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AT Denver AcademY
At Denver Academy, assistive and
instructional technology is a vehicle for
achievement. In the 2010-2011 fiscal year,
perhaps more than any other year of late,
Denver Academy has implemented new
technological strategies to help our students
learn better, create more and think about
solutions in different ways.
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Dear Friends of Denver Academy, We are excited to share another outstanding year for Denver Academy in this Annual Report. Our school continues to transform lives with the leadership of our excellent faculty and staff as we work with our Board of Trustees to ensure the sustained future of our fine institution. The recent economy has presented us with opportunities to refine our vision for DA, and we have come through these difficult times stronger as an institution. I am very proud of the many accomplishments of our students in the classroom, on the stage, on the playing field and in our community. Denver Academy believes that students should learn in an environment that safely encourages intellectual curiosity and personal expression. It was exciting for me to see the fruition of years of vision and planning as we moved forward to unify our high school model and better prepare our students for postsecondary education. It is most gratifying to see the daily success of each pupil and the active partnership between parents, teachers and our students. We are grateful to the many donors who enrich our community, and I would like to personally thank you for your generous support for our mission. Because of you: • Our students now benefit from the most advanced assistive and instructional technology • 117 students attend DA who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of tuition • We are able to reach beyond our school to help other schools teach more effectively • Students learn from the best teachers in the world • We have many new resources in our math and science programs • DA is a rich community and a model for other schools Thank you again for your support for DA and for making a difference in the lives of our students. Sincerely,
[ Kevin M. Smith ] Headmaster
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ANNUAL REPORT [ 2010-2011 ]
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Denver Academy Board of Trustees Cindy Brown, President Owner, Blue Moon Works
Peter O’Neil Vice President Serial Entrepreneur
Lorraine Alcott Community Volunteer
Kristin Richardson Community Volunteer
Maureen Cain Attorney Ed Callahan Business Consultant
Nancy Rhyme Secretary Director, National Conference of State Legislators
Liane Clasen Community Volunteer
Mary Ross Freelance Writer
Cyle Feingold President Results Learning LLC
R.D. Sewald Deputy Director of Legislative Services Governor Hickenlooper’s Office
Nicky Gittelman Community Volunteer
Bruce Wagner President and COO Wagner Equipment Company
Charles Gwirtsman Managing Director KRG Capital LLC
Laura Waldron Community Volunteer
Karen Lawton Community Volunteer
Missy Warner Business Development Manager Weston Solutions, Inc.
Craig Knippenberg Licensed Social Worker/ Counselor Knippenberg, Patterson & Associates
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Tina Vessels Managing Partner Tundra Resources
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Ex Officio TRUSTEES Kevin M. Smith Headmaster, Denver Academy Deb Ellis President, Denver Academy Parent Association Kim Pankratz President, DA Alumni Association Dan Toomey Faculty Representative Emeritus Trustees Jim Dierker Attorney Dr. Nancy Gary Clinical Psychologist Neuro-Developmental Center Steve Mooney Manager of Mooney Enterprises LLC and Mooney Ventures LLC Tim O’Connor Retired
Dear Denver Academy Community, Each year we publish our Annual Report which recognizes the support of our Denver Academy community and highlights the great accomplishments our school achieved in the past year. Without your support we would be a very different school, and we appreciate each and every one of our donors, friends and parents. Thank you for your generosity of spirit, financial support and volunteering hours. Thanks to you we raised over one million dollars in 2010-2011 to advance our strategic priorities and ensure that DA will be able to assist students with learning differences for years to come. Last year, when the Board approved DA’s five-year strategic plan, we set a goal to leverage assistive and instructional technology to provide additional opportunities for our students. I’m proud to say that we are already achieving that goal. This year, working under an accelerated timeline, our faculty and staff was able to update the technology infrastructure on campus (we are now wireless!) and create and implement a program to bring the iPad to students and the classroom. This venture provides students and teachers access to an infinite amount of additional tools and lets students learn about and explore technology under the guidance of trusted adults. We especially thank the Morgridge Family Foundation for the generous grant that allowed this to happen. This past year also marks the first full year of our unified High School, allowing students to experience a wider variety of academic opportunities and encouraging cross-curricula among faculty members. I invite you to read more about these and the other successes we’ve accomplished in the following pages. It is the support you provide to our school that allows our teachers and administrators to invest their time and passion into helping students learn and prepare for a lifetime of success. I look forward to working with you, my colleagues on the Board of Trustees and our wonderful faculty and staff to achieve another outstanding year at Denver Academy.
[ Cindy Brown ] President | Denver Academy Board of Trustees
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ANNUAL REPORT [ 2010-2011 ]
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During the 2010-2011 school year, Denver
“This tool is merging my learning inside and outside of school. I learn globally when I’m outside of school and the iPad has allowed that type of learning into the classroom as well.” Colin Ellis | Grade 9
Academy launched the 1:1 iPad initiative for students entering grades 7-12. In line with DA’s mission and X
strategic vision, we aspire to leverage advances in assistive and instructional technology to enhance learning and organizational skills. The iPad integrates smoothly within the educational priorities at DA
Eli Tessler | Grade 12 Student Body President
and complements an already excellent program.
In their own words, students and faculty explain how the iPad has enhanced their educational experience.
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“Traditional restrictions are gone because it’s mobile, light and personal. I have easy access to tools online, digital media and I am able to keep up with news around the world.”
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“iPad has made it easier for teachers and students to connect about homework questions and projects.” Bridget Barker | Grade 10
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“The iPad has helped students more completely understand the learning process, not just accessing information, but how to use and apply their findings.”
“The iPad is my sketchbook, my canvas, my art supplies; all the tools I need to be an artist and learner.”
Matt Dastin | Middle School Teacher
Ian Cable | Grade 9
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ANNUAL REPORT [ 2010-2011 ]
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Denver Academy’s Symposium
COLLEGE ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM [CAP]
Over 400 teachers, parents, and educators throughout the state attended Denver Academy’s Symposium on Learning Differences and Unique Learning Profiles presented by Mark Twarogowski, Director of Education, and his team last March. DA hosts this event every other year. This year’s keynote speaker was Richard Lavoie, a renowned lecturer and educator on children with special needs. He talked about student motivation and how teachers and parents can inspire and motivate their children and students.
Denver Academy’s new College Achievement Program (CAP) has set out to help students make the transition to college when they need a little more help than the local college, university or vocational program can offer. As of this fall, Denver Academy has four students enrolled in the CAP program. These students are provided with mentoring, phone calls and email support and a weekly two-hour seminar with a focus on organization, study habits and self-advocacy.
During the breakout sessions, DA’s teachers fascinated participants with their engaging presentations on a variety of subjects such as the teenage brain, eastern philosophy in a western classroom, DA’s FAST reading program, a needsbased approach to classroom discipline, and tools for implementing student choice. University of Denver’s Learning Effectiveness Program team and University of Northern Colorado’s entire department of special education attended. Mark Twarogowski has plans for a bigger and even better seminar for the Spring of 2013.
Run by Amy Macy, Gayle Bell and Kyra Ruscio, the students are succeeding where they could have struggled with the transition to the larger environment of post high school education. The team provides tutors and guidance for managing the logistics of classes in a new and bigger environment as well as helps students with their academics. The students also get help with skills like navigating transportation to and from their new school. “We send out reminders to the students and provide them with help in every class and every test as well as help them with life skills,” Amy Macy said. “Denver Academy is there to help students succeed even after they leave us.”
College Ach evement Program at DENVER ACADEMY
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at DENVER ACADEMY
the Unified High School Denver Academy is a more united place among students and teachers since we eliminated our Core, Progressive, and Preparatory divisions last year and reorganized under one banner, according to Mark Wood, High School Head. “We found that students don’t just fall into two categories, Prep or Progressive. We reorganized so that students now have a Core, Progressive, and Prep teacher in their curriculum,” Mark said. “There is less division and less internal competition throughout the school.” Change does not come without a few bumps, though. In the first year the High School had two different lunch times. That problem has been remedied this year so that students can see all their friends at lunch. Even though the lunch period is slightly shorter than it was in 2010 to accommodate the variety of classes and schedules, the students have said they would rather have the shorter time and be able to visit with their friends than to be on different lunch schedules. The best of the former divisions has been maintained. Students still do Passages in their junior year, a project based exploration, while seniors do Transition, a process of preparing them for their post high school lives—whether that means college, a vocational school, or a gap year. “The students are no longer stuck with a label. They are now placed in their different streams based on their interest in a subject, their readiness level and their learning profile,” Mark said.
Faculty Conference PRESENTATIONS During the 2010-2011 School Year [ Cathy Allen ] Morgridge Share Fair [ Gayle Bell ] Colorado Language Arts Society, Courage To Risk, Denver Academy Symposium
[ Barrie Bodden ] Courage to Risk [ Matt Brink ] Denver Academy Symposium [ Ramsey Brookhart ] CO3 Project Ozone [ Tammy Curran ] Courage To Risk [ Matt Dastin ] Association for Experiential Education, Courage To Risk
[ Bobby Duhamel ] Denver Academy Symposium [ Philippe Ernewein ] Learning Forward, Association for Experiential Education, Courage To Risk, Denver Academy Symposium, Published in Colorado Language Arts Society Journal
[ Carey Eskesen ] Colorado Council on High School Relations [ Mike Eskesen ] Denver Academy Symposium [ Kris Fritzsche ] Morgridge Share Fair [ Emily Garbus ] Courage To Risk [ Jon Hill ] Denver Academy Symposium [ Steve Holz-Russell ] Learning Forward [ Monica Johnson ] Denver Academy Symposium [ Darcie Klassen ] Morgridge Share Fair [ Amy Macy ] CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Cherry Creek College Fair, CO Council on HS Relations, Pre-Collegiate Conference, Keeping Options Open (Summer)
[ Kyra Ruscio ] Denver Academy Symposium [ Kevin Smith ] National Association of Independent Schools
[ Mark Twarogowski ] Morgridge Share Fair, Denver Academy Symposium [ Mark Wood ] Denver Academy Symposium
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ANNUAL REPORT [ 2010-2011 ]
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DAFFY The Denver Academy Film Festival for Youth (DAFFY) continues to thrive in its 12th year under the leadership of Kris Fritzsche, DA’s Arts and Technology coordinator and Film and Video teacher.
“DAFFY has no entry fee for the students who are submitting their work, unlike other film festivals that charge up to $100 to submit a film. Thanks to Denver Academy, this festival is accessible to all students around the state,” said Kris. The evening is fun and provides free food and drinks to all who attend.
“DAFFY has become the resource for high school and middle school film students around Colorado to show their work. We’re seeing polished, goodlooking films from over 15 different schools throughout the state. Every year there’s new technology and better picture quality,” Kris said. The judges from the Denver film community, as well as from the Colorado Film School, reviewed over 160 submissions for the festival’s contest last May. And once again, DA students showed their diverse and competitive talents in several different categories with four student finalists and one winner. The DAFFY awards ceremony is held every year in May at the University of Colorado King Center on the Auraria campus. More than two hundred people attended the fun and sophisticated film evening that showed the finalists’ work in categories including comedy, drama, digital films, documentaries and animation.
To see the films online, go to Vimeo.com to the channels section and view DAFFY finalists and winners.
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Assistive Technology and Digital Literacy
The Greening of the Grounds
To prepare for the launch of the 1:1 Assistive Technology Program and to put iPad devices in the hands of middle school and high school students and teachers, a great deal of work went on behind the scenes.
Jim Levinson, Director of the Physical Plant, has been busy making Denver Academy a greener and more efficient facility while saving the school thousands of dollars in electricity bills down the road.
Our Information Technology Department installed the wireless infrastructure in the spring of 2011 with 35 access points throughout campus, along with five high-end outdoor access points to cover open space areas, all tying into a Cisco Wireless LAN controller. One of the top trainers from Apple Pro Services spent a week with our IT staff to oversee the deployment of Mac mini servers (to handle our Open Directory domain) and a Mac Pro server (a Podcast Producer server.) To enhance teaching and learning, we knew that robust training for our program team, IT staff and teachers would be critically important in rolling out this new interactive learning environment. Our IT staff pursued many hours of technical training to become Apple certified specialists. The program team delivered a number of “town hall” meetings for parents and numerous workshops for teachers on foundational technology skills and curriculum integration strategies.
The greatest savings have come from the installation of more efficient lighting throughout the campus. During the summer, Jim’s team retrofitted 700 fluorescent fixtures across the campus and replaced them with more efficient induction fluorescent light bulbs that were less expensive than the currently popular, but more expensive, LED lights. The induction fluorescents also carried a ten-year warranty, compared to the LED’s shorter five-year warranty. The school has also retrofitted the walkway pole lights and the gym lights, and is continuing to replace the parking lot lights. Jim’s team replaced the cooling system for the refrigeration equipment and the boilers in the elementary school building that had been around since the 1940’s. Levinson estimates the school will save as much as $25,000 over the next three and half years with these improved efficiencies.
SmartBoard Technology in Use Y E
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Valedictorian – [ Steven Blickley ] Salutatorian – [ Tyler Starr ] Alumni Association Outstanding Senior – [ Kelly Carmody ] Phil Johnson & Lou Raders Community Service Award – [ Jordan Cardwell ] Messinger Award – [ Eli Tessler ]
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COMMENCEMENT Miles J. Agan
University of Colorado, Boulder
Connor M. Koren
Taylor A. Bailey
Mesa State College
Robert C. Lawton
NHS Northeastern University
Kirbi L. Lechner
Michael J.T. Barlow NHS Cornish College $8,000 Theater Scholarship $3,000 Academic Scholarship Hillary F. Bell
Denver Public Schools, Transition Program
Matthew R-N. Bennett
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Michael W. Beyler
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Steven E. Blickley
NHS Colorado School of Mines $10,000 Merit Scholarship
Sunia B. Breningstall
Community College of Denver
Alexandra J. Browning
Mesa State College
Jordan T. Cardwell
Gap Year, Costa Rica
University of Colorado, Denver Metropolitan State College of Denver
Adrienne C. Lembke NHS University of Colorado, Boulder Corinne J. Lembke
Northeastern Junior College
Andrea L. Lonnecker
Red Rocks Community College
Harrison R. Mahlke
Undeclared
Sean M. McPhail
Community College of Denver
Paul C. Miller
NHS University of Denver $40,000 Merit Scholarship
Spencer Muchnick NHS University of Denver $40,000 Merit Scholarship Denise S. Rausch
Colorado State University
Neil A. Reinecke
NHS Community College of Denver and CLE
Kelly D. Carmody
NHS Curry College
Cooper Cohen
Megan M. Conner
University of Arizona, SALT Program $20,000 Merit Scholarship
Mesa State College
Alec D. Rogers
Undeclared
David Corboy
Berklee College of Music
Will V. Ross
Santa Clara University
Jared D. B. Crawford
Emily Griffith Opportunity School
Krista A. Culloo
Regis University
Katrina C. Scott
Zach P. de la Cruz
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Alex D. Dudley
NHS University of Colorado, Boulder $9,000 Norlin Scholars Scholarship
Alex T. Gamel Whitney M. Hall
Red Rocks Community College
NHS Colorado Christian University $28,000 Deans Scholarship $5,000 Partners in Spirit Scholarship
Ross C. Hallenbeck
University of Denver
Franklin L. Harris
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Emmy K. Shirk
Aveda Institute
Alex K. Smith
Santa Barbara City College
Mark W. Sorensen
Colorado Mountain College
Andrew M. Sowin
Colorado Film School
Tyler Starr
University of Denver $208,000 Merit Scholarship
Daniel J.S. Stein
Colorado School of Mines
Sam A. Swerdling
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Dylan J. Tallian
Community College of Denver
Nick J. P. Hemmant
University of Denver
Sasha M. Hoagland
W. M. Bryan Thomas NHS University of Hawaii, Hilo
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Eric J. James
Julian D. Valas
Curry College
Metropolitan State College of Denver
J. Taylor Wagner
University of Arizona $20,000 Merit Scholarship
Chris T. Waldron
NHS University of Denver $52,000 Merit Scholarship
Jordan A. Johnson NHS University of Colorado, Boulder $24,000 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Scholarship Brennan C. Jones
Hastings College
Michaela L. Kahan
Ben J. Wolf
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Blake M. Kast
Mackenzie J. Woodley
Undeclared
Hayden M. Kast
University of Northern Colorado
Matthew S. Kent
Community College of Denver
Colorado State University Savannah College of Art and Design
NHS = National Honor Society
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Wings of the Future Award [ Matt Roberts ] Dean of the Freshman Class The Wings of the Future Award acknowledges a faculty member who has achieved a higher level of accomplishment in classroom teaching or curriculum development and manifests an extraordinary dedication to the students of Denver Academy. Matt Roberts has worn many hats in his years at Denver Academy including teacher, coordinator of the Core high school, head of the Prep high school and Faculty representative to the Board of Trustees. In all of those positions, Matt has shown an extraordinary dedication to his fellow teachers and to the students of DA. “Matt is really respected and loved by his peers and the people who work for him,” according to Mark Twarogowski, Director of Education. “Matt is the first one here in the morning, setting up an environment for his teachers so they can just focus on their students. His attitude as a boss is that he works for his teachers, not the other way around.” Matt exemplifies Denver Academy’s high standards for professionalism and empathy as he takes such great care of its teachers and students.
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Staff Member of the Year Award [ Karen Lozow ] Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations The Staff Member of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose hard work, dedication, and commitment have made a difference at Denver Academy. “No matter what issue is going on, Karen can make everything ok,” said Shelley Devitt, Director of Grants and Stewardship and Karen Lozow’s coworker. “Karen has such a fun and caring spirit. Everyone just wants to be around her.” Karen worked for Denver Academy while her son attended DA. Jake graduated two years ago and went on to college, but for eight years now, Karen’s hard work, dedication and enthusiasm continues to inspire those around her as well the donors and board members that Karen works with on a daily basis. Karen has also coordinated thousands of details and organized hundreds of volunteers for eight DA Gala events. “Her devotion to DA comes from her heart and that is how she approaches her work,” Headmaster Kevin Smith said about Karen.
Teacher of the Year Awards The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a year of outstanding success in the classroom through commitment, competence, and professionalism with nominations submitted by peers, supervisors, parents, teachers and students.
[ Alan Price ] High School Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy Teacher
[ Jennifer Perry ] 3rd-4th Grade Teacher Jennifer is a leader among the elementary school family. “She’s very knowledgeable and kids adore her for her great sense of humor,” said B.J. Peavler, a fellow elementary school teacher. “Jennifer is also fabulous with parents. She has a way of making them feel very understood.”
“Alan is one of the busiest people I have ever met,” said Paul Pressler, 12th Grade Dean of Students. Alan is at Denver Academy before and after school and on Saturdays helping students achieve their goals in challenging science courses. As one parent said, “Alan has always been that teacher who not only challenged my son academically, but also personally. Alan’s ability to be strict, patient, and consistent has built trust and respect with his students.”
Jennifer is always willing to lend a hand outside of her own job teaching students Science, Social Studies, Reading, Math, Writing and Character Education. No task is too big or small for Jennifer as she helps her young students gain competence in their subjects as well as confidence in their abilities.
Alan chairs the Science department as well as teaches six classes and meets with potential donors while also tutoring students before and after school. He does whatever it takes to provide the best learning environment for his students while meeting their learning profiles and setting high standards for them.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Her older son, Mark, graduated from Denver Academy two years ago and is attending Colorado State University. Her younger son, James, is a junior at DA.
[ Cris Norin ] The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant difference at Denver Academy through the donation of their time and talents on an ongoing basis. Cris came to Colorado five years ago from California so that her sons Mark and James could attend Denver Academy.
Since Cris has been at DA she has volunteered wherever she is needed. “There is no job too small for her,” said Karen Lozow, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. Cris has worked in the library, chaired the Gala, and worked at DA’s Habitat for Humanity program that her son helped to start. “When you need a volunteer, Cris is there,” Karen said.
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ANNUAL REPORT [ 2010-2011 ]
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2010 DA GOLF TOURNAMENT The 9th Annual Denver Academy Golf Tournament returned to Pinehurst Country Club, where golfers enjoyed great weather, food, golf and a beautiful setting. With a sold-out field of 88 players, we continue to attract skilled golfers who appreciate the fast pace of our tournament and great prizes. The Golf Tournament Committee did an outstanding job and succeeded in increasing revenue by 50 percent above what was raised in the 2009 tournament. Proceeds benefitted the Tuition Assistance Fund, Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund and the DA Golf Team. Committee: Keith Lawton Nicky Gittelman* Bo Squire Lisa Bailey Pam Hassler
In Kind Sponsors: Deep Rock Water Colorado Ski & Golf/Gart Co. Elements Therapeutic Massage, Castle Rock Green Valley Ranch Golf Club Highlands Ranch Spa Keith and Karen Lawton Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Presenting Sponsors: Keith & Karen Lawton* Eagle Sponsors: 1st Bank, Lakewood Branch Medical Business Resources DA Golf Team Sponsor: McCormick Equities, Inc. Hole Sponsors: Precious Metal Processing Chris A. Weatherman, Weatherman Insurance Agency Bev and Kate Hutter Steve and Nicky Gittelman* *Denver Academy Trustees
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Keith Lawton | Golf Tournament Co-Chair
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GALA 2011 The Denver Museum of Nature and Science was the perfect location for the 2011 Gala. The sold-out event featured cocktails and a silent auction surrounded by dioramas of the flora and fauna of Colorado. Our 500 attendees enjoyed a wonderful evening, with dinner in the Main Hall Atrium, an energetic live auction, our “heads and tails” game and a testimonial from student, Jacob Lawton. No one will forget the flash mob rendition of “Under the Sea,” performed by students, teachers, faculty, staff and Gala Committee members. We are thankful to our community for helping to raise over $200,000 to benefit the Tuition Assistance Fund, an increase of 7 percent from last year’s revenue. The need for these important funds continues to grow. Gala Committee: Fiona Baldwin, Event Chair Valerie Alford Bev Ball Katie Davis-Crawford Lisa Bailey Elizabeth Barry Denise Bellucci Jody Charmatz Joan Ebersole Eve Epstein Joan Eckrich Marsha Engel Diana Hall Leslie Hammer-Palen Pam Hassler
Jan Hubert Diane Lowry Kathy Madill Shirley McClain Jenny McCulloch Betsy McGiboney-Miller Cris Norin Cia Perlman-Gere Connie Robertson Maria Pace Smith Sandy Solomon Mike Strascina T.J. Sullivan Deb Woodward
Corporate Sponsors: Silver Circle Lockton Companies, LLC Ralph Schomp Automotive SMART Technologies Bronze Circle J.K. Mullen Foundation University of Denver Vessels Coal Gas, Inc. Copper Circle Larry and Jill DiPasquale Michael’s of Denver Catering Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage TIAA-CREF
2011 Reach for the Stars Award Philanthropists John and Carrie Morgridge
John and Carrie Morgridge have a passion for education and literacy. Through their Morgridge Family Foundation, they have a 16-year history of investing in new buildings on college campuses, reading programs in elementary schools, scholarships, a new charter school and technology. With leadership and vision, Mr. and Mrs. Morgridge formed the 21st Century Classrooms Collaboration, providing tools of interactive technology and multimedia curriculum to impact student achievement and teacher engagement and retention. Due to the Morgridges’ generosity, more than 10,000 SMART boards are used daily in Colorado schools. It was an honor for Headmaster Kevin Smith and DA senior, Andrew Sowin, to present Mr. and Mrs. Morgridge with a handcrafted award at the event.
John & Carrie Morgridge
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ANNUAL REPORT [ 2010-2011 ]
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Annual Fund 2010-2011
[ Making a Difference for Every Student ]
Tuition Assistance | Faculty Enrichment Programs Academics | Library | Athletics | Drama | Arts Technology | Physical Education | Student Clubs Buildings and Grounds | Music
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Whether it’s inside or outside of the classroom, the Annual Fund helps Denver Academy live up to its mission of excellence in education for children with learning differences. As is the case with fellow independent schools, the Annual Fund is a yearly fundraising appeal to bridge the gap between the total cost of running the school and tuition revenue. The 2010-2011 Annual Fund raised $1,039,944 and touched every student and every facet of campus life at DA. The remarkable generosity of the DA community—parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, friends, faculty and staff, foundations—supports the people and programs that make DA excellent. Throughout the pages of this Annual Report you see the benefits of your gifts; whether it’s the gift of your time and talent or in-kind or cash donations, the impact is substantial. Because of gifts to the Annual Fund, the DA Gala, the DA Golf Tournament, grants from foundations and staff gifts to the Abel Martinez, Jr. and Kevin Gregier Memorial Endowment Funds, we were able to provide tuition assistance awards to 117 students who would otherwise have been unable to attend DA. The impact for students is profound. As this 2011 honors graduate writes: “I thought of Denver Academy as a dream school. I observed classes and saw that students weren’t marginalized or talked down to…I saw the mutual respect between the students and the teachers. I knew that I desperately required alternative education, but my family simply couldn’t afford tuition. Without the generous support of donors, I would not have been afforded the opportunity to attend a school that meets all of my academic and disability needs. I was given the chance to thrive and I began to enjoy school for the first time in my life.”
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ANNUAL REPORT [ 2010-2011 ]
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Grants Denver Academy is grateful for the support from foundations and corporations that believe in our mission and the potential of our students. This support helps to make some of our most important activities possible.
The Denver Academy Tuition Assistance Fund Through generous grants in 2010-2011, numerous students received support to attend Denver Academy. The result of the investments of the following foundations is immeasurable as children receive the specialized education their families would otherwise be unable to afford. The Anschutz Foundation __________________________________ $30,000 The Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation __________________________________ $14,000 The Virginia Hill Foundation __________________________________ $10,000
Scholarship Endowment The Glendorn Foundation began its support of Denver Academy’s scholarship endowment fund in 1999. The Glendorn Scholarship Endowment Fund has reached $179,034 in value and continues to grow with the addition of a $25,000 pledge recently awarded by the foundation.
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1:1 Assistive Technology The 1:1 Assistive Technology program, designed to provide assistive technology via iPad devices for students, and iPads and MacBook computers for teachers, would not have happened without the support of two prestigious foundations—the Edward E. Ford Foundation and the Morgridge Family Foundation. With a challenge grant of $50,000 from the E.E. Ford Foundation, we were able to secure a matching grant from the Morgridge Family Foundation of $195,000, plus additional individual donations for this important project. The E.E. Ford Foundation grant allowed us to prepare our high school teachers and program team with the professional development component necessary to roll-out this initiative successfully, while the Morgridge Family Foundation grant provided the essential funding for the wireless technology infrastructure.
Google Adwords Our third year as a recipient of the Google Adwords grant program gave us nearly $38,000 worth of free Adwords, helping us to maximize our school’s presence on the internet via Google searches.
Across Campus – For the Arts, Mathematics and Safety Through the generous support of the Arneson Charitable Foundation, a grant of $13,000 made it possible to purchase a large format digital printer for the Arts department. The benefits of this printer are unlimited—students can create poster size art, learn graphic art design and showcase photography. This printer also saves the school money in the long run as it is used to create banners and posters that were once outsourced to vendors. A grant of $2,000 from the Kinder Morgan Foundation helped to fund a new Experiential Mathematics Program led by teacher Paul Sasaki. Through the use of electronic circuitry and computer components, high school students who learn experientially can create projects that help them to better understand abstract mathematical concepts.
Senior Sean Laughlin
Denver Academy was the first school to be chosen by the American Red Cross Colorado Chapter to participate in the Save A Life Denver program, designed to put more AEDs (heart defibrillators) into public places in the city. DA was awarded five AEDs under this program, bringing the total AEDs on campus to eight. A portable unit was included for coaches and teachers to bring to sporting events. Large Format Printer
Senior Blake Kast & Paramedic Dennis Baker P
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Endowment Denver Academy’s Endowment Fund is a vital resource for the future–to provide revenue for operations, to fund new strategic initiatives and to ensure scholarship funding for students, especially in changing economic and demographic climates. We know the future of the economy in the near-term is uncertain, but we are optimistic about the long-term and our ability to thrive as an institution and, above all, to remain focused on helping our students realize their full potential. An endowed gift is permanently invested and the original principal is preserved in perpetuity. Annual income from the fund supports general operating expenses or particular programs designated by donors, such as tuition assistance and faculty enrichment. Through generous contributions from families, staff, foundations and friends, the following named endowment funds have been established to perpetuate the legacy of Denver Academy and to provide important financial sustainability for its future. BALANCE FUND 6/30/2011
BALANCE FUND 6/30/2011
Scholarship Endowment 25th Anniversary Fund Abel Martinez Jr. Memorial Fund Anonymous Fund Baldwin Family Fund Bob Simmons Memorial Fund Carson Foundation Fund Casey Kahn Memorial Fund Cosby Fund DA Golf Tournament Fund Daniels Foundation Fund Epstein Family Fund Gary Family Fund General Fund Glendorn Foundation Fund Horwich Charitable Trust Fund J.K. Mullen Foundation Fund Jim Dierker Fund Justin Stecker Memorial Fund Karpas Family Fund Kevin Gregier Memorial Fund Messinger Fund Phil Johnson Fund Richardson Family Fund Swan Foundation Fund Taddonio Family Fund
Senior Class Legacy Funds Class of 2007 Gittelman Family Fund Gwirtsman Family Fund General Fund Class of 2008 - General Fund Class of 2009 - General Fund Class of 2010 - General Fund Class of 2011 - General Fund Faculty Enrichment Endowment General Endowment Alumni Brick Campaign Gates Family Foundation Fund General Fund J.K. Mullen Foundation General Fund Total Quasi Endowment Fund Grand Total
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$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
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10,197 50,056 412,096 57,786 20,980 334,649 76,111 86,298 40,236 184,987 11,700 448,444 65,190 179,034 14,745 163,960 26,261 53,024 9,674 42,097 34,991 16,309 62,210 25,492 39,326
$ 5,060 $ 42,139 $ 29,100 $ 26,316 $ 12,485 $ 2,857 $ 7,993 $ 29,194
$ 2,484 $ 213,775 $ 52,429 $ 48,605 $ 2,938,290 $ 16,513 $ 2,954,803
Denver Academy Legacy Society Craig Knippenberg and Lisa Patterson have a special affinity for Denver Academy. As counselors with Knippenberg, Patterson & Associates, they have helped many Denver Academy students and families over the past 25 years. They have also provided parent/ professional training and lectures on the challenges that learning differences present in school and at home. Craig has served on the DA Board of Trustees since 2004. When asked what motivated them to include Denver Academy in their estate plans, Craig and Lisa told us “As a working family, we’ve never had the ability to make financial contributions to match our emotional attachment to DA. We realized that joining the Legacy Society was a way for us to meet both goals.”
Lisa Patterson & Craig Knippenberg
Giving Hope to Future Generations Over our lifetime, there are many people and institutions that have significant impacts on our families. Members of the Denver Academy Legacy Society have expressed the importance of DA in their lives by making a commitment to the school through their will, a trust, a gift annuity, life insurance policy or other deferred gift. Although these gifts may not come to fruition for many years, the Legacy Society is a wonderful way to provide a solid foundation for the School’s fiscal health, while ensuring that future generations of students with learning differences will benefit from a Denver Academy education. Denver Academy Legacy Society: Jane Anderson Eddie and Judy Black Lyle and Connie Blessman Darwin and Debbie Campbell Bob and Liane Clasen Robert M. Cole Trust* Jim and Lynn Dierker Steve and Nicky Gittelman Michael and Wendy Handler Jerry and Ginny Hutcheson
Don and Sharon Jacobs Phil Johnson and Lou Raders Tom and Leigh Kahn Craig Knippenberg David and Barbara Knize Mark and Ruth Lampert Becky Leibman and John Hoskins Jim Loan Anne Marie Messinger Paul and Theresa Messinger
Tim and Sallie O’Connor Peter O’Neil David and Louise Santomarco Nedree Simpson Kevin Smith and Maria Pace Smith Katie Smolka* Dale and Marty Wagner Neil and Laura Waldron John and Missy Warner * Deceased
If you are among those who have named Denver Academy in your estate plans and your name is not listed here, we would love to hear from you. We invite you to contact the Development Office at 303-777-5870.
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Revenues Tuition/Fees Contributions Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted Interest/Investment/Other Income Total
Amount $ 8,173,806 $ 246,914 $ 670,473 $ 103,235 $ 322,766 $ 9,517,194
Percent 85.9% 10.7%
3.4%
Expenses Educational $ 5,253,667 58.4% Student Activities $ 167,354 1.9% Operations/Maintenance $ 731,205 8.1% Depreciation/Amortization $ 584,853 6.5% General Administration/Operations $ 1,481,385 16.5% Development, Alumni and Publications $ 354,215 3.9% Interest Expense $ 429,318 4.8% Total $ 9,001,997 Change in Net Assets from Operations
$
515,197
Revenues from Other Activities
$
24,457
Change in Net Assets
$
539,654
Annual Giving Club Information Donor Category Level Wings of the Future Council $20,000 and above Excellence Council $10,000 - $19,999 DA Leadership Council $5,000 - $9,999 Headmaster’s Council $2,500 - $4,999 DA Scholar Council $1,000 - $2,499 Benefactor’s Circle $500 - $999 Century Circle $100 - $499 DA Friends Up to $99 Total Donors
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Number of Donors 6 8 13 5 45 36 183 148 444
Annual Fund Contributions by Uses
Annual Fund Contributions by Source
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Amy Wood Memorial Walk/Run Volunteers
Paul Buscarello
Musician David Amram with High School Students
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“Many hands make light work.�
John Heywood
One key to the success of our students and school is the significant impact of the volunteer support we receive from our parents, friends and community. Whether it is the Board of Trustees, the Board Committees, Annual Fund Phonathon callers, DAPA members or event, library and homeroom volunteers, we could not achieve success without your assistance. Thank you for your generous and thoughtful support!
Brad and Jake Lozow
Jeff Branson and Students
Mrs. Peavler
Fiona Baldwin
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4400 East Iliff Avenue • Denver, CO 80222 • (303) 777-5870 • denveracademy.org This Annual Report is a publication of Denver Academy. © 2011 Denver Academy Designed by Ridgeline Graphic Solutions | Denver, Colorado Cover Picture by Kris Fritzsche