Overall, Boosterthon does a great job. They help build confidence and passion in a spirit of fun and games. They are just awesome!

For Halloween I went as Chris Carneal. I made all the kids come in my house for a long lecture, chastised those with little candy, and then took half of everyone's haul. Praise Jesus!

scariest costume of the night Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> For Halloween I went as Chris Carneal. I made all
> the kids come in my house for a long lecture,
> chastised those with little candy, and then took
> half of everyone's haul. Praise Jesus!

+1

the bottom line here.. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Overall, Boosterthon does a great job. They help
> build confidence and passion in a spirit of fun
> and games. They are just awesome!


Wow, the Boosterthon drones are up all night. I wonder if Chris Carneal pays them overtime for this?

Being humiliated in front of your classmates sounds less than fun, and I sure hope that masochism is not part of the confidence and passion Boosterthon teaches.

Fix this now because it will just get worse in high school.

Ditto on that so-called character lesson just to justify their hideous commission fees. So true, like a pyramid scheme that must have a product to justify the money exchange. Boosterthon's little brother, The APEX FUN RUN SCAM'S character lesson is stupid: Find your strengths, Be Brave, Stick Together, Go Big...sounds like a gangbanger code of honor. If kids are short on love, discipline and guidance, do you want them to find their strengths, be brave, stick together and go big? This is what the Crips and Bloods do. We're talking about children, not grown ups with discerning minds for pop-psyche. Funny thing, I, too, thought that character came from a firm foundation built during childhood by parents and family. The APEX FUN RUN SCAM purports to teach leadership--Seriously!?! More like salesmanship--the door-to-door style, just to make the APEX FUN RUN SCAMMERS more money. These Apex Fun Fun scammers are like gypsy pimps, whoring out entire schoolfulls of children at a time. On second thought, they aren't like Gypsy pimps--they put them to shame, a Gypsy pimp would be awestruck by the slickness and amorality of the APEX EXTREME FUN RUN SCAM, Boostherthon's incestuous scion.

RIDICULOUS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So kids are going door to door,parents are
> frantically trying to get pledges from everybody,
> time is taken out of the school day, to pay
> FUNDRAISERS to build character in our children.
> And we are paying staff to stand there and NOT
> TEACH while these FUNDRAISERS are talking about
> character lessons.
> The character lessons are a marketing tool to
> justify their costs!!!!!!
> Character is taught AT HOME. For free. It is
> called PARENTING.

Ditto on that so-called character lesson just to justify their hideous commission fees. So true, like a pyramid scheme that must have a product to justify the money exchange. Boosterthon's little brother, The APEX FUN RUN SCAM'S character lesson is stupid: Find your strengths, Be Brave, Stick Together, Go Big...sounds like a gangbanger code of honor. If kids are short on love, discipline and guidance, do you want them to find their strengths, be brave, stick together and go big? This is what the Crips and Bloods do. We're talking about children, not grown ups with discerning minds for pop-psyche. Funny thing, I, too, thought that character came from a firm foundation built during childhood by parents and family. The APEX FUN RUN SCAM purports to teach leadership--Seriously!?! More like salesmanship--the door-to-door style, just to make the APEX FUN RUN SCAMMERS more money. These Apex Fun Fun scammers are like gypsy pimps, whoring out entire schoolfulls of children at a time. On second thought, they aren't like Gypsy pimps--they put them to shame, a Gypsy pimp would be awestruck by the slickness and amorality of the APEX EXTREME FUN RUN SCAM, Boostherthon's incestuous scion.

the bottom line here.. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Overall, Boosterthon does a great job. They help
> build confidence and passion in a spirit of fun
> and games. They are just awesome!


We use them in PW schools also. It is a great experience all around. The kids love it!

Having a fundraiser during the school day is a regulatory violation in FCPS. It doesn't matter how money you make or how much the kids like to run. They wrote that regulation to that the children's instructional time would be instructional time and not used to raise money for the adults.

What they are doing is no different then bussing them over to the Giant during the school day and having them do a bake sale or car wash. DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.

Boosterthon is a great experience for the kids. It promotes a positive attitude and healthy activity. The kids are upbeat and positive after a fun run and they stay that way for days if not weeks. I like how the boosterthon people go out of their way to include the special ed kids and get the other kids to cheer for them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsmIvc5AZ68


Our staff, students, parents and administrators all love boosterthon. I suppose there are always a few of those negative parents who just live to complain will say that boosterthon is a bad deal. I feel sorry for their kids.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqbDl3w-nJ0

prince william employee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boosterthon is a great experience for the kids. It
> promotes a positive attitude and healthy activity.
> The kids are upbeat and positive after a fun run
> and they stay that way for days if not weeks. I
> like how the boosterthon people go out of their
> way to include the special ed kids and get the
> other kids to cheer for them.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsmIvc5AZ68
>
>
> Our staff, students, parents and administrators
> all love boosterthon. I suppose there are always a
> few of those negative parents who just live to
> complain will say that boosterthon is a bad deal.
> I feel sorry for their kids.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqbDl3w-nJ0

You're aware that both of the videos you posted are done by actors, right?

Wake up! They are doing it in the high schools, too. Students are not supposed to have to make up an AP Chemistry test or take them away from their Calculus lecture because they are raising money for adults. They need to stop this or change the regulation. This all is driven by adult greed.

Last year some of our kids went with Boosterthon to the UVA hospital to bring toys and joy to some of the kids battling cancer.
Attachments:

Wake up, adults Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Having a fundraiser during the school day is a
> regulatory violation in FCPS. It doesn't matter
> how money you make or how much the kids like to
> run. They wrote that regulation to that the
> children's instructional time would be
> instructional time and not used to raise money for
> the adults.


^^^^^^^^^Cute picture. Read the above.

The hospital stuff is a marketing tool that builds their brand.

How and why are PW students going going down to Charlottesville to promote sales for Boosterthon? Are their parents going down with them? Is this a school field trip? Is this funded by Boosterthon?

Virginia Administrative Code
8VAC20-131-200

"Extracurricular activities shall not be permitted to interfere with the student's required instructional activities."

(Fundraising is an extracurricular activity. All fundraising is optional in public school.)

Broken record Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Wake up, adults Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Having a fundraiser during the school day is a
> > regulatory violation in FCPS. It doesn't matter
> > how money you make or how much the kids like to
> > run. They wrote that regulation to that the
> > children's instructional time would be
> > instructional time and not used to raise money
> for
> > the adults.
>
>
> ^^^^^^^^^Cute picture. Read the above.
>
> The hospital stuff is a marketing tool that builds
> their brand.
>
> How and why are PW students going going down to
> Charlottesville to promote sales for Boosterthon?
> Are their parents going down with them? Is this a
> school field trip? Is this funded by Boosterthon?

agree on that hospital, donation stuff being marketing tool. maybe they spend a few thousand bucks a year on that stuff, but it lets them rake in millions and millions of dollars posing as a charity. typical corporate scam.

It's the law! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Virginia Administrative Code
> 8VAC20-131-200
>
> "Extracurricular activities shall not be permitted
> to interfere with the student's required
> instructional activities."
>
> (Fundraising is an extracurricular activity. All
> fundraising is optional in public school.)

They can still do boosterthon. It should just be outside of school hours. And don't use the character and running things to tie it in with the curriculum. This is a fund raiser. These people are not staff.

Ghj Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's the law! Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Virginia Administrative Code
> > 8VAC20-131-200
> >
> > "Extracurricular activities shall not be
> permitted
> > to interfere with the student's required
> > instructional activities."
> >
> > (Fundraising is an extracurricular activity.
> All
> > fundraising is optional in public school.)
>
> They can still do boosterthon. It should just be
> outside of school hours. And don't use the
> character and running things to tie it in with the
> curriculum. This is a fund raiser. These people
> are not staff.


+ 1000

Boosterthon:

1) After hours
2) Off campus (unless the school is in charge)
3) NO use of teachers/volunteers
4) Full financial disclosure
5) Full background check disclosures of Boosterthon workers

Otherwise, it needs to be banned.

Really pissed? Not getting any action or response? Are they leaving you in the dark? Technically, anybody can request an administrator's or teacher's license be evaluated by the Superintendent for either revocation or suspension. That means you, parent!

Failure or refusal to follow school laws and regulations qualifies for suspension of a professional license. Page 75. Page 71 is revocation. Both the 5810 and the 1370 ban fundraisers during the school day.

I think there are a lot more constructive ways to deal with this, but this is certainly an option if push comes to shove.
Attachments:

Progress! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ghj Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > It's the law! Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Virginia Administrative Code
> > > 8VAC20-131-200
> > >
> > > "Extracurricular activities shall not be
> > permitted
> > > to interfere with the student's required
> > > instructional activities."
> > >
> > > (Fundraising is an extracurricular activity.
> > All
> > > fundraising is optional in public school.)
> >
> > They can still do boosterthon. It should just
> be
> > outside of school hours. And don't use the
> > character and running things to tie it in with
> the
> > curriculum. This is a fund raiser. These people
> > are not staff.
>
>
> + 1000
>
> Boosterthon:
>
> 1) After hours
> 2) Off campus (unless the school is in charge)
> 3) NO use of teachers/volunteers
> 4) Full financial disclosure
> 5) Full background check disclosures of
> Boosterthon workers
>
> Otherwise, it needs to be banned.


What do you mean by progress?

Boosterthon should certainly be outside of school hours. That would make it totally optional, which is what it is supposed to be.
Anybody can rent school building/grounds through community use procedures. PTA, Boosterthon, etc. Good luck on that.
Teachers aren't supposed to be working in their official role in a non-school sponsored activity. It sure sounds like they were working this.
Good luck on disclosure.
If your children were used during the school day, during instructional time, with staff in attendance, with the permission of the principal/school system, WHY can't anybody produce a contract? Something is very wrong with this scenario. Did the PTA's pay to rent the building or grounds or were they allowed to use them for free?

Boosterthon is a private company who makes a profit so that they can pay their bills, their owner, etc. I still say they are not the problem. The problem is with the way this was carried out.

Since when does a VOLUNTEER commit dozens of staff members, instructional time, students, and a school facility (during school hours) by signing a contract to raise funds for a private corporation (PTA)?!

prince william employee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Last year some of our kids went with Boosterthon
> to the UVA hospital to bring toys and joy to some
> of the kids battling cancer.

That is so nice! That makes me want to go out of my way to support boosterthon.

parent 1234 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> prince william employee Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Last year some of our kids went with
> Boosterthon
> > to the UVA hospital to bring toys and joy to
> some
> > of the kids battling cancer.
>
> That is so nice! That makes me want to go out of
> my way to support boosterthon.

You can help kids with cancer without those scammers at Boosterthon!

4321 parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> parent 1234 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > prince william employee Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Last year some of our kids went with
> > Boosterthon
> > > to the UVA hospital to bring toys and joy to
> > some
> > > of the kids battling cancer.
> >
> > That is so nice! That makes me want to go out
> of
> > my way to support boosterthon.
>
> You can help kids with cancer without those
> scammers at Boosterthon!

I think the whole hospital picture is a marketing thing. How did the kids go down to C-ville? Did their parents love Boosterthon so much that they were willing to take an entire day, spend money on gas, etc., to do this? Were they bribed by Boosterthon? Since when do parents love professional fundraisers so much that they are willing to do this for free?

Someday a kid will get hurt at the fun run or a kid will choke on the cheap plastic from the Boosterthon prizes. Then we'll see who is really behind all of this.

Bet the PTA prezzes are sweating it. The school system is probably still lost in outer space on this. We need a WaPo article, right about NOW.
Let's load up the second grades and bus them down to Home Depot to sell hot dogs during the school day. So the adults can get more money. Who cares about those lessons?

Tomorrow is the Stenwood ES fun run. I'm so excited!

^^^^^How many pledges did ya get? Did your ex-best friend get more? Did they make fun of you for not getting enough?

If you are anti boosterthon then you are a racist.

wake up white people Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you are anti boosterthon then you are a racist.


How do you come up with that conclusion? I believe it is safer to say that a pro Boosterthon stance is indicative of the exploitation and abuse of children, regardless of race.

Too bad Stenwood's Boosterthon Fun Run didn't get rained out. Chris Carneal continues to profit from questionable school relationships and the exploitation of children.

Boosterthon will continue to grow and make tens of thousands of kids happy despite all you hater parents. You all can kiss it losers! I feel very sorry for your kids because they have lousy parents.

It looks like there are two types of parents here.

1-parents who want their kids to hit up neighbors, their co-workers, their service providers, family, and friends for money, parents who don't care if classes are interrupted for professional fundraisers, parents who don't care that the contracts/terms/financial documents are not public record.

2-parents who prefer to donate (maybe directly to the school, where they can see records) and take a tax write-off, parents who want their kids in their classes instead of making money for a non-profit and a for-profit, parents who don't want their child made to look and feel like they are not accepted because their parents feel differently about what is going on and have a right to that, parents who prefer that the school system follows the state educational laws regarding this type of fundraiser, parents who wish that the school system would manage the money we give them with more care so that there doesn't have to be so much fundraising.

Which ones are the losers again?

CC rider Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boosterthon will continue to grow and make tens of
> thousands of kids happy despite all you hater
> parents. You all can kiss it losers! I feel very
> sorry for your kids because they have lousy
> parents.


Now that the Stenwood "run of doom" is over, the Boosterthon people move on to another location. I guess they could not resist taking a parting shot. Chris Carneal must be a real tyrant expecting people to post all of these fake positive review of the scam that is making him rich.

Good Bye, Boosterthon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> CC rider Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Boosterthon will continue to grow and make tens
> of
> > thousands of kids happy despite all you hater
> > parents. You all can kiss it losers! I feel
> very
> > sorry for your kids because they have lousy
> > parents.
>
>
> Now that the Stenwood "run of doom" is over, the
> Boosterthon people move on to another location. I
> guess they could not resist taking a parting shot.
> Chris Carneal must be a real tyrant expecting
> people to post all of these fake positive review
> of the scam that is making him rich.


No one from boosterthon posted anything here ever, you were getting trolled by various posters. Kind of sad that you are that dumb. Good luck to you.

interwebs patrol Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Good Bye, Boosterthon Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > CC rider Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Boosterthon will continue to grow and make
> tens
> > of
> > > thousands of kids happy despite all you hater
> > > parents. You all can kiss it losers! I feel
> > very
> > > sorry for your kids because they have lousy
> > > parents.
> >
> >
> > Now that the Stenwood "run of doom" is over,
> the
> > Boosterthon people move on to another location.
> I
> > guess they could not resist taking a parting
> shot.
> > Chris Carneal must be a real tyrant expecting
> > people to post all of these fake positive
> review
> > of the scam that is making him rich.
>
>
> No one from boosterthon posted anything here ever,
> you were getting trolled by various posters. Kind
> of sad that you are that dumb. Good luck to you.

Then I guess Carneal has the PTA posting here. Same thing. Boosterthon needs to be banned. Boosterthon manipulates kids and makes them cry, that's just evil.

So, The Boosterthon and Apex Fun Run Scams now stretch from sea to shining sea. It has hit Thousand Oaks, California. It seems like Boosterthon got a bad reputation out east, so they changed their name for the western division to the Apex Fun Run. It feels like exactly the same thing. From Atlanta to LA, children are not safe in schools. I have found a lot of interesting reading on this website, links to psychologist reports on how harmful the emotional abuse of the scam is to children. I was a psychology major and I agree with everything they say. Check it out. Thanks to whoever for having this website because it has been a lifesaver for me and my children who came home crying from all the pressure and watching all the rich kids whose parents gave big pledges get prizes while they did not get any prizes.

http://bullrunelementary.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/boosterthon/

boosterthon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> http://bullrunelementary.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/
> boosterthon/


Lots of smiling faces and energetic children. Where is the part about 600 kids all asking the same exact neighbors and stuff for pledges. The part about not getting pledges and kids crying because they don't get prizes. The part about classes being cancelled so that they can make money for adults and how that is against the law.....

boosterthon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> http://bullrunelementary.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/
> boosterthon/

There are lots of close up pictures of children. Did Boosterthon obtain proper authorization from parents to distribute their childrens' photographs on the internet? To use the photos to promote its business. Did the district authorize the publication of the photos? The district cannot waive individual rights. There are certain specific privacy rights that apply to photographing children at school, and at school functions.

boosterthon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> http://bullrunelementary.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/
> boosterthon/

What's the point? Children look just like this during recess or any time they play. They would look the same, even happier, during the sack races on the 4th of July, and those sorts of celebrations are free. What's the average $ raised for these fun runs, $43,000? or so? So, for that 30 minutes of playfulness, stolen from the collective future education of those children in the photos was $20,000. $20,000 for those photos, that would have been better spent on special education, books, tablets, whatever else the school needs.

cringing Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> boosterthon Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> http://bullrunelementary.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/
>
> > boosterthon/
>
> There are lots of close up pictures of children.
> Did Boosterthon obtain proper authorization from
> parents to distribute their childrens' photographs
> on the internet? To use the photos to promote its
> business. Did the district authorize the
> publication of the photos? The district cannot
> waive individual rights. There are certain
> specific privacy rights that apply to
> photographing children at school, and at school
> functions.


I am guessing no and no. Remember, this was probably/maybe not a school function, even though it was held at school during the school day. I think the PTA's contracted for this, making them the sponsor. They are not part of the school system. We already went around the block on the name release issue. The class lists can only be given to parties the school system has an agreement with, and the terms are specified. The school didn't hold the contract. The PTA did. And they are not authorized to release class lists to outside parties.

Oh my God this is a legal nightmare. Anybody get a contract yet?

Ok "cringing"-Can the school system authorize the release of class lists to somebody they don't have a contract with?
Attachments:

Boosterthon is now very much on the radar of Karen Garza and the School Board.

Gatehouse Insider Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boosterthon is now very much on the radar of Karen
> Garza and the School Board.


Somehow I have the feeling that this is a mole. After counting up how many state laws and school regulations were violated for this, I would not be surprised. Go FFxU!

Anybody get a contract yet? Come on!

Trailblazer and Aspen Crossing elementary schools have been hit during Boosterthon's attempt to establish a beach head in Colorado, and as it engages in a turf war with pirates of its scheme, Apex Fun Run. Both scams have had limited success in exploiting the citizens of the fertile, trusting and gullible rural areas of Colorado including suburban Denver and the Douglas County School District. Boosterthon and the Apex Fun Run are fighting to establish territorial turf as both have simultaneously begun to execute attack plans on the state of Colorado this year in 2014. Both scams deprive schools of total of 48% off the top of all donation revenues received from parents and families in support of their childrens' run. Their 48% take is achieved through the use of deception in violation of Colorado state law. Their 48% commission is kept secret from nearly all but those party to the contract, students, parents, families, teachers and donors are kept in the dark. Beware of this scam and report it to the authorities if contacted.

Wonder if they have the same state educational laws out there as we do in Old Virginny....

At least 2 principals and PTAs have been asked for information on Boosterthon by the School Board. A step in the right direction…

While we brought Boosterthon to our school with an initial goal of fundraising, we quickly realized that the Boosterthon team accomplishes so much more than that. They bring with them a contagious spirit that encourages and uplifts students, teachers and parents.The smiles that they put on the children's faces are infectious! Most importantly, they put the FUN in FUN RUN and show children that exercising can be enjoyable!!! 'This was the best day of the year!' was the Boosterthon review among a class at our school. Not only did we raise funds above and beyond our desired goal, the atmosphere that they helped create in our school was invaluable and long-lasting.

Boosterthon is the real deal all the way down the road. The people who say otherwise are just trolls.

@PTA fortune: You've got to be fucking kidding or a shill for the Goddamn Fucking Boosterthon empire. Every fucking thing about Boosterthon is a sleazy, kid-unfriendly and outright bullying approach, what with all of the worthless prizes given out just because this kid's parents has rich friends to make the poorer kids feel like shit, not to speak of the Boosterthon assholes taking 50% of the money and more. FUCK YOU UP THE ASS!!!!

WTHolyF Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @PTA fortune: You've got to be fucking kidding or
> a shill for the Goddamn Fucking Boosterthon
> empire. Every fucking thing about Boosterthon is a
> sleazy, kid-unfriendly and outright bullying
> approach, what with all of the worthless prizes
> given out just because this kid's parents has
> rich friends to make the poorer kids feel like
> shit, not to speak of the Boosterthon assholes
> taking 50% of the money and more. FUCK YOU UP THE
> ASS!!!!

+ 1

Chris Carneal makes his money by bullying kids. There's a very special place in hell for people like that.

PTA fortune Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> While we brought Boosterthon to our school with an
> initial goal of fundraising, we quickly realized
> that the Boosterthon team accomplishes so much
> more than that. They bring with them a contagious
> spirit that encourages and uplifts students,
> teachers and parents.The smiles that they put on
> the children's faces are infectious! Most
> importantly, they put the FUN in FUN RUN and show
> children that exercising can be enjoyable!!! 'This
> was the best day of the year!' was the Boosterthon
> review among a class at our school. Not only did
> we raise funds above and beyond our desired goal,
> the atmosphere that they helped create in our
> school was invaluable and long-lasting.
>
> Boosterthon is the real deal all the way down the
> road. The people who say otherwise are just
> trolls.
Seriously? You forget to mention how much you forced your parents unwittingly to pay for this service. How much was it, $10,000, $20,000, $30,000, $40,000 or over $50,000 in cash exploited from students' parents that could have been used to pay for necessities to the kids' education such as books, supplies, special education teachers, art, music and so forth. Most schools already have fitness programs, it's called gym, and most gym teachers are wonderful, enthusiastic and motivating individuals--quite unlike Boosterthon 12-ounce-curl specialists. For $50,000, you could hire a professional motivational speaker and child psychologist to come into the school all day long for a year, and the kids would be a heck of a lot better for it.

This link has a lot of interesting and good information in it that crosses over and would apply to the Boosterthon run scam as well as the Apex Extreme Fun Run Scam. Check it out.
http://www.topix.com/forum/denver/TLTHM3VBC3TRORQ0A
Protect our children! Save our Schools! Say no to Boosterthon and Apex Fun Run Scams! Complain to your District Attorneys, Attorney Generals and everybody else who will listen!

^^^^All you have to do is point out how many state laws and school regs were violated with this. Take it up with the sb and the super. This guy is entitled to make money. That is why they are called professional fundraisers.

Who signed the contracts? Where are they? Why can't we all see them? Who gave out the student lists? Who authorized students being pulled out of classes for a fundraiser? Why did the money run through a private corporation (PTA)?

So, Boosterthon keeps 48%. Why not just directly give the PTA the money you would pledge? If I pledge $10 through Boosterthon, the PTA gets just over $5. We'd both be further ahead if I just gave the PTA $8.

The problem might be that people sometimes need a gimmick to pry money out of people. Tgb has too much common sense.

>>>>>>>>>>>>> Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> ^^^^All you have to do is point out how many state
> laws and school regs were violated with this. Take
> it up with the sb and the super. This guy is
> entitled to make money. That is why they are
> called professional fundraisers.
>
> Who signed the contracts? Where are they? Why
> can't we all see them? Who gave out the student
> lists? Who authorized students being pulled out of
> classes for a fundraiser? Why did the money run
> through a private corporation (PTA)?

Good questions and important ones to ask of Ben Franklin Academy PTO and administration in Colorado. But what about concerns of retaliation from pto and admin? Maybe all inquiries and complaints should be made through government channels. Even the so-called parent FB page is tightly controlled and censored by insiders. You cannot question anything there, they delete it on the parent page within seconds if you are not 100% cheerleading and blindly following the blind. Very small-minded. There's no toleration of dissent, and no free exchange discussion of ideas--like the fact that Apex Fun run sucks-it destroys kids' self-esteem and picks parents' pockets. That's exactly why the school got screwed by "Scammin'" Scott Donnell, Nick "Quick Nick" Moore and their Apex Fun Run Scam. Hard to believe it's a public school at times, so much is kept so secret--lacking in transparency. It is sad to see this happen to the school, but the PTO and admin own this debacle, and they need to come clean on this.

I am not passing judgement on Boosterthoon. However, if you don't like this type of thing, you don't have to put up w/ it. The whole concept violates numerous school regulations and state (& maybe Federal) educational laws, so you should have no trouble getting this moved to outside of the school day and totally optional, without any pressure on your kids. Trust me. Take the regulations and state laws and be firm. Ram them down somebody's throat.

Get these people tossed out of the curriculum and the school day. Easily done. Piece of cake......

Boosterthon has helped thousands of kids who are underprivileged. They are like saints.

@ghetto teacher: I'll repeat what I said previously: You've got to be fucking kidding or a shill for the Goddamn Fucking Boosterthon empire. Every fucking thing about Boosterthon is a sleazy, kid-unfriendly and outright bullying approach, what with all of the worthless prizes given out just because this kid's parents has rich friends to make the poorer kids feel like shit, not to speak of the Boosterthon assholes taking 50% of the money and more. FUCK YOU UP THE ASS!!!! As an extra comment---Didn't if ever occur to you that underprivileged kids are being exploited. You must be a completely Obummerfied, fucking liberal with your head so far up your ass that you don't have a clue!!!!

ghetto teacher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boosterthon has helped thousands of kids who are
> underprivileged. They are like saints.

If they are so wonderful, why did White Oaks not invite them back this year?

While we're at it, are Apex Fun Run and Boosterthon the same people?

Firm's 48 Percent Take of Fun Run Proceeds Criticized

Maybeury Elementary School's parent-teacher association recently held a fundraiser called a Boosterthon Fun Run that's on track to bring in more than $30,000 for the Henrico County school's PTA.

But the company that helped put on the event will take 48 percent of the total money raised, on top of a flat $2,000 fee the PTA paid to get started. The arrangement is laid out in a contract between the PTA and the company. The county's school division is not a party to the agreement.

Charity watchdog groups say the cut going to the company, Boosterthon, is far too high, but the PTA president and the company both defend the deal, saying the benefits of the arrangement, including the company's character education service, outweigh the costs.

"Unfortunately, these rates are not unusual. But that doesn't make them acceptable," Sandra Miniutti, vice president for marketing and chief financial officer of Charity Navigator, said in an email. Charity Navigator is a nonprofit group that evaluates charities.

Charity Navigator holds that outside fundraising firms should get no more than 25 percent of the money they raise, she said. CharityWatch, another watchdog group, says fundraising costs shouldn't be more than 35 percent.

Individual PTAs might like the arrangement because they get more money by taking a smaller proportion of a much larger amount raised. But both watchdog groups noted that it could have consequences for the larger community.

"Charitable dollars are limited," Borochoff said. "They tend to be 2 percent of people's personal disposable income."

More money given to Maybeury and split with the company is less money for other worthy causes in the community, he said.

"The PTA, you'd hope, would have it together to motivate people to raise money for the cause and not have to pay this," Borochoff said.

May 13, 2014

For full article go to link:

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/more-news/firm-s-48-percent-take-of-fun-run-proceeds-criticized.html

Gatehouse Insider Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boosterthon is now very much on the radar of Karen
> Garza and the School Board.


If only teaching our kids spelling would be a priority.

Who needs spelling when you have Boosterthon, turf fields, school spirit, and pedophile band directors?

Boosterthon is to Apex Fun Run, like McDonalds is to Burger King.

It's all unhealthy for kids.

But the toys that they give out to kids at McDonalds with Happy Meals are better quality than what the fun runs give away.

Sighfintn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gatehouse Insider Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Boosterthon is now very much on the radar of
> Karen
> > Garza and the School Board.
>
>
> If only teaching our kids spelling would be a
> priority.

Teaching is SUPPOSED to be the priority for the kids. Why and how did kids get sucked into fundraising during the school day instead of giving full concentration towards the task at hand-LESSONS?

health monitor Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boosterthon is to Apex Fun Run, like McDonalds is
> to Burger King.
>
> It's all unhealthy for kids.
>
> But the toys that they give out to kids at
> McDonalds with Happy Meals are better quality than
> what the fun runs give away.

After I eat at McDonald's I get the runs, but there is nothing fun about it. Is that what Boosterthon is like?

If you are a member of a PTA, Boosterthon will pay for you to go to Atlanta to hear a sales pitch.

Scamathon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you are a member of a PTA, Boosterthon will pay
> for you to go to Atlanta to hear a sales pitch.


Just FWIW, not defending anything, but Boosterthon says they're focus groups.

It's the law! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Virginia Administrative Code
> 8VAC20-131-200
>
> "Extracurricular activities shall not be permitted
> to interfere with the student's required
> instructional activities."
>
> (Fundraising is an extracurricular activity. All
> fundraising is optional in public school.)

IIRC, a principal told me that time at school falls into three categories:
1) instructional time (teachers teaching),
2) other educational time (students studying, researching, writing papers, etc).,
3) free time (recess, lunch time)

The claim, as I understand it, is that Boosterthon activities occur during educational - but not instructional - time.

Looks like the law has an unfortunate loophole.

Kids are required to have a recess (yes, that is a law) and a lunch break. They are required to write papers, research, and study. These are all part of education. Do you think the staff are leaving the building while the kids write papers, research, and study? Don't think so. "Educational time" is part of the instructional program. They are messing with you.

Fundraisers are optional in public school. They should not be going on during educational or instructional hours. Right now the only fundraising thing principals are allowed to pull students out of classes for is one assembly a year to present fundraisers. When the kids are doing fundraising during school hours, taxpayer dollars are paying staff to supervise the children and the fundraising activity. Taxpayer dollars that are supposed to be used to educate children.

Raising money is NOT the responsibility of the students.

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FCCPTA and VAPTA online guidelines talk about
> exemplifying community standards. Is the part
> about not being transparent about the 48%
> exemplary? This is what we're teaching our kids?

I for one was very troubled when we went through the Boosterthon thing last year (I have a daughter at White Oaks). At that time, I searched the internet and wasn't happy with what I found. Boosterthon's cut is substantial, and many other PTAs across the country were wrestling with decisions about whether to do Boosterthon or not.

IMHO, I don't know why FFx County just doesnt' mimic what Boosterthon does - offer the favors and fundraising, but instill good citizenship and activism using FFx Co school values/programs, not corporate profiteering. I for one would be happy to see Boosterthon go away.

Scamathon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you are a member of a PTA, Boosterthon will pay
> for you to go to Atlanta to hear a sales pitch.

Think "boondoggle" is the term you are looking for. Sure is plenty of slush in all those fun run profits to grease the palms of PTA decision makers.

Parents need to -- in writing -- revoke any permission, expressed or implied, that "may" have been given to school to allow child to be exposed to
Boosterthon. (Just because your child is enrolled at school and in attendance does NOT necessarily give the school permission to subject child to this fundraiser.)

Additionally, I would make formal request of principal as to how the child will be "made whole" for lost instructional time . . .

Lastly, I'd offer an "alternative" lesson to be presented to any child and/or parent who wishes to receive as to exploitation of children and misrepresentation.

~ ~ ~

Prince William County school(s) began to use Boosterthon after one elementary school -- claiming to be so forward and progressive -- brought them in. The school is Ashland Elementary in Manassas (near Woodbridge / Dale City). When principal was asked about the ACTUAL net to the school vs what he put out in newsletters, he went radio silent. The reported "take" to the parents was a fabrication as there was zero transparency as to the $ paid to Boosterthon.

~ ~ ~

The lesson that Boosterthon taught our child was that adults -- especially adults in position of authority -- can and do lie, especially when it comes to money.

You and your child have the right to refuse to participate in any fundraiser.
They are not supposed to be using instructional time for fundraising.

The principal has to release the money numbers to you IF they hold the contract. If this went on during the school day, they SHOULD have to produce numbers. The problem is that if the pta or pto signed the contract, the school might not have records even though they should, which is why the school systems need to think this through. They are using instructional hours, staff, and the building and grounds to raise money, and are responsible for anything that goes on during the school day. The issue of who is the sponsor needs to be nailed down. Volunteers should not have control of anything going on during the school day. We pay the school staff to manage the school day, so you should be able to get a contract and see all the financial so this scheme.

This is totally messed up.

Lordy, lordy, lordy...sure is gettin' hot at the head honcho's hacienda in Chandler, Arizona. Looks like the Clanton boys been hit and tryin' to do surgery on themselves, on forums and Google. Seems like they were envious of their own popularity. Reckon I figure when the home town's ready to string you up, it's time to pack up the snake oil and head down the trail. When you've stolen from your neighbors and their youngin, and they've found you out, there just ain't much left to stick around for. The scoundrels are making a break for it...rustlers and horse thieves...round up the posse...those outlaws' r on the run boys...giddyup...HAAHHH!
Look what just popped up on Yahoooooooohoooo...
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/chandler-az/TL9I3ONQCCKS88J5A

Funny thing about this whole ignorant thread. The vast majority of students, teachers and parents love boosterthon.

Of course the kids love Boosterthon. Because they get out of class. The staff are paid full salary while the kids are doing it. That explains why THEY love it.

There have been many parent and teacher complaints about Boosterthon. The only people who really like it (apart from Boosterthon) are the PTA people who get free trips to Atlanta.

Would love to see some REAL testimonials, especially from teachers.

What we're likely to get is Brett Trapp extolling spending five years to get a degree in English and how great it was to be in Alfa Tau Omega.

school employee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Funny thing about this whole ignorant thread. The
> vast majority of students, teachers and parents
> love boosterthon.

The only parents who love Boosterthon and the Apex Fun Run Scam are the ones with more money than brains, or those who have no concept of how much the fun run scam is stealing from their kids--most parents, donors, and even teachers have no idea that the fun runs are taking huge commissions, in the case of less well-off schools, 50%-70% of all the money donated on behalf of the kids. Those who have got their facts straight--and can think--object and do not participate. Unfortunately, due to the concealment of commissions and contracts by Apex and Boosterthon, getting the facts is extremely difficult for the average parent, so they are left in the dark to trust their misguided PTA that brought the scam into the school.

Who signed the contracts & where are they? Therein lies the crux of the problem..........they should either be w/the school or the PTA/O. Is somebody not putting their cards on the table?

Outer space Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Who signed the contracts & where are they?

Have you asked for your PTA for a copy? I did, and was promptly provided with one. It was signed by by Booster's local "General Manager" and the PTA president.

Separately and just FWIW...
Brett Trapp's full name is actually Marshall Brett Trapp.

Hondo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> IMHO, I don't know why FFx County just doesnt'
> mimic what Boosterthon does - offer the favors and
> fundraising, but instill good citizenship and
> activism using FFx Co school values/programs, not
> corporate profiteering. I for one would be happy
> to see Boosterthon go away.


Ditto. Some PTAs - tho' maybe not in Virginia (yet?) - have successfully turned to local run clubs instead to do the fun runs.

Scam Exposer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ditto on that so-called character lesson just to
> justify their hideous commission fees.

The principal at my elementary school confirms that the character-building lessons cover (she used the word "reinforce") the same topics as the school counselors.

So bottom line: I'm paying taxes for these FCPS counselors and then Booster sends in staff paid by child-generated proceeds to step into our schools and cover the same ground.

Room for improvement here.

In another forum, a parent writes, "The 'values' that the boosterthon cheerleaders taught my kids in their classroom activities involved how to get the next level toy. They even passed out the 'good' toys to play with before taking them back and telling them to 'go earn it'."

We've lost focus of the fact that the PTA's primary mission is child advocacy, not fundraising.

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Outer space Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Who signed the contracts & where are they?
>
> Have you asked for your PTA for a copy? I did,
> and was promptly provided with one. It was signed
> by by Booster's local "General Manager" and the
> PTA president.
>
>

The runs are during the school day. The school system is in charge of the school day and everything that happens during that time. So, the contract was signed by a PTA president, NOT a school employee. The principal then allowed this to happen during a time he/she was responsible for, involving minors (and staff) they were responsible for, yet involving people they didn't have an agreement with. (?)

Post the contract, please. I don't have a child in a school that does this type of thing, but I am following this anyway out of curiosity.

I am appreciative that there are websites like this out there in cyberspace where I can get the facts. And, as I Christian, I am a trusting and open person who can be taken advantage of easily by dishonest types, and that has happened before. But, I would much appreciate it if people posting on this website would mind their manners and improve their vocabularies. I understand that this is difficult when you are frustrated by dealing with criminal enterprises, and that folks who steal from childrens' futures don't care what they say online.
Thank you for providing all the information here because you have saved our school from being taken advantage of. We prayed on this and God told us that HE would lead us to and through successful fundraisers if we only have faith in HIM and put in our own labors. We shall reap what we sow.
Thank you very much for having this website and posting all the information. My friends were all pleased as punch to read some of the articles you have posted links to and to finally come to resolution on this.

Aaaaaaah Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> The runs are during the school day.
> ...
> Post the contract, please.


School day: The VA PTA Local Unit Resource Guide, in the context of fundraising, reads, "The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time." Section 4.18(5).

I've asked around and got a reply only from one PTA prez who said the Boosterthon doesn't violate this guide. She didn't elaborate. Maybe their definition of "disrupted" is different than mine. :|

Booster contract: Exposing my ignorance, but I'm not certain if I'd incur legal exposure by posting it without the consent of both parties. No non-disclosure clause in the contract itself, and I get that our PTA president already disclosed, but I'm just not sure. You could perhaps find somebody you know who has a kid in a Fun Run and who can ask their PTA for the contract?

Also in the contract, btw, the PTA is made to waive its rights to a jury trial thus, I gather, ruling out any class action lawsuits. Not really in the best interest of our PTAs.
The contract also prohibits the PTA from running any other fundraisers at the same time as the Fun Run.

Dallas mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> But, I would much appreciate it if people posting
> on this website would mind their manners and
> improve their vocabularies.

While I share your sentiment, please understand that regardless of topic, you'll encounter a lot of rudeness, trolling, and vulgarities anywhere at fairfaxunderground.com. That's just the nature of the place you're visiting.

While were on the topic of religion - and at the risk of changing your mind - altho' the Boosterthon web site says they're not affiliated with any religious group, their proceeds support their summer "missions" which included partnering with Kenya Medical Outreach to provide safe water in Kenya and with Helping Hands Ministries to provide playgrounds to schools in Guatemala. The mission of both of these organizations is to spread the Word of Jesus. I don't object to spreading the Word of Jesus. But when the money trail starts in the homes of the unwitting families of our PUBLIC school students, that's a problem. (For it's part, FCPS doesn't seem to mind so long as it doesn't compromise the safety and security of the kids. And anyway, I don't know that FCPS can have a say over what Booster does with their profits.)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2015 02:32PM by NewHorizon.

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Aaaaaaah Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > The runs are during the school day.
> > ...
> > Post the contract, please.
>
>
> School day: The VA PTA Local Unit Resource Guide,
> in the context of fundraising, reads, "The regular
> school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor
> should the children be expected to give up their
> free time." Section 4.18(5).
>
> I've asked around and got a reply only from one
> PTA prez who said the Boosterthon doesn't violate
> this guide. She didn't elaborate. Maybe their
> definition of "disrupted" is different than mine.
> :|
>
> Booster contract: Exposing my ignorance, but I'm
> not certain if I'd incur legal exposure by posting
> it without the consent of both parties. No
> non-disclosure clause in the contract itself, and
> I get that our PTA president already disclosed,
> but I'm just not sure. You could perhaps find
> somebody you know who has a kid in a Fun Run and
> who can ask their PTA for the contract?
>
> Also in the contract, btw, the PTA is made to
> waive its rights to a jury trial thus, I gather,
> ruling out any class action lawsuits. Not really
> in the best interest of our PTAs.
> The contract also prohibits the PTA from running
> any other fundraisers at the same time as the Fun
> Run.



If the fun run is during the school day and uses children and staff, the contract should be public record. Is it or not? That's the problem.

It SHOULD be public record. Can it be if a PTA president signs it?

Aaaaaaah Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If the fun run is during the school day and uses
> children and staff, the contract should be public
> record. Is it or not? That's the problem.
>
> It SHOULD be public record. Can it be if a PTA
> president signs it?

My thoughts exactly. But I just haven't looked for definitive resources on the matter.

From the National PTA:

"Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities."

http://www.ptakit.org/Fundraising/Fundraising-and-the-Purpose-of-PTA/Standards-for-PTA-Fundraising.aspx

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Aaaaaaah Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > If the fun run is during the school day and
> uses
> > children and staff, the contract should be
> public
> > record. Is it or not? That's the problem.
> >
> > It SHOULD be public record. Can it be if a PTA
> > president signs it?
>
> My thoughts exactly. But I just haven't looked
> for definitive resources on the matter.

^^^^^^^^^Try getting the contract directly from the school system since it was during the school day specifically using that reason to support the request and see what they say. That ought to be interesting. The response should be a very good tool. If they provide it, great. If they don't, well.....

The PTO signs the Boosterthon contract. They refuse to provide copies. The interesting thing is that this contract somehow binds FCPS to make school facilities and personnel available. To me, this is a subsidy for Boosterthon. How much money would it make if it had to provide a facility and more people?

The whole thing stinks, so I am opposing any increase at all to the school budget, let them get whatever extra money they need from Boosterthon.

I'll ask the schools for contracts. Give me the name of a couple of schools.

Bobby Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'll ask the schools for contracts. Give me the
> name of a couple of schools.


White Oaks and Stenwood ES

school watch Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Bobby Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I'll ask the schools for contracts. Give me the
> > name of a couple of schools.
>
>
> White Oaks and Stenwood ES


When were the fun runs? I need month and year.

Bobby Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> school watch Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Bobby Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > I'll ask the schools for contracts. Give me
> the
> > > name of a couple of schools.
> >
> >
> > White Oaks and Stenwood ES
>
>
> When were the fun runs? I need month and year.

White Oaks: March 2013
Stenwood: October 2014

ban boosterthon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Bobby Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > school watch Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Bobby Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > I'll ask the schools for contracts. Give me
> > the
> > > > name of a couple of schools.
> > >
> > >
> > > White Oaks and Stenwood ES
> >
> >
> > When were the fun runs? I need month and year.
>
> White Oaks: March 2013
> Stenwood: October 2014


I will get back to you on this.^^^^^^^^^