopher Nguyen Jennifer & Alexander Smith Jenny Guan-Chan & Jonah Chan Julie & Robert Pitts Karen Bacani Kim Crellin Laura DeForest & Jonathan Rosenblatt Lauren & Cameron Edmondson Lauren Pool & Eduardo Rodrigues Lindsay Cutsinger Marianne Hayes & Captain HAYES Marietta & Dennis Tumbokon Meagan Chan Michelle & Scott Lohr Michelle Leung My Hanh Zacharia Nicholas & Dorothy Aftowicz-Yi Paula Aguilar Heaton & Eric Heaton Pete Choi & Amanda Cashin Philip R. Roan & Lauren B. Roan Ranya Francis Sebastian Scheulen Sharlene Fulgencio-Post & Thomas Post Thor & ALEXIS van Lingen Tracy Chiao & Todd Kim Tyler & Worarat Robertson Ursula Daly Van & Kevin O'Keefe

Corporate Donors

AAA
Adobe
Apple
Genentech
Gilead
Google
Roblox
Thermo Fisher
Turn/River Capital

SMART fund programs*

Funded Staff

Teacher aides, English Language Arts Aide, General support Aide, and Teacher Grant Programs

School and Teacher Support

Classroom gardens, hands-on science education, supplemental music programs, art programs, classroom & student school supplies, library materials, PE & Recess equipment and educational Software such as: IXL, BrainPop, RAZ Kids, Scholastic News

Social and Enrichment Programs

Assemblies, Highlands Theatre, international show, lunchtime enrichment programs, community nights, student clubs, family dance, science nights, parent education programs, student t-shirts

And much, much more!

* Note: programs vary each year depending on budget and school needs

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let's Elevate our school together!

Many of you contribute already by volunteering, buying gift wrap and helping in the classrooms. In order to reach our goal, we are striving for 100% participation in SMART fund donations, so even a small donation makes a difference.

If your family has not yet donated, please join the families who have contributed. Together, with everyone's help, we can continue to support important Highlands Elementary programs.

About your donation

Installment plans are available
Matching gifts can double your contribution
Grandparents and friends can donate too!
All gifts are tax-deductible

Any questions please email vannie94109@yahoo.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the HIGHLANDS SMART FUND and the San Mateo-Foster City Ed Foundation?

100% of the donations to the Highlands SMART Fund stay at our school to support our programs. The San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation (SMFCEF) is a non-profit organization that raises dollars to support District-wide programs at all schools in the San Mateo-Foster City School District.

What is the SMART fund tax ID number?

Our EIN Federal Tax identification number is: 94-6172358

What is the SMART fund goal for the 2025/2026 school year?

The SMART fund goal this year is: $50,000

What is the suggested amount for families to donate?

To reach our goal, we are asking each family to donate $800 per child or $1,200 per family. If your family can donate the suggested amount, it will make a huge impact towards achieving our goal.

However, any amount your family can afford is considered generous and greatly appreciated.

How is the Highlands SMART fund budget allocated?

The Highlands SMART Fund supports all PTA-sponsored enrichment programs at Highlands for the school year. These programs are directly supported and paid for through YOUR donations.*