The Rookery

Some of you may have heard the recent fund drive for National Public Radio.  One of their recurring themes is, "How much is this news coverage worth to you?  A quarter a day?  A dollar?"  They then go on to talk about how much people pay for cable or for their daily coffee.  It's a pretty powerful concept — breaking a large cost down to a daily one.

I found myself reflecting on Prairie Creek's fundraising.  As a disclaimer, I wish that public school was truly free.  We all pay taxes — good public schools should be free to all.  I wish we didn't have to depend on fundraising for part of our operating budget.  I know that a focus on fundraising can make families on tight budgets feel disconnected and unappreciated.  But I am also a realist.  With the state budget in the situation that it is in, we must look to our families to ensure that our program continues unimpaired.

And so I found myself asking, "How much is this school worth to me?"  When I talk to my son James about his day, what would I pay for him to have that experience?  For me, at least, it was quite a bit more than what I'm willing to pay for coffee.  And multiplied over the school year…

As a fellow Prairie Creek parent, I urge you to be as generous as you can at this year's auction.  Donate creative services and items.  Donate many (you can use this link to donate online).  Then come to the auction and buy.  Have that figure, that "how much is this school worth" number, in your head as you bid.  Think about what your child has shared at the dinner table.  Think about what they've learned about their world and themselves as a learner.

As a Prairie Creek teacher, I can tell you we are careful stewards of your money.  But even with the most careful budgeting, there is an impact on the teaching we can do and the resources we can provide when we face a 30% hold back on our funding as we did last year.  The state budget looks even worse this year.  We need you.

I know that every family can't give the same monetary amount — but we can all give equally whether it's by volunteering for auction work (contact Phoebe Gray) or donating a few extra services.  We hope that everyone comes to the auction — and we always have some comp tickets if your budget doesn't allow for the $20 ticket.

So I've put aside an envelope and into it I'm tucking that daily donation, what James's day at Prairie Creek is worth to me.  I hope you'll join me in that and I'll see you at the auction on March 25.