SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ASKED BY ORCHESTRA PARENTS |
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What is an assessment?
An assessment is a student's monetary contribution to provide an enhanced music program. It partially covers the cost of performance oppportunities, the contest trip in the spring, and a protion of other expenses incurred during the year. |
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Why do students have to "pay" to be in the orchestra?
Each student is asked to meet the student assessment goal to allow for an enhanced program and to cover travel cost to a concert contest in the spring. Students have ample opportunity to meet this goal through fund-raising and pay no out-of-pocket expenses. |
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Why doesn't MISD cover the costs?
To have the excellent program we have always enjoyed, additional funds are needed beyond what the MISD budget can provide. The Booster Club provides the additional funds by having each student contribute a small amount. The student assessment amount is set to cover not only the cost of the contest trip in the spring, but also a portion of the operation budget. |
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What options does a student have for raising his/her assessment?
Students have ample opportunity to meet this goal through fund-raising and pay nothing out-of-pocket. The Student Fundraising Committees have chosen several fund-raising projects for the year. These projects represent a variety of opportunities with appealing products or services. New projects will be introduced periodically throughout the year. Students should pay careful attention to announcements made during orchestra class. Both students and parents should watch the newsletters mailed to their homes for information regarding these opportunities. You may also wish to contact the student fundraising chairpersons for additional information. Each student has an equal opportunity to raise the money for this assessment. |
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My student doesn't like to sell.
If your student does not wish to participate in fundraising activities, he/she has the option of making monthly payments toward his/her assessment. Students are not required to participate in fund-raising projects. However, these carefully selected products and services are very easy to sell. Also, a portion of booster club memberships and booster club sponsorships which your student obtains can be aapplied toward a student's assessment. If you have questions regarding these options, please speak to the membership chairperson or the assessment chairperson. |
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How are monthly payments made?
A monthly payment schedule is set. Whether a student is earning his assessment or making payments, it is extremely important that all students remain current and keep their assessment account paid in full in accordance with the schedule. Reminders will be sent monthly to update your student's progress. Monthly payments may be mailed to Lee High School Orchestra Booster Club; P.O. Box 80301; Midland, TX 79708. |
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Do I have to stay on a payment schedule? Can I just wait until the end of the year and pay then?
Expenses are incurred by the booster club all year beginning in August, so a continuous cash flow is critical. The booster club must have a steady flow of cash to cover fall expenses. More importantly, most students find that large balances are difficult to pay at the end of the year and they have historically caused a strain on the family of the student. We never want this situation to occur. Students who are unable to meet the assessment are not able to go on the spring trip. |
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What happens to any extra money my child earns?
Student assessments do not equal the amount required to meet the entire budget. Any money above the assessment goal, along with additional income from other sources, goes toward meeting our budgetary requirments. Money cannot be refunded for any reason! |
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Can money be transferred to another student?
NO! The booster club by-laws do not permit this. However, students can help another student earn money by tuning in project money in their friend's name. |
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Is there a refund policy if my student moves, drops orchestra, or becomes ineligible for the trip?
NO! Plans are made early in the year and the deposits paid are non-refundable. |
