The John Ward School PTO

2010-2011 Annual Fund Letter

           

November 2010

 

Dear Ward School Families,

 

The John Ward School is a special place … ask any of our children.   Ask them to sing the Ward School song, ask them about the Halloween Hoot, ask them about Color Day and the “tug-of-peace.”  At Ward we have wonderful traditions along with a strong academic offering, all of which helps provide our kids with the best elementary school experience possible.

 

Thanks to the generous support of Ward families, your PTO has been able to play a crucial role in funding important programs and activities for our children.  With major cutbacks on the City and State levels, everyone at Ward works hard to maintain the level of programs to which our kids have become accustomed and deserve.  But that is not enough for us – our kids deserve more.  Your PTO’s goal is to provide:

 

Ø  Additional laptops in the classroom

Ø  Creative Arts and Sciences curricular related programming throughout the year in every classroom.  These programs enhance art, English, history, social sciences, music, physical education and science curricula.  This year Ward is expecting an author/illustrator, a poet who will conduct several poetry workshops,  a program on the Physical Changes of Matter from the Science Discovery Museum, a visit from historical figures, live owls and so much more. 

Ø  Library books and furniture

Ø  And much more…

 With your help, we can reach our fundraising/budget goal for 2010-2011 of $65,000 with 100% participation from all Ward families. 

The PTO spends approximately $300 per student each academic year to enhance their educational experience.  If each Ward family were to donate $300 (that is per family as opposed to the $300 per child that is actually spent), we would almost reach our TOTAL fundraising goal for the year.  While we have a number of fundraising efforts during the year, we rely heavily on this annual drive as a significant revenue source.

 

Please know that no contribution is too small.  We greatly appreciate your past and present support.  Whether you give $30, $300 or $3000, your gift will make a difference.  You can donate online or by check.  Please see the back of this letter for a fundraising update and instructions on donating.  Also, please remember to look into “matching” programs at your place of employment.

 Together we can make our children’s school experience the best it can be. 

All our best from your PTO Leadership Team,

Beth Coomber                                     Mindy Peckler

Jessica Gilmartin                                 Stacy Schwartz

Julia Johnston-Ketterer                       Maria Sullivan

    Fundraising Update Last year, despite the very challenging economy, our wonderful families raised more than $70,000.  This was due in large part to our wildly successful Spring Fundraiser.  Because we raised more than anticipated, we were able to fulfill most of the school’s Wish List for this academic year.   Save the date:  Ward Spring Event - Saturday, March 5, 2011 (details to follow). 

What Your Annual Fund Investment Will Support

 

1.      Operating expenses and equity funding are projected at $45,000.  

 

2.      In addition, we have identified $20,000 in capital initiatives for this year:

Ø  Laptop computers — One laptop cart (10 computers).  Total cost per cart $13,000.

Ø  Library Furniture – Total cost $7,000.

 More detailed information about our budget and what we do is available upon request.  Also, please feel free to contact anyone on your PTO leadership team.    

 Instructions for Donating 

Please mail your gift along with the attached Donation Form to the school office (or drop it in the box inside the main doors).  You can also donate by credit card or via PayPal by using the donate button on the left.  Donations to the PTO are tax deductible to the extent of the law. 

 

     Advertising Opportunities!

Interested in handing out a flier describing advertising opportunities in the Ward School Directory?  Scroll to the bottom of this page and click the "Ward School Letter for Advertisements".  You may also contact mpeckler@hotmail.com with questions or to reserve space.