I need your help. In order to provide this year's planned field trips, required classroom materials for Art, Music, PE classes and more, I am asking EVERYONE to participate in the annual PTO fundraising drive that concludes this Thursday, September 27th.
To date 55% of our families have joined the PTO - THANK YOU for your support! But, we are still $39,000 short of our goal. I need to ask those of you who have yet to join to please make your donation now.
Our children receive a broader and deeper education in part because of enriching programs the PTO funds, including field trips, Cultural Arts Day, Appreciating Our Differences assemblies, and special grade level events. Not to mention the glow of excitement and curiosity for learning that I see in the children's faces when these special learning opportunities happen at school.
The PTO suggests a donation of $200 per child. If you are able to give more, this will supplement the $230 budgeted per child at Encinal this year. Even $10, the minimum contribution, helps a lot. I really hope I can count on everyone being IN for Encincal, so please donate at whatever level is comfortable for your family. It concerns me that our teachers have made plans based on the anticipated budget and that we may have to cut back on PTO funded programs if we do not receive more donations.
It's quick and easy to donate online. You can also download and complete the PTO membership form that was sent home last week, or pick one up in the Encinal office.
Along with the PTO, I encourage every family to also support the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation, which helps pay for classroom teachers -- 31 last year-- including specialist teachers for art, music, library and science. MPAEF also funds innovation grants that enable teachers to creatively soar to new heights in educational excellence. We need every family to support the Foundation to preserve these key aspects of our children's education. If you need to space out your donations you can pledge now to give later at www.mpaef.org.
Please join me in supporting the Encinal PTO and the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation, so that we can preserve the excellent education we are all proud of at Encinal School.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Burns
