The school will celebrate its homecoming week Nov. 12­15, with a 1950s flair. The kids will come to school on Nov. 12 for "Decades Day" dressed in any style from the 1950s, '60s, '70s or '80s. Then, on Nov. 13 the students are encouraged to wear their favorite sporting attire to school, from a cheerleading uniform to a karate outfit. And students will be dressed in the school's red and white colors or related '50s homecoming attire on Nov. 14.

School festivities on Nov. 14 will include a pep rally, an ice cream social and a cheer challenge, where classes will compete to produce a 30-second-or-shorter spirit song to represent the school.

Van Meter's "Homecoming at the Hop" will include a parents night out, where adults can prove they can still cut a rug, raise the roof and have loads of fun, while generating needed funding for the school. The '50s-style sock hop on Nov. 15, starting at 7 p.m., will include cocktails, dinner, a live and silent auction, and a Buddy Holly-day Boutique at which local artisans will have holiday gifts for sale, plus a live band and dancing. The cost is $70 per guest.

The event will be held at Villa Ragusa, located at 35 S. Second St. in downtown Campbell. A comedian, impersonator and auctioneer will also be at the hop, mimicking celebrity voices of favorite '50s personalities.

"It's an opportunity to come together as a community and raise money for our Home and School Club," said event chair and Van Meter parent Monica Lyle. She said the Home and School Club is a nonprofit organization that funds critical academic programs and supports the efforts of Van Meter teachers throughout the school year.

Principal Roseanne Adona said the event celebrates the conclusion of Van Meter's 18-month-long major campus-reconstruction project. She said the homecoming celebration will bring together parents, students and members of the community with a theme that will be carried on through the grand opening of the school's new facilities, which are about 90 percent complete.

"I think the fundraising aspect is important," Adona said. "But more important is the spirit of all of us working together. We have a vested interest in working together to make our school better."

Lyle said the proceeds from the hop, auction, raffle ticket sales, and '50s style apparel also for sale—from poodle skirts to classic letterman jackets and cat's-eye-shaped eyeglasses—will benefit the Home and School Club.

Van Meter is in need of items such as a new stage curtain, science materials, art-room supplies and technology updates. Lyle said proceeds from the fundraiser will help teachers buy items and will benefit programs not included in their limited budgets because of the state financial crisis.

"We are trying to be thoughtful and not pressure people to feel obligated to contribute," Adona said. "But what's good about this event is that the money goes directly back to the school."

Adona said one of her favorite live auction items is the chance for a student to serve as principal for the day. She said the winner will tour classrooms with Adona, make public addresses and excuse students to go to lunch.

"They may even get a chance to use the megaphone out on the playground at lunchtime," Adona said. "They have been begging me to do that for years."

For more information or to purchase tickets to the Homecoming at the Hop event, call 408.388.7718 or 408.838.1300. Business leaders and local merchants are also encouraged to donate items to the auction. For more information about advertising and donating opportunities, call Gayle Boddy at 408.891.4143.