Letter from the President

For over a decade, Friends of Mayer (FOM) has proudly supported Oscar Mayer Magnet School through fundraising and community-building initiatives. Mayer is one of the most desirable elementary schools in Chicago, due in part to a strong partnership between parents, teachers, administrators and the broader Lincoln Park community. 

This is my seventh year as a Mayer parent, and my second as president of Friends of Mayer. I have served on the board for many years in various capacities and am so excited to lead our amazing and dedicated parent volunteers again.

Together, we work to provide financial support and help foster a positive school-wide community, engaging students, parents, teachers and staff. The funds we raise through our annual pledge drive and other fundraising initiatives help to bridge the gap between the CPS budget and keeping Mayer's Montessori and IB programs whole.  Fundraising dollars support teaching assistants, wellness and sustainability programming, lunch and recess supervision, materials & classroom resources, teacher “Wish Lists” and more, all of which enrich our children's overall experience.

From a community building perspective, FOM hosts a full roster of programs and events to engage students and parents throughout the year.  These include social events (ie, Mayer Meet & Greet, Fall Carnival, Moms & Dads Nights) as well as volunteer and outreach efforts (ie, Cradles to Crayons, Winter Coat Drive and Earth Day Clean Up).  Additionally, FOM manages the Bulldog Buddy program, Mayer Spirit Wear, Bulldog Bites & Merchants for Mayer partnership programs and Teacher Appreciation efforts.

There are many opportunities to get involved in FOM and play an active role in your child’s school. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please reach out to me at president@friendsofmayer.org.  I truly believe Mayer is a special and unique community of dedicated teachers, administrators, and parents.

On behalf of the FOM 2023 - 2024 board, thank you for your support! We’re looking forward to a great school year and continued success.   

Julie Schulhof, FOM President