In 1997, the Elysian Charter School of Hoboken, one of the earliest charter schools in New Jersey, was founded. Soon thereafter, the Friends of Elysian Charter School, a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed with the mission of raising funds that will benefit the school.
Charter School Challenges: As a charter school, Elysian has specific financial challenges. The State of New Jersey does not assist charter schools with building or maintaining school facilities (in Elysian’s case, two floors of a mixed-use building). And so, as compared with the Hoboken public schools, on average, Elysian receives 35% less funding per student. Each year there is a financial gap that needs to be filled so that Elysian has the funds needed to continue delivering educational excellence for every one of its 288 students.
Past Funding: Over the years, funds raised by the Friends of Elysian have been used for a variety of school needs, including facilities improvements; technology, arts, and science resources; school trips; athletics; and cultural events. More recently, the Friends of Elysian completed a three-year capital campaign in partnership with Elysian’s PTSO and Board of Trustees to support the school’s 2015 move to a new building and to assist with general financial stability.
Present & Future Funding: In addition to covering basic facility costs and supporting the school’s operating budget, Friends’ funding helps procure and implement vital school programs and services. And starting in 2023, a portion of donations will support PTSO initiatives such as the annual book fair, Halloween parties, graduation, and teacher appreciation. See below for a list of what you can help make possible when you support Friends and PTSO.
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- K-8 Literacy and Science curricula
- Classroom library expansions
- Professional development programs for Elysian’s teaching staff
- Additional Chromebooks
- Public address and security system
- Annual operating grants (facilities, maintenance)
- Expansion of the middle school’s robotics program
- Tech, arts, and science resources
- Community events throughout the year, such as Picture Day, Field Day, Halloween Party, Lower School Dance, Book Fairs, and the Back-to-School Block Party
- Communication between the school, teachers, and parents through the class parents’ program and school directory
- Teacher-led events and grade/classroom activities and fundraisers
- Major league sports outings
- Pizza Fridays
- Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
- Community Meetings
- Graduation events
- High school placement support for our 8thgraders
- Theater rentals for school productions
- DE&I cultural events such as our annual Kuumba Day Celebration
Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and are accepted from individuals, corporations and foundations.
For more information on how you can volunteer or contribute, please contact us at friends@ecsnj.org.
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The 2022-2023 officers of the Friends of Elysian Charter School of Hoboken are:
Timothy Beringer, Chairperson
Jenifer Semenza, Treasurer
Danielle Moss, Secretary
Nick Falzon, Communications Director
Elissa Aaronson, Trustee
Anat Klein, Trustee
Jayme Rothman, Trustee
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