Ever Forward 2
Welcome 

Forty or so eager parents of newly accepted students-- including Montessori three year olds of the Class of 2022-- joined us for a Q&A Coffee in the library this morning. Along with a group of current Woods parents, Mary and I spoke about our academic philosophy, our Catholic identity, our renowned Montessori program, and our exceptional high school placement.

 

To some, graduation in 2022 may seem like a long way off. But you know how quickly elementary school years fly by. Our Upper School Renovation Project and Ever Forward Capital Campaign will ensure that the Woods will be every bit as excellent in 2022 as it is today by constructing the classrooms our students need and by providing funds to support both financial aid as well as our most important asset, the professionalism of our faculty.

 

In this Window on the Woods, we highlight the second critical enhancement that will benefit our students: additional classroom space.  Read more below about how the renovation will greatly improve our students' experience.

 

As you will see on our thermometer below, we have made significant progress toward our Ever Forward goals. The thermometer also shows that we need your help to make the project a complete success. Now, as we enter the campaign’s FiveOverFive phase, we respectfully ask you to pledge your support.

 

Thank you for your love and support of the Woods Academy.

 

Regards,

Mary and John

 

What are the Goals of the Ever Forward Campaign?

The Ever Forward Campaign is for construction and endowment. Our construction goal is to pay for the Upper School renovation without affecting tuition. For this to happen, we need to reach our estimated goal of $1.3 million. At this point, we have received $1 million total pledges.

 

Our endowment goal is limitless. Endowment funds are set aside in perpetuity. These funds will provide annual investment income to support the Mission of the Woods Academy-- specifically faculty professional development and financial aid.

Critical Need: Additional Classrooms

A 1960’s public school model of education isn’t optimal for an academically challenging independent Catholic school of today. 

 

Our building was originally constructed as Fernwood Elementary School. At one point, Fernwood Elementary enrolled more than 425 students. Classrooms were crammed with 28-36 students. Not anymore.

 

Today at the Woods, we believe that small class size is one of the most important attributes of an excellent school. We proudly boast of having 14-18 well-known and cared for students in each class. Unfortunately, we lack dedicated classrooms for Upper School social studies and Spanish. Even more pressing, we lack a room for some sections of pre-algebra. At times, Mr. Maloney is forced to teach math in the library. Our students will benefit from the Upper School Renovation that will reconfigure our six current oversized classrooms into eight rooms that are right-sized for our school model.

 

The Five-Over-Five Phase

The FiveOverFive phase of the Ever Forward campaign allows all Woods families to help us reach our goal by pledging to give $1,000 each year for the next five years. I encourage you to fill out the pledge form that is attached below. We are not asking for money now, but only a committment to give over time. We accept payments in all forms including gifts of stock or securities. Please contact the Development Office to make arrangements for this type of donation.



Now is your chance to do your part to support our renovation and long-range success. Please consider a pledge of FiveOverFive.

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Campaign Leadership

The Ever Forward Campaign Leadership is ready to answer any questions you may have about this critical renovation project and our drive to build endowment for faculty professional development and financial aid. Feel free to contact any member of the Campaign Committee listed below.

 

Campaign Co-Chairs

Peggy & George Sotos and

Janet & David Pappert

 

Honorary Co-Chairs

Gerry & Thomas Borger

Tonja & David Murray

Patricia & George Reese

 

Internal Leadership

Mary Worch, Head

John DeMarchi, Associate Head

 

Campaign Committee

Doug Cooper

Maureen Dolan

Lisa Hotchkiss

Martha Humler

Bob Smith