Classrooms are assigned. Pens and paper are packed. Homework for the kids has started. And parents have one bit of homework too! Now is the time to hop on the escrip and update your credit and debit card registration to be sure that it includes all the appropriate digits to earn money for Stevenson painlessly. And if you are just registering for the first time, it’s easy to do and takes only a few minutes of your time but means a great deal.

In 2008, Families For Stevenson organized the “Made In The Shade” Committee to make shady play areas a reality at Stevenson by Aug. 2010. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood — and that just one blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting melanoma later in life. So along with regular safe sun practices, join FFS in the efforts create a safer school environment.

The eScrip program is a primary source of funding for the endeavor. EScrip lets parents, teachers, neighbors and relatives earn money for the shade fund by registering grocery club cards, credit cards, select retailer cards and even ATM cards in the program. Retailers then contribute a percentage of the money spent on those cards directly to the designated efforts. And, it doesn’t cost the cardholder anything.

Loyalty cards at Vons stores and Macys can be registered to start earning today. And restaurants like Tequilas, Santa Fe Cafe, Priscilla’s, Burbank Bar & Grille contribute through the use of registered credit cards used at these locations. There’s even an eScrip Online Mall Store that can put money in the fund. You can sign up today and help contribute to these efforts. Log on to www.escrip.com and register your cards, with confidence that your privacy is completely protected. You will be asked to identify Families For Stevenson (141523068) as the group you want to support. Now is a good time to check your registration and update your cards.