It’s on!! This effort runs break to break, February 22nd to March 26th. The banners and thermometer are posted and ready, and you should have received your brochure this week via snail mail. You’ll also see posters that children have made, and each week, there will be a video clip starring our own JSIS student, which is send with Kelly’s Wednesday letter and Leda’s weekly email. In addition, there will be IA interviews conducted and published by JSIS students, so watch for those, too.
When does the Annual Fund begin?
What is the Annual Fund and where does the money go?
Every year, families at John Stanford International School (JSIS) come together and support the unique program at our school by contributing to the Annual Fund. While the school district has allowed us the flexibility of creating a language immersion school, we don't receive any extra funding for our program. The money that we raise from the Annual Fund goes directly towards hiring IAs for every language immersion classroom. With district-wide budget cuts, the Annual Fund will be more important than ever this year.
Why are the Instructional Assistants so important to our program?
By reducing the student to teacher ratio by one half—from 28:1 to 14:1—the presence of IAs in every classroom lets each child have more individualized instruction in the math and science topics being taught in a foreign language. The presence of another native speaker also allows children to develop their language fluency while, at the same time, developing greater cultural awareness.
What else do the IAs do?
What don't they do?! They help before school, during lunch, at recess, and in the transition times between P.E., music, computers, and library. They also help with events such as the International Dinner, literacy and math nights, and special assemblies. Can you imagine what the classrooms (or the lunchroom!) would be like if the school staff was cut by one-third?
Do we raise enough money through the Annual Fund to cover the salaries of all the IAs?
No, the budget for all IA salaries is a little over $200,000. However, if we can meet this year’s goal, there are some ‘rainy day’ funds from the past business luncheon fundraising efforts that could make up the difference.
What is the goal this year?
Our financial goal this year is $160,000, up 22% from what was raised last year. In order to reach this goal, we hope to have increased participation in the fund. Every donation is extremely important, from five to five hundred to five thousand dollars. Every dollar helps us reach our total financial goal, and every contribution helps us achieve a sense of community.
Why don’t we set the goal for total needed to fund the IAs salaries?
Frankly, the number has been increasing for several reasons. First, grants that funded the IAs have run their course, and were only intended for seed money. Second, cuts from the state have been significant. Third, we have more IAs with additional classrooms, based on the new redistricting lines for attendance at JSIS.
The goal is set to ask the minimum amount possible from our community. Ideally, we will surpass the goal, and not have to dip as deeply into the ‘rainy day’ fund.
I’m not sure I feel comfortable with other families knowing how much I contribute to the fund…
All donations are confidential. As a school, we don’t print a list of donors. While we hope everyone can contribute what they feel comfortable with, no one will know the amount that anyone else has given. However, the Alliance for Education, as the fiscal agent for the school, does include the names of donors in their annual report. If you do not wish to have your name listed on the Alliance’s report, please check the anonymous donor box on your reply card.
What if I know someone who might contribute but isn’t at JSIS?
If you have the name of an individual (e.g., grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc.) or company that you believe may appreciate the opportunity to support the JSIS international mission, please send their name to regina@counterpointresolutions.com, and we will make contact with them.
If you have provided names/addresses in the past, please do so again, to be sure we cover everyone!
How does the Annual Fund differ from the PTSA and their fundraising?
The Annual Fund is specifically targeted at funding IAs, while PTSA efforts support JSIS on an overall basis. Each year, the PTSA provides monies to go directly to the Annual Fund, but their contribution varies from year to year, depending on other JSIS needs.
Many schools have an auction as their main fundraiser. Wouldn't that be easier? Wouldn't it raise more money?
Frankly, there's nothing easier and with less overhead than a direct appeal campaign. Auctions can be nice community building events, but JSIS already has some terrific gatherings, such as the move-a-thon, that bring together families and other school supporters. The Annual Fund is really the ultimate no-bake bake-sale. You write a check and the entirety of your donation goes straight towards the support of the program. In addition (or subtraction), it's 100% tax deductible!
So when can I make my donation?
There’s no time like the present! You can donate on-line via www.jsisweb.com/annual-fund, or you can send in/drop off a check at JSIS, 4057 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. Remember, checks should be made payable to the Alliance for Education/JSIS.
Do I have to make my donation before Spring Break?
It's helpful if you can make your donation or pledge before the end of March. This allows Principal Aramaki more time to plan the budget for next year. We do, however, accept donations at any time! Thank you!
How do I make an online donation?
We accept online donations via PayPal. If you'd like to make a one-time donation, fill out the form on the main Annual Fund page http://jsisweb.com/annual-fund. If you'd like to structure your gift in monthly installments, choose an option in the box marked "Monthly Donation Options - Online."
What if I prefer to donate by check?
We gladly accept checks! Please make checks payable to John Stanford International School. Either drop off your check in the Main Office or mail it to us at:
John Stanford International School
ATTN: Annual Fund
4057 5th Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98105
What about employer matching gifts?
If you work for a company with a gift matching program, you may be able to DOUBLE your support of JSIS. If you are not sure whether your company matches donations, check with your Human Resources department or contact JSIS at 206.252.6080 and we will inquire for you. Don't forget to submit the matching forms, available from your HR department, to make that match count.