Dances and graduation celebrations, half-day pizza lunches, funding for mini-grants, and field day fun are just a few of the things the Kinnelon Home and School Association does for the school community.

 It is a volunteer-based organization that is run by our community’s moms, dads, and guardians. They help facilitate many projects outside the school’s reach. Kiel and Stonybrook have KEHSA. Pearl R. Miller has PRMHSA. Kinnelon High School has the KHSHSA. Each one of these organizations currently operates independently from one another; yet there is communication across the board to make the schools the best possible environment for the students to enjoy. 

Secretary of the KHSHSA and President of the PRMHSA, Jamie McLaughlin, says, “It really takes a village and the number of people that are on committees and doing the background work.”

The board meets quarterly with the principal, vice principal, and occasionally other faculty members from each school to conduct project proposals, discuss the budget, review the success of completed projects, and plan for future events. Some of these events include: STEM nights for the elementary students, mini-grants given to teachers and faculty to enrich their classrooms, planning for Tricky Tray fundraisers, discussing guest speakers for SOAR programs, and planning for class trips.

Each board member has a specific role. While they fulfill their roles independently, they work closely together to ensure that they meet budgetary goals, complete projects on time, and adhere to the guidelines provided by the administration. For McLaughlin, a secretary has a very important role on the board. “One of the main things that I do is keep track of everything that happens, like at the meetings.” 

Beyond these roles, the HSA contributes to the school in ways students may not always see. Members plan and organize events, manage budgets, and coordinate fundraising efforts that make school activities possible. PRMHSA treasurer Jen Claro explained, “I keep track of all of the finances so that we don’t overspend or underspend. We plan out the whole budget for the year so that every event is accounted for.” She also manages payments for vendors and ensures all funds are properly spent and saved for programs and events.

Both McLaughlin and Claro emphasized that the HSAs’ work benefits students in direct and indirect ways. McLaughlin said, “The role of the HSA is to try to bring together what parents want to do with the schools and make the students’ lives a little bit more interesting and fulfilling.” 

Claro added, “Everything we do is fundraising for the students,” referencing programs like guest speakers, the teen canteen, Veterans Day celebrations, eighth-grade events, and mini-grants for classrooms.

Mini-grants are one of the most important ways the HSA supports education behind the scenes. These grants allow teachers to request extra funding for classroom supplies, technology, and creative projects. At the high school, the HSA provided $10,000 for mini-grants, supporting everything from club uniforms to classroom improvements. At Pearl R. Miller, the HSA spent around $7,000 to improve spaces like the student lounge, counselor offices, and to fund special programs for students.

The HSA also strengthens connections between parents, teachers, and administrators. Claro shared that volunteering allowed her to “get to know the teachers a little bit better and some of the administration. It’s always nice to form relationships, because then, if there’s a problem or if I need to talk to them about something, it always makes that easier.” By building these relationships, the HSA helps create a more supportive school community.

Even though much of their work happens behind the scenes, the HSAs’ impact is seen in every corner of the school. From planning dances and school trips to funding educational programs and classroom resources, the association ensures that students have opportunities to go beyond the regular curriculum. McLaughlin emphasized the teamwork involved, saying, “It is a huge team of people that makes this happen with the help of the community, by helping to financially support us.”

The Kinnelon Home and School Association shows that dedicated volunteers can make a lasting difference. Their work may not always be visible, but it touches every student’s experience – from fun events and celebrations to classroom improvements and new learning opportunities. Without this support, many of the programs and activities students enjoy might not be possible. The HSA quietly, yet powerfully, enriches the school community every day.