This week I was able to introduce our annual giving campaign to our staff. I shared with them the list—that you would have all received in the brochure this week—of the things that our families have fundraised for these last few years. Things like the playground, teaching technology, sound dampening, lighting and rigging in the theatre, science lab equipment, the play space next door, upgrades to the gym, and so much more. I asked them to pick the top two items that impacted their day-to-day teaching and student experience. If you could have heard the chatter, the ‘oh FOR SURE it’s this’ or ‘I couldn’t imagine not having that’, or ‘I can’t decide between so many important things’, you would have no doubt felt the gratitude and impact your giving can have.
So as the Annual Giving Campaign kicks into gear, I wanted to share a few more details with you about where the funds would be going this year – if we reach our $175,000 goal. There are so many things that would be incredible additions, but the three options are the Head of School’s Wishlist, Additions to Programming and Financial Aid & Scholarship.
The Head of School Wishlist encompasses larger projects that are more focused on our spaces and the organization. A big item this year will be the moving of lockers, and the purchase of wall-mounted lockers on the 4th floor to allow for more space for students to study and socialize on that floor, a need that is emerging with our ballooning Senior School. Another slightly less interesting, but vital item is the refreshing of our emergency supplies.
The Additional Academic and Extracurricular Programming Fund covers many things. To name a few, it includes outdoor education supplies, library materials, a partnership with Gardens For Kids for new programming at our property next door this spring, tech materials and additional field trips and experiential opportunities for students.
Finally, our Financial Aid and Scholarship Fund supports students and families who may otherwise not be able to access the Urban Academy experience.
Often, the main reason that people don’t participate in annual giving is because they feel like they haven’t been asked. So I am inviting you today, to come alongside the rest of the community and participate in whatever way fits your family best. We are asking our families to get involved and give to the things that get our teachers excited and change the way our students learn and experience their days at UA! You can give by direct donation, parent equity donation, or cheque; either way, you can contribute here.
Thank you to those of you who have already jumped on board for this year’s appeal. It takes the community, all of us, to get involved, which is why we focus primarily on participation as our key metric. Having 100% of our families give, will really turn generosity into tangible opportunity. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Yours in Development,
Sonja Kennedy