School is back in session for Greenwich Public Schools and PTA volunteers are working hard to raise money for schools in town.
For some PTAs, collecting donations from families within the school is a challenge.
Hamilton Avenue School is one of four Title 1 schools in Greenwich. By Federal definition, a Title 1 school is
comprised of at least 40% of its students coming from low-income homes, often measured by eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.
Husky Helpers Juliana Cespedes Berrio, Vivien Chen and Daniela Saldana, model kind behaviors at Hamilton Avenue School. Pictured with the school Husky mascot. Sept 22, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager
“The Hamilton Avenue School PTA budget is significantly smaller than other schools in the district,” said PTA Co-Presidents Tisha Canzoneri and Dawn Wistrand. “Our goal is to help students access enriching experiences, school programming and family events that they might not otherwise have outside of the school setting and support teachers and staff when needed.”
Juliana Cespedes Berrio, Vivien Chen and Daniela Saldana pose with Hamilton Avenue School’s Husky mascot. Sept 22, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager
The PTA brought its fundraising in-house after years of platform fees it simply could not afford. Vice President of Fundraising Megan Cutler, a Hamilton Avenue parent and professional assistant, created the new fundraising concept from the ground up: “Kindness in Motion.”
Through “Kindness in Motion,” students thank donors by paying kindness forward—at home, in school, and
across the broader community.
“Our vision was to create a fundraiser rooted in purpose, community, and meaningful impact,” Cutler said.
Students experience the tangible impact of their actions firsthand, discovering their power to make a lasting difference. In turn, donors see their generosity go further, creating a ripple effect of compassion that extends well beyond school walls and continues to grow.
Last week, “Husky Helpers” Juliana Cespedes Berrio, Vivien Chen and Daniela Saldana shared some examples of how they have been demonstrating acts of kindness at school, including holding the door open for others and greeting guests at open house.
The magnet school is also embracing a new theme: Harmony in Learning: Bridging Academics and Arts through AVID and Suzuki.
Principal Diane Fox said, “As we evolve our magnet theme, our building is full of fresh energy, and we are thrilled to embrace new fundraising opportunities that support our vision. Our PTA volunteers work tirelessly to lift up our school community, and we are deeply grateful for their hard work and dedication.”
Principal Fox encouraged all Hamilton Avenue School families to join the PTA this year.
“When our entire school family comes together, we ensure every child at Hamilton Avenue has access to unforgettable, enriching experiences,” Fox said.
Greenwich Public Schools funds Assured Experiences, which include field trips built directly into the curriculum.
Students in K-5 participate in field trips to a local landmark, such as The Bruce Museum. Individual school PTAs pay for additional field trips, assemblies, and family events throughout the year.
Continued fundraising efforts help ensure that students can participate regardless of financial circumstances.
Find more information about Kindness in Motion online.
Giant banner for the HAS Kindness in Motion fundraiser is positioned to have QR code scanned in transit. The fundraiser runs through October 9, 2026