School Curriculum & Supplies: Buses for field trips, school assemblies, teacher mini-grants, classroom supply reimbursement, curriculum purchases for each grade and specials area
School & Community Support: Spelling Bee, Science Fair, Safety Patrol, the News Team, Pyramid Challenge, Hospitality Events for Staff, and more.
Activities: Free events like Laternenfest, Silvester, Spring Fest, and the Bike Event, etc.
Operating Expenses: Printing, insurance, and Website costs.
Capital Enhancements: Larger investments. Historic capital enhancements have included water bottle filling stations, playground equipment and shade, and the track.
In addition to these activities, the PTA also regularly organizes the Lost & Found and coordinates After School Clubs.
How do you raise money and why Boosterthon?
All PTA funding comes from fundraising. Historically, our largest fundraisers were the Fall Festival and an “Armchair” Fundraiser (giving without sales or an event). We also raise money through Spirit Wear sales, Restaurant Nights, Bingo, and Dance-a-Thon. In the last five years, income for the PTA has ranged from just under $7,000 to over $50,000.
Over time, donations to the Armchair fundraiser decreased and costs of supporting the school and events increased. The school administration and the PTA identified Boosterthon as an avenue to generate more funding for Orange Hunt.
A small group of about 15-20 very dedicated parents do a majority of the fundraising, event planning, and event execution for all of the PTA events outlined above. Boosterthon provides an opportunity for large fundraising with less volunteer requirements.
How was last year’s Boosterthon money used?
The funds received from Boosterthon are split equally between the OHES PTA and the school. The PTA received about $27,600 from last year’s Boosterthon. That money funded traditional PTA activities described above PLUS the following:
Reduced fees for the Fall Festival
Increased classroom supply reimbursement of $100 (an increase from $80)
Increased funding for mini-grants
Increased funding for staff hospitality
Increased funding for assemblies
Purchase of the school track (shared expense with the school)
How will this year’s Boosterthon money be used?
Boosterthon funds will again be split evenly between the PTA and the school. The PTA will use the funds for regular PTA programs for the remainder of this school year and for next school year. Depending on the amount raised, additional capital enhancements may be pursued such as replacing the welcome mats at entrances and the owl mascot costume and adding a mural or mosaic in the school.
How can you be involved?
The PTA publishes all of our budget plans on the Website; monthly treasurer's reports showing actual income and expenses are also presented at PTA meetings and posted online. Meeting minutes are also available. Ideas for capital enhancements are solicited in the spring and summer with feedback from the membership in the fall.
To make the PTA successful we need your involvement. Ideas are great, but showing up and doing the work is what ultimately matters. We hope you will contribute to the fundraising efforts of the PTA and consider volunteering some of your time to PTA events. Beyond Boosterthon, donations to the PTA are always welcome after logging in.
Thank you for being a part of our school community!
With Appreciation,
Eli Poehler
OHES PTA President
