Tomorrow is the monthly SALT meeting, and I've been busy getting ready for it.
* I sent a survey to teachers and Boosters Plus families, asking them where they would most like to see Boosters money spent (in addition to the existing programs). I received twenty responses, which ranged from additional LCD players, a new tag machine for the library, and additional money for field trips, teacher classroom allowance, and special assemblies and mixers. We can do these things to the extent that our parents support Boosters, especially the Boosters Plus program. We currently have about 100 families participating; have you sent in your check yet?
* We are planning a special Holiday Store during conference time. Stay tuned for more information!
* We will soon be holding an information meeting about the new SCRIP program, which allows you to support Boosters by buying gift cards for the things you buy every day: gas, groceries, and eating out.
* Art Auction is fast approaching. If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, it's not too late!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
MAPS Week Treats a Big Hit!
Yesterday was a big day for Boosters, and I want to thank all those who helped us by making, distributing, and purchasing treats:
* Our popcorn makers: Nancy Davis and Margaret Michael
* Our treat creators (a.m.): Angie Verges, Ryon Maples, Anne Bouse, and Judy McCammon
* Our treat distributors: Julie Mulholland, Jennifer Whitted, and Stacy Sucarski
* School Store helpers: Shari Luckey, Anne Bouse, Kathy Tucker, and Ryon Maples
* Our popcorn makers: Nancy Davis and Margaret Michael
* Our treat creators (a.m.): Angie Verges, Ryon Maples, Anne Bouse, and Judy McCammon
* Our treat distributors: Julie Mulholland, Jennifer Whitted, and Stacy Sucarski
* School Store helpers: Shari Luckey, Anne Bouse, Kathy Tucker, and Ryon Maples
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Question of the Day: Which Fundraisers are for Boosters?
Some parents have raised questions about (a) what fundraisers are "Boosters" fundraisers, and (b) where the money goes. These are great questions!
At the beginning of the year, we explained that Boosters Plus was meant to replace third-party vendor selling (pizza kits, cookie dough, and so on). We want every penny that comes to the school to stay in the school.
However, of the $50,000 we intend to raise this year -- 1/10th of the state funding that was lost -- we are only about 20% there. This means . . .
(a) We need more Boosters Plus families (right now, about 80 of our 700 families are participating), and
(b) We will need to have other events to help us raise the balance. The three events we have planned right now are ...
* Art Auction: This Boosters event is October 10, with advance ticket sales deadline 9/28. This will raise money a number of ways: The ticket sales will cover the refreshments, mailings, and other minor expenses associated with the promotion of the event ($7.50 a person). If we get at least 150 people, Marlin Arts guarantees that we will receive a minimum of $2000 for the school -- or more, depending on how much art is purchased. Conversely, if we do not reach our minimum attendance goal, Boosters could lose money on this event! Finally, those who would like to purchase art for gifts, or for business or personal use, but are unable to attend the auction may purchase art from October 11, 2009 and October 10, 2010, and designate South Arbor Boosters as the beneficiary, and we will receive a cut. If you have questions about the event, contact Anne Bouse or Chelle Hamel at sacharterauction@gmail.com.
* Booster Store: This event is held each Friday afternoon in the school breezeway from 2:00 to 3:00. In addition to school merchandise (house shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, pencils, etc.) and snacks, this will be "scrip central," where you can order and pick up scrip orders. Other special orders (Beanie and Mug Treats, etc.) will be filled through the store as they come up. This is also where we will be promoting "Family Nights" at local restaurants.
* Spring Auction: This event will be held in March 2010. More information will be forthcoming on this event -- If you have a lead on a special prize, or can create a basket for the auction, contact Allen Morgan.
In addition to Boosters, a number of other groups in the school will be raising money for their particular needs. Examples of these include Athletics, Junior Honor Society, and 6-8th Grades (to pay for their year-end trips and camps). We have invited these groups to set up a special table and sell special products and treats during the same time the Booster Store is running -- however, these monies are NOT a part of the Booster Fund.
Where does Boosters money go? All the money we raise is spent by the heads of various school committees under the leadership of Matt Hudson, called SALT (South Arbor Leadership Team). However, parents who care enough to contribute should be kept informed of where their money goes, and there are several ways that you can find out where your money is going. The easiest and best way is to check back here often.
However, if you'd like to talk about special concerns or ideas, please join us at the next Boosters Meeting, to be held on Monday, October 19 at 7:00 pm in the Parents Room. All are welcome!
At the beginning of the year, we explained that Boosters Plus was meant to replace third-party vendor selling (pizza kits, cookie dough, and so on). We want every penny that comes to the school to stay in the school.
However, of the $50,000 we intend to raise this year -- 1/10th of the state funding that was lost -- we are only about 20% there. This means . . .
(a) We need more Boosters Plus families (right now, about 80 of our 700 families are participating), and
(b) We will need to have other events to help us raise the balance. The three events we have planned right now are ...
* Art Auction: This Boosters event is October 10, with advance ticket sales deadline 9/28. This will raise money a number of ways: The ticket sales will cover the refreshments, mailings, and other minor expenses associated with the promotion of the event ($7.50 a person). If we get at least 150 people, Marlin Arts guarantees that we will receive a minimum of $2000 for the school -- or more, depending on how much art is purchased. Conversely, if we do not reach our minimum attendance goal, Boosters could lose money on this event! Finally, those who would like to purchase art for gifts, or for business or personal use, but are unable to attend the auction may purchase art from October 11, 2009 and October 10, 2010, and designate South Arbor Boosters as the beneficiary, and we will receive a cut. If you have questions about the event, contact Anne Bouse or Chelle Hamel at sacharterauction@gmail.com.
* Booster Store: This event is held each Friday afternoon in the school breezeway from 2:00 to 3:00. In addition to school merchandise (house shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, pencils, etc.) and snacks, this will be "scrip central," where you can order and pick up scrip orders. Other special orders (Beanie and Mug Treats, etc.) will be filled through the store as they come up. This is also where we will be promoting "Family Nights" at local restaurants.
* Spring Auction: This event will be held in March 2010. More information will be forthcoming on this event -- If you have a lead on a special prize, or can create a basket for the auction, contact Allen Morgan.
In addition to Boosters, a number of other groups in the school will be raising money for their particular needs. Examples of these include Athletics, Junior Honor Society, and 6-8th Grades (to pay for their year-end trips and camps). We have invited these groups to set up a special table and sell special products and treats during the same time the Booster Store is running -- however, these monies are NOT a part of the Booster Fund.
Where does Boosters money go? All the money we raise is spent by the heads of various school committees under the leadership of Matt Hudson, called SALT (South Arbor Leadership Team). However, parents who care enough to contribute should be kept informed of where their money goes, and there are several ways that you can find out where your money is going. The easiest and best way is to check back here often.
However, if you'd like to talk about special concerns or ideas, please join us at the next Boosters Meeting, to be held on Monday, October 19 at 7:00 pm in the Parents Room. All are welcome!
Scrip Program
South Arbor Boosters is offering a scrip program this year through the Boosters Store. (We are currently working on getting a website where orders can be placed online, and picked up on Fridays for weekend shopping.)
When you purchase scrip, you pay the face value of the giftcard and use it like cash (available denominations listed below). The school gets a percentage of your purchase (between 2% and 20%, depending on the store). Boldface stores offer returns of at least 8%.
Buying scrip is easy, and a great way to budget for travel and gifts over the holidays (you can set aside a set amount each week or month to buy the cards), or to purchase gifts for long-distance friends and family. Best of all, it is an "invisible fundraiser" -- since you shop at these stores anyway, it costs you nothing but a bit of time to get the cards.
To get your cards:
* South Arbor Families: Pick up an order form from the Parent Room, and drop it with your money in the Booster Box by Friday to pick up your cards the following Friday at the Booster Store. Cards ordered by 3:15 on Friday will be delivered to the School Store the following Friday.
* South Arbor Friends and Extended Family: Or you can print out this email, circle your choices and send it with your check payable to South Arbor Boosters Club, PO Box 261, Milan MI 48160. If you are outside the school community, be sure to include your e-mail and phone so we can make arrangements to get the cards to you.
The following stores and giftcard amounts are available:
* 675 Minute Access Phone Card ($20)
* ACE Hardware ($25, $100)
* Advance Auto Parts ($25)
* Aeropostale ($25)
* Amazon.com ($100)
* AMC Theater ($9.50, $25)
* American Airlines ($100, $250)
* American Eagle Outfitters ($25)
* American Express ($100, $200)
* Applebees ($25, $100)
* Arby's ($10)
* Auto Zone ($25)
* Avis Car Rental ($50)
* B Dalton Booksellers ($10, $20, $25, $100)
* Babies R Us ($20)
* Banana Republic ($25)
* Barnes & Noble ($10, $20, $25, $100)
* Baskin Robbins ($2)
* Bass Pro Shops ($25, $100)
* Bath & Body Works ($10, $25)
* BDs Mongolian Barbecue ($20)
* Bed, Bath & Beyond ($25)
* Best Western International ($25, $100)
* Bob Evans ($10)
* Bonefish Grill ($25)
* Borders ($10, $25)
* BoRics ($25)
* Boston Market ($10)
* BP Gas ($50, $100, $250)
* Brueger's Bagels ($10)
* Budget Rent-a-Car ($50)
* Build-a-Bear Workshop ($25)
* Burger King ($10)
* Cabela's ($25, $100)
* California Pizza Kitchen ($10)
* Carrabba's Italian Grill ($25)
* Carson's American Bistro ($25)
* Casual Male XL ($25)
* Camps Sports ($25)
* Chili's ($25)
* Chipotle ($10)
* Chuck E Cheese ($10)
* Circle K ($25)
* Claire's ($10)
* Clarion Hotels ($50, $100)
* Cold Stone Creamery ($10)
* Comfort Inn ($50, $100)
* Comfort Suites ($50, $100)
* Country Buffet ($25)
* Courtyard by Marriot ($50, $100, $500)
* Cracker Barrel ($10)
* Crate and Barrell ($25, $100)
* CVS ($25, $100)
* Damon's Grill ($25)
* Darden Restaurants ($25)
* Dell Computer ($100)
* Denny's ($10)
* Dick's Sporting Goods ($25)
* Disney ($25, $100, $1000)
* Domino's Pizza ($5)
* Domino's Pizza & 2 Liter deal ($14 -- 25% to school!)
* Dressbarn ($25)
* Dunham's Sports ($25)
* Dunkin' Donuts ($10)
* EB Games ($25)
* Electronics Boutique ($25)
* Exxon ($50)
* fye ($25)
* Fairfield Inn ($50, $100, $500)
* Family Christian Stores ($25)
* Fashion Bug ($25)
* Fiesta Salon ($25)
* Fire Mountain ($25)
* Foot Locker ($25)
* Gander Mountain ($25)
* Gandy Dancer ($25)
* Gap ($25)
* GFS Marketplace ($25, $100)
* GNC ($25)
* Gordon Food Service Marketplace ($25, $100)
* Great Clips ($25)
* Great Harvest Bread ($10)
* Gymboree ($25)
* Home Depot ($25, $100, $500)
* HomeGoods ($25)
* Hometown Buffet ($25)
* Honeybaked Ham ($10)
* Icing ($10)
* iTunes ($15)
* JC Penney ($25, $100)
* Jiffy Lube ($30)
* Jo-Anne Fabric ($20)
* KFC ($5)
* Kid's Foot Locker ($25)
* KMart ($25, $50)
* Kohl's Department Store ($25, $100)
* LL Bean ($25, $100)
* Lady Foot Locker ($25)
* Landry's Seafood ($25)
* Land's End ($25, $100)
* The Limited ($25)
* Little Caesar's ($20)
* Logan's Roadhouse ($25)
* Lowe's Home Improvement ($25, $100, $500)
* Macy's ($25, $100)
* Marathon ($25, $100, $250)
* Marriott Hotels ($50, $100, $500)
* Marshall's ($25, $100)
* Max & Erma's ($20)
* MC Sports ($25)
* Menards Home Centers ($25, $100)
* Mobil ($50, $250)
* Muer Seafood ($25)
* Noodles & Company ($10)
* O'Charley's ($25)
* Office Depot ($25, $100)
* Office Max ($25, $100)
* Old Country Buffet ($25)
* Old Navy ($25)
* Olga's ($20)
* Olive Garden ($25)
* Outback Steakhouse ($25)
* Panera Bread ($10, $25)
* Payless Shoes ($20)
* Petsmart (25)
* Pier One Import ($25)
* Pizza Hut ($10)
* Pottery Barn ($25, $100)
* Pottery Barn Kids ($25, $100)
* Qdoba Mexican Grill ($25)
* Quality Inn ($50, $100)
* Radio Shack ($25)
* Red Lobster ($25)
* Red Robin ($25)
* Renaissance Hotels ($50, $100)
* Residence Inn ($100, $500)
* Rite Aid ($25)
* Ritz-Carlton ($50)
* Ruby Tuesday ($25)
* Ryan's Grill, Buffet and Bakery ($25)
* Sally Beauty Supply ($25)
* Sam's Club ($25, $100, $250)
* Shell ($25, $50, $100)
* Sleep Inn ($50, $100)
* Speedway ($25, $100)
* Spring Hill Suites ($50, $100)
* Staples ($25, $100)
* Starbucks ($10, $25)
* Steak and Shake ($10)
* Subway ($10, $50)
* Suncoast Smoothies ($20)
* Sunoco ($50, $250)
* SuperAmerica ($25)
* Super Cuts ($25)
* TJ Maxx ($25, $100)
* Talbots ($25)
* Tanger Outlets ($25)
* Texas Roadhouse ($25)
* TGI Fridays ($25)
* The Great Indoors ($25, $100, $250)
* Town Place Suites ($50, $100)
* Toys-R-Us ($20)
* United Artist Theater ($9.50, $25)
* VISA ($25, $50, $100)
* Vons ($25, $100)
* Wal-Mart ($25, $100, $250)
* Waldenbooks ($10, $25)
* Walgreens ($25, $100)
* Wendy's ($10)
* Williams-Sonoma ($25, $100)
* Williams-Sonoma Home ($25, $100)
* Willie G's ($25)
Thank you for your order!
When you purchase scrip, you pay the face value of the giftcard and use it like cash (available denominations listed below). The school gets a percentage of your purchase (between 2% and 20%, depending on the store). Boldface stores offer returns of at least 8%.
Buying scrip is easy, and a great way to budget for travel and gifts over the holidays (you can set aside a set amount each week or month to buy the cards), or to purchase gifts for long-distance friends and family. Best of all, it is an "invisible fundraiser" -- since you shop at these stores anyway, it costs you nothing but a bit of time to get the cards.
To get your cards:
* South Arbor Families: Pick up an order form from the Parent Room, and drop it with your money in the Booster Box by Friday to pick up your cards the following Friday at the Booster Store. Cards ordered by 3:15 on Friday will be delivered to the School Store the following Friday.
* South Arbor Friends and Extended Family: Or you can print out this email, circle your choices and send it with your check payable to South Arbor Boosters Club, PO Box 261, Milan MI 48160. If you are outside the school community, be sure to include your e-mail and phone so we can make arrangements to get the cards to you.
The following stores and giftcard amounts are available:
* 675 Minute Access Phone Card ($20)
* ACE Hardware ($25, $100)
* Advance Auto Parts ($25)
* Aeropostale ($25)
* Amazon.com ($100)
* AMC Theater ($9.50, $25)
* American Airlines ($100, $250)
* American Eagle Outfitters ($25)
* American Express ($100, $200)
* Applebees ($25, $100)
* Arby's ($10)
* Auto Zone ($25)
* Avis Car Rental ($50)
* B Dalton Booksellers ($10, $20, $25, $100)
* Babies R Us ($20)
* Banana Republic ($25)
* Barnes & Noble ($10, $20, $25, $100)
* Baskin Robbins ($2)
* Bass Pro Shops ($25, $100)
* Bath & Body Works ($10, $25)
* BDs Mongolian Barbecue ($20)
* Bed, Bath & Beyond ($25)
* Best Western International ($25, $100)
* Bob Evans ($10)
* Bonefish Grill ($25)
* Borders ($10, $25)
* BoRics ($25)
* Boston Market ($10)
* BP Gas ($50, $100, $250)
* Brueger's Bagels ($10)
* Budget Rent-a-Car ($50)
* Build-a-Bear Workshop ($25)
* Burger King ($10)
* Cabela's ($25, $100)
* California Pizza Kitchen ($10)
* Carrabba's Italian Grill ($25)
* Carson's American Bistro ($25)
* Casual Male XL ($25)
* Camps Sports ($25)
* Chili's ($25)
* Chipotle ($10)
* Chuck E Cheese ($10)
* Circle K ($25)
* Claire's ($10)
* Clarion Hotels ($50, $100)
* Cold Stone Creamery ($10)
* Comfort Inn ($50, $100)
* Comfort Suites ($50, $100)
* Country Buffet ($25)
* Courtyard by Marriot ($50, $100, $500)
* Cracker Barrel ($10)
* Crate and Barrell ($25, $100)
* CVS ($25, $100)
* Damon's Grill ($25)
* Darden Restaurants ($25)
* Dell Computer ($100)
* Denny's ($10)
* Dick's Sporting Goods ($25)
* Disney ($25, $100, $1000)
* Domino's Pizza ($5)
* Domino's Pizza & 2 Liter deal ($14 -- 25% to school!)
* Dressbarn ($25)
* Dunham's Sports ($25)
* Dunkin' Donuts ($10)
* EB Games ($25)
* Electronics Boutique ($25)
* Exxon ($50)
* fye ($25)
* Fairfield Inn ($50, $100, $500)
* Family Christian Stores ($25)
* Fashion Bug ($25)
* Fiesta Salon ($25)
* Fire Mountain ($25)
* Foot Locker ($25)
* Gander Mountain ($25)
* Gandy Dancer ($25)
* Gap ($25)
* GFS Marketplace ($25, $100)
* GNC ($25)
* Gordon Food Service Marketplace ($25, $100)
* Great Clips ($25)
* Great Harvest Bread ($10)
* Gymboree ($25)
* Home Depot ($25, $100, $500)
* HomeGoods ($25)
* Hometown Buffet ($25)
* Honeybaked Ham ($10)
* Icing ($10)
* iTunes ($15)
* JC Penney ($25, $100)
* Jiffy Lube ($30)
* Jo-Anne Fabric ($20)
* KFC ($5)
* Kid's Foot Locker ($25)
* KMart ($25, $50)
* Kohl's Department Store ($25, $100)
* LL Bean ($25, $100)
* Lady Foot Locker ($25)
* Landry's Seafood ($25)
* Land's End ($25, $100)
* The Limited ($25)
* Little Caesar's ($20)
* Logan's Roadhouse ($25)
* Lowe's Home Improvement ($25, $100, $500)
* Macy's ($25, $100)
* Marathon ($25, $100, $250)
* Marriott Hotels ($50, $100, $500)
* Marshall's ($25, $100)
* Max & Erma's ($20)
* MC Sports ($25)
* Menards Home Centers ($25, $100)
* Mobil ($50, $250)
* Muer Seafood ($25)
* Noodles & Company ($10)
* O'Charley's ($25)
* Office Depot ($25, $100)
* Office Max ($25, $100)
* Old Country Buffet ($25)
* Old Navy ($25)
* Olga's ($20)
* Olive Garden ($25)
* Outback Steakhouse ($25)
* Panera Bread ($10, $25)
* Payless Shoes ($20)
* Petsmart (25)
* Pier One Import ($25)
* Pizza Hut ($10)
* Pottery Barn ($25, $100)
* Pottery Barn Kids ($25, $100)
* Qdoba Mexican Grill ($25)
* Quality Inn ($50, $100)
* Radio Shack ($25)
* Red Lobster ($25)
* Red Robin ($25)
* Renaissance Hotels ($50, $100)
* Residence Inn ($100, $500)
* Rite Aid ($25)
* Ritz-Carlton ($50)
* Ruby Tuesday ($25)
* Ryan's Grill, Buffet and Bakery ($25)
* Sally Beauty Supply ($25)
* Sam's Club ($25, $100, $250)
* Shell ($25, $50, $100)
* Sleep Inn ($50, $100)
* Speedway ($25, $100)
* Spring Hill Suites ($50, $100)
* Staples ($25, $100)
* Starbucks ($10, $25)
* Steak and Shake ($10)
* Subway ($10, $50)
* Suncoast Smoothies ($20)
* Sunoco ($50, $250)
* SuperAmerica ($25)
* Super Cuts ($25)
* TJ Maxx ($25, $100)
* Talbots ($25)
* Tanger Outlets ($25)
* Texas Roadhouse ($25)
* TGI Fridays ($25)
* The Great Indoors ($25, $100, $250)
* Town Place Suites ($50, $100)
* Toys-R-Us ($20)
* United Artist Theater ($9.50, $25)
* VISA ($25, $50, $100)
* Vons ($25, $100)
* Wal-Mart ($25, $100, $250)
* Waldenbooks ($10, $25)
* Walgreens ($25, $100)
* Wendy's ($10)
* Williams-Sonoma ($25, $100)
* Williams-Sonoma Home ($25, $100)
* Willie G's ($25)
Thank you for your order!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
News You Can Use: AnnArborMom.com
I just found out about this great blog for local parents, which is run by one of our South Arbor parents, Tamara Mayrend. AnnArborMom.com offers tips and deals for local events. Be sure to check it out!
2009-2010 South Arbor Boosters Officers
Congratulations to our new Boosters officers, who were elected last night at our first Boosters Meeting of the school year.
* Heidi Saxton: President
* Jackie Ham: Vice President
* Cassie Kennedy: Secretary
* Kathy Tucker: Treasurer
* Ryon Maples: Member-at-Large
There is always room for more volunteers -- our next meeting will be Monday, October 19 at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you there!
* Heidi Saxton: President
* Jackie Ham: Vice President
* Cassie Kennedy: Secretary
* Kathy Tucker: Treasurer
* Ryon Maples: Member-at-Large
There is always room for more volunteers -- our next meeting will be Monday, October 19 at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you there!
News You Can Use: Free Museum Passes!
Looking for something fun to do with your family this weekend? Did you know you can get free museum passes through your local library through the Museum Adventure Pass Program?
You can get four free passes for the following museums:
* Anton Art Center
* Automotive Hall of Fame
* Detroit Children's Museum
* Museum of COntemporary Art Detroit
* University of Michigan Natural History Museum
* Ypsilanti Historical Museum
* And many more!
You can get a free pair of passes for the following museums:
* Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
* Cranbrook Institute of Science
* Detroit Institute of Arts
* Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
* Ford Rouge Factory Tour
* And many more!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Art Auction: Get your free tickets while they last!
This Friday, 9/25, is the LAST DAY to get half-price Art Auction Tickets, as well as buy-one-get-one tickets for Boosters Plus families. Have you bought yours yet? Remember . . .
* If we have 150 people in the gym at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, the school makes a minimum of $2000 dollars even if no one buys a single piece of art. Just show up between 6:30 and 7:30, sign in at the registration table, enjoy the refreshments and look at the art, and don't leave until the head count is taken at 7:30. That's it!
* If we have 150 people in the gym at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, the school makes a minimum of $2000 dollars even if no one buys a single piece of art. Just show up between 6:30 and 7:30, sign in at the registration table, enjoy the refreshments and look at the art, and don't leave until the head count is taken at 7:30. That's it!
* Boosters Plus and Boosters Pledge families ($25/month) are eligible for ONE FREE TICKET when you purchase one at the discount rate. Limit one free ticket per South Arbor family.
* Art Auction tickets will cost $15 after Friday -- and may be purchased at the door.
* Art Auction tickets will cost $15 after Friday -- and may be purchased at the door.
* If you will need childcare, it is available through Explorer's Club for $5/child. Contact Chelle or Anne at southarborartauction@gmail.com for details.
* If you want to do a little early Christmas shopping, a wide variety of art is available, much of it for less than $100. Sports memorabilia, famous artists, African American artists, photography, lithographs -- art to fit every budget and taste.
* If you purchase the tickets and then for one reason or another cannot attend, someone MUST use the tickets if the school is going to get "credit." The teacher of the class with the highest number of art auction participants will receive a $25 gift card for classroom use, courtesy of Boosters.
* If you want to do a little early Christmas shopping, a wide variety of art is available, much of it for less than $100. Sports memorabilia, famous artists, African American artists, photography, lithographs -- art to fit every budget and taste.
* If you purchase the tickets and then for one reason or another cannot attend, someone MUST use the tickets if the school is going to get "credit." The teacher of the class with the highest number of art auction participants will receive a $25 gift card for classroom use, courtesy of Boosters.
Life after SAA: An Online High School Alternative
A friend recently told me about "virtual charter schools" that are available in many states. Although the public school (free) version is not yet available in Michigan, it could be an option for those who are considering home-schooling.
Corporate Matching: Double Your Booster Money!
Did you know a number of corporations have donor-matching programs for their employees, such that a $100 Booster Plus donation can be turned into $200 for the school? We had one family do this for us already!
The following is a partial list of companies that offer matching programs. If your employer is listed here, be sure to contact your HR department or company website to get the details. You will probably need our Federal ID number. The FID for South Arbor Booster Club (a 501(c)3 organization) is 38-347918800-01.
Alco Standard
Allied Signal
Allstate Insurance
Altria Group, Inc.
American Express
AT&T
Ameritech
Andersons Inc
Arco Chemical Co
Archer Daniels Midland
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
Avon Products
AXA
BP America, Inc.
BancAmerica Corporation
Bell & Howell Co
Brunswick Corporation
Buckeye Pipe Line
Burroughts Wellcome Company
CNG - Consolidated Natural Gas
Carter Hawley Hale Stores, Inc.
Centerior Energy Corporation
Certainteed
Chevron
Chubb & Son, Inc.
Citibank
Citicorp
Coco-Cola Company
Community Mutual Blue Cross & Blue Shield
Continental Group
Cooper Industries Foundation
Cooper Tire and Rubber Co.
CPC International
Corning Inc.
Corning Glass Works
Dart Industries
DeKalb Genetics Corp
Digital Equipment Corporation
Dow Chemical Co
Dun & Bradstreet Corp
Eaton Corporation
Emerson Electric Company
Equitable Agri-Business Inc.
Equitable Life Assurance Society
Ernst & Young LLP
Firemans Fund
First Energy Corp
Frederick S Upton
Gannett Foundation
General Electric Foundation
General Mills, Inc
Georgia-Pacific Corporation
Gulf Oil Corporation
Gulf & Western
HCR - Health Care & Retirement
HJ Heinz Company
John Hancock
Hoechst Celanese Corporation
Home Depot
IDS Financial Services, Inc.
Illinois Tool Works
IBM Corporation
International Minerals & Chemicals Corp
JC Penney Co, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson Controls
Jostens
K-Mart
Kennemetal, Inc.
Key Corp.
Kidder Peabody
Lamson & Sessions
Land O'Lakes
Libbey, Inc.
Lucent Technologies Inc.
Mallinckrodt, Inc.
Maritz, Inc.
Martin Marietta
Mass Mutual
McDonald's Corporation
McGraw-Hill Inc.
Merck Company
Merrill Lynch
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
Monsanto
Phillip Morris Inc
Motorola
Mutual Life INsurance Company of NY
Malco Chemical
NCR Corporation
Nordson Corporation
Norfolk Southern
OI-NEG TV Products
Owens-Illinois
PPG Industries
Penwalt
PepsiCo, Inc.
Pfitzer
Pitney Bowes
Pittston
Premark International, Inc.
Prudential
Rockewell Automation
SBC
Stanley Works
Sundstand Corporation
Tandy Corporation
Techneglas, Inc.
Teledyne
Tenneco
Therma Tru
Time, Inc.
The Toledo Edison Company
TRW
Transamerica
Travelers Corporation
United Parcel Service
United Technologies Corporation
Warner Lambert
Westinghouse
The following is a partial list of companies that offer matching programs. If your employer is listed here, be sure to contact your HR department or company website to get the details. You will probably need our Federal ID number. The FID for South Arbor Booster Club (a 501(c)3 organization) is 38-347918800-01.
Alco Standard
Allied Signal
Allstate Insurance
Altria Group, Inc.
American Express
AT&T
Ameritech
Andersons Inc
Arco Chemical Co
Archer Daniels Midland
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
Avon Products
AXA
BP America, Inc.
BancAmerica Corporation
Bell & Howell Co
Brunswick Corporation
Buckeye Pipe Line
Burroughts Wellcome Company
CNG - Consolidated Natural Gas
Carter Hawley Hale Stores, Inc.
Centerior Energy Corporation
Certainteed
Chevron
Chubb & Son, Inc.
Citibank
Citicorp
Coco-Cola Company
Community Mutual Blue Cross & Blue Shield
Continental Group
Cooper Industries Foundation
Cooper Tire and Rubber Co.
CPC International
Corning Inc.
Corning Glass Works
Dart Industries
DeKalb Genetics Corp
Digital Equipment Corporation
Dow Chemical Co
Dun & Bradstreet Corp
Eaton Corporation
Emerson Electric Company
Equitable Agri-Business Inc.
Equitable Life Assurance Society
Ernst & Young LLP
Firemans Fund
First Energy Corp
Frederick S Upton
Gannett Foundation
General Electric Foundation
General Mills, Inc
Georgia-Pacific Corporation
Gulf Oil Corporation
Gulf & Western
HCR - Health Care & Retirement
HJ Heinz Company
John Hancock
Hoechst Celanese Corporation
Home Depot
IDS Financial Services, Inc.
Illinois Tool Works
IBM Corporation
International Minerals & Chemicals Corp
JC Penney Co, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson Controls
Jostens
K-Mart
Kennemetal, Inc.
Key Corp.
Kidder Peabody
Lamson & Sessions
Land O'Lakes
Libbey, Inc.
Lucent Technologies Inc.
Mallinckrodt, Inc.
Maritz, Inc.
Martin Marietta
Mass Mutual
McDonald's Corporation
McGraw-Hill Inc.
Merck Company
Merrill Lynch
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
Monsanto
Phillip Morris Inc
Motorola
Mutual Life INsurance Company of NY
Malco Chemical
NCR Corporation
Nordson Corporation
Norfolk Southern
OI-NEG TV Products
Owens-Illinois
PPG Industries
Penwalt
PepsiCo, Inc.
Pfitzer
Pitney Bowes
Pittston
Premark International, Inc.
Prudential
Rockewell Automation
SBC
Stanley Works
Sundstand Corporation
Tandy Corporation
Techneglas, Inc.
Teledyne
Tenneco
Therma Tru
Time, Inc.
The Toledo Edison Company
TRW
Transamerica
Travelers Corporation
United Parcel Service
United Technologies Corporation
Warner Lambert
Westinghouse
Friday, September 18, 2009
Booster School Store: A Great Success!!!
Thank you to all those who came and purchased treats and school merchandise from our very first school store -- it was a great success!
Starting this week, we have a school scrip program. Just fill out your order form (a supply will be in the Parent's Room) and put it in the Boosters Box along with your money by 8:15 on Monday morning, and your cards will be ready for you to pick up at the store on the following Friday.
Beanie Treats are now completely sold out -- no more orders will be accepted. Any additional orders will be filled with "surprise" beanie treats (if I can find a source for them") or MAPS Mug Treats. I apologize for any disappointment this may cause.
Starting this week, we have a school scrip program. Just fill out your order form (a supply will be in the Parent's Room) and put it in the Boosters Box along with your money by 8:15 on Monday morning, and your cards will be ready for you to pick up at the store on the following Friday.
Beanie Treats are now completely sold out -- no more orders will be accepted. Any additional orders will be filled with "surprise" beanie treats (if I can find a source for them") or MAPS Mug Treats. I apologize for any disappointment this may cause.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
MAPS Week Mug Treats for 4-8th Graders!
Would you like to send your older student a MAPS treat, too?
Our new, blue South Arbor Spirit Mugs will arrive this week -- imprinted with the South Arbor Creed. Send your student a popcorn-filled gift mug on Friday, September 25 for just $6! Each mug comes with a South Arbor pencil and a special surprise treat!
These ceramic mugs are dishwasher safe, and make a great pencil-holder in your student's study area.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Coming Soon: South Arbor Booster Store Friday, September 18
Our Booster Store will open for business on Friday, September 18 at 2:00. Snacks and treats, drinks (Diet Coke!) and school merchandise will be available. The library will also be selling used books at rock-bottom prices. Come and check them out!
At that time, we will be selling Art Auction tickets as well as scrip. I also have gift cards available in the indicated amounts for the following stores:
Arby's ($10)
Bruegger's Bagels ($10)
Burger King ($10)
California Pizza Kitchen ($10)
Chucky Cheese ($10)
CVS Pharmacy ($25)
Dick's Sporting Goods ($25)
Panera ($10)
Pizza Hut ($10)
Ruby Tuesday ($5)
Qdoba ($25)
Subway ($10)
TCBY ($5 - five $1 certificates)
Wendy's ($10)
These make great gifts for long-distance birthdays, or other special treats! Boosters gets a percentage of each of these cards ... and you redeem them at full face value.
If you have been meaning to bring by your Boosters Plus money, we will have receipts on hand.
Don't forget, all Booster Plus families are entitled to one free Art Auction ticket, when you buy one at the Advance Sale price ($7.50).
Special Edition "MAPS Week" Beanie Treats!
BEANIE TREATS ARE NOW SOLD OUT -- MUG TREATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR $6 (OR 2 FOR $10).
"Rainbow Lizard" has a tag reading: "You did your best work this week! Good job -- I am so proud of you!"
"Silly Goat" has a tag reading: "Your MAPS test is done? Can I eat it? Congratulations!"
"Scary Spider" has a tag reading: "You finished your MAPS tests! See, they weren't so scary! Congratulations!"
UPDATE: I was just informed the younger kids are tested the SECOND week of MAPS, so we would distribute the Beanie Treats on 9/25. But get your order in soon -- it will still be first-come, first-served!
Does your child love Beanie Babies? Would you like a special way to reward your child for completing a hard week of MAPS testing?
South Arbor Boosters is offering a one-time, limited edition supply of "MAPS Week" Beanie Baby Treats, which you can give your child on Friday, September 18 (at last day of MAPS testing). This test is given each year to all students, grades K-8.
MAPS Week Beanie Treats are $5 each. Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. (You can either print out a copy of this post and put it in the mailbox with your payment to be sure you get your first choice, or fill out the flyer that should be going home to K-1 parents on Monday.) Parents can pick up their "treat" at the first "School Store" on Friday, Sept 18 from 2-3 (morning Kindergarten parents can pick up their order in the office on Friday at 11:15). Only pre-paid orders will be accepted. Please indicate both your first and second choice, as there are limited numbers of each animal. Your choices include:
"Red Robin" has a tag reading: "You're so 'tweet'! Good job on finishing your MAPS tests!"
"Happy Rhino" has a tag reading: "CHARGE! MAPS week is over . . . Time to play!"
"Scuttle Bug" has a tag reading: "MAPS week is over! Those tests won't bug you any more! Good job!"
"Rainbow Lizard" has a tag reading: "You did your best work this week! Good job -- I am so proud of you!"
"Silly Goat" has a tag reading: "Your MAPS test is done? Can I eat it? Congratulations!"
"Scary Spider" has a tag reading: "You finished your MAPS tests! See, they weren't so scary! Congratulations!"If you have questions, contact Heidi Saxton at hsaxton@christianword.com.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Ten Good Ways to Slash Your Food Budget!
One of my very favorite blogs, "Scribbit," has a wonderful post today that has ten ways to slash hundreds of dollars from your food budget, including tasty and healthy recipes.
She writes from Alaska, where food tends to be more expensive . . . but there are lots of good ideas for us Michiganders as well! Enjoy!
(Speaking of yummy recipes, be sure to check out my recipe for crock pot applesauce and apple dumplings at "Extraordinary Moms Network"!)
She writes from Alaska, where food tends to be more expensive . . . but there are lots of good ideas for us Michiganders as well! Enjoy!
(Speaking of yummy recipes, be sure to check out my recipe for crock pot applesauce and apple dumplings at "Extraordinary Moms Network"!)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Text of President Obama's Speech
For those of you who are interested in reading the text of the president's speech to school children today, here's the link.
I was happy to see that the president stayed on the subject -- encouraging kids to stay in school and do their best -- without meandering into more controversial subjects. The White House could have headed off a lot of unwarranted criticism if they had simply released the text of the speech in advance, so parents could view it before their children saw it the next day.
In any event, I hope you'll take time to read this through, and share it with your kids as you deem appropriate. As for me, I'm glad that my kids go to South Arbor -- where this kind of encouragement and positive role modeling is something they get every day through their teachers and parents!
I was happy to see that the president stayed on the subject -- encouraging kids to stay in school and do their best -- without meandering into more controversial subjects. The White House could have headed off a lot of unwarranted criticism if they had simply released the text of the speech in advance, so parents could view it before their children saw it the next day.
In any event, I hope you'll take time to read this through, and share it with your kids as you deem appropriate. As for me, I'm glad that my kids go to South Arbor -- where this kind of encouragement and positive role modeling is something they get every day through their teachers and parents!
Booster Elections . . . Thursday, September 21!
Elections for Boosters officers for the current school year will be held on Thursday, September 21 at 7:00 pm. At our last meeting, as some of you may recall, no nominations were accepted for the President or Treasurer positions (the two women who had been intending to run both declined, citing personal reasons). I was elected Vice President, and Cassie Kennedy was elected Secretary.
As of the last SALT meeting, I've been fulfilling the President role in my capacity as Vice President. Kathy Tucker has continued to fulfill the role of Treasurer, though her term expired August 31. If you know someone who might be interested in this volunteer position, contact Kathy (ladyfishkathy@yahoo.com).
Based on the current needs Boosters, I plan to resign as Vice President at the September meeting, and run for the President position. I'm grateful that Jackie Ham has agreed to run for the Vice President slot, which will have primary responsibility for our new school store.
Boosters has changed quite a bit this year -- no more catalogs or pizza lunches, with an emphasis on direct contributions. Consequently, the focus of our officers must change as well. Previously, the VP was primarily responsible for fundraising, and President represented Boosters at SALT meetings. The President needs to take a stronger goal-setting, team leader role. This is done in three main ways:
* Communicating our goals and accomplishments to our community (via newsletter, blogs, and in person). This kind of leadership, which involves long-range planning as well as communication, is best suited to the President slot -- even though I've been doing as the Vice President.
* Finding ways to get needs met that have been identified by those on SALT, working with the other committee heads to (a) keep down costs and (b) maximize revenues and other resources generated so that teachers and students receive maximum benefit for each dollar spent. The President and Treasurer attend SALT meetings, whereas the VP does not. So it makes sense for the President to handle this task.
The current Boosters team has been doing this. For example, SALT recently allocated $300 for a secure cabinet in the storage room for the Booster school store supplies (the cost in the Staples catalog). But we didn't just take the money and run to the store. Instead, we checked U of M supply, Ann Arbor Recycle Center, and advertised thru the South Arbor Parent distribution list to find out if there was a less expensive alternative . . . and when nothing suitable was available, we found a less expensive model for just under $200. Cassie and Kevin Kennedy volunteered to pick up the unit and set it up, so we avoided delivery charges as well. Thanks, Kennedy's!
* The President would represent Boosters to those outside the school, presenting what we need and asking for donations of money, goods and services for various Boosters events. Typically correspondence for this kind of request would rightly come from the President, not Vice President.
When I ran for Vice President, I didn't fully appreciate how important the SALT meetings would be to meet our $50,000 Boosters goal, as it involves getting all the committee heads to work together toward that goal. So . . . I decided to step up and take the President's spot.
So . . . I invite you to come on out to our next Boosters meeting (especially if you're good with numbers, and are interested in the Treasurer job!) So far we've raised about 20% of our goal for this year . . . We need all the help we can get to meet that goal!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thought for Today: Courage!
"It takes no courage . . . to be a critic and a skeptic, being a doubter is easy. Only the courageous are willing to believe and to keep believing in order to get to where they want to go. However, once the courageous ones are there, the skeptic will tell you that they either already knew that, or they were always cheering you on. Words are cheap in an armchair looking on." --Dov Baron
Thursday, September 3, 2009
WE DID IT!
C
o
n
g
r
a
t
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
s,
South Arbor Families!!!
We received our final four donations today! That means we have met our first Boosters goal for the 2009-2010 school year! It also means we are eligible for the $800 grant!
For those of you who have not yet sent in your checks ... It's not too late! We want to raise $50,000 this year -- 1/10th of the money that was lost through state funding. No gift is too small; every gift is appreciated . . . and tax deductible!
Stay tuned for additional Boosters Plus challenges, coming soon to a classroom near you!
Orientation Night Was a Great Success!!!
I want to thank all our terrific South Arbor families who attended Orientation Night last night, and responded with such generosity to the Boosters Plus program.
As I mentioned last night, South Arbor lost about $500,000 in state funding for this school year, due to across-the-board budget cutbacks. Our goal for Boosters this year is to make up 1/10th of that . . . $50,000. More than ever before, we need to work together to give our teachers and kids the resources they need.
We have received a "challenge grant" from two South Arbor families, which would give us an additional $800 if we manage to get four more families by Friday morning. You can send your check to our PO Box (261, Milan MI 48160), or you can drop off your check in the Boosters Mailbox in the Parents' Room (the plastic box on the back of the restroom door).
We are also still looking for families who are willing to donate $25/month between now and December, and receive their $100 contribution tax receipt in January. Even if you cannot give the full $100, we appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you for supporting South Arbor Boosters!
As I mentioned last night, South Arbor lost about $500,000 in state funding for this school year, due to across-the-board budget cutbacks. Our goal for Boosters this year is to make up 1/10th of that . . . $50,000. More than ever before, we need to work together to give our teachers and kids the resources they need.
We have received a "challenge grant" from two South Arbor families, which would give us an additional $800 if we manage to get four more families by Friday morning. You can send your check to our PO Box (261, Milan MI 48160), or you can drop off your check in the Boosters Mailbox in the Parents' Room (the plastic box on the back of the restroom door).
We are also still looking for families who are willing to donate $25/month between now and December, and receive their $100 contribution tax receipt in January. Even if you cannot give the full $100, we appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you for supporting South Arbor Boosters!
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