Parent Involvement Booklet 2010

WAYS FOR PARENTS TO BE INVOLVED AT

AVON OLD FARMS SCHOOL

500 Old Farms Road, Avon, CT 06001 www.avonoldfarms.com

How Can I Become Involved?

Getting involved at Avon links you with other students and their parents, the administration, and the faculty - the “Avon Family.” We welcome you to come to Parents Weekend, theatrical performances, concerts, sporting contests, art Exhibits, and many other events. Check Avon’s website regularly for the latest news: www.avonoldfarms.com.

The Parent Leadership Committee is a group of philanthropically minded parent volunteers who encourage others to follow their lead and support the Annual Fund - and they find it is a fun and enjoyable way to meet other parents. To offer your assistance, contact Director of Parent Relations Kimberley Crocker at 860-404-4279 or crockerk@avonoldfarms.com.

Admissions Office Parent Volunteers fill three roles. You could Host an Avon Night during the upcoming school year, you could serve as a member of the Parent Calling Committee, or you could Participate as a Panelist during Avon Today or Open House programs. For more information, contact Admissions Director Brendon Welker at welkerb@avonoldfarms.com.

Some parents enjoy the role of Parent and Alumni Reception Host, hosting regional gatherings in their home, at their club, or at a local restaurant. These receptions take place across the United States and around the world. If you would like to learn about hosting a reception, contact Director of Development Peter Evans at evansp@avonoldfarms.com.

Join the Parents Association, a group of active, parent volunteers who meet throughout the school year to plan the Parents Dinner & Auction, an important and very enjoyable fund-raiser to “support the various needs that benefit our boys.” You are invited to become involved as a volunteer, to contribute auction items, and to attend The Blue Blazer Ball at a subscription level of your choosing. It is a rousing good time for parents to mingle while viewing and bidding on the fabulous array of live and silent auction items. Proceeds benefit the Student Enrichment Fund, which enhances the academic, athletic, and extra-curricular experiences of our “Men of Avon.” For more information, visit the Parent page of Avon’s website: www.avonoldfarms.com.

What talents might you have that could be an asset to the Yearbook staff?

From mundane jobs like straightening the boys' hair for their yearbook photos, to helping a student “staffer” to expand our contacts for the ad section, or even more sophisticated jobs like using your graphic / layout design skills using MAC, you could be a huge asset! Contact Gail Laferriere (860) 404-4273 to discuss how you could help.

Library volunteers are requested from time to time to execute special projects like helping to identify and deaccession outdated books or recovering and repairing those that need it. If this interests you, call Library Director Deb Garber at (860) 404-4240 to inquire about current special projects and to offer your services.

Have you ever considered becoming involved with a Theater production? Are you artistic or crafty? Do you love organizing things? Do you enjoy shopping for props? Do you like to paint or sew? Do you know how to apply theater makeup? You may be surprised at the diversity of jobs that happen behind the scenes. If you have a desire to get involved, then we have the place for you, and we welcome volunteers of all experience levels! To learn more, e-mail Theater Director Gayle Robinson at robinsong@avonoldfarms.com.

Parents spontaneously bring After-Game Refreshments to their son’s team. They might host a Team Dinner or a Cast Party to celebrate the actors and crew after a play. Talk to your son’s coach or the Theater Director to coordinate events of this nature.

In the past, volunteers designed Team Lists with the names, number, position, hometown, etc. of the players on their son’s team and distributed them to their fellow parents who attended games. It makes it easier to figure out who is who and cheer on the boys! Remember, though, it takes a while for the teams to be firmly established, and occasionally the players’ numbers will change during the course of the season. Call Director of Parent Relations Kimberley Crocker at 860-404-4279 for assistance compiling the list.

The ways to become involved are too numerous to list and are primarily based on Your Unique Interests and Abilities. Call Director of Parent Relations Kimberley Crocker at 860-404-4279 to discuss how you would like to be involved.

SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND! Each year Alumni, the Board of Directors, Parents of Current Students, Parents of Alumni, Grandparents, and Friends give generously to the Annual Fund. It is designed to help the school balance its annual operating budget, which supports the academic, athletic, arts, extracurricular, and financial-aid programs.

Tuition and fees cover only 78% of the operating budget leaving a “Tuition Gap” of $13,500 per student.

The Annual Fund helps to make up this difference.

The Parent Fund, a part of the Annual Fund, is vitally important to the day-to-day running of the school.

We ask every parent to contribute to the Parent Fund to maintain and enhance the quality of each student’s experience at Avon Old Farms School.

Please put your son’s school - Avon Old Farms at the top of your charitable giving list!

What is the average Annual Fund gift by current parents?

In 2008-2009, Annual Fund gifts ranged from $10 to $40,000.

The average current parent gift during the 2008-2009 school year was $1,932.

An Annual Fund gift of $1,927 or more is considered a Leadership Gift. Last year, Avon Old Farms School received 58 leadership gifts from current parents totaling $400,423.

Even with the weak economy—or perhaps because of it— gifts to last year’s Parent Fund from current parents, parents of alumni, and grandparents totaled

$565,505 - the highest ever!

The school receives many smaller gifts.

All gifts are important and have an immediate impact to enhance the daily lives of students and faculty.

LEADERSHIP GIVING Avon Old Farms School appreciates gifts of any amount.

Your contribution supports Avon and validates the school’s unique mission.

Avon Old Farms Giving Clubs recognize donors who make leadership contributions to the school.

Founder’s Guild $25,000 & above Pelican $15,000-$24,999 Eagle $10,000-$14,999 Diogenes $5,000-$9,999 1927 Society $1,927-$4,999 Elephant Donors of 5 or more consecutive years

How does Avon Old Farms School make Annual Fund appeals to current parents?

A solicitation will be sent to you in October inviting you to contribute to the Parent Fund. Shortly thereafter, a Parent Leadership Committee member will contact you to answer any questions you have and to encourage you to support the school.

We ask you to make your gift or pledge will not receive further Annual Fund appeals.

to the Parent Fund right away.

Your Annual Fund gift is channeled directly into the operating

Those who respond to the first solicitation

budget for the current year. Thus, students benefit

immediately from incoming gifts.

For Avon to remain a strong and competitive institution that attracts qualified students and the most distinguished faculty, it is imperative for every family to support the school’s fund raising efforts as generously as it can.

How do I make a gift to Avon?

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You may contribute by check, MasterCard, or Visa.

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To make gifts of cash, stock, or securities, contact the Development Office at (860) 404-4107 for wiring instructions.

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To make an “on-line” gift, visit Avon’s website at www.avonoldfarms.com, go to the Parent page, and click “Give to the Parent Fund.”

Thank you for your contribution to Avon Old Farms School!

OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Come to Parents

Weekend on October 23rd and 24th and visit the Library Book

Drive - a fundraiser to enhance the collection of volumes in Avon’s Baxter Library. An array of new titles will be available for you to purchase as a donation to the library. After you have made your choices, fill out book plates with inscriptions to honor your son, a favorite faculty member, or anyone you choose. Your bookplates will be mounted on the inside cover of each book you contribute. For more information, contact Library Director Deb Garber at (860) 404-4240.

Also on Parents Weekend, you can buy a leaf THE CAMPAIGN FOR AVON from the Giving Tree. Each leaf represents a “wish list” item from the Avon Old Farms Over the past decade, Avon Old Farms School’s student body has grown and our community for special equipment, classroom programs have expanded. With this growth came our magnificent new Athletic enhancements, athletic gear, and more.

Complex, Brown Student Center, and Beatson Performing Arts Center. The Campaign for Avon seeks to complete the funding for these buildings.

Additionally, Avon relies on endowment to fund strategic needs that tuition income cannot fully cover. Avon must now strengthen its modest

endowment by dramatically increasing funds in support of students, faculty, and the physical plant.

If you would like to support this capital initiative—or even to discuss a major project of your own inspiration, please contact Director of Development Peter Evans at (860) 404-4276.

AVON OLD 2009-2010 Sept.

8 11 13 14 15

Varsity sports candidates return 10:00-noon (by invitation only) Monitors return by noon, International Students by 3:00 p.m.

Registration: new boarding & new day students 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Orientation: new students 7:45 a.m.

Registration: All returning day and boarding students 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Morning Meeting/Classes begin

Oct.

23-24 26

Parents Weekend-conferences. Students check out after their games.

Boarding Students return by 9 p.m. Classes resume tomorrow.

Nov.

7 13-15 16 20 30

1st Quarter ends.

Fall Play Athletic Awards Ceremony at 6:45 p.m.

Thanksgiving Vacation begins after classes. School is CLOSED. Boarding Students return by 9 p.m. Classes resume tomorrow.

Dec.

4 6 13 15 16 17-19

Holiday Jazz Concert Holiday Chorale Concert Christmas Vespers Boar’s Head Winter Vacation 8:00 a.m. School is CLOSED. Christmas Hockey Classic/Basketball Tournament @ Hill School

Jan.

4 28 29-Feb. 3 30-31

Boarding Students return by 9:00 p.m. Classes resume tomorrow.

2nd Quarter Ends Semester Exams CLOSED WEEKEND for Mid-Term Exams

FARMS SCHOOL CALENDAR Feb.

3 8 13

Mid-Winter Break begins after last scheduled commitment Boarding Students return by 9:00 p.m. Classes resume tomorrow.

College Planning Seminar for Juniors and Their Parents

March

2 4 8 9 29

Winter Concert (Either Jazz or Chorale—TBD) Winter Concert (Either Jazz or Chorale—TBD) Athletic Awards Ceremony at 6:45 p.m.

Spring Break begins at noon. School is CLOSED. Boarding Students return by 9:00 p.m. Classes resume tomorrow.

April

10 21 24 26

3rd Quarter Ends Grandparents Day The Blue Blazer Ball - Parents Dinner & Auction Boarding Students return by 9:00 p.m. Classes resume tomorrow.

May

1 7&9 23 25-27 21 28 28-June 2 29-30 29 30

Junior / Senior Prom Spring Play Underclassmen Awards Ceremony 7:00 p.m.

Senior exams 4th Quarter ends/Athletic Awards Ceremony 6:00 p.m.

Senior Day Exams for Underclassmen CLOSED WEEKEND for Commencement and Exams Commencement Concert. 4 p.m. Senior Awards Ceremony 7 p.m.

Commencement 10:00 a.m.

June

2

Underclassmen leave for Summer Vacation after last exam.

The schedule for the SAT I, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT and ACT exams is on the expanded calendar.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: Absence Line Administrator on Weekend Duty (emergency cell) Administrator on Weekday Duty (emergency cell)

FAX NUMBERS: Admissions Alumni/Development Athletics Business Office Dean’s Office Health Center Provost

(860) 675-6051 (860) 404-4631 (860) 404-4136 (860) 675-8424 (860) 404-4173 (860) 404-4139 (860) 404-4136

Admissions Academic Dean Jim Detora Alumni & Development Athletic Director Brian Doyle Athletic Update Line Business Office College Counseling Deans of Students Kevin Driscoll Headmaster Ken LaRocque Health Center Learning Center Library Provost John Gardner, Permissions School Store & Student Center Technology Department

(860) 404-4295 (860) 882-3168 (860) 214-8182 (860) 404-4243 (860) 404-4209 (860) 404-4279 (860) 404-4228 (860) 404-4170 (860) 404-4246 (860) 404-4216 (860) 404-4277 (860) 404-4222 (860) 404-4234 (860) 404-4144 (860) 404-4260 (860) 404-4225 (860) 404-4210 (860) 404-4205

E-MAIL ADDRESSES: All faculty and student email addresses are designed as follows: last name + first initial @ avonoldfarms.com For example, Headmaster Ken LaRocque’s email address is larocquek@avonoldfarms.com