or Zelle: treasurer@friendsofcatalpa.org

Make a $10 donation or volunteer to become a Member.

Next Meeting is Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 4:30-5:30. Please Join us Here!

  • Click the green box and complete the application.

  • You should receive a verification email from CPS.

  • Go to Catalpa’s Main Office to photocopy your ID.

All Catalpa ECC Volunteers must be CPS Level II Volunteers

Check out our Google calendar for volunteer opportunities.

Committees

  • Lynn Sevandal

    Friends & Family Day Chair

    Plan the big day, obtain donations, facilitate raffles, etc.

  • Cesilia Meyer

    Room Parent Coordinator

    Room parents facilitate classroom parties, support their teachers, and share information to fellow parents/caregivers.

  • Maybe YOU!

    Fundraising Co-Leader

    Determine fundraising goals and arrange fundraisers with local businesses.

  • Stuart Robinson

    Grant Committee Coordinator

    Identify and apply for grants that support Catalpa ECC.

  • Sarah Oswald & Cesilia Meyer

    Yearbook Co-Coordinators

    Take photos at events, upload, and arrange the school yearbook layout.

  • Maybe YOU!

    Community Events Coordinator

    Plan free events for our community.

  • Maybe YOU!

    Learning Garden Coordinator

    Enhance the learning garden and support nature education.

  • Maybe YOU!

    Marketing Team

    Create messaging, flyers, update calendars and social media for FoC.

Meet the Executive Board

  • John Newman

    President

    John is the proud father of a Full Day student, excited to build on the work of the FOC to provide the best experiences for our youngest learners. Born and raised on the Far Northwest side and an educator for over 20 years, he knows that community involvement is what can make our school flourish for years to come!

  • Enas Lussi

    Vice President

    I’m a mom of three amazing (and very energetic!) kids, VP of the FOC, and part of the brains behind our family-run business. When I am not juggling meetings, playdates, or lunchboxes, you’ll find me getting crafty-literally. I love making jewelry and all kinds of DIY creations. Coffee fuels me, glitter follows me, and I somehow thrive in the beautiful chaos of it all!

  • Louie Sevandal

    Treasurer

    Louie is a proud father of a current 4 year old Catalpa student and a future 3 year old student. He is a native Chicagoan, University Illinois civil engineering graduate, and an adopted northsider (although his heart will always be with the White Sox - as painful as that can be sometimes...). His background in project management aid in his duties as FOC treasurer. He enjoys working within a team and is open to engaging with all stakeholders to help fulfill the FOC's mission to make Catalpa's environment as enriching as possible for its students.

  • Tania Delgado

    Recording & Corresponding Secretary

    Tania is excited to be serving on the FOC as Secretary. She is a parent of a very energtic and soccer obsessed 4 yo. Tania has dedicated years of her time volunteering at non profit organizations. Last year, she made the decision to join the FOCand realized how powerful this organization is for our school community. She is excited for all of the amazing events, fundraisers, and projects planned to make this community even stronger!

  • Hollice Achettu

    Treasurer Elect

Many opportunities to make an impact.

  • In-school Events

    Student enrichment programs support child cognitive and social development, introduce kids to new activities and hobbies, and help kids develop the attitudes and skills to achieve their academic goals.

  • Outside of the classroom

    Reinforce lessons students have learned in the classroom. Reading and hearing about concepts is one thing, but having the opportunity to experience them firsthand is another entirely. This helps them solidify their understanding and provides a real-world example to reference.