School’s out this week, and Publicolor took full advantage, holding a fund-raiser Monday at the Louis D. Brandeis High School on the Upper West Side.

The 10-year-old organization is all about brightening up schools – primarily with paint colors such as Bahama blue and key lime. The theory, which anecdotal evidence has thus far proved true, is that an uplifting environment leads to increased safety, respect, and general well-being.

Before Publicolor came to 11th-grader Irma Nepomueeno’s school, “the feeling was old and really dull,” she said. But a few coats of paint gave the school “a much better vibe.”

But why take a student’s word? On this night, guests got to experience the vibe themselves, taking up brushes to color canvases designed by David Rockwell, Michele Oka Doner, and others. And here’s a news flash if you haven’t been in art class in a few years: Smocks are out of style. The thing to wear these days is a super-protective white jumpsuit.

The signal for dinner to begin was the school bell – and a pleasant sounding voice on the P.A. system. Event decorators had lots of fun transforming the gym where dinner was served: Chairs and napkins were green, yellow, and red; tablecloths were paint-splattered, and the centerpieces were paint cans.

The honoree at the event was the city’s police commissioner, Raymond Kelly, who last week launched a new school safety initiative. He noted Publicolor’s role in helping to take three schools off a “dangerous” list.

In deference to Mr. Kelly, the founder of the organization, Ruth Shuman, joked that “all colors are created equal – except for NYPD blue and Kelly green.”

The organization not only paints, but mentors and provides financial assistance to students in their college years.

The event raised $650,000, with a very successful live auction. One package included passes to photograph the Mets during batting practice, while another will bring Philip Glass to perform at the winning bidder’s home.

agordon@nysun.com