Don’t Ignore That Call, It’s for the Middle-Schoolers

If you’re even remotely associated with, you probably got a call this week.

It’s for an intense Friends of Reed Annual Giving Campaign that is supposed to “Close the Gap” in the educational budget cuts that face the based in Studio City. They want to continue their

Newly-elected Carol Kiernan Convey, said the situation is rather dire.

“We have lost $100,000 since last year, we need to make it up,” said Convey, a mom and an actress who was behind the last year when about a dozen staff and teachers were facing Reduction in Force notices. It was a dramatic way to show the dangers of the budget cuts, and how directly if will affect the school.

“We were lucky, but we still have some losses,” she said. The that was going to be cut, was in fact saved, and only one faculty member was cut from the overall staff. However, andand all teacher assistants were cut.

“There are some electives now that have 59 or 60 students, and the teacher has no assistant to help out,” Convey said. “We need to help the staff, and we need to have this money to make long term plans.”

One of the difficulties at Walter Reed is the various specialized academies at the school, and the active parents who campaign specifically for their cause. Those initiatives will still exist, but the Friends of Reed group will help every program with their needs, she explained.

“We are asking for $500 for each student, and it will directly support activities and educational enrichment programs,” Convey said.

And that $500 is not expensive, she said, pointing out that many elementary schools, charter schools and private schools ask for much more per year.

Parents can still donate to the or or newacademies, for example, if they want, but this money will be divided up for those programs, too. The Friends of Reed will also help the , field trips, substitutes, recycling programs, sporting events and many other events.

“We’re invigorating opportunities for more families and local businesses to get involved and make a difference at Reed," Convey added. "Donate funds for our Annual Giving throughout the year, and step in to volunteer for the many events we host. If you cannot give money at this time, donate yard sale items for our three-day Rummage and E-Waste collection November 18 to 20, help to work the event, or join us for the second event in April during Earth Day and week."

Donations can be made by returning the envelope and donation by Friday, Oct. 21 to the Period 1 (if by student), or the Main Office. But the donations can go on all year—this is just a beginning so they can plan for the year.

Or community and business donors can give by going to the website: www.ReedMS.com, which can be done by credit card in either a one-time or monthly account.

Or a check donation can be left in the Annual Giving Campaign box in the Main Office or in Room 106.

“We are encouraging family, friends and neighbors to parter with us and ask about employer’s matching funds,” Convey said.

All donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

"Supporting Reed Middle School helps fortify student achievement, neighborhood home values, and local businesses," said the enthusiastic PTSA president. "We are proud to support the business that support our school.”

Download the attached Donor Forms above in the photo gallery.