sharing
2015-2016 IMPACT REPORT OF VOLUNTARY SUPPORT
OUR MISSION Benchmark School is committed to helping bright students who learn differently, or have yet to reach their academic potential, develop the confidence, strategies, and knowledge to become lifelong learners, thinkers, and problem-solvers.
OUR PHILOSOPHY We believe that each child is a unique individual whose potential has yet to be realized. To help students develop their potential, we endeavor to provide an inclusive and supportive environment that is grounded in an appreciation of who each student is as a learner and individual. Since every child is unique and constantly developing, we tailor our instruction to students’ current strengths, challenges, and overall profile as we develop their confidence and competence. From the day students begin at Benchmark School, we help them grow as learners by scaffolding their instruction—providing as much support as is needed but no more than is necessary as they move toward independence.
OUR VISION Benchmark School is dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of bright students who learn differently or have yet to unlock their full academic potential. For nearly half a century, Benchmark has been a recognized leader in innovative education. Setting a course for the future, the school will continue to create dynamic instructional practices and establish new educational standards. Benchmark’s pioneering educational model is a proven approach that transforms students’ lives by empowering them with the essential strategies, self-knowledge, and confidence not only to succeed but also excel in a complex and ever-changing world.
SHARING A VISION Message from the Head of School Dear Friends, As we look back on the 2015-2016 school year at Benchmark School, one of the themes that strongly emerges is the power of sharing. Sharing touches on so many remarkable things that happen at Benchmark. Parents share their children with us as we work together to maximize the extraordinary potential of our bright students who learn differently. Some of the world’s leading educators come to Benchmark to share the latest research with our gifted faculty. Our teachers share their passion, creativity, and expertise with our students, utilizing every tool and strategy at their disposal to help the students succeed. The hundreds of donors listed on the following pages share their commitment, compassion, time, and funds to further Benchmark’s mission – helping our students become confident and strategic thinkers, learners, and problem solvers who meet with success in school and life. As you turn the pages of this report, you will not only find a list of our generous supporters, you will also see how your support changes our students’ lives, strengthens our community, and leads the way toward the next half-century of transforming futures and empowering success. On behalf of the teachers, staff, students, alumni, and parents of Benchmark School, thank you for sharing your gifts with us. Sincerely,
THE 2015-2016 BENCHMARK FUND COMMITTEE Co-Chairs: Stewart & Trisha McCallum Leadership Gifts Committee: Robin & Kimberlee Orth, Peter Seelaus, Elliott Tanos
Robert W. Gaskins, Ph.D. Head of School
Class Captains: Kristin Becket, Erick Davis, Susan Dunn, Lisa Guillaume, Karen Hofmann, Kate Horn, Jennifer Hornickle, Marcia Niznan, Brooke Penders, Lora Swatko Robert W. Gaskins, Ph.D. Head of School Louisa Hanshew Director of Development
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SHARING LEADERSHIP Message from the Chair of the Board Dear Friends: Giving to The Benchmark Fund is one the best ways you can make a tangible and lasting impact on the school. Because of your generosity, students at Benchmark continue to benefit from abundant opportunities to learn, grow, and excel—both in school and in life. By making a gift, you are boldly saying that the students, faculty, and mission of Benchmark matter. The Board of Trustees takes that very seriously. Your confidence in Benchmark motivates us to do our best work so that Benchmark can continue to have a lasting and profound impact on the lives of students who learn differently or have yet to reach their academic potential. We are so grateful for your support and commitment to this wonderful school. Thank you. Sincerely,
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Beth Goodhart, Chair (2016-2017) Amy T. Petersen, Chair (2015-2016)* Mark Thorburn, Vice Chair Adam W. Watson, Treasurer Roberta West, Secretary Betsy B. Bemis* Wendi Chase^ W. Gregory Coleman Irene W. Gaskins, Ed.D. Head of School, Emerita Nicholas Kemp Jami Wintz McKeon Leroy Nunery II, Ed.D.^ Ruth T. Payne* Douglas H. Pyle Benjamin B. Rogers ’95 Charles E. Ryan James Viner^ Howard R. Marcus, Ph.D. Emeritus Robert W. Gaskins, Ph.D., Head of School *Term ended June 2016 ^Term began June 2016
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Beth Goodhart Chair, Board of Trustees Alumni Parent of Henry ’10
Back row: Douglas H. Pyle, Adam W. Watson, Nicholas Kemp, Benjamin B. Rogers, Robert W. Gaskins, W. Gregory Coleman, Leroy Nunery II • Front row: Mark Thorburn, James Viner, Irene W. Gaskins, Beth Goodhart, Wendi Chase *Not pictured: Roberta West, Jami Wintz McKeon, Charles E. Ryan, Howard R. Marcus, Amy T. Petersen, Betsy B. Bemis, and Ruth T. Payne
SUMMARY OF GIFTS (July 1, 2015—June 30, 2016)
Benchmark Fund Unrestricted Gifts.................................................................. Restricted Gifts...................................................................... Total Cash..................................................... United Way Donor Option Pledges................. TOTAL BENCHMARK FUND Restricted and Unrestricted......
$260,076 $ 35,400 $295,476 $ 27,557 $323,033
Restricted Gifts Benchmark Parents Association....................... Beth Coltman Scholar Award............................ Promising Scholars Fund.................................... Peter B. Deakins Memorial Fund...................... The Joey Pozzuolo Memorial Scholarship..... EITC Tuition Assistance Program..................... OSTC Tuition Assistance Program................... TOTAL RESTRICTED GIFTS.....................................................
$ 50,000 $ 21,850 $ 96,100 $ 2,500 $ 5,000 $ 47,310 $164,778 $387,538
TOTAL ALL GIFTS.................................................................... $710,571
YOUR GIFT MATTERS! The Benchmark Fund and Restricted Gifts accounted for 12.6% of the school’s 2015-2016 income. The collective annual support of the Benchmark community enables the school to continue helping students who have yet to reach their academic potential become confident and strategic thinkers, learners, and problem solvers who meet with success in school and life—regardless of their economic circumstances. Thank you for your generous contributions!
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THE 1970 SOCIETY LEADERSHIP DONORS Below are members of The 1970 Society—our dedicated leaders in philanthropic giving. The investment of this group in the vision of Benchmark is imperative not only to the financial well-being of the school, but also to achieving our goal of keeping Benchmark on the forefront of academic excellence for the benefit of our bright students who learn differently. All of the donors listed here have given a leadership level gift of $1,000 or more to Benchmark and represent many segments of the Benchmark community: alumni and alumni families, current families, corporations, foundations, and our faculty and staff. We express our deepest gratitude to them for their important role in the success of Benchmark School.
The Trailblazers
$2,500+
Founder’s Circle $25,000+
Benchmark Parents Association The Ryan Charitable Trust Current Family Mr. Alfred P. West, Jr. & Loralee West Alumni Parents
Scholar’s Circle $15,000+
Coltman Family Foundation Alumni Family
The Pioneers $7,500+
Mr. & Mrs. John Connolly Alumni Parents
Pete & Beth* Goodhart Alumni Parents & *Trustee Chair
Mrs. Susan T. Deakins Alumni Parent
Nicholas* & Dawn Kemp Alumni Parents & *Trustee
Exelon Power
Dr. Stewart & Mrs. Trisha McCallum Current Parents Jami W. McKeon* & John F. Hollway Alumni Parents & *Trustee
The Innovators $5,000+
Bob & Kathy Elias Philanthropic Fund Alumni Parents
Steve & Sara Eddy Current Parents
Patricia Karolyi & Michael Semerjian Current Parents
GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Matching the gifts of the Marks/ Sweinberg & McCallum Families
The Visionaries $10,000+
Ed & Ellen Hanway Alumni Parents & Current Grandparents
Carol Ann Atterbury Alumni Parent
Drs. Gary Marks & Sharon Sweinberg Alumni Parents
The Curran Foundation Alumni Family
Kimberlee & Robin Orth Current Parents
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon B. Fowler, Jr. Alumni Parents Mondrian Investment Partners, Inc. Matching the gift of Patricia Karolyi & Michael Semerjian Anonymous 5
Joseph & Sharyn Pozzuolo Alumni Parents Stein/Bellet Foundation
Ann L. Jones Current & Alumni Grandparent The Larsen Foundation Current Family Dr.* & Mrs. Howard R. Marcus *Trustee Emeritus Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Mitchell Current Parents Northwestern Mutual Foundation Matching the gift of Nicholas & Dawn Kemp Nancy & James Schwartzman Alumni Grandparents Randi & Randy Sellari Current Parents Sally Sharples Alumni Parent & Trustee Emeritus Bruce B. Wilson Current Grandparent Anonymous
The Mentors $1,000+
Scott & Sandy Adzick Alumni Parents Rie & Chris Albani Current Parents Chris & Jen Baggini Current Parents Elisabeth & Nicholas Blum Current Parents Michelle Bogosian & Greg Le Mar Current Parents Charlie & Wendi* Chase Alumni Parents & *Trustee Greg* & Marcia Coleman and The Coleman Family Charitable Fund *Former Staff & *Trustee Comcast Drs. Chalmers & Sandra Cornelius Current Grandparents Stephen A. Cozen & The Samuel D. Cozen Memorial Fund Alumni Grandparent Martin & Barbara Czachor Current Grandparents Barbara & David Erskine Alumni Parents Dr. & Mrs. Ronald S. Eydelloth Alumni Parents Carole M. Filtz Alumni Parent
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon B. Fowler, Sr. Alumni Grandparents Irene W. Gaskins Head of School Emerita Robb* & Jennifer Gaskins *Head of School Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Glavin Alumni Parents Lynn* & William Gonzalez Alumni Parents & *Staff Mr. & Mrs. Lewis F. Gould, Jr. Alumni Parents Anne & Matt Hamilton Alumni Parents Mrs. Dorrance H. Hamilton Alumni Grandparent Louisa Hanshew Staff Janet Holcombe Alumni Parent Jane du Pont & Barron U. Kidd Family Fund of The Dallas Foundation Current Family Sally* & Rob Laird *Staff Stephen & Julia Lee Alumni Parents Robert & Sandra Lichtenstein Alumni Parents The Mary Daly MacFarland Foundation Family of Current Student Mark & Kate McAllister Current Parents
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Noble Current Parents O’Grady Family Foundation Alumni Family Michael Parker & Daphne Hawkins Parker Current Parents Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Patterson Alumni Parents Laurie & Bill Pederson Current Parents Amy* & Jim Petersen Alumni Parents & *Trustee Chair Emeritus Pfizer Matching Gifts Program Matching the gift of the Tanos Family Becky & Doug* Pyle Alumni Parents & *Trustee Barbara* & Jim Rogers Alumni Parents & *Former Staff Kai & Peter Seelaus Current & Alumni Parents Jessica & David Solomon Alumni Parents Dr. Susan Stehman & Dr. Ilana Reisner Alumni Parents Amy & Randy Stein Alumni Parents Nicky & Elliott Tanos Current Parents Michael Veloric & Cindy Haveson Veloric Fund Alumni Parents Robin & Andy Watson Current Parents
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DONORS The donors listed here made contributions to Benchmark School between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. This list reflects donations and pledges to The Benchmark Fund, Endowment Funds, and Restricted Gifts. Benchmark School is deeply grateful for the commitment and generous support of the individuals, families, and corporations listed here. Their generosity sustains the academic excellence that Benchmark provides its students.
Benefactors $500+
Dr. Patricia Alexander BBD, LLP/Adam Watson Kristin & William Becket Al & Marilyn Blatter Linda Carrington Tak Chan Tina Isen Fox & Richard Fox Karen Griffith Gryga Joanie & Bob Hall Karen K. & Thomas B. Helm Julie & Alan Hochman Timothy & Jennifer Hornickle Lisa & Chip Hummer Charlotte Ireland Sallie & Tom Jackal Richard I.G. Jones, Jr. Jennifer & Carter Lee Karen P. Lenker Gregory & Sharon Leone Little Nest Portraits Suzanne Baird Perot Joshua Petersohn & Nuriye Uygur Melinda Rahm Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin B. Rogers ’95 Bridget Siegfried ’05 David & Dorothy Stevens Kristen L. Stevenson Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Strine David P. Sullivan ’00 Mr. & Mrs. John Travis Tween Brands Service Corp. (Justice) Chad & Elizabeth Vandiver Jim & Kendra Viner The Wisehaupt Tynan Fund Anonymous (3)
Sponsors $250+
Mary & Joel Adams Rafael Amaral & Rosalma Saade-Amaral Susan Arabia Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Bemis Dan Berger ’93 Mike & Carol Birney Kirk & Stephanie Brandow
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Dr. & Mrs. B. Gerard Bricks Heather & Mark Brogan Robert R. Chew John & Kay Coldiron Tristram C. Colket, Jr. & Ruth M. Colket Kevin & Linda Czachor Amy Eads Angela & Gregory Furtaw Eleanor Gensemer Dr. & Mrs. Scott Goldstein John & Lisa Guillaume Garrett Hadley Eric Hoppe Tom Hurster Ellet Kidd Jones David & Virginia Laird John & Beth McCarthy Paul McGovern & Janet Audrain-McGovern Jennifer & Matthew McKenzie Mike & Joyce Murphy Michael Naso Tony & Mary Beth Pante Michael & Janine Pawlowsky Ruth Payne Brooke & Jonathan Penders Anita & Joseph Pew Liz Price Susan D. Ravenscroft Kim Riley Michael & Priscilla Ryan Janice & John Sands The Schofield Family David Shields Lorna T. Shuster Jim & Peggy Staats Robert & Janine Tabas David J. Thorpe Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign Roberta West Lorraine Wilson-Drake John & Stephany Ziegler Anonymous (2)
Patrons $100+
Carol L.B. Allan Mr. & Mrs. Richard S. Auchincloss, Jr.
Sean ’82 & Valerie Bard William & Mary Baumann The Birchler Family Josh Bricks ’88 John C. Brogan Amber West Buller ’84 Anthony P. Checchia Mr. & Mrs. Gene Chikowski Isaac & Barbara Clothier Countryside Consulting, Inc. Megan Craven Robert & Tamika Curry Amy Cuthbertson Pedro & Maria Dayrit Bill & Patricia Delaney Dr. & Mrs. Ernest J. Dellheim Barb Demos Christian Dimopoulos James & Linda Donahue Les & Dawne Dorf Helen Welde Doyle William & Carol Dyer Michael & Susan Effgen Caroline & Bob Ellison Mr. James Episcopo Renee & Richard Erickson Anthony & Andrea Fabricatore Maura Fallon ’15 Mary Foster Tom & Alexandra Frazier Jan & Don Frisch Anne Gates Marianne Gellert-Jones Denise Glennon & Gary Haubold Ms. Joan S. Gocke Russell & Gwen Gold Kim Graham Kimberly Gross & Diedre Robinson Michael & Tina Grossman Kristin Hall Alexa Hays Suzanne Heckendorn Thomas C. Hettinger Lynn & David Heyman Stephen & Lily Higgins Sara Hill Barbara & Dennis Hoffman Joseph & Karen Hofmann Benjamin D. Holcombe ’04 In Memory of “E” Connie Lotz Charitable Gift Fund Ruth Kelemen
Ed & Mary Kelly Amy McCrae Kessler Barbara & Alfred Kurtz David H. Lambert Leslie Lavino Adam Lemisch Lonnie & Murray Levin Ms. Joanne H. Levy Lincoln Financial Foundation, Inc. Tara Logan John & Sue Louchheim Colby Madden Sandy Madison Len & Gail Magargee Anthony & Maria Martin Elsie & Sandy McAdoo Sarah McCarren Robert McClung ’81 George S. McElhinney & Suzanne Repasky Keri & Matt McKeever Mr. & Mrs. H. Brooke McMullin, Jr. Mr. John E. Meade Marjorie Y. Mitchell Leslie S. Nason Margaret C. Naugle Gene & Marsha Nicodemus Dorothy O’Donnell Colleen O’Hara William Pawlowsky ’96 Perry & March Pepper Mr. & Mrs. Sal Perillo Pam Phillippe John & Char Pomeroy Ron & Joy Pott Margot Powell ’81 Robertson Price ’91 Beverly Prince Mrs. Christina Quinn Wayne Reichart Jonathan & Julia Rhoads William & Kimberly Rhodes Lisa & Barry Rhome Anne Rice-Burgess Carolyn Robbins Mel Rozelle Larry & Judy Rubin Jim & Ginny Russell Greg & Aliza Schwartzman Scott Searing & Sara Wilson Searing ’96 Joel & Liz Secundy
Judy Sennett David & Donna Shooster Kent Silvers & Anne Buczkowski Jennifer & Albert Simmons Charles & Regina Smith Marianne Smith Ken Spivack Craig W. Stevens Steve & Gina Szathmary Sharon V. Townley April Triggiani Rodger & Judith Van Allen Tim & Laurie Veacock Ken & Christena Waldman Joseph Wendel & Christine Triggiani Lynn & Reuben Wetherbee F. John White Rochelle & Nelson Wolf & The Wolf Pack Fund Carol Wolfington Merrie & Graydon Wood Joanne Murphy Wrenn, Ph.D. Stephen & Kristin Yerger Mr. & Mrs. John Ziegler
Friends
Up to $99 Robin Abell & Jonathan Doh Mary Lee & Harris Bass Morgan & Madeline Beever Ms. Rebecca Ann Bemis Larisa Bevan Dr. Richard Bocchini Harriet Brumberg Caroline Cahill Sandra Casimir The Chapman Family Maggie Churchville Heather Clayton Corning Incorporated Foundation Kevin & Maria Courter William & Annette Covert Rosanne Crowe Christopher B. Crowley ’94 Edward & Terry Cunicelli Holly Danesi Joan Davidson Erick & Stephanie Davis David & Ann Devine The Dodge Family
J. William Draper Kay A. Draper Bruce & Christine Duff Erin Duffy Susan & Robert Dunn Amy Erlbaum Anna Everetts Douglas & Rebecca Firth Francesca & Noah Gans-Pfister William & Wendy Gaunt Rachel Gerrity Chris & Jennifer Gibson Mike & Linda Graham Nettie Green Ryan & Lori Grier Jen Grifo Terry Grosso David & Megan Grubbs Pat Hacik & Bob Emery Philip Handwerk Jeffrey Heit & Luisa Boverini Helene & Jeffrey Herman Dirk & Amy Hinterleiter Elana Honig & Baltazar Juarez Kate & Vince Horn Chelsea Iobst ’01 Ryakkia Johnson Hedy Karbiner Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Keith, Jr. Robert & MaryBeth Kowalski Charles Krimmel ’84 Helen Lawrence Jonathan LeBreton & Sarah Willie-LeBreton Joyce A. Levin Cynthia Liberi Andrew & Judith Lins J. Dirk & Marian B. Lorenz Ken & Liz Martin Laura & Mark Matika Colin McAdoo ’98 Kristie Gonzalez McCollom ’92 Page Pepper McConnel ’88 Mike* & Robin Meyers Elsa Murphy Neal & Marcia Niznan Rose O’Connor Jamellia O’Neal Robert & Mary Lew Orsatti Laura Ouladdaoud Jeffrey Parker
Tom & Lucy Paschos Susan & Tom Quinn The Ruff Family John Russell ’83 Morris & Irene Schnyder Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Scirrotto Cordelia Seeley Ed & Ginger Sharpless Drs. Jonathan & Christine Stallkamp Leslie Stein
Named Funds The Beth Coltman Scholar Award The Joey Pozzuolo Memorial Scholarship The Peter B. Deakins Memorial Fund The Promising Scholars Fund
Gifts in Kind James O’Hara, CTDI
*deceased
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this report. If there are errors or omissions, please accept our apology and inform Louisa Hanshew, Director of Development, at 610-565-3741, ext. 150.
Benchmark School is a tax-exempt organization as provided by IRS regulations and is registered as a charitable organization within the State of Pennsylvania. The official registration and financial information for Benchmark School may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-7320999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Benchmark School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion or creed, nationality/ethnic origin, or non-disqualifying handicaps.
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GIFTS IN HONOR OF A Great Year Drs. Jonathan & Christine Stallkamp Stephanie L. Bogutz ’08 Robert & Mary Lew Orsatti Liza Kurtz Bragin ’93 Barbara & Alfred Kurtz Chase Brandow ’14 Kirk & Stephanie Brandow Laura Carrington ’04 Linda Carrington Stephen Chase ’06 Alexa Hays David Chikowski ’12 Mr. & Mrs. Gene Chikowski Child & Family Support Services Jamellia O’Neal The Marriage of Irene W. Gaskins & David M. Collins, Sr. MaryLee & Harris Bass Ashley Covert ’15 William & Annette Covert Rachel Dellheim ’93 Dr. & Mrs. Ernest J. Dellheim Stuart Diaz ’12 Liz Price Maren Donahue ’16 James & Linda Donahue
Garrett Dunn ’16 The Wisehaupt Tynan Fund Haydn Frederick ’16 Mel Rozelle The Gaskinses Jim & Ginny Russell Seamus P. Glavin ’12 Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Glavin Chuck Goldstein ’05 Dr. & Mrs. Scott Goldstein Lynn Gonzalez Kristie Gonzalez McCollom ’92 Graduates of Benchmark School Colby Madden Tara Higgins ’11 Stephen & Lily Higgins Jenna ’06 & Sam ’05 Hochman Julie & Alan Hochman Sophia Kowalski Robert & MaryBeth Kowalski Max Lederer ’16 Lorna T. Shuster Jeremy I. Lorenz ’87 J. Dirk & Marian B. Lorenz Elizabeth McCarthy ’05 John & Beth McCarthy
Travis Meyers ’13 Mike* & Robin Meyers Melissa ’03 & Erin ’06 Murphy Mike & Joyce Murphy Nate Quinn Gene & Marsha Nicodemus Mrs. Christina Quinn Dayan Parker Jeffrey Parker Tamar Reisner-Stehman ’09 Dr. Susan Stehman & Dr. Ilana Reisner Barbara Rogers Suzanne Baird Perot Ashley Schnyder Anthony & Maria Martin Cameron & Casey Shields Mary Foster Lily Stein ’12 Amy & Randy Stein Robin Watson Philip Handwerk Gillian Wood ’07 Merrie & Graydon Wood Michael & Paul Ziegler Carol Wolfington
Jacqueline Himmelreich Robb & Jennifer Gaskins Lisa & Barry Rhome In Memory of “E” Anonymous Jerome Komisarof Robb & Jennifer Gaskins Mary Daly MacFarland & her daughter Elizabeth A. Wilson The Mary Daly MacFarland Foundation
Dr. Marcia Q. McCrae Amy McCrae Kessler Robert W. Nason Leslie S. Nason Laurence P. Sharples, Jr. (Peter) Sally Sharples Joel Smith Robb & Jennifer Gaskins
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF Melinda Clothier Biddle Isaac & Barbara Clothier Margaret M. Brogan John C. Brogan Richard C. Gaskins Robb & Jennifer Gaskins Gerald Gillon Robb & Jennifer Gaskins Catherine Griffith Karen Griffith Gryga
BENCHMARK PARENTS ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE CHAIRS President Lori Grier Treasurer Kate McAllister Book Fair Trisha McCallum & Brooke Penders Children’s Programs Kate McAllister Faculty/Staff Appreciation Week Michele Breslin, Susan Dunn & Kelly Perillo Grandparents & Special Guest Morning Jennifer Bevilacqua & Kate Horn
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Ice Cream Social Jennifer Hornickle, Trisha McCallum & Robin Watson Library Coordinator Kai Seelaus Lunch Program Jennifer Hornickle, Trisha McCallum & Robin Watson Middle School Activities Dawn Chapman, Jennifer Hornickle, Jessica Kardish, Kate McAllister, Trisha McCallum, Julia Lee & Gina Szathmary New Family Coordinator Karen Hofmann
Social Activities Michael DelTergo & Beth Krewson Spring Social Michelle Bogosian, Suzanne Heckendorn, Karen Hofmann, Jennifer Hornickle, Caren Lambert, Trisha McCallum, Brooke Penders, Kai Seelaus, Chrissy Triggiani & Robin Watson Spirit Wear Susan Dunn Uniform Recycling Elana Honig-Juarez Visiting Author Kate McAllister
THE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT (EITC) AND OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP (OSTC) TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS The Benchmark community greatly appreciates the support of the companies listed below who gave $212,088 to Benchmark’s Scholarship Fund through Pennsylvania’s EITC and OSTC programs. These programs allow businesses to receive up to a 90% tax credit in exchange for their gifts to Benchmark. Over the past 16 years, more than $1.9 million in tuition assistance has been distributed to Benchmark families through these programs. For additional information or assistance in participating in either the EITC or OSTC Program, please contact Louisa Hanshew, Director of Development, at 610-565-3741, ext. 150, or LouisaHanshew@BenchmarkSchool.org.
Pennsylvania Educational Improvement (EITC) Tax Credit Program Participants: The Bryn Mawr Trust Company ($15,000) Philadelphia Insurance Companies ($8,000) Silverback Educational Foundation ($14,310) UHS of Pennsylvania, Inc. ($10,000)
Pennsylvania Opportunity Scholarship (OSTC) Tax Credit Program Participants: AJO, LP ($15,000) Aqua America, Inc. ($10,000) The Bryn Mawr Trust Company ($5,000) The Glenmede Trust Company, NA ($25,000) HSC Builders & Construction Managers ($10,111) Pro-Tech Floors ($5,500) Silverback Educational Foundation ($8,667) SKF USA Inc. ($45,000) UGI Energy Services ($3,000) UHS of Pennsylvania, Inc. ($35,000) Utica National Insurance Group ($2,500)
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The resources you share with Benchmark enable us to provide the exceptional educational experience for our students that transforms their futures and empowers their success. Here are just a few of the ways your investment in Benchmark is shared with our community.
SHARING RESOURCES & KNOWLEDGE It makes sense that a school would be a natural place to share resources and knowledge, but at Benchmark, we believe our school has an educational responsibility not only to our staff and students, but also to the community at large. As a pioneer in research-based, individualized instruction for students who learn differently, we are committed to regularing sharing knowledge at educational conferences around the world, including the Keystone State Reading Association, the International Literacy Association, and the Pennsylvania Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Benchmark has established an ongoing partnership with The Springer School and Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, allowing staff members from both schools to collaborate and engage in conversations that advance both institutions. Professional development for faculty and staff is of paramount importance at Benchmark, and every year we host scholars in the fields of cognition, language, and education to share the latest research findings that our teachers can apply in their classrooms.
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Most significantly, this past year, we created the Benchmark Center for Empowered Learning to share presentations, forums, workshops, and resources by thought-leaders in education, technology, counseling, and creativity with the greater Delaware Valley community. All of these opportunities to share resources and knowledge are critical parts of Benchmark’s strategic vision: to serve as leaders in the education of bright children who learn differently, nurture the growth of our exceptional educators, and expand our community’s connections, collaborations, and engagement.
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SHARING COMMUNITY While we frequently mention how wonderful the Benchmark community is, in actuality, there are many communities that exist within Benchmark.
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There is the incredible community of our Benchmark Parents Association, a group that enriches school life in a variety of ways, including sponsoring the Ice Cream Social, the Book Fair, visiting author programs and, of course, the annual Spring Social and Auction. Our students participate in team-building activities and share fellowship with one another throughout the year, such as the 6th graders’ trip to Refreshing Mountain. On many occasions, middle school students read to lower school students, sharing their love of reading. And various schoolwide initiatives, such as Read for the Record and the “Power of One” anti-bullying pledge, promote respect and enable the school to come together to share in common goals. Our students initiate programs and events that promote a healthy community within the school by becoming involved with organizations in the outside community, with fun Spirit Days that support the Delaware County SPCA, the Media Food Bank, and Habitat for Humanity, sharing a bit of their lives with others in need. They are also dedicated fundraisers—raising more than $9,000 this past year to conquer childhood cancer through the Four Diamonds Fund at Benchmark’s 2nd Annual Mini-THON. Our community of families shares experiences and creates memories at events throughout the year, such as Gym Night, Math Night and Grandparents and Special Guests Morning. All of these communities are what make Benchmark special; they are the Benchmark experience.
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SHARING CREATIVITY As Albert Einstein once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” At Benchmark, we are fortunate to have both gifted teachers who provide daily opportunities for creative expression as well as students who joyfully share their talents as part of their educational journey. Our art room is not the only place you will find creativity—although there is plenty there! You will find it all over our campus, all year long. It is on display when our wonderful “Art Goes to School” volunteers share lessons in art history, when the Lower School Arts Festival and Middle School Art Show display the fruit of our students’ labors with friends and family, and when the annual Writers’ Gallery allows both students and staff to share their own life lessons and stories as the culminating activity for a unit on memoirs and biographies. You will find creativity when some of our 8th graders exercise strategies in planning, summarizing, analyzing text, and problem solving to create comic strips based on short stories. The creativity explodes at our after school Art Club and popular Ukulele Club.
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And, in what has become a beloved Benchmark School tradition, our middle school students spend months preparing for the spring musical. This past year, our students traveled to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia where they participated in a lively workshop on American Musical Theater—the perfect preparation for their amazing performances of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella in June, which they shared with us all.
SHARING TRANSITIONS 7
Often, an individual’s greatest time of personal growth is during times of transition. The faculty and staff at Benchmark use those opportunities to help our students grow into empowered self-advocates, encouraging them to become adaptive and resilient. The transitions begin when a student comes to Benchmark—leaving a school and community that is known and venturing into a new one. Our low student-to-teacher ratio allows for individualized attention as new students are welcomed into the Benchmark community. Families new to Benchmark are encouraged to share their questions and concerns at our “Getting to Know Benchmark” series while staff members from across departments systematically share about various facets of the school. New families also attend a “30 Days In” Party where they have an opportunity to share their experiences with staff, parents, and alumni in an informal social setting. The transition to middle school is marked by a special 5th and 6th grade lunch where the older students share the “inside scoop” on what the middle school is really like. In a similar fashion, a panel of alumni joins our soon-to-be-graduates at a special “30 Days Out” breakfast to share how they have used the skills they learned at Benchmark to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.
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Since our students’ transitions do not end when they leave Benchmark— in fact, they are just beginning—we are thrilled when our alumni are involved in our school. Whether it is attending an event, hosting a field trip at their workplace, coming back as a staff member, or just stopping by for a visit, the faces of our 46 years of distinguished alumni are the most accurate reflection of Benchmark’s success. 1: Dr. Michael J. Baime presents on mindfulness at a Center for Empowered Learning event. 2: Benchmark faculty meet and colloborate with faculty from The Springer School and Center. 3: Students show off some of the book selections available at the BPA Scholastic Book Fair. 4: The Mini-THON Leadership Team proudly displays the amount raised by the Benchmark community. 5: Students and parents alike enjoyed the first-ever Lower School Arts Festival. 6: Middle school students performing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. 7: Parents enjoy socializing and building community at the “30 Days In” Party. 8: Alumni share stories of success with 8th grade students at the “30 Days Out” Breakfast.
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IMPACT OF YOUR 2015-2016 GIFTS
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50-lb. bags of salt and calcium chloride were purchased to remove snow and ice from the driveways and walkways to keep students and staff safe during the winter.
students received tuition assistance.
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Center for Empowered Learning events were attended by guests from around the Delaware Valley.
30,063 books were checked out from the library during the 2015-2016 school year, including more than 200 new books that were added to the library.
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hours of rehearsal time were engaged in by middle school students to produce three fantastic performances of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella in June. This is the largest team-building activity middle school students participate in each school year.
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alumni introduced students to their careers with special field trips: Chris and Bill Sharples ’77 invited students to their SHoP Architects offices in New York City and Josh Bell ’85 met with students at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where he is the Curator of Globalization.
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education experts provided our staff with professional development and/or shared their expertise at Benchmark-sponsored community events, mostly focused around the topic of how to effectively integrate technology into instruction.
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technology tools were purchased to enhance students’ learning experiences: NoodleTools, Pixton, Learning Ally, VoiceThread, PowToon, Infobase, Spelling City, Edutyping, and News-o-Matic.
FUNDING EXCELLENCE WITH THE Benchmark School’s tuition is a significant investment. We manage our budget carefully and take pride in being good stewards of our community’s investment in our success. And yet, to maintain our exceptional instructional program, we cannot rely on tuition dollars alone. The Benchmark Fund is a critical component of the school’s financial well-being, providing support for every student and faculty member every day. It ensures the success of new initiatives, and eases demand on the yearly budget, enabling flexible planning, professional development, cutting-edge technology, top-notch facilities, and much more. Listed below are several ways that you can give to the Benchmark Fund and influence the lives of our students in a significant and enduring way. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. •
Gifts of Cash: You may choose to make your gift by cash, check, or credit card. You may use the enclosed envelope to make your gift or donate online through Benchmark’s secure website: BenchmarkSchool.org/giving.
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Gifts of Appreciated Securities: Gifts of appreciated securities may offer you tax advantages. Donors may work through their stockbroker or banker, giving instructions for the securities to be transferred to: Benchmark School/Account # 3240-2257 Charles Schwab, DTC #0164, Code 40. Please contact Louisa Hanshew, Director of Development, at 610-565-3741, ext. 150, or LouisaHanshew@BenchmarkSchool.org to notify her of your gift.
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United Way Donor Choice: If you participate in the United Way Campaign, please consider using the Donor Choice Option to designate your donation to: Benchmark School, 2107 N. Providence Rd, Media, PA 19063 (UWSEPA Code: 1994; EIN 23-1728895).
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Pledges: Pledges may allow a donor to make a larger commitment than an outright cash gift and are payable by June 30, 2017.
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Matching Gifts: Many corporations and foundations double or triple their employees’ contributions and many include spouses in their programs. Ask your company about matching gifts.
For more information about how you can fund exellence at Benchmark School, please visit BenchmarkSchool.org/giving or contact Louisa Hanshew, Director of Development, at 610-565-3741, ext. 150, or LouisaHanshew@BenchmarkSchool.org.
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2107 North Providence Road Media, PA 19063-1898 Tel: 610-565-3741 Fax: 610-565-3872 BenchmarkInfo@BenchmarkSchool.org BenchmarkSchool.org Address Service Requested
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
Media, PA 19063 Permit No. 429