Why should I donate?

The Big Creek Elementary PTO seeks to fund programs and events to provide a well-rounded education in an enriching environment. In order to financially support these programs, we request monetary contributions from families and friends of the Big Creek community.  Without sufficient donations, we cannot provide these critical programs to our students. The BCES PTO supports programs that benefit ALL students at Big Creek Elementary.

The following image represents an overview of the latest school year in terms of how money was brought in and what events we held. We are thankful to have been able to get together in person so much during the 2021-2022 school year and look forward to another amazing year!

What does the donation support?

Your donation supports a variety of programs and grants provided to our staff and students. For the 2021-2022 school year we were able to fully fund the purchase of VR Goggles which have allowed students to learn more about specific standards and go on virtual field trips, add accessories to the Media Center's Maker Space; support the purchase of a second playground; and fund PTO's annual Teacher Grants, Spirit Wear, Hospitality, Administration, New Parent Coffee, Open House, Winter Shop, Fun With Your Son, Dance With Your Daughter, 5th Grade Lunch, Movie Night, Around the World, BINGO Night, Talent Show, STEM Night, Impressions, Exceptional Child Week, Veteran's Day Celebration, and more.

For 2022-2023, PTO is raising funds to go towards

• SparkPoint Innovations Interactive Field Trips - interactive, in-school programs that come right to the school and deliver geology and astronomy programs to students! Kids love learning about earth and space science with the interactive teaching methods and unforgettably huge teaching models in their school gym.
• New Recess Equipment for each grade level.
• A set of Standing Desks for classroom use; these will offer the chance for an increase in physical activity during waking hours and better concentration in the classroom for younger students.
• Funding PTO's annual teacher grants, which allow teachers to purchase additional educational resources for their classrooms.
  

What happens if the PTO does not get enough donations? 

If we cannot raise sufficient funds, grants and activities could face cancellation. The Big Creek ES PTO would need to prioritize programming and cut various activities.

What is the recommended donation amount per student? 

The recommended donation amount for the 2020-2021 Wildcat Pride Fall Fundraiser for each student was $20. Each year, the Executive Board and Board of Directors (event Committee Chairs) work together to create a budget. At the beginning of the school year, the Big Creek Elementary School PTO votes to approve the budget at a General PTO Meeting where everyone is invited to attend. Based on the estimated costs of running the programs, the Budget Committee determines an ask amount for each student. This winter, we will reevaluate what events we may be able to hold and possibly vote to update the budget based on whether the current climate is conducive for in person events at that point.

For the 2019-2020 school year, our estimated cost of running all programs and staff was around $80,000. Our target fundraising goal was $50,0000 with the remaining $30,000 coming from corporate matching, food sales, Talent Show tickets, and programs like Amazon Smile, Coca Cola rewards, and Box Tops for Education. Remember that ALL students at Big Creek Elementary benefit from these programs. 

Our fundraising history shows that we have between 50 and 60% of our families who donate to our fundraisers.  Based on this level of participation we encourage families who are able to donate more money to do so to please help us reach our goals.  

I cannot afford the suggested donation per student. What should I do?

We would like for you to contribute what is comfortable for you. Every donation makes a difference. It is the hundreds of individual donations that collectively add up to the grand total raised each year. We strive for 100% participation.

Public school is supposed to be free. Why am I being asked to pay?

Without Big Creek Elementary PTO funding, many of the programs that enrich our children's curriculum would not be possible as District funding barely covers rising expenses and mandated programs. The programs funded by parent contributions are what will bridge the gap and keep our schools performing at a level we are proud of and have come to expect.

How do I donate?

During the 2021-2022 school year we will have 2 fundraisers - our Wildcat Pride fall fundraiser (held in September) and our Spring Read-a-Thon (held in Jan/Feb).  Please look for fundraising materials to be sent home with your students at those times.  

During our fundraisers:

• Donations can be made by cash, check or credit/debit card.  
• Credit card, debit card, or PayPal payment can be made online. Donations may be made by anyone; there is no need to login or create an account on the website.
• When we partner with outside vendors (POP!, Read-a-Thon, etc.), donations may be made through those sites during our active fundraiser days; more information may be found at Wildcat Pride fall fundraiser and Read-a-Thon during specific fundraising times.

For check payments, you may send a check in an envelope for your student to turn it in to their teacher or the Big Creek front office. Please make checks payable to "BCES PTO".  

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Donations to Big Creek ES PTO, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, may be 100% tax-deductible. Please contact us at fundraiser@bigcreekespto.com if you need a donation receipt.

How do I get corporate matching for my donation?

There are many companies who offer matching services.  Please contact your employer to see if they will match your donation to our PTO. Click here for printable information.

Organization name: BCES PTO, Inc.

Organization EIN (Tax ID): 82-1858102

Organization address: 1994 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041

Organization contact person: president@bigcreekespto.com

Organization purpose: The mission of the Big Creek Elementary School PTO is to enable and inspire our diverse student body to achieve academic excellence, by developing a strong connection between school and home, encouraging parent involvement, and sustaining a close relationship between parents, teachers and students.