What is the Buckman Foundation?

The Buckman Foundation is a parent volunteer-led organization that operates under the umbrella of the nonprofit Fund for Portland Public Schools. Money raised through the Buckman Foundation provides funds to fill the gap between the annual Portland Public Schools (PPS) budget and the funds needed to ensure Buckman is a welcoming and supportive place where all students learn, grow, and express themselves to their fullest potential.

Buckman doesn’t receive any additional funding from the district to support our unique arts curriculum. Rather, it’s thanks to the hard work of parent volunteers and the incredible generosity of families, businesses, teachers, and community members who volunteer and donate to the Buckman Foundation that we’ve been able to preserve Buckman’s arts team, keep the library fully staffed, and add staff to provide more support for individual students.

How can I get involved with the Foundation?

We’d love to meet you virtually! There are opportunities big and small to join the fundraising efforts at Buckman. Email foundation@buckmanelementary.org with your questions, ideas, and feedback or to learn more about getting involved.

How can I give to the Foundation?

Parents, families, and friends can make a one-time donation or set up a recurring contribution at https://fundforpps.org/donate-index-impact or checks made out to The Fund for PPS with Buckman in the memo line can be mailed or dropped off at the school (double check open hours).

How can I stay connected with Buckman?

  • Konstella – This is an opt-in messaging system used by many staff members, the PTA, and the Foundation to communicate information about school happenings. Sign up for your account at https://www.konstella.com.
  • Buckman Community Facebook Group – Request to join this informal community group, where parents, families, and staff ask questions and share feedback. https://www.facebook.com/groups/951435464869628
  • Weekly Newsletter – The Buckman Foundation and other groups regularly contribute information to the school’s weekly newsletter, sent each week by Principal Seidel. If you are not receiving the school newsletter, check with administrators to be sure they have the correct email address on file.
  • Buckmanelementary.org – This website! 🙂

Volunteer

Our Buckman volunteers make it all happen! There are opportunities to fit every availability and interest. You can work independently, with a buddy, or with a great group of people.

  • Foundation Chair Mentee – Work side-by-side with the Foundation Chair and an amazing team of volunteers to plan Foundation activities and fundraisers.
  • Auction Chair & Committee – The Buckman Auction may look different than in previous years, but we had a successful virtual auction last spring and plan to keep the fundraising going! We’ll need lots of volunteers to make the event go! We especially need assistance with procurement this year; reach out if you are interested.
  • Dines Out Outreach – We love partnering with local restaurants for our ongoing Dines Out events, and need help contacting local businesses who would be interested in supporting Buckman through our program.

Email foundation@buckmanelementary.org with your questions, ideas, feedback and to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Good to Know INFO
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! Learn more about how to get connected at Buckman.
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Upcoming Events
Mar
17
Sun
10:30 am Buckman Bears Club March Event: ... @ Buckman Elementary lower playground/field
Buckman Bears Club March Event: ... @ Buckman Elementary lower playground/field
Mar 17 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
The Buckman Bears Club is inviting all of Buckman and families to the lower playground and field to participate in a GIANT Easter egg hunt! Lets make this BIG! If you plan on attending, and of course if you are able to contribute, please bring 
Apr
4
Thu
6:00 pm PTA General Membership Meeting @ Buckman Elementary
PTA General Membership Meeting @ Buckman Elementary
Apr 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Agenda to come. Childcare and light refreshments provided. Please consider bringing a snack to share! Meeting info: Buckman PTA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Buckman PTA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: PTA General MeetingTime: Dec 7, 2023 06:00 
Apr
11
Thu
8:45 am Community Coffee Chat w/ Admin @ Buckman Elementary
Community Coffee Chat w/ Admin @ Buckman Elementary
Apr 11 @ 8:45 am – 9:30 am
Join us for our in person monthly coffee chat with Buckman admin. Let us know what you’d like to hear about here. Coffee provided by Buckman PTA. Bring your own mug! Buckman PTA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Coffee ChatTime: Oct 
May
7
Tue
all-day Teacher Appreciation Day! @ Buckman Elementary
Teacher Appreciation Day! @ Buckman Elementary
May 7 all-day
Activity Link: https://www.konstella.com/activity-details.html?activityId=65df751b281c60b83c0f2a35
May
9
Thu
8:45 am Community Coffee Chat w/ Admin @ Buckman Elementary
Community Coffee Chat w/ Admin @ Buckman Elementary
May 9 @ 8:45 am – 9:30 am
Join us for our in person monthly coffee chat with Buckman admin. Let us know what you’d like to hear about here. Coffee provided by Buckman PTA. Bring your own mug! Buckman PTA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Coffee ChatTime: Oct