Dear STEM Community,
At the beginning of the year, STEM PTO set out to raise some much needed funding for our school and launched a brand new campaign, STEM Gives. Our ambitious goal was $40,000 to support classroom enrichment, the new field and playground, and more.
The STEM community came together, and with 23% of families donating, we surpassed our goal, raising over $54,600. This does not include corporate matches or monthly donations not yet received.
Thank you so much for your outpouring of generosity for STEM Gives. This brings us to over half for our annual fundraising goal of $100,000! We are excited about the opportunities this will bring to enhance the academic environment for the children and educators of STEM.
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If you are one of the other 77% who have not yet had the opportunity give, your donation is still important! The higher percentage of families we can demonstrate support STEM, the more eligible we will be to apply for additional funding from grants and other sources. The goal is 80% of families or more! The direct giving campaign is officially over, but the donation link will remain open year-round. So, please, take a minute and donate any amount feasible for your family here. We still need and will gladly accept your support!
We want to give a huge shout out to Heidi Elliott and Andrea Pedotto, the STEM Gives campaign co-chairs. We thank you for your amazing contribution in helping establish this important donation drive and setting a solid foundation for future success.
We look forward to working with everyone this year to continue to bring improvements and enhancements to STEM School. Thank you for sharing your time and resources. Together we can make a difference. If you have an idea for improving the environment at STEM, we want to hear from you. Just email us at step@stemk12.org. We encourage you to contact us and get involved with the PTO.
"Be the Change You Want to See!"
Sincerely,
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Lynne Paris & Angela Tolar
STEM PTO Co-Presidents
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STEM Gives FAQ
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STEM Gives Campaign Results as of 10/3/17
Total raised: $54,616
Number of donations: 261
Percent of STEM families: 23%
Average donation: $214
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Your Donation is Tax Deductible
STEM Educational Partnership (aka STEM PTO) is a chapter of the Foundation for Douglas County Schools which is a 501(c)3 organization so your donation is 100% tax deductible. You will receive a receipt via email for tax purposes.
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Where the Money Goes
One hundred percent of funds raised from this campaign go directly to STEM School Highlands Ranch. The funds will provide classroom enrichment through teacher grants and help fund the new all-school field and playground as well as other projects as requested by STEM School. To see the initial maps and plans for the new field and playground, click here.
Double Your Donation through Corporate Match
It's easy to double your donation! As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, STEM Educational Partnership (aka STEM PTO) is a chapter of the Foundation for Douglas County Schools and qualifies for corporate matching. If your company matches donations, please ask about it at work and use this Tax ID number: 84-1165175. Click here for a list of companies that participate in corporate matching. Please email us at DonateSTEMPTO@gmail.com with the employee name, company name and amount so that we can track the corporate match.
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One of the Lowest Funded Schools in Colorado
Dr. Eucker wrote a great article that showed that STEM School Highlands Ranch is one of the lowest funded schools. As a charter school, Douglas County School District does not provide any funding for facilities and equipment. STEM Gives is an effort to support our teachers and staff who, despite our limited funds, continue to provide a world class education for our children.
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Can My Donation Count Towards Volunteer Hours?
Yes, but only if you do not use the donation as a tax deduction. You are not allowed to receive any benefit for the donation if you use it as a tax write off. Volunteer hours are $20/hour.
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