And we’re off…Charting Our Course for the Future!!
I’m thrilled to be able to share some very exciting news with you. Several years ago, St. Michael’s was approached by a local family foundation with a grant opportunity to benefit our school. As a result, conversations began both with the staff and the Board to identify areas of greatest need that would serve to strengthen our program for the future. Through our internal conversations, a feasibility study within our larger community, and the advice and direction of a fundraising consultant, a decision was made by our Board of Trustees to launch a capital campaign.
Three main goals are incorporated into this campaign. The first goal is to address needs within our physical plant. Improvements will include a dedicated Science and Language room for our lower school; the addition of a multi-purpose room that will serve as a lunch room, after-care facility, and center for programs to support our curriculum and professional development; improvements to our Student Center to include air conditioning and blackout shades for our sky lights during stage and audio-visual performances; improvements to our School Office in order to offer a warmer reception area for our current and prospective families. The second goal will be a STEM endowment fund. With the expansion of a current science endowment fund to include STEM education, this will support not only programs for our students but also professional development for our faculty. Our aim is to develop greater integration of our Science, Technology, and Math curricula while introducing more Engineering components. In order to assist us in carrying out this vision, we are pleased to announce that Ms. Jennifer Gould will be returning to St. Michael’s to serve as the Director of STEM Education, which will include the Math and Science Departments. Our third goal is to continue to build on our general Endowment Fund, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of our school.
You will be receiving information in the mail this week that will explain our capital campaign, including a link to a video that will share our vision with you. Our goal is to raise in excess of $1,000,000. Already, through the generosity and leadership of key supporters of St. Michael’s, we are approaching $600,000 in cash gifts and pledges. Our hope is to have sufficient cash gifts on hand by late March, allowing us to break ground on the facility improvements this summer. With your help and participation, we will reach our goal. This is a project that will benefit our students now and into the future. I invite you to join me in making a cash or pledge gift that will help to carry St. Michael’s into the next chapter of excellence. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the St. Michael’s family. Together, we will be Charting Our Course for the Future because, at the end of the day, it’s all about the kids.
Margaret Moore
Head of School
