Family Trip Accounts

There are three “big trips” in the life of a PCS student.  The 4th grade goes to Sacramento.  The 6th grade goes to Science Camp.  The 8th grade goes to Washington D.C.

Currently, the Sacramento and Science Camp trips are a bit over $400, and the D.C. trip is about $3,000.  (These prices rise a little each year.)

We have established Family Trip Accounts to help families prepare for these expenses.  Money can be deposited directly from personal funds, or families can participate in school-related efforts such as SCRIP and fundraisers.

We partner with our Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) to sell SCRIP, which is like gift cards.  We purchase the cards at a discount and sell them at face value.  The “margin” is divided equally between the PTF and the designated Family Trip Account. This is a great way to grow your Trip account.  It’s a win-win for the PTF and for your child.  The PTF uses the funds for classroom supplements. If a family started purchasing SCRIP in Kindergarten, they could pay for Sacramento, Science Camp, and a significant portion of DC.  The PTF officers can explain the details.

Other fundraisers and events are organized quite often. Serving a shift at the Fireworks Booth is one example.  Bake sales, Treats for Trips, Poinsettia Sales and raffles are other examples.  Participants are encouraged to make sure they understand how proceeds will be distributed before volunteering.

Funds generated from School-related efforts are tracked separately form personal fund deposits.  If the family leaves the school before trip expenses are committed, all personal deposits will be refunded.  School-related funds roll over to the general fund.