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: 
  • 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.
    • Amazon Smile: AmazonSmile is the Amazon shopping platform that gives. It's exactly the same as Amazon, but they donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charity of your choice.  So switch to AmazonSmile on the web AND your Amazon Shopping app, and designate “Franklin Sherman Elementary School PTA” as your favorite charity on both! They send us a check every quarter. 
    • Box Tops for Education: All you have to do is buy Box Tops participating products (like Cheerios) and scan your grocery receipt. Box Tops are worth $0.10 each and they add up fast! Use this referral code Y6LB5UKM when you sign up and you’ll get 50 Bonus Box Tops when you scan your first receipt! Twice a year the PTA will get a check to support our school. Download the Box Tops for Education app or learn more. Please contact the FSES Box Tops Coordinator, Jennifer Henshall, with questionsl
    • Harris Teeter Grocery Card: Log in to your Harris Teeter profile on harristeeter.com or on the app, click on My Account once logged in, in the Together in Education section, type in Franklin Sherman in the School Search toolbar, then click on the name and "Add a School." You need to re-register your card every year.  
    • Mabel's Labels: Need labels to tag your kid’s clothes, water bottle, supplies, and more? Order from Mabel's Labels and a portion of every order will be donated directly to our PTA. Visit mabelslabels.com, click “Support a Fundraiser” and type in ‘Franklin Sherman Elementary PTA.”
    • Nextdoor’s Sell for Good: When you sell items on Nextdoor, you can choose to donate proceeds to the PTA.
    • SquareOne Art (keepsakes of your child's art) - TBD
    • EduKit (school supply kit) - Each kit is tailored by Franklin Sherman teachers to contain exactly what your child will need for next school year. 
    • Spirit Wear

Thank you for your generosity and support!