Why do I need to participate?


MSC–a vibrant, progressive learning environment–depends on resources that far exceed the Department of Education’s basic funding. Without your contributions, the Parent Association would not be able to provide vital resources that define our children’s experience at school.

The Friends of MSC are focused on creating community through a dual mission of working toward equity and supporting our community of learners. This year, our Executive Board is passionate about and keen to expand arts education on campus as well.  

Here are just some of the things we funded last year:

• Basic school supplies to all who requested them;
  
• Chromebooks for students who needed, but couldn’t gain access to, devices for remote learning through the Department of Education;
  
• MSC’s hallmark greenhouse science program;
  
• Arts instructions through our partnerships with Harmonize Kids and Carnegie Hall;
  
• MSC’s book room, attending close to our need for diverse books;
  
• New sports equipment for recess;
  
• Counseling for middle schoolers who were applying to high school;
  
• Teacher training to hone our master teachers’ craft, along with technology that enabled remote instruction.
  

Importantly, Family Giving underwrites expenditures over the course of this school year, meaning that they directly benefit our students right now. As parents, we direct these funds in consultation with our faculty and administration. You can view the PA Budget here and attend virtual PA General Meetings (schedule here) to learn more about our initiatives.

How can I contribute?

We make it easy for you to participate, and there are many ways to give. This link will direct you to the DONATE page on the Friends of MSC site. From there, you may make a one-time contribution or set up recurring monthly payments in an increment of your choice over twelve months. Monthly installments help families lower the cost they pay at any given time, while enabling the Parents Association to plan for incoming funds.

If you prefer to pay by cash or check, please email cotreasurer@friendsofmsc.org and a member of the Family Giving team will provide you with mailing instructions or arrange an outdoor meet-up to collect your gift.

If you shop on Amazon, we encourage you to place all of your orders via smile.amazon.com. The stock is exactly the same and a portion of your purchases go to our school when you set up the Friends of MSC as your charitable organization of choice.

When should I donate?

Donations are welcome and appreciated throughout the school year. At the same time, we encourage you to donate early, for two reasons. First, your contribution will be used to fund programs over the course of this school year. Second, your contribution is tax deductible, so it’s beneficial to make your gift during the 2021 calendar year. (When you donate, you will receive an acknowledgment email, which will serve as your tax deduction letter.)

How much should I give?

We have two goals this year: 100% participation across and contribution at whatever level your family can give.

1. Find out if your employer offers a corporate match. Check with your HR department or ask the Family Giving Committee (cotreasurer@friendsofmsc.org) to ask for you.

2. Seek extended family giving by sharing the DONATE page with grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and close family friends for contributions of any size on behalf of our kids.

3. Remember that your talent and time count as much as your treasure. Send an email to any member of the Executive Board if you are willing to write a grant or organize a fundraising event to expand your family’s contribution. If you have other ideas, we want to hear those too! Please reach out to our leadership team, whose email addresses can be found here.

You can email the Family Giving Committee at cotreasurer@friendsofmsc.org.