Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Where the money goes

I would like to thank all of the participants in the Adams CSA program.  The money raised by your participation in the program helps us fill in school funding gaps.  My daughter was a beneficiary of this largess last week.

Adams Middle School is a Title 1 school.  40% of Adams students are considered high-risk either because of their parents' educational background or because of their family income. 

[Many people are surprised that there are pockets of need, even within the Beach Cities.  But Adams is special because their students of all backgrounds statistically outperform other kids that come from similar backgrounds.  In contrast, other middle schools with higher mean test scores in the Beach Cities underperform relative to their economic peers.]

The school drama club is putting on Beauty and the Beast this May*.  The drama teacher wanted to take the kids to the Pantages to see a professional production.  The district policy is to not let money be a barrier to a quality education for all students.  But there was no way the school district could come up with the $4,000 for the entire drama club to go.

We found a way to make it happen.

We got a discounted group rate from the Pantages box office.  The PTSA paid for the rental of a school bus to transport the students.  Most parents paid $47 (vs the $60 box office list price).  Kids from families that couldn't afford $47 (and could substantiate financial need) were given a 50% subsidy from the school's educational enrichment fund. 

Everyone who wanted to go was able to go.  The kids had a great time.

Thanks all around.

* Contact me if you are interested in getting tickets to the Adams' performance of Beauty and the Beast.  Or if you want to help with the costumes or sets.  ;-)

Tuesday, March 1, 2011