Summary and action items from the October 2025 PTA general meeting.
PTA General Meeting October 2025
Summary
Budget and Art Funding Crisis
• Major funding gap: $10,000 Studio in a School grant not awarded this year
• PTA must raise additional funds to cover full cost of cornerstone arts program
• New direct donation target: $42,000 ($35,000 family + $7,000 corporate matching)
• Translates to suggested contribution of $165 per family per year (~$15/month)
• Current PTA reserves: $133,000 (not intended to be drawn down)
Studio in a School Program
• 30+ year partnership with TNS, teaching artist Mildor Chevalier in 4th year
• Professional practicing artist (painter, sculptor, illustrator) works with all K-5 students
• Curriculum aligned with NYC Blueprint for Learning in the Arts
• Program includes family workshops and end-of-year exhibition
• TNS students consistently selected for professional exhibition at Christie's
• Classroom teachers participate in all art sessions
Approved Budget Priorities
• $40,000: K-1 Teaching Assistants (two classrooms)
• Studio in a School arts program
• Sexually Smart health education (4th/5th grade)
• Field trips including overnight camps (grades 2-5) and ice skating
• Teacher supply reimbursements, cluster teacher support, library support
• Principal's discretionary fund and new Professional Development fund
• Diversity workshops, garden support, parent engagement events
• Budget described as "pretty bare bones" focused on core priorities
Community Updates
• Parent-teacher conferences will include students (unique TNS practice)
• Movie Night permit secured with reinforced supervision rules
• Original Works art fundraiser underway (highly successful in past)
• SLT report tabled for future newsletter
• Discussion on event branding and merchandise needs
Action Items
• Set up recurring monthly donations via Zephy (tax-deductible)
• Check for corporate matching programs and submit for $7,000 goal
• Share donation link with extended family (grandparents, relatives)
• Spread the word about $165 per family annual donation target
• Attend future budget meetings to discuss spending priorities
• Review approved budget categories and provide feedback
• Participate in Original Works art fundraiser
• Consider TNS-branded materials for events (tablecloths with student artwork)
Notes
Principal Dyanthe on Studio in a School:
Ceded her presentation time to teaching artist Mildor Chevalier for comprehensive program overview, highlighting the program's importance to school identity.
The Funding Challenge:
Historically, school received $10,000 grant from Studio in a School to help offset program costs. This year, the nonprofit was unable to provide the grant, creating a "heavier lift" for PTA fundraising and amplifying urgency of donation campaigns.
Curriculum by Grade Level:
Kindergarten & 1st Grade:
• Foundational skills: mark-making, using various tools
• Motor skills development (cutting, holding brushes)
• Collaborative work
• Self-portraits using pastels
2nd & 3rd Grade:
• Observational skills from direct observation and photographs
• Collage with cultural references (e.g., African masks)
• 3D work redesigning New York City (introduction to architecture)
4th & 5th Grade:
• Advanced materials: bamboo reed pens, ink, charcoal
• Complex paper-mâché sculptures requiring armatures and sketching
• Printmaking
• Portraiture using "background to tell more about themselves"
Special Projects:
• Permanent tile collection designed by students
• End-of-year exhibition (May/June) where students critique art objectively
• Professional exhibition at Christie's (TNS students chosen annually)
• Family workshop component for creative family time
2023-2024 Fundraising Strategy:
Category Target Notes
Family Donations $35,000 $165/family for year, ~$15/month
Corporate Matching $7,000
Total Direct Donations $42,000 Newsletter suggests $50/month to compensate for 30-40% of families unable to contribute
Donations via Zephy:
• Tax-deductible
• Recurring monthly payments available
• Can come from broader community (grandparents, relatives, friends)
Budget Expense Categories:
Category Key Items 2023-2024 Allotment
Teacher & Staff Support K-1 Teaching Assistants, teacher supply reimbursements, cluster teacher support (science, gym), library support, Principal's discretionary fund, Professional Development $40,000 (Teaching Assistants)
Arts & Enrichment Studio in a School, Sexually Smart (4th/5th), field trips, overnight camps (grades 2-5), ice skating Varies
Community Building Diversity workshops, garden support, parent engagement events, event permits and supplies Varies
Important Budget Note:
Last year PTA paid ~$10,000 overdue bill for Third Street Music School program; this year that program is paid by school's own budget.
Current Financial Health:
• PTA holds $133,000 in bank account
• These are reserves, not intended to be significantly drawn down
• Financial cycle requires large expense outlays at beginning of year
• Fundraising throughout year works to replenish funds
• Healthy reserve critical for meeting payment obligations (teaching assistants, camp fees)
Parent-Teacher Conferences:
4th-grade teacher Liz highlighted unique TNS practice of having students participate in their own conferences: "I have found that it actually makes a meaningful impact on the kids and their goal setting in the classroom." Communication about this practice will be sent in next newsletter.
Community Engagement Feedback:
• Event branding: Suggestion to invest in TNS-branded materials (tablecloth with children's artwork)
• Swag: No immediate plans for new merchandise. Last year's effort: "did the juice equal the squeeze? The jury's out on that." No remaining stock of adult t-shirts or children's hoodies.
• Event affordability: Point raised to maintain sensitivity with tiered/sliding-scale ticketing options
• Reading workshop: Literacy specialist Kristin Guest holding 2nd workshop 10/15 for grades 2-5
• CEC meeting: Alejandro chairing October Community Education Council meeting 10/15 at 6pm with resolution on pay equity for parent coordinators
Attendance (via Zoom)
Angela Moore, Arthur Bovino, Brooke Moreland, Dyanthe Spielberg, Elena Matt, Elizabeth Devine, Grace Chang, Katy Vedder, Leigh Mangum, Mario Bastianelli, Mildor Chevalier, Milya Zakirova, Najaterry Gonzalez, Robert Murtfeld, Ruth Maksymowicz, Stephanie Skaff, Tylynn Berry, Unidentified iPhone