By now you know-- the Woods Upper School renovations are a critical part of our plan to guarantee that we will be able to continue to provide the outstanding educational experience our children deserve.

In this Window on the Woods, we highlight the third critical enhancement that will benefit our students: a renovated science lab. The new lab includes essential safety features. Read more below about how the upgrade will greatly improve our students' experience.

We have made significant progress toward our Ever Forward goals, but 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. A pledge form is attached at the bottom of this newsletter.

 

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

 

Regards,

Mary and John

Safer, Smarter Science Our upper school science program is rigorous, demanding and it prepares our kids for high school. Our recent alumni have found that having real lab experiences in middle school has put them ahead of the other kids in their freshman science classes. Hydrochloric acid, calcium carbonate, alcohol burners and sodium nitrate. These are some of the tools of the Woods Academy Science program. They are safely secured in a cabinet in our seventh and eighth grade lab.  We take our responsibility to teach students how to be safe in a science lab seriously. Our eighth grade program involves lab experiments utilizing test tubes and evaporating dishes, among other labware. To protect their eyes during labs, students must wear ANSI Z87.1 certified goggles that meet industry standards for impact and penetration resistance or they will not be allowed to participate in the experiment.   This summer, in order to increase the safety standard in our lab, we will be installing a new ceiling ventilation system. This is an important addition to our science labs because frequently the reaction of some of the chemicals used creates noxious odors.  Air will be replaced in the science lab every 10 minutes or so thanks to a new, powerful vent system. In addition, we will install a new eyewash station and three new sinks. These are not cosmetic changes; they are necessary, safe and smart.

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.

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.

/ 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

Ever Forward Campaign Pledge Form