Castlebay Lane Elementary School: About PATH

ABOUT PATH

PATH, Parents and Teachers Helping, is the organization that provides fundraising and volunteer support to Castlebay Lane Elementary school. We have chosen PATH, rather than a traditional PTA (Parent Teacher Association) because then all the money raised by PATH goes to the school.

Why is fundraising necessary?
Aren't my tax dollars paying for this school? Yes, your tax dollars are paying for the teachers and facilities. But many schools with a large disadvantaged student population qualify for Federal Title I money to provide students with enriching experiences that they might not otherwise receive. Our school does not qualify, and is therefore at a disadvantage. So, it is up to us to raise the additional funds to be able to offer our children the same quality of eduction.

PATH uses many different fundraising approaches, including: Family Fun Day, Casino Night and Golf Tournament events, scrip, the book fair, entertainment books, plastic bag and ink cartridge recycling, children's art greeting cards, the magazine drive, yearbooks, and spirit wear. But our most important fundraiser is JUST THINK, a straight donation drive where PATH asks that each Castlebay family give $500 or participate to whatever extent is possible. For details on how you can participate, please see our fundraising page.

Money raised by PATH goes to academic programs and services to support the whole school. Individual teachers also participate in separate fundraising activities to collect money for classroom books, supplies and student prizes. They may request your assistance with Scholastic book orders, snacks for supplies, and providing supplies directly.

What does the money get used for?
PATH funds currently support the following programs:

A state-of-the-art Computer Lab
A full-time Computer lab instructor
A Physical Education Program for K-5
Music Instruction for K-5 half the year
Art Instruction for K-5 half the year
Full-Time Librarian
1 Teacher Assistant
Work Room Manager

Comparative Chart on PATH Programs

Classes/ Services	Private Schools	Castlebay: LAUSD Budget	Castlebay 2005-06: Plus PATH	Castlebay 2006-07: Goal
Certified PE Program	Twice/week	None	Once/week	Twice/week
Art	Once/week (all year)	None	Twice/month (1/2 year)	Once/week (all year)
Music	Once/week (all year)	Once/wk (1/2 year; 3^rd-5^th grade only)	Once/week (1/2 year, all grades)	Once/week (all year, all grades)
Computer Class	Twice/week	None	Once/week	Once/week
Librarian	Full-Time	Part-Time	Full-Time	Full-Time
Nurse	Full-Time	6hours/week	6 hours/week	15 hours/week

How much money is needed?
PATH seeks to raise the $150,000 not supplied by Title I funds, in order to support the programs listed above.

What about volunteers?
Castlebay not only needs your financial support, but your volunteer time. We need volunteers to help with events and other support functions. See the committees page for opportunities to serve. You can also help out in your child's class room or serve as room mom.