2 Letter from Michael Laycob ‘93, 2025-2026 Board President
A Reflection from Laurie Smilack, Head of School 6 Colleen Wyss, 2025 Lowenhaupt Award Recipient
Dear Community,
It is with great pleasure that I share this Fall 2025 update with you. As I reflect on the close of the last school year here at Community, the activities occurring over the summer months, and our year ahead, I am filled with excitement and pride over this wonderful institution we are all able to call home.
In 2025, we relished in our students’ joy as they made full use of the Broughton STEAM Center. The learning taking place in our science, woodshop, and drama classrooms was all the more engaging and interactive with our terrific, new space. We held annual events in the common areas, and families enjoyed presentations from their children in the quiet spaces.
It was also a sentimental time as we celebrated the retirement of our outgoing Head of School, Bob Cooke, and had opportunities to express our gratitude to Bob and his wife Brenda on the indelible mark they have left on Community School. In fact, an event honoring Bob and Brenda in our Centennial Arts Center (CAC) represented the true community of Community – families from several generations all visiting to wish Bob and Brenda well.
With the start of summer, we welcomed our new Head of School, Laurie Smilack, her husband Zac, and their family to Community School. Laurie’s background could not be more impressive. Laurie is a true educator and spent her formative years teaching at the elementary school level. Laurie’s leadership experience began at The Lovett School in Atlanta, where, after years of teaching, she served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the lower school. After many years at Lovett, Laurie returned home to St. Louis and served as the Upper Division Head at New City School for seven years prior to joining Community. Teachers and administrators universally recognize Laurie as a leader in curriculum and childhood education.
In short, we have an outstanding new Head of School. In addition to the exceptional skill sets and talents Laurie carries, she is also an alum of Community School and a former teacher here, so the commencement of her leadership is also a homecoming. And this homecoming could not occur at a better time for Community. Early in the 2024-2025 academic year, the Board of Trustees approved a five-year strategic plan. Central to the tenants of the plan are initiatives focused on curriculum
enhancement, teacher recruitment and retention, advancement of the master plan, and inclusivity and support for students, among others. The rich and vibrant history of Community School is steeped in academic strength and quality, and a diverse set of opportunities for all students to succeed. Our latest strategic plan continues on this mission, and our work is well underway and centralized under Laurie’s leadership. As we embark upon this academic year, we are well positioned for success, with an outstanding administrative team, faculty, and staff, all evercommitted to the development and growth of each student.
I want to thank each of you for your partnership and contributions to Community School. We stand tall today –delivering the best educational experience for our students – because we are guided by our history, supported by you, and steadfast in commitment to our mission to “nurture the gifts of mind, body and spirit.”
With Gratitude,
Michael Laycob ’93 2025-2026, PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Looking Back, Growing Forward
Standing in the Discovery Center the other day, I felt like I had traveled back in time. Back to my 5th grade year at Community. I was staring at a wall, an entire wall, full of books. I remember that Mrs. Mendelsohn had approached me and encouraged me to choose one. I chose The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe which quickly started me down the path of reading all of The Chronicles of Narnia. I became lost in a world of hidden doors, magical lands, and the thrilling sense that ordinary life could open into something extraordinary at any moment. I hadn’t been a big reader before Community. But within these walls, my teachers encouraged me to treat books as a tool, an opportunity to stretch my brain and imagine. Community unlocked something for me: the joy of discovery, the thrill of curiosity, and the understanding that there are always new worlds to explore when you’re willing to look closely.
“At its heart, Community School is about that magic: a legacy of care and generosity, guiding our children toward new discoveries and lifelong curiosity.”
Now, as I return to Community as Head of School, I am filled with that same sense of wonder. Each day, I see our students stepping through the metaphorical wardrobe and discovering books, experiments, projects, and friendships that open new worlds to them. And just as I was known and nurtured here, I want each of them to feel that same joy, belonging, and possibility.
None of this journey, however, would be possible without those who make the magical world on the other side of the wardrobe come alive. Our extraordinary teachers devote themselves each day to guiding and inspiring our students, one lesson and one conversation at a time. And you, our generous donors, make this work possible through your belief in Community and your investment in its future. For all you have given, and for the dreams you make real, I am deeply grateful.
At its heart, Community School is about that magic: a legacy of care and generosity, guiding our children toward new discoveries and lifelong curiosity.
I’m so glad to be back, and I look forward to all the new chapters we will write together.
2025 LOWENHAUPT AWARD RECIPIENT
Colleen Wyss
Excerpt from Mr. Cooke’s speech from the May 2025 Annual Meeting: Every year, one Community School faculty member is recognized for their work furthering the education of young children through excellence in program development in their classroom, presenting educational information at conferences or workshops, or publishing works for other educational professionals. The recipient must have been a teacher at Community School for a minimum of five years. The award is named in honor of Henry C. Lowenhaupt, an important member of Community School in the 1970s. In addition to recognition and a permanent display in the main office, a cash award accompanies the honor. In one of the nominations that led to this year’s award, this teacher was described as approaching each day “with enthusiasm, empathy, and strong leadership,” creating a safe and welcoming space where everyone can learn. When we hired her in 2012, we knew she would be a forward-thinking educator—someone deeply committed to elevating both teaching and learning,
and to fostering a warm, supportive environment for every child in her care. What we couldn’t have anticipated was just how fully she would channel that passion beyond her classroom to enrich our entire school community. These are just some of the qualities that led to Colleen Wyss being chosen as this year’s Lowenhaupt Award recipient.
Colleen’s work here as a first and third grade teacher has been exemplary. Her lessons are innovative and engaging, and she brings a kindness and sense of humor every day, which is certainly needed in elementary education! Colleen has a dedication to the continual improvement of her students, and a deep sensitivity to children’s strengths and challenges. Although she is a superb teacher already, she doesn’t shy away from trying new things in an attempt to
“She eagerly involves parents in the process, communicating with care, thoughtfulness, and honesty...”
improve. For instance, when she was a first grade teacher, she dug into the science of reading—researching and applying what she learned to better support students who were struggling a bit. This interest in improvement through change also spurred her to move from teaching first grade to third, and I can’t tell you how many students and parents were excited to have Colleen for a second time in three years. Part of that excitement stems from Colleen’s deep, intuitive understanding that educating a child is not solely the teacher’s responsibility. She eagerly involves parents in the process, communicating with care, thoughtfulness, and honesty—building true partnerships with families.
Colleen is also a wonderful teammate and teaching partner. She brings a sense of joy and positivity to work every day and is the ultimate contributor to the greater good of the school. Any time we need something, we know we can ask Colleen—that is, if she hasn’t volunteered first! You can frequently see her helping out in Homework Club or Extended Day. She is regularly here until 5 p.m. or later. That makes for a long day, since Colleen is
also here early, working one-on-one with students to boost their math skills. Her commitment to the school community extends well beyond her classroom. A few years ago, she came to me with the idea of starting a support group for teachers and administrators interested in becoming better supporters of our diverse students and teachers. This wasn’t something we assigned— Colleen initiated it, named it “Allies and Upstanders,” and has led after-school meetings for years in an effort to make Community a more inclusive and welcoming place for all. Colleen presents to the group with kindness and sensitivity, helping us all see that she is with us on this journey, and sharing her wisdom—honed by attending
at least a dozen conferences over the years—in a warm, nonjudgmental way.
Like all past winners of this award, Colleen is more than just a superb teacher and colleague. She brings a spark to the school and frequently has us laughing as she recounts a funny experience with a student or something from her highly active life as an actor. Outside of school, she is a talented vocalist, dancer, and performer. She has been in many local productions and loves sharing her knowledge of plays and musicals with the rest of us. In recent years, she’s been in Shrek the Musical and Something Rotten I can’t keep up with her musical life, but what I can say is that I have no idea how she finds time to do it all.
All of this ensures that Colleen is not only a great teacher, but someone who makes this a better school for us all.
A Place Where Everybody Can Play
TEDDY GOOCH PLAY AREA
Recess this year will look different for Teddy Gooch—different from any year prior. This year, when he sets foot on the Upper Division playground, he’ll feel fully included. On this new turf, he’ll be met with equipment he can access and spaces where he can simply hang out with friends.
“Teddy loves being at Community,”
Upper Division Head Nikki Dantuono said. “To see him play freely with his friends brings joy to all around him.”
Born with a form of dwarfism, traditional playgrounds often left Teddy feeling sidelined—frustrated and dependent on adults for help. And for his parents, Erin and Craig, those visits also ended in frustration. “We would leave the playground in tears and sweat,” Erin recalled.
That all changed the day Teddy discovered Zachary’s Playground in Lake St. Louis, a space inspired by another child and a mother’s determination. The experience was transformative: Teddy played independently; Erin stood back and watched her son be a kid.
Erin, Teddy, and Craig Gooch celebrate the opening of the Teddy & Friends Inclusive Playground in Queeny Park.
“I knew we could make something like that happen,” Erin said. “We could start small, and dream big.”
The Gooches’ first dream took shape at Queeny Park, where they partnered with the nonprofit Unlimited Play to create the Teddy & Friends Inclusive Playground, which opened in September. The playground’s whimsical board game theme invites children of all abilities to play, connect, and grow together.
From there, the Gooches saw Community School – a place where Teddy spends so much of his time – as the next opportunity. Together with school leadership, they identified the Upper Division playground as an area in need of upgrades.
“Our family wanted to help create a safe and inclusive playground so that all kids have a place to play together,” Erin explained.
The Gooches not only made a generous financial contribution but also became deeply involved in shaping the vision. They helped select equipment designed for inclusion: sit-and-stand spinners, a soft playing surface to reduce injury, basketball goals on the upper asphalt, and renovated swing sets on the north fields.
“Our family wanted to help create a safe and inclusive playground so that all kids have a place to play together.”
The result is the Teddy Gooch Play Area, a lasting tribute to Teddy’s joyful spirit and inspiring perseverance.
“I love that this space exists for Teddy,” Nikki said. “I appreciate that the Gooches made this a reality for every child to have access to play and have fun on our campus.”
His mom couldn’t be prouder.
“The power of play is crucial for children’s development, and we appreciate Community School helping us advocate for inclusion,” Erin said.
As for Teddy, legacy is secondary. Right now, in fourth grade, he’s just happy, “Because everybody can play.”
LEFT: Many St. Louisans gather for the grand opening of the Teddy & Friends Inclusive Playground in Queeny Park in September. RIGHT: Community School students enjoy the new equipment on the Teddy Gooch Play Area.
A More Welcoming Main Building
This fall, we were excited to open the school year with longawaited accessibility upgrades to the Main (Big) Building. Thanks to the generosity of our community and support through the Building Community Campaign, we now have an elevator that reaches all four levels, newly renovated Community Center restrooms, and a number of thoughtful updates that make the building safer and more accessible for everyone. These improvements reflect our shared commitment to ensuring that every student, family member, and visitor feels welcome in the heart of our campus.
Life Members
LUNCHEON
On December 5, we hosted our Life Members Luncheon, an annual event honoring past employees, trustees, volunteers, and donors for their invaluable contributions to Community School.
It was a joy to welcome our honorees back to campus and celebrate alongside other Life Members and esteemed guests. Head of School Bob Cooke presented each award and introduced our incoming Head, Laurie Smilack. Attendees enjoyed remarks from Laurie and performances by First Grade and the Sixth Grade Community Choir. Additionally, some of our sixth graders helped serve lunch.
Congratulations to this year’s awardees, and thank you to our students for helping make this year’s event truly memorable!
2024 Life Member Awardees
• Charmaine Ansari
• Karen Birdsong
• Barb and Steve Burrows
• Kathy Fitzgerald
• Jim Fox
• Lisa and Matt Hall
• Rob Knight
• Tracy Shephard
Life Members
Stephen Adams ‘69
Yvonne Allen
Charmaine Ansari
Sharon Barnholtz
Barbara Barrow ‘60
Joseph Bauer
Julie and Lee ‘70 Bearman
Mary Bearman ‘37
Donna Benson ‘66
Karen Birdsong
Maxine Blaine
C.R. Boles
Bill Bolster
Kimmie Brauer
Betty Broemmelsiek
Marjorie Broesel
Cindy and Jay Brown
Jutta Buder
L.B. Buffkins
Chris Bugnitz
Barb and Steve Burrows
Lynn Christopher
Judi Coleman ‘70
Jim Cooper
Steve Culver
Beth Danforth ‘74
Elizabeth Danforth
Tina and David ‘70 Danforth
Dan DeHovitz ‘66
Marni and Jeremy Deutsch
Nancy Diemer ‘77
Henry Dubinsky
H.R. Duhme, Jr. ‘26
Peter Edison ‘67
Steven Finerty
Darlene Finkes
Mary Fisher ‘50
Kathy Fitzgerald
Jim Fox
Greg Fox
Janet Furman
Judith and Ira Gall
Alice Gerdine
Thomas Gladders
Susan Goldberg
Jackie Goodenough
Emily Gordon
Richard Gordon
Matthew Gould
Evarts Graham, Jr. ‘31
Samuel Grant
Dudley Grove
Cathy Haines
Lisa and Matt Hall
Whitney Harris
Harvard Hecker
Patricia Hecker ‘34
Maggi and Tom ‘76 Helmkampf
Sonya ‘48 and Harold Helmkampf
Michelle Henson
Ronald Henson
Signa and Robert Hermann
Howard Hess
Betty Hobbs
John Hobbs, Jr. ‘48
Wells Hobler
Kerry and Bill Holekamp
Susan Hollander ‘69
Joan and Stanley Hollander
Stuart Hollander
James Hoots
Becky Hubert
Elizabeth Hughes
Susan Hunkins
Margery Imster ‘35
Holly James ‘81
Suzanne and Jim ‘76
Johnson
Bette and William Jones
Karen Kalinowski
Kerrigan Kaplan
Lee Kaplan
LEFT TO RIGHT: Jim Fox, Barb and Steve Burrows, Charmaine Ansari, Tracy Shephard, Bob Cooke, Karen Birdsong, Rob Knight, Kathy Fitzgerald, and Lisa and Matt Hall.
Rob Knight
Jennifer and Jim Koman
Elizabeth and Thomas Latzer
Margaret Lawrence
Carole Lemen
David Lemkemeier ‘82
John Lemkemeier ‘79
Nicole Lemkemeier
Sally and Ned Lemkemeier
Park Lockwood
Cecile Lowenhaupt
Roz and Charles ‘59 Lowenhaupt
Jane Mackey
Michele and Jim ‘63 Maritz
Phyllis Maritz
Steve Maritz ‘70
Frances and Theodore Martin
Betty McCarthy ‘30
Anne ‘51 and John McDonnell
Cynthia McDonnell
Richard McDonnell
Patty ‘53 and Glenn McNett
Stephany Mendelsohn
LaVerna and John Meyer
Richard Mooney
Eileen Morrison
Peggy and Andy ‘56 Newman
Bette Nuzum
Kiku Obata ‘63
Ann Polster ‘58
Ken Potter ‘78
Evelyn Pronko
Pam Qualy
Julie and Eric Ralph
Benjamin Rassieur, III
Mary Rassieur
Terry Rassieur
Gordon Reed
Mary Reinhard
Edward and Mary Renshaw
Marjorie Robins ‘26
Sandy Rogers
Sheillah Rogers
Lucianna Ross
Hope Rouse ‘33
Llewellyn Sale, Jr.
John Sant ‘44
Ann Schaper ‘54
Julie and Scott Schnuck
Marilyn Schnuck
Stephanie and Mark Schnuck
Stephanie A. Schnuck ‘79
Ben Senturia ‘55
Nancy Senturia ‘31
Tracy Shepard
Susan and David ‘71
Sherman
Linda Smith
Martha Sockstrom ‘37
Barbara Stamper
Molly Strassner
Leah and John Stroup
Robert Stupp
Barbara and Andy Taylor
Cindy Todorovich ‘58
Wilmetta ToliverDiallo
Steve Turner
Louise Weinberger
Jan Wisland
Marie Witscher
Steve Wolff ‘69
James Woods, Jr. ‘48
Nina Wuestling
Howard Young
Caroline Zarinelli
CLASS OF 2019 REUNION
On April 12, we hosted a reunion luncheon for Community School’s Class of 2019. It was wonderful to catch up with alumni, learn about their college plans, and reminisce about their time at Community while watching their class video. We also enjoyed chatting with parents while alums visited their favorite spots on campus.
Congratulations and best wishes to all of our graduates!
Attention, Alumni!
Your Community School experience doesn’t end with your graduation. We hope you always feel welcome in our halls. Mark your calendars for the following events this school year. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
MLK Day of Service
JANUARY 19, 2026
Many alumni have expressed interest in continuing their involvement in our MLK Day of Service, and we’re excited to extend this tradition. On January 19, 2026, we’ll gather together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and serve our broader St. Louis community. Stay tuned for more details!
Alumni Awards
JANUARY 22, 2026
Community school believes that the true measure of a school’s greatness can be found in the achievement of its alumni. The William H. Danforth Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have carried forward the school’s
mission by serving as leaders in each of their communities and professions, and who have shown appreciation and respect for the world. All alumni are invited to join us at the Alumni Awards Ceremony on January 22, as we honor the 2026 award recipients. An invitation will be sent closer to the event.
Class of 2020 Reunion Lunch
APRIL 26, 2026
Community School Class of 2020 - save the date! We hope you will join us for a reunion luncheon to reconnect with your classmates ahead of all the graduation festivities. Come back to your roots at Community to reminisce, watch your class video, and share what’s next on your journey. Invitations coming soon!
Stay in Touch with Us!
Our alumni are an integral part of our Community School community, and we want to be sure to stay in touch! If your contact information has changed or if you have some special news to share, please let us know. Scan the QR code to stay connected with Community and/or tell us what you’ve been up to. We look forward to hearing from you!
Survey says… Trivia Night 2025 was a huge success!
Thank you to everyone who sponsored, attended, offered to host a group gathering, placed a bid, or contributed to 2024-2025’s signature fundraising event. Together, we raised $110,000 – winnings that benefit all our students! A special thank you to Patty Boehm and Sammie Katzman for chairing this year’s event.
$110,000
Congratulations to our trivia contest and game winners!
OVERALL TRIVIA WINNERS: Deal or No Deal
BEST DECORATED TABLE: The Newlywed Game
SUPERMARKET SWEEPS: Calvin Cajigal
BEST DRESSED: Jen Hertel as Vanna White
Charles Saulsberry and Dana Scott Saulsberry, Bob and Brenda Cooke, Jen Gosnell, Nikki Dantuono, Joey Murphy
Tiffanie Demone and Anuk Karunaratne, Diana and Vernon Mitchell, Kara and Ben Cardinal, Ali and Jesse Appleton, Ellen and Tom Noel
2025 Grandparents and Special Friends Day
MOTOWN EDITION
On May 9, Community School welcomed several hundred guests to our annual Grandparents & Special Friends Day. Students kicked off the event with a Motown-themed performance, which had everyone dancing in their seats! Following the performances, grandparents and special friends enjoyed coffee, donuts, and classroom visits with their students. A day filled with music, treats, and lots of hugs – Grandparents & Special Friends Day 2025 was certainly one to remember!
visit their school. A treasured memento from a special day!
THANK YOU!
A special thanks to our event chairs for their work in making Motown come to life at Community and for creating cherished memories for all!
Jen Hertel, Chair Ellie Short, Co-Chair
A SUMMER OF Learning, Play, AND Discovery
Each summer, Community School’s campus transforms into a hub of exploration and creativity for children age three through eighth grade. With more than 1,850 registrations this year, the program continues to grow in both size and energy. Families can choose full- or half-day options, mixing and matching weeks to fit travel plans or other summer activities. Camps are open to both Community School students and children from across St. Louis, making them a place where old and new friendships flourish. Eve Rudolph, Director of Auxiliary Programs, believes flexibility is one of the program’s hallmarks. “A camper can take an art camp in the morning and a sports camp in the afternoon,” she explains. “All campers eat lunch and play together during recess, so they have plenty of social time too.” Assistant Camp Director Andrea Rogel-Aranda adds that the staffing model sets Community apart: “We don’t have teens as our counselors—we have experienced adults, a mix of our own faculty and partners from organizations like Mad Science of St. Louis, The Recreation Academy, STAGES St. Louis, and The Fencing Academy.” Together, the two manage a program modeled after the school’s own philosophy: hands-on, balanced, and joyful.
A Campus Made for Camp
The school’s 18-acre campus offers endless possibilities for summer adventures. “Our program is rich with opportunities like gardening and nature-based camps where kids can really explore the outdoors,” Eve says. “Our sports camps spread across the fields, and even our little ones (ages 3-5) in Play Camp enjoy water activities and time on the playgrounds. We can basically house the whole camp outside, and they love it.”
“How many people can say they’ve had camp in a treehouse?”
Play Camp
Andrea agrees, noting that the woods and trails are particularly special. “The kids have the chance to go outside and explore these areas under teacher supervision, and that freedom makes a difference.” “We also use our treehouse classroom,” Eve highlights. “How many people can say they’ve had camp in a treehouse?”
In addition to outdoor activities, students enjoy time in classrooms, the Centennial Arts Center, and the new Broughton STEAM Center—where innovation comes to life in state-ofthe-art spaces for science, woodshop, and drama.
Balancing Creativity, Movement, and Learning
At Community School camps, freedom is paired with intentional variety. Camps blend academics, athletics, and the arts, allowing children to follow their curiosity while also staying active. “In addition to our teachers coming up with creative camps like Messy Play and Bluey’s Adventures, we bring in programs like chess and fencing,” Eve explains. “There’s such a gamut of opportunities here. Every camp includes time for outdoor play, so even if you’re in a more academic or focused camp, you’re still going to get moving.”
Andrea notes that the social aspect is just as valuable as the programming itself. “In every camp, children meet new people who share their interests. Each week brings a new chance to make friends.” The result is a program that embodies Community School’s mission to nurture the gifts of mind, body and spirit. “It’s filled with joy, enthusiasm, and eagerness to pursue their interests,” Eve says. The variety of offerings means that campers often stumble upon unexpected passions. Andrea recalls one camper who tried chess for the first time and asked to switch into chess camps for the rest of the summer. “He discovered
Sewing
something he didn’t even know he was interested in until he was here,” she says. For other children, it’s the consistency of returning week after week that makes a difference. Tennis, for instance, drew repeat campers who built strong connections with both teachers and peers. Cooking camps also returned after a break during Covid, drawing enthusiastic crowds, while sewing classes gave children a chance to practice practical life skills. “It’s cool to see children embrace these skills,” Eve says. “In Madame’s [Veronique Gardet] sewing class, they used real machines to create projects and learned basics like how to sew on a button.”
Teachers Share Their Passions
Another hallmark of the summer program is that Community School faculty lead many of the camps, bringing the same creativity and care they show during the school year. “We have such gifted people here, and it’s amazing to see what they come up with when they design their own camps,” Eve says.
French teacher Veronique Gardet taught Play Camp, in addition to Sewing, 3D Art, and Puzzles. She appreciates the slower pace of summer, which allows her to build deep relationships with children while sharing her personal passions.
“Every week, I see the joy and pride in their eyes when they feel a sense of independence at age three or four, or finish a challenging sewing project at age six or seven,” she says. To spark imagination, she sets up her classroom like a “salad bar,” offering a wide variety of materials so children can choose their own creative path.
Puzzles
“It’s a joy to see a child’s face when they solve a problem or complete a challenge. The struggle makes the success even more exciting and powerful.”
Robotics
A Summer Well Spent
Woodshop teacher Joe Mohr led Mini Golf, where campers designed and built their own putters and holes. “They were only limited by their creativity,” he explains. “Each student probably created 20 or 30 designs before choosing a favorite. At the end of each day we’d set up a big challenge that everyone attempted, and often the winner was someone who wasn’t the best putter. That’s the beauty of mini golf—it’s as much luck as skill, and I love it when the underdogs win.”
Science teacher Kathy Lepsky taught LEGO Robotics, a favorite among older students. “I love having a big chunk of time to devote to topics like robotics,” she says. “It’s a joy to see a child’s face when they solve a problem or complete a challenge. The struggle makes the success even more exciting and powerful.” For those new to robotics, Kathy walks through several steps to teach them how to use and program their robots, and then they get a challenge to complete. Her goal is for campers of all experience levels to leave with the confidence that they can do hard things—and that persistence pays off.
For Eve and Andrea, the most rewarding part of summer is seeing children arrive full of excitement each morning and leave with new skills, friendships, and confidence. Eve treasures the sight of campers “jumping out of the car, ready for the day,” while Andrea’s favorite moments come when she sees children trying something new and discovering that they love it. Many campers who return year after year aren’t even from Community School. “We build strong relationships with families in addition to offering a solid mix of camps,” Eve says.
Community’s signature FUNdamentals camp in August also helps children fight the summer slump. Customized for a mix of age groups, it includes sports, art, French, and recess, along with differentiated academics. “This program allows students to ease back in and see what a day in the life of the school is like while having fun,” says Eve.
From sewing machines to science labs, wooded trails to sports fields, Community School’s summer camps offer children a place to grow, play, and explore. They return to school in the fall energized, confident, and eager for what’s next—a sign that summer at Community is more than just a break; it’s a season of discovery.
Q +A
Dear Friends, FUNDRAISING
The first week of school this year, I overheard a classroom teacher encouraging her students to raise their hands: “If you have a question on your mind, chances are, someone else has it on theirs!”
Over the course of my career, I’ve heard many of the same thoughtful questions again and again. With that in mind, I hope this Q+A can serve as a little development cheat sheet of sorts.
We’ll also share this Q+A on our website, and if you have questions not reflected here, please pick up the phone or send me an email—your questions are always welcome. I would love to keep building this list with your help!
Thank you for your generosity, your curiosity, and your continued partnership in helping Community School thrive.
Warmly,
Abby Samel DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
How are Annual Giving Levels determined?
Giving Levels are based on your total annual giving to Community School, which includes Annual Fund gifts, event contributions and purchases, and other charitable support during the year. Each level recognizes the wide range of generosity in our community and celebrates the impact of gifts of all sizes.
Are there any perks with Giving Levels?
Giving Levels are primarily a way to say thank you and recognize generosity. Every donor is a member of a giving society. From time to time, donors at certain levels may be invited to special events or receive additional recognition, but the biggest “perk” is knowing your gift directly supports students and teachers at Community.
Yes! Community School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your charitable contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. After you make a gift, we’ll send you a receipt for your records. For events like auctions or benefit dinners, the IRS allows you to deduct the portion of your payment that exceeds the fair market value of the item or experience you received. For example, if you bid $150 on an auction item valued at $100, $50 would be tax-deductible. We’ll spell this out clearly in your receipt so you have everything you need.
Are gifts tax-deductible?
Do in-kind gifts count toward my total giving?
Absolutely. Donations of goods or services are valued and acknowledged, and they count toward your overall giving total. The only catch here is that we have to know about the gift in order to give you credit! There’s a QR code to the left—fill out this form anytime you make a gift-in-kind so that we can appropriately record and acknowledge your contribution.
What if I want to give to something specific?
We’re always delighted to honor designated gifts. Love the visiting author program and want to underwrite it? Inspired to support financial aid, faculty, or another area close to your heart? Just let us know. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping connect a donor’s passions with the needs of our school—it’s a joy to make those matches happen!
Does my gift really make a difference if it’s small?
Yes! Fundraising often follows what’s called a “giving pyramid.” To reach a goal, a school needs a healthy mix of gifts: a few lead gifts at the top, a larger number of mid-sized gifts, and many smaller gifts that form a strong foundation. Each level matters—because without support at every tier, the pyramid doesn’t stand. At Community, every gift –whether it’s $25 or $25,000 – truly helps color the whole picture.
If you’d prefer your gift to remain anonymous, just let us know and we’ll honor your request while still providing a receipt for tax purposes. One quick note: from time to time, donors are surprised not to see their names listed in the Family Album (Community School’s annual report). More often than not, it’s because they accidentally checked the “anonymous gift” box without realizing it. If you’d like recognition for your gift, we’re always happy to double-check how your name is listed!
Can my employer match my gift?
I make a gift anonymously?
Can I spread out my gift?
Yes—you can make your gift in monthly or quarterly installments. Many donors find this a convenient way to maximize their giving.
Many employers do offer matching gift programs, which can double (or even triple!) the impact of your donation. Check with your HR department, or let us know if you’d like help navigating the process.
What’s the difference between the Community Fund (the school’s Annual Fund) and the Building Community Campaign (BCC)?
The Community Fund supports the school’s day-to-day operations – everything from faculty salaries to classroom materials to financial aid – helping ensure every student has what they need to thrive. The BCC, on the other hand, was a special campaign that funded the construction of our new Broughton STEAM Center, a transformative project that goes beyond the annual budget. Both the Community Fund and special campaigns are essential, and both rely on the generosity of donors like you to make a real difference in the lives of our students.
Are there other ways I can make a gift besides writing a check or using a credit card?
Yes! Many donors choose to give through alternate methods such as a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), gifts of stock, or a wire transfer. These can sometimes offer additional tax advantages. If you’d like to explore one of these options, just reach out— we’re happy to walk you through the simple steps and provide all the information you’ll need.
What is Community School’s fiscal year, and why does it matter?
Our fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. This matters because all giving, pledges, and event contributions are tracked within that period to measure progress toward our goals. Giving within the fiscal year ensures your support counts toward that year’s impact and recognition, including Annual Giving Levels. We know the fiscal year can be a bit confusing. If you ever have questions about which fiscal year your gift counts toward, we’re happy to clarify.
Donors
Thank you to all who give so generously to support our mission. The following donor roll reflects contributions made to Community School during the 2024-2025 fiscal year (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025).
