The Cougar Ridge Elementary PTSA is a non-profit, tax exempt organization under section 501 (C )(3). Our mission is to help make every Cougar Ridge student’s potential become reality through opportunities that support and enrich our children, school, and community.
Only a small portion of the PTSA's income comes from membership dues, and these funds are used primarily for administrative expenses (insurance, bookkeeping, taxes, etc.). To provide school enrichment opportunities and support our students when programs are not provided with public funding, we need to raise money. To raise funds, the PTSA conducts a primary fundraising event and provides additional fundraising opportunities throughout the year.
Where Do the Funds Go?
During the 2022-23 school year, the Cougar Ridge Elementary PTSA funded $79,119 for enrichment, staff and classroom support, community events, programs, scholarship, and services to benefit our students and staff. Without PTSA financial support, our school would look and feel very different.
Enrichment- Classroom technology, Chess Club*, Robotics Club, Math Challenge, Spelling Bee, Art Docent*, and Gift-a-Book*. All School Grants pay for things like "Character Strong" a Purposeful People Program (to support social emotional learning). Playground activities (gaga ball pit), supplies and beautification. Grade Level Grants allow our teachers to supplement grade level curriculum needs
Staff Support- Reimbursement for classroom supplies that teachers and staff pay for out of pocket. Welcome Back Fall Luncheon for teachers and staff. Recognition of our staff during Staff Appreciation Week*. Monthly Staff Luncheons*
Community Events- Back to School Social (Meet the Teacher), Kindergarten Night and Playdates, Spooky Spaghetti*, Family BINGO*, Lunar New Year Celebration, Heritage Festival, Book Fair*, End of Year Carnival*, 5th Grade Promotion and Picnic, Art Reflections and Art Fair, Science Fair, Field Day and Safety Patrol
Outreach- Student scholarships, New Family Connections, Angel Program*, Holiday Gift Program, Green Team, Emergency Supplies
Advocacy- Donation to Issaquah Schools Foundation, Parent Volunteer Awards and Recognition, Legislative Assembly Attendance.
Administration- PTSA administrative expenses: Insurance, Taxes, Website, Supplies, PayPal and Bank Fees, PTSA Council Fees, Student Directory
Other- CR PTSA 30th Anniversary gift to school (Bobcat statue)
*Events and programs receive contributions and donations
What Happens When Donations Drop?
When financial support drops, our annual operating budget decreases and we can't offer the same level of enrichment as the previous year. This means, sometimes kids miss out on some fun opportunities they only get a chance to do when they are in that grade level. Give a little, get a lot! That's why 100% family participation - at any contribution level - during our fundraiser is critical.
