Direct Appeal
The CPO helps support Curtis’ cultural, creative, and educational programming with funds raised through the annual direct appeal. The CPO supports a variety of programs and initiatives, including creative and cultural enrichment, covers for the 1:1 computing program, Messenger newsletter, student scholarships, student social events, technology, end-of-year activities, classroom curriculum aids for teachers, UA supplies, recess equipment, uniforms for school sports teams, library furniture, student counseling department, tile project in the school hallways, outdoor beautification projects, and much more. These are all important additions to the Curtis community and they truly improve the students’ experience at Curtis Middle School.
Approximately 50% of the CPO’s annual funds are generated by the direct appeal. At the beginning of each school year, parents receive the annual direct appeal letter via email from the CPO board. Contributions can be made online, either through the directory app or via the Curtis Store. Direct appeal contributions are 100% tax deductible and are generally eligible for corporate matching. If you have questions about the direct appeal, please contact treasurer@curtiscpo.org.
Dine Out/Shop for Curtis
Families are encouraged to dine in or take out from specific restaurants and shops on particular days to help support the CPO. Restaurants and shops donate a portion of sales to the CPO on those days. It’s a great way to support local businesses and it benefits the CPO (and our students!) at the same time.
Corporate Matching
Many companies will match direct appeal donations. Your company may have an online portal on its employee website for their matching gift programs which makes submission easy. If you can’t find an online portal, call your company’s HR department. They will be able to confirm if your company matches gifts to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits like the CPO.
If your company has an online portal, select Curtis Parent Organization, Inc. (CPO) from the list of qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits. If the CPO is not listed, there is usually a section for “add a new organization.” Your company may request the CPO “IRS determination letter,” which we are happy to provide. Enter the information your company requires about your donation. For most matching contributions, you are not permitted to have received any goods or services in exchange for the donation. If you need a formal receipt on letterhead in addition to the standard email receipt, please contact treasurer@curtiscpo.org we can provide one for you. If you have questions on corporate matching, please contact us at treasurer@curtiscpo.org.
Curtis Gear
Show your school spirit with Curtis Gear! T-shirts, shorts, hoodies, sweatpants, hats, and more. Gear is available for purchase throughout the year.
EMCS Directory
The directory is the key connection to contacting other students, parents, staff, and administration. Directories are generated based on information updated or added through the Membership Toolkit link the CPO sends out at the beginning of the school year. Online-only and print versions are available. Print copies are typically distributed in October/November.
Amazon Smile
Select Curtis Parent Organization at smile.amazon.com. Then start shopping at smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon app, and AmazonSmile will donate to the CPO at no cost to you! The CPO has received more than $2,500 from purchases made via the AmazonSmile program.
Textile Bin
The CPO also earns money by filling the textile bin located in the Curtis parking lot. A check is sent to the CPO based upon the weight of the monthly donations. The company takes footwear, clothing, linens, and stuffed animals. When spring cleaning hits, bring those bags of textiles to the bin to earn money for the CPO! Please remember to bag your donations.
For a complete list of items acceptable for recycling, please visit:
Bay State Textiles – Acceptable Items for Recycling
Box Tops
No more clipping. No more sending Box Tops to school. All you need is your phone. Download the all-new Box Tops app, shop as you normally would, then simply scan your store receipts to find participating products. The app will automatically credit Curtis’ Box Tops earnings online. Click here to learn more.