Why do we need an auction and what does it support?

Although the purpose of the auction remains the same each year – to raise funds for programs that benefit all grade levels and children in the school – the distribution of funds changes to meet the evolving needs of the school.

ABC funds support a wide range of enrichment programs and enhanced support for Bear Creek students:

Science Specialist : With the increased student population at Bear Creek, our science model has shifted to a mobile program for grades K-4. Our 5th and 6th grade teachers have indicated they want to teach science to provide additional opportunities for integration.  This year Brooke Kasner, our Science Consultant, will provide direct instruction for our K-4 students and will consult with the 5th and 6th grade teachers.

Classroom Support :  School assistant support to enhance and accelerate student learning.  In addition, small group support of academic skills and strategies for early intervention for the struggling learners is provided. Classrooms with higher number of students receive the bulk of this support.

Recess :  ABC support allows Bear Creek to structure recesses into three sections. Students attend recess within grade alike groupings of K-2, 3-4 and 5-6.  This alike age grouping at recess has had a very positive effect on behaviors and safe play.  Students return to learning with fewer issues that follow them from the playground.  This structure keeps numbers down which allows for better supervision.

Nurse and Office :  Additional support that supplements the reduction in school nurse hours is provided.  This increases the office’s ability to promptly help the ill or injured student. Additional help enables the office to be more responsive to the needs of parents or guests that contact our school.

Families Programs and Student Mediators :  Supports training and materials for 5th and 6th grade student leaders who develop community activities and teach primary students conflict mediation skills. Both programs are very popular among students.

Fund-A-Need :  Our Fund-A-Need efforts to strengthen student learning support through additional school assistant time is being implemanted through an extended day Response to Intervention model. In addition to ABC funds, our school has qualified for a few thousand dollars of the state’s Learning Assistance Program (LAP) funding to provide certificated teacher support for this program. This targeted approach to support student learning is enabling us to maximize the benefits of our ABC investment.

2012 – This year’s allocation is for $45,000.  The distribution of funds was based on a survey of parents and teachers last spring.  The distribution of funds will be as follows:

41% Science Specialist

21% Classroom Support

19% Fund-A-Need Reader Board

10% Recess

7% Nurse & Office

2% Student Mediators

2011 - This year’s allocation was for $42,000.

42% Science Specialist

16% Nurse & Office

16% Classroom Support

14% Response to Intervention

10 % Recess

2% Student Mediators

2009 - This year the teachers have identified the ABC Fund-A-Need request to be directed at improving our gym and stage sound system.  Over the next few months you will receive more information about the Sound System Fund-A-Need.  An investment in this area will benefit students for many years to come at Bear Creek.

2008 – Sustain the science program, support school
assistants, sustain leveled library (more books), author visits,
thematic picture books, extended computer lab opportunities,
options of game room and computer lab for recess,
counseling, academic intervention support, coaching, and
assessment support.