Give and Get Involved

This guide tells you what you need to know about philanthropy and family participation for a child about to start at our school.

For more than 130 years, Nichols School has prepared students for the work of life by providing an education that is not just good, but exceptional. Graduates of Nichols head off to college with the skills they need to make a difference in the world. However, the cost of tuition does not cover the full cost of a Nichols education. Families, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Nichols make up the additional 12% of expenses with contributions to the Nichols Fund.

nichols Fund

Each year, contributions to the Nichols Fund support:

• Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs

• Student Life Activities

• Arts and Athletic Programs

• Faculty Professional Development

• Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Programs

• And so much more!

At Nichols, we take pride in the culture of philanthropy that has been built upon for more than a century. As with all independent schools, Nichols does not receive local, state, or federal funding, and relies on the generosity of its community to sustain it. While contributions vary, we expect that each family makes an effort to support the school at the highest level possible. However, participation is key as every gift to Nichols makes an impact.

Our goal for the 2023-2024 school year is to have 100% of our families participate in the Nichols Fund.

Nichols Fund

$1.2

100%

1,866 DONORS MADE

2,230 GIFTS

$210,000

Capital Campaigns

A capital campaign is a multi-year strategic fundraising initiative that raises funds for a specific purpose. All independent schools run capital and major campaigns to raise funding for strategic projects that are beyond the scope of their daily operations budget, for example, updated facilities or program enhancement. While strong support of any capital initiative is crucial to the long term, academic and financial well-being of Nichols School,

the Nichols Fund and our ability to cover our annual operating expense remain our top philanthropic need. If you generally support the Nichols Fund, we ask that campaign gifts are given above and beyond your annual Nichols Fund support. If you are not able to give to both, we ask that you consider prioritizing continued support of the Nichols Fund.

If you are interested in learning how you can help Nichols School by making a major, multi-year commitment to one of Nichols School’s strategic priorities, please contact Leslie Garcia, Assistant Head of School for Advancement

lgarcia@nicholsschool.org

Get Involved

Students thrive when their families are involved and interested in their lives at school. When you contribute your time, resources, or talent, you become part of a long tradition of helping Nichols maintain its position as a school of excellence.

There are several ways for parents and families to get involved in the school’s philanthropic efforts:

• Volunteer for Parents’ Association events and activities

• Join the Nichols Fund Team

• Help plan the Nichols Night Auction

Parents’ Association

Every parent is a member of the Parents’ Association at Nichols. The Parent Council strives to help families navigate and engage in the Nichols journey through communication, education, and community building. There are all sorts of ways families can get involved.

Parents may serve:

• On the Parent Council

• On Committees that help plan and facilitate events

• As a Nichols Fund volunteer

• As a Parent Mentor for New Families

• As a Parent Ambassador for Admissions Events

• As a Chaperone for Field Trips in the Middle School

• As a Library Volunteer

• As a Host to an International Student

Do you have questions? Please reach out to current members of our Parent Council or staff at Nichols School.

PARENT COUNCIL

President

Jessica Hapeman ’95 P’28,’28

Vice-President

John Fox ’94 P’27

Correspondence & Records

Michelle Maccagnano P’29

Ex-Officio(s)

Priscilla & JJ Bennett P’23,‘26

Middle School

5th Grade – 2031

Amy & Chris Capalbo P’28,’30,’31

Kim Schindler P’26,’28,‘31

6th Grade – 2030

Ananya Banik P’29,’30

Jen Coppola P’27,’30

7th Grade – 2029

Dina Benderson P’25,’29

Rachelle Nurse P’29

Mark Your Calendars!

8th Grade – 2028

Julia D’Amico P’26,’28

Leah Mayer P’26,’28,’31

Maansi Travers P’26,’28

Upper School

9th Grade – 2027

Sarah Genau P’27

Dora Iskalo P’23,’27

10th Grade – 2026

Melissa Jorgenson P’26,’28

Jill Metz P’26

11th Grade – 2025

Anne Burnidge P’25

Nicole Nobel P’25,’29,’29

12th Grade – 2024

Melissa Christian P’22,’24,’27

Danessia Scott-Warren P’19,’19,’22,’24

Takeisha Williams P’24

At-Large

Cathy Amdur P’23,’25

Jennifer Aubrecht P’25,’28

Kristie Giaimo P’28

Amy Judd P’26

BIG GREEN: Friday, September 15, 2023

NICHOLS NIGHT: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Jamie Kelly P’23,’28,‘28

Dede Koeppen P’23,’26

Marianne Lagutaine P’24,’28,’30

Jamie Latko P’26,’29

Kirsten Maidment P’22,’24

Shannon Martin P’23,’25

Uma Siddiqui P’28,’30

Continuing At-Large

Jessica Baird ’92 P’21,’23,’25

Amat Fatimah P’28

Julie Plata P’22,’22,’29

STAFF

Austin Farber Director of Advancement 716-332-5153

afarber@nicholsschool.org

Sara Wiese

Assistant Director of Advancement Events & Marketing 716-332-5175

swiese@nicholsschool.org

Stephanie Angelakos Parents’ Association Liaison 716-332-5154

sangelakos@nicholsschool.org