LWE Music Boosters FAQ
Lincoln-Way East Music boosters supports all aspects of music education at Lincoln-Way East High School. We provide funds and labor to ensure that our students receive the best musical experience possible. While one of the most important ways to support us is to participate in fundraisers, we cannot work without the assistance of parents and community members as well.
LWE Music Boosters
The LWE Music Boosters is a parent/community support group that serves as a resource for the music department. It is through the efforts of the Music Boosters that various avenues for participation are made available to our students. To ensure that LWE High School programs excel, the Boosters provide moral, financial and physical support whenever it is required.
LWE Booster Meetings
The Boosters generally meet monthly to discuss upcoming performances, fundraisers and events. Specific meeting dates are noted on the calendar at www.lwemusic.org. The General Booster meetings are open to all music parents where any items relating to boosters can be discussed.
Joining the Boosters
There is an annual $30 per family fee to be recognized as a LWE Music Booster. The membership allows you to receive free admission when attending any LWE home sporting event, such as a football or basketball games. These membership dues help to support our scholarship fund.
Charms
Charms is the vendor we use to manage our volunteers, communicate with our families and track our finances. Additionally, important forms and documents can be found on Charms. Visiting the site regularly will help you stay up to date on the most current information and have the best selection of volunteer positions. To visit Charms, go to the Chars website at www.charmsoffice.com. Your child’s student ID is the password to access the secure areas of the site. Our school code is LWEGriffin.
IBA
Individual Bank Account. Some fundraising activities raise money to be placed in the student’s IBA. This is a non-interest bearing account that will be active while the student is attending LWE. The money in the account can be used to pay for mandatory fees associated with the programs within the department. IBA funds can be used for such expenses as fees, costumes/uniforms, instrument rental, overnight trips, travel, etc. If there are funds remaining in the student’s IBA when they graduate, the money can be “willed” to a sibling entering the music department. If it is not “willed”, the money will be placed in the Booster general fund. It should be noted that cash is never exchanged or paid out of this account. IBA fundraising is an easy way to help defer the costs that will be realized during your student’s career in the music organization.
SIAM
Supporters in Area Music. This is the single largest fundraising effort in our district. The music departments at all Lincoln-Way High Schools collaborate in SIAM. It is a coordinated effort to solicit businesses to show their support for our music programs by purchasing ads and offering discounts to SIAM card holders. On two weekend days in early fall, the Boosters drive students to the neighborhoods within the district. The students go door to door selling SIAM discount cards. Funds raised are placed in the general booster fund.
Blue Mail Box
A very large blue mailbox located in the music department between the band and chorus rooms. Forms, payments and permissions are asked to be placed in the “blue box”. This box is locked at all times and its contents are secure.
Booster Finances
The Music Booster Executive Board and general membership will approve all expenses realized by the Booster organization. Funds raised are placed in either the general fund account or students’ individual bank account (“IBA”). The general fund is used to support the programs enjoyed by our children. Individual family commitments are affected by the general fund. The general fund bridges the gap between the actual cost to operate the programs and the fees paid by the families.
Code of Conduct
District 210 has a no drinking/no smoking/no drug/no hazing policy for students that participate in sports and extracurricular activities. This policy is thoroughly explained at a mandatory session Code of Conduct Meeting. One parent/guardian and the student must attend the Code of Conduct session for anyone involved in extra-curricular activities.
Getting Involved
In addition to the fundraising efforts, volunteers are needed to keep the program running smoothly. Please jump in and get involved. It is a great way to support your child and meet new people. There is an opportunity for nearly any skill set and interest. Don’t be shy! Tell your mentor what interests you and he or she can offer volunteer suggestions. If you are unsure what the volunteer opportunity entails, please ask. The sign-up sheets are typically posted online through the Charms calendar.
Volunteer Opportunities
Booster parents have the opportunity to help out in a variety of ways.
LWE Music Boosters
The LWE Music Boosters is a parent/community support group that serves as a resource for the music department. It is through the efforts of the Music Boosters that various avenues for participation are made available to our students. To ensure that LWE High School programs excel, the Boosters provide moral, financial and physical support whenever it is required.
LWE Booster Meetings
The Boosters generally meet monthly to discuss upcoming performances, fundraisers and events. Specific meeting dates are noted on the calendar at www.lwemusic.org. The General Booster meetings are open to all music parents where any items relating to boosters can be discussed.
Joining the Boosters
There is an annual $30 per family fee to be recognized as a LWE Music Booster. The membership allows you to receive free admission when attending any LWE home sporting event, such as a football or basketball games. These membership dues help to support our scholarship fund.
Charms
Charms is the vendor we use to manage our volunteers, communicate with our families and track our finances. Additionally, important forms and documents can be found on Charms. Visiting the site regularly will help you stay up to date on the most current information and have the best selection of volunteer positions. To visit Charms, go to the Chars website at www.charmsoffice.com. Your child’s student ID is the password to access the secure areas of the site. Our school code is LWEGriffin.
IBA
Individual Bank Account. Some fundraising activities raise money to be placed in the student’s IBA. This is a non-interest bearing account that will be active while the student is attending LWE. The money in the account can be used to pay for mandatory fees associated with the programs within the department. IBA funds can be used for such expenses as fees, costumes/uniforms, instrument rental, overnight trips, travel, etc. If there are funds remaining in the student’s IBA when they graduate, the money can be “willed” to a sibling entering the music department. If it is not “willed”, the money will be placed in the Booster general fund. It should be noted that cash is never exchanged or paid out of this account. IBA fundraising is an easy way to help defer the costs that will be realized during your student’s career in the music organization.
SIAM
Supporters in Area Music. This is the single largest fundraising effort in our district. The music departments at all Lincoln-Way High Schools collaborate in SIAM. It is a coordinated effort to solicit businesses to show their support for our music programs by purchasing ads and offering discounts to SIAM card holders. On two weekend days in early fall, the Boosters drive students to the neighborhoods within the district. The students go door to door selling SIAM discount cards. Funds raised are placed in the general booster fund.
Blue Mail Box
A very large blue mailbox located in the music department between the band and chorus rooms. Forms, payments and permissions are asked to be placed in the “blue box”. This box is locked at all times and its contents are secure.
Booster Finances
The Music Booster Executive Board and general membership will approve all expenses realized by the Booster organization. Funds raised are placed in either the general fund account or students’ individual bank account (“IBA”). The general fund is used to support the programs enjoyed by our children. Individual family commitments are affected by the general fund. The general fund bridges the gap between the actual cost to operate the programs and the fees paid by the families.
Code of Conduct
District 210 has a no drinking/no smoking/no drug/no hazing policy for students that participate in sports and extracurricular activities. This policy is thoroughly explained at a mandatory session Code of Conduct Meeting. One parent/guardian and the student must attend the Code of Conduct session for anyone involved in extra-curricular activities.
Getting Involved
In addition to the fundraising efforts, volunteers are needed to keep the program running smoothly. Please jump in and get involved. It is a great way to support your child and meet new people. There is an opportunity for nearly any skill set and interest. Don’t be shy! Tell your mentor what interests you and he or she can offer volunteer suggestions. If you are unsure what the volunteer opportunity entails, please ask. The sign-up sheets are typically posted online through the Charms calendar.
Volunteer Opportunities
Booster parents have the opportunity to help out in a variety of ways.
- Driving for SIAM Sales
- Fall Fest
- Miles for Music
- Welcoming New Families
- Soliciting SIAM Contracts from Local Merchants
- Selling Spirit Wear
- Coordinating Special Events
- Car Wash
- Serving on the Booster board