Denver Academy 2012-2013 Annual Report

2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 Lorraine Alcott | President Volunteer Manager at Jeffco Action Center

Craig Knippenberg Licensed Social Worker & Counselor Knippenberg, Patterson & Associates

Ed Callahan | President-Elect for 2013-2014 Business Consultant

Karen Lawton Community Volunteer

Maureen Cain Attorney

Nancy Rhyme | Secretary Director of the National Conference of State Legislators

Nicky Gittelman Community Volunteer Kathryn Harris Senior Associate, Development Generation Schools Network

‘72

t h e

1972-2012

N

V

E

R

A C

A

4 0

D

E

EMERITUS TRUSTEES Jim Dierker Attorney

Phil Johnson Partner Bennington, Johnson Biermann & Craigmile, LLC

y e a r s

o f

DA

[ DA was founded as the Denver Educational Clinic, a tutoring service for the diagnosis and remediation of children with learning disabilities.

Founded by Dr. Paul Knott

E

Jill Singer President, DAPA

Laura Waldron Community Volunteer

its store front location to the Sunday School rooms of a church [ There were 36 students, 5 teachers, a secretary and an Executive Director, Dr. Paul Knott

D

Kevin M. Smith Headmaster, Denver Academy

Dr. Nancy Gary Clinical Psychologist Neuro-Developmental Center

‘73 [ The clinic expanded to become Denver Academy and was moved from

EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES

Bruce Wagner President and COO of Wagner Equipment Company

Missy Warner Sr. Business Development Manager Weston Solutions, Inc.

Bryan Hassler Managing Director VP of Asset Development, Xcel

T r u s t e e s

Paul Pressler Faculty Representative

Peter O’Neil President & CEO Colorado Outward Bound School

Cyle Feingold | ‘91 President of Results Learning, LLC

o f

Kim Pankratz | ‘89 President, DA Alumni Association

Steve Lockton Executive Vice President Lockton Companies, LLC

Gregg Cooper | ‘96 | Treasurer Director, Financial Advisory Services CBIZ Risk & Advisory Services, LLC

John Farnam Principal at Market Anticipators

F o ll o w

B o a r d

M

Y

4

0

Y E

A

R

S

Steve Mooney Manager Mooney Enterprises, LLC Mooney Ventures, LLC Tim O’Connor President and CEO J.K. Mullen Foundation

Friends, The 2012-2013 academic year was an exciting one for Denver Academy as we celebrated our 40th anniversary. Looking back on my 27 years at DA, I am amazed just how far we have come. A school that began serving just 36 students has grown into a program serving over 350 students. After four locations, Denver Academy has situated itself on a beautiful and historic 20-acre campus at Iliff and Birch Streets.

Our time of celebration also became a time of transition in leadership. I want to sincerely thank DA’s previous Headmaster, Kevin Smith, for his dedication and hard work at Denver Academy. Thank you for your support as I transitioned into my new role.

I am so proud of what Denver Academy has become! We can’t do it without the support of our donors, volunteers, Board of Trustees, staff, parents, alumni and students. Thank you for 40 years of success and many more to come.

Sincerely,

Mark T. Twarogowski, Headmaster

Hello and thank you for reading the 2012-2013 Annual Report for Denver Academy. As President of the Board of Trustees this past year, I had the privilege of working closely with the DA teachers and staff, and a dedicated group of trustees who worked together to guide this school forward every day.

This past year we celebrated Denver Academy’s 40th anniversary. Although many things have changed since its beginnings in 1972, DA remains as committed today to educating children and youth with learning differences as it was 40 years ago.

Our 40th year was also a year of transition as we said goodbye to Headmaster Kevin Smith. Please take a moment and read through this report and learn something you didn’t know about a school we all love. See the amazing accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff, including the Class of 2013. Revel in the past by honoring Reach for the Stars honoree, and former Headmaster, Jim Loan, acknowledge the present by celebrating Headmaster Kevin Smith, and anticipate the strong future of DA by welcoming veteran Mark Twarogowski into his new role as Interim Headmaster.

Please join with me as we celebrate a school that thrives on diversity and individual strengths.

Sincerely,

Lorraine Alcott, Board President

A

N

N

U A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

2

0

1

2

-

2

0

1

3

L

ETTERS

|

1

T r a n s f o r m i n g L i v e s C L ASS o f 2 0 1 3

Photo by : O ur Family Clicks

2

|

C

L

ASS

OF

2

0

1

3

Chad Abeyta Colorado Mesa University

William East National Outdoor Leadership School

Miranda Moison Colorado State University

Ethan Acosta NHS Purdue University

Adam Ebel Drake University

Kathrin Naeff Colorado State University

Lauren Allen University of Colorado, Denver

John Edwards University of Colorado, Boulder

James Norin NHS Front Range Community College

Scott Baldwin NHS Lynn University

Seth Feldman Gap Year, Whittier College

Roberts Ozolinsh Metro State University of Denver

Liana Bardallis University of Puget Sound

Hunter Foery Gap Year

Megan Reid University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Bridget Barker Regis University

Clayton Foley Emily Griffith Technical College

Reed Robertson NHS Lawrence University

Mahlet Berhanemeskel Art Institute of Colorado

Kenton Foley Arapahoe Community College

Brian Rodgers NHS Colorado School of Mines

Sonia Bhasin NHS University of Northern Colorado

Julian Franco Barnett Bicycle Institute

Madison Root Fort Lewis College

Zoe Black Colorado State University

Jacob Gabel University of Denver

Zachary Schulte Gap Year: South Korea

Ian Bowers Hastings College

David Gass Fort Lewis College

Kelsey Silver NHS Colorado State University

Pearce Brown Fort Lewis College

Torge Goderstad Sierra Nevada College

Cory Spain University of Northern Colorado

Barrett Buscher College of Charleston

Adam Golder Metro State University of Denver

Noah Sugrue Jefferson College

Nicholas Carpenter NHS Marquette University

Sydney Gross NHS Arapahoe Community College

Carson Swank Gap Year

Taylor Clark Colorado State University, Pueblo

Marissa Haag University of Northern Colorado

Grant Thomas Colorado Film School

Jenna Conte Community College of Denver

Caitlyn Hassler NHS Regis University

Stefanie Updegraff Undeclared

Jonah Creager Art Institute of Colorado

Michael Herbertson Colorado Mountain College

William Van Pelt Wyoming Technical Institute

Scott Culbertson Colorado Mesa University

Sarah Hill Work

Turner Van Pelt Wyoming Technical Institute

Jeremiah D’Arcy University of Denver

Elliot Lawful NHS University of Northern Colorado

Alexander Wessner Regis University

Jacob Dahl NHS University of Denver

Taylor Levine-Byrd Regency Beauty Institute

Cole Wilde Colorado Mesa University

Cooper Dahlen-Pagano University of Denver

Benjamin Lewis Work

Matthew Wile Arapahoe Community College

Bethany Dean Undeclared

Connor Lough University of Northern Colorado

Miles Wilson Red Rocks Community College

Dominic DiFranco NHS Metro State University of Denver

Rachel Meine Metro State University of Denver

Jessica Woodward NHS University of Northern Colorado Li Yu Yen Miami International Univ., Art & Design

A

N

N

U A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

2

0

1

2

-

2

0

1

3

C

L

ASS

OF

2

0

1

3

|

3

4

|

STUDENTS

STUDENTS

A

Fa m i ly

T r a n s f o r m e d

The Lampert sisters have been a force to be reckoned with at DA. In 1999, big sister Mara joined DA in third grade at the Race Street Campus. She quickly became a volunteer in the Development and Admissions Offices. Her junior year, Mara received the Messinger Award given to an outstanding junior. As a senior she was Student Senate President and graduated with the class of 2008. She is on track to graduate from the Community College of Denver in the spring of 2014 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. At CCD Mara was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

The most life-changing event in Mara’s life was attending Denver Academy. For her, DA is a place where you don’t have to fit in a mold and everyone gets the support they need to thrive. At Denver Academy it wasn’t just about ‘book learning’ but also learning to become independent and a self-advocate.

Aleeza Lampert came to Denver Academy in 2003 as a second grader. She was involved with Student Senate and volunteers in the Development Office. Aleeza feels most at home in the drama building and most alive while performing on stage. She loves to sing, make jewelry and is a photographer. Like her sister, she received the Messinger Award for being an outstanding junior.

The most life-changing event for Aleeza was being diagnosed with diabetes at age ten. This health challenge helped her mature and become more responsible. Aleeza feels that an ideal fit for a DA student is someone who hasn’t lived up to their potential, who hasn’t gotten the right instruction, but who wants to learn. In five years, she hopes to be finishing a Masters Degree in Psychology so she can work with adolescents in her own private practice.

Both girls expressed a sense of comfort having their sister on campus and a shared appreciation of the sacrifices their parents made by sending them to DA. Mark and Ruth Lampert are the proud parents of Mara and Aleeza. Their involvement at Denver Academy has included membership in the Legacy Society, chairing the Annual Fund Phonathon and serving on the Development, Admissions, Mustang Connection, and Buildings and Grounds Committees. In addition, Ruth served as DAPA President and volunteered in the library.

‘74

‘76 ‘78

A

N

N

U A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

2

0

1

2

-

2

0

1

3

[ Denver Academy moves to 320 South Sherman Street, leasing the former St. Francis de Sales High School building [ In the Spring of 1974 Jeff Weinstock and Chuck Moore are the first students to graduate from Denver Academy [ DA incorporates as a nonprofit organization [ Due to growing enrollment DA leases the former St. Francis de Sales Elementary School location 235 South Sherman Street, Denver

STUDENTS

|

5

1972-2012

Even their grandparents, Ed and Raeann Lampert are active in the DA community, chairing the Grandparents Annual Fund Campaign and attending DA events.

STUDENTS Valedictorian

Salutatorian

Salutatorian

C a i t l y n H a s s l e r

N i c k C a r p e n t e r

IAN B o w e r s

The class valedictorian is chosen holistically, with the greatest emphasis on GPA. Extracurricular activities, leadership and community service are considered as well.

“I have been teaching high school seniors at Denver Academy for seventeen years, and I don’t believe there has been a harderworking, more dedicated student than Caity Hassler,” says Carey Eskesen. Caity is a young woman comfortable in her own skin.

She is an academic leader, a friend to all and excels in basketball. She is also a woman of strong faith, and spends generous amounts of time with her church and its outreach activities, including multiple mission trips to Guatemala.

Bev Ball, DA art teacher, says this about Caity, “The years we’ve spent at DA with Caity have taught us that beyond all the flash are the truly lovely, those who maintain values that will guide them through a lifetime, those who live in responsibly graceful ways.

Caity believes this to be the normal course of things. Right out there, not hiding, without a peep and full of grace, she shows us how to live.”

‘79 1972-2012

6

Salutatorian is an academic title given to the second highest graduate of an entire graduating class. It is based on grade point average, and other factors such as cocurricular and extracurricular activities.

Nick is a young man who is mature, serious, playful, funny, thoughtful, articulate and enthusiastic. He shows academic leadership through his work as a Denver Academy Student Ambassador and as a member and Treasurer of the National Honor Society. He has the unique ability to balance a number of extra-curricular activities with a challenging academic schedule.

Nick is the backbone behind DA’s GayStraight Alliance. Athletically, Nick is an active member of the Varsity track and cross country teams. In addition, he spends a great deal of his time in the theater in lead roles or serving as the Student Director. His summers are filled with more work in the community as a Counselor in Training at Sanborn Western Camp and DA’s Summer School Program.

[ 1st Parent Association established, which included an all-volunteer fundraising committee, chaired by Jim Noble [ Enrollment grows to 100 students [ Tuition $3,000 per student [ First Board of Trustees established, with Jerry Popiel as President [ The student boarding program began. Students housed with local families [ Forty percent of the high school students are boarding students from Canada [ 1st varsity basketball team established

|

STUDENTS

Ian is described by teacher Bobby Duhamel as a busin-essman.

“With the precision of a successful executive, Ian navigates and orchestrates his movement through life. People may say that Ian is lucky, but I’m here to tell you that luck has absolutely nothing to do with Ian’s success. Ian has worked very hard for every accolade he has received.

While the rest of us were still sleeping, Ian was up working on strengthening his body and refining his game. Late in the evening, long after most had turned off the TV or computer, Ian was awake, feeding his intellect and expanding his mind. Day after day, Ian has looked his challenges square in the eye and through perseverance, grit and determination, has brought them to their knees” After graduation Ian helped coach AAU basketball for at risk youth and then planned to attend Hastings College in Nebraska on both an academic and athletic scholarship for basketball as well as track.

STUDENTS Phil Johnson and Lou Raders Community Service Scholarship Award

D o m i n i c D i f r a n c o

Messinger Award

Alumni Association Outstanding Senior

Al e e z a L a mp e r t

K e l s e y S i l v e r

The Messinger Award is given to an outstanding DA junior every year.

The 2013 recipient of the Phil Johnson and Lou Raders Community Service College Scholarship Award was Dominic DiFranco. This award was created by Phil and Lou in 2009 to honor a senior student who has performed exemplary community service.

Aleeza is a leader on our campus. Through hard work she has become good at learning, and now enjoys it! Her teachers found her to be mature and responsible, with an ability to read those around her and provide them with the support they need. DA has taught her to advocate for herself, seek help when she needs it and to never give up. These strategies have helped her in her struggle with diabetes and other challenges she encounters. She set a great example for the class of 2014!

As part of his youth group with Notre Dame Catholic Church, Dominic spent numerous hours in a variety of service projects and during his senior year helped to feed homeless men and teens in Denver.

In his letter of application, Dominic said “I was surprised to see how much joy a simple cup of coffee and a bologna sandwich could bring to these people. I will always remember the happenings at the soup kitchen…it has taught me that one of my callings in life is to help people in need”. Ken Sladovnik, Notre Dame Youth Director said “Dominic is one of the kindest and most caring young men I have worked with in my eleven years of youth ministry. He is one of the few that uses these opportunities to not only serve, but to share his gifts and talents with members of our own group…”

Kelsey Silver is the Renaissance woman.

Her long list of accomplishments in her three years at Denver Academy include: being a member of the volleyball, basketball and track teams, the Vice President of Student Senate, a member of NHS, a student mentor, an ambassador, and a phenomenal performer in theater.

What this long list may, or may not tell you, is that Kelsey is an incredibly hard-worker, kind-hearted, and the type of independent, mature young woman that will undeniably find success in anything she sets her mind to.

Kelsey has had an impact on Denver Academy, and will move on to impact the lives of many more at CSU studying Environmental Sustainability.

‘81

‘83

Dominic received a $1,000 scholarship for his studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver where he is pursuing plans to become a commercial aircraft pilot and eventually an air ambulance pilot.

[ Preparatory High School program begins [ Experiential Education program begins [ 1st Student Council formed [ 1st Director of Development, Candace Taylor hired [ 1st capital campaign, “Investment in Excellence”, to buy Washington Park Elementary School, fundraising goal was $2 million. Campaign chairs: Tim O’Connor and Chuck Kirkpatrick [ A partnership was formed with a psychologist in Calgary, Canada to create Calgary School and Edmonton Academy. [ DA purchased the former Washington Park Elementary School located at 1101 South Race Street [ DA holds its first education symposium library, greenhouse and science lab [ Enrollment 200 [ First soccer team established; they became Metro League champs their inaugural year

‘86 [ 1st varsity football team established ‘87 [ 1st drama production, “A Case for Two Detectives”, directed by Fred Miller

[ High school was divided into Upper School and Preparatory divisions, this was then changed to Prep, Blue and Green divisions [ Wrestling team established

A

N

N

U A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

2

0

1

2

-

2

0

1

3

STUDENTS

|

7

1972-2012

‘85 [ 1st annual fundraiser held to raise money for construction of a gym,

AWARDS

Teacher of the Year

Wings of the Future Award

Staff Person of the Year

B o bb y D u h a m e l

G a r y M c M i ll i n

A n t h o n y Sl a u g h t e r

The Teacher of the Year Award honors a year of outstanding success in the classroom through commitment, competence and professionalism.

Bobby is a team player.

When asked to join the Senior Division as a teacher, he took a personal and professional leap. He believes every one of our students has great talents and should be challenged.

Whether its summer reading assignments, literature, world religions, MIT projects, Senate or his homeroom, Bobby’s students are challenged and supported.

Bobby promotes a healthy, grounded presence wherever he goes and with whomever he is interacting. He embodies the DA philosophy he encourages, he gives hope and he expects much.

The Wings of the Future Award honors a faculty member who has achieved the highest level of accomplishment in classroom teaching and manifests an extraordinary dedication to the students of Denver Academy.

Gary has been a caring, consistent presence at DA for over 16 years. His students, peers and DA parents respect his quiet, compassionate approach to teaching and mentoring. His relationship with students is what makes Denver Academy the special place that it is.

His sense of humor carries his students through the day. He is approachable, dependable and professional. He is a leader with an amazing work ethic. His communication, organizational and technology skills keep him on the cutting edge of the teaching profession.

‘89 [ DA receives accreditation from the ACIS (Association of Colorado Independent Schools), NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) and CDE (The Colorado Department of Education

‘90

1972-2012

‘91 ‘92

8

[ 250 students [ DA enters the computer age by adding 40 computers and 20 printers [ Varsity basketball team becomes the 2A District 8 Champions [ Dr. Paul Knott and the Board of Trustees resigns [ Jim Loan is appointed the interim Headmaster [ Bob Beale elected as the interim President of the Board of Trustees

|

AWARDS

The Staff Member of the Year Award honors an individual whose hard work, dedication and commitment have made a difference at Denver Academy.

Anthony Slaughter is Director of the Information Technology Office and CoChair of the Diversity Committee. He began work at DA in 1996, leaving twice and always coming back home to DA, but he has taught in the classroom and by example at DA for 18 years. He cares about people and making their day better through the use of technology.

Anthony is quiet and always listening. He then comes up with the perfect solution to your problem. He also has a great sense of humor which goes nicely with the twinkle in his eye. He is the lead geek of the DA geek squad and a magnet to our students who love everything IT. Congrats Mr. Slaughter for making Denver Academy a better place!

AWARDS

Volunteer of the Year

Reach for the Stars Honoree

P a m H a s s l e r

J a m e s

The Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual who has supported and enriched Denver Academy through their generous donation of time and talent.

E .

L OAN

This award honors an individual who has raised awareness of the educational needs of children with learning differences through advocacy, philanthropic endeavors or professional body of work.

Jim Loan’s career began in the early 1970s. His talent for innovating, adapting and implementing teaching methodologies, curriculum and programs for diverse learners surfaced soon after. He earned an MA in Special Education, with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities, from the University of Northern Colorado. In 1974, he joined DA and was co-creator of the school’s pioneering curricula. For over three decades his dedication to developing the intellectual, social, physical and moral potentials of learning diverse students led to DA’s recognition as a national center for innovation and excellence. An equally talented strategist, fundraiser and administrator, Loan oversaw the school’s expansion, including the purchase of the Iliff Street campus and increased student enrollment. Jim served as Denver Academy’s Headmaster from 1992 to 2008.

Pam Hassler has been an asset and resource for DA, for over six years. In her award nominations, fellow volunteers and staff expressed gratitude, respect, fondness and awe; waxing poetic about her prowess with both the mundane and challenging, but always time-consuming work she dispatched with precision and good humor.

An accountant by training, she dedicated untold hours of her “amazing accounting abilities” to fundraising initiatives as Controller for the Golf Tournament and Gala as well as serving on DAPA, Mustang Connection and the Booster Club which supports the Physical Education and Athletics Departments.

Throughout his career Jim Loan has worked tirelessly toward quality education on the state, national and international levels. He has lectured at local colleges, universities and for the Council for Exceptional Children. As a co-founder of Project Intercept, Jim supported teacher training, the designing of schools and the re-designing of curricula in cities such as Edmonton and Calgary, Canada; La Place, Louisiana; San Antonio, Texas; and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

He has made a life changing difference to thousands of children and their families!

Well done Pam!

‘95

‘96

‘97

A

N

N

U A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

2

0

1

2

-

2

0

1

3

[ Counseling/mental health program begins [ Jim Dierker becomes President of the Board of Trustees (serves for three – three year terms). [ Final season of the football team [ Enrollment capped at 300 students and a waiting list established [ Girl’s Program started to address the specific needs of the school’s female students

1972-2012

‘94

[ Multiple Intelligence Program begins [ Alumni Association formed [ High school program restructured: Progressive, Core and Prep [ 1st Alumni/Faculty basketball game

AWARDS

|

9

TRANSFOR M ATIONA L

G IFTS

2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3

Op e r a t i n g

INCO M E

Tuition and Fees

$8,557,297

81%

Charitable Contributions

$1,384,825

13%

Other Income

$386,745

Endowment

$210,859 2%

Tuition and Fees 81%

4%

TOTA L $10,539,726 Charitable Contributions 13% Endowment 2% Other Income 4%

2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3

Op e r a t i n g

E x p e n s e s

Educational

$5,502,012 59%

Administrative

$1,876,070 20%

Depreciation/Amortization/Interest $1,177,763 13% Operations/Maintenance

$758,633 8%

TOTA L $9,808,582

Educational 59%

Depreciation/Amortization/Interest 13% Operations/Maintenance 8% Administrative 20%

‘98

‘99 ‘00 1972-2012

1 0

[ Celebrate 25th Anniversary, chaired by Bo Squire; an endowment was created [ 1st Wings of the Future award to Sandy Righter [ 340 students [ Process started to purchase Bethesda Hospital Campus [ “Stepping Stones to the Future” campaign begins for the renovation of the new campus. [ DAFFY begins (Denver Academy Film Festival for Youth)

|

TRANSFOR M ATIONA L

G IFTS

TRANSFOR M ATIONA L

G IFTS

2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3

ANNUA L G IVIN G Restricted for

Permanently Unrestricted Current Use Restricted Total

Annual Fund

$181,460

$305,941

$4,298

$473,563

Events (Gala)

--

$187,833

--

$187,833

Events (Golf Tournament)

--

$18,265

$35,393

$53,658

In Kind

--

$334,848

--

$334,848

DAPA (Denver Academy Parent Assoc.)

--

$59,712

--

$59,712

Endowment

-- --

$170,498 $170,498

TOTA L

$1,280,112

2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3

c Restricted a p i t a l g i f t s for

Permanently Unrestricted Current Use Restricted Total

Mustang Hall Renovation Campaign*

--

$310,455

--

$310,455

* Gifts in fiscal 2013 TOTA L

‘02

[ Purchase of the historic Bethesda Hospital property located at 4400 East Iliff Avenue [ 1st Golf Tournament held in memory of DA student Casey Kahn [ Colorado Rockies Mike Hampton Baseball field completed on campus [ There are 400 students grades 1 -12

‘03 [ Phil Johnson elected President of the Board of Trustees

[ National Honor Society chapter is established at DA

‘04

A

N

N

U A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

2

0

1

2

-

2

0

1

3

[ Richardson Hall completed; first high school built in the US specifically for teaching children with learning differences [ Legacy Society begins, an opportunity for donors to remember Denver Academy in their estate plans

TRANSFOR M ATIONA L

G IFTS

|

1 1

1972-2012

‘01

$1,590,567

‘06 ‘07 ‘08

‘09

‘10

‘11

‘12

[ Alumni walk established to honor and recognize the success of DA alumni. Located at the historic gate entrance at East Iliff and Birch Streets [ The “Reach for the Stars Award” was created and the 1st honoree was Henry Winkler [ Cindy Brown elected President of the Board of Trustees [ Jim Loan retires as Headmaster after 36 years of service, 26 years as Headmaster [ Kevin Smith selected as the third Headmaster of Denver Academy [ Clasen Courtyard was created, the patio on the west side of the theater [ Completion of the Saipe Family Metal Arts Studio allows our popular welding program to be on campus [ Senior Hall renovated [ Every classroom equipped with SMART Board technology [ Much needed storage and enhanced weight room were added to the gymnasium [ Core, Prep and Progressive high schools are unified into one high school with four grade divisions (freshman, sophomore, junior and senior) [ Cushman-Neal Family Playground installed [ College Achievement Program (CAP) established to provide graduates academic and/or life skill support post high school [ Fire in the Arts & Technology building, contained to one art studio [ The 1:1 iPad initiative was launched. [ The Cushman Neal Outdoor sport court was installed [ Lorraine Alcott becomes the Board President [ 40th Anniversary celebration begins

‘13 [ Mark Twarogowski becomes the 4th Headmaster of Denver Academy T h e f i r s t 4 0 h a v e b e e n t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l . . .

W h e r e w i ll t h e 4 0 t a k e u s ?

1972-2012 1 2

|

P

HI

L

ANTHRO

P Y

n e x t

P

HI

L

ANTHRO

P h i l a n t h r o p y m a k e s d i f f e r e n c e A t DA . . . i t t r a n s f o r m s l i v e s

“I’m going to tell you what Denver Academy means to me. Sports let you meet new people and you feel more involved. The teachers at DA are fun and they care about you and your learning…they teach in a way that you can learn and understand. I have made a lot of friends that care about me.

The best part about DA is meeting people like you and knowing you’re not the only one with a learning disability. Without DA I would be miserable and I would feel like I don’t belong and I would only learn a little, and the teachers wouldn’t care about me.”

P

a

Whether it’s inside or outside of the classroom, gifts to Denver Academy help our school live up to its mission of excellence in education for children with learning differences.

ANNUA L

FUND

The Annual Fund is the most important fundraising effort at DA. All contributions go directly into our operating budget to cover operating expenses. These valuable gifts help support all areas of the school, from faculty salaries to tuition assistance to day-to-day classroom programs. It takes the support of the entire community – parents, trustees, faculty and staff, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents and friends.

Thank you for sustaining Denver Academy through gifts to the Annual Fund.

~ From a 9th grade student

F u n d r a i s i n g E v e n t s The DA Gala helps transform student lives every year by raising revenue for Tuition Assistance. The 2013 event, chaired by parents Denise Bellucci and Jenny McCulloch raised over $176,907 through the efforts of generous donors, volunteers and guests.

“It has been in incredible journey to find our way to Denver Academy. Our daughter is a classic dyslexic child. We could not be at Denver Academy without tuition assistance, and our child would not be able to fall back in love with learning during these most formative years. We are grateful and humbled by the generosity of the community.”

The DA Golf Tournament also raises funds for Tuition Assistance and Tuition Assistance Endowment. The 2012 Tournament was a sellout at Pinehurst Country Club. Weather received an A+ as did the hard work of the event chairs; Keith Lawton and Nicky Gittelman.

Thanks to all sponsors, donors and golfers – you made a “hole in one” with record proceeds of $53,658.

~ From the mom of a 7th grader

A

N

N

U A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

Y

2

0

1

2

-

2

0

1

3

P

HI

L

ANTHRO

P Y

|

1 3

L E G ACY SOCIETY & ENDOW M ENT

L E G ACY

SOCIETY

Insuring future transformations 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.

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” ~Nelson Henderson

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 at the same time ensuring that future generations of students with learning differences will benefit from a Denver Academy education.

New members tell their stories…

Headmaster Twarogowski and his wife, Aimee Twarogowski It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 27 years since I found my way to Denver Academy. Over the years, DA has become my family. I met my wife Aimee here when we both taught at the Race Street campus in Middle School, Prep School and the old Green Division.

DA is where I grew up, learned to be a dad and became passionate about education.

Our school is a place where students receive an education tailor-made for their learning profile. I want nothing more than to see DA provide a transformative education for many more years and joining the Legacy Society was a way for Aimee and I to do that.

Headmaster Twarogowski and his wife, Aimee

E n d o w m e n t By preparing for the future, we provide a foundation that will allow Denver Academy to ensure that deserving students have access to excellent programs for years to come.

One of the highest priorities of Denver Academy is to increase the size of the school’s endowment. A larger endowment will help us to diversify revenue sources, and increase access for students by providing additional tuition assistance resources. The endowment is our school’s investment fund, invested over time to produce income, while the principal remains untouched, allowing the funds to have greater impact over time.

We are thankful for all of the support our school has received in the past from families, faculty and staff, and foundations they have shown their belief that in an investment in the school will continue to make a difference beyond their own lifetime.

1 4

|

P

HI

L

ANTHRO

P Y

Market Value of Endowment Funds (Both Permanent and Quasi) through June 30, 2013 $3,377,341 Distributions from Endowment Funds (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013)

$64,764

Contributions and Pledges Made to the Endowment (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013) $210,859

G

RANTS

G RANTS

Anschutz Foundation

$25,000

Tuition Assistance Program

The support of foundations also makes a significant impact for our students. We are extremely grateful to the foundations that generously supported Denver Academy with these grants in 2012-2013.

Daniels Fund

$10,000

Annual Fund (Trustee Directed)

Galena Foundation

$24,900

Tuition Assistance Program

Galena Foundation $5,000

Wings of the Future award (faculty enrichment)

Gates Family Foundation

$35,000

Mustang Hall Renovation Project

Google Grants

$40,763

Google Adwords Grant

Hewit Family Foundation

$20,000

Enrollment Management Initiative

Virginia W. Hill Foundation

$20,000

Tuition Assistance Program

J.K. Mullen Foundation

$150,000 Scholarship Endowment

(5-year pledge)

A

N

N

U A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

2

0

1

Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation

$10,000

Tuition Assistance Program

Kinder Morgan Foundation

$2,000

Welding/Industrial Arts program

RLC Foundation, a donor-advised fund of Rose Community Foundation

$6,600

Girls Empowerment Program

2

-

2

0

1

3

P HI L ANTHRO P Y

|

1 5

TEACH

D f t E

FOR

A M ERICA

e n v e r A c a d e m y a n d T e a c h o r Am e r i c a P a r t n e r o R e - E n v i s i o n Sp e c i a l d u c a t i o n

When Teach for America (TFA) national leaders set out to change the special education arena, they pondered: “Who can we learn from? Who is doing it right?” After a discovery trip last April by Ryan Mick, Director of National Special Education, TFA decided to take a team of educators from all over the country on a leadership journey to Denver Academy.

“Denver Academy is changing the way learning disabilities are viewed and supported” said Mick. “The vibe of the campus and belief in kids and families is amazing.”

On March 7, 2013, nearly twenty TFA special education leaders met with Denver Academy teachers, administrators, parents and students to learn what is possible for students with learning differences. The visiting leaders support core TFA members who work with special education educators and students across the country.

“The goal of this journey is to re-envision special education and then ask ourselves what it would take to get there,” said TFA Director of National Special Education Rebecca Chandler.

The visiting team was impressed by the tremendous amount of support they witnessed at DA, and not just support from teachers to students. Peer-to-peer support on both the teacher and student level was abundant. What’s more, they remarked how teachers didn’t shy away from rigorous materials. Even students with dyslexia or decoding problems were engaging with high-level, age-appropriate texts.

Teach for America (TFA) Visited DA Ryan Mick, Director of National Special Education at TFA brought a team of educators from all over the country to re-envision their programs for special education. They met with DA teachers, administrators, parents and students to learn what is possible and best practices for students with learning differences.

1 6

|

TEACH

FOR

A

M

ERICA

“I was completely blown away by the work you are doing at your school. In fact, it has utterly transformed my practice, and I am still thinking about all I learned while at DA…Your school is a shining example of what is possible with high expectations, love, and an asset-based approach.” ~ Meg Stewart Manager, Teacher Leadership Development Teach For America · Kansas City

AWARDS

D e n v e r A c a d e m y A w a r d s :

&

ACTIVITIES

FACU L TY CONFERENCE P RESENTATIONS Beverly Ball Champlain Maker Fair, Vermont | DA Symposium

All Star Award Winner for our email communications from Constant Contact, an email marketing company.

Gayle Bell DA Symposium Barrie Bodden Courage to Risk | DA Symposium | Morgridge Family Foundation

Share Fair Ramsey Brookhart DA Symposium Tammy Curran Courage to Risk | DA Symposium

Denver Post’s Top Work Places 2013 Denver Academy, ranked 24th in the small employer (under 150 employees) category.

Philippe Ernewein Courage to Risk | Learning Disabilities Association | Colorado Council International Reading Association | Born Digital: Navigating the Digital Landscape with Teens at Colorado Academy | Thomas Moore University, Belgium: Keynote speaker on the topic of teacher training, education in America and Digital Dialogues | Cambodian Heritage Camp: Advocating for Your Child with Differentiation in Mind

P U B L ICATIONS

Emily Garbus Courage to Risk | DA Symposium

Cynthia Richardson and Philippe Ernewein were published in the National Association of Independent Schools online magazine The Independent Teacher.

Jolene Gutierrez Otho E. Stuart Middle School Monica Johnson Colorado Association for Health Physical Education,

Recreation & Dance Andy Klaus-Corritore DA Symposium Leah Koliha Morgridge Family Foundation Share Fair

Philippe Ernewein was published in the Journal of the Colorado Language Arts Society.

Dan Loan Not All Great Minds Think Alike: Understanding Learning Differences and Fostering Success at Graland | Country Day School Amy Macy Gap Year Fair | Fort Collins District LD Night | Mountain Vista High School College Night Cynthia Richardson Courage to Risk | Colorado Council International Reading Association | Learning Disabilities Association

CONFERENCES ATTENDED

Matt Roberts DA Symposium

Katie Bradford and Anthony Slaughter attended the People of Color Conference

Kyra Ruscio Colorado Association for Health Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Anthony Slaughter Morgridge Family Foundation Share Fair

Amy Thomson, Matt Dastin, Matt Roberts, Kevin Smith and Mark Twarogowski attended the Annual Conference for the National Association of Independent Schools

Kevin Smith Emerald Mountain School as Accreditation Team Leader Marcy Stagner DA Symposium Amy Thomson Morgridge Family Foundation Share Fair Mark Twarogowski Learning Disabilities Association | Courage to Risk | DA Symposium | Morgridge Family Foundation Share Fair

A

N

N

U A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

2

0

1

2

-

2

0

1

3

AWARDS

&

ACTIVITIES

|

1 7

4400 East Iliff Avenue • Denver, CO 80222 • (303) 777-5870 • www.denveracademy.org