*What is FAN, and why do we need it?
Fine Arts Network (or “FAN”) is a parent-run group that raises money for South Charlotte’s fine arts classes. Think of it as Boosters for the Arts! When your child enrolls in a fine arts class at SCMS, you will pay a nominal fee for the supplies and activities necessary for the class (see more FAQs about fees below!).
South Charlotte has among the highest number of fine arts classes offered by CMS middle schools. FAN fees make it possible to continue to offer these classes and give students an amazing arts education while at SCMS.
*What do FAN fees cover?
Among many day-to-day items our arts teachers make use of, FAN fees cover things like studio art supplies (e.g., clay, paint, charcoal); repair of school-issued instruments for band and orchestra; scripts and sheet music; school musical expenses; transportation to events; security at events; and costumes and sound equipment.
*How much are FAN fees?
FAN fees are as follows:
Regular Electives:
Band $50 (YEAR LONG)
Orchestra $50 (YEAR LONG)
Art $30
Guitar $25
Chorus $10
Dance $10
Drama $10
Honors/Academic Enrichment:
Honors Art $50
Jazz Band $50
Orchestra $50
Chorus $50
Drama $50
Dance $50
School Musical $50
*What if my child takes multiple classes? How do I know how much to pay?
FAN fees are PER CLASS/ACTIVITY. Band and Orchestra fees cover the entire school year, while fees for semester-long courses are per semester.
Here's a scenario to help:
You have a child who takes the elective classes Band and Art this fall and is signed up for Dance as an elective in the spring.
You would pay a total of $90 for participation in those classes for the school year. Band is a year-long class, so $50 covers the whole year. Your Art course in the fall is $30 for that semester. You can pay $10 for your spring Dance class now, too, so that those funds are available for use (and you have one less thing to remember in the spring!), or you can wait until the spring semester.
*Is there a way to avoid all of this math and support the arts even more at SCMS?
Yes! You can become a FAN sponsor for $150. This amount covers all FAN fees for all of your student’s classes/activities for the year and allows for a donation of any balance to FAN.
*How do I pay for FAN fees?
Three easy ways!
The preferred way is through Zelle – it’s free to you and free to FAN, so 100% of the fee payment goes to helping students and supporting the arts. Simply enter scmsfan@gmail.com as your Zelle recipient and enter your student’s name and applicable fine arts class(es) in the memo.
You can also send a check or cash to your child’s arts teacher (please make sure to label the student’s name and class on the payment).
Lastly, you can pay using a credit or debit card through the http://pay4schoolstuff.com/ website (please note this website DOES deduct a fee from your payment).
*What if I’m having trouble covering the cost of FAN fees?
Fees should never be a barrier for student participation in fine arts classes. Please contact your fine arts teacher or SCMS counselor for scholarship assistance if your family is experiencing difficulty covering fees.