October 15, 2009
Dear Families and Friends of the Waldorf School of Pittsburgh,
As our school strengthens its foundation while creating new growth, we respectfully request and urgently need the participation of our entire community in this essential effort, the 2009-2010 Waldorf School of Pittsburgh Annual Fund drive.
For the past 16 years, our school truly has been as extraordinary as each child who has walked through its doors. We continue to provide the most complete educational system in the world, infused with creativity, specifically synchronized to children’s natural development, and focused on innovation rather than standardization. The Waldorf educational approach, established in 1919 and refined and perfected for the past 90 years in more than 900 schools, awakens students’ true potential and their passion for learning, helping them to develop into personally responsible, independent, and successful human beings.
Despite the recent economic downturn, over the past year our school has increased enrollment to more than 100 students. Thanks to your financial generosity, our Annual Fund contribution total for 2008-2009 increased by more than one-third. Additionally, our Middle School Expansion working group is committed to taking our students to the eighth grade, the Little Friends childcare program has successfully transitioned into our campus’s Yellow House, and for the first time we have two nursery classrooms. Enclosed with this letter you will find our Annual Report detailing the achievements and experiences of our students, faculty, and community for the 2008-2009 school year.
Despite these accomplishments, our school needs your financial support more than ever to continue its mission of social renewal. The future of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, upon which we rely for a significant percentage of our operating budget, is uncertain at best. Additionally, our tuition income simply does not cover the expense of our rich, creative, curriculum and fixed operational costs. We rely on your financial generosity and on full community participation to bring this amazing and nurturing learning environment to life for our children.
The goal of the 2009-2010 Annual Fund drive is to raise $50,000.00. While every gift is appreciated, we respectfully request that you be as generous as possible and not take this educational approach that we all love for granted. Please consider:
a $45 donation will obtain one pentatonic flute;
a $100 donation pays for a Kindergarten snack for one child for one year;
a $300 donation will purchase a new ergonomically designed desk and chair;
a $335 donation pays for Spanish or Russian lessons for one child for one year;
a $3,600 donation provides one year of teacher training support;
a $5,000 donation will pay for one year of advertising, helping us to expand enrollment and the scope of our school; and
a $50,000 donation can completely restore our iron gates and fence.
Please be advised that your contribution to the Annual Fund of the Waldorf School of Pittsburgh is tax deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes.
As I write this letter, 100% of our faculty, administrative staff, and Board of Trustees have made contributions to the 2009-2010 Annual Fund. We need each of you to follow suit to continue to empower our children with an education that gives clarity of thought, a caring heart, and confidence to initiate change. On behalf of the children, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees, we thank you and truly appreciate you as a valued member of our community.
With warm thanks for your support,
Christopher A. Papa, Esquire
President of the Board of Trustees
