August 2009

The Parent Participation Program (PPP) was begun in 1997 to encourage family involvement in children’s education and at the same time to lower the cost of operating the school and raise additional funds. This has helped keep tuition down and funds that were raised through the PPP last year helped pay for things such as:

Moving to our new lotation

Installing storage & kitchen cabinets and classroom shelving

Fencing in our playground

Redesigning our web site

Planting a garden

Advertising our program

Installing a sign on the side of our building

Sending out mailings advertising school events

The Parent Participation Program is based on a point system.  Each task, role or level of participation can be awarded a specific number of points and each family is expected to earn at least 60 points (at least 35 points for half day attendees) during the school year. This value is fixed and does not increase for families with multiple children attending CMS. As each family performs tasks and works on various projects they may be earning points that will be subtracted from their beginning balance. Statements will be distributed on a regular basis so families know their balances and can plan their time to assist with the school. If you would like to volunteer to do work that does not appear on the PPP points list, please either e-mail the School or leave a note in the points coordinator's mail box.

There are several major events throughout the year as well as ongoing activities through which parents can earn points. Each point is valued at $12 and if a family chooses not to volunteer or does not earn their full allotment of points, they may make a monetary payment for the full amount of $720 ($420 for half day) up front or simply pay off the balance at the end of the school year.

Please note that participation in electronic fundraising is required and points are not awarded directly for participation in these programs. That’s not to say that it’s not appreciated nor that we don’t recognize the value of your involvement, though. We had a contest last year to reward parents for encouraging family and friends to participate in electronic fundraising activities and may do so again this year.

The school is truly “ours” and parent involvement is an integral part of the way the school works. If you have any questions about the Parent Participation Program in general or specific questions relating to earning points or your point balance, please do not hesitate to contact the Points Coordinator.

Thank you for your support!

This list is meant to be representative of opportunities that parents have had in the past few school years, and does not include all that may be available.

General Meeting

At the beginning of each school year there is a mandatory General Meeting of all parents to choose PTC officers for the year, and sign-up volunteers for the fund raisers, promotional events and “jobs” for the coming year.

Parent Observation

At least twice per year parents are encouraged to observe the classroom of their own child(ren), and, if they are younger children, the elementary classroom as well. Parents enrolled in the Day Care Program are expected to observe the Montessori classrooms (both primary and elementary).

Meet & Greet

This is a social event for parents to have a cup of coffee and donut on the playground of the school after they have dropped off their child in the morning.

Journeys to Discovery

School Picnic

A fun get together during the Fall that allows parents and children to meet socially I a relaxed, informal setting.

Quesadilla Booth

The Lompoc Spring Arts Festival in held each Spring and provides the School an opportunity to raise funds as well as giving the School exposure to the community. Each year we have been selling quesadillas.

Silent Auction Gift Baskets

In the Christmas spirit donations are gather from local merchants and organizations and auctioned online during the last two weeks before the Christmas Program.