In Portland there is an organization that is attempting to help keep the arts in school. Check them out at http://artistsforthearts.org/

To all who are willing to help:

As many of you know, funds for Public Education are getting cut around the country.  In the lovely state of California alone, they are looking to cut the public school education budget by up to 5 billion dollars for grades K-12.  They also plan to cut budgets for CSUs and UCs. Many classroom budgets have been frozen to help in this financial crisis.

Public schools need your help!  Since many classroom (grades K-12) budgets are being cut, teachers around the country will need assistance obtaining the supplies needed to help students learn at their full potential.

If you are able to, please see if you can donate some of the following items to a teacher near you.  If you do not know any teachers, donating to a Public School near you live will benefit many teachers and children!

Here is a list of useful items teachers are always need:

New items:
Copy paper
Binder paper
Binder clips/paper clips
Colored pencils, markers, crayons
Mechanical pencils
Mechanical pencil lead
Wood pencils
Pens (red, blue, black, purple, green)
Poster paper/large pieces of paper to make posters
Manila file folders
Other pocket folders
Glue sticks/paste/rubber cement
Masking tape
Tissue paper

Can be used or new:
Containers – film cans, orange juice/coffee cans, cigar boxes, coffee
cans, orange juice cans, margarine containers, cardboard boxes, cereal
and soap powder boxes, milk containers, Styrofoam trays, etc.

Media and Computer supplies - DVDs, CDs, CD-Rs, Printers, Printer ink, etc.

Paperback or Hardcover Books – Teachers are always looking to expand their in-class libraries. Please make sure these are appropriate for the age level you are donating to.

If you have something that you may think a teacher or school can use, please donate.  Schools, teachers, and students will appreciate anything you are willing to give.

Below are a few articles explaining the plight of Public Education around the country:

http://www.calfac.org/calattheedge.html
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/08/BAR1155TRS.DTL
http://www.wibw.com/localnews/headlines/34426614.html
http://www.edweek.org/
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/19409
http://www.independentmail.com/news/2009/jan/05/school-districts-consider-pending-budget-cuts/

Thank you so much for your help.  Your teachers will also thank you, as will the youth of the country.

In service,
Olivia Gail Sawi

Sixth Grade Core Teacher
Sierramont Middle School
Berryessa Union School District, San Jose, CA

Burners Without Borders 2007 to present
Burning Man Tech/Web Team Volunteer Coordinator 2006 to presennt
Burning Man DPW 2007 to present