As The Country School Parents’ Association (CSPA) moves beyond its first fundraiser of the year (the gift wrap sale) toward the second (the rummage sale), it is worth taking a moment to consider how important these activities are to the overall program the school provides our students. After all, The Parents’ Association contributes about $525 to the cost of educating each child in the school.
What does the Parents’ Association underwrite?
* The supply packets given to every child on the opening day of school. This ensures that every child has everything he or she will need for school in a timely way, that every child has the exact supplies the teacher has specified, that family finances don’t enter into who has what, and that parents don’t have to hassle with school supply shopping.
* All field trips. We are unique as a school in that families are not charged for any field trips, including the fantastic but costly outdoor education trips that take place in grades 5-8. Again, since the CSPA foots the bill, family finances never enter into who goes on what trip. Everyone goes. Everyone benefits.
* Assembly programs. The CSPA funds all of our outside cultural arts, science, and entertainment assemblies. Every year we host programs that broaden our children’s exposure, that expose them to global experiences, that teach them things far beyond our curriculum, and that spark unique interests.
* Library Acquisitions. The two book fairs that the CSPA sponsors turn all of their profits over to the library so that we can continue to maintain an outstanding collection of books of every kind for elementary and middle school children.
* Athletics and Physical Education. Outside of the salaries for our teachers, the CSPA provides the funds that cover the expenses for all physical education and athletics expenditures. Many schools across the country have slashed physical education classes, and local middle schools do not sponsor athletic teams. Our students have physical education class three or four times a week, we have a robust roster of athletic teams, and every student who wants to play gets on a team and plays in every game.
* Funding for Financial Aid and the Endowment. Over the years the CSPA has regularly contributed a portion of its annual proceeds to the school’s endowment fund. Because we only spend the income the endowment yields and not the principal, this is a gift that literally goes on giving in perpetuity. Also, in response to the recent global financial crisis, the CSPA has given very generously to the school’s financial aid fund, thus helping make it possible for families who are experiencing financial hardship to keep their children’s school life stable.
* Special Classroom Equipment and Room Parent Funds. When a teacher thinks of something special he or she wants for the classroom that falls outside the regular budget cycle, the Parents’ Association Classroom Project Fund often meets the need. The CSPA provides a level of funding for every classroom so that room parents can provide the special touches that make events like holiday and cast parties shine.
* The Upper School Musical. The CSPA helps underwrite the cost of producing the legendary shows that are hallmarks of The Country School experience. Again, every child who wants to participate is given a role. While a great show is produced, priceless life lessons are also learned. Plus, the musical provides a great show for the whole community.
* The Holiday Breakfast. Not only do Parents’ Association volunteers put on a delicious and festive breakfast for the whole school the day our winter holidays begin, but also the CSPA picks up the bill for all incidentals.
In addition, in the recent past, because of the strength of the CSPA’s efforts, we were able to re-tool all our technology in the school and purchase our cutting-edge Apple computers, iPod Touches, and iPads. Parents’ Association funds also equipped and built our playgrounds.
It’s easy to see that every child in the entire school benefits from the selfless work of our amazing Parents’ Association volunteers. There are many opportunities for all parents to volunteer, and it should be every family’s goal to volunteer to help with a CSPA activity in some capacity every year. Every family benefits, parents can meet other parents, the children enjoy seeing their parents helping out at school, and it sets a good example for the kids about the importance of volunteerism. Also, there are many opportunities spread throughout the year to support the CSPA’s fundraisers. They are distributed throughout the year by design so that every budget can participate at a level that works for every family. Since every child benefits, it is hoped that every family will participate.
Of course in addition to supporting the CSPA’s activities, families also have the opportunity and responsibility to support the Cougar Fund, our annual fund, which underwrites every child’s education to an even larger degree. I will address the role of the Cougar Fund in a future piece. A high quality education is undoubtedly a costly undertaking. By meeting some of the expense through Parents’ Association fundraisers and some through the Cougar Fund, we aim to make a Country School education accessible to a wider range of families and more affordable for all.