THE LATEST NEWS  

The next PTA General Membership Meeting is 

October 18, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. at Kaufman Music Center, Cafeteria

Annual Lower School Halloween Party!

Saturday, October 26th, 3-6pm at MLK (122 Amsterdam Ave, bring ID to enter)

South Cafeteria and Outdoor Terrace

Wear your costumes, bring some candy to share, and volunteer to help (more info soon!)

A Message from the PTA Executive Board:  

Money Matters

It’s been a while since we sent out a dedicated email about fundraising at SMS and while most of this info is always available on our website (click the fundraising tab, above), it’s important enough to bear repeating. If you’re familiar with our fundraising model, feel free to skip down to the appropriate links and make your contributions today.

As you know, SMS is no ordinary public school. We’re a one of a kind public-private partnership between the NYC Department of Education (DOE) and Kaufman Music Center (KMC). The DOE provides the academic education and KMC provides the music. There’s no school without the DOE and no music without KMC. As such, we fundraise for BOTH organizations. 

ACADEMIC FUNDRAISING: donate to the PTA Annual Appeal

Just like other NYC public schools, the PTA collects annual dues from each family to support school-based activities like professional development, classroom supplies, K-5 NDI, field trips, K-8 after-school programming, high school clubs, community building events, etc. We call this our ANNUAL APPEAL and the goal is to cover our entire budget of ~$130,000 via this ONE major fundraiser. Our PTA dues recommendations are as follows:

• $400 or $40/month (donate at this level and get an SMS Baggu shopping bag*)
• $800 or $80/month (donate at this level and get an SMS tote bag*)
• $1,200 or $120/month (donate at this level get an SMS sweatshirt)

The above figures are based on our projected expenses; the PTA’s goal to provide as much support as possible for SMS students and staff; and our recognition that not every family is in a position to give. We strive for 100% parent/guardian support of this fundraiser and ask that you find an amount you’re comfortable giving. Every donation is genuinely appreciated. Please, take a moment to make your contribution by credit card, PayPal or check. 

MUSIC FUNDRAISING: donate to KMC

Kaufman Music Center (KMC) is responsible for all the musical programming at SMS: Weekly private lessons, performance classes, juries, K-8 grade concerts and 1-8 chorus, HS on-stage concerts, small and large ensembles, master classes and more. 

KMC is a remarkable organization presenting high quality performances and educational opportunities and we are so fortunate to have this unique partnership with them. KMC runs several fundraising efforts during the year including Day of Musical Action in March which raises funds specifically for SMS and an annual Gala in June, which raises funds for the center as a whole. 

Last year SMS families contributed just over $212,000 of the $3M KMC must raise each year to fund our school. Like the PTA, KMC looks for 100% participation from SMS families. You can give now to KMC or wait for one of their appeals. 

ADDITIONAL FEES: Unrelated to PTA and KMC fundraising and specific to K-8 and HS (please read carefully)

K-8 Class Dues: ~$150, collected from each family by class parents at the start of the year to cover the cost of holiday and year-end teacher presents, post-recital celebrations and other one-off, class-specific expenses. Contact your class parents with questions.

K-8 Music Theory Fee: $40 which covers the cost of theory-related books and materials. Pay by cash, check made out to "Kaufman Music Center," or by calling the main Kaufman Music Center line at 212-501-3360. Please make sure your child’s name and grade is clearly marked on the check or envelope of any money sent to the school. Contact the music department with questions.

K-8 Classroom Supply Fees: $10-50 depending on the class. Contact your teacher for details.

HS Teacher/Faculty Holiday Gift Fund: In the month leading up to the Christmas break we ask for voluntary contributions to the HS Teacher/Faculty E-Gift Fund. Funds are pooled and used to purchase  gift cards for teachers and staff from the entire HS parent/guardian community. 

HS Classroom Supply Fee: $30 in cash or check made out to “Special Music School” and delivered to Lisa Stump, parent coordinator, in room 375E at MLK to cover communal supplies for all high school students. Please make sure your child’s name and grade is clearly marked on any check or envelope of cash sent to the school. Contact Lisa Stump with questions.

That about sums it up. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Thank you so much and have a great school year!

Jen Laing

Fundraising Chair

fundraisingchair@smsparents.org

*while supplies last

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

The Soran: Flower balloons, bubble balloons, wreaths, arches & more