Assessment FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions About Assessment!

• WHAT IS THE ASSESSMENT FEE AND WHY IS IT SEPARATE FROM THE TUITION I PAY?
• HOW CAN I PAY THIS FEE?
• HOW DOES THE SCRIP PROGRAM WORK?
• WHAT IF I GO OVER MY ASSESSMENT GOAL?
• HOW DO I PURCHASE SCRIP?
• THAT IS A LARGE AMOUNT TO EARN - GIVE ME SOME HINTS!
• OK - WHEN DO I START?
• I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS - WHO DO I TALK TO?

WHAT IS THE ASSESSMENT FEE AND WHY IS IT SEPARATE FROM THE TUITION I PAY?

The Diocese of Pittsburgh mandated that each Catholic school must raise 10% of the yearly school budget through fundraising. St. Mary School has chosen to satisfy this requirement by assessing each school family an Assessment Fee plus other additional fundraisers (i.e. Bingos, Entertainment Books). The Assessment Fee is separate from tuition because it is based per family; it is not based on the number of children in each family, as tuition is. This assessment fee is *MANDATORY*. The Assessment Fee for the 2006-2007 school year is $400.00.

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HOW CAN I PAY THIS FEE?

This fee may be paid by check, cash and/or participation in the “Scrip” Program. The 2006-2007 Assessment Program begins March 1, 2006 and ends February 28, 2007.

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HOW DOES THE SCRIP PROGRAM WORK?

St. Mary’s School purchases gift certificates from vendors at a discount and makes them available for purchase at face value to school families. E.g. SMS purchases a $100 Giant Eagle gift card for $96.00; the purchasing family pays $100 and is credited the $4.00 difference. The card can be used to purchase a full $100 worth of goods at Giant Eagle. Each purchase made is credited to a designated school family. A “Family Assessment Report” is sent to each family quarterly throughout the school year (May, August; November, and February). This report shows the amount of credit each family has accrued to date. A final Assessment Statement will be mailed to each family after February 28, 2007. Credit can also be earned by selling Enjoy Books, and participating in other special events throughout the school year. You can even go on-line and earn credit for your purchases.

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WHAT IF I GO OVER MY ASSESSMENT GOAL?

Any money credited to your account above the $400.00 assessment fee is “split”. One half of the remaining money stays in the assessment program; the other half is yours – to be credited either to your next year’s tuition or assessment fee.

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HOW DO I PURCHASE SCRIP?

Scrip can be purchased in the following ways:

-Daily – each school day the “Scrip” Office is open from 8:00-10:00 a.m. throughout the school year and during the summer months to purchase “in-stock” scrip. You can stop by in person and purchase scrip or use the “Blue Envelope” through the school mail. The filled order will be returned the same day with the child you designate.

-Weekly – A larger selection of scrip is available weekly using the blue envelope. The order must be received Monday morning by 8:00 a.m. and will be returned to you on Thursday through the child you designate.

-Weekends – Giant Eagle and Shop N Save grocery scrip is available Saturday evenings after the 4:00 pm mass to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday mornings after the 9:00 am mass to 11:00 a.m. in the church lobby.

-Scrip forms can be printed out from the St. Mary website. Click here to print current forms.

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THAT IS A LARGE AMOUNT TO EARN - GIVE ME SOME HINTS!

-Anticipate your needs – purchase Scrip/Market Day on a regular basis; you will have it when you need it!
-Spread the word – ask family members to help you by purchasing scrip too – anyone can purchase it and give you the credit. If a family member is making a large purchase (e.g. furniture (Macy’s), home repairs (Home Depot/Lowes) they can purchase scrip to pay the bill.
-Gift certificates are always appreciated by someone who has everything!
-Use scrip to purchase or give as Christmas presents.
-Use scrip to pay Kohls and J.C.Penney charge cards.
-Shop on-line and earn credit.

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OK - WHEN DO I START?

As soon as possible! The new school year assessment quarter starts March 1, 2006 for the 2006-2007 school year. Any purchases during the summer months will be credited to the 2006-2007 school year.

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I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS - WHO DO I TALK TO?

Start with the people who run the program; we will be happy to answer any questions you have. Stop in the Sscrip room Office (first room on the right at the school entrance by the flagpole) or call: Maribeth Burnikel @ 412-486-8335

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