Coin Challenge - Frequently Asked Questions

Get ready to Reach for the Sky, Chameleons! Our Toy Story themed COIN CHALLENGE starts on Monday, August 17th and runs through August 28th at 10AM! Each grade is a team in the challenge.

- Pennies, dollar bills (any amount) and checks: ADD to your team's total
- Silver coins (nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars): SUBTRACT from a team's total
Strategy Tip: put silver coins in another grade's bucket to bring down their total!

Why is the PTA doing its own fundraising instead of using a third party like Boosterthon or Apex?
Answer: These third party companies provide excellent resources to raise money for schools but all of those resources also come at a significant cost. Through utilizing in-house fundraising, Carpenter Elementary keeps all the funds raised and they directly impact the school community. 

Why should I participate in the Coin Challenge, what does my money fund?
Answer: Money raised from the Coin Challenge provide funds for items that are NOT funded by the Wake County Public School System such as:

• School/Campus Improvement Grants (such as Media Center Improvements, Musical Instruments and MORE)
• Teacher Grants
• School-Wide Cultural Arts Assemblies
• Family School Partnership Events (Fall Festival, International Night, Fine Arts Night, Science Expo, etc)
• Teacher & Staff Support and Appreciation Events
• Recess Equipment and Water Filters for water fountains

What is the fundraiser amount goal?
Answer: We are dreaming BIG with this fundraiser and our goal is to raise $10,000 during this fundraiser; but, we will be delighted to receive more to provide more opportunities for students at Carpenter. 

When can students drop off money to fill their buckets?
Answer: Students can drop off their money in buckets in the morning when they get to school. Teachers may also have designated times when they will go with the class to bring money to their buckets.

Are dollar coins positive or negative towards a grade?
Answer: Dollar coins can be good or bad depending on their color. If the dollar coin is silver then it SUBTRACTS from a grade's total. If a dollar coin is gold it ADDS to a grade's total. 

Are checks accepted during the Coin Challenge?
Answer: Yes! Please make all checks out to Carpenter PTA.

When is money counted and when are updates provided regarding the total for each class?
Answer: Money swill be counted in the mornings after the last bell and totals will be updated each school day after 12PM on Social Media. School announcements will be made periodically during the challenge to update classes on their standing as well. 

Is there a prize for the winner of the challenge?
Answer: There are actually prizes for the top THREE grades. 

• First Place: Movie with Popcorn
• Second Place: Extra Recess
• Third Place: PJ Day