I recently received a notice from my previous school about the fact that one of the grades had just made it to 100% parent participation in the Annual Fund. This reminded me of how very fortunate our students are to have such strong Annual Fund support from families, alumni, staff, and friends. Our 2011-12 Annual Fund, which supports the ongoing operation and program of the school, was the most successful in our history. We raised over $210,000 and had 100% support from families, staff, and board members. This is a testament to our shared belief that through working together, we can provide the best possible education for our children.
This reflection upon on our Annual Fund campaign came as the LWPS school community was returning from Spring Break to a beautifully updated building, with brand new carpet. The generosity of the Craig-Scheckmans in providing that carpet allowed us to see with new eyes the very special warmth that our uniquely child-centered building provides. As we walk into the classrooms on our new carpet, we see new technology also provided by our families. The Zedecks’ contribution of a SMARTboard has enhanced the Upper Primary math and social science program, and we are preparing for a SMARTboard provided by the Faunces and an anonymous donor that will reap similar benefits in Lower Primary math and language arts classes. As we move forward, we hope to see SMARTboards in all of our classrooms.
The effects of our families’ generosity extend well beyond our bricks and mortar to the people and programs that make our school such a uniquely special place. Many of our families combined resources to meet the Basses’ matching challenge to provide funding for Bonnie, our music assistant, and allow our strings program to be fine-tuned for all of our students regardless of their level. We have new bike racks provided through the generosity of the Knoxes, allowing our students to continue to buck the national trend where only 13% of students walk or bike to school. The Findell donation of the campsite for our Fall Camp Trip, year after year, makes that important kick-off event possible. The Oleskis and Carltons have provided software and other pieces of technology.
The list of the individuals who deserve recognition for their ongoing support goes on and on. Each and every one of our families provides time and energy to our program: within the classroom, within the building, and during our many events like the upcoming Spring Trips. Our children all benefit from the many gifts that our families provide to the school. They also benefit from the culture of philanthropy that is so much a part of their school world at LWPS. As they encounter the magnanimity of the full school community on a daily basis, and as they generously give of their own time and energy both at school and in the community, they are developing into the kind of adults who will make the world a better place, just as their parents and grandparents have.
