This is my third year working with our parent group on a fundraiser called Square 1 Art. The first lesson of the year for all grades is a review of something from the previous year. This way students feel confident in what they are making and it gets them back into the 'grove' of the art room. Sq 1 is easy to work with because they have a timeline set up for you, they send product to explain the process and every kid get a free product wether they buy or not. This was key to me.
Here is how it works... The art teacher does the art with the students on a provided sheet of paper. Then my parent group gets it organized and sends it back to Sq 1. They create a personalized packet for each student with their art on it. Parents can buy any number of cool products with their little artists art on it. If they choose not to order they just get a free gift anyway. The products come back to the families right before Holiday Break in Dec (perfect timing)! Even with all the 'free' product, our school has always made a profit. Parents ask for it now and it is a hit with the kids. The next couple of posts will be about the projects we did with each grade level at RES for this fundraiser.
I do a similar fundraiser for our PTSA using Original Works Yours; Artful Artsy Amy says she does this fundraiser too. The quality is excellent and they have an extremely varied product line. I agree to do it each year because the parent organization is so supportive of me and my program, but sometimes it's tough. The paper size is small and to create a product the parent will want to purchase, I do a lot of projects that begin with directed drawing, different from the more explorative way I normally teach. When mine are done (in a week or two)I'll post them too. I'm interested in seeing what ideas work for you.
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing but have been using Original Works - I like the idea of the free magnet with Square 1 - but am not a real fan of the required square format. This fundraiser is what funds my entire program...
ReplyDeleteOur school is currently doing a Square 1 fundraiser and are unsure about what shipping and handling costs to expect. Do you mind telling me how large your school is and what the shipping cost was?
ReplyDeleteSusan, I didn't do the hard work of all the orders… Just the art. We are a school of about 650 students and I think we charged $2.00 per order. It think that is what you are inquiring about… Right? email with more other question… Nicholechahn@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks! That info helps! I'm just nervous about ending up in the hole about shipping. We are a small school (60 students). We decided on $1.50 s&h charge. I guess we'll see what happens.
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