Green and Growing
A Thriving School with a
Strong Foundation
- Green and Growing Campaign Pledge Form
- Green and Growing Gift Illustrations
- Frequently Asked Questions
FCS has flourished in the last four years. We have a progressive curriculum, versatile and talented teachers, a stable administration, strong grounding in Quaker values, and a green building in a location with easy access from many communities in our region. These features have fueled remarkable growth for FCS in a time of uncertainty for most independent schools. The foundation of FCS is strong!
Just a few years ago it would have been hard to envision a school of more than 165 students enrolled at FCS. Yet we now enroll 210 students, filling every K-5 class and most of the middle school to capacity.
A challenge to address: space
With our success has come the challenge of accommodating the children already at FCS. Our full enrollment means that we are running out of room.
This year, we are one core classroom short in middle school; in three years, our children moving up into the middle school grades will not fit in the building. The current curriculum must work around space limitations, particularly in science, art and performing arts.
Our challenge at FCS is to provide more space to support our rich, hands-on curriculum, quickly! After thoughtful study of enrollment scenarios, and space and program alternatives, the FCS Board of Trustees has determined that new construction serves the school best both in the short and the long term.
An immediate plan to expand key spaces
The expansion plan calls for:
- a lower school science room;
- a core classroom for the middle school;
- a conversion of the art room to a classroom;
- a full size art studio;
- tutoring space in both the lower and middle school wings;
- offices and storage;
- middle school lockers;
- a performing arts area off the multi-purpose room, including
- a music room and a large storage area.
A short fundraising campaign
The Green and Growing Campaign must raise an estimated $1.4 million to pay for the new spaces and for improvements to the existing building to integrate the two. The timeline for the Campaign is compressed to get the space up and running quickly. With substantial funding in hand, we can begin construction by June 2012 and complete the additional space by Dec 2012.
Already half way there!
We have already raised more than $1.05 million We are more than 2/3 of the way to the $1.4 million goal! All of our trustees have pledged support to the project. And every faculty and staff member -- 100% -- has committed financial support as well. No one knows better than our teachers and staff how important these spaces are for teaching the exceptional curriculum that nurtures our children's talents and skills.
A matching gift opportunity
FCS is exceedingly fortunate to receive an offer of $250,000 in a matching funds program that will match any donation to the Green and Growing Campaign on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to $250,000. Your gift to FCS will be doubled in value and twice as powerful in funding the project.
A role for everyone
FCS was built through the contributions of parents and other supporters who envisioned a place for the thoughtful, progressive education that is the hallmark of FCS. We ask you to continue that tradition. The additional classrooms and school-wide spaces would be a legacy of today's parents and community members just as the current building was built though contributions of the families, faculty, board members, and others who came before us. The success of the Green and Growing Capital Campaign depends upon everyone in our community!
A time to be counted
This fall the school is seeking gifts of all sizes, but particularly gifts that inspire others to give. Your gift is a key part of that inspiration. Campaigns always need the support of generous donors, especially this short campaign. Your gift is powerful for its financial value, and for the inspiration it gives parents and our extended community to support the school with a charitable donation. Please make a commitment to FCS by pledging your support. On behalf of everyone in our community , especially our children, thank you very much!