MFS Parent Volunteer Book 2012-13

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participate and support A Parent Guide to Getting Involved at MFS

M O O R E S T O W N

F R I E N D S

S C H O O L

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Since the school’s founding in 1785, active participation by members of the Moorestown Friends family has been a tradition here, and is essential to sustaining the school.

M O O R E S T O W N

F R I E N D S

S C H O O L

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dear parents, When we survey our graduates and their parents, one of the most frequent responses to the question, “What do you most value about your MFS experience?” is the sense of community.

If you are a new parent, perhaps you are wondering how you can become engaged in the Moorestown Friends community. As a returning parent, you might like to become more involved, or may be seeking new opportunities.

There are two ways I would encourage you to become involved: by giving your time and talent to support school activities; and by contributing to the school’s fundraising efforts - giving to the school to the extent of your ability, and encouraging your peers to join you.

Share your time and talent. By volunteering, you will quickly get to know the parents of your child’s friends, and become better acquainted with their teachers, coaches and administrators. There is truly “something for everyone” in these volunteer opportunities – from the intensive, several months’ involvement of working behind the scenes with the all-school musical (this year the classic 1957 Jules Styne/Stephen Sondheim “Gypsy”) to the one-time assignment of working with the 8th grade to sell refreshments on the Saturday of Camp Fair.

Participate in fundraising. In these pages, we explain the MFS fundraising environment, so that (especially if this is your first experience with an independent school), you will understand both the need for philanthropy and our approach. Like all American independent schools, while tuition is our main source of revenue, we rely on voluntary contributions to our Annual Fund to help balance our budget and provide opportunities that set MFS apart from other schools. You can be part of our fundraising efforts by making your own gift, by volunteering to serve as a peer-topeer solicitor, or by helping to organize the Parent Council Auction, our hallmark biennial friend-and-fund-raising event.

When we benchmark MFS against our peer schools in the Delaware Valley, our percentage of parent participation in the Annual Fund has been a little below average.

We are delighted that as we have been able to involve more parent volunteers in the fund-raising process, we are beginning to see growth in participation. We would love to have your help in this area so we can continue to progress!

By setting an example of active involvement in the school community, you will be helping to teach your children powerful lessons in the importance of service and leadership. Best wishes for a terrific school year.

Sincerely,

Larry Van Meter ’68, Head of School

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participate

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participate and support How can I get involved?

The answer is two-fold. Every independent school needs an active community and strong financial support. Moorestown Friends School is thankful to have a parent body which is both engaged and generous.

Active participation We hope you will play an active role in your child’s education. There are many opportunities to do so. This booklet outlines many of the volunteer possibilities from helping with special events, to supporting our students on stage and on our athletic teams. Every parent is welcome to be a member of the Moorestown Friends family!

Financial support We hope you will become invested in the life and work of our school.

In addition to being engaged in school activities, we encourage you to contribute to the Moorestown Friends Annual Fund and welcome your participation in building the school’s culture of philanthropy. We would also appreciate your support of the school’s building and endowment needs. An overview of our development program is provided in this booklet.

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ways to get involved We encourage parents to volunteer at MFS. Volunteering is a great way to share your interests, talents and time with the school while providing service to the MFS community and helping faculty and staff to better serve our students.

Parent Council The Parent Council at MFS is a partnership between parents, administration, faculty and staff. It strives to create the best possible environment for children at MFS through a variety of programs and events. Parent Council embraces the following values: community, communication and commitment.

Mission Statement: Parent Council encourages parental participation in the life of MFS by assisting in the welcoming and orienting of new MFS parents, cooperating with the administration and faculty in conducting educational programs for parents, enhancing communication among parents and encouraging parent participation in fund-raising activities.

Organization: The MFS Parent Council is comprised of all parents, the Parent Council Executive Committee (All-School Coordinators and Division Coordinators), the Head of School, Upper, Middle and Lower School Directors, Director of Development, and the Director of Parent and Alumni Programs.

Fundraising: Funds raised by Parent Council are used to support the school.

For example, in the past Parent Council has used funds to bring speakers to campus for All-School Parent Council Meetings.

Recent guests include author and educator Tony Wagner, whose book The Global Acheivement Gap is an integral piece of the 2011 Strategic Plan; Rosalind Wiseman, the New York Times bestselling author of Queen Bees and Wannabees; Joline Godfrey, author of Raising Financially Fit Kids; and award-winning photojournalist Paula Lerner. Other presentations have included a screening of the critically acclaimed film Race to Nowhere.

get involved

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volunteer opportunities Class Parents Two sets of families from each grade work closely with the classroom teachers to offer assistance throughout the year. The main responsibility of the class parents is to coordinate with other families in the grade for various events.

Parent Ambassador Each summer, parents volunteer to contact and welcome families who are new to the school. Ambassadors work closely with the Development Office to ensure each new family has a peer contact in their grade, and to answer any questions new families might have.

Thrift Shop Located at 301 Chester Avenue, the MFS Thrift Shop is a volunteer-dependent organization. Volunteers assist by sorting and pricing donations of clothing, collectibles, furniture, etc. and helping customers.

Proceeds from the Thrift Shop support MFS students and faculty.

Parent Annual Fund Spend an evening at MFS (with dinner at the Head’s home) to make fundraising calls to other parents during the Parent Phonathon on Sunday, October 21 or Monday, October 22.

Grandparents Day Welcome visitors, serve refreshments, give directions and assist visitors on the morning of Grandparents and Special Friends Day for grades Kindergarten through 4th, Friday, October 26.

Musicals & Plays Use your talents to prepare costumes, make-up and hair styles for the MFS players and build sets for the performances.

Parent volunteers are a vital component of the school productions and there are many opportunities to support the shows.

Camp Fair Every winter, on the Saturday before the Super Bowl, Parent Council hosts a Summer Camp Fair in the Field House Gym. This year the event will be held on Saturday, February 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Approximately 80 camps from across the country will come to Moorestown Friends School to highlight their programs. There are a diverse variety of offerings including day, residential, sports, adventure,teen travel, academic and traditional camps. A committee of parent volunteers meets in the late fall to work on plans. The Camp Fair is a school-wide event and a great volunteer opportunity for families in all divisions.

Auction is a biennial event and will be held on March 16 at the Collingswood Ballroom (formerly the Scottish Rite Theater). This event

is the largest parent-driven fundraiser at the school, and is a wonderful community celebration. To help create this very special evening, dozens of volunteers work on many aspects of the event, including mailings, decorating, soliciting donations and sponsors, and working with students and teachers on Class Gifts.

Science Olympiad & Other Department Events Volunteer to support our students as they compete in a series of scientific events with students from other local schools. The Science Department is looking for parents to serve as event volunteers for the Upper School Ethics Bowl on October 20, a Robotics Scrimmage on February 2 and the annual Science Olympiad on May 11.

Multi-faith Projects We are fortunate to have a school community comprised of people from many different religious backgrounds. During the course of the year, there are several opportunities for parents to participate in classes and programs to help raise awareness and create a better understanding of different faiths. Volunteer opportunities will be coordinated by the Religion Department.

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volunteer opportunities [continued]

SPOTLIGHT AND SPIRIT

Admissions Be an ambassador for MFS! Assist with open houses, tours of school and follow-up phone calls to interested families.

There are two parent organizations that meet throughout the year to support two important areas of student activities at MFS—arts and athletics.

Community Service Work with MFS faculty and students on important projects, such as the activities that take place at MFS on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Monday, January 21.

Dance Chaperones Middle School parents may sign up to attend and help supervise the dances held throughout the year.

Mailings Help the staff label, fold and stuff numerous large mailings. The Development Office will email you to let you know when help is needed.

Library You can help the library staff cover and catalog books, assist students in checking-out and returning books and also prepare overdue notices.

Nursing Serve as a substitute nurse on occasion at MFS or go on an off-campus trip with a class. This volunteer effort is coordinated by the school nurses.

Project Graduation Each year, following Commencement, the senior class is taken out for a chaperoned night of fun. Parent volunteers organize all aspects from arranging the venues and transportation to contacting sponsors for the event.

Sign up to volunteer today…

Bravo! The Bravo Club’s mission is to raise awareness of the arts within the MFS community and to recognize the contribution and talent of our students involved in the arts. The club works closely with the Arts Department to help produce the fall musical and support the spring play. From designing the program to helping with costumes and makeup and bringing in meals for the final rehearsal week, parent volunteers play an important role in MFS productions.

All MFS parents and faculty members are welcome to attend Bravo!

Club meetings. For the 2012-13 school year, the Bravo! Club will meet on the following evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Moriuchi Room in Stokes Hall: Tuesday, October 2 Monday, March 11 Red & Blue Club The Red & Blue Club supports the seasonal online MFS merchandise sales, hosts trips to local sporting events for the community, presents speakers for student athletes and their families, and is involved in several events throughout the year to promote team and school spirit. During the 2012-13 school year, the club will meet on the following evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Moriuchi Room of Stokes Hall: Monday, September 24

• on the web www.mfriends.org go to the Parents section and click on the volunteer link on the left of the page.

Monday, November 12

or

Monday, April 29

• by contacting Matt Nierenberg, Director of Parent and Alumni Programs at 856.914.4416 or mnierenberg@mfriends.org

Monday, February 25

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opportunities to give THE ANNUAL FUND FOR MFS

Parent Annual Fund Committee (PAFC)

Every year parents, parents of alumni, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends join in making gifts to the Annual Fund for MFS, which touches the lives of teachers and students every day. Contributions to the Annual Fund are a powerful endorsement of an MFS education. The Annual Fund plays a key role in supporting:

Members of the Parent Annual Fund Committee seek to increase parent interest in financially supporting the Annual Fund. In the fall, committee members educate fellow parents about the Annual Fund and solicit Annual Fund gifts via personal phone calls or meetings. Director of Annual Giving Kristy Embrack coordinates volunteers for the PAFC. Special Gifts Committee

financial aid

athletics

fine arts

the Camden Scholars Program

Parents who serve on the Special Gifts Committee give at leadership levels to the Annual Fund and reach out to other parents to ask for lead gifts. This important volunteer opportunity takes place early in the fall and is coordinated by Director of Annual Giving Kristy Embrack.

service learning projects

Planned Giving and the Legacy Society

faculty salaries, benefits and so much more

Planned gifts, such as bequests, insurance policies, charitable gift annuities and trusts, have been largely responsible for helping to build the endowment at MFS. There are a number of planned giving options that provide creative and tax-wise ways to meet both the school’s needs and your own philanthropic goals. Individuals who have included the school in their estate plans or established planned gifts are welcomed into the MFS Legacy Society.

The Annual Fund is the school community’s top philanthropic priority as it provides the resources that enable MFS to excel.

The school’s fund-raising year runs from July 1 – June 30.

Please contact Director of Annual Giving Kristy Embrack at 856.914.4410 or kembrack@mfriends.org with any questions about the Annual Fund.

Contact Director of Development Steve Zakroff or visit the “Support MFS” tab for information on planned giving options.

Donor Recognition Societies MFS honors donors for both their loyalty and their leadership level gifts.

In the Annual Report published each fall, those who have demonstrated their commitment to MFS through consistent financial support for a number of years are recognized in the Consecutive Years Giving Society, where membership begins with giving for 5 years in a row. In addition, Annual Fund contributions of $25,000 and more are highlighted in the report’s listing of the George Fox Society, of $10,000 and more in the Circle of Friends, of $5,000 and more in the Founders Society, of $2,000 and more in the 1785 Society, of $1,000 and more in the Cupola Society, of $500 and more in the MFS Associates, and of $250 and more in the Head of School’s Associates.

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C A P I TA L C A M PAI G N H I S TO RY Philanthropy is found at the very start of the long history of Moorestown Friends School. In the 1780s, 33 Friends families raised a total of $1,003.09 to purchase two acres of land and construct a stone school building. Generations of families, alumni, teachers, trustees and Meeting members have followed in their footsteps and continued to invest in the school through important capital campaigns that have helped to change the landscape of MFS. 1930s, the School Committee took on the huge task of constructing the Middle and Upper School building, which has served as the center of the educational experience for hundreds of MFS students.

1970s, the community provided more than $300,000 to establish the Chester L. Reagan Endowed Chair in Faith and Practice, in honor of the longtime Headmaster. Having grown in value, this fund supports the teaching of Quaker education in every grade.

ways to give Cash and Pledges Donations and pledge payments can be made via cash, check, or credit card (VISA or MasterCard). Payment on-line through the school’s secure server is also convenient and can be accessed through the “Support MFS” tab on our website www.mfriends.org. Annual Gifts are due by June 30. Capital pledges are typically paid over 3-5 years.

If you have any questions, contact Director of Annual Giving Kristy Embrack.

Gifts of Stock Giving appreciated securities is a convenient way to support Moorestown Friends School, while gaining tax advantages. You receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock on the date of the gift, provided you have owned the securities for more than 12 months. Most donors avoid the capital gains tax otherwise due on the sale of securities.

You are urged to consult your tax professional before making gifts of appreciated stock. Visit the “Support MFS” tab on the school website for stock transfer instructions.

1980s, The Toward Our Third Century Campaign secured more than $1 million to build Stokes Hall, creating a new library and connecting the Lower School to the Middle and Upper School building.

1990s, the MFS community raised more than $2 million through Campaign 2000 – Assuring the Future to build the Dining Hall Commons, create two computer labs, and establish the Endowment for Faculty Support.

2000s, The Campaign for Arts, Athletics and Endowment secured more than $6 million to build the Field House, renovate the Arts Center, and establish 19 endowed funds.

Great Classrooms for Great Kids – The Math and Science Campaign ended on July 31, 2012. This $6.4+ million campaign provided new science labs and classrooms, and linked the existing campus to the Greenleaf property with the construction of Hartman Hall, named in honor of former faculty member Neil Hartman.

Contact Director of Development Steve Zakroff at 856.914.4411 or szakroff@mfriends.org for more information.

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frequently asked questions What do the Trustees do?

MFS is governed by a board of trustees called the School Committee.

The School Committee upholds the school’s mission, determines school policy, sets tuition, approves the operating budget, oversees fundraising, maintains the responsibility for fiscal affairs, and appoints, nurtures and evaluates the Head. Administration of the school program and facilities is under the direction of the Head of School.

Why does Moorestown Friends need to raise money?

Almost all independent schools rely on philanthropic support to enhance their educational, extracurricular and financial aid programs. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of an MFS education. This year 85% of the school’s operating budget will be funded with tuition dollars. The rest is covered by endowment income, facility rentals, and the Annual Fund. MFS is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization and contributions to the school are tax deductible.

What is the difference between gifts to the Annual Fund and gifts to a Capital Campaign?

Annual Fund gifts are solicited and given every year to help fund current operations. Capital Campaign gifts are generally larger—often made over a 3 to 5 year period—and support enduring construction, renovation or endowment projects. Capital Campaigns do not happen every year. The public phase of a Capital Campaign is usually held every 5 to 7 years.

Am I expected to give to both the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign?

We hope that families who are able will support both. However, because the Annual Fund supports immediate operating expenses, we ask that the Annual Fund be your first priority. Of course, the generosity of those who participate in both the Annual Fund and Capital Campaign is deeply appreciated by the school.

Can I give on-line?

Who is asked for an Annual Fund gift?

All members of the MFS community are asked to contribute—parents, parents of alumni, alumni, grandparents, faculty and staff, and friends of the school. The Development Office, together with the Development Committee and parent volunteers, solicits parents within the community.

All contributions are recognized in the school’s Annual Report, which is mailed every fall in the Among Friends magazine.

How much does Moorestown Friends expect me to give?

We hope each family can find a way to participate, according to their means. Every gift makes a difference to MFS. Gifts from all families, including those who receive financial assistance, are important to help raise the school’s percentage of giving from parents to be more in line with our peer schools.

YES! Debit and credit-card contributions (MasterCard or VISA) can be made on-line through a secure server, by visiting www.mfriends.org and clicking on the “Support MFS” tab. For your convenience, we also are able to arrange gift payments in installments.

What about my employer’s Matching Gift Program?

Many companies will match gifts to independent schools. To find out if your employer will match your gift to Moorestown Friends School, check with your Personnel or Human Resources Department. Obtain the proper form and send it to the Development Office at MFS, along with your gift.

For some companies, the matching gift process is on-line. In that case, please notify Director of Annual Giving Kristy Embrack if you have arranged for an on-line matching gift. In recognizing your donation to the school, your employer’s matching gift will be counted as part of your total donation for the year.

What is the Voluntary 5% Program?

The Voluntary 5% Program has been a special fund-raising tradition at MFS since the 1970s. The Voluntary 5% Program provides MFS with significant help in meeting teacher retirement/investment costs. The program is administered through the Business Office; requests for contributions are included in tuition billing.

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mark your calendar

ar

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2012-13 volunteer and community events Be sure and confirm these dates and times with the All School Calendar on the Moorestown Friends School website, www.mfriends.org, which lists the most up-to-date schedule information.

9/6

8:10 am

First Day of Classes

9/11

6:30 pm

Class Parents Meeting

Communications

9/12

8:00 am & 7:00 pm

9/22

3:30 pm

All School Picnic

10/1

6:00 pm

Annual Fund Volunteer Kickoff Evening

10/21

2:00 pm

Admissions Open House

10/21-22

6:00 pm

Parent Annual Fund Phonathon

10/26

8:30 am

Lower School (Grades K-4) Grandparents and Special Friends Day

11/10

10:00 am

Parent resources for school news and information in addition to the website include e-mail blasts which are sent regularly throughout the school year, as well as the school magazine, Among Friends, which is published twice a year. We also issue an annual Commencement newsletter, highlighting graduation and listing our students’ college destinations, service learning and senior projects.

MFS 101 for New Families

Admissions Open House

11/16-17

7:00 pm

MS/US Fall Musical – Gypsy

11/18

2:00 pm

Gypsy, matinee performance

1/21

10:00 am

1/27

2:00 pm

2/2

11:30 am

2/7

7:00 pm

Middle and Upper School Admissions Open House

2/9

10:00 am

Lower School Admissions Open House

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service Admissions Open House 20th Annual Summer Camp Fair

3/1-2

7:00 pm

Winter play

3/16

6:00 pm

The Auction

4/16

9:00 am

Admissions Open House

4/18

Science and Engineering Exposition

5/3-4

Alumni Weekend

5/11

8:00 am

Science Olympiad

6/8

7:00 pm

Commencement, followed by Project Graduation

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Moorestown Friends School School Committee 2012-13 Peter Baily Sandy Hoeppner Brown Toni Proffitt Brown Stefanie Cohen Meridee Duddleston Mindy Holman Louisa Wright Khanlian ’63 Philip Lippincott, Assistant Clerk Louis Matlack ’53, Emeritus Patricia Ann Metzer ’59 Mark Mitchell ’86 Naoji Moriuchi ’94, Clerk Dan Seeger Nick Smith, Recording Clerk Laurence R. Van Meter ’68, Ex Officio Stephanie Zarus Kenneth Zekavat ’80, Treasurer

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Sign up to volunteer at

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www.mfriends.org

Moorestown Friends School | 110 East Main Street | Moorestown, NJ 08057