CLIPCO - Cupertino Language Immersion Program Community Organization

  • Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is CLIPCO?
A: When the CLIP program was formed, parents developed CLIPCO to create an easy way for parents to donate money to the program.  The district needed the CLIP parents to fund the Chinese portion of the program.  CLIPCO is a non-profit 501(c)(3) support organization.
 
Q: How is CLIP different from CLIPCO?
A: CLIP is the name of our program: Cupertino Language Immersion Program. CLIPCO is the non-profit support organization. CLIPCO stands for Cupertino Language Immersion Program Community Organization.  CLIPCO is made up of parent volunteers.  Parents are welcome to attend meetings.  Please check our News & Events page for dates.

Q: What does my donation pay for?
A: Your donation pays for Chinese texts, development of curriculum, duplication of curriculum, instructional aides, books for our Chinese Library, and anything that pertains to the Mandarin portion of our program.  Please go to the CAC & Budget page for more detailed budget information.

Q: What does CLIPCO do?
A: CLIPCO is responsible for raising money each year.  Our biggest fundraiser is our direct give program.  If parents contribute each year, our students are ensured the best quality Chinese learning possible.   CLIPCO also helps to bring our CLIP community together by holding various CLIP events.

Q: What are some of the CLIPCO events?
A: A Chinese New Year Festival,  Town Hall Meetings, and our Spring Banquet.  More informaiton can be found on our News & Events page.

Q: How is CLIPCO different than the PTA?
A: The PTA is responsible for raising money for ALL children of Meyerholz to help fund music, art, PE and technology for our school.  PTA will also ask you for a separate donation to help fund the various programs at Meyerholz.  CLIPCO just funds the additional Chinese portion of the CLIP curriculum.  Your child benefits from both donations!

Q: What is the CAC?
A: The CAC is the Curriculum Advisory Committee.  This committee was set up by the district to help make curriculum decisions with parent and teacher involvement.  CAC and CLIPCO work hand in hand each year.  The CAC board is composed of teachers, parents, and principals.  They present funding needs to CLIPCO, which in turn raises the money to cover those needs. Find more information on the CAC & Budget page.

Q: Why doesn't the CUSD pay for the Chinese portion of our program?
A: The money CUSD provides instruction to our students, it's budget only includes the materials for the English portion of their education.  Our students receive the same amount of money that any other student in the Cupertino Union School District.  However, additional funds are required each year to cover the Mandarin portion of the curriculum and its continued development.

Q: Do other schools in the Cupertino Union School District ask for donations?
A: Yes, all the other alternative programs and regular programs ask for donations.

Q: How do I know where my money is being spent?
A: CLIPCO works with the district to let parents know where the money is being spent.  Everytime there is a change in the state-mandated curriculum, the Mandarin portion must be updated, translated, and developed.  Please check the CAC & Budget page for more details.

Q: What are the Goals of CLIPCO?
A: CLIPCO's main goal is to raise money and to support CLIP by reaching 100% participation level among families in CLIP.  Each year we need to raise a significant amount of money to pay for the necessary parts of our program.  Howerver, CLIPCO would also like to increase communication, create a strong parent community, help us all embrace the Chinese culture, and have fun, too.

Q: Why is 100% participation so important?
A: Full participation in the direct give campaign demonstrates the commitment of our parent community.  It also ensures a quality Chinese education and fulfills your family's education goals.

Q: How much should I give?
A: We ask each family to try to give $700 for the first student in the program, $600 for each additional child, $200 for each Lawson student, and to participate personally at a level appropriate for their situation.   Every donation, regardless of size is important to CLIP and our kids.

Q: How can I give my donation?
A: CLIPCO accepts cash, checks made payable to CLIPCO, and now credit cards.  Please make a credit card payment or monthly installment plans by visiting on Donation page.

Q: Does CLIPCO really need my donation?
A: Yes, if your child is in the program, your child uses new texts, receives Chinese instruction, and benefits from all aspects of our program.  Your donation ensures the ongoing success of our program for YOUR child.

Q: I can't seem to make a monetary donation this year.  How can I help otherwise?
A: Please consdier making a smaller donation that fits your budget and/or utilizing our monthly credit card installments by visiting on Donation page.

Q: How can your employer help CLIP?
A: Many companies provide charitable matching programs –  CLIP received $24,654.50 from corporate matching programs in the 2008-2009 school year.  In addition, some companies offer other giving and volunteer program that are equally important.

  • HP has a charitable giving program where parents may make an in-kind donation of much needed equipment at a significantly reduced cost.
  • Applied Materials will give a $250 Grant to CLIP and Intel will donate $10/hour to CLIP if an employee volunteers a minimum of 20 hours a year.
  • Yahoo! will provide 8-hours of company paid Community Service time a year for employee volunteers

Please check with your HR department for available programs.  Send this information to info@cusdclipco.org and CLIPCO will spread the word to other parents to take advantage of these Corporate Community Programs.

Copyright 2008