School Fundraisers Not Just Fun, But Vital

I got an email from my son’s principal, John McMorris, last night, a missive sent to all parents asking for help.

The unprecedented plea was urging parents to attend the Spring for Education auction/fundraiser Saturday Night at the Clubhouse at .

But in the email, he also highlighted some of Northgate’s major accomplishments in the three years he’s been principal, due, he said, to the support of parents. Things like the fact that Northgate's API (academic performance index, the measure in which the state rates our schools) score has risen by 29 points to 864, equal to — which many people consider academically superior to Northgate. It’s especially impressive, since Northgate gets an average of $5,000 per student compared to Las Lomas’ $9,000, he said.

He mentioned doubling the AP classes the school offered, as well as improving teacher training in those areas — all thanks to parent donations.

He also mentioned exciting accomplishments in Northgate’s performing arts and athletics, due in part to increased opportunities — like a football weight-training class my son takes — paid for by parent boosters.

But then he explains his plea. “Our tremendous progress is now threatened. New budget cuts by the State legislature, and the failure to extend the life of taxes due to expire, are forcing the district to cut up to $750 dollars per pupil from the Northgate budget,” McMorris said. “In addition, our PFC Education Fund donations are down $40,000 dollars this year. Our situation is desperate!"

He urges that if people can't attend the auction, they make a donation to the ED fund.  "A donation of a few hundred dollars is a great bargain when you consider private schools in California cost anywhere from $ 14,000 to $ 26,000 dollars, per year,” he said.

Good point. Public schools aren’t free anymore. I know that parents have been supporting the success at Northgate for years, and as I get more familiar with other MDUSD schools, I see it happening at other campuses, as well. That’s why I am urging the community to support their schools any way they can.

Attending fundraisers like the one at Northgate or the music booster fundraiser at Saturday night will help. You don’t have to be a parent — these events are for the community as well.

In addition, the United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation (UMDAF) is partnering with the six MDUSD athletic booster clubs to host a fun-filled "Vegas Night" fundraiser at the Concord Hilton on April 30. And on May 14, the Mt. Diablo Music Education Foundation will present an All Area Music Festival at the .

is holding its annual carnival next weekend, April 15, 17 and 17, to support Grad Night. And just browse any high school website for schedules of smaller-scale fundraisers — such as s Five Guys fundraiser (Five Guys is a burger joint in Pleasant Hill) April 11 and 12.

Now, many readers — like my husband, for instance — might say, “Stop with the fundraising and we’ll just write a check.” OK, you can do that, too. However you want to support schools, do so. We need it. Our communities will be devastated if we have to endure more heartbreaking cuts, school closures and the ensuing loss of morale.

Basically, that's not smart.

• Northgate High School’s Spring for Education gala, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Boundary Oak Clubhouse.  Tickets are $50. Visit the PFC website or email Lisa Lamm.
• Clayton Valley High School's East Meet’s West Music Booster fundraiser, Saturday April 9, 6 to 8:30 p.m. 
• UMDAF Vegas Night, Saturday, April 30, 6 p.m., .
•  MDMEF’s All Area Music Festival, Benefit and Showcase, Saturday, 2 p.m. May 14, Sleep Train Pavilion.