2023 Annual Report

school

CATHOLIC S

BE

RIT

MIN

PI

D

HOOL SC

2 0 2 2

N IO

ASSUMP T

catholic

BODY

2 0 23

A N N UA L REPORT LLINGHAM

"LET ALL THAT YOU DO BE DONE IN LOVE." 1 Corinthians 16:14

2023 Annual Report Final.indd 1

11/10/23 5:54 PM

S

BE

RIT

MIN

PI

ASSUMP T

CATHOLIC

D

HOOL SC

N IO

BODY

LLINGHAM

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Anyone can support Assumption Catholic School through everyday purchases!

(SCRIP)

Dear Alumni, Grandparents, Parishioners, and Families, Our theme for the current school year is from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, "Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) His scripture reminds everyone that God not only loves us, but God is love and we reflect that charity in our interactions with others. As we remember the blessings and successes of the 2022-2023 school year, we are grateful for the way that Assumption Catholic School has grown.

“LET ALL THAT YOU DO BE DONE IN LOVE.”

In the past year, your generous contributions allowed for much more than we could have imagined, providing additional services and improving the school facilities. More students in kindergarten through fourth grade received additional reading support. All students had more time with the school counselor, improving social and emotional wellness. Seventh graders renewed their annual trip to Portland, expanding their educational world. Thanks to a successful campaign at the auction and contributions to the Annual Fund, we raised enough money to complete the installation of 87 new windows!

This is an old building with a rich history dating back 110 years, when the Dominican sisters opened Bellingham’s first private school and brought Catholic education to Whatcom County. Our school community draws strength from that history.

Generations of alumni can remember years of abundance as well as times of challenge.

By the grace of God, the most dedicated and caring professionals continue to provide the same excellent Catholic education. Drawing on tradition mixed with innovation, this faculty has a wonderful reputation for preparing future servant leaders who are called to go forth and make a lasting difference in the world.

So many volunteers come together for the success of our school- School Commission, Parent-Teacher Club, Foundation, and all committee chairs who give so much to build community and help us grow. This annual report is a look at the past year and hope for our prosperous future, thanks to the work of our volunteers, the generosity of our partners, the commitment of faculty, and most important, the joy of our students.

Gratefully yours,

Find links to these wonderful programs at the bottom of our school home page: www.school.assumption.org

VISIT US!

We’d love to show you what ACS is all about!

Spring Open House: February 4, 2024

IMPORTANT DATES: Financial Aid deadline:

December 31, 2023

General Enrollment opens: March 1, 2024

Growing Great Kids Auction & Gala: March 2, 2024

Dan Anderson, Principal

ANNUAL REPORT

2023 Annual Report Final.indd 2

2 11/10/23 5:54 PM

H E R E ' s W H AT M A K E S

ASSUMPTION CATholic School Special Members of the Class of 2023 with Mrs. Paige and Rosco McClurg

The late, great poet Maya Angelou observed, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

its archery equipment grant if we didn’t find an instructor to provide a club for students post-COVID. During her “summer off,” she earned certification to become a coach.

That’s what makes Assumption Catholic School exceptional- how it makes its students and community feel. And because it’s so hard to translate that into words, we gathered some personal moments that we think exemplify what our school is all about.

The seventh grader who notices another child alone at recess and invites him to join the game.

The third-grade teacher who heard a staff member’s mom was seriously ill and offered a homemade meal for the family to make one less worry.

The kindergarten teacher who spent hours of her own time hatching and hand-raising baby chicks with her five- and six-year-old students, showing them the miracle of life and the responsibility of caring for helpless animals.

The eighth-grade teacher who learned our school would lose

3 2023 Annual Report Final.indd 3

The principal, who reminds us that his two most important jobs, for students and staff alike, are to keep us safe and prepare us for heaven- and he lives it every day!

The middle school students who stay best friends through high school, are college roommates and best men at each other’s weddings ─ a lifelong bond that began when one befriended “the new kid” at Assumption and helped him find his way.

The school mom who took it upon herself to make arrangements for another child to get to the FatherDaughter dance, have a beautiful corsage, and feel like

a princess because her dad was serving his country and wasn’t physically able to do those things for his little girl.

This joyous tradition: on the eve of winter break, attending the Christmas program in the church, witnessing the Godgiven gifts of our students and teachers, and leaving with a heightened anticipation for Jesus’ birth.

The physical education teacher, who, in a major car accident on her way to school, makes her first call (literally) to the office to ensure plans can be made for her students to still have class.

The students, school parents, and fellow staff members, past and present, who surrounded the first-grade teacher with love and prayers when her beloved dog and class mascot of nine years passed away.

The parent-volunteer crosscountry coach who remains after her boys have graduated, models servant leadership and going the extra mile (pun intended!), offers to take

students running on weekends so they can be meet-eligible, calls parents to give tips and pointers, and cultivates a love for the sport and each other.

The first grader who feels the warmth of faith, walking hand-in-hand to Mass with her seventh-grade buddy.

The many parent educators (employed at ACS and other schools) for whom there is nowhere else in the world they would send their own children to school.

The throng of parents and teachers who just can’t seem to leave Assumption, coming back over years to substituteteach, volunteer, tutor, mentor, coach- the list goes on and on!

Assumption students are sure of their abilities to solve math problems, write compelling essays, and describe scientific changes. But we are called to something beyond great teaching. Our true mission is for our students to be sure of how Assumption makes them feel...

AND THAT IS LOVED.

school.assumption.org

11/10/23 5:54 PM

CARRYING ON THE ASSUMPTI N LEGACY

Maggie Chambers, '95; Grace (K)

Jack Chmelik, '07; Will (PreK)

Thomas Day, '76; Coco (2nd) [1]

Anna (Campbell) Higgins, '92; Zander (4th)

The Honorable Evan Jones, '93; Catherine (5th); Adele (3rd); Harvey ‘23 [2]

Dr. Dakotah Lane, '94; Luz (7th); Koda (3rd)

[1] Coco is a fourth generation Assumption student! Her grandmother, Patricia (Pitsch) Nelson graduated in 1952. Her greatgrandfather, Frank Pitsch, graduated in 1924.

[2] Judge Jones now occupies the Whatcom Co. Superior courtroom and chambers previously held by Judge Mura!

The Honorable Steve Mura, '64; Megan (Mura) Perrin, '90, Emma (2nd); Elyse (1st) [3]

2023 Annual Report Final.indd 4

Nicola Repanich, '94; Bennett (4th), Elliott (2nd)

11/10/23 5:54 PM

─

─

Legacy students current children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Assumption alumni share special connections with our school. We count a whopping 32 legacy students enrolled this year! We’re honored to celebrate so many alumni parents who have chosen Assumption for their own children. For some, it’s been a multi-generational commitment.

J.T. Schuman, '96; Piper (6th); Kennedy (3rd)

Jennifer Stiff, '92; Charlotte (5th); Alec ’19; Conor ‘21

Gabe Twining, '02; Chloe (K)

Matt Twining, ’95; Sam (7th); Oliver (5th); Sawyer (2nd)

Nate Twining, '98; Finley (6th); Annalise (4th); Brynn (K)

Stephanie (Twining) Wolf, ’97; Stella (8th); Graedon (6th); Elodie (5th)

[3] Another fourth generation family, Steve’s parents, Edward Mura and Mary (McDonald) Mura, both graduated from ACS in 1925. They reconnected years later and fell in love. Mrs. Chris Mura (wife to Steve, mom to Megan, grandma to Emma & Elyse) was a beloved Assumption teacher for 26 years - and still can’t shake us!

[4] Grandma & Grandpa Finkbonner sent 13 children to Assumption. Carrie was lucky #13!

Photo not available: Sarah (Ferguson) Robinson, ’97; Brayden (6th); Daniel (4th) 2023 Annual Report Final.indd 5

Catherine Finkbonner, '49; Carrie (Finkbonner) Vargas,’90; Anna (5th); Zola (3rd); Priela (K); Mariah '21; Isabella '21 [4]

Estefani Vargas,’08; Amaya (2nd); Aviel (PreK)

11/10/23 5:54 PM

Shining New Faces

We are blessed beyond measure to have 42 new K-8 students this school year. Some of our new families relocated to Bellingham, some come from other schools in our area, seeking our Christcentered environment and challenging academics.

ALL are welcome!

"You are called like the Apostles to make God known to others."

-St. John Baptist de la Salle, patron saint of teachers

NEW TEACHER S

I love that faith is boldly infused into every aspect of what we do here, and that everyone is so kind and supportive of each other.

-Mrs. Wittmershaus

WELCOME TO THE

ASSUMPTION FAMILY!

Ms. Kristi Eager

Mrs. Caitlin Creech

Mrs. Anna Wittmershaus

Ms. Eager is a triple gift ─ she serves as our P. E. teacher, EDP director, and athletic director! Most recently, she taught at South Whidbey Elementary and founded the South Whidbey Stingrays aquatics club in Langley. Kristi brings a wealth of knowledge and athletic experience to Assumption, and she has such a fun, warm approach with her new students, learning all their names in record time.

Mrs. Creech is a full-time first grade aide and brings her talents to teach our first-ever Beginning Band Class to 5th and 6th graders this year. Over the summer, she and her husband moved from south Texas to Bellingham. We are thrilled to have her musical gifts and look forward to all future performances!

Last year, after moving from Colorado to Bellingham, Señora Wittmershaus taught Spanish at Lowell Elementary before joining Assumption. She has an infectious love for language and has already been a wonderful addition to our community with her joyful, sunny smile!

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Annual Report Final.indd 6

6 11/10/23 5:54 PM

In Loving Memoriam

Judy Ziels was an alumni parent and so much more to Assumption.

Married to alumnus Jeff Ziels, she and her family continued to volunteer, attend events, and give generously to the school long after their children graduated. While enrolled, they were recipients of the Ellen Anderson Volunteer of the Year Award and the Mary & Joseph Award for their dedication to the school. From her time in the Peace Corps to a long career as a public health nurse, Judy lived a life of service with a passion for caring for children and families.

Judy was a blessing to all who met her. Her legacy of love lives on in her husband, Jeff, and their children, Henry and Louli. We are all better for having known her.

Judy & Jeff enjoying one of many ACS Spaghetti Dinners

A longtime supporter of Assumption Catholic School, Paul Textor and his wife, Rose, gave to us generously, both financially and through prayer and service. Paul also led a life dedicated to helping others. He served as a Captain in the National Guard and was active in the Knights of Columbus for decades.

Paul and Rose’s daughter, Nancy Smith, served as our school librarian for several years. Her parents were a fixture at many events over their years at the school, supporting their grandson, Tim, ‘23. Our deepest sympathies go to the Textor and Smith families for their loss.

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE ASSUMPTION ALUMNI?

Jack Janaszak Class of 2019

graduated from St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman, Alabama in June. While there, Jack was honored to serve Mass as a Knight of the Altar, captain the basketball team, play cello, and sing in the choir.

This fall, he began business management studies at Franciscan University. Jack and his family credit his time at Assumption as transformative. “Our memories of the school Mass, altar serving, the Washington D.C. trip, Boy Scouts, Holy Hoops, All Saints Day, Holy Week, Christmas Programs, school celebrations, learning to dance, Dr. Mabalot's music, cross country, Mr. Anderson greeting us in the parking lot, and the everyday blessings we experienced stay with us to this day.” Our prayers and best wishes are with Jack always!

Jeremy King Class of 2007

has been busy since leaving Assumption! After graduating from Squalicum High School, then Washington State University in 2015, he served three years in the United States Army, Airborne Division at Fort Bragg with one tour in Afghanistan. He and the lovely Katherine King were married in 2020 and they welcomed a beautiful son, Cooper James King on April 23 of this year! Jeremy works for Seattle City Light and lives with his family in Lake Stevens (not close enough for Grandma, our own office manager, Mrs. Michele King!). We thank Jeremy for his service and are thrilled to witness the happy life he’s made.

If you are an alumnus of Assumption, we’d love to share your news, too!

Please email ddennis@assumption.school to be included in our next publication.

7 2023 Annual Report Final.indd 7

school.assumption.org 11/10/23 5:54 PM

ANNUAL GIVING

Assumption Catholic School gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the individuals and organizations who invest in building our educational tradition. Our deepest thanks to all who gave to our Annual Fund, Fund the Need (Auction), Annual Fun Run, or sponsored any one of our events. Your contributions made all the difference!

This report represents financial contributions (non-purchases) made from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list of donors. In the event you should notice an error or omission, please accept our apologies and notify Dayna Dennis in the Development Office (ddennis@assumption. school).

Current or former school staff 2023 Annual Report Final.indd 8

$10,000 and above Anonymous Church of Assumption Carole Grumney Gerald & Barbara Millman Thomas & Janice Resick Robert & Sara Rush $5,000 - $9,999 Mary Rose Diefenderfer Steve & Chris Mura PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Sacred Heart Catholic Church Lance & Deborah VanderHoek, VanderHoek Foundation $2,000 - $4,999 Melissa Alves Clarence & Grace Bob Bill & Mary Chambers Alan Chang & Kim Koyamatsu Chmelik Sitkin & Davis Dan & Katherine Deets Kristopher Ewald Financial Plan, Inc John & Anna Getchell James & Jean Gibson Janicki Industries Dakotah & Jessica Lane Scott & Carolina LeTellier

Luxe Thai Cuisine McDonald’s Terry & Gretchen McNabb Scott Pilon & Carolina Santos Andrew Remien & Marijoyce Leynes Michael & Sara Shoff Joseph & Kathy St. Hilaire Evan & Elisabeth Stark Bob & Diane Trunek Mo Tsimouris Nathan & Lisa Twining John & Erica Van Mieghem Viking Catholic Matthew & Jill VonFeldt James & Young White Devin & Stephanie Wolf Brian Zender & Paula Martin-Zender Mia Zhen $1,000 - $1,999 Christopher & Krissy Abbey Charles Ariz & Ann McQuade Ralph Bachmeier Richard Budzich Lee Chaffee-Birnbaum Karen Coughlin Mary Ann Coughlin Kyle & Dayna Dennis Dental Laser

In memory of Sheila Siebert

El Rinconcito Restaurant Manny & Chris Eusebio Freeland & Associates David & Carol Gavareski GK Knutson Metal Framing & Drywall Thomas Grady Miklos & Anna Gratzer Craig & Melissa Hanson Christopher & Jerilou Jones Lawrence & Rita Kerstiens Kingworks Structural Engineering Kirk Dechert Insurance Andrew & Angela Krzysiek Jack & Lynette Machinski Movement Mortgage Nick Berard Real Estate Group Warren & Jan Ochs Carlos & Fatima Peralta John & Susan Schuhler Scrap-It Shoff Orthodontics Silver Reef Casino St. Joseph Catholic Church James Sturdevant Philip & Dorothy Tenkhoff The Inn at Lynden Matt & Teri Treat Francisco & Beatriz Vizcaya Wayne Weed Whitelaw Plumbing LLC William & Penny Zehnder Zervas Group Architects $500 - $999 Clairene Almond Seth & Susan Anderson William & Chris Attebery Michael & Tam Bratt Dustin & Cristina Brumley Patrick Buckley Cascade Oral Medicine Catholic Daughters Court St. Aloysius #243 Construction Supply Company, Inc Country Financial Cruisin’ Coffee James & Nancy Deasy Lee Eberhardt & Mauri Ingram Ebergram Images Enfield Farms Andrew & Tia Entrikin Eric Wenzel, DDS., PS. David & Karen Evans Alex & Veronica Flores Stephanie Fox In memory of Judy Ziels 11/10/23 5:54 PM

Linda Gill Everitt & Catherine Hatfield Brett & Janis Jacobs Keith Cook Real Estate Randy Lahote Mark W. Sheafor, DPM, PS, Inc. McClary, Swift & Co. Nicholas Mirkovich Petz Real Estate Michael & Luciana Powell Sigrid Powers (Powers Family Trust) Albert Reimer & Tara GilliganReimer Judy Rodriguez Janice Roehl Mark & Jennifer Sheafor Judith Smith Soy House Restaurant Nicholas & Patricia Stigliani Jason & Shanae Strayer TC Trading Company Michael & Sonja Thorpe Dhung Trung & Bick Tran Matthew & Courtney Twining Kristian & Susan Ungern Walter Wang & Amy Sheng Zach & Allison Welch Shannon Zebrowski

$200 - $499 Roger & Barbara Adams Dan & Hana Anderson Robert Andrews Constantin & Claudia Anton Aaron & Kylinn Armstrong Clark & Kathleen Bergman Gary & Lisa Blas Justin & Brandi Boneau Mark & Carol Bratt Paul Campbell & Helen Arntson Class of 2023 - 8th Grade Graduating Class Dorothy Courtis Diane Curry In memory of Evelyn Keith 2023 Annual Report Final.indd 9

Dawson Construction Mark & Maria Divinigracia Drizzle Olive Oil & Vinegar James & Mary Eastwood Jingwen Fu Galbraith Tree Farm Peter & Sharon Gilligan Mike & Jennifer Harbick Keith & Kathleen Harrell Denis Hayner Tim Healy Heritage Bank Nicholas Hertlein & Nicola Repanich Tom & Gerri Hiestand Nicholas & Emily Hoza Daryl & Lindsey Kaiser David & Janamily Kennedy Sung-Soo & Maggie Kim Jack & Michele King Helen Kutz Paul & Susan LeTellier Tom & Ann Lockhart Brian McGuire & Janine Salas Gary & Bartley Metcalf Olivia Meza Jeffrey & Lindsay Millard David Morse Peoples Bank Thomas Piasecki Chelsea Rhea-Vandenberg Basilio Rodriguez Grueso & Jennifer Stiff JoAn Siden Pat & Becky Skaggs Kevin & Catherine Streeter Brian & Cheyanna Strickland Eugene & Maureen Thomas Michael & Eloisa Townsend Joseph & Carrie Vargas Ashley & Veronica Vincent Ann Welch Haiyan Wu & Haiyan Liu Michael & Judith Yeend John & Michelle Yengich Bill & Tashie Zang Up to $199 John Acord LTC Ron Adderley Gordon Adrian Virginia Anderson Janice Anderson David & Jocelyn Applebury Eric & Aimee Bachmeier Irene Baldwin

Scott & Jessica Baldwin Andrew Balog Kent & Jina Barber Anna Barci Brad & Molly Belvo Patricia Bennink C.J. & Amy Bernard Helen Birchall Joanne Bonoan Mary Burkard Lifu Chen & Miaoyu Zhen Juanita Coolidge Kerisha Crutcher Justin & Kallee Dalton Shirlee Dickerson Kenneth & Judith Dodd Henry Farrell & Johanna Zahner-Farrell Matthew & Janice Fetzner Galbraith Family Dental Mary Gill Karen Gougeon Tamara Grimes David Haberman Kelsey Harrington Alex & Anna Higgins Vern & Carolyn Hill Jonathan & Leslie Hill Evan & Elisa Jones Chris Josephson & Lew Gray Gerald & Alicia Kahle Brad & Holly Kerstiens Phat Khong Allen & Ruth Kilm James & Maria Losiniecki Marybeth Lundy Kenji & Claudia Maeda Steven & Sandra Malpezzi David Marinaro Joseph McFall Theresa Meurs Julie Michel Matthew & Elizabeth Miller Daniel & Theresa Mills Sharon Missiaen Michael & Karen Moore Diego Mosquera & Lina Castillo Richard Muscutt Lucille Neal Tony Nguyen & Angie Huynh Jayden Nguyen & Thi Le Rose Norton-Nader Eduardo & Concepcion Olguin Michael & Marie Onorato Pacheco Rodriguez Family

Virginia Parine Joseph & Anne Patelli John & Lynda Purdie William & Doreen Putman Luzmelinda Quayle Carole Quinn Susan Rogers Doris & Angel Rolon Kyle & Jessica Rosetta Denise Schims Marc & Mary Shaner Edgar & Karla Sicairos Veena Singh Gerald & Janice Smith Gerald Spatz Nita Stevens Herman & Paula Strobl Paul & Rose Textor Nam Thanh & Hoa Tran Melinda Thompson Casey & Bridget Trosin Robert & Carmen Viggers Tyler & Holly Vincent Linh Vu Brad Walterskirchen Kelli Walterskirchen David & Sandra Warrey Jeffrey & Debbie Waytashek Audrey Weber Eric & Lisa Wenzel Charles & Anna Whelan Benjamin & Katie White Cheri Wolf Donald & Phyllis Wolfe Margaret Wu Julian Wu & Claudia Liu Renee Yazdi Karen Zuther

WE ARE ALSO SO GRATEFUL TO JUSTIN DALTON (GRAPHIC DESIGN) AND LEE EBERHARDT (PHOTOGRAPHY), WHOSE TALENTS MADE THIS PUBLICATION POSSIBLE.

In honor of Sigrid Powers’ 100th birthday 11/10/23 5:54 PM

EAGLES AT A GLANCE, 2023-24 ESTABLISHED 1913

223

K-8 ENROLLMENT highest in over a decade!

73%

CATHOLIC STUDENTS

45

22

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

21%

STUDENTS LEARNING TO PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT AT SCHOOL

RECEIVE TUITION ASSISTANCE

THANK YOU FOR SAYING YES TO ACS! Your prayers, support and gifts make so many things possible for the children and families we serve.

Thank you for raising $138,662 for our Annual Fund in 2023, more than 15% over our goal!

Our newly-named Bright Futures Annual Fund is a school initiative that raises funds to cover the difference between the actual cost to educate a student at Assumption and the tuition charged to our school families –

a difference of over $2,500 per student for the 2023-24 academic year.

Your Bright Futures gift directly covers this year’s operational expenses and helps Assumption maintain a balanced budget and promote the sustainability of our school.

Unlike tuition payments, gifts to the Bright Futures Annual Fund are tax deductible.

Please consider giving to the Bright Futures Annual Fund this year. Every contribution – toward our $140,000 goal – goes toward keeping Assumption affordable for another family. Please consider paying forward the life-changing gift of an Assumption education and creating more bright futures.

TO GIVE, SCAN THE QR CODE OR GO TO https://assumptionschool.ejoinme.org/annualfund

“It is not how much we do that is pleasing to God, but how much love we put into the doing.”

-St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

ANNUAL REPORT

2023 Annual Report Final.indd 10

10 11/10/23 5:54 PM

S

BE

RIT

MIN

PI

ASSUMP T

CATHOLIC

D

HOOL SC

2 0 2 2

N IO

BODY

LLINGHAM

2 0 23

FINANCIAL REPORT ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL JULY 1, 2022 - JUNE 30, 2023

Revenue Tuition & Fees Parish Investments Annual Fund Parent Teacher Club Grants Other Donations

1%

$1,555,086 $160,333 $138,662 $192,485 $30,500 $96,537

Total Revenue

5%

Tuition & Fees

9%

Parish Investments

6%

Annual Fund

7%

Parent Teacher Club Grants

72%

Other Donations

$2,173,603

Expenses Tuition Assistance

17%

Instructional Expenses 7% 3% 6%

Building Maintenance & Utilities 67%

Operational Expenses

$1,352,698 $116,380 $70,526 $147,604 $345,005

Total Expenses

$2,032,213

Total surplus

$141,389

Assumption School Foundation

Donations 2022-2023

$13,933

Revenue from Investments

$75,150

Total Income July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023

$89,083

Foundation Expenses 4% Interest Distribution

$1,717 $28,020

$600,000

Total Foundation Allocations

$29,737

$400,000

$797,172.93

$200,000

Assets balance on June 30, 2023

Salary & Benefits Tuition Assistance Instructional Expenses Building Maintenance & Utilities Operational Expenses

$1,000,000 $800,000

0%

11 2023 Annual Report Final.indd 11

DEC 2020

DEC 2021

DEC 2022

school.assumption.org

11/10/23 5:54 PM

Assumption is Rich in Tradition Assumption traditions bring our school community together. We couldn’t possibly fit every celebration on a single page, but here are a few schoolwide favorites we hold dear.

BE

RIT

MIN

PI

ASSUMP T

S

D

HOOL SC

CATHOLIC N IO

BODY

LLINGHAM

All Saints Day St. Nicholas Feast Day Human Food Chain Grandparents’ Day Peacemakers Field Day Fun Run Missoula Children’s Theater Animal Blessing Veterans Day Mass Variety Show Buddies Field Trips Winter Ride Catholic Schools Week Christmas Program Student Altar Serving Leading Mass Holy Hoops ANNUAL REPORT

2023 Annual Report Final.indd 12

12 11/10/23 5:54 PM

WE’RE (SLOWLY) GETTING A FACELIFT FUND THE NEED DOLLARS AT WORK!

“Assumption has always prioritized people over facilities. It’s a great blessing to be able to devote effort to both.”

-Principal Dan Anderson

It was a busy summer around our halls! Thanks to our generous donors, a Fulcrum School Partnership Grant, and savings accumulated largely due to a surplus last school year, Assumption is looking snazzy.

We love our iconic 110 year-old building, but the school has been showing its age. We sorely needed new windows, and the Growing Great Kids Auction Fund the Need provided a whopping $61,850 toward that huge project. All 87 windows were replaced this past summer, which substantially increases energy efficiency and creates a brighter, healthier, more comfortable environment for our hardworking students, teachers, and staff.

In addition to windows, we’re chipping away at renovating classrooms. In July, three rooms were chosen for new paint, storage, and flooring. Teachers sacrificed time from their breaks, organized work parties, and worked along with parent volunteers to make renovations happen! There was much scraping, sanding, and sweat, but their hard work paid off. Students and teachers alike were thrilled to return to fun and newly organized spaces.

Finally, after two years of raising funds and preparations, the gym roof replacement was completed. The school and church partnered on these costs, with help once again from a Fulcrum School Partnership Grant. We might not be able to see the new roof, but we all have peace of mind knowing it’s there!

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ASSUMPTION AND MAKING THESE IMPROVEMENTS POSSIBLE!

2023 Annual Report Final.indd 13

11/10/23 5:54 PM

AGAPE SERVICE PROJECT is a ministry of the Archdiocese of Seattle and serves the farmworker community of Whatcom County by providing food, clothing and community support, and building personal relationships.

8 weeks of social services for the farmworker community

7 weeks of learning programming for students and adults

11 weeks of Agape Food Bank

Our school was blessed to open our doors this summer to 309 youth and adult Agape participants from nineteen different Catholic parishes and schools across Western Washington, Portland, and Los Angeles.

Volunteer participation included many current and alumni students of Assumption, as well as parents!

642 households served on average weekly

They called Assumption their home throughout the summer - sleeping in the classrooms, eating breakfast in the teachers' lounge, enjoying the playground during free time, praying in the church, and participating in formation and programming in the gym.

To learn more about the great work of Agape Service Project and how you can help the Whatcom County farmworkers who put food on our tables, please visit:

2nd ~The Most Reverend Paul Etienne Archbishop of Seattle

www.archseattle.org/ministries/outreach-ministries/agape/ Assumption Catholic School believes strongly in Agape’s mission and will continue to support this special program this school year (while giving our middle school students opportunities to fulfill service hours).

ANNUAL REPORT

2023 Annual Report Final.indd 14

ere -23 se w 2022 ers! e h e of t y th rten 80+ ned b derga ear S Kin AC

largest food bank in Whatcom County when open

507 backpacks fully stocked with school supplies distributed in August

14 11/10/23 5:54 PM

PTC + ACS COMMUNITY = MORE AFFORABLE TUITION Assumption’s Parent Teacher Club (PTC) empowers parents to become actively involved in their children's school life. By volunteering together, we build a stronger and more vibrant community that enhances the educational experience of our children and raises funds to keep tuition more affordable for everyone.

These are just a few of the PTCsponsored events and programs we enjoy at Assumption: • Harvest Festival/Spaghetti Dinner • Holy Hoops • Movie Nights • Christmas Bazaar • Pizza Lunches • Growing Great Kids Auction & Gala • Ellen Anderson Fun Run

Torry Dechert (Co-Chair) and Lisa Twining (Chair), our fantastic 2023 Growing Great Kids Auction and Gala leaders!

We are richly blessed to have a strong and vibrant PTC at Assumption. Their efforts last year raised a quarter of our non-tuition revenue and we are deeply grateful for their support!

Please see page 11 for details.

“This school community has blown me away!”

-Jane Chmelik, new preschool parent

l, the Harvest Festiva Shenanigans from munity event a favorite PTC com

15 2023 Annual Report Final.indd 15

school.assumption.org 11/10/23 5:54 PM

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Bellingham, WA Permit #305

YOUR DONATIONS MAKE AN ASSUMPTION EDUCATION POSSIBLE FOR MANY! CASH, CHECK, CREDIT CARD

MATCHING GIFTS

Matching gifts are an easy way to double your donation to Assumption. Please check with your Human Resource Department to see if your company matches charitable contributions.

MEMORIAL & HONORARY GIFTS

PLANNED GIFTS

To donate using credit/debit cards to Assumption Catholic School’s Annual Fund or to support student scholarships, visit school.assumption.org and click ”Donate Now” in the upper right.

We are always grateful for donations by check made payable to Assumption Catholic School.

If you have a family member or friend whose life has been touched

by Assumption, a tribute donation makes a very special gift. A memorial gift not only honors a loved one, but it can inspire philanthropy in others.

You can remember and support Assumption Catholic School and our programs by leaving a gift in your will or estate plan. Please contact Dayna Dennis, Development Director, ddennis@assumption.school for more information regarding bequests and planned gifts.

2023 Annual Report Final.indd 16

NOTE: If you give to United Way through your employer via payroll deductions, you have the option to allocate that gift to our school as a nonprofit organization!

Contact your Human Resource office or the school for details.

11/10/23 5:54 PM