The Old Trail School Auction is almost here! This year’s auction has a Chinese New Year theme and will be held on Saturday, December 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Parents’ Association coordinates this event and the school is expected to surpass the $4,200,000 mark for total auction earnings in 2009!

A large portion of auction funds supports capital projects/equipment including: first grade classroom renovations;  new playground equipment for the primary and intermediate students; new athletic fields; Noble Hall renovations (flooring, windows, air conditioning, kiln room, etc.); swim equipment; a high-tech concert system for the music department; a weaving room for arts department; the school’s elevator located in the Preston Lobby; books, tool chests, microphones, physical education equipment, laptops, CPR equipment, washer & dryer, science equipment and more; two sets of wooden stairs to the new property north of the school and technology–based hardware including starboards.

Auction funds also help support other important expenses including: classroom programs and special assemblies; student field trips; teacher salary endowment; faculty education and conferences and faculty appreciation events and awards.

This is an all-out effort on behalf of the school by the Parents’ Association, students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and the local community. Our current eighth grade students will be serving the dinner and alums come back each year to help display the live auction items.  Each grade level has created a beautiful item that will be auctioned at the event. These include the traditional kindergarten quilt, stone and wooden benches, class photos, clay creations and many other wonderful and priceless items. Some exciting items this year in the silent and live auctions include: Florida vacations, Mexican villa getaway, casino evening, enchanted tree house, sports packages and much more.

Auction items are still being accepted and there is still time to make a reservation to attend. For more information, contact Bonnie Childs (bchilds@oldtrail.org or 330.666.1118 X 307).