The funds raised in Fall 2023 were applied this academic year. We spent approximately $500 per student, with funds going towards:

  • Full and part-time staff to support academic success and emotional well-being, including a literacy intervention coordinator, psychiatric social worker, and school psychologist;
  • Vital instructional and supervision aides to support faculty and students throughout the school day;
  • Visual and performing arts programs like UniverSoul, our new in-school hip-hop dance program

 

Note that while specific allocations may change for the next academic year (2025/26), every dollar you donate will benefit your student, their friends, and their classroom. 

 

There are two ways to support our pack:

 

  or  

 

Where the Money Goes: FAQ

What is an intervention COORDINATOR?

This specialized teacher plays a crucial role in supporting students who face challenges with foundational reading skills. They offer targeted, intensive instructional interventions designed to help struggling readers make significant progress. Through daily small group instruction, they complement classroom literacy efforts, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention.

 

Meet our full-time Intervention coordinator, Mrs. Barnes:

 

What's the difference between a psychiatric social worker and the school psychologist?

The Psychiatric Social Worker (PSW) is responsible for educating and supporting mental wellness, promoting a positive school climate, and social-emotional development for the general population. Services may include linkage/referrals to community agencies and resources.

 

Meet one of our two PSWs, Julia Colin:

 

The school psychologist is responsible solely for conducting testing and assessments to determine eligibility for special ed services. The psychologist may also provide counseling to special education (SPED) students, if services are offered through the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

 

WHY DO WE FUNDRAISE NOW FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR?

Budget development for the upcoming school year begins in early January 2025. In order for the school to meet LAUSD's budget submission deadline for the 25/26 school year, funding decisions for educational supports and programs need to be determined. These critical determinations take into account (a) the budget allocated to the school by the district (b) the amount of money raised during this campaign.

 

MWPTA's budget committee collaborates closely with the principal, taking into account the collective budget, and valuable feedback from parents, faculty and staff through the Needs Assessment survey. This thorough approach ensures that our budget effectively meets the needs of our students, school and the broader community.

 

Giving to the Direct Appeal: FAQ 

WHAT IS THE DIRECT APPEAL?

The Direct Appeal is a vital initiative from the PTA, serving as our most important fundraiser of the year. Our goal is to raise $200,000 to ensure that every student at Mt. Washington Elementary has access to the resources necessary for success in the 2025/26 school year. The funds raised during the Direct Appeal help bridge the gap between the funding provided by LAUSD and the essential services needed to create an inclusive, supportive, and enriching learning environment.

I'm already a member of the PTA, have a ton of mwe merch *AND* attend all YOUR BIG EVENTS. ISN't THAT THE SAME THING?

Thank you so much for your support! Things like membership, merchandise sales, festivals like Moonlight Howl, and events like MADE and the Book Fair* are vital for covering the PTA's operating expenses, i.e. this type of support goes towards the cost of doing business and putting on community events. 

 

However, the Direct Appeal is different. As our most significant fundraising initiative, every dollar raised during the campaign supports only educational programs and resources for our students.

 

Your donation—regardless of the amount—plays a crucial role in providing every child with the academic support, social-emotional resources, and opportunities for creative expression they need to thrive. Together, we can make a significant impact on our students’ futures!

 

*i.e., opportunities where the PTA receives a small percentage of profits from ticket sales or from a business or vendor.

GUIDANCE ON GIVING

While the MWPTA spent approximately $500 per student this 2024/25 school year, we ask that each family contribute what is reasonable and within their means. For context, the average gift amount in Fall 2023 was $700; nearly 20% of the families gave a $1,000 gift; and the gift amounts started at $20/family. 

 

Every dollar counts, so whatever amount works for your financial situation works for us. We thank you in advance for your support of our beloved MWE community.

 

More ways to think about enumerating your support: 

  • Are you a UTK or Kinder parent? Consider donating a month (or two) of daycare tuition! 
  • Has your kid recently started Beyond the Bell or ELOP? Contribute the cost of paid aftercare for a month. 
  • Has your child benefitted from the expertise of our Intervention Coordinator Mrs. Barnes? As an FYI, private literacy coaches run $30-$50 hourly.

WAYS TO GIVE

  • Make a one-time contribution by clicking here.

  • Pledge a set amount, and have the option to fulfill it across five months.

  • Write a check payable to "Mount Washington PTA" or "MWPTA", memo: Direct Appeal. You can either drop the check off at the front office (open 7:30 am–3:30 pm, Monday–Friday) or mail to: 

     

    MWPTA
    c/o Mt. Washington Elementary
    3981 San Rafael Ave
    Los Angeles, CA 90065
     

  • Make the most out of your employer's matching gift. Check with your HR department or visit Charity Navigator to see if your company matches charitable contributions. 

what do i get in return?

By contributing to the direct appeal, families help create a nurturing educational environment at MWE. While there are no minimum gift thresholds*, every contribution counts toward enhancing resources and support for students. Plus, you'll gain the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a meaningful difference and earning some good karma in the process!

 

 

* We’ll also have exciting incentives for contributors throughout the campaign, so stay tuned for your chance to win fun experiences while supporting our community.

HOW CAN I MAXIMIZE MY DONATION?

Check with your HR department or visit Charity Navigator to see if your employer has a company match. Many companies—including some of SoCal's largest employers like Google, Capital Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, among others—set aside annual charitable contribution funds to match their employees' donations to 501(c)(3) organizations dollar for dollar (or more!).

IS MY GIFT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes! 100% of your contribution is tax deductible. MWPTA is a 501(c)(3) Organization. MWPTA's Federal Tax ID number is 95-6208664. Permit on file.