PA R E N T PA RT N E R S H I P
D I D YO U K N O W ? Research indicates that parental interest and involvement in a child’s school plays an important role in his/her success. Our greatest asset at FRA is our people, and by volunteering, you play an active role in become involved, whether in the classroom, at an athletic event, play or musical, or at one of our many community events throughout the year. Because our campus is always buzzing with activities, we have events during the school day, after school, in the evenings, and on weekends, and volunteers are always needed. When you volunteer
“I volunteer at FRA for two reasons: gratefulness and teamwork. I am extremely grateful for where God has placed our children’s campus, my family and I sensed something special; we had become part of a caring community with a desire to nurture and cultivate the whole person. As a grateful member of the community, I always welcome opportunities to help because I know that none of the great things here would happen without support and teamwork. I consider it an honor to be part of the FRA team!” Parthenia Fayne, President of FRA Parent Association
in 2009. My children get so excited when they see me volunteering at school, and they love to know that our whole family believes in FRA. I enjoy supporting the faculty and administration and adding to the overall experience for our children. I’ve loved building wonderful relationships with other parents, and I feel blessed to be part of this community.” Melissa Beasley, Stars & Guitars Co-Chair
T H E I M P O RTA N C E O F T H E P RO G R A M
A M E S S A G E F RO M F R A PA R E N T L E A D E R S
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
What are the expectations for FRA parents? In addition to making tuition payments on time, our hope is that you will choose to be fully involved in the life of the school. We realize there are numerous opportunities to give of your time, talent, and treasure and get involved with other organizations in the Nashville area, and we hope you will make FRA a top volunteer and philanthropic priority. We want all parents to give their time supporting our community at athletic events and musical performances, to share their talents by volunteering also hope you will consider ways to give by supporting the Annual Fund and other fundraising endeavors.
Why does FRA request contributions in addition to what we already pay in tuition? Tuition does not fully cover the cost of an independent school education. the actual cost of educating a child at FRA.
Why doesn’t the school charge enough to cover operating costs? If tuition was increased to cover the actual cost of an FRA education, school.
With my busy schedule, why should I make time to volunteer? Serving others and giving back is an important aspect of the FRA culture. Students are encouraged to serve others locally and globally, and service projects are part of each grade experience. Parents who volunteer can be the best role models for their children for learning service to others. Why would the school ask for an Annual Fund gift while I’m making a capital gift? renovating their home, the school has to continue to meet its operating costs even when it is making improvements or constructing new buildings.
When a capital project (i.e. construction/renovation) is being completed on campus, does tuition increase? including private donations, Stars & Guitars, etc.
ADMISSION
PANTHER CLOSET
support Open House events and other admission initiatives.
uniform consignment sales throughout the school year.
ATHLETIC CONCESSIONS
PARENT ASSOCIATION
Support our Panther teams by assisting with concessions during home athletic events.
Assist the Parent Association with Teacher Appreciation Luncheons, Santa is Coming, Parent Socials, and more.
CENTER FOR PHILANTHROPIC STUDIES (CPS)
ROOM PARENTS
Volunteer at a service-learning event or volunteer at one of our Service Saturdays.
Support the classroom teacher with organizing class parties, coordinating communication, and obtaining signups
ARTS EVENTS Support the performing and visual arts by helping with plays, musicals, seasonal performances, and student art shows.
SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK Help the director of spiritual life plan and execute a week of spiritually-motivated e ve n t s a n d s e r v i c e - l e a r n i n g e x p e r i e n c e s .
OFFICE/LIBRARY
STARS & GUITARS
Help with mailings, copying, and other clerical tasks or assist librarians with shelving and labeling books and media.
Meet other parents while helping raise funds to enhance FRA’s programs at our largest parent social event of the year.
G I V I N G YO U R T I M E A N D TA L E N T
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
FRA is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, and, gifts to the school are tax deductible. Please consider making FRA – our students, faculty, and programs - one of your top three philanthropic priorities. American independent schools education historically owes its very existence to generous donors, and all independent schools to this day depend upon this tradition of philanthropic support. In addition to level is truly appreciated. When you support FRA philanthropically, you are saying, “I believe in the FRA, and I support its work with our family.”
ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB organization of parents, administrators, and community members who support FRA’s 56 athletic teams. Membership dues supplement athletic projects club promotes school spirit and provides moral and THE ANNUAL FUND All current parents are encouraged to support the school’s number one fundraising priority, and your support is an endorsement of FRA. You may choose areas – Area of Greatest Need, Academic Programs/ Faculty Development, Fine and Performing Arts, Spiritual Life and Philanthropic Studies, Athletics and Wellness, and Financial Aid. CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS Periodically, the school will embark on a capital campaign to fund building projects and endowment. Capital campaigns will always support priorities requested above and beyond annual fund support. Capital campaign gifts are usually large gifts, given ENDOWMENT
FRA GOLF CLASSIC FRA’s Alumni Association organizes this annual event which takes place during Alumni Weekend. Anyone who wishes to support FRA is welcome to join us for this traditional event, and many companies and individuals choose to sponsor a hole or an entire team. FRIENDS OF THE ARTS (FOTA) support to students and teachers involved in awareness and participation in music, visual arts, and performing arts. FOTA impacts students at every grade level and raises money through annual memberships, which includes tickets to productions throughout the year. PLANNED GIVING foundation for future generations of FRA students. We would like to recognize and celebrate alumni and friends who have made provisions for FRA in their estate plans. If you have made a gift plan in support of FRA, or if you would like become a member of the Peach Orchard Hill Society, please contact Jill Johnson at 615-369-4656. RETAIL CARDS By simply purchasing what your family needs and showing your school card when you shop for groceries at Publix, you raise money for FRA. information.
A strong endowment is the “story behind the story.” FRA’s ability to provide students with the
STARS & GUITARS
our faculty, and a strong endowment allows us to recruit and retain exceptional teachers. A healthy endowment ensures our ability to enroll the most
social event features dinner, entertainment, and silent and live auctions. Sponsorships are available at several levels, and you may also support the event by donating and purchasing auction items and by joining us for a fabulous evening of fun and philanthropy with FRA parents, alumni, faculty, and friends.
for our current families, and provides a funding stream to take care of our facilities.
Stars & Guitars is FRA’s major fundraiser, second
G I V I N G YO U R F I N A N C I A L R E S O U RC E S
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Franklin Road Academy is a remarkable of a challenging and supportive educational experience in an inclusive Christian community. At FRA, we encourage our students to be involved in all areas of school life and to participate in multiple co-curricular activities. We hope students develop their mind, body, and spirit through involvement at FRA, and we intentionally provide numerous opportunities for them to lead and serve others, both within the FRA community and beyond. Similar to our students, we hope our parents will be fully engaged in the FRA community. With this in mind, we created this brochure to outline many of the ways you can become you to utilize your time, talents, and resources to support the FRA community and enrich the lives of our students and teachers. If you are new to our school, we hope the information provided will assist in your transition to FRA; if you are already a member of the FRA family, this information will help you stay connected. most precious resource, your children, with us. We are blessed to have your family here at FRA, and I appreciate your ongoing support for our school community. I look forward to seeing you on campus in the coming weeks and years. Sincerely,
Sean R. Casey
4700 Franklin Pike Nashville, TN 37220