A GUIDE TO GIVING AND GETTING INVOLVED
A GENEROUS COMMUNITY SUPPORTS SUMMIT’S MISSION
Since its founding in 1933, each Summit School family has played an important role in the school community. Summit parents share the responsibilities of meeting the school’s educational goals and ensuring a soundly governed and financially healthy institution. Summit encourages parents to actively participate in daily school life and provide financial support beyond tuition. Through volunteer opportunities, special events, and fundraising efforts, the school provides a variety of ways to become involved. Parents volunteer in classrooms and also attend conferences, athletic events, plays, and musicals.
Educating a child requires an exceptional faculty, a curriculum that develops fluency, creativity and competency, and the generous involvement of parents.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Summit is committed to prudent financial planning. As an independent school, Summit receives no financial support from federal, state, or local governments. The sole sources of revenue are tuition, charitable gifts, income from invested reserves, and proceeds from special activities and events. Like all independent schools, Summit must raise additional funds beyond tuition revenue to balance the budget and provide for the future. Even families who pay full tuition receive a subsidy of approximately $2,300 annually toward their child’s education. Your gift to The Summit Fund allows the school to continue to provide a first-rate education for students while keeping tuition increases under control.
We understand that within a school year you will have many opportunities to give. Your participation is essential to the success of our community.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES THE SUMMIT FUND The Summit Fund is the primary way for alumni, parents, grandparents, past parents, and friends to support the annual operations of our school. By giving, you help Summit take advantage of mission-driven, real-time innovations that keep a Summit education dynamic – both in and out of the classroom. These are direct benefits to our students right now and enhance their lives on Summit’s campus every day. Annual participation is strongly encouraged. Summit Stars
Lewis Legends
1933 Council
Adams Architects
$20,000+ $10,000-$19,999 Founders’ Society $5,000-$9,999 Head’s Team $3,000-$4,999 Pioneer Circle $2,300-$2,999 Futrell Friends $1,000-$2,299
$500-$999 $250-$499 Summit Supporters up to $249 Collegiate Honors Eagles’ Nest
Summit is a strong school today because past families planned and contributed to its capital growth. Current Summit students benefit directly from the investments made in our plant and facilities by generations of families before us. Current families are asked to participate at least once during their time at Summit.
Alumni in College Alumni in High School
Summit’s planned giving society, Patrons for Tomorrow, was established to recognize those who have made provisions for a planned gift to Summit School. There are many ways you can leave a lasting legacy and ensure that Summit remains strong for generations to come.
INVESTED RESERVES (ENDOWMENT)
Invested Reserves, also called endowment, help fund the costs of school programs. These funds enable Summit to respond quickly to needs and keep the school innovative. Started in 1959, the endowment is currently valued at $14.6 million, which has been built by gifts from generous donors. MATCHING GIFTS
Make your gift go twice as far! Matching gifts from your employer are a great way to leverage additional dollars to support Summit. Please check with your company to see if they offer matching gifts, or let us know if we can assist you with this process. Remember that gifts from spouses and retirees may also be eligible.
GETTING INVOLVED PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
The Parents’ Association (PA) is a group of parents who volunteer their time to coordinate enrichment and fundraising activities that directly benefit Summit students. The Parents’ Association, led by officers and committee chairs, enlists other parents’ help throughout the year to raise funds that provide assistance to classroom teachers and staff. For more information or to get involved, email sspa@summitmail.org. COMMITTEES Back to School Bash Book Fair Costume Room Ea$y Money Gala (2019) Gardening
Graduation Gratitude Gift Hospitality Library May Frolics New Families
Parents’ Advisory PA Office Support School Pictures School Store The Summit Fund
2017-2018 PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President President-Elect Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Nominating
Amy Morrow Robin Pfefferkorn Tracy Arne Kristen Zaks Laura Bland Kate Michalek
PARENT CHECKLIST FOR GIVING AND GETTING INVOLVED 2017-2018 Join a Parents’ Association Committee 9th Grade Parents’ Breakfast
August August 30
Parents’ Association Back to School Coffee
September 1
Back to School Bash (Family Event)
September 8
Contribute to The Summit Fund
September
1st - 4th Grade Parents’ Night
September 12
Eaglets/JrK/K Parents’ Night
September 14
6th - 8th Grade Parents’ Night
September 19
5th Grade Parents’ Night
September 26
Founders Day & Week of Giving
September 26
New Family Cocktail Party
October 12
Roots & Reach Information Breakfast
January 25
Contribute to the Roots & Reach Campaign Patrons for Tomorrow Reception & Information Session Return re-enrollment contracts to Admissions Office
February February 8 February 12 - March 2
Head’s Team Reception
March 15
Lower School Special Persons’ Day
March 29
May Frolics (Family Event)
May 4
To make a gift, volunteer, or get more information, please contact the development office at (336) 724-5811 or visit summitschool.com/give.