A GUIDE TO GIVING AND GETTING INVOLVED
Educating a child requires an exceptional faculty, a curriculum that develops fluency, creativity and competency, and the generous involvement of parents.
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.
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.
BRIDGE THE GAP SOCIETY
Futrell Friends
Summit Stars
Lewis Legends
$20,000+ 1933 Council $10,000-$19,999 Founders’ Society $5,000-$9,999 Head’s Team $3,000-$4,999 Pioneer Circle $2,300-$2,999
$1,000-$2,299 $500-$999 Adams Architects $250-$499 Summit Supporters up to $249 Collegiate Honors Alumni in College Eagles’ Nest Alumni in High School
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.
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 $14.8 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.
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 $2,300 annually toward their child’s education. Your financial support to The Summit Fund allows the school to continue to provide a first-rate education for students while keeping tuition increases under control.
Within a school year you will have many opportunities to give. Your participation is essential to the success of our community.
GETTING INVOLVED PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION The Parents’ Association (PA) is a group of parents who volunteer their time to coordinate enrichment and fundraising activities that directly benefit Summit students. The Parents’ Association, led by officers and committee chairs, enlists other parents’ help throughout the year to raise funds that provide assistance to classroom teachers and staff. For more information or to get involved, email sspa@summitmail.org.
COMMITTEES Back to School Bash
Graduation
PA Office Support
Book Fair
Gratitude Gift
School Pictures
Costume Room
Hospitality
School Store - The Nest
Ea$y Money
Library
The Summit Fund
Gala (2021)
May Frolics
Garden Guardians
New Families
2020-2021 PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President President-Elect Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Nominating
Claire Calvin Shon Gilmore Karla Mounts Catherine Hornaday Grace Shapiro Kristen Zaks
To make a gift, volunteer, or get more information, please contact the development office at (336) 724-5811 or visit summitschool.com/give.