Schools

Fundraiser Rakes In $55K For PDCMS

The money will be used for new software and computers for students.

students will get new computers and software thanks to a fundraiser that raked in more than $55,000.

The Oktoberfest dinner at the Classic Club in Palm Desert earlier this month raised more than $30,000 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation matched the funds to $25,000, according to the foundation's Ashley Hudgens.

“This fundraiser proved overwhelmingly successful,” said Ronald Auen, President of the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “We are proud to have partnered with an institution of learning that has a consistent track record of achievement. Technology in our schools prepares students for academics and the world beyond middle school.”

Find out what's happening in Palm Desertwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

PDCMS students who need extra resources will receive specialized attention and one-on-one time with the purchase of SuccessMaker; targeted educational development software, Hudgens said. 

The software provides 20-minute tutorials in both math and reading, and is offered during the day as an elective course and after school, she said.

Find out what's happening in Palm Desertwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

PDCMS Principal Sallie Fraser said the school is grateful to the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.

“Because of recent budget cuts and economic hardships, the ability to raise funds is difficult but more important than ever,” Fraser said.

PDCMS teachers and staff are hopeful that the software will lead to better comprehension and higher standardized test scores.

PDCMS is a public charter school in Desert Sands Unified School District that serves 1,300 students, grades sixth through eighth. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here