“By the end of the year when you see what these teachers do, the lengths they are willing to go to for your children, you just take a breath and realize that whatever you give really matters,” Davis says. For Naughton, it’s about the big picture. “I like to believe that as I stay involved with enriching my children’s lives now when they’re younger, that we’re building something really solid as they journey to adulthood. Helping our schools with our time, our abilities, and yes, our money, is simply a part of that.”
Follow these tips to keep spending reasonable. n Set a Budget: “We have a number
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n Take Advantage of Easy Opportunities to Contribute: Davis suggests looking out for chances like community dine-out nights. “We eat out a fair amount anyway so visiting a local restaurant that is donating to the school is fun. The kids get to see their teachers and other kids out, all working together to support the school.”
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one expects you to do it all. If you are all stocked up with wrapping paper, don’t buy it. “For most families, it is just impossible to give every time they are asked,” Cooper says. “We try to focus on the ones that best align with our family’s values.” Get over the guilt and feel good about the many ways you help your child’s school.
n Pay It Forward: Pay the nominal
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ADD, ADHD, ASD, Autism, Sensory Integration, Dyslexia, Dyspraphia, LD ...and more
n Be Okay With Saying No: No
n Find Meaningful Ways to Donate: Teach your kids the importance of generosity by having them help make the homemade goodies for the bake sale. If you are crafty or own a business, donate your art or services to the silent auction.
• • • • •
GAC, SACS & NAEYC Accredited Challenging Hands-On Academics Low Student/Teacher Ratios Foreign Language, Music, Band, Chorus, Physical Education, Art Advanced Technology Robotics Team Athletic Programs Extended Day Program After school clubs
www.mcginniswoods.org
in mind at the beginning of the year of how much we’ll donate throughout the year,” Naughton said. “I mentally keep track of how we’re doing.”
n Consider Multi-Task Giving: Schools make money from purchases at the book fair so stock your birthday party gift shelf or covertly buy items and set them aside for Santa. Invite grandparents to the fall festival, ensuring they will contribute.
• • • •
The Bedford School accepts students in grades one through nine. Students receive proper academic remediation in a small class setting, as well as specific help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. The Bedford School also offers Squirrel Hollow Camp, a remedial summer camp program. For Children With Learning Differences
770-774-8001
admission fee and take your kids to a high school football game or a choir performance at the middle school they will go to in a few years. “What the middle and high schools are doing now will help my kids when we’re there too,“ Naughton says. c
5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn, Georgia 30213
atlantaparent.com
[ Focus on Education ]
www.thebedfordschool.org
Open Houses Sunday, January 26th 2-4pm Sunday, February 23rd 2-4pm Wednesday, March 19th 9am
The Bedford School maintains a non-discriminatory policy concerning admissions, scholarships, use of facilities and employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or creed.
January 2014 Atlanta Parent 57