| Lakewood Performing Arts Council |
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Financial Aid for Needy Students (FANS) |
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It is simply a fact that there are students at Lakewood High School who find it
difficult or impossible to meet the financial requirements of participating in the
school’s instrumental music programs. This can result in either unpaid expenses
or declining student involvement. The FANS Fund was established by LPAC in order to help alleviate the stress this causes both the students and the Instrumental Music Department. We ask that our fellow ensemble families, alumni, and friends of the LHS music program consider donating to the Fund to help make the rewards of participating in the department’s activities accessible to all students who wish to join. The FANS Fund is 100% supported by donations from the community, current LPAC members, and ensemble alumni. FANS Fund monies are used exclusively to assist students who cannot otherwise pay their LPAC assessments or LHS fees, and are not used for the purchase of any goods or services except as needed (ex.: marching shoes, concert attire) by the qualifying individuals. Requesting Assistance> To be eligible for financial aid, the case for need must be presented to the LPAC Board in one of three ways: • By the family or student in need • At the recommendation of a fellow LPAC member or Mr. Harris • At the recommendation of a Lakewood High School staff member (guidance counselor, teacher, etc.) Those requesting FANS assistance for themselves or on behalf of another must provide information to the LPAC Board demonstrating the need and specifying the type or amount of relief desired. The Board will discuss the request in a closed meeting and determine if an installment plan will improve the student’s ability to pay, or if fund-raising activities can be used more effectively to generate Student Account Points (SAPs). If there is not a solution to the student’s dilemma through one of these methods then the FANS Fund will be tapped to help the student continue his or her participation in the music program’s activities. Confidentiality The LPAC Board fully respects the need for confidentiality in all aspects of administering the FANS Fund and reviewing applications for its use. The identities of those whose costs or account balances are reduced by amounts from the FANS Fund will be known only to the Board members and to the recipient students or their families themselves. LPAC recognizes that financial hardships are also emotional hardships and assures FANS recipients that no aspect of their situation will be shared as public knowledge. How to Contribute to the FANS Fund Checks made payable to LPAC and designated for the FANS Fund, or cash, may be deposited in the safe in the Instrumental Music room using one of the envelopes provided there. As with any donation to LPAC, your gift is taxdeductible to the extent permitted by law. To help us acknowledge your donation according to your wishes, please include a note with your gift indicating any of the following preferences: General FANS Donation:s will allow your gift to be awarded to any student who demonstrates need as determined by the LPAC Board. Anonymous Donation:your request, LPAC will not reveal your identity in its newsletter, or meeting minutes. If you do not choose this option, LPAC will be proud to acknowledge your generosity publicly. Public Donation: LPAC will publicly acknowledge your gift in its newsletter and/or meeting minutes. Please specify if you would like the amount of your gift kept private. Fund-Raiser Donations: While LPAC is forbidden by law to award actual dollars to students’ accounts as a result of their fund-raising activities, the kids do receive Student Account Points (SAPs). In some situations, students and their families accrue more points than they can use and may wish to “donate” their extras to the FANS Fund. Graduating seniors often appreciate the opportunity to designate a younger student to receive their leftover points when they leave LHS. Unfortunately, because these points are not actual dollars, they are not tax deductible. ***If you have questions about the FANS Fund, please do not hesitate to contact any Board member for more information. Thank you! Rev. 8/02/07 |