JUST DONATE…FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR CHILDREN!

The Burlingame High School Excellence Fund was established in 1982, when public school funding began to decline.  To continue giving our children the finest educational experience available, parents were asked to make a monetary contribution to supplement the school budget.  Over the years, the Excellence Fund has become a tradition at BHS.

In keeping with this tradition, we write to request that you demonstrate your support for your children’s public education by sending in a direct donation of $200 per student. Your donation supports many programs that otherwise would be minimally funded or, worse, eliminated. Your donation will also demonstrate to the faculty and staff your interest in providing all you can to enhance their ability to educate. Equally important is the message we give our children: "We want the best for you and we will support your school for your benefit."

We would like to thank the 257 donors who generously donated during the 2008-2009 school year, contributing a total of $160,357. Every department at the school benefitted from your generosity.

Thanks to your donations, the Parents’ Group was able to fund critical programs and needs such as:

• Career Center EXPLORE Program, PAWS Community Service Program, after–school Academic Center, Latino Parents Outreach
• Freshman Buddies Program, Graduation ceremony expenses
• Instructional videos and resource materials, workbooks and textbooks for various departments
• Computers and software, including a SMART board
• Theater upgrades and lighting, musical instruments, industrial technology equipment
• Classroom supplies, science materials, special education materials

We also funded classroom mobile projection stations, a new math performance system, student publications equipment, and stipends for facilitating new Teacher Tutoring and Writing Evaluation programs. In addition, Parents’ Group was able to assist in funding other school needs such as school-wide speakers and improvements to our communication systems. These funding decisions positively impacted every department at BHS and enriched the learning environment for your student.

Our hope and goal this year is to have every family participate with a donation, in whatever amount you can afford. We receive donations from $5 to $10,000 and every single dollar is a worthwhile gift, sincerely appreciated, and makes a difference! Please send in your donation today!

We thank you in advance for supporting the Excellence Fund and its tradition of excellence in providing higher quality education for your children.

Remember, "JUST DONATE…FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR CHILDREN!"

Sincerely,

Becky Showen and Peggy McLaughlin

Co-Chairs Excellence Fund