In 2008-2009, the PTA and School Site Council are continuing the Direct Appeal program. Our goal is to provide a direct and easy way for parents to contribute and reduce much of the peripheral fundraising activities. Thus, we are asking parents to write a check directly to Cherry Chase PTA.

UPDATE: We have raised $23,000 to date...we still need your support!

A Direct Appeal letter went out to all Cherry Chase families at the beginning of the school year. The text of the letter appears below (you may download the letter, which also contains the Direct Appeal form (download PDF or download MS WORD):

August 2008

Welcome All Cherry Chase Families:

Cherry Chase School has a tradition of excellence that is due, in part, to the generous support of our community. Please join us in continuing that tradition at Cherry Chase.

Our Direct Appeal has been going on for two strong years, with a focus on funding technology. Our families have funded a new computer lab, a mobile laptop lab, several LCD projectors, document readers AND many new classroom computers. Each and every Cherry Chase student and teacher was touched by the generosity of last year’s donors. Thank you!

At the PTA’s 2008-2009 goal setting meeting and through meeting with faculty, it has been determined that technology should still be our primary focus, in addition to the continuation of programs we annually support. Though any amount is very much appreciated a tax deductible donation of $100 per Cherry Chase student is suggested. Our Direct Appeal goal this year is $25,000.

It is only through your donation that our school can provide programs that reach all of our children:

Extended In-Class Music (ask your returning child about Mr. T!)
Our beautiful garden that all classes visit
Red Ribbon Week    
FAME (Fine Arts Mini-Experience)     
Citizen of the Month   
Accelerated Reader (A/R tests)   
In-Class Mad Science      

We are hoping for 100% participation this year. As a reminder, all funds donated to the PTA Direct Appeal campaign stay at Cherry Chase, for the good of our children.

An easy and effective way to double your contribution is to see if your employer has a matching gift program (like Microsoft, Sun Microsystems and others). We have a Matching Donation List (download PDF or download MS Word) for you to determine whether or not your company offers matching donations. If your company is not listed, please contact your Human Resources Representative for details. 

Without your support we will lose these programs. By working together, we can guarantee that our children will have the enrichment programs that form an essential portion of their development at Cherry Chase School.

On behalf of the students of Cherry Chase, thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please contact me at shirleyfrantz@yahoo.com or 408.530.1731.