Out of curiosity do other schools suggest school donations? I am not against them. I am just curious if the school Lucas attends is different from other places. His school suggests that parents should donate at least $500 per child per school year. If you can't afford this then you can pay however much you feel you can. But at least $25 is highly recommended.
Lucas does go to a public school. This organization that is over these donations is not the PTA but some other organization that I won't divulge the name of. Last week they held an auction at the country club down the road from us. We didn't go. Honestly, I didn't want too because I felt like we couldn't keep up with "the Joneses." At this cocktail/dinner auction the seating arrangement was based on the price of the ticket you bought. Highest ticket $500 - mid-level ticket $250 - lowest ticket $100. Cocktail attire was the dress code. In addition to paying for the ticket, I would have had to pay for a dress ($100-200), and then when I got there I would have felt pressure to bid on something. (Pressure from my lady friends -- it is hard to explain to them that we honestly can't afford such luxuries.) As you can imagine, it would have been an expensive evening.
In reading this, please know I am not complaining, upset or sad about any of this. I find it interesting and nice to observe how this school raises money. I also feel blessed that Lucas goes to a "semi-private" public school. I do feel a little bad though that we don't contribute as much but honestly we don't have the money. To live in the school boundaries it costs a pretty penny in rent/mortgage payments. We felt that to give our children a good education in Los Angeles we had to make the sacrifice of paying more in rent so we are in the boundaries. Now I have to say that his school is not so outstanding compared to schools like in Washington where my niece goes. I would say her school is the same quality if not better. I mean at least she has grass to play on at school. But for Los Angeles compared to other public schools this school we are in is better educationally.
My good friend donated $1000 this year for her one child. This is an example. She is actually on the low end. Jon and I don't even reach an end that is how low we are:) Seriously, though, we are in year 2 of our career where everyone else is in year 9 or 10 at least. They make on average 300 k or more a year. Many make over a million. As of yet we are not considered wealthy in terms of Obamania. And we probably won't be either.
I don't know why I'm posting this other than to tell you how our school system works around here in our neighborhood. Also, because I just want you to know I am not ashamed at letting it be known "We are not living up to the Joneses" next door:) hehe. I do however get some nasty looks from one parent who knows what gets donated. I'm not sure if she's giving me nasty looks based on donations or because I have 3 children and I don't use a compost. (I'm telling you living here is a treat. hehe) I can't imagine what they'll do when I have 3 kids going to school and am only donating $75. j/k.
hehe. smile.
1 comment:
I think that is super interesting. It seems like a lot of focus is on how much money you have or can give. I don't blame you for wanting to stay away from such fundraising events, especially when the donating isn't done anonymously if there is a seating arragement. If people were truely giving to give, they wouldn't need the recognition, right? i think it's great that you've sacrificed in other ways for lucas to have a great education- the day will come when you'll be in a position to give a little more in some area... maybe in a zillion years when we're all free of coumbia debt! ha!
Post a Comment