April 30, 2008
Dear Steele parents,
We hold many things dear, and high on the list is our children’s education. I know that the Federal Government, Colorado or DPS should pay for a fantastic education with our tax dollars, and they do get the basics right. We do have reading programs, school trips, specialized instructors and a great number of resources our school can call upon. If it’s just childcare, we already have a great deal.
We have an enthusiastic and creative teaching staff, and we support a number of trainees – student teachers and interns. Parents spend time in the classrooms, assist with field trips and support after school activities. However, all else being equal, the teacher-to-student ratio determines directly how much attention and individual instruction your child gets during the day. We also need folks with special skills to enrich the atmosphere in the classroom, and pay special attention to those kids who need it - That extra little bit to get over the hump with a math concept, hone a reading skill or investigate a special field of interest.
The PTA, in collaboration with the Principal, has set a target of getting two teaching staff in each classroom next year. Our goal is provide the following classroom support (includes support funded by DPS and the school budget):
- Paraprofessional or Intern support in each classroom 1st-5th
- 3 to 5 Hours of Paraprofessional support in each Kindergarten classroom
- Reading Specialist (.5)
- Reading Paraprofessional (7 hours)
To achieve this, we need to pony up about $125,000 for wages and benefits. We have so far raised about $90,000 through the various PTA fundraising activities thanks to generous contributions. To raise the rest we ask that you make a tax-deductible contribution of $170 per student. That is about a dollar a school day per student. Please fill in the pledge form and return it with your check (payable to Steele PTA) to the school office no later than May 23rd. If you prefer, you may pay by credit card, or pledge to contribute at a later date, around the start of the next school year. Ideally, we will secure the required funding before the summer holidays so the Principal can plan accordingly.
It is also important that we acknowledge here the non-cash contributions many parents make – giving their time and effort to fundraising or academic enrichment activities. We need it all if we’re to raise whole and balanced kids.
Lets do it!
Andrew Watson
PTA Treasurer