September 2021
Dear Yorkville Community School Family,
We are looking forward to welcoming returning and new families back from summer to another amazing school year. The success of our school over the last ten years can be attributed to the strong leadership and vision of our principal Samantha Kaplan, our dedicated teachers, our excellent staff, and of course our active parent body.
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), largely comprised of parent volunteers from the school community, strives to be an inclusive organization with a belief in the intrinsic value of diversity. Its mission is to support the best possible learning environment for the children of Yorkville Community School (YCS), in order to ensure that they all have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. All parents or guardians of any students at YCS are automatically members of the PTA. There are no special membership forms to complete, and ALL members have a voice and voting rights.
The PTA provides support to the principal and staff, advocates for the well-being of all YCS children, builds community, and assists the school in fundraising activities to provide supplemental educational programs and activities to further enhance the school curriculum. All PTA members are encouraged to attend monthly meetings to stay current with our many initiatives and to connect with other parents within the YCS community. This year the PTA has provided each YCS student with this “Keepsake Calendar”. We have included a copy of the YCS Family Handbook with important information for you to review and reference the entire school year. Each month, we hope you and your child will look forward to and enjoy completing the information under the “About Me and Around Me” sections. We have also included many interesting and educational Trivia Questions and Fun Facts each month. Plenty of space has been provided for your child to personalize the calendar with their artwork and drawings. There is also a monthly calendar with important school holidays, meetings and events. At the end of the school year, we hope you end up with a Keepsake which shows the growth of your child that you can keep for the ages.
We hope you are as excited as we are for the start of the new school year. We look forward to making this the best year yet as we continue to support and grow YCS. We encourage you to regularly visit our website, www.yorkvillecommunityschool.org, to watch for our PTA e-blasts each Friday, and to check your child’s backpack for important PTA information sent home throughout the school year. If you have any questions or suggestions or are interested in learning how you can become involved in the PTA, please contact us at pta@yorkvillecommunityschool.org. We look forward to your participation as we continue to build a strong and supportive school community for our children.
Thank you,
Nancy Mark Kate Hrobsky
PTA Co-President PTA Co-President
Updated September, 2022
Below, please find a list of 2022/23 PTA Executive Board members and their respective positions. Click a name to send an email.
The School Leadership Team (SLT) consists of parents, administrators and staff members who work together to determine the structure for school-based planning and make associated policy decisions. Many of the responsibilities of the SLT revolve around creating and implementing the Comprehensive Educational Plan for the school.
The SLT, which meets on the second Thursday of each month at 8am, is made up of 50% parents and 50% YCS staff. The Principal and PTA president are automatically on the team; parent members are elected by the General Membership and serve a two-year term.
Any parent/guardian of an YCS child is eligible to be nominated for one of the four parent member positions during that meeting. You do not need to be present at the meeting to be nominated, but may prepare a statement to be read in your absence. Elections will be held that same meeting after nominations are closed and candidate statements.
School Leadership Team Members for 2021/22:
Samantha Kaplan – Admin
Stacie Lorraine – Admin
Katie Bellissimo – Teacher
Cristina Collabolletta - Teacher
Jennifer Dionisio - Teacher
Jessica Suarez - UFT
Nancy Mark & Kate Hrobsky – PTA Co Presidents
Astrid Hoffius – Parent
Serena Kappes – Parent
Laurie Kasloff – Parent
Charlotte Rochon – Parent
If you have any questions regarding the YCS PTA Budget, please contact one of the PTA’s Co-Treasurers, Janet Schoepfer or Al Smith.
Please remember that no amount is too small and all donations are welcomed. Our efforts are to reach our goal of 100% participation.
Please consider making your donation right now using our online system to make your donation using your credit card, debit card or PayPal account. All donations will be kept strictly confidential and the YCS PTA is a not-for-profit federally recognized 501(c)(3) corporation.
What is the YCS Annual Fund?
The YCS Annual Fund is a PTA annual fundraiser with a goal of $125,000 for the 2015-16 academic year. All monies raised through the YCS Annual Fund are fully tax-deductible and are used to provide resources for YCS above and beyond what is available to our school from the Department of Education. These resources enhance the YCS experience and contribute directly to our school’s reputation as a “Well Developed” Showcase School and one of the best elementary schools in New York City.
Where are funds raised through the YCS Annual Fund directed?
Funds raised through the YCS Annual Fund directly underwrite all enrichment programs taking place entirely during the school day (not to be confused with afterschool activities) for the benefit of every YCS student. Enrichment program partners in 2015-16 include Chess NYC the 92nd Y, Salvadori, SPARK Business Academy, Asphalt Green, and the NY Historical Society. YCS Annual Fund donations also covers expenses associated with the YCS Library, cafeteria attendants, technical equipment including computers, and more. NONE OF THESE EXPENSES ARE PAID FOR BY THE DOE.
Who can contribute to the YCS Annual Fund?
Donations to the YCS Annual Fund are not restricted to YCS parents. Anyone with an interest in YCS and its parents, including grandparents and other relatives; friends; and businesses in the community and beyond, may offer a gift to the YCS Annual Fund.
How can I make a donation to the YCS Annual Fund?
Donations are accepted by cash; by check made out to “YCS PTA” (which can be mailed, placed in your child’s home folder, or dropped off at the PTA office); or by credit card via our donation form or online via the Donate Now button at https://yorkvillecommunityschool.org. Many parents offer their donation in small installments; our online donation button provides that option as well.
What if I can’t afford to give the suggested amount of $1,250 per child?
While the suggested donation amount is $1,250 per student, NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL. Donations of any size are encouraged and deeply appreciated, and remember that you can always pay in small installments.
Why is a high percentage of parent participation in the YCS Annual Fund important?
Each year, YCS receives a certain amount of money from the local elected officials. High parental involvement sends a strong message to these government officials that our community is deeply invested in the school, inspiring them contribute generously in turn. Please help us attain 100% parent participation this year!
Why can’t I just support YCS by spending money at school events?
Unfortunately, our special events cannot fully cover the costs associated with our enrichment programs and other expenses and still remain accessible to every family, so we must rely on the YCS Annual Fund to cover that gap.
How can I maximize the value of my gift?
Please ask your company if they will match your gift to double the impact of your donation!
Can I donate more than $1,250 per child?
Of course! As we strive to meet and exceed our goal this academic year, any and all assistance is welcomed and deeply appreciated.
