Opportunities for Involvement

Opportunities for Involvement

The Parents Association

The Dalton Parents Association, through close cooperation with all members of the community and the support of the administration, is dedicated to supporting the school’s mission of inclusion and seeks to foster a vibrant community within the Dalton School. Dalton’s parent body is diverse and shares a wide range of interests and family cultures. The PA serves as a place where all parents are welcome to connect by lending their time, talents, and skills.

Many opportunities exist for parents to become involved in the PA. The PA welcomes all parent volunteers and there are more than thirty committees on which parents can serve. Parents can also become Grade Representatives, House Parents, Committee Chairs, and PA officers. Volunteering enables parents to share their special interests to benefit the children and the extended Dalton community. Various PA Committees focus on specific initiatives. There are a wide range of projects and events where parents may volunteer their time and/ or services. Several committees, such as PA Parent Topic Coffees, Community Life and Diversity, Parents of Children of Color (POCOC), and Gay and Lesbian Parent Group (GLPG), sponsor engaging discussions for parents on Dalton curriculum and educational philosophy, parenting topics, and other issues of interest. These meetings follow a variety of formats: open discussions, workshops, guest speakers, presentations, as well as student and parent panels. Other committees focus on family events such as Homecoming, the First Program Multicultural Festival, the First Program and Middle School Book Fairs, and a spring picnic. In addition, the PA often hosts evening events, including Author’s Night, Back to School Night (classes for parents led by Dalton faculty), guest speaker lectures, and events celebrating the work of a member of the Dalton community.

The Board of Trustees

Dalton’s Board of Trustees sets important policies for the school and oversees operations. At monthly meetings, the Board discusses developments at the school and votes on policy decisions.

The Dalton Council

The Dalton Council, an advisory group of parents to the Board of Trustees, functions in a similar way to Board Committees; the President of the Board of Trustees appoints members. The Dalton Council conducts several studies annually on topics of interest and then reports recommendations and findings to the Board.

The Dalton Alumni Association

The Dalton Alumni Association is comprised of alumni representing nine decades of graduates. It fosters the spirit of fellowship and loyalty among alumni and promotes the interests of The Dalton School.

The Alumni Council, which cultivates a close relationship between alumni and the school, consists of approximately thirty elected alumni members, a faculty liaison, and two High School student representatives. At monthly meetings, Council members focus on issues concerning Dalton alumni and also plan programs and services for a range of alumni and the broader Dalton community.

Fundraising and Charitable Giving

THE DALTON SCHOOL FUNDS

ANNUAL FUND

Each year Dalton relies on parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, and staff to donate to the Annual Fund. This fund supports general operating expenses including teachers’ salaries and financial aid. Dalton asks community members to make gifts at whatever charitable giving level is appropriate and comfortable for them. Dalton depends on and appreciates the participation and generosity of parents and other members of the Dalton community to provide the best education possible for its students.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Periodically, Dalton undertakes a Capital Campaign. During Campaigns many families and alumni consider a pledge over three to five years to the Campaign, along with a yearly gift to the Annual Fund. Recent commitments to the Campaign have been earmarked for a variety of purposes, including building projects, financial aid, curricular innovations, and the endowment. Dalton continually strives to increase its endowment, as a strong endowment provides the financial cushion needed to keep tuition within reason, supports a generous financial aid program, and supplements long-term faculty compensation. Supporting Dalton’s growing endowment is an investment that benefits students and faculty now and in the future.

SPRING BENEFIT

Each spring, Dalton holds a communitywide fundraising gala. Parents and alumni volunteers join Benefit committees to help plan a large-scale event which typically includes a dinner, student performances, and a journal. Dalton’s Head of School invites parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends for a fun evening of camaraderie. The proceeds augment professional development, financial aid, or may be designated for a particular school need.

DEFERRED GIVING: THE PARKHURST SOCIETY

Planned giving is a thoughtful way to support the school for the long term and to maximize tax advantages for donors. Dalton’s Development Office assists families who wish to develop a charitable plan. Those who name Dalton as a beneficiary, or set up a deferred gift, become valued members of The Parkhurst Society.

SENIOR CLASS GIFT

Each year parents of the graduating class are asked to contribute to both the Senior Class Gift and the Annual Fund. The Senior Class Gift is a one-time gift that honors the graduates while bestowing a meaningful legacy from the graduating class to the school. The seniors themselves vote on the allocation of this collective gift.

The Dalton School 108 East 89th Street New York, NY 10128-1599 212-423-5200 e-mail: admissions@dalton.org Website: www.dalton.org