Happy November!

A look back - I am SO HAPPY to report that we were able to have a very successful Trick-or-Treat Trail event on Friday, October 30th! Our students were able to safely celebrate Halloween by dressing up and processing through the cafeteria to “trick or treat” for a bunch of yummy goodies. It is our hope that we will be able to have other, similar events going forward. We are keeping our fingers crossed! Additionally, I want to thank all those who participated in our fall mum sale. We were able to raise sufficient funds to cover the costs of our Trick-or-Treat Trail event, with a little leftover - THANK YOU!

Where we are  - Don’t forget to keep in touch:

• follow the PTA Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/StAnnSchoolPTA), 
• sign-up for Remind (https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/20805/documents/2018/8/PTA%20Remind%20Alerts-1.pdf), 
• check the PTA Web Page (https://saintannschool.org/pta-parent-teacher-assoc)

These, along with email, will be our primary means of communication.

Volunteer Hours - Because of the unique challenges this year, we will be adjusting the number of required volunteer hours downward. We are not waiving them entirely at this point only because we are hoping to be able to have some events in the spring.

Financial Commitment - We still need your support to help with fundraising. We have planned several fundraisers for this year, but as with all things during COVID, we will have to play things by ear. Our first few fundraisers have been successful, here is what is coming up next:

1. Charleston Wrap - Your one-stop shop for candles, bags, gifts, wrapping paper, chocolates, etc. (30% monogrammed items/40% all other items), has been extended through Friday, November 20th. It’s a great place to shop for the holidays! https://www.charlestonwrapstore.com/non-school-registration.php Our school code is 20552.
2. Super 50/50 - We need YOU to help us sell our 50/50 tickets! This is likely going to be our best opportunity to raise significant funds this year, and we have LOTS of tickets left to sell. Please reach out to me via text (609)468-7204 if you would like a book or 2 to sell. Tickets are $20 each, there are 10 to a book. The drawing is 12/4 and I need all ticket stubs, money, and unsold tickets returned to me by 11/30. You will receive 50% of the value of the tickets you sell towards your financial commitment! https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/20805/documents/2020/9/PTA%2050-50%20thru%2011-30.pdf 
3. Shop with Scrip - Please sign-up for, and use the Scrip program. This is another year-round fundraising program. You not only help our school, but you also earn tuition credits. Details about the program can be found here: https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/20805/documents/2020/7/Shop%20with%20Scrip%20What%20Is%20It.pdf
4. Cards for a Cause - Purchase beautiful boxes of hand-crafted greeting cards. 5 Different Box styles to choose from for only $30. https://ec-prod-site-cache.s3.amazonaws.com/static/saintannschool.org/documents/2020/10/CFAC32Flyer4535.pdf 
5. BOX TOPS - Please keep submitting your receipts online (runs all year).

You can find a complete list of our planned fundraisers, here: https://ec-prod-site-cache.s3.amazonaws.com/static/saintannschool.org/documents/2020/10/202045202132Fundraiser32Calendar321.pdf 

School-Wide Service Project - We are collecting donations of canned and other dry goods for the Mercer Street Friends food bank as part of Students Change Hunger. The collection bin is at the door to the school.

Looking Ahead - The PTA Board is committed to bringing as much fun and joy to our school as we safely can. Here are some things that are planned, though they may/will be presented in a slightly different manner:

1. St. Nicholas Day - Shhhh... don’t tell the little ones, but St. Nicholas may be stopping by the school to leave treats for all the good little boys and girls….
2. Candy Cane Lane  - We are hoping to replicate the model we used for the Trick-or-Treat Trail to bring a little Christmas cheer to school in advance of the winter break.
3. Classroom Activities - To make the days a little brighter, we are planning to sponsor special snack days or fun activities for the kids. A pretzel day here or there, maybe popsicles another day, a special craft or game… little things to bring some sunshine to their days. We are working with Mr. C to determine the “whats, whens, and hows.” 

These continue to be challenging times for many. Things are very fluid, and we will provide updates as we know/learn more. Thank you for your patience and your perseverance.  

God Bless!

Tricia Williams