How to help other APS elementary schools?

[Anonymous]

We have our kids in a north Arlington elementary school, and as I'm watching everyone get back to school, I'm struck by the number of offers that seem to go around to donate stuff to the school (supplies, classroom equipment, time), and it struck me that I can't imagine as much flows into the lower SES south Arlington elementary schools simply because there isn't nearly the same degree of wealth and resources. While we'll still contribute to our home school, I'd also like to be able to make contributions to other APS elementary schools/teachers to help out. Does anyone know how I might go about finding out what's needed or how I can help? Are there teacher wishlists posted anywhere? Can I make a contribution to another school's PTA?

Sorry if this is coming off as some kind of white savior thing, I realize that there's a good amount of presumption going on here and there's definitely a part of me that's uncomfortable even posting this because it seems to not really come off right. But it is coming from a sincere place of caring about the world outside of my privileged little bubble, and wanting to find ways to help when I can.

[Anonymous]

There is a CCPTA fund that is meant to help APS PTAs that don't get the kind of financial support that others do in Arlington. Lobby your PTA to make a generous contribution to that fund. Organize a campaign to contribute within your school. I know some schools do fundraisers specifically designed to contribute to this fund. The difference in PTA budgets in APS is astounding. You are right to want to do something about it. Anything that brings attention to the severe socioeconomic disparities across Arlington schools is a good thing. Talk it up with your friends.

[Anonymous]

It seems like my son's school had a donation bin for supplies to be given to other schools in need. Also, Staples has collected school supplies in the past. I haven't been in the one near Ballston recently. Maybe the libraries?

[Anonymous]

Does aps have partner schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have our kids in a north Arlington elementary school, and as I'm watching everyone get back to school, I'm struck by the number of offers that seem to go around to donate stuff to the school (supplies, classroom equipment, time), and it struck me that I can't imagine as much flows into the lower SES south Arlington elementary schools simply because there isn't nearly the same degree of wealth and resources. While we'll still contribute to our home school, I'd also like to be able to make contributions to other APS elementary schools/teachers to help out. Does anyone know how I might go about finding out what's needed or how I can help? Are there teacher wishlists posted anywhere? Can I make a contribution to another school's PTA?

Sorry if this is coming off as some kind of white savior thing, I realize that there's a good amount of presumption going on here and there's definitely a part of me that's uncomfortable even posting this because it seems to not really come off right. But it is coming from a sincere place of caring about the world outside of my privileged little bubble, and wanting to find ways to help when I can.

just write the checks to '(school name) PTA' and send them to schools directly. keep it anonymous if you'd like.

i think a few MSs could use your help too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does aps have partner schools?

In Germany.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does aps have partner schools?

OP here, I believe our PTA partners with a PTA in south Arlington, or at least it did in the past (I remember two years ago hearing that a portion of the fundraising from one of our major events was being shared with that PTA). I looked into the CCPTA fund, I'd be shocked if our PTA doesn't already participate but I'll definitely look for it at our budget meeting next month. Thanks for the idea everyone!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does aps have partner schools?

OP here, I believe our PTA partners with a PTA in south Arlington, or at least it did in the past (I remember two years ago hearing that a portion of the fundraising from one of our major events was being shared with that PTA). I looked into the CCPTA fund, I'd be shocked if our PTA doesn't already participate but I'll definitely look for it at our budget meeting next month. Thanks for the idea everyone!

Our school (Glebe) did this last year.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think your heart is in the right place and your question comes off perfectly.

[Anonymous]

So unbelievably condescending.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So unbelievably condescending.

[Anonymous]

This recent phenomenon of some people all but likening s Arlington to west Baltimore, SE DC, or Beirut is mystifying to me.

[Anonymous]

Look, the OP wants to do something to help at schools where there is need. Not all S. Arlington schools fit this category, but some do. And certainly more PTA money can do no harm at those schools. There is real disparity in ability to raise funds, that's just a fact. As a S. Arlington parent I would prefer that our schools not be so highly segregated by income levels, but until we move away from neighborhood schools, or until we stop putting up barriers to different types of housing in all our neighborhoods, informal pooling of resources through direct , CCPTA fund, etc. is as good as it's going to get. I'd rather schools that have more limited budgets get more money than sit up on my high horse about the quality of education across S. Arlington schools. My kids are fine at a Title 1 school, but if I don't have to buy ALL the glue sticks this year that would be cool, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look, the OP wants to do something to help at schools where there is need. Not all S. Arlington schools fit this category, but some do. And certainly more PTA money can do no harm at those schools. There is real disparity in ability to raise funds, that's just a fact. As a S. Arlington parent I would prefer that our schools not be so highly segregated by income levels, but until we move away from neighborhood schools, or until we stop putting up barriers to different types of housing in all our neighborhoods, informal pooling of resources through direct , CCPTA fund, etc. is as good as it's going to get. I'd rather schools that have more limited budgets get more money than sit up on my high horse about the quality of education across S. Arlington schools. My kids are fine at a Title 1 school, but if I don't have to buy ALL the glue sticks this year that would be cool, too.

Why isn't this rich county providing the purple glue sticks, tri write pencils, prang colored pencils, and stuff?

[Anonymous]

Coz Discovery