Hayes School PTO Fundraising

Your school PTO depends on funding from you — our families — to run school community events, student enrichment programs, and to support classrooms. The PTO invests $150-$200 per student, each year, to ensure that all students have an excellent learning experience at Hayes School. Thank you for your gift!

All gifts are fully tax-deductible.

How does the PTO raise money?

The majority of funds are raised through the Hawk Fund (our biggest fundraiser and the only one without any overhead). On average, 45-50% of families contribute during the Hawk Fund. Our goal is 100% participation. The annual Hawk Fund generally begins on the first Tuesday in December (Giving Tuesday) and concludes at the end of February.

The PTO generally organizes a few volunteer-led special events that can include some fundraising aspects, such as book fairs, International Night, Skate Night, and Mayfair. Hayes community members can raise additional money for the PTO and the school by submitting their grocery receipts with Box Tops for Education products.

How are Hayes PTO fundraising dollars granted to the school community?

Each item, activity, upgrade, program, and committee supported by the PTO is formally requested through a grant process. There are two grant cycles: one in the fall and one in the spring.

Anyone in the Hayes school community is eligible to apply for a grant. The PTO receives applications from students, parents, teachers, specialists, and more. Grant applications are reviewed by a volunteer PTO leadership panel who must decide which will receive funding. The panel aims to support a broad range of initiatives and enrich the student experience at Hayes. The PTO funds as many grants as the PTO annual fundraising can afford.

Your Donations At Work!

Programs Made Possible by the Hawk Fund

Many of your children’s favorite programs, activities, events, and supplies, are fully or partially funded by the Hawk Fund. Thank you for Helping Hayes Soar!

The Hawk Fund provides funding for:

• Classroom Technology: iPads and Accessories, 3D Printer, Scientific Instruments, and More
• Classroom Supplies ($200 Gift Cards Per Teacher)
• Community Gathering Events: Back to School BBQ, Celebration of Books, Family Dances, Gallery Night, Family Skate, International Night
• New Books, Poetry Workshops, Library Programs, Literacy Materials, & Author Visits
• Makerspace/STEAM Lab Supplies
• Zones of Regulation Supplies, Flexible Seating, & Executive Functioning Support
• Sports & Recess Enhancements and Equipment: Gaga Pit, Gym Scoreboard, Playground Supply Recess Bin
• Subsidized Funds for Students in Need
• Educator Stipends & Grants to Travel and Attend Conferences
• Special Committees: Including the Diversity Committee, the Social Action Committee, & the Go Green Environmental Education Committee
• Student Involvement in Local Charities
• Programs Such As CAP & Mindfulness
• La Chispa/The Spark Literary Magazine Featuring Hayes Student Work
• Hayes School Directory Online
• METCO Program Connections
• Classroom Technology Subscriptions: Brain POP, Razz Kids, & Reflex Math
• Field Trip Cost Subsidies & Bus Transports
• Washer & Dryer for School Use
• Performing Artists and Cultural Visits
• Science Day and Science Fair
• Community Garden
• The Middle School Model UN Club
• Eighth Grade Yearbook & Graduation
• Monthly First Friday Coffees with the Principal and Administration (Please join us at 8:05 am in the Cafeteria)
• ... and more!

What else would you like to see at Hayes? The PTO encourages you to submit a grant application!