February is a huge month for the PTAA because that is when we hold our PTAA Benefit Auction, our only fundraiser for the year.  To find out information about all the wonderful things that the Benefit Auction will have to offer this year, please visit our website at:  http://www.caryacademy.org/page.cfm?p=6865.

I would like to share with you what we DO with the money that is raised at this wonderful event.  100% of the net proceeds from the PTAA Benefit Auction go towards the PTAA budget for the following school year.  During the summer, once the books are closed from the previous year, the PTAA President builds the new budget.  Dollars are based on past expenditures as well as incorporating any new programs that will begin in the upcoming school year.  The overall goal in setting this budget is to have monies spent throughout the year touch as many students, parents and employees as possible.

Where does the money go?  Below are examples of how current year PTAA dollars are impacting our CA community:

• Student Activity Enhancement Grants and Community Grants provide additional support for activities that enrich and enhance the diverse areas of student interest within and beyond current academic curriculum

• Innovative arts experiences, artists and authors are brought in from the community to enhance school curriculum

• Support and development of programs that emphasize inclusion of all in our community

• Parent volunteers helping with the Book Fair to bring new Library books to expand student reading and research

• Every Junior is provided with interview skills training and a practice college interview, and every Senior is given a chance to schedule a an additional practice college interview or practice job interview

• Families new to our community are made welcome with phone calls, dinners and receptions, allowing them to feel a part of our community before they even begin the school year

• Receptions following MS and US chorus, dance, drama, band, orchestra and visual arts programs help celebrate a job well done

• Snacks, meals and other treats are provided throughout the school year to let CA faculty and staff know just how much parents value their contributions to student lives

• Through Fun Fest, CA community relationships are strengthened as families come together for an afternoon of games, food and friendship

• Parents come together for camaraderie and learning through monthly lunches and trimester coffees

• Students bond after hours through a wide variety of end of trimester celebratory activities

The list goes on and on, but I hope I’ve hit the highlights.  So, to answer the question, “Why Should I Support the PTAA Benefit Auction?” I would say to you, with your help and support, your student’s Cary Academy Experience is GUARANTEED to be enhanced by these funds.

Kind Regards,

DeAnnah Baker
CA PTAA 2013-14 President