Friday, October 6th, 2017

During lunch recesses

11:00am-12:30pm

 

 

 

 

 

What is a 'Dolphin Dash'?

The dolphin is the school mascot, of course.  And, the Dolphin Dash is the largest fundraiser of the year.  It's a pledge driven fundraising event where students collect donations, in the form of pledges (promises) tied to their participation in a fun-run at school.  Pledges can be for a set dollar amount ('flat donation'), or tied to how many laps the student runs.  For example, if a donor pledges $6 per lap, and the student completes ten laps, the student would collect $60 from the donor sometime after the event.  Per lap donations incentivize the students to run as many laps as they can at the event.  A 'flat donation' is a set dollar amount the donor chooses to give no matter how many laps the student runs.  Pledges can be recorded on the 'Pledge Form' sent home with students.

When is the Dolphin Dash?
The dolphin dash is at lunch recesses, which are at different times for different grades:
    • Grades K-1: Recess - 11:00 - 11:25 a.m. 
    • Grades 2-3: Recess - 11:25 - 11:50 a.m. 
    • Grades 4-5: Recess - 11:50 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 
 
Where is the event?
Students run laps around the sand field on the playground at school.
 
Can I attend?
Parents and extended family members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please come and cheer for our students.  As always, just be sure to check in at the front office before venturing out onto school property.
 
What happens during the event?
Students run laps around the sand field, trying to earn as much pledge money as they can.  They receive a rubber bracelet after each lap, to help keep track of how many laps they run.  For every 5 laps they run, they also receive a special ticket...
 
What's the donation goal?
The target this year is $100 per student.
 
I've heard there will be PRIZES...?
Yes, there are several categories of prizes:
  • Students who collect $200 or more in donations (before corporate matching) will get to participate in a special Game Truck experience at a future recess!
  • Classes that collect the most donations will get one of three Ice Cream Truck parties (One class from each group: K/1, 2/3, 4/5).
  • Tickets earned (1 for every 5 laps) will be entered in a drawing to win:
    • A soccer ball autographed by Sounders Striker Jordan Morris
    • Gift certificates from local businesses, including Great Wolf Lodge!
What is "corporate matching"?
Many employers will match some or all of your charitable donations, up to a set amount.  These include Microsoft, Boeing, Google, Expedia, Intel, Costco, T-Mobile, and others.  We've collected some information on corporate matching for you [here], but you should check with your employer to see what they offer.  Some will even donate money for every hour you spend volunteering (for example, Microsoft donates $25 for each hour their employees volunteer! ).
 
What if I lost my pledge form?
You can download and print a new one [here]. 
 
Can donations be made online, instead of having to bring in a check?
Yes.  In fact, that's the preferred method to donate, since it makes the calculations much easier after the event.  PTSA members donate online [here].  Non-Members (like grandparents, etc.) can donate as a guest, [here].  Just be sure you identify which student you are donating for during the payment process so they receive credit towards prizes.
 
If I pledge online, do I still need to turn in the pledge form?
Yes, please please fill it out to and turn it in to assist with our record keeping.
 
When are pledges due?
We prefer to have pledges in as soon as possible.  However, all pledges must be turned in to your teacher by Tuesday Oct. 10th, so there's time to tally results before the Dolphin Dance event on the 13th.
 
What if I have 'flat donations' AND 'per lap donations'?
You can either wait to turn them all in at once, by Oct. 10th OR turn in the flat donations before the event and the per lap donations by Oct. 10th after you know how many laps you child ran.  Extra printable pledge forms can be found here, if needed. [Dash Pledge Form .docx]
 
Where does the pledge money go?
And, why is this all "so important"?  Well, the money you give helps support a slew of school programs that just wouldn't be possible without your contribution of time and financial resources.  Unlike many charities, everything we do is managed by volunteers, and we have almost zero overhead, so the money is used directly in support of the programs.  Here are some of the things our donations help pay for:
  • Accelerated Math & Reading Programs
  • International Night
  • Explore Art Program
  • Yearbook
  • Nature Vision (science)
  • Student Directory
  • After School Enrichment Programs
  • Campus Beautification
  • Scholarships
  • Equipment for the school
  • Emergency Supplies
  • Parent Education events
  • Health Screening
  • Special Needs Students
  • STEM (Science Tech Engineering & Math) Night
 
How can I help?
We need volunteers to help pass out bracelets, water, first aid, setup, cleanup, Dolphin mascot, etc...  You can see more details and sign up to help [here].
If you're going to attend to cheer on your child, why not pitch in?
 
Any other questions?
Send them to: fundraising@smithptsa.org
 

Remember to get your donations in to help your class win an ice cream truck party or if you donate $200 prior to matching you will get to enjoy a game truck at a lunch recess.

 

If you require any Special Accommodations to attend this event please contact: president@smithptsa.org