MUSTARD SEED SCHOOL GRATITUDE REPORT 2019-20
MUSTARD SEED DURING COVID-19
16,791
Teacher responses to student work
20
Laptops sent home with students
Your gifts make it possible for us to nurture every student. You are helping students thrive!
49,364 Lessons posted by teachers
159
Virtual worship videos recorded
12
Learning apps used
On March 16, 2020 Mustard Seed made the abrupt transition to Distance Learning because of the COVID-19 crisis. We’ve been refining our programming ever since. Now using the hybrid model, we are prepared for all scenarios. For more details, visit mustardseedschool.org/distance-learning.
Your support creates change makers who make our world a better place!
“Thank you to everyone who makes Mustard Seed a place of comfort and safety for all children. Our lives have been enriched since day one! Thank you for the opportunity for Dallas to experience an amazing education with a loving caring staff! I can’t be more grateful.” - Rosanna Wilkins, Parent '17 and '20
A gifted artist, Dallas thrives when he’s making and creating. His teachers recognized this early on, and encouraged his creativity. They knew him well and used this strength to help him express his learning. When he was 12 years old, Dallas was the youngest person accepted into the Jersey City Public Works mural program. Over three years in the program, he painted four large-scope murals and has had his work featured in multiple art galleries. All before high school!
Dallas '20
Dallas chose to paint change maker Malala Yousafzai for his collaborative mural, “Heroes.”
Dallas hopes that his work will make a difference. “I learned how to be a Change Maker at Mustard Seed, and I want to use my gifts to bring awareness to social justice issues in my community and beyond. I hope to make a difference by sharing my art throughout the world.”
$6,736
16
Students who graduated in 2020
357 95%
Students go on to higher education
You help more than 50% of our students receive a high quality education. We’re grateful!
Hours of staff training in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
50 Staff members
Dollars raised by students for the Hoboken Shelter through a student-led campaign.
245
Students
805
Number of professional development hours completed by staff
You make our mission possible! Thank you!
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without financial aid, attending Mustard Seed would not have been possible for us. It means everything that River can receive the education we dreamed of.” - Gaia Gray, Parent ‘25
Before coming to Mustard Seed, River was stigmatized as a “bad kid.” River has a number of special needs, and his mother desperately searched for a school where he would get a fresh start. A place where his needs could be met. Where he could be known and loved. A place where he could thrive.
River '24
Because of Mustard Seed’s need-based Financial Aid program, River receives the support he needs to be successful. He loves his teachers and enjoys learning with his peers. At Mustard Seed, River is proud of himself. His unique style and personality are celebrated, not misunderstood. His presence enriches the community. At Mustard Seed, he is able to flourish and grow.
Average financial aid award
MUSTARD SEED BY THE NUMBERS $1M
95%
$14K
Dollars raised in 2019-2020!
MSS alumni go on to higher education
Average financial aid award
59%
$72K
10
Of students received financial aid
Expenses incurred due to COVID-19
Families on a financial aid waiting list
Average Students are financial aid award able to learn,
grow, and thrive because of you! Your support matters.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Your gifts sustain our mission to remove barriers for all students.
As our nation confronts deeply rooted racism, Mustard Seed has committed to examining our curriculum, systems, and practices, and divesting ourselves of racist views and values. As a part of this effort, we have created a new leadership role: Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Ms. Oro-Hahn has a background in helping Christian organizations confront institutional racism and pursue inclusive practices that reflect God’s kingdom. Last year Ms. Oro-Hahn led the Cultural Competency component of our Strategic Plan, and has guided staff throughseveral DEI professional development trainings. This summer, Ms. Oro-Hahn completed a DEI certificate from Cornell University, and led the Mustard Seed Leadership Team through a multi-layered institutional selfassesment where they began a DEI goal setting process that will impact Mustard Seed’s practices and experiences. It has long been Ms. Oro-Hahn’s dream to build and formalize her DEI role at Mustard Seed School. We’re grateful for her passion and leadership in this area.
Tania Oro-Hahn
WHY WE GIVE “We give to Mustard Seed’s need-based Financial Aid Program because everyone wants the best for their child. At Mustard Seed, every parent is able to see those dreams realized, no matter their financial circumstances.” We’ve been a proud Mustard Seed family for three years. We’re so glad we found Mustard Seed! Last year, I had the opportunity to be a helping parent in the classroom, and I saw firsthand the time, intentionality, and effort poured into each child. Our children are the future of our country. There’s no better investment!”
the MootilalRajpaulsingh Family
A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dearest Friends, In a year when we needed you desperately, supporters like you gave over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to support Mustard Seed School students. Wow. Just wow. You make a Mustard Seed education possible. You inspire minds. Cultivate hearts. Remove barriers. I’m especially thankful that you remove financial barriers. Over 50% of Mustard Seed School students would not be here without your help. You’re incredible! On March 16, 2020, we abruptly pivoted to distance learning because of COVID-19. You rose to the occasion, generously covering financial aid for so many families in need. You supported teachers and students who jumped into
this new mode of learning wholeheartedly. And parents, you heroically supported your students and helped us improve our distance learning program. Thank you! It hasn’t been easy. Still, we are a community that knows and cares for one another. And God is with us in the struggle. Never has this been truer: we’re in this together. Tom Postema P.S. To find out more about how Mustard Seed is educating students and serving our community in these extraordinary times, visit: mustardseedschool.org/distance-learning
Total REVENUE
75% 9% 8% 4% 2.2% 1.4% .2% .2%
Tuition & Fees, $5,467,673 CARES Act Funds, $643,400 Individual donors, $566,679 Corporations, $286,727 Foundations & Churches, $158,340 Endowment, $100,000 Fees, Interest & Dividends, $15,830 Events & Fundraisers, $11,262
Total EXPENSES
55% Programming, $3,696,369 33% Need-Based Financial Aid Program, $2,242,590 11% Administrative, $770,247 1% Fundraising, $62,365 Visit bit.ly/MSSfinancials for our financial statements and 990
HOW TO GIVE
Monthly Donations Recurring donations provide a reliable, steady source of funding that allows us to better plan and budget. Set up your recurring gift today at www.mustardseedschool.org/donate
Honor and Tribute Gifts Support Mustard Seed with a gift in honor of someone special or make a tribute gift in memory of a loved one.
Securities Gifts of appreciated securities can help you avoid capitalgains taxes, you’ll also receive a deduction for the transferred stock’s full market value.
Planned Giving Join our Founders Society with a planned gift or a bequest which will provide you with tax benefits and also provide Mustard Seed with a legacy of support.
Corporate Matching Gifts Double or even triple your donation if your employer participates in a matching gift program. Visit bit.ly/mssgive to see if your company will match your donation.
Ask us! Have questions or need help? Contact Chris Casazza, Director of Development at 551.256.8357 or development@mustardseedschool.org
Your support makes a difference. Thank you!
BOARD + COMMITTEE Board of Trustees | 19-20
Development Committee | 19-20 Michael Creighton Cara Hilton Kathleen McGraw Dipen Patel Cindy Samaris Mary Vidal
Kelesha Armand Jan Gallagher James Halliday | Secretary Cara Hilton Jessica Lambert Young Lee Bill McGraw | Treasurer Lillian Meyer ’04 Dipen Patel Raúl Pérez, President Tom Postema | Ex-Officio Mark Quiles Scott Rostan Mary Vidal | Vice President
THE MISSION
Mustard Seed School teaches each child to know and care for their community and world. Together we inspire minds, cultivate hearts, and remove barriers.
422 Willow Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030 201.653.5548 | www.mustardseedschool.org