LAEF and PTA

LAEF and PTA Funding Demystified – How each organization enhances your children’s education

The Almond Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) contribute to Almond’s top-ranked educational excellence by providing funding that enables your child to have an enhanced, well-rounded educational experience.

Objectives

The PTA and LAEF have complementary objectives that benefit Almond School.

The Almond PTA funds school-specific needs such as classroom and art materials, computers and technology, school equipment, and facilities enhancements. In addition, the PTA also funds a number of site-specific complimentary programs, such as primary vocal music, assemblies, and special events.

LAEF has provided grants to the district for enrichment programs and class size reduction since 1982. These grants fund instructional staff — teachers, aides, and docents — who conduct the music, physical education, art, technology, and science programs that would not otherwise be available.

2009-2010 Funding Priorities

PTA:

  • Technology purchases, upgrades and support

  • K-3 Humanities Program

  • Classroom/teacher support and training


  • Instructional materials for new math curriculum adoption

  • Facility costs – copying, school supplies and materials

LAEF:

  • Class size preservation (K-3 class size no higher than 24 students per class)
  • Physical education: weekly instruction for grades 1-6. Junior Olympics in the Spring.
  • Technology Specialists who assist in instruction of the grade 3 Read, Write & Type program, technology support for all curriculum and maintenance of computers and labs.
  • Science Aide who helps with classroom setup and instruction delivery. Hands-on science program.
  • Fine Arts for Grades 4-6. Art Docent program.
  • Instrumental music instruction as well as vocal music for grades 4-6

These programs provide much-needed planning and preparation time each day for the classroom teachers.

Sources of Funds

The PTA raises funds from a number of sources, including:

  • Write-a-Check campaign
  • Walkabout & Silent Auction
  • Almond Auction
  • PTA Membership
  • eScrip
  • Service Programs: Hot Lunch, Almond Wear sales, Book Fairs, and SchoolPak sales

LAEF raises over 90% of its funds from the families of the Los Altos School District before and during its annual October phone-a-thon. Parents are asked to contribute what they can afford with a recommended donation of $800 or more per child. The remainder of LAEF’s donations come from matching grants and community events.