Dear Pierce School family,

Can you imagine Pierce without field trips? Or the after school enrichment programs? Or “extra” art supplies and sporting equipment? Or the new Smart Board technology? Or how about Movie Night?

The Pierce educational experience just wouldn’t be the same.

These programs and services are essential components of a quality education, but they are no longer covered by the school budget. It’s up to us to fill the gap.

We’re asking you to help every Pierce student by donating directly to the Pierce PTO. There is nothing to sell, nothing to buy, no loss to overhead, no claim on your time. (We’re trying to keep the inconvenience and burden on Pierce families to a minimum.)

The annual PTO operating budget is approximately $60,000. This boils down to an average annual cost of $125.00 per child for PTO-funded programs.

Your PTO dollars cover the cost of many things, including …

• Field trips
• Visits from authors
• Teacher stipends to minimize out-of-pocket spending for classroom supplies
• The new Math Enrichment program
• Publishing The Broadsheet to keep all of us connected & informed
• Enrichment programs for arts, literacy, etc.
• Scholarships for field trips and after-school sports, etc.
• Community building events like the International Pot Luck Dinner, Movie Night, etc.
• and much more

Our goal is to raise $20,000 by December 31, 2007. That’s why we need your help. Every dollar goes directly toward building a stronger community of learners here at Pierce. We understand many of us are not in a position to give, but remember, donations of all sizes add up quickly.

Thank you in advance!

The Pierce PTO Board:

Dr. Pipier Smith-Mumford, Principal
Joshua Frank, Vice Principal
Nicole Lapidus
Eileen Regis
Charlie Walsh
Ellen Rottersman
Rhodine Wang

Your donations are greatly appreciated… these thank-you notes say it all:

Raising $20,000 by December 31, 2007 is a big goal – but we did it last year – and we can do it again. Remember, we’re all in this together. Last year, a great number of families participated, which helped us reach our goal. We’re looking to increase the participation level this fall. So we’re asking every family to make a donation no matter how big or how small. Ideally, the Annual Fund Drive is a direct, more convenient way of contributing for some. Others may prefer to donate to efforts like the Pierce Auction on March 1, 2008. In the end, we’re all working toward the same goal of enriching the students’ experience here at Pierce.

Please return your check made out to “Pierce PTO” by December 31st.

• Drop off in the PTO box in the main entrance at Pierce, or
• Mail to Pierce PTO, Pierce School, 50 School Street, Brookline, MA 02445.

All contributions are kept strictly confidential. If you have any questions please contact Charlie Walsh at (617) 277-4651.

"Every PTO dollar is put to incredibly good use by the teachers and staff who care deeply about this community. We are extremely grateful for the parent support, kindness, and tireless work."

Eowyn Daly, Kindergarten teacher

“We teachers are so grateful to all of the parents who provide us with not just monetary support, but with a true partnership. Your generosity has allowed the Learning Center to buy many needed specialized supplies, rewards, positive incentives and so much more. I could go on and on, but to suffice to say, over the course of my many years at Pierce, so many children have benefited from the PTO generosity.”

Sally Shuman, Learning Center

“Thanks to the PTO the third graders are on the go again! The generous support from the PTO has allowed us to take all 63 students to The Mapparium, Paul Revere's House, and The Skywalk at The Prudential this Fall. These field trips are an extremely important addition to our Social Studies and Science Curriculum. We couldn't do it without the PTO!”

Ginny Carroll, 3rd Grade teacher

“Your PTO support … helps to create the "culture of reading" which we all value so highly. Giving to the PTO is definitely giving to every student, parent and teacher in the school. Thank you.”

Joan Hamilton, Pierce School Librarian

Thank you for putting your child’s school at the top of your charitable donations this year!