Fundraising

 

The SSA aims for 100% participation in our fundraising efforts. We depend on the generous financial contributions of our Spoede community to allow us to continue the support of our students and staff.

 

The SSA is also respectful of the time and energy it takes to fundraise, which is why we don't ask our students to sell wrapping paper, pizzas, or cookie dough. Instead, we only have one major fundraiser each school year and that is the Spoede Dance-a-Thon. Since coming to Spoede in the fall of 2019, the DAT as it's affectionately known, has brought in over $190,000!! Keep in mind that we've only been able to hold this event four times due to Covid, so needless to say, it works! It's also extremely simple.....each classroom gets their own dedicated donation page, you share it with family and friends, they donate, your kids collect some awesome pins, and then we dance to celebrate! There is no door-to-door, there is no delivery of goods after purchase....The SSA makes fundraising simple and FUN!

 

  

 Dance-a-Thon and “Teacher Parties” FAQ!

What is the Dance-a-Thon (DAT)?
The Spoede Dance-a-Thon (DAT) is our main fundraiser of the year. If we meet our $45,000 goal, it will be the only fundraiser (aside from a few restaurant/community nights). 

It’s designed to be super simple for parents—no selling, no pledges, no tracking minutes, no door to door, and no paperwork. 

 

How does the DAT work?
The DAT runs for two weeks. During this time, parents, grandparents, family, and friends simply donate to the school through a link to their child’s classroom page. We strive for 100% participation from families. While the average donation per student last year was $102.00, no donation amount is too small! 

While donations come in, kids enjoy special activities at school—fun PE events, spirit days, and more.  As donations grow, fun and engaging incentives are unlocked for grades levels and there are also exciting incentives for the whole school as well. The fundraiser ends with:

  • A school-day dance party for all students in PE with a live DJ on Friday, September 26.
  • An evening family celebration the same day (6–8 PM), featuring a DJ, professional photo booth, yummy hot food for sale, and other fun activities. This year’s theme will be Spoede Dance-a-Thon Color Pop -“Shell-ebrate with dancing, colors, and fun for the whole family!” 

How do we donate?

Each class will have their own fundraising webpage, hosted by Membership Toolkit. This is an awesome tool that allows us to streamline the donation process. Instead of going door-to-door, taking orders, and handling checks, you and your student will be able to reach out to friends and family electronically by email, Facebook, and other social media sites. If you have more than one student at Spoede, you will need to donate to each student's class separately.  Click HERE to access the school wide fundraising page.

 

 

When is the Dance-a-Thon this year?

  • Kickoff: Friday, September 12
  • Teacher Sign Up Parties and a few Raffles Open Online (see details below), Tuesday, September 23
  • Finale: Friday, September 26 during the day (Family Party 6–8 PM).

What is the purpose of the DAT?

  • To raise money for the Spoede SSA, with 100% of the funds supporting students and teachers all year long.
  • To bring our school community together and build school spirit.

What do parents need to do?

  • Make donations to help Spoede reach our goal!
  • Invite family and friends to donate to your child’s classroom page.
  • See if your employer will do a donation match (last year, many did!)

What do kids get out of it? - SO MUCH!

  • Grade-level incentives: Fun, experience-based rewards unlocked when a grade reaches fundraising milestones.  Superlatives, trophies and more fun for grade levels during and after the event.

  • School-wide incentives: Activities and celebrations unlocked as the school reaches milestones. (Mr. Bjerk will do VERY silly and amazing things to show his appreciation!)

  • Dance parties: Every student enjoys the in-school DJ dance party and is invited to the evening family celebration as well!
  • T-shirt: All students will receive a special Spoede T-shirt that can be worn as spirit wear anytime!

  • Bonus: If we reach the $45,000 goal, every student gets a popsicle party while watching the principals honor their very silly incentives!

What does the DAT help fund?
100% of the money raised through the Dance-a-Thon directly supports our students, teachers, and school community. Some examples include:

  • Numerous teacher grants for classroom resources, student growth, student needs, student enrichment, and differentiated learning
  • Student field trips, transportation, fees etc
  • Classroom celebrations (holiday parties and other events)
  • New books, computers, technology, STEM materials and more
  • Community events (Fall Family Fun Day, Trunk or Treat, Ice Skating, Passport Night, etc.)
  • Teacher appreciation (Teacher Appreciation Week, gifts, special meals and supplies)
  • Beautification projects inside and outside Spoede
  • Outdoor Learning Center improvements and additions
  • Sensory experiences for students
  • New equipment as needed
  • Much, much more.

 

Teacher Parties FAQ

What are Teacher Parties?

Teacher Parties are small, casual get-togethers hosted by Spoede teachers (usually before or after school). Parents can purchase a limited number of tickets for their child to attend, and proceeds go directly to the SSA.

Example:

  • “Donuts and Dancing with the 2nd Grade Teachers” (limited to ~20 students). 8:10 am on specific date, or bagels and basketball with the coaches, etc.

What do I need to know about Teacher Parties?

  • They tend to  fill up VERY quickly—sign up online as soon as registration opens on the SSA Membership Toolkit. This year the registration will open on Tuesday, September 23!
  • The prices per ticket are usually around $10 but may vary
  • Spots are limited, so not every child in a grade will be able to participate. 
  • Certain parties are only for certain grade levels- so please make sure to read the description.
  • Specialists (such as gifted, library, PE and more) also host parties - and you can sign your child up for as many as you’d like!

What’s the purpose of Teacher Parties?
They raise money for the SSA while also building stronger, positive connections between teachers, students, and peers. Kids LOVE to have that extra special time with their teachers.

 

Are there any other types of sign-ups at this time?
Yes! During the DAT, you can also sign your child up for raffle experiences such as “Principal for Half a Day” or “Art Teacher for a Day.” or “Front Row Seats to Spoede concerts”

For these raffle items, you purchase entries (chances to win). Winners will be chosen randomly through an electronic drawing.

 

On the Horizon…. Parent Parties!

Parent Parties FAQ - starting in October - Let’s get to know each other!

 

What are Parent Parties?
Parent Parties are all about bringing our Spoede community together! They’re a chance to meet new friends, strengthen connections, and enjoy time with other Spoede parents and families. While these events also raise funds for our school, the true heart of Parent Parties is community building.

Just like teacher parties, Parent Parties are hosted by parents or families who choose a theme or activity. Hosts provide the space (home, park, or other fun spot), cover the cost of supplies, and decide how many guests they’d like to invite. Tickets are then sold online through the SSA, and all proceeds go back to the school.

 

What are some examples of Parent Parties?
There have been so many creative and fun ideas over the years! Here are some examples:

  • Adult-focused parties: wine tasting, a “favorite things” swap, golf outings, or mahjong nights.
  • Family-friendly parties: cookie decorating, grade-level playdates at the park with donuts and juice, or seasonal get-togethers.

Tickets are priced with accessibility in mind—based on the value of the party and what we think families would enjoy—while keeping the focus on community first.

 

I have an idea! How can I host a Parent Party?
We’d love to hear it! Email us at spoedefundraising@gmail.com with your:

  • Name
  • Location of party (address)
  • Party theme/idea
  • Date and Time (start and end times are helpful)
  • Maximum number of guests

From there, we’ll help get your idea off the ground! And once the party is full, or the date is a week or two away, we will email close the party and send you an email with all of the attendees information! 

 

Still have questions or want to share an idea?

Email me: spoedefundraising@gmail.com or Text me at 314.614.8372. Happy to help!

 

 
Other ways to support Spoede...

  • Dine out for Spoede (Restaurant nights)
  • Buying Spirit Wear

Thanks for all you do to make Spoede so amazing!