Events and Fundraisers

For a quick overview of 2011-12 PTA events and fundraisers, and how you can help make them happen!, please see Volunteer Activities List

New York Cares Day
During each of the past several years, the PS 163 community has worked in October alongside the wonderful NY Cares organization to spruce up the interior and exterior of our school. The annual cleanup day is a great way to kick off the school year and helps everyone contribute to and take pride in our community! New York Cares brings vital volunteer support each year to more than 850 nonprofit agencies, public schools, and other deserving organizations throughout the five boroughs. The New York Cares program staff works with the school to identify our community’s most pressing needs, and create projects on which volunteers can make a meaningful difference. New York Cares recruits and deploys volunteer teams to join with our parents and staff to help meet those needs. The great majority of the projects accomplished on New York Cares Day typically would not come to fruition were it not for the commitment of the New York Cares organization. Contact PS163facilities@yahoo.com.

Chess Nights
Chess night are part of an ongoing effort to support the chess enrichment offered at PS 163. There are four events each year all on Friday evenings starting at 6:30pm. Children and parents play chess and enjoy a slice of pizza while developing chess skills.
Chess Programs at PS 163 are funded solely by parent fundraisers. Chess Night and Wine Tasting, along with parent contributions to an Annual Appeal are earmarked for chess. The Chess Committee continues to need supporters and volunteers to assure that chess remains in our school for all children to enjoy. Contact chess@ps163pta.org for volunteer opportunities or how to participate.

Magazine Sales
50% OF ALL SALES GOES TO OUR SCHOOL! Get new magazines! Renew all of your existing magazines! There are extra catalogs in the main office mail slot labeled “Magazine Drive” Online go to Innisbrook.com, click EZ link and follow the instructions. As long as the EZ link takes you through, your order will ship out with the rest of the school’s order. ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE OUT TO “FRIENDS OF PS 163”

Box Tops
Help raise money for P.S. 163 by participating in the Box Tops for Education program. All you have to do is clip Box Tops coupons from your favorite products and drop them off in the collection bin in the school lobby. Or you can buy books through the Box Tops Book Club, or look for Box Tops coupons while shopping online. The program has helped schools earn thousands of dollars a year! Here is a full list of products that participate in the program.

Dia del Los Muertos-Halloween Party
Dia Del Los Muertos is PS 163’s dual-language celebration of Halloween. This Friday evening event encourages families to dress up in costume and offers a meal as well as an array of fun activities like dancing, mask making and a magic show! This fundraiser helps to benefit the LEAP after school program as well as other enrichment programs offered at PS 163. Contact PS163funraisers@aol.com.

Children’s International Festival
Go to http://www.gkids.tv/schools. This is an all year fundraiser, PS 163 makes a percentage of tickets sold when you select PS 163 The Alfred E Smith School from the “Choose my participating school” drop-down menu. The rest is automatic! These are fabulous films for children and adults and the Children’s Film Festival in the Spring is a huge success.

Green Alternatives for Holiday Needs
Help our school raise $$ while saving the planet! .Visit www.greenraising.com an online fundraising site selling eco friendly and fair trade items, specify PS 163 – The Alfred E Smith School under “your selected affiliate”. Go to Shop Now and shop! Products will be sent directly to you! PS 163 will receive 25% of web sales which will support green initiatives at our school.

Square 1 Art
Square 1 Art is a fundraiser that happens in school. The children create square works of art and receive stickers or magnets with their creations. Parents may order other gift items, like t-shirts, handbags, quilt squares, cups, and various other products. PS 163 receives a generous amount of each sale, just in time for the holidays! See square1art.com for more information.

Online and Silent Auction Event
The PS 163 Silent Auction takes place during the the evening of the annual auction party (traditionally the first Friday or Saturday in December). Just before the Silent Auction PS 163 hosts an online auction which includes certificates to local restaurants, gifts, and everything from home cooked meals to vacation homes! These very popular and successful events raise thousands of dollars that benefit the enrichment programs offered at PS 163 and it is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. Contact ps163auction@gmail.com for questions and please go to Participation to volunteer to help.

Holiday Sing-A-Long
Before the holiday break, parents from each class are invited to attend a special musical presentation of holiday classics. The event is designed to celebrate ALL cultures and holidays. Orchestrated by Ms. Anna Marie Spallina, this is a perennial favorite among parents, teachers, and student alike.

Noche de Amor
Noche de Amor is PS 163’s dual-language celebration of Valentines Day. This Friday evening event encourages families to dress their best and offers a meal as well as an array of fun activities like dancing, Valentine making and a performance. This fundraiser helps to benefit the LEAP after school program as well as other enrichment programs offered at PS 163. Contact: PS163funraisers@yahoo.com

International Night
International Night is one of PS 163′s most popular events, and a Class Arts Project Auction was included in 2010 and was extremely successful.

Bake Sales
Everyone loves a good bake sale! PS 163 PTA sponsors an Election Day bake sale on election years, encouraging parents to bake and buy goodies. The proceeds benefit all enrichment programs offered at PS 163.
Contact: PS163funraisers@aol.com

Spring Fair
One of the biggest community events of the year, our Spring Fair and Auction takes place on the third Saturday in May. The event has food, rides, games, rummage sales, and class activities that are great fun for the entire family. The PS 163 Silent Auction takes place the day of the Spring Fair, and auctions off everything from home-cooked meals to stays in vacation homes! These popular and successful events raise thousands of dollars to benefit the enrichment programs offered at PS 163. Contact: PS163Springfairandauction@yahoo.com

Crazy Hat Day
As part of Spirit Week at PS 163, each Spring students get creative and use their heads to put together some fabulous and inspired hats that are shown off in a parade around the school yard.