Invest In Pinewood, Invest in Family

Mr. Harold Roach, Headmaster of PCA, has announced the new theme of school year 2015-16: “Invest in Pinewood, Invest in Family.” This year’s new theme links the money aspects of supporting the school and the importance of supporting the unique quality of family that exists at PCA.

“Invest in Pinewood” is critically linked to PCA’s new method of raising funds. Currently, money funding the school is obtained through tuition and fund raising. This year, the school has shifted the fundraising focus to a donation system being called the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund is a pool of money to which parents, faculty, or businesses may donate. Donations can be made as a one-time gift or a regular contribution, and all gifts are tax deductible. The idea is that everyone will be able to give what they are able to give, and the school will benefit from every dollar given as opposed to only receiving a percentage as in past fund raisers. The money from the Annual Fund is appropriated in various ways to help the school improve. First, Mr. Roach prioritized its use in upgrading technology in the classroom while also integrating new technology. Second, the money funds capital improvements and debt reduction. Finally, the Annual Fund money would be used to pay for large expenses not in the general budget.

“Invest in Family” is critically linked to the PCA student/administrative body. PCA draws students from miles around, and the students together with faculty and staff create a large family. Through the years of Pinewood’s existence, the large number of adults and children at the school have been stitched into a diverse, well put together family. The faculty often treat each other and each student as if they were in their own immediate family. This bond created among the students and faculty often follows them long after they leave the halls of PCA!

By Miranda DeLoach