We are thrilled to introduce our new PawPartner Program!!!

Your 2011-2012 PTO Board has spent the past few months analyzing fundraising dollars and listening to your feedback and recommendations (gathered from the last 2 years of PTO survey data).  Based on your very insightful thoughts, we are changing the way in which we have raised funds in years past.  We are eliminating fundraising that relies on students selling “stuff” (i.e. gift wrap, entertainment books and cookie dough, etc.). We recognize that you are all extremely busy and having several fundraisers throughout the year cannot only be very time consuming and a lot of extra work, but can also create unnecessary additional stress!

Our new solution is the “PawPartner Program”, where 100% of your dollars goes directly to your child’s education and our school. This solution is tax deductible.  Please think of this solution as a part of your annual charitable giving.  The Desert Canyon PTO is a 501(c)3 tax-deductible organization.  Many corporations also will match your donation dollars.  Some employers that match donation dollars include:  AMEX, Bank of America, Boeing, Honeywell, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Motorola, Pfizer, Prudential, Verizon & Wells Fargo Bank.

As you are all well aware, the State of Arizona is facing some major budgetary issues.  Unfortunately, one of the areas that sees some of the largest cuts is Education.  Based on the budget crises, our school district (SUSD) has cut programs, condensed classes, and held off on some project and campus improvements, in response to the lack of State funding.  The PTO is now responsible for paying for items that were once covered by the District, including computers classes, aides in the classroom, and software for reading programs.

As a “Paw Partner”, you are partnering with your child, your teachers, your DCES friends and neighbors, and with Desert Canyon as a whole, including your PTO, to support and fund ongoing school programs, services, staffing and campus improvements.

Our goal is that every Desert Canyon family becomes a PawPartner.  As a PawPartner, you will receive the weekly PawPrint Newsletter, including PTO emails & alerts, and you will receive a PTO School Directory.  A suggested amount, based on the Operating Budget is $50/student.  However, all DCES families who become a “Paw Partner” will be acknowledged, no matter what amount you are able to contribute.  If you are able to donate more than the suggested amount, we would be so grateful, as this helps to cover those that may not be able to contribute.

To donate to our Desert Canyon PTO, please click here to download, print, fill-out and turn it into the School Office, attn: PTO OR make your donation online right here through PayPal.

We thank you for your support!  Your Desert Canyon PTO 2011-2012 Board

Jan Posin•Cindy Dean•Ali McAleer•Michelle Teele•Jill Summer•April King•Debbie Conner•Kelly Conner