Fundraising Archives - The Compass School http://compassschool.org/category/fundraising/ Nurturing Love of Learning, Self, Others, and Planet Tue, 10 Oct 2017 16:38:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://compassschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-Compass-Favicon-32x32.jpg Fundraising Archives - The Compass School http://compassschool.org/category/fundraising/ 32 32 Dreams, Direction & Dinero: The 2017 Vision Dinner https://compassschool.org/2017/10/03/dreams-direction-dinero-2017-vision-dinner/ Tue, 03 Oct 2017 16:07:38 +0000 http://compassschool.org/?p=1559 We are approaching an exciting milestone in Compass History.  We know that modular classrooms are temporary and we want to start moving toward the design...

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We are approaching an exciting milestone in Compass History.  We know that modular classrooms are temporary and we want to start moving toward the design of our permanent campus.  At the next Council meeting (10/10/17 at 6 pm), your representatives will vote whether we should renovate our historic barn for classroom space or if we will embark on new construction.

Dreams

 

Compass has been dreaming of this moment for a long time and if you talk to families who have been here a while, they’ll tell you that Compass has done this all before, years ago (before my time). Some members of our community might even say, “Oh here they go again…” They been dazzled with expensive plans before with no produceable outcome in the end.

Well, what happened before and how is this any different?

I’ve reviewed the plans…and the price tags! for Compass’ previous adventures in construction. Compass had big dreams, but they were ones that it could not afford. It would be like if your family went house hunting without getting pre-qualified for a mortgage first.  You might look for a $900,000 house when you could only afford $350,000. In the last run at new construction, Compass was holding plans for an $8 million building.  By my estimations, Compass can probably afford between $2-3 million (with financing, state housing aid, and increasing enrollment to our allowed cap of 220). As you can imagine, that $8 million project didn’t happen.

But the dream is real.  Those modulars serve an important purpose, but they’re supposed to be temporary. I am a dreamer and I’m ready to make a run at it.  Let’s revive the permanent facilities dream!

Direction

When I first came to Compass, I learned everyone had an opinion about the barn or new construction. At last year’s Vision Event, I talked about the importance of having concrete information offered by certified professionals who are paid to think deeply about our project to guide our decisions.  We hired Saccoccio & Associates (using grant money) to answer these two questions:

  • Barn Renovation: Is it possible to renovate the barn for classroom space?  If so, how much will it cost?
  • New Construction: Where is the best place for new construction?  How much would it cost?

The verdict is in!

  • Barn renovation:It is possible!
    • Price tag: $2.4 million
  • New construction:We have identified a site!
    • $2.2 million
  • Site planning (new parking lot, etc): $500,000

The Compass Site committee (Compass parent Evan Preisser is the chair) has met and evaluated the study we received from Saccoccio & Associates and will make a recommendation to Council on 10/10/17.  Council will make the final vote.

The results of their vote will be revealed at the 3rd Annual Vision Event on Friday, October 13th!  Come and join us at the South County Land Trust Barn at 6:00 for the Big Reveal!

Dinero

Compass currently pays almost $50,000 per year to rent our 4 modular classrooms.  We don’t own them.  They’re expensive. We don’t have the money in the bank to pay for the reno or new construction outright; we would be financing it and using the $50,000 that we currently pay each year for the modulars to cover the new bond. Even with financing, we still can’t afford that $2 – $3 million figure I’ve floated unless we qualify for the state’s 30% housing aid reimbursement program through the School Building Authority.

I applied for the program on Compass’ behalf and we were accepted to participate in the process!  There are 3 different benchmarks we must meet and beat this year in order find out if we get the 30%.  It’s a big deal…30% of $3 million is almost $1 million. Meeting these benchmarks will be a huge part of my work and site committee’s work this year.  The first one is due on Oct. 16th and it will take a lot of my brain to pull off.  At the end, we’re hoping that the School Building Authority determines that Compass has met all the requirements and has a high enough of a priority (in comparison to the other schools currently in the application process with us) to be funded.

Hold on to your hats, my friends!  We’re going for a ride! If we get approved for financing and for the 30% reimbursement, this will be a big deal for Compass’ future!

I have often been referred to as the eternal optimist (so take this next statement with a grain of salt…): I believe this will happen! I honestly believe that as a community, Compass can tackle just about anything.  Let’s do this construction thing! 🙂

 

I have so much to share with you 🙂

For new folks, the majority of the adult community of Compass typically attends.  There’s no charge, just bring yourself and some food to share.  We hope you’ll join us!

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Compass Partners with Project Green Schools and the Bruins Foundation https://compassschool.org/2017/05/23/compass-partners-project-green-schools-bruins-foundation/ Tue, 23 May 2017 12:53:03 +0000 http://compassschool.org/?p=1309 On Friday, May 19th, Compass School Director Brandee Lapisky and Parent Colleen Russell attended an evening reception in honor of Project Green Schools. Though our school’s...

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On Friday, May 19th, Compass School Director Brandee Lapisky and Parent Colleen Russell attended an evening reception in honor of Project Green Schools. Though our school’s partnership is in its infancy, Project Green Schools was celebrating an impressive milestone: ten years of Environmental-STEM Leadership which has reached thousands of schools and communities across the country and the world! 

Project Green Schools is developing the next generation of environmental leaders through hands-on, project-based, solutions-based learning, community service and action for students K-12. Students work at the intersection of STEM meets energy, environment and public health, while developing sustainable solutions, soft skills, as well as college and career readiness.
Through this incredible program, our students have already been given the opportunity to advocate for the environmental causes integral to our sustainability and social responsibility focus of learning at our charter school. This week, members of the Compass School Student Voice and Leadership team have been invited to the RI State House for the second time this year.
During Friday’s event, we had the opportunity to network with Bob Sweeney, Executive Director of the Bruins Foundation. The Foundation is an incredible organization that provides grants to organizations across New England that meet the standards of its mission, concentrating on academics, athletics, community outreach and health. On April 1, 2017, The Compass School was recognized at the Boston Bruins game at TD Garden as a Green Up New England Challenge winner. As a national leader in sustainability and environmental education, Compass is thrilled to be part of this initiative and looks forward to a rich partnership with Project Green Schools and the Bruins Foundation in the months and years ahead.

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Annual Fund Launch! https://compassschool.org/2015/12/14/annual-fund-launch/ Sun, 13 Dec 2015 21:08:25 +0000 http://compassschool.org/?p=794 Fundraising Thermometer by: www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com It’s time to launch the Compass School Annual Fund for 2015-16! We have two main goals: 100% Family, staff and council...

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Visit Easy Fundraising Ideas



It’s time to launch the Compass School Annual Fund for 2015-16!

We have two main goals:

  1. 100% Family, staff and council participation.
  2. A total target of $20,000. 

The Annual Fund Campaign is the foundation of our fundraising efforts at The Compass School, allowing us to fulfill our mission to provide opportunities for each student to grow as a cognitive, physical, emotional and reflective being. Like most charter schools, Compass relies on annual, tax-deductible gifts, in addition to district taxes, to balance the budget each year and continue to offer enhanced education programs and facilities for the children.

Annual Fund FAQ

Why is my gift to the Annual Fund so important?
Every year you participate in the Annual Fund, it’s like you are casting a vote – for our students, for our faculty, and for Compass mission. Administration, Trustees and other potential donors view participation as one indicator of satisfaction in the school. And every gift made, no matter the size, makes a difference!

What is the goal of the Annual Fund Campaign, and how will the gifts be used? 
The Annual Fund proceeds provide Compass with the financial flexibility to make investments throughout the year that would not be possible through district revenue only. Examples of those investments include:

  • Blended learning
  • Technology
  • Maintaining Buildings, Grounds, & Equipment
  • Development 

Who participates in the Annual Fund campaign?
Donors include school families, friends, grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, faculty and staff. Additionally, we support our budget for facilities and special enrichment programs with corporate and foundation grants.

How do I make my Annual Fund Campaign Gift?
The easiest way to make a gift or pledge is to visit our secure, donation button at the top of this page. Donations and pledges can also be submitted to the school office at any time. Forms are available on the front office.

Can my Annual Fund gift be matched by my employer?
Depending on your employer, most charitable gifts to a school can be matched. For information regarding your employer’s matching gifts policy, please contact your company’s Human Relations office.  United Way contributions can also be directed to our school.

What is The Compass School’s non-profit Tax ID number?

753056013

 

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