How Can I Help?
Improving the learning experience of Discovery kids is our goal… here’s how you can help.
Okay, so you’ve already read about what the PTO is and what it does, but the truth is that we couldn’t do anything without financial and logistical support. That’s where you come in! Below are some of the ways that you can offer support to PTO and the kids of Discovery Elementary. It includes volunteering your time, donating directly, passively and through in-kind giving.
Some parents have time. Some have money. Some have resources, connections or special talents to share. One thing is certain, however. Each of us has something to give, and every gift – no matter how big or how seemingly small – makes a huge difference to our school.
Here’s what your donations help pay for:
Music
PTO is tasked with paying the salary of your child’s music teacher. That teacher sees every child on a weekly basis and teaches them everything from music history, to reading music, learning rhythm, playing recorders and piano, and singing. Many of you may remember last year’s Arts on the Green performance, where every grade got to perform several songs for their families. That’s all organized by their music teacher!
Art
Science
Curriculum
Technology
And Much More
Direct Donations
The PTO is committed to raising $70,000 this year through active and passive fundraising activities.
Without your generous cash donations, we simply could not continue to support the long list of programs that enrich our children’s elementary school experience – programs like art, science, music, Accelerated Reader and so much more.
We appreciate donations of any amount, at any time during the school year.
Please consider doubling your donation by asking your employer to match it! All donations are tax deductible using Tax ID# 33-0756834. Thank you for your generous support!
Donations can be made the following ways:
- Make a one-time donation to the Explorers’ Fund Cash Drive
Donate to the Cash Drive - Make a one-time or recurring monthly donation online
Make a One-Time Donation - Bring cash or a check to the office
- Mail a check to:
Discovery Elementary PTO
730 Applewilde Drive
San Marcos, CA 92078′
Note: Please make checks payable to “Discovery Elementary PTO”
Volunteering
Without the countless hours of help from all of our dedicated Discovery volunteers, none of the events and after-school activities we put on would get off the ground. This is where you come in.
We need your help to continue making these events the success they’ve been year after year. In fact, this year we want to make them better than ever! So come on out to a PTO meeting, or send us a message, or sign up for our email list and we’ll keep you informed on what’s coming up so you can show your support and pitch in a few hours.
We’re also starting a new initiative – we’re asking that every family volunteer for 2 events this year. It’s going to take a small army of helpers to put on all the fun events we have planned, and we need everyone to pitch in. Learn more and sign up here.
Passive Fundraising
This is a list of the EASIEST ways you can support our school’s fundraising efforts. All you have to do is sign up for these programs online. Then shop like you normally do. (And please tell your friends and family to do the same!) Together we can earn Discovery FREE money – and it’s SO easy!
- AmazonSmile: Earn 0.5% for every dollar you’re already spending with Amazon. It doesn’t cost you any extra and you’re helping Discovery to fund its science, art, music and technology programs. Just be sure to start your online purchase by going to smile.amazon.com.
We’ve put together this handy little how-to guide to get you started. Yay!
- Ralphs: Earn cash back for our school when you link your Ralphs Rewards Card to Discovery. First, go to www.ralphs.com. If you don’t already have a Rewards Card, click on “Create an Account” and follow the 5 easy steps to create an online account. Confirm your account by going to your e-mail and clicking on the confirmation link. To link new or existing Ralphs Rewards Cards to Discovery, go to www.ralphs.com and click on “My Account.” Then click on “Community Rewards” and then “Edit My Community Contribution.” Click on the circle to the left of Discovery Elementary School (NPO# 83301). Remember to re-link your card to Discovery at the beginning of every school year, or your contribution will end when school lets out for the summer.
- eScrip: Earn cash back for Discovery on grocery purchases when you register your Vons/Safeway loyalty card with eScrip. But don’t stop there! When you also register your credit and debit/ATM cards with eScrip and shop online with over 700 participating retailers – like Amazon, Nordstrom, Home Depot, J.Crew, Apple Store, J.C. Penny, etc. – your purchases earn Discovery back even more money. Sign up by going to www.escrip.com and clicking “Members/Supporters.” Then click “Sign Up” and follow the 4 easy steps to register your card(s) using Discovery’s Group ID# 142388381.
- Box Tops: Clipping Box Tops is an easy way for you to help our school buy what it needs. Box Tops are each worth 10 cents and they quickly add up to real cash for our school. To help our school, just look for pink Box Tops on products, clip them, put them in a plastic bag and send them to school before they expire. Check out the full list of participating products!eBoxTops®: No clipping required! Earn cash for Discovery just by shopping online at more than 300 participating stores. First, go to boxtops4education.com to register and select Discovery Elementary as your school. Then, when you’re ready to shop online go back to boxtops4education.com to choose a store, click on its logo and shop as usual. You’ll automatically earn eBoxTops® dollars with every qualified purchase.
- Red Robin: Join Red Robin Royalty® and help our school earn some cheddar every time you use your Red Robin Royalty® account! Download this flyer for more information or visit redrobin.com/betterschools to register and learn more.
In Kind Gifts
We know some of our Discovery families have a business or a service or connections to both that could benefit our school. We would like to take this opportunity to come right out and ask for your help!
Our current needs include, but are not limited to:
- Copying
- Printing
- Office supplies
- Party rentals and supplies
- Lighting specialists
- Tech support
- Electronic equipment
- Ice cream
- Popsicles
- Banners
- Sports equipment
- Library books
If you think you might have something to offer our school, please contact the PTO at discovery.pto@smusd.org. Thank you for your consideration.
Also, most of our teachers have classroom wish lists, so check with them to see if they need anything.