It’s on!! This effort runs break to break, February 22nd to March 26th. The banners and thermometer are posted and ready, and you should have received your brochure this week via snail mail. You’ll also see posters that children have made, and each week, there will be a video clip starring our own JSIS student, which is send with Kelly’s Wednesday letter and Leda’s weekly email. In addition, there will be IA interviews conducted and published by JSIS students, so watch for those, too.
PTSA Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Annual Fund begin?
What is the Annual Fund and where does the money go?
Every year, families at John Stanford International School (JSIS) come together and support the unique program at our school by contributing to the Annual Fund. While the school district has allowed us the flexibility of creating a language immersion school, we don't receive any extra funding for our program. The money that we raise from the Annual Fund goes directly towards hiring IAs for every language immersion classroom. With district-wide budget cuts, the Annual Fund will be more important than ever this year.
Why are the Instructional Assistants so important to our program?
By reducing the student to teacher ratio by one half—from 28:1 to 14:1—the presence of IAs in every classroom lets each child have more individualized instruction in the math and science topics being taught in a foreign language. The presence of another native speaker also allows children to develop their language fluency while, at the same time, developing greater cultural awareness.
What else do the IAs do?
What don't they do?! They help before school, during lunch, at recess, and in the transition times between P.E., music, computers, and library. They also help with events such as the International Dinner, literacy and math nights, and special assemblies. Can you imagine what the classrooms (or the lunchroom!) would be like if the school staff was cut by one-third?
Do we raise enough money through the Annual Fund to cover the salaries of all the IAs?
No, the budget for all IA salaries is a little over $200,000. However, if we can meet this year’s goal, there are some ‘rainy day’ funds from the past business luncheon fundraising efforts that could make up the difference.
What is the goal this year?
Our financial goal this year is $160,000, up 22% from what was raised last year. In order to reach this goal, we hope to have increased participation in the fund. Every donation is extremely important, from five to five hundred to five thousand dollars. Every dollar helps us reach our total financial goal, and every contribution helps us achieve a sense of community.
Why don’t we set the goal for total needed to fund the IAs salaries?
Frankly, the number has been increasing for several reasons. First, grants that funded the IAs have run their course, and were only intended for seed money. Second, cuts from the state have been significant. Third, we have more IAs with additional classrooms, based on the new redistricting lines for attendance at JSIS.
The goal is set to ask the minimum amount possible from our community. Ideally, we will surpass the goal, and not have to dip as deeply into the ‘rainy day’ fund.
I’m not sure I feel comfortable with other families knowing how much I contribute to the fund…
All donations are confidential. As a school, we don’t print a list of donors. While we hope everyone can contribute what they feel comfortable with, no one will know the amount that anyone else has given. However, the Alliance for Education, as the fiscal agent for the school, does include the names of donors in their annual report. If you do not wish to have your name listed on the Alliance’s report, please check the anonymous donor box on your reply card.
What if I know someone who might contribute but isn’t at JSIS?
If you have the name of an individual (e.g., grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc.) or company that you believe may appreciate the opportunity to support the JSIS international mission, please send their name to regina@counterpointresolutions.com, and we will make contact with them.
If you have provided names/addresses in the past, please do so again, to be sure we cover everyone!
How does the Annual Fund differ from the PTSA and their fundraising?
The Annual Fund is specifically targeted at funding IAs, while PTSA efforts support JSIS on an overall basis. Each year, the PTSA provides monies to go directly to the Annual Fund, but their contribution varies from year to year, depending on other JSIS needs.
Many schools have an auction as their main fundraiser. Wouldn't that be easier? Wouldn't it raise more money?
Frankly, there's nothing easier and with less overhead than a direct appeal campaign. Auctions can be nice community building events, but JSIS already has some terrific gatherings, such as the move-a-thon, that bring together families and other school supporters. The Annual Fund is really the ultimate no-bake bake-sale. You write a check and the entirety of your donation goes straight towards the support of the program. In addition (or subtraction), it's 100% tax deductible!
So when can I make my donation?
There’s no time like the present! You can donate on-line via www.jsisweb.com/annual-fund, or you can send in/drop off a check at JSIS, 4057 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. Remember, checks should be made payable to the Alliance for Education/JSIS.
Do I have to make my donation before Spring Break?
It's helpful if you can make your donation or pledge before the end of March. This allows Principal Aramaki more time to plan the budget for next year. We do, however, accept donations at any time! Thank you!
How do I make an online donation?
We accept online donations via PayPal. If you'd like to make a one-time donation, fill out the form on the main Annual Fund page http://jsisweb.com/annual-fund. If you'd like to structure your gift in monthly installments, choose an option in the box marked "Monthly Donation Options - Online."
What if I prefer to donate by check?
We gladly accept checks! Please make checks payable to John Stanford International School. Either drop off your check in the Main Office or mail it to us at:
John Stanford International School
ATTN: Annual Fund
4057 5th Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98105
What about employer matching gifts?
If you work for a company with a gift matching program, you may be able to DOUBLE your support of JSIS. If you are not sure whether your company matches donations, check with your Human Resources department or contact JSIS at 206.252.6080 and we will inquire for you. Don't forget to submit the matching forms, available from your HR department, to make that match count.
What if my child needs to take medicine at school?
Students may not carry medicine on their person while at school. No medications may be administered at school without the written prescription from a doctor or licensed nurse practitioner. This is Washington state law. This law applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medication. If it is necessary for a student to receive a dose of medicine during school you must come in and sign a permission form--in most cases the form also needs a signature from a doctor. (Prescriptions requiring 3 doses per day can be given before school, immediately after school, and at bedtime.) We keep all medicines locked up for the safety of all students. If you must bring medicine to school for your child, it must:
- be in the original container
- be labeled with the student's name and dose
- be accompanied by a measuring device
It is the responsibility of the student to remember to come to the office for his/her medicine. It cannot be given during class time. Usually students come by right before or after lunch. If you are afraid your child will forget, please call the office at 252-6080 a few minutes before the dose time to remind us to remind your child.
If your child carries an inhaler, we need to know that and we must have the form signed by a parent and doctor.
If you have any concerns or questions about your child's health during school, please discuss them with the nurse. She will make every effort to coordinate care.
What's the best way to drop off or pick up my child by car?
Please use 5th Ave. NE (the street parallel to the freeway) for the drop off and pick up of your children if you must drive them to school. This is the only load zone for students. We will have adults on bus duty on 4th NE only. The parking lot is reserved for staff. Do not use it for access to the school. We lack parking spaces and ask you to have your child come and go by school bus if possible.
What do I do if my child can't come to school?
If your child is not coming to school, please call (252-6080) before 9:00AM and let us know. Regular attendance is important to your child's success at school. However, children should not be sent to school when ill. If your child has been ill during the night, he/she should have a normal temperature for 24 hours before returning to school. Excused reasons for absence or late arrival include illness, dental/doctor appointments, or emergencies. Traffic, being needed at home, sleeping in, etc. are not excused.
What if my child is late to school?
Any students arriving late must sign in in the office before going to class. Late students must have a note if the parent does not come into the office with them. Please be aware that 3 unexcused late arrivals will count as an unexcused absence.
What if I need to get a message to my child?
We will attempt to deliver messages to students in an emergency. Please be sure your student knows the plan for going home every day. Sometimes we cannot get those messages to your student in time. If you have a message for your student, you must call the school before 2:00pm. At the end of the day, we are often too busy to try to track down students.
What if my child needs to make a phone call at school?
Students are not allowed to use phones at school unless it is a serious emergency. For instance, they are not allowed to call home to make plans to go home with a friend. Please let your child know he/she can go to the office in an emergency.
What if I want my child to go on a different bus or have a change to his/her means of going home?
Any change in your child's usual method of going home requires a note. If you want your child to go home on a bus that is not the one he/she usuallly rides -- or he/she usually walks home -- you must send a signed, dated note giving your permission, the number of the bus, and the name of the student with whom they are to get off the bus. If this is to be a weekly occurence, call Transportation at 252-0900 and ask for an "as needed" assignment, or send a note that says,
"My child (name)has my permission to ride bus # (X)___ every (x)___day."
If your student normally rides a bus, but plans to walk home or ride in a car home with a friend, they will also need a note.
What do I do if I want my child to have internet access?
JSIS offers students access to the internet. Through the internet, students have access to hundreds of databases, libraries, and computer services from all over the world. If you wish for your student to have internet access, you must sign and return the Seattle School District Student Internet Access Agreement. You can fill out the form online, print it out, sign it, and send it back to school with your child. This form was also included as part of your First Day Packets.
I want to allow pictures of my child on this web site. What do I do?
JSIS has a very simple form you can fill out to allow pictures of your child on the school's web site. You can fill out the form online, print it, sign it, and send it back to school with your child.
Is there a school resource if my child needs help with math homework?
The Seattle School Distric offers a math homework hotline staffed by teachers. It is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. The number to contact is 729-3333.
Is there a school resource if my child needs help with social skills?
Social Skills Group are available at JSIS. If you think your student could benefit from groups designed to increase self-esteem, anger management, self-expression, friendship building, etc., please contact Valerie Vogel, Student Assistant Specialist at 252-6110 or visit her in Room 315.
Where do I go to learn about playground rules?
Recess should be safe and fun for everyone. You can help your child by reviewing the Recess Expectations. It includes rules for popular games such as tetherball and four square.
What do I do if it snows?
In case of bad weather before the school day (7:30 AM or sooner) you can check the Public Schools Emergency Communications System site, or listen to the major radio stations, i.e. KIRO or KUOW, for status of schools.
Can I visit my child at school?
John Stanford International School encourages you to visit your children in school during the year. Follow these suggestions to make your visit beneficial for you and your child:
1. To ensure our children's safety, we must require you to sign in at the office when you arrive at school.
2. If possible, make advance arrangements with your child's teacher, especially if you want to see a particular kind of activity.
3. When visiting, quietly open the door and walk into the room. Please remember that the teacher is busy with the class and would be happy to schedule a separate meeting with you to discuss questions or concerns.
4. Please do not bring other children with you when you visit.
How many hours can I volunteer?
As many as you want.