generosity ~ Dean Bowen

At the end of January we held a family meeting wherein we talked about how we are preparing for the expected growth in enrollment for next fall.  We also discussed our plans to grow our internal departments - namely the music department and the athletic department, as well as creating a special education program.  I’d like to give you an update on these projects.

The purchase of 4181 E. Mt. Morris Rd was finalized at closing on February 1.  On February 16 we met with the Genesee Township Planning Commission to review our application for a variance on the building usage.  The Planning Commission approved our application.  We now move into the architectural drawing and construction bid phase.

Some who are skilled in the building trades have offered to volunteer your services when the construction begins.  Thank you for that! We deeply appreciate your generosity! If others would like to volunteer on this project, but have not yet spoken with me, please do so.  You may call the school office and I will be happy to speak with you. We would welcome your assistance.

On the evening of Feb. 27, Mrs. Hoag and the concert band hosted an ensemble fundraiser to raise $4000 towards the purchase of a tuba.  While we were confident the goal could be reached, most of us didn’t see it coming in one night.  But the generosity of friends and family who were in attendance was overwhelming.  One parent offered a dollar for dollar match up to $2000, and by the end of the intermission the concert band had met their goal! The beautiful thing is that the donations continue to roll in.  As of today, the amount raised is over $4600! The generosity continues.

Our third area of focus  is special education.  At our meeting I mentioned our financial goal for this program is an annual commitment of $20,000.  After some internal discussion with our board, we have increased this initial goal to $30,000 with this amount to be revisited on an annual basis.  

Many of you have voiced your approval for this program, and it is now time to pursue funding for this endeavor.  In the next few days we will be explaining ways in which you can financially assist us if special education is something you care about.

As you know, Waterbrook does not take any government funding, even though we are  routinely offered Title I Part A services from the public school districts in which our families live. Therefore, our special education program will be built from the ground up by individuals and partners who are passionate about special education.

The theme of this update can be summed up in one word - generosity.  You continue to show your generosity to Waterbrook in many ways and we are grateful for that!

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