Sunset Ridge PTO Annual Enrichment Appeal 2017-2018

Enhancing the Educational Experience for Every Child

October 11, 2017

Dear Sunset Ridge Family,

Creating a culture of kindnessthis phrase is a driving force for Sunset Ridge this year. You may
have noticed these words around our school for the first time recently, but they really are at the heart
of who we are as a community each and every year. You can see this culture of kindness in our
teachers who stay the extra hour on behalf of their students, families who volunteer their time for the
good of everyone at the school, and students who take the time to help new friends feel welcome.
This is a culture of kindness and it is ongoing at Sunset Ridge.

The same holds true for the Annual Enrichment Appeal, the most direct way to support the programs
that the Sunset Ridge Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) provide year after year. The PTOs funding is
ongoing and the money we raise allows us to invest in needed resources and provide new
educational enrichment opportunities for the exceptional program at Sunset Ridge. For these
reasons, we are asking each family to make a suggested donation of $200 through the Annual
Enrichment Appeal by December 31st to keep our support ongoing.

Why Give?
Give to the Annual Enrichment Appeal because you believe in the work of our school, the dedication
of our teachers, and the impact a Sunset Ridge education will have on your childs future. Your
contribution to the Annual Enrichment Appeal will pay for budgeted expenses, including educational
field trip experiences for each classroom, events for our school community, and enriching assemblies,
to name a few. Accountability is important and we have included a Report Card on Spending with this
letter for your reference.

For the first time in five years, Sunset Ridge stands to lose significant state funding for our
music program in TK- 2nd grade. Learning music is strongly connected to improving literacy and
math skillsnot to mention that its fun, which means students are more motivated to engage with
academics at every level. Our students have this exceptional music experience in TK-5th grade and
Sunset Ridge is the only school in the district to offer this opportunity at every grade level. Your gift
to the Annual Enrichment Appeal will help ensure funding for our music program in grades TK-
2nd against potential state budget shortfalls.

How much should I give and when?

This year, we are asking each family to make a suggested donation of $200. Any donation amount is a
statement of your passionate belief and pride in your familys Sunset Ridge experience. The Sunset
Ridge PTO is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and donations received by December 31st will be
eligible for 2017 tax year deduction. For your generosity, families who make a $200 donation
throughout the campaign will receive a free yearbook and adult Sunset Ridge sweatshirt! We
encourage all families to make their donations by December 31, 2017 and no later than June 30, 2018.

Why do we ask for donations through the Annual Enrichment Appeal, in your classrooms, and
through other fundraising activities?
In todays complex and competitive world, children need more than just a solid educationthey need
an extraordinary one. If Sunset Ridge relied on state and federal funding alone to pay for the
programming and enrichment activities that makes Sunset Ridge special, we would fall short of the
resources needed to pay for those enhancements. For this reason, we ask our families to give
generously throughout the year in support of an exceptional education for their children

What is more important, the Annual Enrichment Appeal or all the other fundraisers that happen
throughout the year?
They are all important and all help us reach our goal. We know that families choose to support our
school in different ways, which is why we have several opportunities throughout the year to do so.
Giving to the Annual Enrichment Appeal is the most direct way to support our school. We hope
that everyone will consider participating in a variety of our fundraising initiatives each year.

Is the Sunset Ridge PTO eligible for Matching Gift Funds?

Yes! The Sunset Ridge PTO is grateful to many corporations that support our school through
generous matching gift programs. Please ask your employer about Matching Gift Programs that
support K-12 schools. This is a great way to double and sometimes triple your gift to our school.

With your gift, we can continue to support the programs that make Sunset Ridge such an
extraordinary place to learn. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Amy Cole-Farrell Karolina Garrett Jenifer Nevels Liz Blazier

PTO President PTO Vice-President PTO Secretary PTO Treasurer
 2017-18 Annual Enrichment Appeal
Report Card on Spending
WHERE DO DONATIONS AND EARNINGS
GO? Field Trips for Every
Classroom
The Sunset Ridge PTO needs to raise Academic Enrichment
around $50,000 each year to fund
the programs we support. Your Teacher Appreciation &
Support
direct donation during the 2017/18
Annual Enrichment Appeal will keep Hospitality & Events

our support ongoing.

5th Grade Promotion
The largest areas of ongoing funding Ceremony

that the PTO provides is in support Administrative Support

of Field Trips for Every Classroom
and Academic Enrichment:

Field Trips for Every Classroom

These important enrichment activities that take place outside the classroom provide a valuable and
exceptional learning experience for our students. Though many field trip destinations offer discounted
admission to our students, the cost of transportation via certified buses is disproportionately high.
Certified buses are the safest method of transportation for our students. The Pacifica School District does
not own buses and the cost to charter private certified buses is between $1,500-$2,500 each, depending
upon the gradebigger students mean more buses!

Academic Enrichment
Each year the PTO provides much needed equipment and curriculum materials to teachers at every grade
level. Additionally, from time to time, the PTO will fund the replacement and maintenance of aging
equipment. The PTO works closely with Sunset Ridge teachers and administration to determine where
funds are needed most. This year, the PTO hopes to raise additional funds in this category to ensure the
continuation of our TK-2nd grade music program against upcoming potential state budget shortfalls.
Desire to learn more? The PTO has open Board Meetings the first Tuesday of every month at 6pm in the
PTO room. We welcome your comments, questions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact us at any
time at admin@sunsetridgepto.com