The LPMS Patriot Pride Capital Campaign (PPCC) is the primary PTO fundraising activity supporting educational enhancement at Lewis Palmer Middle School during school year 2023/2024. It is crucial to success of the LPMS PTO purpose of enhancing and supporting the educational experience at LPMS, bringing families and school closer together, and improving the environment through volunteer and financial support.

In lieu of imposing numerous smaller fundraisers upon busy parent/guardian lives throughout the year, the PPCC is designed to welcome community support in a single act of giving (one and done), or periodic giving (e.g. $17.76 monthly). Guidance is $50 to $250 per family per year, however this campaign is entirely voluntary and your philanthropy, while directed toward a noble cause, is not required.

Every act of support directly contributes to making Lewis Palmer Middle School a better learning and growing environment for our students.

Thank you for your support.

Where will this year's PPCC money go?

Where has past years' money gone?

In establishing a fundraising goal for the 2023/2024 Patriot Pride Capital Campaign , the PTO consulted LPMS staff to ascertain priorities which lack immediate funding. The PTO balances these priorities with PTO's purpose set forth in its Bylaws. Funds raised from the 2023/2024 Patriot Pride Capital Campaign are intended to be directed toward the following needs.

• Stage Curtain. The existing LPMS stage curtain is believed to be vintage 1994, and has served Patriot performers well through scores of performances and rehearsals. The years have now caught-up to the curtain as have wear and tear. Its reliability is presently questionable. Estimated replacement cost: $16,000 to $22,000.

• Classroom Window Blinds. Most existing classroom and staff window blinds were installed in 1994. Many are now damaged, grungy, non-performing or even falling apart. Estimated replacement cost: $35,000 to $55,000. Depending on success of the Patriot Pride Capital Campaign, this project could extend into the following school year.

• Teacher Classroom Stipends. According to the National Education Association (NEA), 90% of teachers spend their own money on school supplies for their students. Pre-pandemic teachers averaged around $500 of their own money per year on school supplies for their students . Teachers need to equip their classrooms with learning materials and equipment during Summer, prior to start of the new school year. PTO provides stipends and grants to teachers/classrooms in need. In recent years the stipend has been $50 per classroom per year. If additional needs present, PTO may award grants, funds allowing. PTO desires to meaningfully increase stipend amounts.

• Teacher and Staff Appreciation. Throughout the school year PTO does nice things for teachers and staff to show appreciation for their crucial role in students' lives. In prior years appreciation has been shown in various ways including Popcorn Fridays, monthly staff luncheons, recognition of employee-of-the-month, teacher appreciation week, and other ways. PTO's staff appreciation contributes to a better work environment and staff culture. This effort may be particularly meaningful to some staff members in light of recently expressed desire for improved compensation.

• Transportation Appreciation. Our school bus drivers' important roles often become overlooked. LPMS PTO shows appreciation monthly by delivering munchies to drivers at the District 38 Transportation Center ("Bus Barn").

• Student Council Support. PTO supports student council dances and other student council activities. Support comes through parent volunteers and funding. For example, while dances may charge a fee, fees are often insufficient to cover the entire dance cost. An ordinary dance requires funding of professional vendors (e.g. food for hundreds, a DJ, a photobooth, games, decorations, etc.). With adequate funding, PTO fills the gap to assure an enjoyable experience for students.

• 8th Grade Continuation Dance and Ceremony. PTO traditionally organizes a very nice dance and ceremony for 8th graders as they leave middle school. Estimated cost: $2,000 to $4,000.

• Discretionary Spending. Unplanned, unbudgeted items approved by PTO Executive Board on a discretionary basis.
  

The LPMS students, families and staff are grateful for the generous support of community members like you who have already funded the following needs at Lewis Palmer Middle School.

• Benches for the front courtyard

• Social events/dances for students

• Teacher/staff stipends to start school year with well equipped classrooms

• New furniture for the library

• Laptop computers for the math lab

• 3-D printer for computer lab

• Cameras for media classes and yearbook

• New printer for shared use among four classrooms

• Starboard Link for classrooms

• Teacher appreciation meals, gifts and events

• 8th grade continuation and dance