What is We Are MPVA?

• We Are MPVA(WAM) is our school’s annual fall fundraising campaign. Contributions to the campaign will provide essential, unrestricted funds that will make up the majority of our PTO budget. The campaign will run for 4 weeks from October 6 through October 31.

Okay, but why should I support the PTO budget?

• The funding and support provided to MPVA by the district is inconsistent year to year and does not equal the Meyerland you know and love. In fact, the gap between what HISD provides and what you’ve come to expect at MPVA is often larger than anyone thinks. This forces our administrators to scramble for dollars each year, often leaning on the PTO to fill in the gaps. It’s important for our families to know how necessary these supplemental funds are to our kids’ everyday experience at Meyerland.

Can you be more specific?

• Exactly what kinds of stuff is PTO paying for? In years past, WAM dollars helped pay for the installation of water bottle refill stations, transportation to grade level field trips, assistance with 8th Grade event celebrations, teacher appreciation events, teacher grants and administrator requests, subscriptions to online learning tools, student incentives and supports, and more. PTO has big plans for this year and your WAM donation will help in our ability to say yes when admin and teachers need things outside of their HISD funds.

What kind of conversation?

• Talk about what your family can do and why you would want to. Some families might consider the amount they would alternatively pay for private music, acting, art, dance or voice lessons if they didn’t choose MPVA and use that as a benchmark for discussion. At the end of the day, it’s your decision and we’re glad for any participation in our campaign to benefit the kids of MPVA.

How do I make a donation?

• You can contribute online through the PTO website with a credit or debit card or you can write a check payable to Meyerland PVA Middle School PTO, put it in an envelope addressed to the PTO, and drop it off at the MPVA front desk. You are also able to donate via Zelle to treasurer@mpvapto.com or bring cash to the PTO table on “cash” days at school. Be sure to include your student’s name and homeroom on all donations, so they get their incentives!

Is my donation tax deductible? And is this a company matching donation opportunity?

• There might be a possibility of a tax deduction. Individual tax situations vary; consult your tax advisor for personalized guidance. Regarding corporate matching, many corporate giving projects match employee donations to various 501(c)(3) organizations. Check with your HR Department to see if they offer the program - if so, search “PTO of Johnston Middle School” to submit your donation match. If additional forms are required, please email the MPVA PTO Treasurer at treasurer@mpvapto.com

Are you guys going to ask me for more money throughout the year?

• There will be another fundraiser in the Spring (targeting a specific area requested by MPVA admin/staff) but this is the biggest ask of the PTO for the year that can be freely used to support the school.

Can my family members (grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors) contribute to We Are MPVA?

• They sure can. Any gift labeled with your child(ren)’s name(s) will be credited to them and will count toward classroom and school-wide incentives.

Tell me more about classroom and school-wide incentives… We’ve got everything from lanyards and flair to personalized courtyard paw prints and hoodies! Plus donuts and other goodies as Friday treats for donations during WAM.