John W. Decas Elementary Principal Christine Panarese has wanted a marquee sign for the school since she took the helm in 2010.

"Some people think our school is a church," she pointed out, explaining that, because there's no sign adjacent to the roadway, it isn't quite clear that the building houses students.

Couple that with the fact that there's a feature on the roof that could be mistaken for a steeple and, well… you can't really blame the unknowing for the confusion!

Plus, Panarese says, a marquee sign could be used to promote book fairs, events, the need for volunteers, and offer other reminders for families and passersby.

The problem? The cheapest ones are $6,000 — and that's not exactly in the school's budget.

But Panarese had an idea: advertising. Not for the school, but on the school's monthly newsletter.

For $300 for the entire school year, Panarese thought, she could sell space on the back of the newsletter, which makes the rounds to more than 500 Decas Elementary families and is posted on the school's website on www.warehamps.org.

Surely that would be appealing to businesses, and hey, it was for a good cause.

Not wanting to step on any toes, the principal cleared the idea with the district's business manager. There was no problem, as the program would be conducted like any other fundraiser.

The school has sold three spots so far.

"We're hoping to get the sign by Christmas," Panarese said with a smile.

Want to advertise or make a donation? Call the school's main office at 508-291-3530.