Red and Blue Envelope: Teacher Bonus Fund
There are two ways to donate to the St. Josaphat Teacher 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.
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 the end of the year. The red envelope fund drive is conducted in the fall, and the blue envelope fund drive is conducted in the spring.
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 the end of the 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 in 2022 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 a school year to our continuing teachers and is a complement to the Bonus Fund, which is more of a contemporary “thank you” during the school year.
Who contributes towards the St. Josaphat Bonus Fund?
As a primary ministry of the parish, all members of the parish community are invited to contribute to the Bonus Fund. In past years, we have been fortunate to have a strong majority of families contribute to the fund. We always strive for 100% participation at whatever level families feel they can afford. In addition to your direct contributions, various PTO fundraisers also contribute 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 or yellow folder. Make checks out to “St. Josaphat School”. Only a few parish staff members see the contributions made by each family, and 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 the End of the Year but will not be informed of the amounts donated. Please return the red envelopes by Friday, December 13.
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?
While we set an ambitious goal of $1,000 per family, this is a deeply personal family decision. Donations of ANY amount are appreciated.
How do we contribute?
A red envelope will be sent home in your child’s backpack on Friday. You can make a cash or check contribution (you will receive a blue envelope in the spring). We would like to maximize the amount given to the fund and encourage donations via check to avoid credit card/transaction fees.