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October 31, 2008
DEAR PARENTS:
What a packed week this has been! We have enjoyed a little misrule in the last few days. Mr. Kellogg was kind enough to photograph a small collection of pumpkins (click here to see the photo). We considered a few photos of the students today, but we feared that would be far too horrifying for you—and I’m just talking about those in dress code!
We are about to begin our Annual Fund Drive. Every independent school in the country works with an annual “gap” between tuition and operating costs. At Seabury, that difference is $232,662. The gap between tuition for one student and the cost of educating that student is roughly $2,040, a figure that is in line with most independent schools. We cover this cost with the Annual Fund. Like every other independent school, we ask parents, teachers, and community members to help us close our annual gap. It is not difficult for me to discuss the Annual Fund with parents, because I know the value of this school and I know what we must do to maintain its mission. Next week, you will be receiving our Annual Report, which includes an overview of last year’s accomplishments and benefactors and a request for Annual Fund contributions for this 2008-09 school year.
I know that I will be asking for contributions in a year where our country’s financial situation is a concern, but as Head of School, I need to remind the community that the school’s annual gap remains, and we need the continued support of our constituents in order to pay our bills. We have no other capital campaign underway, as our only focus is on the Annual Fund Drive. We are hopeful that you can at least match your contribution from last year. I appreciate your generosity and your willingness to support the school. On this end, I can tell you that every donation matters. It really does.
Wednesday’s chapel took me by surprise. In anticipation of the Mexican traditional Day of the Dead next Monday, Mother Sarah decorated an altar at the center of the commons, and students and faculty were encouraged to bring pictures of loved ones who had been lost. We were asked to think about the positive influence of those people on our lives and to place those photos on the altar. The focus of this chapel was on the celebration of those lives and a “party” for life itself, but you can imagine that it brought many feelings to the surface. I think we were all very moved and were brought together by the experience.
Our Fall Music Concert was a treat, and I heard many compliments from parents. There is something especially affecting about seeing younger students in their suits and dresses holding forth. I would also like to say congratulations to Alex Hoopes for her Halloween story in today’s Journal World. She promises me that no Seabury teachers inspired the evil characters therein.
We will have Late Start on Monday. Students simply need to be in their seats before the beginning of 1st hour class. Also, after much conflicted feelings on my part, I am allowing our monthly dress down day to fall on Tuesday (the usual $5 to support class trips)—but to celebrate Election Day, I am asking that red, white, or blue be the dominant color. Students may wear t-shirts supporting a candidate, but such shirts should in no way include a negative message.
I hope, no matter the outcome of Tuesday’s election, that you will all have a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.
Yours respectfully, Dr. Schawang
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