Polo Ridge Elementary launched its annual Invest for Success fundraiser Wednesday, Sept. 23, setting a $40,000 goal for playground shade structures and a teacher supply stockroom.

The campaign, titled "Invest for Success: Fuel Polo Ridge!," asks families and community members to help fund two priorities for the Tom Short Road school, according to the school's announcement. More shade on the playgrounds comes first. A stocked supply room for teachers and staff is second.

The pre-K-5 school enrolls about 634 students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Milestone rewards

To keep donations climbing, the campaign ties schoolwide rewards to six fundraising thresholds:

  • $10,000 — "Tony the Pony" brings treats to every classroom
  • $16,000 — Pajama and Stuffie Day for all classes
  • $22,000 — School-wide silly string party
  • $28,000 — Staff Scooter Race
  • $34,000 — Staff Inflatables Race
  • $40,000 — Principal Courtney Pierce gets made into an ice cream sundae

Pierce leads the A-rated school, which exceeded academic growth targets.

The class that raises the most will also earn a Popsicle Party.

How to donate

Families can contribute online at poloridge.givebacks.com. The school has not announced a deadline for the campaign.

Polo Ridge Elementary is at 11830 Tom Short Road, Charlotte, NC 28277. The school office can be reached at (980) 343-0749.

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