September 7, 2006

 

 

Dear Pennekamp Families,

 

As we celebrate our 50^th year, it is important to note that Pennekamp families and staff have a long tradition of actively supporting the PTA.  Over 98% of our families and staff join PTA and in excess of 25,000 hours of volunteer service are performed annually, all to benefit our students.   Please join PTA today and help enrich the lives of all our dragons.  Membership is $10 per person and we are suggesting a gift of $50 per child to continue our many important programs.

 

These are just some of the programs made possible by your PTA donation:

 

• Artists in Residence - Local artists bring the gift of drama, visual arts, dance, and music to each classroom throughout the year. 

• Technology, Library, and Classroom Funds – PTA provides the funding for equipment, software, and supplies in the tech center, materials for the library and additional educational materials for each classroom.

• Authors’ Week – An author spends an entire week on campus teaching students about the writing process.  This culminates in Family Night when the entire Pennekamp community gathers to celebrate.  During this week, a local screenwriter holds the Screen Writers’ Workshop for fifth graders.  Pennekamp screenplays have gone on to win numerous awards in a screenwriting competition for children.

• Campus Enhancement – PTA works hard to enhance the school environment. Last year, umbrellas and new trees were installed throughout the campus and a large shade structure was erected on the lower playground thanks to PTA efforts and funding.

• Cultural Arts Assemblies – Three times a year, performing artists come to entertain and educate our students.  Recent groups have ranged from brass quintets, taiko drum groups, and pipe and drum bands, to music from the Brazilian rain forest and West Africa , mimes, Shakespeare and a quartet performing doo-wop classics from the 50s & 60s! Families are always welcome to attend.

 

While we are asking for your PTA contribution, we also want to remind you of the importance of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, or MBEF, in your child’s education.  MBEF provides the funding for important salaried positions at our school.  While your PTA dollars are used to provide materials for the technology center and the library, for example, your MBEF donation is the only way to ensure we have a technology specialist and librarian to staff these centers.  Likewise, MBEF funds ensure that class size reduction (20 or fewer children per room) remains in effect in PEP/K through third grade, that the fourth and fifth grade classrooms have classroom assistants, that PE teachers, instrumental music teachers, and educational support specialists are funded and that a health assistant is available to assist your child when he/she isn’t feeling well. 

 

Both PTA and MBEF need your support and we ask you to give what you can.  Donation forms are available on the Forms & Fliers section of the PTA website.  If you are able to give more than the suggested amounts, please do.  We need every family to participate to provide adequate funding for our children’s education.  Thank you for your generosity.

 

 

Sincerely,