Dear Balboa Families:

This year, educational funding has been drastically slashed by State budget cuts, and Balboa has a lot less to spend on our students and on gifted education.  It is why the Balboa Spirit Club has committed itself to making this year's “Direct Appeal” campaign the most successful ever—and also why we need everyone's help more than ever!  Please send in your Direct Appeal donation today.  Every dollar of your donation stays at our school and is spent on things for your child.  

The suggested donation to Direct Appeal this year is $300 per student.

 The suggested amount is simply that: A suggestion.  Your participation at any amount is appreciated (both above and below the suggested amount).   Giving to the Direct Appeal is voluntary and we hope everyone will participate at the financial level that works for their family.  This amount is $1 a day or $30 a month for the 10 months of school--less than your monthly cable bill and definitely less than filling your gas tank!  Plus, this is an investment in your child, our students and the school! 

The administration and teachers count on us—the parents—to pay for so many things:

Ø       Full-Time Computer Instructor & P.E. Coach 

Ø       Orchestral & Vocal Music Programs

Ø       Computer Hardware & Software

Ø       Teaching Assistants

Ø       Field Trips

Ø       Campus Beautification

Ø       Earthquake Safety Supplies and Training

Ø       AND MORE!

All of this adds up to nearly $160,000 per school year—money that Balboa's parent body must raise!  Thankfully, Balboa has the "Direct Appeal" and families like you who are willing to make sure the school continues to offer its students the best educational resources. 

Some people think that as a "Magnet" school, Balboa must receive extra money, or because Balboa is a "California Distinguished School," there is extra money.  This is false.  Like all public schools, we suffer from the same budget cuts; less money from the LAUSD and State; and only get the same "tax" money as any other public elementary school.  And yet, Balboa continues to be the LAUSD's #1 performing elementary school and is among the Top 10 in the State.  This is thanks, in part, to your donations and support!

REMEMBER:

100% stays at school = Your entire donation stays at school to fund everything listed above. 

100% tax-deductible (to the extent the law allows).

100% participation = Our goal is to have all families give (any amount) to Direct Appeal.

Thank you for supporting your school and your child's education.  It does indeed “take a village” and our village is one of the finest because of everything we offer.  Please know that you can make one single donation or divide your donation into payments; and you can contribute using a check or credit card (Visa or Mastercard).  For more information, please visit our parent website at www.balboaparents.org and the school's website at www.balboamag.net.

If you have any questions, or would like another Direct Appeal envelope sent home, please do not hesitate to contact Cathy Gordon at 818/349-9182 or cag123@sbcglobal.net.  We will also mail additional donation letters to your relatives, and complete “matching fund” paperwork for your employer.

Thank you again for your generosity and participation.  

If you are getting this email but have already donated, thank you very much. 

If you are getting this email and your child graduated last year, please understand that our lists are still being updated.