Bancroft Bulletin Fall/Winter 2017 by Bancroft School

BULLETIN & ANNUAL REPORT | FALL/WINTER 2017

Fall Traditions Fall Traditions

Halloween

Mountain Day

Making Rain

Contents Bancroft Bulletin | Fall/Winter 2017 110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 508-853-2640 www.bancroftschool.org Bancroft Bulletin is published twice a year and mailed to alumni, parents, and friends of Bancroft School. It is also viewable online at bancroftschool.org/bulletin Head of School James P. “Trey” Cassidy III Advancement Team Tobey Fossey Chief Advancement Officer Lynn St. Germain Director of Alumni Relations Elisabeth Borg Capital Campaign Director Julie O’Malley Director of Marketing & Communications Karla Cinquanta Marketing & Creative Content Manager Christa Papula Advancement Associate

FOUNDATIONS Read about three ways that Bancroft teachers are collaborating with each other and their students to create a blueprint for inquiry-based learning.

Upper School: Taking Math to New Heights......................8

Contributing Writers Dominic Dipersia

Middle School: From the Ground Up.................................... 11

Design Greg Gilman

Lower School: Building Kindness...........................................14

Photography Karla Cinquanta

On The Cover Faculty members Kim VanderSpek (left) and Elisa Heinricher (center) challenged their Multivariable Calculus students to teach math and engineering principles to fourth graders. See how they did it (p. 8). Photo by Karla Cinquanta.

DEPARTMENTS Bancroft News.........................................................................................5

A Message From The Head of School

Dear Bancroft Friends, Every Bancroft student’s experience comprises thousands of interactions with others – teachers, coaches, parents, fellow students of all ages – that shape them and fortify the foundation of their intellect and talents. One layer building upon the next, we encourage our students to raise their voices a little louder, extend their circles a little further, and delve more deeply into the questions that intrigue them. Our teachers nurture and guide this process at every level by freeing their students to ask questions and follow their interests, and designing programs to support them. This Bulletin will show you examples of how dynamic, nimble teaching has brought about remarkable opportunities – moments that strengthen and develop the foundation that our students can build upon. Woven across disciplines and time, each example expresses how we encourage our students to embrace and take ownership of their learning. At Bancroft we take pride in individual achievements; we celebrate victors and award-winners. At the same time, we know that every champion is part of a larger whole. Each stands on the shoulders of the adults and teammates who provide the conditions in which they can do their very best work. Best,

Trey Cassidy Head of School

CHAMPIONS Focus, determination, and years of hard work put these students at the top of their game.

PAGE CASSIDY ’20 New England Cross Country Champion

JACK BOYD ’19

EIL Golfer of the Year

PHILIP ONFFROY ’18 US Rowing Scholastic Honor Roll

CHELSEA SHELDON '18 National Speech & Debate Academic All America

BANCROFT

NEWS

Mrs. Allen Retires Beloved first grade teacher Sandy Allen retired earlier this year after 28 years of dedication and service in our Lower School. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude and pride for her work in the classroom, not to mention her selfless volunteer efforts with the Worcester Partnership and Horizons programs year after year. Sandy, who was honored by her colleagues in 2010 with the Carpe Diem Award, bestowed kindness and positivity on all who worked with her — and especially her students, so many of whom can trace their later success back to the solid foundation they received under Mrs. Allen’s nurturing care. We miss you, Sandy, and wish you health and happiness.

A Cloak of Honor The White Coat Ceremony has become a tradition, and somewhat of a rite of passage, for first year medical students — signifying the beginning of their clinical training. In September, Tatiana Petrovick ’11 and Prithwijit Roychowdhury ’11 were welcomed into UMass Medical School at the Medical Class of 2021 ceremony. Each chose an individual who is significant to their personal or professional development to help place the white coat on their shoulders. Prith chose his father, also a physician, and Tatiana chose her teacher and advisor, Kim VanderSpek. “I chose Kim as my cloaker because she has been a mentor to me and an influential figure in my life ever since she became my advisor in high school. She, along with many other teachers at Bancroft, pushed me academically and inspired me to pursue my passions.” “This was the biggest honor of my 23-year teaching career,” remarks Kim. “It was a special moment to see them both begin this step.” Tatiana and Prith are both members of the Population-Based Urban and Rural Community Health (PURCH) program at UMass, which is focused on care of underserved populations and addressing social determinants of health.

BANCROFT

NEWS

CPR

All Around “When we started about ten years ago, Bancroft was the only school in the region to provide CPR training and certification for faculty, staff, sophomores, and seniors,” says Director of Health Services Janice Morello, RN. Bancroft continues to send hundreds of people out into the world with life-saving skills under their belts. CPR training is one facet of Bancroft’s community-wide commitment to safety, health, and wellness.

Eating as the Romans Did

In a delicious example of interdivisional learning, Robin Silverman’s Upper School Latin I class and Megan Jackel’s third grade class came together to learn traditional methods of making sourdough from artisanal baker Zach Kerzee. Both groups of students had previously studied the science behind sourdough, and the Latin students had taught the third graders about the centrality of bread in the Roman diet — it was said that all the Romans wanted was bread and circuses (panem et circenses)!

Happy Birthday, George Bancroft Mrs. Tupper’s second graders were there to help when Worcester’s ParkSpirit group planned a celebration of George Bancroft’s birthday. After researching the life, times, and impact of our School’s namesake as part of their study of Worcester history, each student chose a fact that interested them about George and created an informational poster to be hung in Bancroft Tower. The Tower was open for public tours throughout October. By serving as an authentic audience for our students’ work, the public became part of the educational process and allowed these young citizens to engage with their community!

Nadine Telenson

Seizes the Day Upper School Spanish teacher Nadine Telenson was honored as the 2017 Carpe Diem Award recipient at the allschool assembly in June. Presented each year to a faculty member who has truly “seized the day” in their work and attitude, the Carpe Diem Award reflects the honoree’s commitment to serving Bancroft and the community. Nadine, a dedicated member of Bancroft’s faculty since 1995, infuses her joyful spirit and expertise into all she does. She truly embodies the Carpe Diem principles of excellence in the classroom, professional service, and peer leadership.

National Merit Accolades Four Bancroft seniors have reached Semifinalist status in the National Merit Scholarship Program 2018 competition: Nicholas Conroy, Lindsay Igoe, Karan Mehta, and Ryan Polhemus. All four scored among the top 1% of the 1.6 million students nationwide who took the PSATs during their junior year. In addition, seniors Miles Barker, Rachel Busby, Jonathan Conroy, Swaminathan Lamelas, Philip Onffroy, and Chelsea Sheldon received recognition as Commended Students (top 3.2%). “We are immensely proud of these 10 outstanding scholars,” remarked Head of Upper School Lisa Baker. “Their academic promise is undeniable, but they are also great kids who are engaged in the community in ways that go far beyond their studies.”

FO UNDA T IO N S Read about three ways that Bancroft teachers are collaborating with each other and their students to create a blueprint for inquiry-based learning.

TAKING MATH TO

NEW HEIGHTS PROBLEM: How to challenge five seniors who had not only finished, but excelled in, the highest-level math and programming classes as juniors.

SOLUTION: Computer Science Teacher Elisa Heinricher texted Kim VanderSpek, chair of the Math Department: “I want to do a new class called Multivariable Calculus Using MATLAB.” Kim immediately texted back: “I want to do it, too!”

“It is unusual to have this many students in one year who absorbed every mathematical challenge we gave them,” said Kim. “The idea of collaborating with Elisa to teach a collegelevel class was intriguing. The two of us are no-holds-barred. We get excited thinking of what we can do next. But then we had to figure out how to make it happen.” Kim had prior experience teaching multivariable calculus at the college level, and Elisa had taught MATLAB (engineering software for modeling 3D shapes), but neither had taught it at Bancroft — or to high schoolers, for that matter. They signed up to join the weeklong Bancroft Think Camp workshop in June. Think Camp is designed for just that purpose — to give faculty time to collaborate. Utilizing their combined experiences, Elisa and Kim quickly envisioned the curriculum. Part of the Think Camp process involves discussing your work with other participants. When Lower School teachers got excited about sharing the advanced math concepts with their students, Kim and Elisa realized they had a new challenge: “We needed to lift it off the page, off the screen. Find a way to make this very complex math come to life for the whole campus.”

Kim had previously taught students to build 3D hyperboloid structures out of 12-inch skewers. Then she remembered reading about someone who had made a hyperboloid using 12-foot bamboo poles. “That’s when we decided to go big or go home!” Now out of the Think Camp and into the classroom, they found they had five very enthusiastic and curious students ready to dive into engineering a giant hyperboloid. They created a computer model and began laying out the structure on the grass outside the science building. Questions from passersby immediately started flying. “What is that?” “How is that math?” The students had to learn how to talk about what they were learning. They had to be teachers of others. Next step, Kim and Elisa challenged them to find a way to teach fourth graders to build hyperboloids of their own (on a smaller scale). “We presented the question: What are you going to do with the kids and how are you going to do it?” says Elisa. They started talking, and within five or ten minutes, had come up with an idea to use string in place of the poles. They designed a round base and top with holes, and began printing them on the 3D printer. The group evaluated the prototype and decided it would work. 9

We needed to find a way to make this very complex math come to life for the whole campus. “These students are collaborating in everything they do. They might have a group chat at home after school, and there’s always a lot of discussion about how to solve a problem,” says Elisa. Their teachers are comfortable planting the seeds and letting them go. “We know math and computer science, and we know the foundation they need. We lay the foundation, and then we let them build on it,” says Elisa. “This is inquiry-based learning at its purest,” adds Kim. “These students know more than we do about the MATLAB software. They can’t ask us for the answers, but together we figure it out. These kids are so facile at programming. They have a broad toolbox, and more importantly, they have the 10

skills and the ease to figure out what tool will work best. My college professor friends are amazed that we’re doing a math class in high school with MATLAB.” The class is already working on their next challenge, and the entire community is wondering how they will top the 12-foot bamboo hyperboloid. The teachers are already brainstorming how they could adapt the course to fit the skills and interests of the next class of students. No holds barred.

“When you see a good Middle School, it better be a little loud, and a little messy—kids better be out of their seats, and better be running more of the show than seems comfortable to the outside eye.” Those are the words of Trevor O’Driscoll, Head of Middle School, who came up with a loud, messy, out-of-their seats idea—an outdoor classroom, designed, built, and then used by the students, themselves.

Today, 14 months later, that outdoor classroom is well underway. Seventh and eighth grade students, armed with shovels, pickaxes, and muscle power, have excavated the site, laid a level course of foundation stones for the first row of seating, and are beginning work on the second row. The project will span three school years and several classes of seventh and eighth grade students. Once completed, it will provide an outdoor space for Bancroft teachers to reserve and use as they like. But more importantly, it will teach students that, together, everyone can be involved in creating something larger than themselves.

Any project needs teamwork to bring it to fruition, beginning with enlisting the right project manager. Trevor took his idea to science teacher Jim Kamosky. “Jim is our resident Renaissance Man,” explains Trevor. “From ‘My car won’t start’ to ‘My house is falling down,’ he’s the go-to guy. He knows the answers. He’s so giving with his time, and he has a natural ability to get the kids to ‘paint the fence’ while making them think it was their idea,” he says, referencing Twain’s Tom Sawyer.

They're problemsolving. They're using science. They're using math. They're connecting with history. Jim (known to students as Mr. K.) runs the Middle School Project Builders’ Club, where students design and build projects of their own creation. According to Jim, “my main job is to get them the materials they need to get started.” He cites the example of two then-eighth grade girls who had designed a canteen snack-cart, and joined the Project Builders’ Club specifically to build it. With some instruction from Mr. K. on using the router and other tools, the girls built their cart out of sturdy lumber, and it is now used every day by the Middle School students at snack time. So, with a leader in place, Trevor worked on the logistics of student scheduling that enabled all the seventh and eighth graders, over the course of three years, to be involved in the project. They coordinated with Operations Director Peter McKone to determine the feasibility of the chosen site, a grassy embankment at the east end of the Middle School wing of the McDonough Center. In September 2016, with the administration and all of the Middle School teachers on board, the students began the planning and design. Math teacher Grant Phillips, an architect before he took up teaching, worked with eighth grade students to draw a 3-D model using SketchUp. The students in his and Mr. K.’s Project 8 period worked to move from sketch to action plan, and Grant prepped a small group of eighth grade representatives on how to present the project plan to win “zoning approval” from Bancroft’s Administrative Cabinet. They made their case to the Cabinet, who approved

the plan with the caveat that “we can’t guarantee there isn’t ledge in that hill.” Mr. K. raided his farm for the tools needed, and the digging began. “The first tier took a lot more excavation than they originally thought,” admits Jim, “but we didn’t hit ledge, and the kids persisted and just kept moving more buckets of dirt.” These students are not just learning what manual labor feels like. With each unplanned obstacle, they are problem-solving. They’re using science. Pry bars, levers, fulcrums. They’re using math. Calculating slope, seat heights, number of seats, supplies needs, number of rows, how to level the area. And they’re connecting with history, building an amphitheater in the spirit of the Romans. It really is the collaborative nature of the Middle School faculty that keeps this project progressing. Grant Phillips co-supervises the excavation with Jim. Seventh grade history teacher Michael Urban meets with Jim each week to determine the next steps of the plan, and then leads the Project 7 class to make it happen. “We have a group of seventh grade students who beg to go out and work on the project every chance they get, and have worked really hard. One of the most entertaining things is watching them when they discover there is a large boulder that needs to be removed. They swoop in and jump at the challenge of getting the boulder out using pry bars and their muscles. We haven't found a boulder too big!”

The work doesn’t stop in the winter. Project 8 students designed sculptures to representing the five major academic fields — a pi symbol (math), a Rosetta Stone (world languages); a book and quill (English); an atom (science); and a flat earth map (history/geography). The plaster molds have been set, and this winter, the full-scale sculptures will be cast. They will find a permanent home behind the back row of the amphitheater. Jim reflects on the project to date. “The entire project is a process and an evolution. I keep thinking how this is a wonderful melding of old ideas and new. The technology and the math calculations that went into it, melded with the good old fashioned, old world skills and simple machines. Each student brings something unique to the project, and I can see the pride they have when they look at something they did— something they had no idea they could do.”

“A metaphor for all learning,” says Trevor. “This whole project has been about teamwork. Without which we would not be able to continue from one class to the next, from one year to the next. This year’s eighth graders are implementing the designs made by last year’s eighth graders. Faculty are collaborating every day to ensure all students are fully involved. In the end we will have an outdoor space to use for classes, but it’s so much bigger than that. This project has offered our faculty and our students experiences they might not normally have. And, best of all—it’s the the kids who leave tired, not the adults!”

BUILDING KINDNESS

“Establishing a strong sense of the Bancroft community for Lower School children is one of our core values,” says Beth Beckmann, head of the division. “Through shared experiences, like all the children planting bulbs that will come up in the spring, to grade-level activities such as the ‘Who Am I?’ clues the second grade posted to engage others in their study of Worcester, to individual interactions between students when they help and support each other, we show that we are a special community—a community of kindness. And through it all, we count on the fifth graders to lead the way.” 14

Fifth graders are the lead architects of the Lower School community of kindness.

To help lay the groundwork for their yearlong journey as leaders of the Lower School, fifth grade begins with Leadership Week, a series of exercises, activities, and goal-setting designed to help the children become more supportive peers and stronger leaders. “This year we added a team project to the mix,” says Beth. “We offered project options, and the kids wanted to build a Buddy Bench—a physical symbol of kindness and inclusion.” A Buddy Bench is a place where a child can sit to signal other kids that they’d like someone to play with.

“We told them, ‘we have this lumber, we have a plan, but you guys have to work together to create this,’” says science teacher Mason Hendershott. The class broke into teams, some working on construction, others on decorating. “The decorating team had to decide on the words, the message, the design, and the color,” says drama teacher Rachel Wagner. “They sat down and, through a democratic process, came up with a plan.” “The collaborative building process wasn’t necessarily easy,” admits Mason. “It was a process. At times, it was very much a struggle. They found their way through. And then they combined their parts into a surprisingly square and sturdy structure!”

With the Buddy Bench complete, the Leaders of the Lower School are now generating ideas for other projects and ways to expand their influence in the community. During a Leadership lunch with teachers, they were discussing the recycling program, wondering, “What more can we do to teach the younger grades about it?” At the Lower School gathering, a fifth grade student shared this quote: “If you want more kindness in the world, put it there.” He and his classmates are doing just that.

The fifth graders take great pride in their accomplishment. “They watch that bench like hawks,” says their teacher Betsy Rocha. Her colleague Shannon Arsenault agrees; “They take it very seriously. If they see someone on that bench, they’re right there.” 15

THIS IS YOUR A MESSAGE FROM

Josephine Herron Truesdell ’72 It is no exaggeration to say that Josephine Herron Truesdell ’72 has spent most of her life at Bancroft School, first as an Upper School student, and then as Kindergarten teacher for 41 years. Recently retired, Jo has stepped out of the classroom and into the role of Alumni Council President. Here, Jo reflects on the past and the future of her life at Bancroft. “Senior year in college I knew I wanted to teach, but I also knew I needed more experience before having my own classroom, so I called then-Head Wye Garfield to see if there might be a one-year assistantship at Bancroft. He and Lower School Head Hopie Graham created an opportunity for me for that year. When the job in the Kindergarten opened up the following year, I dusted off my guitar and, black, white, and yellow striped caterpillar in hand, I stayed and never looked back. “All these years later, I cannot help but reflect upon what it was that kept me here for so long. The children — absolutely! — and the collaborative community of families, faculty, and staff. Working in an atmosphere in which one is not only allowed the freedom to take risks, but is expected to do so, has been totally captivating. There truly was not one day when I woke up and did not look forward to going to ‘work.’ How fortunate was I! “While I do, of course, miss the energy and excitement of five- and six-year-olds, I am excited to turn the page to this new chapter at Bancroft. As Alumni Council President, I look forward to reconnecting with my former classmates and former students, and also to getting to know those alums I have not yet met. Together, I hope we can continue the Alumni Council’s work creating meaningful connections, not just among alumni, but also between alumni and the School. As alums, we are the link between Bancroft’s past and Bancroft’s future … and it is a very exciting future indeed!” “Please do stay in touch – with one another, with Bancroft’s Alumni Office and with me! And don’t forget to make sure we have your contact information, both regular mail and email, so we can invite you to all the alumni events! You can reach me at: joherrontruesdell.bancroftalum@gmail.com “Hope to see you either on campus or at one of our alumni gatherings soon!”

ALUMNI COUNCIL Were you a Blue or Grey? A Shoreliner? A Bulldog? A Sandboxer? No matter which category fits, you will always be member of our Bancroft School Alumni family. We invite you to explore the ways to stay connected with the School, its students, faculty, and of course, with each other.

Alumni Stay Connected www.bancroftschool.org/alumni Request a transcript, update your contact information, write a class note, and more!

Learn about events, happenings at the school, and news about your friends.

THANK YOU! As your Alumni Council President, Kerri Aleksiewicz Melley ’90 has been an indefatigable volunteer, greeted hundreds of alumni at events, attended countless meetings, and worked tirelessly to help foster connections between Bancroft alumni, faculty, and students. Her term as President has come to an end, and it’s the perfect time to say, “Thank you!” Throughout her tenure, Kerri was the voice of Bancroft alumni. Whether during a Trustee meeting, or in talks with faculty or parents, she worked to put the alumni perspective at the forefront. Luckily for us, Kerri will continue to be a presence on campus, not only as a parent of Tim ’22 and Sarah ’26, but also as a volunteer on the Alumni Council. She has agreed to partner with her successor, Jo Truesdell ’72, and the Advancement Office to facilitate connections for Bancroft alumni. On behalf of all of us, we offer Kerri our heartfelt thanks!

Publicize your own events. Are you… Opening an Art Exhibit? • Performing in a Show? Playing a Concert? • Publishing a Book?

SAVE THE DATE!

Let us help you get the word out to the Bancroft community.

Join our Bancroft School Linkedin Group

We’re developing more and more ways for alumni to network! Alumni-to-Alumni and Alumni-to-Students.

NEW

ADMINISTRATORS LISA BAKER HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL Lisa joins Bancroft with 28 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, and coach for middle and high school-level children. A champion for young people and faculty, Lisa believes strongly in fueling their talents and passions. At her previous position as Upper School Division Head at The Roeper School in Birmingham, Michigan, Lisa led several schoolwide initiatives to strengthen the school's academic program, diversity, and community relationships. "The world demands a tremendous amount from our youth,” says Lisa. “I am excited to be joining Bancroft, where complexity is acknowledged, teamwork is embraced, and students are inspired to be their best selves while recognizing their roles in the larger community." Lisa holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, a bachelor’s degree from The American University, and a certificate of school administration, K–12, from McDaniel College. Lisa and her wife Kristi Fielder reside in Worcester with their children Randall ’19, Matthew ’21, and Amelia ’24.

PATRICIA DOON DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Trish comes to Bancroft with over 20 years of experience on the business and operations side of independent schools — most recently at Falmouth Academy on Cape Cod — as well as higher education. Prior to her work in schools she worked in Financial Services in Boston and for a division of a Fortune 100 company. When her children were young and she was considering a change of career, she needed to look no further than home. “My grandmother, mom, and dad were all teachers. I feel being raised by educators provided a unique perspective to the business role in schools. When I was looking to make an industry shift, I felt supporting schools and providing leadership in the Business Office was where I could make a difference.” She holds a B.A. and an M.B.A from Clark University and resides in Worcester.

SEAN GANAS DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION & FINANCIAL AID After 20 years in college admissions, enrollment management, and financial aid services, Worcester native Sean Ganas is well versed in identifying talented and engaged students who strengthen their communities. Prior to joining our leadership team this summer, Sean was the Director of Admission at Fitchburg State University. He has also held similar roles at Emerson, Boston College, and Northeastern. In the fall of 2016, we welcomed Sean, his husband Matthew, and their son Javi to our community when Javi enrolled in PreK. Having recently navigated Bancroft’s admission process himself, Sean was ready to begin immediately looking at ways to refine and expand the experience for students and families. He is working closely with parents, students, faculty, and administration to examine all aspects of the methods we use for marketing, messaging, attracting, and nurturing families to strengthen enrollment and retention. Sean holds a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He resides in Worcester with his family.

NEW

FACULTY & STAFF HANNAH BRODEUR

EMILY KENT

Pre-Kindergarten Aide Hannah is pursuing her degree in Education at Quinsigamond Community College.

MS English Teacher & Academic Support Coordinator Emily holds an M.Ed. from Boston College, an M.A.T. from Clark University, and a B.A. from Saint Anselm College.

KIM BOIN

HEATHER MCLEOD

Kindergarten Assistant Teacher Kim has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude, from Worcester State University.

US History Teacher Heather has a B.S. in Secondary Education and History from Vanderbilt University.

WILLIAM CHAMBERS

CHRISTA PAPULA

Visual Arts Department Chair William holds an M.F.A from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, an M.Ed. from Antioch New England, and a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence.

Advancement Assistant Christa holds an M.S. in telecommunications and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from the University of Pittsburgh.

ALISHA COLEMAN

STEFANI TORODE

Lead Academic Support Coordinator Alisha holds an M.Ed. and a B.S. in Special Education from Fitchburg State University.

SUZANNAH GRIFFIN, MS Math & Science Teacher Suzannah holds an M.S. from State University of New York at Albany, and a B.S. from State University of New York at Cortland.

Strings Teacher Stefani is a Suzuki-certified teacher and an accomplished violinist and is currently completing a math degree at Fitchburg State University.

ROBYN YORK, Library Assistant Robyn holds an M.S. in Library & Information Science from Simmons College and a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

JOHN IRVINE Admission Assistant John holds a B.A. in English and Journalism from The College of New Jersey.

Straight Talk About the

Bancroft Fund You have questions. Jane has answers. JANE

Q. WHY DO WE EVEN NEED THE BANCROFT FUND?

Q. BUT WHERE DOES THE MONEY

A. Tuition alone does not cover Bancroft’s annual operating expenses — there’s a shortfall of about $5,000 per student per year. (Sounds odd, but it’s a normal, healthy, independent school business model.)

A. Since the Bancroft Fund is a budgeted line item in our annual operating budget, it underwrites every aspect of running the school including our largest expense—employee salaries and benefits. However, if you have a particular passion, you can earmark your gift to a specific program – Academics, Arts, Athletics, Financial Aid, Technology, Robotics, Crew, or the Hope Graham Program.

Q. WAIT. DO YOU EXPECT FAMILIES TO GIVE AN EXTRA $5,000 EVERY YEAR? A. We ask everyone in our extended community — alumni, parents, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, retirees, administrators, trustees — to give to Bancroft. We also reach out to charitable foundations and corporations. One metric that funders like to see is that a large proportion of the School community supports the Bancroft Fund. Higher participation rates on our end means more money from their end! Every gift counts, small or large.

Q. WHY NOT JUST INCREASE TUITION? A. Bancroft is a non-profit institution with a mission we all believe in. Higher tuition would make our School inaccessible for some of the families in our community, and negatively impact the School’s diversity, sustainability, and overall strength. Also, donations to the Bancroft Fund are tax-deductible. Tuition is not. 20

ACTUALLY GO?

Q. HOW DO I GIVE? A. So glad you asked… Donate online at www.bancroftschool.org/giving, or send a check in the enclosed envelope. The fiscal year runs July 1 – June 30, but the sooner you give the more resources you will save the school.

110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605-3117

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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