Legacy Campaign
THE TIME IS RIGHT
For twenty-eight years, Countryside Montessori School has quietly served a fortunate group of students. Its teachers have brought a warm and stimulating education to children who have grown to love learning and to respect each other. Now as the school’s community, University City, develops dramatically, the time has come for a financial campaign to strengthen the school’s existing programs, build additional space and advance the school to the next level.
The expansion of programs will focus on fine arts, science, technology, and athletics, music, drama for all levels will add a purposeful dimension to our existing academic program. Additional materials and instruction from pre-school through high school will add to the life and physical science offerings. Our technology plan for students and staff will bring forth updated infrastructure and curriculum enhancements. Expanding athletic programs to include tennis courts, a second gymnasium, a soccer field and track will allow many students the chance to participate in individual and team sports.
Our newest and third campus opening in fall of 2009 will give older students a school to treasure, and offer an enticement to the students in the lower grades. It will eventually provide nearly 400 more children with the opportunity to develop the full array of skills required to compete in today’s global economy. As additional buildings are added and the landscaping flourishes, people in the community will soon recognize the campus as a landmark of University City’s geography. As more and more of our students interact with their friends, staff members meet with colleagues at other schools, and parents talk with their neighbors, the school’s special approach to educating children will soon become widely known.
Please consider joining us in support of The Legacy Campaign!
PHASE 1
The two story academic building is currently under construction and will open fall 2009. The new building will accommodate grades 7 – 12. The second floor of this building will be “upfitted” under Phase 2. Phase 1 is projected to cost approximately $4.3 million dollars and is being funded with the proceeds from our recent bond issue and One Fund gifts.
Based on input from parents, students, and staff, Phase 1 also includes the expansion of art, music, drama, and science curriculums for all levels, technology upgrades, and further development of the athletics program.
This will include:
· A kiln, art supplies and additional instruction
· Music equipment, instruments, instruction and songbooks
· Production materials and supplies for drama
· Science lab equipment, 3D demonstration models and various project kits
· Technology upgrades - hardware and software for staff and students
· Playground upgrades including a bike trail for the PC campus
· Field upgrading for the MC campus
· Soccer field and track for the Johnston Oehler Campus
· Frisbee golf and fitness/weight equipment for the JO campus
PHASE 2
Phase 2 will include a single story 17,500 Sq. Ft. Arts & Athletic Center, the completion of the second floor of the academic building, and additional office space at the JO Campus. The Center will be designed to accommodate a gymnasium, locker rooms, cafeteria, stage, auditorium and elective classrooms for fine arts. Six tennis courts will also be added to the JO campus for the use of our student athletes and the enjoyment of our Countryside families. Phase 2 is expected to cost approximately $3.3 million. Construction will commence subject to extension of loan financing with 30% of the cost being raised through donations.
The building has been designed so that it can be completed in sub-phases. Thus, some areas may remain “shelled” until such time as additional funds are raised to “upfit” them. The second floor of the academic building will take place incrementally as enrollment grows.
FUTURE PLANS
In order to protect the long-term growth and prosperity of the school, we have sought a right of first refusal from the adjacent property owners. The current market rate for the additional property is approximately $900,000. Funds need to be raised in order for us to capitalize on this opportunity when it presents itself.
LEARNING
Countryside’s students and parents already appreciate the basic tenets of the Montessori philosophy of student-centered education. Through keen observation teachers assess the students’ needs and facilitate their learning. Teachers create a physical environment that optimizes learning, and they find ways to empower students to discover concepts on their own. The expansion of the arts, science, technology, and athletics will allow students to discover additional skills beyond the classroom.
LEADERSHIP
For nearly thirty years, the vision for Countryside, its implementation, and the financial risk have all been shouldered by Debby and Marty Haugh. What they have accomplished has been remarkable. However, they have now bestowed governance of the school to a volunteer Board of Directors and entrusted their dream to the whole Countryside family.
Over the years, the school has borrowed money for capital needs and paid on the loans through its operating budget. Any new projects, (additions, improvements, or expansions) for all levels will require new borrowing. Our new school-bond loan allowed us to consolidate and refinance existing debt while meeting the goals of a school-wide expansion. In order to satisfy the expectations of our lenders and advance the school to the next level, together we must now demonstrate our support.
LASTING LEGACY
We have commenced the construction of the new middle/high school facility. The new school is designed to provide a state of the art facility for a student body of 400 students in grades 7-12 and will be constructed in phases as funds are available.To this end, the Board of Directors has developed The Legacy Campaign with a total fundraising goal of $1 Million for the second phase. Although modest the goal – successfully met – will confirm our commitment to Countryside and place the school on a solid financial footing for long-term success. The time has come for us to embrace the future by supporting this campaign. The time is right for us to create our own lasting legacy.
Naming Opportunities
| JO CAMPUS ACADEMIC BLDG |
Subject to Board Approval |
| Reception |
$25,000 |
| Science Room |
$15,000 |
| Classroom |
$ 7,500 |
| Conference Room |
$ 7,500 |
| |
|
| ARTS & ATHLETIC CENTER |
Subject to Board Approval |
| Gymnasium |
$100,000 |
| Stage Area |
$ 50,000 |
| Foyer |
$ 25,000 |
| Locker Room (2) |
$ 15,000 |
| Score Board |
$ 10,000 |
| Banner |
$ 1,000 annual gift |
PLEDGE FORM
The Legacy Campaign Monthly Pledge Payment Chart
Pledge Amount 36 Months 48 Months 60 Months
$50,000 $ 1,388.89 $ 1,041.67 $ 833.33
$30,000 $ 833.33 $ 625.00 $ 500.00
$25,000 $ 694.45 $ 520.83 $ 416.67
$15,000 $ 416.67 $ 312.50 $ 250.00
$7,500 $ 208.33 $ 156.25 $ 125.00
$3,000 $ 83.33 $ 62.50 $ 50.00
$1,500 $ 41.67 $ 31.25 $ 25.00
$500 $ 13.89 $ 10.42 $ 8.33
Donate securely online today to support the Legacy Campaign
