Below you will find some Frequently Asked Questions and answers about why we are hosting this event.  Should you have any questions not answered here, please reach out to us at AshlandRidgePTO@gmail.com

Why a Jag Jog?

Ashland Ridge parents wanted a safe, healthy alternative to sales-based fundraisers.  This is an inclusive and fun way to build team spirit while encouraging healthy choices.  

Why does the PTO need $20,000?

The goal of $20,000 is our entire budget for the 2024-25 school year.  We anticipate this being a one-time ask.  If successful, this fundraiser will be the ONLY donation requested from parents for the entire year.  That said, there will be ‘team building’ events – like our restaurant nights.  We feel it is still important to offer opportunities for parents and students to meet in relaxed, after-school events.  

In the past, our Ashland Ridge families generated more than $23,000 by purchasing pizza, wrapping paper and other goods from a sales-based fundraising company.  Of that, just under $10,000 came back to the PTO.  Our PTO will be able to keep 100% of the money donated to the Jag Jog by cash or check.  Online donations will be assessed a 5% collection fee.  

It is important to note that spirit wear, yearbook and school supplies are not fundraisers.  The PTO volunteers organize these programs as services.  We keep the prices as low as we possibly can to only cover our costs.

What if the Jag Jog does not meet the fundraising goal?

The PTO will have to adjust the goal of a one-time donation request.  This could mean adding a sales-based fundraiser for the 2nd half of the year to cover any remaining costs.  In addition, this could mean less direct support for the school including cutting programs that teachers, students and parents count on during the year. This could also mean that we are not able to have community building events as we would not have the funds to put these events on (i.e. Fun Night). 

What if the Jag Jog brings in MORE money than the goal?

Wouldn’t this be great?!?!

As governed by our bylaws, the PTO has to earmark any money gathered above and beyond the goal.  We will work with the school administration to identify areas of improvement that we can contribute to. Over the past few years, AR PTO has earmarked money earned above our operating costs for improving our playground and that new equipment was installed in the fall of 2023. This year, our goal would be able to contribute towards a Makerspace in the Media Center to be utilized by all grade levels and students.

Also, it is probable that we would raise our fundraising goal for future Jag Jogs and add more programs, buy more library books and do more for our students, parents and teachers at Ashland Ridge.  Of course, any of these changes to the budget would also have to be approved at PTO meetings through the 2024-2025 school year.

Can I see how the PTO spends money?

Yes!  A formal budget for the current school year was adopted in August.  You can see an updated budget at every PTO meeting.

Does the PTO have bylaws in place that govern spending?

Yes!  The bylaws have been updated as of the 2023-24 school year.  For a copy of these bylaws, please visit our new website.

The Ashland Ridge PTO tries to hold over $10,000 each year to help fund the following year. This helps us meet teacher stipends and begin fundraising for the following school year. 

Why change our fundraiser?

Participation in our sales-based fundraiser dwindled over the past years from 60% to less than 20%.  Our PTO board sent out a survey to all parents asking their opinion about fundraising.  Overwhelmingly, parents voted for a direct donation fundraiser to replace the door-to-door sales.  PTO members brought the idea of a run/walk to the general membership meeting.  A vote approved this Jag Jog model – having the students participate in a healthy, team-building activity after gathering direct donations from friends and family.  With this model the PTO keeps 100% of donations rather than 40% from a company asking students to sell door-to-door.