http://www.fcps.edu/Directives/NoChangeMemo/P1370FundRaising.pdf

Draft. The Regulation has not been posted yet (the thing with all the details).

I'm not following how P1370 impacts R1370...?

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/8N7HV44A1C16/$file/R1104.pdf

The Policies are general statements by the School Board.
The Regulations are the specifics on how to implement the Policies. That is where you get the nuts and bolts of how to do things.
The Notices are updates on things like Fees, etc. that change regularly.

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?000+reg+8VAC20-131-150

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/86NHVL4A541C/$file/R1320.pdf

It looks like they need to do one of these for the elementary schools.

fundraising draft Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> http://www.fcps.edu/Directives/NoChangeMemo/P1370F
> undRaising.pdf
>
> Draft. The Regulation has not been posted yet (the
> thing with all the details).


It looks like this was dated Jan 27, 2009...?

---

"Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities."
"The anticipation of a successful fundraising event should not cloud the judgment of the PTA or be exploited by those outside the PTA who may have something to gain privately."
"And children should never be exploited or used as fundraisers."
National PTA - http://www.pta.org/mobile/OCArticle.cfm?ItemNumber=4192

" The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time"
" A PTA or PTSA is not a moneymaking or money-raising organization."
" Material aid to the school is not the function of a PTA or PTSA."
VA PTA - http://www.vapta.org/new-unit-document-package/doc_download/2345-section-04-financial-management.html (PDF)
Boost the Children   

They [are supposed to] update all this stuff every few years. Once they are updated, they are good for a while.

Tutorial Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They [are supposed to] update all this stuff every
> few years. Once they are updated, they are good
> for a while.


Once this is finalized, they will put out the new one with a new date on it.

Turorial Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Tutorial Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > They [are supposed to] update all this stuff
> every
> > few years. Once they are updated, they are good
> > for a while.
>
>
> Once this is finalized, they will put out the new
> one with a new date on it.

OK, so the Jan 29, 2009 version of P1370 relates to the December 16, 2008 version of R1370. I don't get how the link to the 6 year-old P1370 updates us.

Because there are not any planned changes. Interruptions to the instructional time are still to be avoided. The six year old Policy is currently in effect and was reviewed and will stay the same if approved.

All the proposed updates are posted on the School Board website for public review before finalizing and then publishing with the new date.

The updates of the Policies and Regulations do not necessarily have matching dates because they are updated on different schedules.

It sounds like the new Regulation is tied up with the school legal team right now. No big surprise on that. That will contain the specifics on how to implement the procedures to keep them in compliance with the Policy.

Tutorial Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It sounds like the new Regulation is tied up with
> the school legal team right now. No big surprise
> on that. That will contain the specifics on how to
> implement the procedures to keep them in
> compliance with the Policy.


... and the legal team, last I heard (which was a while ago), has an extensive backlog. This'll take a while...

They probably do have an extensive backlog. Why are we not surprised? It is called years of neglect-years-and "we will do whatever/ who cares about the educational laws there to protect everybody from various and assorted abuses" attitudes and management practices.

"... and the legal team, last I heard (which was a while ago), has an extensive backlog. This'll take a while..."

Well then, they need to do what their regulations say to do right now. Which is one assembly a year, no interruptions of the instructional program, and if students are used for this, they need to run the money through school accounts. As well as using the Fcps contract instead of the PTA/PTO contracts. Too bad. So sad.

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/9HEVQA6A5705/$file/P1530.pdf

Photo of 2 obese Apex Fun Run "Athletes" and "Role Models" working a gym full of elementary school students at one of "America's best schools". Note the child dressed in the coveted "rubber suit" which is one prize awarded for reaching high pledge levels. Don't believe the staged pictures using models that you see on the Apex website. This is a photo of a real employees at a real Apex Fun Run at a real school. How is this setting a good example for physical fitness? Ummm...Mr. Apex "Athlete", sir, would you like some more ice cream on your doughnuts, and a six-pack to wash it all down? How about checking into Weight Watchers, guys, huh? No wonder our nation's schools are full of obesity---the Apex Fun Run is by example spreading the disease!
Attachments:

Recent picture of an Apex Fun Run "athlete" and "role model" preaching fitness inside a Dallas elementary school classroom. Good thing that emergency defibrillators are portable and handy nowadays--bring one to the run for this guy.
Attachments:

Recent photo of an Apex Fun Run "athlete" and "role model" in his "Power Up" T-shirt--standing atop desks in an elementary school classroom, and demonstrating general moronic behavior to young children. Have you gotten your children to stop climbing on the furniture and up onto the countertops yet?
Do you really want a jackass like this anywhere near your children? What Apex Fun Run "athletes" teach by example, is to exhibit a total lack of impulse control and maturity.
Attachments:

Quit making fun of people. You need to stick to facts like regulations, contracts.
This is a downright nasty thing to say. Whoever you are you have crossed the line. How do you think these people feel having somebody post their pictures on the Internet and make fun of them? How would you like it if somebody did this to you?
By acting like this you make people who have some very valid complaints look like their issues are stupid.

Although we were crossing paths and I do agree the guy on the table sets a bad example. But, to make fun of people who are a bit on the heavy side is horrible. If you have ever been made fun of for a physical feature you would understand how devastating that is.

Plenty to make fun of elsewhere…5 years for a degree, running a school fundraiser like it is Delta house, the use of "camp signals" resembling gang hand signs and the rest.

Jumping on the furniture is ridiculous. We own that property.
Can't anybody act like a calm adult and still get the kids excited about something? Why do people have to act like this? No wonder manners and decorum have gone down the drain. What ever happened to being a role model?

What do you mean about the camp signals resembling gang hand signs? I am afraid I am not familiar with those.

The "Elephantine" comments are kinda tame in terms of what we normally see around FFXU. But yeah, I still agree on the "cut it out" remarks.

But what puts a pit in my stomach from these pictures is having a guy (of any size) being paid with child-generated funds
to traipse right through the middle of a classroom
and in the middle of learning/studying (notebooks are still open in the picture)
to energize the K-6 kids to raise more funds.

But hey, it's lucrative and the kids are happy, right??

---

"Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities."
"The anticipation of a successful fundraising event should not cloud the judgment of the PTA or be exploited by those outside the PTA who may have something to gain privately."
"And children should never be exploited or used as fundraisers."
National PTA - http://www.pta.org/mobile/OCArticle.cfm?ItemNumber=4192

" The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time"
" A PTA or PTSA is not a moneymaking or money-raising organization."
" Material aid to the school is not the function of a PTA or PTSA."
VA PTA - http://www.vapta.org/new-unit-document-package/doc_download/2345-section-04-financial-management.html (PDF)
Boost the Children   

Cut it out Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Jumping on the furniture is ridiculous. We own
> that property.
> Can't anybody act like a calm adult and still get
> the kids excited about something? Why do people
> have to act like this? No wonder manners and
> decorum have gone down the drain. What ever
> happened to being a role model?
>
> What do you mean about the camp signals resembling
> gang hand signs? I am afraid I am not familiar
> with those.


Check out an older Boosterthon program called Camp High Five. There was a hand gesture, they called them camp signals, associated with the different "lessons" that year. It turns out they resembled/were identical to gang signs, that caused a lot of problems.

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The "Elephantine" comments are kinda tame in terms
> of what we normally see around FFXU. But yeah, I
> still agree on the "cut it out" remarks.
>
> But what puts a pit in my stomach from these
> pictures is having a guy (of any size) being paid
> with child-generated funds
> to traipse right through the middle of a classroom
>
> and in the middle of learning/studying (notebooks
> are still open in the picture)
> to energize the K-6 kids to raise more funds.
>
> But hey, it's lucrative and the kids are happy,
> right??

What would happen if the table collapsed while that guy was on it? Sure, the Boosterthon contract protects Boosterthon from the PTA/PTO and maybe the school, but what about the parents? Can you imagine a class action against Boosterthon?

Just another reason to ban them from the county.

(I assume Apex has a similar arrangement)

It is one thing to post an analysis of a situation, facts, etc. It is even OK to criticize the school system about how they are not following their school system instructions. It is OK to be mad at the PTA or PTO president who refused to release a contract and name their name if that is what they did. Even criticizing the table jumper is OK.

It is a completely different thing to post pictures of somebody's employees and make fun of them because their weight doesn't meet your expectations. The owner of Boosterthon has every right to pursue action against whoever posted those pictures and said the things they did about them.

Who would pay for the broken desks? The people jumping on them? The PTA because they brought these people? The contract reads the parent groups don't have any control of the Booster employees. Who would go after Boosterthon for the money? Would the school system make the pta pay and then make them go after Boosterthon since the school system didn't hold the contract? What kind of an agreement did the school system have with the Parent groups hiring these people and bringing them in during the school day?
When you have a community use agreement you are responsible for damages. But, the community use instruction does not apply to events during the school day.
Grrrrrrrrr.

Oops this was Apex. Well, the owner of Apex has every right to pursue action against whoever made fun of their employees.

Oops this was Apex. Well, the owner of Apex has every right to pursue action against whoever made fun of their employees.

Re: Another Boosterhon Thread

Posted by: I would be happy to summarize ()

Date: February 26, 2015 07:04PM


NeverEnoughThreads Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So....
>
> Could someone PLEASE explain in a choherent, brief
> write-up what the problem is with Boosterthon?

The PTA's and PTO's have been signing contracts to have a fundraising company (Boosterthon or Booster) come into the classrooms and pump up the kids to get pledges for X number of laps that they run. The run is also during the school day.

The company keeps at least 48% of all the money collected plus a $2000 flat fee.
Some of the kids and parents get upset because they either can't get pledges or don't want to go begging for money. The kids who get a lot of pledges get cheap prizes as an incentive. Sometimes the prizes are given out in front of the kids who don't get anything, which is also upsetting. Small children sometimes just can't grasp this concept, even though this is technically optional. They feel like they are not a part of the school or letting their teacher down.
Some of the parents are upset about the 48+%.
Some of the parents think these tactics are high pressure and also have some privacy concerns with pictures, name release, etc.

The school system has a contract with Boosterthon, but it is NOT in effect as no purchase order has been issued. This is being done solely under a parent organization contract during the school day, which is supposed to be under the complete control of the school system. At least one parent group president has supposedly refused to show a copy of the contract to a parent. They are really mad. At least one parent group (Stenwood) has definitely refused to give the school system a copy of their contract, yet this is done during school hours with the permission of the school system, using staff.

School regulations say kids are not to be excused from classes for fundraisers. They also say any money generated using students is supposed to be run through school accounts, not parent group accounts. The school system says the parent groups are using the building and grounds during the school day under the community use regulations, but those regulations say that the school and grounds are only available to be used by these groups after school hours.

Somebody calculated out that instructional time costs the taxpayers $13.60 per child per hour. So, pulling 1,000 kids out of classes for two hours of pep talks and a run costs the taxpayers about $27,000 in completely wasted taxpayer funded instructional hours. It looks like this whole thing runs at a deficit.

Dr. Atwater wrote a really huffy letter to one parent saying the matter was being looked into but was closed as far as she was concerned. This letter was posted. It was indeed ridiculous.

We now have a copy of the White Oaks PTA contract, obtained from the school system via the public records act. It has been posted. Somehow the PTA has the magic to grant access to the school, use the staff, etc. during school hours. The PTA doesn't work for the school system. How do they do this?

The school system's fundraising regulation is being revised and the latest draft is currently under lock and key protected by the attorney-client work product exemption so we can't get a copy of it under the public records act. There is also a question of whether the contract signed by PTA that we can't get from the school system is public record or not. If it is, the school system seems to be in violation of FOIA. They are supposed to get a court order going on the Stenwood PTA if this contract is public record and they are not cooperating. If this run is during the school day, using students, using staff, with the permission of the principal, some people feel the contract should be public record.

The has been some frantic ridiculous talk about a daycare center with some violations, the Taliban, ISIS, Disney, and the possibility that Booster gave the school system a fake local address on the school system contract. Somebody is also wrapped around the axle about the strong Christian backgrounds of some of the Booster staff. These issues tend to get brought up a lot and totally mess up the discussion.

Oh, and supposedly the school system told somebody that school hours are not all instructional hours, so they can do this. Yet, when they calculate out the yearly total, they include all time during the school day except lunch and recess.

This is quite a drama.

I own the Dallas franchise of Apex Fun Run and the people in the top two photos are my employees that you're saying those horrible things about. How dare you. The person on the right works in an after school program for special needs children. It's a volunteer position that he's held for a few years. The person on the left has spent so much of his free time volunteering in various roles to give back to his community and help children. They are two of the most amazing people I have ever known...in my entire life. People come in all shapes and sizes. We teach kids that exercising can be fun and those two guys work extremely hard every single day. They spend time in PE class promoting exercise by actually doing activities with the kids that get them up and moving. We also teach a character program that I guarantee you both of those guys teach from the heart. You obviously need a lesson in good character to speak about people the way you did. You may not know them so it's easy for you to say that, but I do know them and I'm extremely saddened and angered by your words because you have no idea how absolutely amazing people they are. You only judged them by their looks. Shame on you. I hope to god that they don't find this message board. Your words would end up deeply hurting two people that commit countless hours of their free time to helping others. They make the world a better place. You make it disgraceful.

NeverEnoughThreads Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------
> So....
>
> Could someone PLEASE explain in a choherent,
> brief write-up what the problem is with Boosterthon?

http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1687747/page-2.html#msg-1798076

How dare you Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I own the Dallas franchise of Apex Fun Run ...

I think we already beat up that poster. So you're in good company.

But if you're still here, and in the context of...

> They make the world a better
> place. You make it disgraceful.

Can I mention that the Apex president took down discussions of Apex at topix.com and teachers.net? Granted, they were pretty critical, but deleting entire discussion threads isn't how Americans treat each other. He's *NOT* making the world a better place by appearing to stifling free speech - and this in turn surely reflects poorly on all you franchise owners.

But if you find out there's a legitimate reason for blowing that stuff away, I hope you'll share...?

How dare you Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I own the Dallas franchise of Apex Fun Run and the
> people in the top two photos are my employees that
> you're saying those horrible things about. How
> dare you. The person on the right works in an
> after school program for special needs children.
> It's a volunteer position that he's held for a few
> years. The person on the left has spent so much of
> his free time volunteering in various roles to
> give back to his community and help children. They
> are two of the most amazing people I have ever
> known...in my entire life. People come in all
> shapes and sizes. We teach kids that exercising
> can be fun and those two guys work extremely hard
> every single day. They spend time in PE class
> promoting exercise by actually doing activities
> with the kids that get them up and moving. We also
> teach a character program that I guarantee you
> both of those guys teach from the heart. You
> obviously need a lesson in good character to speak
> about people the way you did. You may not know
> them so it's easy for you to say that, but I do
> know them and I'm extremely saddened and angered
> by your words because you have no idea how
> absolutely amazing people they are. You only
> judged them by their looks. Shame on you. I hope
> to god that they don't find this message board.
> Your words would end up deeply hurting two people
> that commit countless hours of their free time to
> helping others. They make the world a better
> place. You make it disgraceful.



It wasn't me. I agree with you and "cut it out". Tasteless.

The franchise owner again - I'm a guy and I'm sitting in a parking lot in tears right now after reading what you wrote. You know what, I guarantee if you met either of them you would realize quickly that you just met an amazing human being that commits his life to serving others. Imagine if that was your brother, friend, employee etc who you know is an amazing person, and you just saw that online. That's how I feel right now.

I can't speak for Boosterthon, if they're good or bad because I don't have any experience with them. But I can tell you all that saying Apex is like Boosterthon is absolutely incorrect. Apex is not like Boosterthon. The general premise of pledges, fun run, character program is also what Boosterthon offers but that's where the similarities stop. I have served countless schools that used to use Boosterthon and they say the differences are like night and day. Mainly because of the people we have and their desire to build leaders, not push fundraising. My employees are there to provide a positive uplifting experience, and they do it because they have a desire to serve others, they are not there to push fundraising or pressure kids. Parents support the fundraiser because they like our people and what we have to offer. We live near the schools we serve, we volunteer in our communities and we see parents around town from the schools we serve.

My team served a school two weeks ago and during the character lesson in a kindergarten class, a kindergartner told my team leader (the gentleman on the left in the photo) that "my daddy died yesterday". My team leader was obviously taken aback by that. He said I'm so sorry. Then the child said "he had a heart attack at work yesterday and died". We train our team members to keep their composure in odd situations so again my team leader said oh my gosh I'm so sorry. Then the child said "me and my teacher wrote my mommy a letter this morning and I told my mommy to be brave", then the child said "can I have one of the Be Brave bracelets for my mommy so we can be brave together?" At this point my team leader started crying along with the teacher. The character lesson from the day before was about being brave in tough situations. Each day every student in the school gets a silicone bracelet with the character lesson printed on it, so the child had received the be brave bracelet the day before.

The principal at the school told me that afternoon that she was so thankful that my team was there for that child to hear that because they are from India and don't have any family support. I'm extremely humbled that we get the opportunity to possibly make a difference in someone's life every day.

Those are the situations that define why we do what we do at Apex. Because there's always students that either has issues at home, a death in the family, whatever the case may be and most of the time we never know who it is but that day we knew who it was that needed to hear the lesson that day.

Again, I can't speak for Boosterthon but with Apex the fundraising is done at home. We are there to make a difference in a child's life and that's what our passion is.

You are a guy crying in a parking lot right now?

I don't generally spend my time browsing the Internet for Apex comments so I'm not sure what message boards you're referring to. These photos and terrible words were pointed out to me by someone else. What I can maybe shed some light on in reference to your question...no matter what we do there are always going to be a few parents at each school that don't like us being there. 99% of the time it's because of a misunderstanding and they don't have all the details nor have even visited the school to see what the program is all about before they email or post a complaint. I can also say that when the PTA or myself invites them to the school to check out a class lesson and meet the team they usually change their tune when they really see what Apex is all about. Sometimes they don't respond and they just keep complaining. We try, but can't always please everyone.

This is all I have to say about the unkind words, complaints or anything else. I'm not one for posting on the Internet but felt compelled in this case as you can imagine. Apex is not Boosterthon. I hear that firsthand from many schools. Please stop grouping them in together as if they are the same.

How dare you Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We are there to
> make a difference in a child's life and that's
> what our passion is.


I wish I had explicit permission to publicly share what a person at the National PTA wrote to me. She explained that no matter the success, and while kids can participate in the fun run experience, it's the *parents* who should do the actual soliciting on BEHALF of the kids. To do otherwise, and to use the kids as a means of gaining incremental donations ($$ per lap) is "leveraging" our kids - which goes against National PTA standards.

I don't mind providing contact info of that National PTA person to anybody who Private-Messages me.

---

"Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities."
"The anticipation of a successful fundraising event should not cloud the judgment of the PTA or be exploited by those outside the PTA who may have something to gain privately."
"And children should never be exploited or used as fundraisers."
National PTA - http://www.pta.org/mobile/OCArticle.cfm?ItemNumber=4192

" The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time"
" A PTA or PTSA is not a moneymaking or money-raising organization."
" Material aid to the school is not the function of a PTA or PTSA."
VA PTA - http://www.vapta.org/new-unit-document-package/doc_download/2345-section-04-financial-management.html (PDF)
Boost the Children   

I hate begging for money. I also never let my kids do it. I figure if I/we can't afford it, we are just not going to do something. I don't even want to beg for a school or a school program. This is just not something our family does. All these kids live in the same neighborhoods, so hitting up the neighbors is redundant. I just think the whole idea is tacky.

What is the connection between this shady Boosterthon company and the overweight former athletes who work for some organization called "Apex"?

(In truth, while many former athletes continue to train and keep in shape after they retire from active competition, many others do not. There are plenty of Olympic medalists and Superbowl winners who look in worse shape than those pictured above. It is rather petty to criticize their physical appearance.)

Nevertheless, invoking emotional imagery of orphans, crying teachers, and men crying in parking lots comes off as just a cheap attempt to avoid the issues. Moreover, since the allegations already involve "using" children for financial gain, it is appalling to continue to use a child who lost her mother in order to deflect legitimate questioning. Why not just provide the pertinent financial details and copies of contracts?

The percentage of funds that go to the schools should be prominently disclosed to potential donors as well as participants in the scheme. Doing anything else is, at best, not setting an ethical example for the kids, and at worst it is using the unsuspecting children to commit fraud.

to Confused: while I sort of agree with some of the things you said, I disagree with your statement about emotional imagery being used as a cheap attempt to avoid issues. The poster was obviously hurt by what the other poster said about his employees and I totally understand that. It was downright nasty. I think he was just defending his employees, not deflecting from any issues.

I am delighted to report our Boosterthon will be an amazing success. We are very happy to work with them and it will be a terrific experience. Congratulation to the LT PTA and administration for making this event happen!!!

http://www.fcps.edu/LondonTowneES/doc/2015_boosterthon_letter.pdf

londontowneparent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am delighted to report our Boosterthon will be
> an amazing success. We are very happy to work
> with them and it will be a terrific experience.
> Congratulation to the LT PTA and administration
> for making this event happen!!!
>
> http://www.fcps.edu/LondonTowneES/doc/2015_booster
> thon_letter.pdf


I love the part about how administration is making this event happen when they probably don't have an active contract with Booster Enterprises. (?)

London Towne ES has about 900 students. Excuse me, the buzz word is "membership".

900 students X $13.60 per hour X 2 hours = about $25,000 of lost instructional time.

So, boys and girls, if the PTA writes a check to the taxpayers for $25,000, and then they have to pay $2,000 to Boosterthon plus 48% of what they collect, how much will the children have to generate in order to just break even on this? Quick, hurry, somebody do the math and post the answer.

About $52,000?

Girls rule!

You have an extremely twisted understanding of what constitutes a typical day for elementary school kids. You really think think every second of every day is nose to the grindstone old school instruction administered by a brutish teacher with a bull whip? There are dozens of alternative activities throughout the school year to enrich and diversify classroom experiences.

Sick Mind Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You have an extremely twisted understanding of
> what constitutes a typical day for elementary
> school kids. You really think think every second
> of every day is nose to the grindstone old school
> instruction administered by a brutish teacher with
> a bull whip? There are dozens of alternative
> activities throughout the school year to enrich
> and diversify classroom experiences.


And you're proposing letting the children of Fairfax be educated by religious zealots, college dropouts and fraternity presidents? Those are NOT among the dozens of alternative activities that are actually good for something.

Boostertoon is a cross between Animal House and a John Hagee revival.

I want my tax dollars used to educate the children, not used to raise funds. This sounds like they are going backwards on the money. Science field trips, concerts, book fair, etc. all have clear educational benefits. Whatever weak educational things there are with this are being used for the goal of making money. It is a very weak justification. Before long, they will be out of class more than in class because the adults will continue to use their eagerness in their quest for money.

Oh Please… Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sick Mind Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > You have an extremely twisted understanding of
> > what constitutes a typical day for elementary
> > school kids. You really think think every
> second
> > of every day is nose to the grindstone old
> school
> > instruction administered by a brutish teacher
> with
> > a bull whip? There are dozens of alternative
> > activities throughout the school year to enrich
> > and diversify classroom experiences.
>
>
> And you're proposing letting the children of
> Fairfax be educated by religious zealots, college
> dropouts and fraternity presidents? Those are NOT
> among the dozens of alternative activities that
> are actually good for something.
>
> Boostertoon is a cross between Animal House and a
> John Hagee revival.



You people are nuts. You have zero clue what a boosterthon event is like. You really think all these schools in Fairfax Co. would allow a "right wing religious event" to take place? These are liberal bureaucrats running these schools. We can't even sing 1 Chrustmas carol at Christmas. Not even 1. I laugh at your pathetic characterization of boosterthon.

If you don't set and enforce limits to what you can pull the children out of class for, the use of them for fundraising during the school day will spread like wildfire. Administrators will stop at nothing to fill their coffers. If it is money in the bank for them, they will twist things any way they can to support their greedy endeavors. I myself could care less about the religious background of Booster. Administrators go to church at the Bank of Easy Dollars.

tax payer999 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Whatever weak educational things there are with this are being
> used for the goal of making money.

...and, don't forget, taught by people from a for-profit organization and paid with monies generated by the children.

---

"Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities."
"The anticipation of a successful fundraising event should not cloud the judgment of the PTA or be exploited by those outside the PTA who may have something to gain privately."
"And children should never be exploited or used as fundraisers."
National PTA - http://www.pta.org/mobile/OCArticle.cfm?ItemNumber=4192

" The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time"
" A PTA or PTSA is not a moneymaking or money-raising organization."
" Material aid to the school is not the function of a PTA or PTSA."
VA PTA - http://www.vapta.org/new-unit-document-package/doc_download/2345-section-04-financial-management.html (PDF)
Boost the Children   

Chris Carneal does not hide his evangelical background or objectives.

Brett Trapp won't shut up about his fraternity activities.

A simple LinkedIn search also reveals that many Boosterthon people are college dropouts.

PTAs/PTOs don't care as long as the money and free trips to Atlanta roll in.

Men never commit evil so fully and joyfully as when they do it for religious convictions.

---------Blaise Pascal

Pride of Dixie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Chris Carneal does not hide his evangelical
> background or objectives.
>
> Brett Trapp won't shut up about his fraternity
> activities.
>
> A simple LinkedIn search also reveals that many
> Boosterthon people are college dropouts.
>
> PTAs/PTOs don't care as long as the money and free
> trips to Atlanta roll in.


With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion.

-------Steven Weinberg

Another update:
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read.php?2,1687747,1806814,page=2#msg-1806814

---

"Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities."
"The anticipation of a successful fundraising event should not cloud the judgment of the PTA or be exploited by those outside the PTA who may have something to gain privately."
"And children should never be exploited or used as fundraisers."
National PTA - http://www.pta.org/mobile/OCArticle.cfm?ItemNumber=4192

" The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time"
" A PTA or PTSA is not a moneymaking or money-raising organization."
" Material aid to the school is not the function of a PTA or PTSA."
VA PTA - http://www.vapta.org/new-unit-document-package/doc_download/2345-section-04-financial-management.html (PDF)
Boost the Children   

The answer you are probably going to get is that this doesn't have anything to do with the school system because it was under a PTA contract, so you have to take it up with the PTA.
This is why when students are used to fundraise it should be under a school contract.

UPDATE: Possible enforcement action resulting from kids' videos

Posted by: NewHorizon ()

Date: March 06, 2015 09:39AM


The FCPS Office of Safety and Security, upon being asked if YouTube videos of children soliciting for donations raises the same safety issues as children making "cold calls" as prohibited in the FCPS contract (*), asked that specific examples be sent to Contracts & Procurements for possible enforcement action. This information was so submitted.

No response from follow-up communication with Contracts & Procurements. (All these snow days may or may not have something to do with it - I don't know.)

Example of video of child soliciting donations: https://funrun.com/sponsor/a6e4b79384c682a557a87a8c8e2e1bed07682c6d

Booster Enterprises suggests that such videos be made: http://www.boosterthon.com/pledgesecrets/

(*) - para 1.10 at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cregister/DownloadPDF.aspx?AttachmentID=669a5263-61cd-486c-b312-fd5bbbf162bd


" Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities." -National PTA
http://www.ptakit.org/Fundraising/Fundraising-and-the-Purpose-of-PTA/Standards-for-PTA-Fundraising.aspx

I've placed several calls to Brenda Sheridan of the VA PTA and she does not respond. You would think they would be interested in enforcing their own standards.

Paging Brenda Sheridan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've placed several calls to Brenda Sheridan of
> the VA PTA and she does not respond. You would
> think they would be interested in enforcing their
> own standards.


No.

Paging Brenda Sheridan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've placed several calls to Brenda Sheridan of
> the VA PTA and she does not respond. You would
> think they would be interested in enforcing their
> own standards.

I'm not so sure VA PTA officers are full-time positions...? They have other jobs, maybe?

Anyway, State-level PTAs typically respond that school PTAs have discretion - a response that they probably feel isn't exactly urgent to pass along.

Makes you wonder why the National PTA and State PTA set standards in the first place, eh?

FWIW, at the state-level, the VA PTA also offers guidance to the school PTAs. Example: "The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time."
http://www.vapta.org/new-unit-document-package/doc_download/2345-section-04-financial-management.html (a PDF file) (section 4.18(5))

---

"Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities."
"The anticipation of a successful fundraising event should not cloud the judgment of the PTA or be exploited by those outside the PTA who may have something to gain privately."
"And children should never be exploited or used as fundraisers."
National PTA - http://www.pta.org/mobile/OCArticle.cfm?ItemNumber=4192

" The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time"
" A PTA or PTSA is not a moneymaking or money-raising organization."
" Material aid to the school is not the function of a PTA or PTSA."
VA PTA - http://www.vapta.org/new-unit-document-package/doc_download/2345-section-04-financial-management.html (PDF)
Boost the Children   

The upper level pta people could care less.

The taxpayers should care about the lost instructional time. So should the school board. That is inexcusable.

Apathy amok Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The upper level pta people could care less.
>
> The taxpayers should care about the lost
> instructional time. So should the school board.
> That is inexcusable.


Why is the cost of lost instructional time not factored in when they decide to cancel and interrupt classes for something like this? This looks significant.

Dr. Angela Atwater considers the matter closed. Shut up or she'll spank you with her Ed.D. diploma.

suck it up Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dr. Angela Atwater considers the matter closed.
> Shut up or she'll spank you with her Ed.D.
> diploma.


Did we (or another subset of taxpayers) subsidize the Ed.D.?

London Towne ES has about 900 students. Excuse me, the buzz word is "membership".

900 students X $13.60 per hour X 2 hours = about $25,000 of lost instructional time.

So, boys and girls, if the PTA writes a check to the taxpayers for $25,000, and then they have to pay $2,000 to Boosterthon plus 48% of what they collect, how much will the children have to generate in order to just break even on this? Quick, hurry, somebody do the math and post the answer!

Below are the requests. Above are the responses. These fun runs were set up on nothing but a handshake/phone call/verbal agreement. There was no written verification of PTA/PTO insurance covering these runs and no verified naming of FCPS as an additional insured. There was no verification of anything probably. The PTA and PTO just sign somebody up and bring them in to deal with the children and take over the entire school, the staff, the students, and the building and grounds during the school day. The liability is wide open here. So if/when they told you that the parent groups were operating under the community use regulation, they were probably just making it up to blow you off.

Your civic duty gopher,

Bobby


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++



From: "Reaves, Brandynn"
Date: March 10, 2015 at 3:47:01 PM EDT
To: -------------------
Subject: FOIA Response -


Dear Mr.----------

This serves as the response to your request for information, received February 27, 2015, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

There are no responsive records to your request for “Community Use applications for the Boosterthon runs at Stenwood and White Oaks Elementary Schools, documents related to third-party involvement with these events, proof of liability insurance coverage held by the parent organizations that was presented to the school system with the applications, particularly naming FCPS as an additional insured, any ADM-24 or ADM-24a and all attachments and related documents, any FS-133 or any other written agreement with the parent organization stipulating authorization to use the school facilities during the school day for a parent sponsored fundraising event, including dealing with the children and involving staff who are on duty under their county contracts.”

Both principals granted their school permission to conduct the Boosterthon runs verbally. The remaining requested documents do not exist because ADM-24s are for fee based classes, camps and clinics held after school and during non-school hours. Boosterthon runs occur during the school day and are sponsored by individual PTA organizations. PTA organizations must assume financial responsibility for their activities to include permits, licenses, and insurance coverage.



Sincerely,

Brandynn Reaves

FOIA Officer/ Public Information Specialist

Office of Communications & Community Relations

Fairfax County Public Schools

T +1 571-423-1200 | F +1 571-423-1207


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From:Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2015 6:07 PM
To: Reaves, Brandynn
Subject: Community use applications



Ms. Reaves: I have already asked to see contracts regarding two Boosterthon events at Stenwood Elementary and White Oaks Elementary. In the event that these are sponsored by a PTA or PTO, I would like to see the following-

The complete applications for community use including the name of the person who approved the application and the full name of the Organization Event Coordinator

All documents related to third-party involvement with these events
Any proof of liability insurance coverage held by the parent organizations that was presented to the school system with the applications, particularly naming FCPS as an additional insured.

Any ADM-24 or ADM-24a and all attachments and related documents.
Any FS-133
Any other written agreement with the parent organization stipulating authorization to use the school facilities during the school day for a parent sponsored fundraising event, including dealing with the children and involving staff who are on duty under their county contracts.

Email or disc is preferred. Please inform me of any search costs exceeding $100 Thanks!

Below are the requests. Above are the responses. These fun runs were set up on nothing but a handshake/phone call/verbal agreement. There was no written verification of PTA/PTO insurance covering these runs and no verified naming of FCPS as an additional insured. There was no verification of anything probably. The PTA and PTO just sign somebody up and bring them in to deal with the children and take over the entire school, the staff, the students, and the building and grounds during the school day. The liability is wide open here. So if/when they told you that the parent groups were operating under the community use regulation, they were probably just making it up to blow you off.

Your civic duty gopher,

Bobby


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++



From: "Reaves, Brandynn"
Date: March 10, 2015 at 3:47:01 PM EDT
To: -------------------
Subject: FOIA Response -


Dear Mr.----------

This serves as the response to your request for information, received February 27, 2015, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

There are no responsive records to your request for “Community Use applications for the Boosterthon runs at Stenwood and White Oaks Elementary Schools, documents related to third-party involvement with these events, proof of liability insurance coverage held by the parent organizations that was presented to the school system with the applications, particularly naming FCPS as an additional insured, any ADM-24 or ADM-24a and all attachments and related documents, any FS-133 or any other written agreement with the parent organization stipulating authorization to use the school facilities during the school day for a parent sponsored fundraising event, including dealing with the children and involving staff who are on duty under their county contracts.”

Both principals granted their school permission to conduct the Boosterthon runs verbally. The remaining requested documents do not exist because ADM-24s are for fee based classes, camps and clinics held after school and during non-school hours. Boosterthon runs occur during the school day and are sponsored by individual PTA organizations. PTA organizations must assume financial responsibility for their activities to include permits, licenses, and insurance coverage.



Sincerely,

Brandynn Reaves

FOIA Officer/ Public Information Specialist

Office of Communications & Community Relations

Fairfax County Public Schools

T +1 571-423-1200 | F +1 571-423-1207


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From:Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2015 6:07 PM
To: Reaves, Brandynn
Subject: Community use applications



Ms. Reaves: I have already asked to see contracts regarding two Boosterthon events at Stenwood Elementary and White Oaks Elementary. In the event that these are sponsored by a PTA or PTO, I would like to see the following-

The complete applications for community use including the name of the person who approved the application and the full name of the Organization Event Coordinator

All documents related to third-party involvement with these events
Any proof of liability insurance coverage held by the parent organizations that was presented to the school system with the applications, particularly naming FCPS as an additional insured.

Any ADM-24 or ADM-24a and all attachments and related documents.
Any FS-133
Any other written agreement with the parent organization stipulating authorization to use the school facilities during the school day for a parent sponsored fundraising event, including dealing with the children and involving staff who are on duty under their county contracts.

Email or disc is preferred. Please inform me of any search costs exceeding $100 Thanks!

Below are the requests. Above are the responses. These fun runs were set up on nothing but a handshake/phone call/verbal agreement. There was no written verification of PTA/PTO insurance covering these runs and no verified naming of FCPS as an additional insured. There was no verification of anything probably. The PTA and PTO just sign somebody up and bring them in to deal with the children and take over the entire school, the staff, the students, and the building and grounds during the school day. The liability is wide open here. So if/when they told you that the parent groups were operating under the community use regulation, they were probably just making it up to blow you off.

Your civic duty gopher,

Bobby


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++



From: "Reaves, Brandynn"
Date: March 10, 2015 at 3:47:01 PM EDT
To: -------------------
Subject: FOIA Response -


Dear Mr.----------

This serves as the response to your request for information, received February 27, 2015, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

There are no responsive records to your request for “Community Use applications for the Boosterthon runs at Stenwood and White Oaks Elementary Schools, documents related to third-party involvement with these events, proof of liability insurance coverage held by the parent organizations that was presented to the school system with the applications, particularly naming FCPS as an additional insured, any ADM-24 or ADM-24a and all attachments and related documents, any FS-133 or any other written agreement with the parent organization stipulating authorization to use the school facilities during the school day for a parent sponsored fundraising event, including dealing with the children and involving staff who are on duty under their county contracts.”

Both principals granted their school permission to conduct the Boosterthon runs verbally. The remaining requested documents do not exist because ADM-24s are for fee based classes, camps and clinics held after school and during non-school hours. Boosterthon runs occur during the school day and are sponsored by individual PTA organizations. PTA organizations must assume financial responsibility for their activities to include permits, licenses, and insurance coverage.



Sincerely,

Brandynn Reaves

FOIA Officer/ Public Information Specialist

Office of Communications & Community Relations

Fairfax County Public Schools

T +1 571-423-1200 | F +1 571-423-1207


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From:Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2015 6:07 PM
To: Reaves, Brandynn
Subject: Community use applications



Ms. Reaves: I have already asked to see contracts regarding two Boosterthon events at Stenwood Elementary and White Oaks Elementary. In the event that these are sponsored by a PTA or PTO, I would like to see the following-

The complete applications for community use including the name of the person who approved the application and the full name of the Organization Event Coordinator

All documents related to third-party involvement with these events
Any proof of liability insurance coverage held by the parent organizations that was presented to the school system with the applications, particularly naming FCPS as an additional insured.

Any ADM-24 or ADM-24a and all attachments and related documents.
Any FS-133
Any other written agreement with the parent organization stipulating authorization to use the school facilities during the school day for a parent sponsored fundraising event, including dealing with the children and involving staff who are on duty under their county contracts.

Email or disc is preferred. Please inform me of any search costs exceeding $100 Thanks!

I don't know why this posted three times. It was slow to post and I kept clicking and it came up three times.

Wait-so if something happens, depending on what that something is, who is liable? Boosterthon for doing what they were contracted to do by a group of parents, the school system for allowing all these people on grounds without a contract between the school system and Boosterthon, or the PTA? Mom would contact the school because it happened during the school day. The school would say we allowed this event to happen but we aren't going to assume any responsibility for this even though it happened during our school day and staff were supervising. Boosterthon might say you need to call the PTA because they have the contract. The PTA might say our insurance doesn't cover this because it happened during the school day and the principal allowed us on the grounds so it is between you and the school system. Our insurance does not cover the school system and does not cover this type of arrangement.

What exactly does that PTA insurance contract say? Does it exclude events held at the school during the school day?

Does the PTA coverage exclude an athletic or sports event?

....and then there are the exceptions to the exclusions.....

....and then there is the officer liability coverage, which is separate. Does it cover what is a loose, casual handshake agreement with a school principal in the event something happens?

Why is the school system trying to pass the liability for something going on during the school day to volunteers?

When the school board elections get moving, go to a town hall and put the candidates on the spot about this.

town hall Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> When the school board elections get moving, go to
> a town hall and put the candidates on the spot
> about this.


When are the tax payers going to be reimbursed for the lost instructional time is another biggie. They say they never have enough time to teach all they need to teach, then they take two or three hours away so the kids can sell stuff.

pay us back Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> town hall Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > When the school board elections get moving, go
> to
> > a town hall and put the candidates on the spot
> > about this.
>
>
> When are the tax payers going to be reimbursed for
> the lost instructional time is another biggie.
> They say they never have enough time to teach all
> they need to teach, then they take two or three
> hours away so the kids can sell stuff.

Boosterthon should not be allowed back until they have paid back the cost of instructional hours used for their useless character lessons.

good idea Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> pay us back Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > town hall Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > When the school board elections get moving,
> go
> > to
> > > a town hall and put the candidates on the
> spot
> > > about this.
> >
> >
> > When are the tax payers going to be reimbursed
> for
> > the lost instructional time is another biggie.
> > They say they never have enough time to teach
> all
> > they need to teach, then they take two or three
> > hours away so the kids can sell stuff.
>
> Boosterthon should not be allowed back until they
> have paid back the cost of instructional hours
> used for their useless character lessons.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$


Boosterthon doesn't need to pay anything. The PTA needs to pay us back. They are supposed to pay for any staff, custodians, etc. needed to do their things.

Boosterthon makes money off of its access to the schools and kids. They need to pay that back. If the PTA wants to pay too, that's fine but when it comes to Boosterthon we're easily talking hundreds of thousands of dollars, PTA does not have money like that.

PTA also needs to knock off going to Atlanta on Boosterthon's dime for so called focus groups.

disagree! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boosterthon makes money off of its access to the
> schools and kids. They need to pay that back. If
> the PTA wants to pay too, that's fine but when it
> comes to Boosterthon we're easily talking hundreds
> of thousands of dollars, PTA does not have money
> like that.
>
> PTA also needs to knock off going to Atlanta on
> Boosterthon's dime for so called focus groups.


Boosterthon doesn't have to pay anything back. The PTA and PTO promised them tons of money via a signed contract. They have to be paid. The parent groups need to pay the taxpayers back for the instructional hours they used for "their" activity. Either that or the principals can have it taken out of their paychecks. They were the ones who agreed to squander it. They totally control those hours. Nothing can be done with those w/o their consent. And they gave consent. Verbal, but binding. They let them all in their front door. That is all that is required to hold them responsible.

UPDATE...
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read.php?2,1687747,1815930,page=2#msg-1815930

---

"Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities."
"The anticipation of a successful fundraising event should not cloud the judgment of the PTA or be exploited by those outside the PTA who may have something to gain privately."
"And children should never be exploited or used as fundraisers."
National PTA - http://www.pta.org/mobile/OCArticle.cfm?ItemNumber=4192

" The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time"
" A PTA or PTSA is not a moneymaking or money-raising organization."
" Material aid to the school is not the function of a PTA or PTSA."
VA PTA - http://www.vapta.org/new-unit-document-package/doc_download/2345-section-04-financial-management.html (PDF)
Boost the Children   

"White Oaks Elementary PTA Fundraising Survey"

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/?sm=vYQOka6cJx4H84FCPW0ufw%3d%3d

This might be an old web page - I don't know.
It seems like it works. And apparently, anybody can participate.

---

"Children should not be the primary means of soliciting within fundraising activities."
"The anticipation of a successful fundraising event should not cloud the judgment of the PTA or be exploited by those outside the PTA who may have something to gain privately."
"And children should never be exploited or used as fundraisers."
National PTA - http://www.pta.org/mobile/OCArticle.cfm?ItemNumber=4192

" The regular school day schedule should not be disrupted, nor should the children be expected to give up their free time"
" A PTA or PTSA is not a moneymaking or money-raising organization."
" Material aid to the school is not the function of a PTA or PTSA."
VA PTA - http://www.vapta.org/new-unit-document-package/doc_download/2345-section-04-financial-management.html (PDF)
Boost the Children   

New Horizon, you are just full of surprises.

Since the matter is "closed" what difference could this survey make?

Dr. Atwater just wants the issue to be closed. It is wide open and is a total mess.

http://www.fcps.edu/fs/comptroller/riskmanagement/certifiedvendors.shtml

Do you see Boosterthon here?

Somebody remind me which reg talks about purchase orders activating contracts?

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Somebody remind me which reg talks about purchase
> orders activating contracts?


It was in the FCPS-Booster contract and agreement.

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/legacy-content/867SEE2A7979/$FILE/P5011.pdf

Only certain people can contract and obligate funds.

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/9M8KY453A6E8/$file/N5011%202014-15.pdf

....and the school principals are designees to contract and obligate school activity funds.

The questions remains, why was the Central contract not used?

Drs. Atwater and Zuluaga may have spoken too soon. This matter is far from being closed. As the investigations continue, could they be held accountable? It is also not inconceivable that even Dr. Karen Garza could find herself back on the employment marketplace as a result of all this.

It is just a little surprising that Brett "Spin" Trapp has not come to Fairfax to do some damage control.

What happened with Dr. Zuluaga? We saw the letter from Dr. Atwater. Fill us in.

I called his office. They would not put him on the phone.

I emailed, he said he wanted to talk on the phone.

I called his office. They would not put him on the phone.

I complained to Garza about him. No response.

I hope all of them look good in red and tan, it seems like Target is in their future!

They have some splainin' to do. Major stuff.

Contracts.
Procurement issues.
Liability.
State educational laws.
School regulations violated.
Instructional hours wasted.
Greed vs common sense
Misuse of PTA-PTO's (if Mr.McCrae can run this through the school, so can everybody else-they are required to).
Fundraising regulation ignored.
Manipulation of children in order to make money.
Utter failure to assume responsibility for their management of these situations.

This matter ain't closed at all.

Zuluaga Newsletter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I called his office. They would not put him on the
> phone.
>
> I emailed, he said he wanted to talk on the
> phone.
>
> I called his office. They would not put him on the
> phone.
>
> I complained to Garza about him. No response.
>
> I hope all of them look good in red and tan, it
> seems like Target is in their future!



He said he wanted to talk to you on the phone! That is good. Very good. When you called to talk to him he might not have been available. Try setting up a specific time for a phone call that works for the both of you. I think it is too early to complain. Work with him on this. Give him a chance. Be calm, be specific. He deals with thousands of students and parents.

When you call, tell the admin assistant that HE said HE wanted to talk with YOU on the phone, and can we work out a time that is good for him that will work with my schedule. Send them a copy of his email telling you that if they don't believe you.

You might be pleasantly surprised. Things might not go as you want with the conversation, but I have a feeling you will get a phone call.

I too, tried getting Zuluaga on this matter. I was told his schedule is too full for him to be expected to get to people. I told them I got an email from him, she said, well, go over the issue with me.

Doesn't work that way, boys and girls.

I'm voting against my incumbent school board member, against the current at large school board members, against my board of supervisors member and against Chairwoman Bulova.

Then, I hope, Zuluaga, Garza, and the rest will be sent packing. Let them see what work is like in the real world. They'd last about a day at Target.

That is too bad. They are avoiding you. Agreed.

Atwater's letter shows the consequences of putting stuff in writing. Everyone now sees her for the idiot she is. Zuluaga is a little smarter, he won't commit to anything in writing and he's conveniently never available on the phone. Someone might tape the call and play it for the Board of Supervisors.

This being an election year, the supervisors have to act. The voting margins are thin as it is, any one of them could find themselves out of office over this issue or many others!

You can't legally record a phone call without first telling the person that you are recording it.