Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the PTA have its own funding and budget?
California consistently ranks near the bottom of per-student funding in the country. Many California public schools like Peabody choose to add teachers, programs and other resources above and beyond what local and state funding provides. To pay for these programs, school communities come together through their PTA to raise funds. With the exception of our time in distance learning, Peabody families have logged nearly 5,000 parent volunteer hours, and raised over $400,000 per year. Families generously contributing their time and resources is what enhances our children’s education and makes Peabody a special place for everyone.
What does the PTA funding pay for?
Thanks to the generous investment and involvement of our community, our PTA is proud to fully or partially fund the following staff members and resources for the 2023-24 school year.
School Counselor (Ms. Keane) provides social emotional and academic support to our children and families. Always important, but even more as our students continue to adjust to in-person learning. The PTA funds one of her five days at school.
Math and science teacher (Ms. Curtis) teaches 5th grade math to help keep the class sizes low, and teaches science for K-3rd grade.
Peabody Works Program (Coach Dan) provides support through class game time, Friday running club, and the Jr Coach program.
Language and Literacy Teacher (Ms. Brownstein-Lum) provides both individual and group instruction to students needing extra support.
Outdoor Education delivers hands-on science education and teaches our students to be stewards of the environment.
Stipends for every teacher to purchase materials and teaching supplies so families do not need to provide in-school materials for their child.
Professional development and training for teachers to plan, collaborate and expand their expertise.
Supplemental programs to support our children’s social, academic and artistic development, including Kimochis, Student Council, and Visual and Performing Arts
All-school community-building events – It is great to resume all of our events this year to enable our students and families to reconnect and build an even stronger community.
What is the “gap” in funding?
The "gap" is the difference between the state and local funding our school receives, and the resources needed to provide our students with an excellent academic and social-emotional learning experience. This number varies each year depending on the PTA budget priorities and budget. Budget details can be found here.
The gap for the 2023-24 school year is $1,575 per student.
How does the PTA manage fundraising?
Typically, there are 3 main fundraising efforts at George Peabody. Families are encouraged to support the PTA and school through participation in one or more of the following.
The Annual Fund campaign in the fall - our main fundraising event
The Fundraising Party and Auction in the spring (mark your calendars for March 16, 2024!)
What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is our PTA direct giving campaign. Along with the Fundraising Party, it is typically the primary fundraiser that supports our PTA budget. The Annual Fund financial goal usually represents nearly 70% of the funding needed to support the PTA budget. Budget details can be found here.
What are the goals of the Annual Fund?
We have two goals for the Annual Fund: a financial goal and a participation goal. The financial goal varies each year depending on the PTA budget. Our participation goal is always 100% participation from the families in our community. A high level of participation in the Annual Fund sends a powerful message that demonstrates our community’s strength and commitment to our students. We appreciate the participation and generous support and strive for 100% family participation.
How can I support the Annual Fund?
Details can be found on www.donatetopeabody.com.
Is my contribution to the Annual Fund tax deductible?
YES!
All donations are tax deductible. The George Peabody Elementary PTA Tax ID number is 71-1004773.
Can I donate publicly traded stock?
YES!
Donating publicly traded stock is a wonderful way to support Peabody and may provide you with significant tax advantages. Some employers will even match the value of your stock donation! Email annualfund@gppta.org for instructions.
I want to donate but would like to do so after the end of the Annual Fund. Can I make a pledge?
YES!
Pledge now, donate later—we’ll still count your participation now! Just let us know via the Peabody Giving Form.
Can I use my employer’s corporate matching program?
YES!
Typically 30% of the Annual Fund contributions come from Corporate Matching. Many corporations match personal donations. If you're not sure if your employer has a matching program please email annualfund@gppta.org for support. We’ll help you find out. If you plan to submit a donation for corporate matching, please search for George Peabody Elementary PTA using our Tax ID (71-1004773). Be sure the let us know you plan to submit for a match by completing the Peabody Giving Form
Don't forget volunteer matching benefits! More and more companies are encouraging employee volunteerism by offering volunteer matching. For example, Google grants $50 for every 5 hours of employee volunteering to an employee-selected non-profit. If your employer offers volunteer matching, be sure to log your hours on your employer’s volunteer matching platform. Eligible volunteering includes attending PTA meetings, volunteering at community events, helping in the classroom, or coaching a sports team.
Can friends and family contribute to the Annual Fund?
YES!
Some families have grandparents or other relatives who would rather make a gift to support your child’s education than give more toys for the holidays. Or know someone whose philanthropic interests include public education. If you have friends or family who are interested in supporting Peabody, please direct them to donate via www.donatetopeabody.com. Donations from friends and family count towards our participation goals.
Who knows about my contribution?
We take your privacy very seriously. There are only 3 individuals working on the fundraising committee who see the amount a family donates. Mr. Vroegh, school staff, PTA board members and other families do not know how much each family donates.
What if my child asks what is the Annual Fund?
You can let them know that the Annual Fund is a fundraiser to raise money for the school. We want to minimize the visibility of the Annual Fund to students because each donation is family specific. We do not publicize the campaign to the children.
Any other questions?
Please email annualfund@gppta.org