Dear Family,

By now you probably know that Steeplechase, our annual PTA fundraiser, is quickly approaching. But did you know that PTA funds cover 95 percent of ALL the things that make Edna Maguire a great school? Only a very small percentage of funding comes from the state and district.

Too often, we think of school needs as supplies like paper, pencils and books. Although Steeplechase does help cover these kinds of costs, it is also critical to our ability to deliver the hands-on, project-based and cross-curricular approach to learning that is the foundation of instruction at Edna Maguire.

In project-based learning, students meet state learning standards by asking questions about a topic and arriving at their own answers. They demonstrate what they've learned by creating projects--often as part of small, teacher-guided teams--and presenting their final work to others. Cross-curricular education strengthens students' skills in science, math, reading, art and music by integrating these subjects into projects related to a specific topic they are studying. Together, these approaches to learning help our students master essential 21st Century Skills, including the very important 3 Cs- Communication, Collaboration and Critical thinking/problem-solving. Project-based learning and cross-curricular education wouldn't be possible without YOUR support through Steeplechase.

Your PTA /Steeplechase dollars enable our teachers to provide these types of learning opportunities. The funds are allocated for classroom supplies and grade-level activities. They also allow our teachers to take students on field trips to places such as Point Bonita, rivers to release trout, NASA, nature preserves, aquariums, farms and Sutter's Fort, to name only a few. In addition, PTA/Steeplechase funds support cross-curriculum studies of topics such as the Miwok Indians, animals, family heritage, the solar system, communities and many, many more. Such projects pique student's curiosity, which in turn encourages them to ask questions about what they are studying.

Without your financial support, we couldn't pay for these hands-on, eyes-on experiences--both in our classrooms and out in the beautiful world we are so lucky to live in. We have a wonderful learning community, and I want to thank you for making it possible!

All the best to you,

Lisa Zimmer

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on October 18