Dear VHE Community,

The Van Hise Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a volunteer run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing and enriching the education of our children and fostering a sense of community within our school. 

 

Each year the PTO makes a direct appeal to raise funds that support this mission. Funds raised from this appeal will give us the opportunity to continue supporting favorite events as well as the ability to introduce new ones. 

 

Last school year, with your generous contributions we were able to fund a wide range of efforts to support the VHE community, including: 

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• More than 300 books purchased and hand delivered to teachers

• Free yearbooks for all, designed by the 5th grade!

• 2 free t-shirts for students & staff

• New events like the Makers Faire

• Expanded Hedgestock

• School dances

• Annual ice cream socials & school carnival

• More than $9,000 for teacher & staff grants, including supporting the 5th grade end of year celebration, Kindergarten enrichment trips and new rollerblading equipment

• $8,600 for teacher & staff stipends, the highest in the last 5 years

• Staff appreciation activities like catered lunches and monthly coffee, tea and bagel breakfasts

• Over $1,600 in scholarships for students to attend after school classes

• Through our school social worker, direct support for VHE families in need

 

This year, we hope to:

• Make all events free and accessible for all 

• Host and support more family & community-oriented opportunities like empowerment groups and adult clubs & classes

• Establish a rooted garden curriculum and make new investments in gardens and green spaces 

• Send 4th and 5th graders to the Black Girl Magic Conference

• Continue providing free yearbooks and t-shirts!

 

Show your Hedgehog Pride and make a contribution. No donation is too small: all donations, at all levels, are greatly appreciated! If you are in a position to give more, please consider donating for a family who cannot. If you are unable to give this year, we hope you will join us in volunteering at events or in sharing your ideas for our community at our monthly meetings.

 

PLEASE HELP US REACH OUR GOAL OF RAISING 

$50 PER STUDENT

 

Though we welcome donations throughout the year (and our links remain active), we hope to reach our fundraising goal by Giving Tuesday on December 3. ​ Your contribution is 100% tax-deductible & eligible for company matching programs. 

 

Thank you for your support and for the many ways you contribute to ensuring our children can continue safely learning together!

 

Sincerely,

Van Hise Parent Teacher Organization