August 12, 2014

Dear Point Dume Marine Science School Families,

On behalf of the Point Dume Marine Science School PTA, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning families, as well as to our new Principal, Mr. Mark Demick.

It is with great enthusiasm that I invite you to get ready for an exciting and successful school year. I feel an immense amount of gratitude for being a part of the PDMSS community. Our PDMSS children have the unique gift of attending a school surrounded by coastline, tidepools and wetlands. Throughout their elementary years at Point Dume, our children will have the amazing opportunity to physically explore this land and conduct laboratory experiments in their very own Marine Science Lab - living out this school's original vision of being a true institute of marine study. With PTA funding, PDMSS studies will be enriched with the organic gardening program, cultural and artistic assemblies, enriching field trips, as well as wonderful events like our author visits, Fall Family Festival, Book Fair and so much more.

For the very first time in its history, PDMSS PTA is now partnering with the City of Malibu and the Boys and Girls Club to provide afterschool programing such as Spanish, Chess, Cartooning, Science, Music and Photography just to name a few. It is simply no surprise that the California State Board of Education awarded PDMSS with the California Distinguished School designation in May 2014; an honor given to only five percent of exemplary and inspiring California public schools. PDMSS will not rest on its laurels, but continue on its path to being a world class center of learning.

The generous contributions from our parents and community, strong volunteer efforts of our parents and the dedication of our teaching staff ensures a dynamic, top quality education for your child at PDMSS. The funding we receive from the state only covers a small portion of PDMSS' programing. We ask that you make a voluntary 100% tax-deductible donation of $2,000 per child for this academic year. For those families who can give more, we ask that you consider a more substantial tax deductible contribution. Any amount you can give comfortably to our Direct Investment Campaign is gratefully accepted and appreciated. Every family's involvement is necessary for us to achieve our fundraising goal and for insuring that our teachers have the tools and technology needed to successfully implement all academic and enrichment programs. Since programs are funded at the beginning of the year, please make your donation now with the enclosed Direct Investment Form.

Although the structure of PTA fundraising in the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District is different this year; all money you give to PDMSS PTA will be used solely at PDMSS for your children at PDMSS. In the past, our PTA funded support staffing needs such as teacher's aides; art, computer & music instruction and physical education. This year the SMMUSD's Education Foundation (SMMEF) will be funding those positions through the Vision for Student Success (VSS) program. We encourage you to support VSS in order to ensure a well-rounded educational experience at PDMSS. SMMEF will be providing families with information about VSS.

Please fill out the Volunteer Request From enclosed with this letter. Your involvement is how our PTA stays strong and how our children achieve success. You can truly make a difference! Whether you can help run a committee, become a class parent, or just simply join the PTA, no effort is too small.

Please visit the PDMSS school website www.pointdume.smmusd.org and complete all registration forms before the first day of school. On August 19th, the PTA will be hosting a Welcome Back Coffee & First Day Registration Fair at 8:20am. After you help your child get settled into their first day, please visit the Fair at the picnic tables near the black top where you will turn in your registration forms and learn more about this exciting year.

Mark your calendar now for our school-wide welcome back party on August 29, 2014 at 5:00pm and Back to School night on September 3, 2014 at 5:15pm. We cannot wait to start off this new school year with a bang.

Sincerely,