Invest

What is the INVEST Campaign?

• INVEST is the Sylvan Park PTO’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It provides the resources and opportunities that set our students’ education apart. Every contribution goes straight back to supporting our school community.
• This year, we are raising our PTO’s fundraising goal from $120,000 to $200,000.

Why such a large increase in the fundraising goal? 

• Because the MNPS school-based budgeting formula calculated less funds to be allocated to Sylvan Park this year.
• To bridge this budget gap between the MNPS-provided funds and our school needs (academic programs, staffing support, and classroom resources), we are turning to our school community for help.

What has changed that caused the budgeting formula to calculate less funds for Sylvan Park? 

• A significant increase in our school’s standardized test (TCAP) scores
• A decrease in our economically disadvantaged neighborhood population
• Our overall student enrollment numbers

What happens if we don’t raise enough money?

• The Sylvan Park Elementary PTO works with the staff and principal to prioritize where the funds from INVEST are most critical. The majority of funds from INVEST this year will fund 3 teaching positions: two interventionist positions and our Spanish teacher. If we do not raise the money, these positions will be eliminated beginning next school year.

Why are these positions important?

• ALL students benefit from these positions.
• Our Spanish teacher plays a vital role in our school and helps us meet our requirements for our Paideia curriculum.
• The interventionists provide critical additional support in reading and math to students not performing at grade level.
• Students who meet or exceed grade level expectations will lose approximately 4 hours every week of direct instructional time from their classroom teacher because the teacher’s time will be focused on those students not performing at grade level. This leaves the classroom teacher with less time to focus on students working at or above grade level.
• Our tremendous success on standardized tests (TCAP) last spring emphasizes the importance of the interventionist positions and retaining this critical resource.
• Our Sylvan Park teachers are THE BEST and we want our children to receive the maximum benefit of their degrees, years of experience, and heart that they bring to the table.

How much should I give?

• Every gift matters! Whether it’s $20, $200, or $2,000, your contribution makes an impact. To reach our $200,000 goal, we suggest a minimum donation of $445 per student and we are asking each family to contribute financially. If you can give more, please do as many of our families may not be able to make significant gifts or gifts of any size.
• Give what you can, on your schedule. You do not have to donate all at once – you may split your gift into monthly contributions, up to 6 months.
• Our campaign depends on the support of our students’ parents…but we hope you will help us to widen the net. Please share the campaign with grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbors, and employers (see corporate matching below). The more people who participate, the more successful the campaign will be!

Corporate Matching

• Let’s maximize your impact! Many companies offer a corporate matching program, which can double or even triple your donation, helping our school raise more without any extra cost to you. Reach out to your HR or Benefits department to start the process. You may need to provide them with the following information:
  • Donee: Sylvan Park Elementary Paideia PTO
  • EIN: 26-1847503
  • Mailing Address: 4801 Utah Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
  • Phone Number: (615) 298-8423
  • Amount of your donation​

Sponsorships

• Our community support is more important than ever and we are asking businesses to partner with our school. Your support would have a direct and meaningful impact on our students, teachers, and staff.
• Click here to see our sponsorship packages and learn more about ways your business can get involved.

I have more questions – who can I contact?

• The Sylvan Park PTO!