SPRUCE FUND We ask you to make Spruce Street School your philanthropic priority this year with a gift to the Spruce Fund. Your contribution to the Spruce Fund allows the PTA to support student enrichment programs and faculty professional development, fund library staffing and equipment, and generally support Principal Nancy and the Spruce Street School administration to address any funding matters that may arise throughout the year. For the 2022-23 school year, our goal is to raise $125,000 for the Spruce Fund. You can help us reach this goal! Unlike our other fundraisers, administrative costs are extremely low, so almost 100% of donations go directly to supporting crucial programs. Supporting the Spruce Fund is the most important way you can donate to your child’s school. Please note that all donations to the Spruce Fund are fully tax deductible. We are often asked, “How much should I give?” The following is simply a guide to help you answer that question: Spruce Street School PTA spends $700 per student. The PTA’s operating budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year is approximately $300,000. Every donation benefits every single student at PS 397 Spruce Street School. Your participation—at any level—makes a difference. Thank you for your trust, generosity and investment in Spruce Street. We are grateful for your thoughtful consideration and participation in the Spruce Fund. SPRUCE EVENTS The Spruce Street School PTA is made possible by community fundraising events, organized and led by parent volunteers. Sure, our collective efforts have a huge impact on the quality of our children's education, and that's already a good argument - but it does not stop there. Most of all, our events create new friendships, tighten bonds, and weave the very fabric of our community. Be it at the Taste of the Seaport, in a Halloween party, during the Book Fair week, around Friendship Day or before, during and after the Gala, there is so much to do - and yes, it's work, but it's also fun. Together, we provide an enriched education that extends beyond DoE-funded basics. Here are some examples:
Taste of the Seaport allows families to gather each fall in the historic South Street Seaport for a day of fun. When tickets become available, you can purchase them here.
At Halloween, an outdoor Scavenger Hunt in the neighborhood allows kids to get to know local businesses, and families to come together around a fun afternoon with their kids. When tickets go on sale, you can find them here.
Children, parents and teachers love our Book Fair and Read-a-thon, where extended families and friends also contribute, and is as safe as any online-only activity. This school year, we are running both of them at the same time, end of April / early May. Follow the school weekly emails for updates on dates!
Each year we gather for our Gala event, where parents, teachers and staff come together for an evening of childfree fun. When tickets are on sale, you can find them here. Follow the weekly school emails for updates!
Friendship Day happens On February 14th, and ensures every student has a fun and inclusive holiday.
Oh, and then there's Spruce Experience, all year round - both online and in person.
TEACHER APPRECIATION Our Teachers and school staff are amazing all year round, not just during Teacher Appreciation week. That's why we organize appreciation events all year - from very special breakfasts and lunches to make-your-own-bouquet events. Ask your class parents for further information, or contact us if you want to help.