Why does the PTA ask for money?
Where FCPS funding ends, Franklin Sherman families step up every year to enrich their children's educational experience and invest in our school. In the past, the PTA has paid for laptops of each child in grades 4-6, smartboards in classrooms, curated classroom libraries, iPads in the libraries, reimbursements for teacher supplies, enrichment (e.g., visiting author, field trip buses) and staff appreciation breakfasts and lunches. We also typically organize after-school activities and community-building events (e.g., Thanksgiving luncheon, International Night, Ice Cream Social, Field Day).
This year, we will focus on helping the school administration and teachers with the tools and supplies they need to successfully support our students in virtual learning. We also plan to continue our support of special grade events (e.g., the 6th grade play), technology, and professional development and appreciation for staff. With enough funding, we’d also love to invest in strategic initiatives for when in-person school returns.
How to help:
This year, we will focus on helping the school administration and teachers with the tools and supplies they need to successfully support our students in virtual learning. We also plan to continue our support of special grade events (e.g., the 6th grade play), technology, and professional development and appreciation for staff. With enough funding, we’d also love to invest in strategic initiatives for when in-person school returns.
How to help:
- Join the PTA. Annual PTA membership costs $20 per family and is due EACH school year.
- Donate to the Panda Fund. The Panda Fund is the PTA's armchair fundraiser. It is the most efficient way to give to our school as 100% of donations go to support our school. This armchair fundraiser is even more critical this year as our other fundraisers are unlikely to happen. Make a tax-deductible donation now and throughout the year (the suggested contribution is $150 but any amount is greatly appreciated). Don’t forget to ask if your employer will match your charitable contribution, which might double or triple the benefit to the school.
Other ways to raise money include:
- Monster Mash Dash & 1-Mile Fun Run (sponsor, run or walk) - virtual in 2020
- School auction (sponsor, donate goods/services or bid) - TBD
- Dining/Take out restaurant fundraisers - TBD
- Retail programs - The more you buy, the more the PTA benefits. Encourage grandparents and other family members to do the same.
Thank you for your generosity and support!