FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 What is Bathgate Elementary School Foundation? (BESF)

Bathgate Elementary School Foundation (BESF) was founded in February 2010 to generate and provide financial support and enrichment to the school’s academic, social and individual developmental curriculums and programs. We are strictly a fundraising and fund management organization that will support the entire school, special groups, individuals or programs.

This includes financial support and fund management for….

•    Computer/Technology Improvements
•    5th Grade Science Camp
•    Accelerated Reader Program
•    K-3 Music Enrichment
•    Classroom Support
•    Student Council Activities

With the level of public school funding cut over recent years, we feel it is critical to provide financial help for our children’s future. We designed the Foundation to strengthen the relationship between the public schools and the community, and to support the highest level of excellence and innovation in our children’s educational experiences.

BESF requests various levels of parental and school community support and has several fundraisers over the school year, including our Family Dining Club, Christmas Tree Sales and Our Annual Golf Tournament. The foundation also solicits donations from businesses, organizations and other foundations dedicated to educational support.


Historically, the PTA has fundraised to provide things like playground equiptment, field trips, art master and our Health Tech and Librarian. They are however limited by rules set by the National PTA which sometimes made it difficult to meet some of the needs at Bathgate.

Both the PTA and Foundation (BESF) need to fundraise, so it is important to support BOTH organizations.  It is the mission of both organizations to help our students at Bathgate to continue to receive the highest level of education possible.