|
...because an excellent education isn't free
Excellence Fund |
The Burlingame High School
Excellence Fund
The Burlingame High School Excellence Fund was established in 1982, when public school funding began to
decline and parents were asked to make a monetary contribution to supplement the school budget. The
Excellence Fund is now a recognized tradition at BHS and enables funding of critical programs that directly
benefit and provide opportunities for our students, teachers and parents. Here is a list of the programs you
directly support and two new programs we plan to implement this year with your donation to the Excellence
Fund:
Student programs
Language Lab: We are providing funding for a state of the art digital language lab to serve students learning
Spanish and Italian at BHS as well as our English Learner students. Once fully funded, this lab will provide
multiple modes for students to listen, read, and speak the target language. Students can speak to each
other through headsets, for conversation groups, and have live conversations with students in other countries.
Teachers are able to monitor these students and provide feedback and guidance. The lab also provides
an optimum setting for administration of AP tests.
Tutoring: Enhancements to our tutoring program this year could include evening and weekend sessions,
extended library hours, and expanded AP and SAT preparation. Tutoring could be provided by school staff,
peer tutors, or outside tutors. An AP “Boot Camp” could prepare students new to AP classes with important
information and skills to enhance success.
Technology Upgrades: Upgrades include completion of the journalism lab to provide students with the
technology needed to produce both online and print editions of the school paper. We will be replacing dated
computers in the computer lab and science classrooms, as well as additional calculators in the math department.
College and Career Counseling Center: A resource center run by Lori Friel, and funded by the Parents to
provide the following information for all students, parents and staff:
This past year we added Naviance, an online comprehensive college and career-planning program to track
results for schools, students, and administrators.
• College Exam Information and Registration Forms (PSAT, SAT, ACT, TOEFL)
• Test Prep Study Guides
• College Catalogs, Applications, Reference Materials and CD/Videos
• College Representative Visits and Career Guest Speakers
• Financial Aid Forms and Scholarship Information
• Student Computers to Research Careers, College Majors, and Scholarships
• Part-time Job Postings
• Work Permits
People Action Work Service (PAWS): Sue Glick runs this student community service program. It is funded to
improve the quality of education by providing youth service opportunities. PAWS’ Vision is that civic responsibility
is a value for students to internalize through a program of community service learning that assists
them in not only demonstrating civic responsibility, but also critically reflecting on their experience. BHS is
proud to be one of 20 lead schools to be part of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service Program. BHS works
with local media partners as an influential proponent of public service, as well as an avenue through which
members of the BHS community are themselves recognized for public service and presented with the Jefferson
Awards.
EX.P.L.O.R.E - Exploring Pathways Learning Opportunities Real Experiences. Beth Pascal runs EXPLORE
which is designed to provide students with opportunities for examining real life experiences in the workplace.
The program is intended to serve all BHS students who are contemplating careers in the areas of;
Health and Human Services, Business, Marketing and Retail, Industrial Technology, Engineering and Arts and
Communication. Internships, mentors and job shadowing will be arranged according to the interest of the
student. The Burlingame Rotary, Burlingame Chamber of Commerce and the Burlingame Lions will be providing
these opportunities. Additionally, surrounding Burlingame and San Mateo Elementary schools will be
participating and providing opportunities for students who are interested in a career in general education
and special education.
Parent Programs
Schoolloop is an online application for students to view their grades and assignments, online and communicate
with teachers. It allows staff to upload a student’s grades onto the internet for immediate viewing.
Email Communications from School are achieved through NewsAlerts, and monthly newsletters from the
principal, staff and parent group through the Highlights Monthly Newsletter. The school directory is produced
and printed for all parents and distributed as our Buzzbook.
Teacher Programs
Clearly everything listed above helps our teachers, but we also fund Teacher stipends every year providing
each teacher with $300 to buy necessary classroom supplies that are not funded by the district. Teacher
Wish Lists are presented twice a year and we fund programs that teachers want to implement in their
classes and departments to help students learn in a more engaging format. Technology has been the largest
funded area. We have purchased computers for the computer lab, science department, math department
and language department.
Thanks to the support of our families, these fundraising efforts positively impact every department at BHS
and enrich the learning environment for your student.
Please help us reach our 2012-2013 goal of $300,000 and make your donation to the Excellence Fund now.
The suggested Fair Share donation is $500 per student. Every dollar donated helps get us a step closer to our
goal. We encourage all families to make a donation at a level comfortable for your budget.
Your help is needed to continue this excellence. Donations can be made by check, credit card, online and by
company matching funds.
We are fortunate to have an outstanding local public school for our children. By supporting the BHS Parent
Group Excellence Fund, you are making a difference in the lives of our children, and our community. Thank
you in advance for your support.
Donations can be made by check, credit card, online and by company matching funds.
Please use one of the forms below.
- Click to complete the Credit Card Via Paypal Online Donor Form *
- Click to print form (PDF) for Mail-in Checks and Credit Card Charge*
*Please note that we pay a small percentage in fees for your credit card donations.
We are fortunate to have an outstanding local public school for our children. By supporting the BHS Parent Group Excellence Fund, you are making a difference in the lives of our children, and our community. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Linda Spira and Sharon Paratte
Co-Chairs Excellence Fund
