Dear Samohi Family,

Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year at Samohi! The Samohi PTSA begins each year with the Direct Donation Drive to fund necessary supplies and services that are not provided by state or local funding. While we are fortunate to be part of a community that strongly supports public education through local voter-approved funding measures and an annual contribution by our City government, Samohi students, staff, and parents must continue to rely on PTSA. This year’s Direct Donation campaign, our only fundraising event of the year, is essential.

With your generous contribution, we are hoping to raise more than $150,000 to directly benefit your child and all Samohi students in the following ways:

Supporting our School

• Classroom supplies - $150 to each of our 160 teachers, plus an extra $50 for new teachers.
• Grants to music, art, drama, athletics, science, AVID, ROP, audio visual and special ed programs.
• Library books, computer software and school wide technology upgrade and support.
• Professional development  –  support efforts to enhance teaching strategies and create engaging curricula that reach students in meaningful ways. 
• Campus beautification – continued maintenance and improvement of landscaping and campus restroom; we hope to buy more outdoor furniture and attractive, heavy-duty trash cans.
• Legislative activity – advocate for sustained local and state funding for our schools.

Supporting our Families

• 6 issues of the Viking Voice newsletter mailed to all families.
• Daily maintenance of the Samohi website
• Samohi Information Handbook including staff phone extensions and email addresses, school programs, calendar, and much more – mailed home to all families and posted online.
• Samohi Student Directory including student’s name, parent contact information ( phone number and email address) - mailed home to all families.

Supporting our Students

• Extended Library Hours - PTSA pays to keep the Samohi library open after school until 5 pm
• UCLA Tutoring/Mentoring Program - available to all students after school Tuesdays and Thursdays
• College Fair - representatives from 150 colleges nationwide attend the Samohi College Fair
• Special project mini-grants and supplies for our student advisors and school nurse
• College scholarships, academic grants to each House, and financial aid for AP test fees
• Student emergency welfare fund

Samohi PTSA benefits every student and we hope that 100% of our families will participate in our direct donation campaign. No contribution is too small. Please determine what your family can contribute – every donation is important and makes a difference. We encourage all families who are able to consider a donation of $350 (less than $1 a day!) Please be as generous as you can and return your contribution in the attached Direct Donation envelope by September 30^th. With your help, we can make a significant contribution to the quality of education at Samohi. On behalf of our entire school community – thank you for your support.