Fundraising | What we support
In 2017-18 the efforts of the PTO raised over $25,000 for the school. The money raised funded field trips, classroom technology and supplies, and events for your kids attending Bluff Creek Elementary. A total of $10,000 was given to fill the Guided Reading Library shelves. Read more about it below.
For 2018-19, in addition to supporting yearly grants and allocations for staff/teachers/students, the PTO is also raising money for the Guided Read Library program at BCE.
For 2018-19, in addition to supporting yearly grants and allocations for staff/teachers/students, the PTO is also raising money for the Guided Read Library program at BCE.
Donate
Ways to Donate Money (without even noticing)
- Attend the PTO events with your family and have fun! The proceeds go right back to the school
- Restaurant Nights: take the family out to eat and we'll get a portion back of the sales (See BCE PTO Calendar for all the dates)
- OfficeMax: mention BCE at check out and 20% of your purchase will be donated to BCE.
- Amazon Smile: designate Bluff Creek as your selected charity and Amazon will donate a portion of your order.
- Collect Box Tops and/or HolyLand Hummus coupons (those little squares provided almost $2000 last year)
- Order Papa John's: use BLUFF20 anytime for 20% off your entire order as well as 20% back to BCE
What is a Guided Reading Library?
A Guided Reading Library is different from the existing Media Center because it provides leveled texts in multiples of 6-12. The benefit of a well-developed Guided Reading Collection are:
- Supports Reading Instruction: Guided reading libraries provide a collection of reading materials at different reading levels that support small group reading.
- Enriches the Curriculum: Having a wide range of non-textbooks accessible to classroom teachers encourages them to incorporate diverse fiction and nonfiction books into their teaching. Teachers can also introduce students to a wide range of book genres, authors, and topics.
- Reinforces Language Acquisition: Guided reading libraries provide a vast resource for diverse activities that reinforce language acquisition. While the best predictor of reading success is the amount of time spent reading, reading achievement is also influenced by the frequency, amount, and diversity of reading activities.
- Encourages Independent Reading: Having books readily available in the classroom (student book bins) supports independent reading, personal exploration, project research, and individual assessment. Successful reading programs provide students with daily time to read self-selected books at their guided reading level that meet their personal reading interests.
- Increases Vocabulary: By reading a variety of texts at their appropriate level, students’ vocabulary increases, which improves reading comprehension and language arts skills.
- Allows Students to Interact with Books: A guided reading library functions as a gathering place for students to meet and talk about their reactions to books with peers and teachers. These exchanges encourage comprehension and critical thinking.
- Books for each Grade Level: Each Grade level will have approximately 16 different books with 12 – 15 copies for each book
- Donation Dollars: Every $20 donated will buy 4 books. Books are typically bought in bundles of 6 books.
- Other Items: Book rooms will be organized with shelves, book bins, and other items to make this space very useable for every child.
