Issue date: February 24, 1999
By MARJORIE MADER
For the 10th consecutive year, Portola Valley Schools Foundation is reaching out to the community to help support programs at its two public schools, Ormondale and Corte Madera.
The foundation aims to raise $275,000 during this year's annual campaign, surpassing last year's $265,000. Those dollars are now at work in the school, helping keep class sizes small -- 20 or fewer in grades K-3 and slightly higher for the upper grades. The money goes for art, music, science, Spanish, physical education, and electives for sixth- through eighth-graders. Foundation funds also help pay for classroom aides, and computer and multimedia programs.
Foundation co-presidents Scott Davison and Pam Huggins said the annual campaign contributes almost 10 percent of the Portola Valley School District's budget. They point out in a fund-raising brochure that the community's "generous contributions" -- along with "the incredible effort" of teachers, administrators, staff and parent volunteers -- make the difference between an average education and the academic excellence at Portola Valley schools.
During the campaign's phonathon on Wednesday evening, March 3, about 100 parent volunteers will take to the phones to reach other parents. If parents have already contributed to the campaign, they won't be called, promise Kathleen Carr and Susan Evans, foundation vice-presidents and campaign co-chairs.
The campaign committee is striving for 100 percent parent participation this year, said committee members Linda Benevento and Debra Rachleff.
Donors may write checks, use VISA or MasterCard, pledge an amount to be paid over the year or donate appreciated securities. Many companies match employee contributions. All gifts are tax deductible.
For more information, call Kathleen Carr at 529-9212 or Susan Evans at 851-1361.
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