You asked. We listened.
Updates to fundraising and why.
Last year, we surveyed the school and heard back from 100 families on changes you wanted to see. Your feedback was clearly heard! Based on your input, we’ve made changes to how we are doing fundraising this year. We are reducing the total number of fundraisers, and increasing the number of student-focused activities that don’t cost money. Here’s the breakdown of what’s changing:
· Bobcat Fair has been replaced by Field Day, focused on student activity achievement.
· Butter Braids products will no longer be sold as a 4th grade field trip fundraiser.
· Snowshoe Shuffle will now just be a student event without fundraising associated.
· Student Council “Bring in $1” events have been moved to every First Friday of the month, for consistency.
· School Parking spots will part of the Greenhouse Harvest Dinner event.
So, what’s the impact of these changes? First thing to note is that there are different fundraising groups at BCES: PTA, grade-specific field trip fundraising and student council. Our conservative PTA budget is based on $20,000 in revenue, with over half of that amount coming from the annual Wild West Days event. This money goes towards technology, student enrichment programs (like Greenhouse and Spanish), classroom projects, student need-based scholarships and teacher appreciation activities.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 through only two fundraisers: our new Harvest Dinner, benefitting the Greenhouse and our new Annual Giving Campaign. This Annual Giving Campaign is the anti-fundraising effort to support our children, without taxing our parents. We hope you will consider a one-time donation to help us meet our $10,000 goal at a level you feel comfortable giving. Learn more about the benefits of the giving levels on our website at: bcespta.com/fundraising
Bobcat Circle: $500+
Principal Circle: $250
Impact Level: $100
Supporter: $50
Friend: up to $50
This $20,000 conservative budget does NOT include grade-specific fundraising for activities like 100 Elk, and Denver Museum trips. Historically, parents of students in those grades have held fundraisers. The funds have gone to help reduce the high cost of trips ($100-$300 per student). This year, proceeds from the annual Turkey Trot will continue to support the 4th grade field trip. Our annual “Laps for Love” event in February will also fund grade-specific field trip activities. A donation site for Laps of Love will be set up so friends and family can support those efforts, should they choose to participate.
The most requested change was to stop selling products, which means that Butter Braids will not be sold this year. Some parents have expressed disappointment with this decision, and we hear you as well. At the end of the year, we will again survey our families and determine if Butter Braid sales are desired next year.
We’re exited about these new changes, and are working to make your lives easier, while still supporting our school. Your feedback is important. Visit our website at bcespta.com/fundraising or attend an upcoming meeting to learn more!