Title art for the Little Friends Tuition Fund at Maple Street School, supporting nearly half of families and fostering educational access through community-driven scholarships

Little Friends Maple Street Tuition Assistance Scholarship Fund

Catch a Little Friend!

Dear families, friends, alumni, teachers, and community,

One of the beautiful things about Maple Street School is the children are free to play and encouraged to come up with their own ideas of what play can be. For so many years a favorite form of play has been CATCH. So this year we are asking you to help us “Catch a Little Friend” so that EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY.  Please consider donating to our annual fundraiser, known as our Little Friends Campaign, so we can continue our mission of providing an equitable and inclusive education.

We are thrilled to say that currently, more than 40% of children at MSS receive a Maple Street experience for less than full tuition, ranging from no cost to need-based tuition assistance, and our goal is to increase that percentage to more than 50%. 

Maple Street School students looking at different types of seeds at a demonstration table at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, engaging in hands-on learning about plant life cycles and the environment
oster art for the Little Friends Giving Tuesday fundraiser at Maple Street School, promoting community support and contributions to the tuition assistance fund for families in need.

Give today

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Give today ⁎

“Catch a Kiss with your finger”

- Elia

Maple Street School students reaching up to catch bubbles during classroom sensory play, engaging in joyful, hands-on learning that enhances motor skills, focus, and creative exploration.

“Catch Love”

- Anya

Maple Street School student painting hanging in a window, showcasing creativity and artistic expression as part of the vibrant, hands-on learning environment in the classroom.

“Catch Mom and Dad”

- Cassains

“Let’s Learn how to Play Catch”

- Lev

Peggy, Director of Maple Street School laughing with a student at a classroom table, engaging in a lively conversation with a group of students at Maple Street School, fostering a supportive and joyful learning environment.

I had the opportunity to sit down with the children and talk to them about what they love to catch at Maple Street School. Some kids said they love to catch love, and some love to catch teachers, but Lev said, “Let’s learn how to play catch.” And I thought wow, lets “learn” how to play catch. That idea allowed space for a conversation with the children because there isn’t just one way of playing catch. It allowed space for the children to share their different ideas about what playing catch could mean or look like. Sometimes when you catch things, you're doing it alone, and other times when we catch things we are joining someone else. Playing catch alone involves using your body in all kinds of new ways. Playing catch with a friend involves collaborating, trusting, building partnership, and having fun—all things we are constantly working on in preschool.

During childhood play, kids learn about verbal communication, body language, boundaries, cooperation with others, and teamwork. They grow up to continue to use these skills in their everyday lives.

“You can catch a soccer ball with your feet when you want it to stop.”

Maple Street School student catching a soccer ball in Prospect Park, enjoying outdoor play and developing coordination, teamwork, and physical skills in a natural, active environment.
Maple Street School alumni playing in a soccer game, joined by Director Peggy, who came to see them play years after graduation, celebrating the lasting connections and community spirit at Maple Street School
Archive photo of Maple Street School students sitting on soccer balls in Prospect Park, captured during their time at the school, showcasing early memories of play, teamwork, and outdoor play.

Luco and Eli sitting on their soccer balls spring of 2016. 

Recently, I attended a soccer game where Maple Street alums Luco and Eli played together on the same team; together they scored goals which allowed their team to walk away with a win. From the sidelines I watched them run, pass the ball, and work together with their teammates. I was in awe as I remembered them running at Lincoln Road playground playing catch, playing freeze tag, climbing, sliding down the slide, and taking soccer classes on the grassy area near the Pavilion. It was not lost on me that the confidence and teamwork they were showing on the soccer field as middle schoolers were seeds that we planted at Maple Street School.

At Maple Street School we truly care about children learning to play. I am so proud that we have this Little Friends campaign where children who would not be able to attend can come to Maple Street School and play whatever catching game they want 10, 20, 30 years later, even forever!

Please be a part of those who donate to this crucial fund, knowing that your donation will not just support our children today, but it will make an impact that will carry through for life. 

With love and in community, 

Peggy Francois