Red Envelope Bonus Fund
There are two ways to donate to the St. Josaphat Blue Envelop Bonus Fund.
1. Return your sealed red envelope via your child’s backpack/yellow folder. Make checks out to “St. Josaphat School.” Only a few parish staff members see the contributions made by each family. No school parent will see the monetary amounts. Please return by Friday, December 4, 2023.
2. By using the following link or QR code.
St. Josaphat Bonus Fund F.A.Q.
What is the St. Josaphat Bonus Fund?
The St. Josaphat Bonus Fund enables families to contribute to the semi-annual bonuses for faculty and staff. It is paid out twice a year, at Christmas and end of year. The red envelope fund drive is conducted in the fall and the blue envelope fund drive is conducted in the spring.
How is this different from the Teacher Retention Fund?
The Teacher Retention Fund (TRF) was created last year to provide for improved longer term retention of our teachers and to close part of the gap to salary levels offered by Chicago Public schools and other private schools. TRF payments are made following the completion of school years to our continuing teachers, and is a complement to the Bonus Fund, which is more of a contemporary “thank you” during Christmas and the school year.
Who contributes towards the St. Josaphat Bonus Fund?
SJS parents do! In past years we have been fortunate to have a strong majority of families contribute to the fund. This year we are hoping to approach 100% participation at whatever level families feel they can afford. In addition to your direct contributions, various PTO fundraisers also provide contributions to the fund.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes! All donations are tax deductible and will appear on your year-end giving statement from the parish.
Who collects the St. Josaphat Bonus Fund contributions?
Please return your sealed red envelope via your child’s backpack/yellow folder. Make checks out to “St. Josaphat School.” Only a few parish staff members see the contributions made by each family. No school parent will see the monetary amounts. Faculty and staff will be notified of the names of the families that donate to the fund at both Christmas and End of year, but will not be informed of the amounts donated.
Why not simply increase teacher salaries?
Saint Josaphat teacher salaries are set by Archdiocese pay scales, over which the school has no control. The Bonus Fund is the only way Saint Josaphat can provide our teachers with total pay that is at least a little more competitive with other top Catholic and private schools in our market.
What is the suggested donation?
This is a personal family decision, especially with all economic uncertainty. Donations of ANY amount are appreciated.