Parkland Swimming Family
An opportunity to support the PHS Aquatic Center
Dear PHS Swimming Family,
After 16 years, the Parkland High School pool is in need of repairs. In the summer of 2017, the Parkland School District will purchase a new liner for the pool to ensure it remains a safe facility for students and the community.
In an effort to help the District offset the costs of the pool liner, the Parkland School District Education Foundation will support the project by creating a Donor Wall within the Aquatic Center to recognize donors who make a gift in support of the project. Parkland Swimming and Diving has a long tradition of excellence and has produced not only championships, but a tightknit community and life-long friendships.
Since the pool was completed in 1999, the state of public education has changed drastically. Since 2009, the poverty rate of Parkland students has doubled from 12% to 24%. That is right, one in four Parkland students qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. The number of English Language Learners has increased from 100 to 240, and 16% of Parkland students now receive Special Education Services. At the same time, state and federal funding has not increased to meet the changing needs of public schools like Parkland. Government funding for public school remains in flux and is becoming increasingly more unpredictable.
I am a former Parkland swimmer. Like many of you, I lived in the pool, I remember the words to all the cheers and I can still smell the chlorine. I attribute many of my achievements and all of my character to swimming. This is why I invite you to join me in supporting the new pool liner. Despite its challenges, the Parkland School District has remained at the top of all academic, art and athletic programs. Your gift will help preserve its tradition of excellence and ensure the next generations of swimmers have the facilities to reach their full potential in the water, and the high-caliber programming to exceed their potential in the classroom.
For full details on the Donor Wall and how to make a contribution, please read on. Individual, company, or team/group donations are welcome. Thank you in advance for your consideration and go Trojans!
Sincerely,
Kate Johnson Kareha, PHS ‘03
Executive Director
Parkland School District Education Foundation
SAMPLE DONOR WALL LISTING:
John S. Smith
Mrs. Jane Doe
The Smith Family
State Champ Team of 2005
Graduates of Lane 5
... and so on!
How do I donate?
Click on this link for more information and to view the Donor Wall information on the donation form. You are welcome to print and mail the form to the address indicated or make a donation online. When giving online, after indicating your donation amount, select "General" from the drop down menu. Then please select "In Honor of" and write "Pool Liner" in the Tribute Name field. You will be contacted by Kate Johnson Kareha directly about your part on the Donor Wall. Thank you!
Parkland School District Education Foundation
Email: karehak@parklandsd.org
Website: www.parklandsd.org/foundation
Location: 1210 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA, United States
Phone: 610-351-5572
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PSDEDUCATIONFOUNDATION/