Annual Giving Campaign 2024

Our Goal is to Raise $74,000

Update! Oct. 22, 2024

We reached our first goal of raising $20,000 in the first week! The next goal is to hit the halfway mark of $37,000 by Halloween. I contacted Cheryl Fraley, our WMS Head Counselor, to learn how the Annual Giving funding made a difference last year and will make an even bigger impact this year. At Whitman Middle School, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed. The generosity of our community through the PTSA has made a tremendous difference, and we want to share how your contributions continue to shape the future for students who are furthest from educational justice.

Last year, PTSA funds made it possible for us to provide math tutoring to 22 students, many of whom were African American males and other students with the highest needs. Despite starting late in the school year, these students improved their math scores by an impressive average of 20%. This year, with increased funding, we are excited to extend tutoring to 28 students, beginning earlier in the school year, which will allow for even more growth. The additional sessions will give students the time and individualized support they need to close the achievement gap, and we anticipate even greater improvements.

Your contributions also allowed us to address an equally urgent need—mental health support. Last year, mental health services were provided to six students at high risk, many of whom lacked other resources to access care. With these services, these students received weekly therapy sessions, a lifeline for their emotional and mental well-being. This year, thanks to your support, we have doubled the funding, which will enable us to offer mental health services to 12 students for nearly double the amount of time. These services are critical, particularly as more students face challenges with anxiety, depression, and self-harm.

Your support matters. By donating to the annual giving campaign, you’re helping us provide crucial academic and emotional support that many students wouldn’t otherwise receive. Together, we can continue to foster an environment where all Whitman students can thrive, regardless of the barriers they face.

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Annual Giving Campaign Kick Off

This year, we have a BIG goal of raising $74,000 to support our students and teachers! Join us in reaching our mini goal of raising $20,000 by Friday, our first week of fundraising. As of Tuesday, we are at $16,500!

The overall fundraising goal comes to an average of $113 per student to help us do amazing things this school year! Our plan is to ask you this Fall to give what you can through the Annual Giving Campaign, and then allow us to focus on granting these funds to teachers and staff to make the magic happen.

Gifts in the past have ranged from $15 – $10,000. We invite you to support our students and teachers and donate to your capacity! Recurring donations are a great way to spread giving over time, and corporate matching can make donations go further. Whitman Middle School PTSA is a non-profit 501c3. Tax ID: 91-1170778

Donate by check: Mail checks payable to the Whitman PTSA to the school or drop off in the office (form in office).

Thank you for donating and supporting Whitman Middle School. Together, we can reach and exceed our fundraising goals. Questions? Email whitmanptsafundraising@gmail.com. 

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Annual Giving Campaign AGC

This month, we kick off our Annual Giving Campaign with the goal of raising $74,000 to support our students and teachers!

Funding projects for 2024-25 Include

• Increased support for math tutoring at school
• Increased support for our Social Emotional Therapist for student mental health
• Curriculum Enrichment Fund grants to teachers
• Support for our Racial Equity team
• Support for our library
• Closing a gap in a teacher’s salary
• …and SO MUCH MORE!

Cheers,

Andrea Gomes Morrison; PTSA Fundraising Chair; Mom of Amalia, 6th Grade
PS – If you would like to make an extra big gift and launch a matching gift challenge, email whitmanptsafundraising@gmail.com.