Auction Update and more!

Another winning message from Heather:

Hello Trillium!

I'm writing to you today because I love Trillium. I'm crazy about this school: its teachers, the educational philosophy, and the possibilities for its future. In a few short days we will hold our annual auction. A night devoted to showing up and loving Trillium by fundraising our hearts out.

You might be asking yourself why we're having an auction before everyone gets their taxes back, before the sun comes back, and before we know if we're getting our charter renewed? I have the answer.

Because we gotta. We are (not special here) an under-funded non-profit. The numbers don't add up. We are funded at 80% of a "regular" public school, and we must support our own building and maintenance which is costing us a bundle. $22k a month bond payment in round numbers, and we have debt. Our teachers, students, programs, facility, and future are on the line.

In response, we are continuing to develop our capacity for fundraising to ensure our survivability. We now have in place a sustaining donation program in 99 Flowers, a Board/TFT/Admin Fundraising Committee collaborating on grants and projects, and our auction team is bringing us an opportunity in the form of a fantastic party with super auction items to show our extended families and community what our kids' school is all about, and why it's worth supporting.

As you all know our 10th year charter renewal is upon us. And it ain't a walk in the park. It's a marathon. Again (nothing special here) like any organization in its 10th year we are at a point of transformation due to the inevitable maturation process and growth. We have had to become more accountable to many aspects of our operations, and as a publicly funded organization we must report on this process, our progress, and our plans to a group who will decide our fate: the PPS board.

We must stand in front of them at a hearing (we will tell you when it is and invite you to come speak up for Trillium) and account for our past, present, and articulate our future. It's a good thing. Reflecting and revising is as it should be and Trillium is learning a lot.

Personally, I'm bad at parties. I'm awkward and I tend to make it worse by talking about how weird I feel. As anyone knows who has this bad habit, it's no conversation starter, it backfires, big time. Let's hope this is the last time I mention it. For Trillium, I wouldn't miss this party. I'll be the one trying way too hard, wearing an earnest, if ill-chosen, frock, and feeling really grateful for the massive effort that has gone into giving me the chance to support my kids' school.

I beseech you to join me. Reach out to your families and community in the spirit of possibility for our school and on behalf of your student(s) and each and every student and teacher who make it great.

With you for Trillium,

Heather Blackbird
Parent Volunteer, Board Chair, Trillium News Editor, Party Blunderer, Pleader to the great parents of Trillium