I am against Boosterthon for multiple reasons (including the religious aspect), and am planning on taking my child out of school when they do the pep rally and the race. Do they really go into the classrooms every day, though? Especially since the kids have already missed so much school due to snow, losing time to brainwashing children in sales tactics and peer pressure seems disappointing to me. Can anyone whose school has already done this confirm if they go into the classroom multiple times during the week? I may write a note asking my child to be excused during those times.

And Yes, I know I sound over the top about this, no I don't care.

No there's no religious talk. What I understand from someone who was talking to the pep rally people is that they are part of a church who sponsors them when they go to various locations. I know I'm probably not making sense, but that's what I was told and I didn't ask any more questions as I needed to run to get my kids.

A relative's school in VA did it and the parents I know were extremely happy about the $ raised though I agree 48% sounds like a lot to take, other fundraisers take more. And I'd rather pledge/pay for someone to run laps, as opposed to buying more crappy snacks, candy or wrapping paper and trinkets. I heard it was just a few minutes of time in class each day, not a lot. Also can't imagine religious talk...

It's a church group and it us in school? WHAT? My school is starting it too. Does it talk about religion?

Anonymous wrote:oh my goooooooooood, dd's school is only on day 3 and if I have to hear about the boosterthon one more time I'm going to totally lose it. Do they hire future cult leaders to run these things or what?

Our school is starting to do it in the next few days. I just found out that it's run as Booterthon but it's a church group, UGH!

http://99Pledges.com - They do walk-a-thons, bike-a-thons, spell-a-thons, etc.

We used 99Pledges.com and they only take 10%. The website is great and our parents loved it.

We have about a 10% free/reduced meal rate at our school. I do not like the daily assemblies bullying children into getting pledges or making kids whose families can't afford to give money feel badly. The whole thing is bullshit.

bump

I don't see how this can be allowed - an outside group coming in and doing an unapproved curriculum during school hours the promotes peer pressure (while claiming to be anti-bullying). My understanding was that the National and State PTAs do not allow fundraising by children during school hours, so I don't see how this is allowed. Plus, with all of the school days already missed, I don't like the idea that school time is being devoted to this program instead of actual instruction. Has anyone contacted the MDPTA? I am contemplating it.

oh my goooooooooood, dd's school is only on day 3 and if I have to hear about the boosterthon one more time I'm going to totally lose it. Do they hire future cult leaders to run these things or what?

MCPS does them also. Ugh!

Why does FCPS allow these? So many problems with every aspect of these fund raisers. We have a new superintendent this year - time to start emailing our concerns.

My biggest concern is how secretive it all is. Do you think donors would be as generous if they knew the school barely gets half?

If I sell cookie dough and they take half, at least I also get a product for it! My child will be out of school the two weeks this goes on. The principal will get a very detailed letter explaining why and I will be copying the school board.

Anonymous wrote:Link doesn't work

Try this one: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-10-25/news/ct-met-boosterthon-20131025_1_boosterthon-fun-run-pta-market-day

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone's school done the Boosterthon fundraiser? If so, what did you think of it?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-boosterthon-20131025,0,5417706.story?page=1

FINALLY! I'm so thankful the press has started to expose this company for what they are. It still doesn't go into enough detail about how dreadful they are (harassing kids and making them feel like losers if they don't comply), but it's a start!