Get REAL and Win Money for Your Child’s School

As I write this I am exhausted. Not necessarily physically (although there is a bit of that too), but mostly I’m mentally worn out from having yet another discussion with parents at my daughter’s school about the frustration we feel over the threat of more budget cuts to some of our school’s programs.

My kids just started going to a new school, mainly because we wanted them to be bilingual and the school they were previously attending didn’t offer a language program. We really love the new school and we were fortunate that both our kindergartner and second-grader went through a relatively smooth transition to new surroundings, new teachers and new friends.

But apparently, as far as school budget cuts go, the conversations are far from new. It seems no California school or academic program goes untouched. We are lucky at our school to have heavy parent involvement and numerous community fundraisers that take up the slack for what’s lacking in state funding,  but there are many district schools and under-privileged communities that aren’t so lucky.

Because of those under-funded and under-served schools, and on behalf of all the very worthy programs that should absolutely be continued but are in danger of being on the chopping block, I am more than happy to spread the word about a new program that is being sponsored by the California Milk Board. This program, the “Real Seal Appeal” will be awarding California schools up to $2 million in cash, books and prizes.

Even if your school has not (yet) felt the sting of slashed funding, if you live in Southern California, chances are you personally know someone’s school that has. This is a great opportunity to possibly make a huge difference in the quality of education at your child’s school, so, get involved for yourself and your own school district’s sake or spread the word on behalf of someone else’s.  Here are the details:

Real California Milk is Supporting California Schools by Launching the Real Seal Appeal Program

From October 1, 2011-December 31, 2011, The California Milk Advisory Board in conjunction with Scholastic, will be challenging Southern California elementary classrooms, schools and students to collect Real California milk and cheese seals for a chance to win up to $2 million in cash, books and other prizes. Families can participate by collecting Real California Milk seals from milk and dairy products and turning them in to their teachers.  Each seal acts as a sweepstakes entry – the more seals collected and turned in, the more chances your child’s classroom (and school) has to win.

Real California Milk invites everyone to participate in building better schools and healthier, stronger bodies and minds. Parents and kids work together to clip and save seals from any Real California Milk product. Thereafter, they turn the seals into their teachers; the teachers then turn in the seals for the chance to win cash and prizes.

Participating elementary schools in the following counties are eligible to enter: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

Prizes

• Grand Prize: 3 winning schools will receive $20,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in classroom (up to 50)
• 2nd Place: 3 winning schools will receive $10,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in classroom (up to 50)
• 3rd Place: 3 winning schools will receive $5,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in classroom (up to 50)
• Runner Ups: 2,595 winning schools will receive $500 prize

What You Should Do