Thursday, September 19th, 2019

Grades K-1 run 1:30 pm - 1:50 pm 
Grades 2-3 run 1:55 pm - 2:15 pm 
Grades 4-5 run 2:20 pm - 2:40 pm 

  

 
 

 

What is a 'Dolphin Dash'?

The dolphin is the school mascot, of course.  And, the Dolphin Dash is the largest fundraiser of the year.  It's a pledge driven fundraising event where students collect donations, in the form of pledges (promises) tied to their participation in a fun-run at school that we call the Dolphin Dash.  

 

What's the donation goal?
The target this year is $125 per student or $200/family to meet the budgetary goals of all the events and programs planned for this year.
 
  
What's "New" this year?  
The Dolphin Dash is still our largest fundraiser. This year, we are running in colors and we're going GREEN! What does this mean? Read on... 
  •  Each Grade Category has an option to wear the following color shirts during the run:
    •  K-1 - White 
    • 2-3 -  Blue
    • 4-5 - Green 
    • No shirt with that color? No problem! This is optional and for fun only. You can also wear your spirit wear if you want! 
  • We are going environmentally friendly! We’ve eliminated the rubber bracelets to help keep track of the number of laps ran by students and instead using cards.

 

What is the Dolphin Dash schedule this year?
The dash is in the afternoon of September 19th this year, and divided into 3 parts, as follows:
  • Grades K-1 run 1:30 pm - 1:50 pm 
  • Grades 2-3 run 1:55 pm - 2:15 pm 
  • Grades 4-5 run 2:20 pm - 2:40 pm 
Where is the event?
Students run laps around the sand field on the playground at school.
 
Can I attend?
OF COURSE!  Parents and extended family members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please come and cheer for our students.  As always, just be sure to check in at the front office before venturing out onto school property.  Are you interested in volunteering for this event?
[Sign up here])
 
What happens during the event?
Students run laps around the sand field as much as they want or as little as they can! They will also receive a card to help keep track of how many laps they run. There will be music and lots of cheering! 
 
I've heard there will be PRIZES...?
Yes, there are several categories of prizes:
  • EVERY student that participates in the dash is entered in a Raffle Draw to win amazing prizes! 
  • Classes that collect the most donations will get one of three Ice Cream Truck parties (One class from each group: K/1, 2/3, 4/5).
  • The students who collect the most donations in each Grade get to have lunch with Ms. Warner, the Principal! 
  • The students who collect the 2nd most donations in each Grade get to have a froyo time with Mrs. Westra, our assistant Principal! 

How to the pledges work?
Pledges can be for a set dollar amount ('flat donation'), or tied to how many laps the student runs.  For example, if a donor pledges $12 per lap, and the student completes ten laps, the student would collect $120 from the donor sometime after the event.  Per lap donations incentivize the students to run as many laps as they can at the event.  A 'flat donation' is a set dollar amount the donor chooses to give no matter how many laps the student runs.  Pledges can be recorded on the 'Pledge Form' sent home with students.
 

What is "corporate matching"?
Many employers will match some or all of your charitable donations, up to a set amount.  These include Microsoft, Boeing, Google, Expedia, Intel, Costco, T-Mobile, and others.  We've collected some information on corporate matching for you [here], but you should check with your employer to see what they offer.  Some will even donate money for every hour you spend volunteering (for example, Microsoft donates $25 for each hour their employees volunteer! ).
 
What if I lost my pledge form?
You can download and print a new one [here]. 
 
Can donations be made online, instead of having to bring in a check?
Yes.  In fact, that's the preferred method to donate, since it makes the calculations much easier after the event.  PTSA members and parents donate online [here].  Non-Members (like grandparents, friends, etc.) can donate as a guest, [here].  Just be sure you identify which student you are donating for during the payment process so they receive credit towards prizes.
 
If I pledge online, do I still need to turn in the pledge form?
Yes, please please fill it out and turn it in to assist with our record keeping.
 
When are pledges due?
We prefer to have pledges in as soon as possible.  However, all pledges must be turned in to your teacher by Monday Sept. 23rd, so there's time to tally results before the Dolphin Dance event on the 27th.
 
Where does the pledge money go?
And, why is this all "so important"?  Well, the money you give helps support a slew of school programs that just wouldn't be possible without your contribution of time and financial resources.  Unlike many charities, everything we do is managed by volunteers, and we have almost zero overhead, so the money is used directly in support of the programs.  Here are some of the things our donations help pay for:
  • Surface Pros
  • International Night
  • Explore Art Program
  • Student Directory
  • Nature Vision (science)
  • Special Needs Students
  • Scholarships
  • Emergency supplies
  • Field trips
  • Equipment for the school
  • Health Screening
  • Parent Education events
  • STEM (Science Tech Engineering & Math) Night
  • And much more!...
 
How can I help?
We need volunteers to help mark lap cards, serve water, first aid, setup, cleanup, Dolphin mascot, etc...  If you're going to attend to cheer on your child, why not pitch in?
[Sign up here to help at Dolphin Dash 9/19].  We also need volunteers to help celebrate at the Bash on Friday September 27th, for that event, [Sign up here to help at the Dolphin Bash 9/27]
 
Any other questions?
Send them to: fundraising@smithptsa.org
 

 

If you require any Special Accommodations to attend this event please contact: president@smithptsa.org