Parents at Adams Elementary School are now conducting the First Annual Direct Appeal Campaign to raise $20,000 for school programs not funded by the Seattle School District.

"Washington State is 42nd out of 50 states in funding education," said Principal Sara Liberty-Laylin.

The traditional small-scale fundraisers no longer meet the needs of today's schools during a time of budget constraints in the district.

"We can no longer manage with bake sales. Without the PTA there would be no after school program, tutors and new computers," said Clea Finkle, coordinator of the campaign.

The goal is to raise the needed funds by December 1. Most of the money would pay for math tutors during and after school. Finkle, says the math tutors help kids improve their WASL test scores and math efficiency. Tutors work with students 14 hours a week from October through May.

The direct appeal campaign and the annual Adams Elementary auction held each spring are key to providing the additional money to ensure quality programs for the children.

Last year, the PTSA provided $10,000 to purchase new computers for fourth and fifth graders who had been using out dated machines.

The student body is 49-percent minority, at Adams, which is rare in a North Seattle school. Fifteen languages are spoken among the school's student population.

"It's a great characteristic of our school. My son goes out to the real world and will know people come from everywhere. We try to celebrate that," said Finkle.

The Adams PTA has 20 Board members and scores of volunteers who work on the playgrounds, front office and classrooms.

"Being part of the community is about ownership and investment in the community. The kids go to school where values are formed. It's a major place where formative elements are provided. The school provides a great learning environment," said Finkle.

To make a tax deductible contribution, send a check to: Adams PTA, Annual Campaign, 6110 28th Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98107.

The Adams Elementary School Spring Auction is on April 1, 2006 at the Museum of History and Industry. In the past the event has brought in 35,000, which is about two-thirds of the school budget. The PTA is looking for donations from businesses for the auction.