Write a Check

It is that time of year again.... write a check time.  Our original deadline for write a check was set for tomorrow, the 26th.  Currently, our contributions total only 50% of our goal.  We need your help.  Write a Check is the largest single fundraiser that DCE PTO does.  There is no minimum amount for the donation. Any amount that you can give is appreciated.  The goal for write a check is to have every single family participate.  As of today, we have only had 30% of our families participate.  If you are like me, you were waiting for the deadline.  The deadline is NOW.  Please take a moment to write a check or click here to contribute online (you can use your credit card.  YEAH!).

Here is an exact list of what the PTO donated during the 2010-2011 school year:

Technology: $29856

Teachers: $10755 (setup, training, gifts)

Non-Technology Gifts to DCE:  $6576

Educational Programs:  $4389

Field Trip Buses:  $2500

Field Day: $1553

Administrative: $1931 (sales tax, PTO connect, insurance)

Kids: $1007 (Incentives, RR wrist bands)

Hospitality: $272

Student Programs: $295

Total:  $59132 contributed in 2010/2011 to Denton Creek by the PTO!

If you don't think your donation counts, please check out that list.  Every single child in the school received multiple benefits from your donation.  

Please help us to help the kids.  Don't delay.

Lisa

What a night....

Ok, it doesn't rain for what seems like 6 months in Coppell and then the night of our big Back to School Social it POURS!  Unbelievable Texas weather!!!  Although it wasn't quite the event that we were hoping to have, it was amazing.  I have never felt prouder of our school and our parents.

First, we had a RECORD number of ticket sales for the event.  WOW!  What a way to role out and support your school.  Teachers and administrators rolled out in record numbers, as well.  Thank you.

Second, the number of people of who chipped in to help and pick up popcorn machines and tables and chairs was AMAZING!  So many people stepped up to help out.  Needless to say when the rain started coming down, things got a bit frantic.  Everyone pitched in to help out.

We moved inside and had our meals in the cafeteria.  Some kids played in the gym and others watched Ratatouille.  People stayed, laughed and made the best of a not so perfect situation.  I couldn't be happier to be a part of this community of people.   Thank you to everyone.  You could have complained that your food got cold when you had to move inside or that you didn't bother to get your food at all due to the rain, but I heard none of that.

Thank you.  You guys are wonderful!
Lisa

Back to School Social

This Friday, we will be having our Back to School social.  We began this event last year and it was sooooo much fun.  I think it is one of the first family events that was enjoyed by the parents as much as the kids.  The social is held on the playground, so the kids are able to run around and play with their friends all under the watchful eyes of the parents.  The parents are able to sit and relax while catching up with old and new friends and chatting with their kid's teachers.  The teachers who were there last year seemed to have a good time as well, getting to know the parents in a more relaxed environment.  Fat Daddy's prepares some great burgers and the snow cones are delicious!  All in all a great time.

Note: THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF EVENT.  You must arrive and stay with your child the entire time or your child must be the designated guest of another family who assumes responsibility for him or her.  The drop off socials start in middle school.  Let's hold those off as long as we can....

Helpful hints...
1.  BUY YOUR TICKETS.  Go to http://dcepto.revtrak.net and then click on socials to purchase your tickets.
2.  Bring a blanket or chairs for comfy sitting.
3.  Bug spray never hurts.
4.  If you are a shutterbug like me, a camera is always good to have on hand.
5.  Grab a football or basketball, if your child likes to do that sort of thing.
6.  Water and snow cones will be for sale so be sure to grab a few dollars to bring with you.
7.  If your child plans on playing in/on the bounce houses remember that YOU are responsible for them. Someone needs to be looking out for your kiddo and there is no one better than YOU.

I think that is it.  I really hope to see all of you there on Friday night.  Looks like the weather is supposed to cool off a bit again by then, so that will be nice.

See you soon,
Lisa

Full Steam Ahead....

I hope that you are all enjoying your three day weekend.  I know I am LOVING this beautiful weather today.  It was hard to come inside to type this and the newsletter for you, so if they are shorter than usual, blame it on the weather.

This Thursday evening is Curriculum Night at DCE.  This is a night for parents only to come and meet with your child's teachers and listen to a description of what your kiddo can expect to learn this year.  Curriculum night also marks the beginning of our Write a Check Campaign.  If you are new to DCE or have never participated in Write a Check, I will attempt to give you a quick description on what it is all about.  Write a Check was the brainchild of some Coppell ISD parent a million years ago.  Each school in Coppell ISD participates in the program through their PTOs.  It is one of (if not the most) biggest fundraiser that the PTO does each year.  It was originally intended to be the main fundraiser of the year, however as economics have changed and time has passed, we have had to supplement the Write a Check with various other fundraisers in order to meet the school's needs.

PTO has never asked your child to sell items (or you to sell items) door to door.  The school has chosen in the past to support fundraisers that may ask your children to sell items, but this is not a PTO endorsed fundraiser.  One of the reasons we support Write a Check is that it is fairly simple and painless.  If every parent in the school wrote one check for an amount which they were comfortable, we eliminate the need for the types of fundraisers that require a lot more work on your part or your child's part.  These checks you write are donations, you can claim on your taxes.  It is easy, quick and painless unlike so many other types of fundraisers.  That being said, we at DCE do have lots of other ways to raise money for the school; gift cards, box tops, printer cartridges, Vista Ridge Cool School program, etc.  These fundraisers reward DCE for doing things that you are already doing.  We don't ask you to go buy stuff at Vista Ridge or buy items that have box tops or even buy gift cards to stores that you don't go to.  We ask that if you go to Vista Ridge or happen to buy a product with a box top or shop each week at Tom Thumb, then it would be great if you did those things that help make DCE money anyway.

Ok, soap box closed.  I am hoping that each of you has a great weekend and a wonderful week ahead.  I will see you at Curriculum Night.  Bring your checkbook and support DCE in our Write a Check campaign.

See you soon,
Lisa