Darien Board accepts PTO and booster donations for mascot and athletic programs
May 08, 2026 | Darien School District, School Districts, Connecticut
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The Darien Board of Education on April 1 accepted a series of contemplated gifts for district schools, approving a Holmes Elementary PTO request for a new hawk mascot costume and multiple donations to Darien High School athletic programs.
Kathy Jabara, co‑chair of the Holmes PTO, told the board the existing hawk costume “has limited visibility from the mascot head, which is considered a safety issue,” and requested board acceptance of a replacement that PTO volunteers will provide. The board moved, seconded and approved acceptance of the gift unanimously.
District staff then described several athletic donations. The Darien Youth Lacrosse Association offered two $5,000 gifts—one each for the boys’ and girls’ lacrosse programs—to support upgrades including coach buses for longer trips, film review services and Hudl subscriptions. Chris (presenter) said teams typically fundraise for premium travel and that DYLACS had provided similar gifts in the past.
Board members questioned who would cover any cost differences; the presenter said teams’ activity accounts and fundraising would cover upgrades and that the Booster Club would subsidize the basketball and football purchases. Board member Robin asked whether invoice amounts or the checked amounts on the gift forms represented the full cost; the presenter clarified the Booster Club would subsidize any difference and the district would not subsidize those items.
The board approved the DYLACS gifts for boys and girls lacrosse and accepted Booster Club donations for boys’ and girls’ basketball by unanimous vote. The motion to accept the football donation was approved with a recorded abstention by Mr. Sandy.
Board members thanked DYLACS, the Booster Club and PTO volunteers for the donations.
Next steps: accepted donations will be processed through standard district gift-acceptance procedures and used by the athletic programs and Holmes Elementary as described.
Kathy Jabara, co‑chair of the Holmes PTO, told the board the existing hawk costume “has limited visibility from the mascot head, which is considered a safety issue,” and requested board acceptance of a replacement that PTO volunteers will provide. The board moved, seconded and approved acceptance of the gift unanimously.
District staff then described several athletic donations. The Darien Youth Lacrosse Association offered two $5,000 gifts—one each for the boys’ and girls’ lacrosse programs—to support upgrades including coach buses for longer trips, film review services and Hudl subscriptions. Chris (presenter) said teams typically fundraise for premium travel and that DYLACS had provided similar gifts in the past.
Board members questioned who would cover any cost differences; the presenter said teams’ activity accounts and fundraising would cover upgrades and that the Booster Club would subsidize the basketball and football purchases. Board member Robin asked whether invoice amounts or the checked amounts on the gift forms represented the full cost; the presenter clarified the Booster Club would subsidize any difference and the district would not subsidize those items.
The board approved the DYLACS gifts for boys and girls lacrosse and accepted Booster Club donations for boys’ and girls’ basketball by unanimous vote. The motion to accept the football donation was approved with a recorded abstention by Mr. Sandy.
Board members thanked DYLACS, the Booster Club and PTO volunteers for the donations.
Next steps: accepted donations will be processed through standard district gift-acceptance procedures and used by the athletic programs and Holmes Elementary as described.
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