Annual Fund
Dear Mizzentop Supporters:
As parents of Mizzentop Day School students, we realize that there is nothing more important to us than the future of our children. We also know that, based on your previous support of our school in a variety of ways, you must feel the same way. It is for that reason that we happily formed the Mizzentop Day School Annual Fund Committee. In that role we are hoping to convince you that, more than any other time in our school’s 12-year history, your support is more crucial than ever.
We could refer to the financial challenges we are facing as a nation and how that has negatively impacted most independent schools, including MDS. We could talk about the long-range planning that the school is now invested in so that we can continue to improve in all areas of our program. We could talk about the tax benefits of charitable donations like those given to the annual fund, and how those donations offset the cost of educating our students. But there is something more important than all of that to focus on in this letter and annual fund campaign – and that “something” is the 154 precious young people, ranging in age from 3 to 14, whose futures depend on the education, both in and out of the classroom, that they receive today and in years to come. And, as parents, our futures rely on this as well, because, after all, our children will someday be making decisions for and about us as mature adults.
Our goal this year is to have 100% participation in our annual fund so that we can support 100% of our students. This means every parent, every past parent, every past student, every grandparent, every employee, every Board member, and every member of the community that has a relationship with the school – every member of each constituency group participating. We also know that the giving capacity of everyone is different. Therefore, no gift is too small, as long as a gift is made. Participation is the key. Just as our school expects that 100% of our students will do their part in their own educational experience, our school also expects that the adults in these students’ lives will all do their part as well.
When you look at our entire student body in the school picture, your first reaction is to find and focus on the student or students you know – your child, your grandchild, your neighbor, or whoever that might be. After finding that student or students, we ask that you turn your attention to the entire group. As you do, please realize that your support, at whatever level, is benefitting every one of the young faces in that picture. Understanding that, your decision to support our annual fund should be an easy one.
Thank you very much in advance for being a part of the Mizzentop Day School family in some capacity.
Sincerely,
Dana Mills Caitlin Duncan Lori Levy Andy Rickert
Committee Chairs
TECHNOLOGY
In a recent Parent Satisfaction Survey, in answer to the question: “What programs are you personally willing to support through charitable contributions?” the number one answer was “Technology.” There are many ways your financial support can help in this area, including: a school-wide replacement cycle for upgrading computers, a faster internet connection to improve internet access, new servers which will provide us with more control over our website and allow us to utilize administrative software that will streamline our operations and improve communications, and continued access to BrainPop and other educational on-line programs.
THE FUND
In that same parent survey, a high percentage of our parents indicated they would financially support our overall program through charitable contributions. By designating a contribution to “The Fund,” your support can be directed in a number of different ways, including faculty compensation, facilities, academic programs, extracurricular programs and activities, student services, athletics—literally anything that helps improve the total educational experience of our 154 students. Whichever of these options you choose—Technology or The Fund—please be assured that your donated dollars will be used wisely.
