GET READY….TECH TREK IS COMING! 

Sunday, April 27th, 2008 at Towson University (1:30pm)

Registration begins at 1pm

• Did you know that Rodgers Forge Elementary is one of only a handful of Baltimore County elementary schools with its own 25-station wireless, mobile laptop lab and SmartBoards (portable, interactive whiteboards)?
• Did you know that RFES has its very own digital television studio that broadcasts an announcement program school-wide every Thursday morning, with each program written, produced, and presented by students?
• Did you know that through TECH TREK—the School’s one-of-a-kind walkathon to support technology—RFES families have helped to create our School’s wonderful high-tech teaching and learning environment?

For the past 12 years, RFES families have partnered with the School, the BCPS Education Foundation (the 501c3 non-profit organization of the County school system), and numerous area businesses to create and sponsor TECH TREK—and have raised more than $200,000 to date!  Thanks to TECH TREK, our children have unparalleled opportunities to become creative, collaborative and critical users of technology—and to have some old-fashioned fun.  In the walkathon’s earliest days, it was known as “Rec Trek” and raised money for the RFES playground equipment our children enjoy.

How does TECH TREK work?

Funds are raised three ways:  1) corporations, area businesses and individuals make outright gifts as Corporate Sponsors; 2) more than 180 businesses, organizations, and RFES families donate items for the Silent Auction; and 3) students get pledges for the laps they walk on TECH TREK, held this year on a Sunday in late April or early May at Towson University’s Unitas Stadium.  On average, students raise one-third of TECH TREK funds annually!

With this year’s TECH TREK funds, the School plans to purchase 10-12 Dell computers for additional Kindergarten classrooms and the Library, digital projectors for classrooms, additional Turning Point Wireless Response Card sets (new technology purchased in 2006 with PTA funds), and other technology needs.

How can RFES families make TECH TREK 2008 a success? 

1. Become a corporate sponsor with an outright gift.  Both corporations and individuals may make tax-deductible gifts.  It’s a great way to show your support of RFES and public school education!  Sponsorship levels range from $50 to $500 and up, and there are numerous recognition opportunities (see reverse side for details). 

2. Support the Silent Auction by bidding AND donating.  Teachers donate wonderful experiences like an afternoon at Uncle Wiggly’s or the chance to “be” Mrs. Deise for the day—and many parents contribute their services and talents. Silent Auction donors may take a tax-deduction of the item’s full fair market value.
   • Are you a plumber, lawyer, interior decorator, electrician, financial planner, landscaper, personal trainer, piano teacher, carpenter, etc.? You can bet there’ll be heavy bidding for a few hours’ of your services! 
   • What about donating some unforgettable family fun?  Families and teachers have donated an afternoon on their sailboat, a concert with their bluegrass band, or a week at their sister’s Park City, UT condo! 
   • Are you creative?  Handmade mosaics, jewelry, artwork, knitting, etc. make the Silent Auction unique! 

3. Volunteer!  We need lots of parents to help with TECH TREK before the event.

4. Most important, support your child’s school spirit through TECH TREK activities as he/she collects pledges from family, friends and neighbors.  Pledge sheets will come home later this spring.  There is a popular t-shirt design contest and TECH TREK spirit activities—and coming to TECH TREK as a family is great fun.

Interested in supporting TECH TREK? Please complete the forms below. Your involvement makes all the difference—THANK YOU!

Sponsorship Form

Tech Trek Silent Auction Form

Tech Trek Informational Flier

Tech Trek Brochure

Tech Trek Student Permission Slip

Tech Trek Camp Auctions

2007 Tech Trek Sponsors