SUMMER 2013 | VOLUME V | ISSUE IV
THE WILSON SCHOOL 400 DeMun Avenue Clayton, MIssouri 63105 314-725-4999 wilsonschool.com
EXCELLENCE
PROGAM
NEWSLETTER
“Do everything with a spirit of excellence.”
– Hal and Catherine Faught
A Meaningful Endowment During his three terms on the Board of Trustees, keeping the school in trust for our children’s children was paramount to Hal Faught.
Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day
Endowment refers to assets held in perpetuity, whose proceeds fund program support, unlike annual funds which are typically used for immediate needs. Currently the Wilson School endowment holds $100,000 in cash with capital campaign proceeds ready to be invested, and an additional $2 million committed to the school to endow the Excellence Program. The Excellence Program has been a catalyst for innovation and a prime example of what can be achieved through endowment. A strong endowment ensures Wilson’s excellence not only today, but for our children’s children. The direct relationship between building a solid endowment and providing the highest quality educational experience possible is well understood at independent schools nationwide, including at comparable local and regional schools.
Enhancing an innovative curriculum
endowment will enable Wilson to invest in innovative programs, sustainable infrastructure and physical plant, and the ability to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and faculty. Wilson’s ambitious vision for the future will be built on the solid foundation of an endowment that is commensurate with its needs and aspirations. In the coming months we will provide you with more information on our efforts to build the Wilson School Endowment. In the meantime if you have any questions please contact The Development Office at 314-725-4999.
To remain a leader in the preparation of exceptional students, we must grow our endowment. A more robust Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day
SUMMER 2013 | VOLUME V | ISSUE IV
WILSONSCHOOL.COM
Excellence Award 2013:
Michael Hinkebein The Award for Excellence celebrates extraordinary teaching and recognizes efforts that significantly contribute to the success of The Wilson School. Mr. Michael Hinkebein, Senior Kindergarten teacher, is this year’s recipient of the award. Michael’s Travel to the Moon unit inspires and prepares the next generation of explorers through an interdisciplinary approach. Students take an active role in their learning, not only with “hands-on,” but “minds-on” activities. Learning what it would take to repeat the monumental task of returning to the Moon, students create and measure craters, launch rockets, and learn about life in space from members of the International Space Station. A highlight of the unit is the Stargazing Party where family and friends are invited to share in the excitement of space and science exploration with their Wilson students. Congratulations, Mr. Hinkebein! “Our favorite word is
EXCELLENCE…”
Launching rockets on the Upper Playground
VISITING ARTIST: MARY CHIODINI Wilson students, PK through Sixth Grade, worked with mosaic artist Mary Chiodini to create two permanent installations: Pond at Day and Pond at Night.
said Hal Faught, grandparent of two Wilson alumni, and his wife Catherine, who are founders of The Wilson School’s Excellence Program. In the fall of 2006, Hal & Catherine established the Excellence Program, a dollar-for-dollar matching fund that supports: professional development for our faculty, additions to our library, and innovative programming for our students – including an exclusive writing partnership with Washington University. Through the generosity of the Faughts, Wilson parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends, the Excellence Program sets The Wilson School apart from all other independent elementary schools in Saint Louis.
TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT TO THE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM, CONTACT OUR DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AT 314-725-4999 OR CGEORGEN@ WILSONSCHOOL.COM