FUNDRAISING

 

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. 

Special Music School is an innovative public-private partnership between the New York City Department of Education, which supports the academic and intellectual needs of our students, and Kaufman Music Center, which facilitates all of the music opportunities. Both are essential. There’s no school without the DOE and no music without KMC. Due to this unique relationship, PTA fundraising efforts are two-fold: Our community supports BOTH the academic and music sides of the curriculum.

 

Please click the links under the above FUNDRAISING tab to learn more about how we support our school.

 

Looking for other non-financial ways to give back? 

Besides being a community that lends support financially, the culture at SMS has always been one of deep involvement. In addition to supporting students in practice, at recitals and at grade concerts our families:

  • Attend PTA Meetings
  • Respond to volunteering requests (assessments, juries, events)
  • Spearhead fundraising and/or community building initiatives

 

Questions? Email fundraisingchair@smsparents.org