Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission and objective of the PPP program?
The PPP program was founded on the basis to enrich the learning environment for students through the spirit of volunteerism and sharing of pool resources with classroom teachers. Through the years, the program has evolved to expand the objectives of learning to include fostering an environment for the 4 C’s of learning in the classroom including collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. The curriculum adheres to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) set forth by the Berryessa Union School District. The program has grown to serve and enrich the entire Noble Elementary School Family by sponsoring grade wide field trips, school wide events, and presentations all made possible by contributions of time and finances by parents, teachers, and the school community. Today, the mission and objective remains to enrich the classroom experience for students enrolled in the program and the Noble School community.
We DO NOT reside within the Berryessa Union School District, can we still apply to the PPP program?
The PPP program is open to all students within the boundaries of the Berryessa Union School District. If the student is enrolled in the Berryessa Union School District, you can apply for the program. You can find out if you reside within BUSD boundaries by clicking here.
How are PPP classes different from non-PPP classes?
PPP teachers present the same grade-level curriculum as the rest of the district; one big difference is the participation of parent volunteers. At the direction of teachers, parent volunteers sort paperwork, take home projects to prepare for class, drive and chaperone field trips, help students in class with projects, one-on-one or in small groups, and even contribute activities such as art, music or cooking projects. Parent jobs are up to the teacher, and parents are asked to contribute approximately 25 hours per student per year to help make the program work effectively. Many parents enjoy the experience so much that they contribute beyond the 25 hours guideline. Families are invited to make a financial donation to the class in order to provide additional enrichment activities throughout the year. Teachers establish a budget based on donated funds. A portion of the funds my be used to benefit grade wide and/or school wide enrichment programs to help the Noble School community.
How does the whole School District/Superintendent/Board of Director interaction work?
"The Superintendent is responsible for the day to day operation of the district. He/She oversees all staff and makes decisions, using the expertise of the Assistant Superintendents, about what educational programs best serve the students of the entire district. He/She reports to the Board of Trustees, who review his/her performance every year. The Board is responsible for setting the overall direction of the district, determining priorities and strategic interests, setting the budget, and approving personnel decisions. The Board is elected by the public and each member serves a four year term. Members of the Board are not full time employees of the district, and usually are employed full time elsewhere in the community. Serving on the Board is a part-time volunteer activity. The Board has monthly meetings at the District Office. Decisions that must be made by the Board are voted on there and the minutes of each meeting are published the following month. District decisions and priorities are communicated to the principals of the schools, who then share them with staff at weekly staff meetings. Other district wide decisions are communicated through newsletters, press releases, and articles in the local papers."
– Response courtesy of BUSD Board Member David Cohen, former PPP parent
What is the relationship between the PPP program and Berryessa Union School District and teachers?
The PPP program is approved by the Berryessa Union School District as an alternative education program to operate at Noble School. The program has support of the district superintendent and is governed by the PPP board consisting of teachers and volunteer parents elected by members of the participating parents. Participating parents have students enrolled in the program. Teachers lead the classroom instruction, establish the budget and participating parents donate their time inside and/or outside the classroom and some parents serve administrative functions to help operate the program and contribute towards its success.
What happens to contributed funds not yet spent at the end of the school year?
Any portion of donated funds not used by teachers during the current school year will follow cohort of students as a collective amount into the next school year as students advance to the next grade level. The funds will be exhausted at the end of the 3rd grade which is the last year of the PPP program.
What happens to my student at the end of 3rd grade which is the end of the PPP program at Noble School?
The PPP program concludes for students at the end of the year of 3rd grade. Students continue to be enrolled at Noble School for 4th and 5th grade.
What are my obligations as a parent of the student(s) enrolled in the PPP program?
For a detailed outline of obligations, please refer to the Program Guide page by clicking here.
What is the mission and objective of the PPP program?
The PPP program was founded on the basis to enrich the learning environment for students through the spirit of volunteerism and sharing of pool resources with classroom teachers. Through the years, the program has evolved to expand the objectives of learning to include fostering an environment for the 4 C’s of learning in the classroom including collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. The curriculum adheres to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) set forth by the Berryessa Union School District. The program has grown to serve and enrich the entire Noble Elementary School Family by sponsoring grade wide field trips, school wide events, and presentations all made possible by contributions of time and finances by parents, teachers, and the school community. Today, the mission and objective remains to enrich the classroom experience for students enrolled in the program and the Noble School community.
We DO NOT reside within the Berryessa Union School District, can we still apply to the PPP program?
The PPP program is open to all students within the boundaries of the Berryessa Union School District. If the student is enrolled in the Berryessa Union School District, you can apply for the program. You can find out if you reside within BUSD boundaries by clicking here.
How are PPP classes different from non-PPP classes?
PPP teachers present the same grade-level curriculum as the rest of the district; one big difference is the participation of parent volunteers. At the direction of teachers, parent volunteers sort paperwork, take home projects to prepare for class, drive and chaperone field trips, help students in class with projects, one-on-one or in small groups, and even contribute activities such as art, music or cooking projects. Parent jobs are up to the teacher, and parents are asked to contribute approximately 25 hours per student per year to help make the program work effectively. Many parents enjoy the experience so much that they contribute beyond the 25 hours guideline. Families are invited to make a financial donation to the class in order to provide additional enrichment activities throughout the year. Teachers establish a budget based on donated funds. A portion of the funds my be used to benefit grade wide and/or school wide enrichment programs to help the Noble School community.
How does the whole School District/Superintendent/Board of Director interaction work?
"The Superintendent is responsible for the day to day operation of the district. He/She oversees all staff and makes decisions, using the expertise of the Assistant Superintendents, about what educational programs best serve the students of the entire district. He/She reports to the Board of Trustees, who review his/her performance every year. The Board is responsible for setting the overall direction of the district, determining priorities and strategic interests, setting the budget, and approving personnel decisions. The Board is elected by the public and each member serves a four year term. Members of the Board are not full time employees of the district, and usually are employed full time elsewhere in the community. Serving on the Board is a part-time volunteer activity. The Board has monthly meetings at the District Office. Decisions that must be made by the Board are voted on there and the minutes of each meeting are published the following month. District decisions and priorities are communicated to the principals of the schools, who then share them with staff at weekly staff meetings. Other district wide decisions are communicated through newsletters, press releases, and articles in the local papers."
– Response courtesy of BUSD Board Member David Cohen, former PPP parent
What is the relationship between the PPP program and Berryessa Union School District and teachers?
The PPP program is approved by the Berryessa Union School District as an alternative education program to operate at Noble School. The program has support of the district superintendent and is governed by the PPP board consisting of teachers and volunteer parents elected by members of the participating parents. Participating parents have students enrolled in the program. Teachers lead the classroom instruction, establish the budget and participating parents donate their time inside and/or outside the classroom and some parents serve administrative functions to help operate the program and contribute towards its success.
What happens to contributed funds not yet spent at the end of the school year?
Any portion of donated funds not used by teachers during the current school year will follow cohort of students as a collective amount into the next school year as students advance to the next grade level. The funds will be exhausted at the end of the 3rd grade which is the last year of the PPP program.
What happens to my student at the end of 3rd grade which is the end of the PPP program at Noble School?
The PPP program concludes for students at the end of the year of 3rd grade. Students continue to be enrolled at Noble School for 4th and 5th grade.
What are my obligations as a parent of the student(s) enrolled in the PPP program?
For a detailed outline of obligations, please refer to the Program Guide page by clicking here.
