Palmer Trinity School has an unprecedented opportunity to create a future even more distinctive than our past. We are poised to provide the highest level of excellence, and increase the opportunities for our students to soar to greater heights
With a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, Palmer Trinity is large enough to provide a breadth of possibilities, yet small enough to retain an intimate educational environment. Our School is built on the strength of our faculty, programs, and relationships. We are committed to maintaining an academically strong community of educators; one that is informed by our understanding of how students learn best, thoughtful in the design of our programs, and resolute in our efforts to strengthen our future. We are dedicated to preparing our students to lead purposeful and meaningful lives. By growing our endowment, developing our thirty-three-acre South Campus, and designing facilities and spaces that support our distinctive programs, we can ensure that our overall Mission remains steadfast:
This School is home to me. Over the years we have maintained a community of students, parents, faculty and staff that genuinely care for one another while at the same time offering top quality education. There is no better place to be!
– Vivian Cerione, Registrar
Palmer Trinity School is an Episcopal School dedicated to promoting academic excellence and inspiring students to lead lives of virtue, humanity, and spirit.
A co-educational, Episcopal School, Palmer Trinity is located on a verdant 55-acre campus in the Palmetto Bay area of Miami, Florida. Rooted in the traditions of our predecessor schools, Palmer School (founded in 1972) and Trinity Episcopal School (founded in 1983), Palmer Trinity School inherited a proud history of strong governance, generous support and educational excellence. The result has enabled the School to become one of the best of its kind, nationwide.
Today at Palmer Trinity School, we prepare our students to take their place as global citizens in the dynamic and challenging
times they live in now, and will encounter in the future. In preparation for this, Palmer Trinity established itself as a founding member of the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG), a national institution of independent schools with leading global programs and benchmark standards of learning, both academic and experiential.
Palmer Trinity is also a Round Square School, selected from more than 230 applicants worldwide. This acceptance makes Palmer Trinity the eleventh school in the United States to belong to the prestigious Round Square organization, a longstanding worldwide network of innovative schools in 40 countries across five continents.
As our educational and social environment become increasingly complex, we must carefully plan our future academic program and staffing needs while maintaining Palmer Trinity’s leadership in independent school education. Our reputation has been built on a distinctive, forward-thinking academic program with a global perspective, emphasizing a healthy balance of intellect, athletics, and the arts.
With the leadership of Patrick Roberts as Head of School, Board Chair Michael Baiamonte, a highly engaged Board of Trustees, and a Strategic Plan, Palmer Trinity is moving forward with enthusiasm for what lies ahead. The focus of Palmer Trinity’s 2020 Strategic Vision is to enrich the quality of the daily experience for our students, nurture the professionalism of our faculty and staff, and above all guarantee financial sustainability.
Palmer Trinity School practices hospitality by welcoming and teaching all students in mind, body and spirit, treating each person with honor and respect.
– Mary Ellen Cassini, Chaplain
TO ENSURE OUR SUCCESS,
WE MUST:
• Build upon our long-standing tradition of inspired teaching;
• Enhance all components of the academic program;
• Enrich the quality of the students’ social, spiritual, ethical, and personal growth and development;
• Broaden opportunities within the academic and student life programs to foster students’ global perspectives;
• Strengthen our Episcopal foundation to encourage a healthy environment of kindness and compassion for each member of our diverse community.
In May 2015, the Board approved the start of a silent, planning phase toward a campaign goal of $13 million. The Board is confident that raising these funds will provide the construction of vitally needed facilities, enhance our academic programs, and provide faculty development.
Full achievement of these goals is only possible with the continued commitment and support of the School’s alumni, parents, and friends.
Palmer Trinity leaves an indelible mark on all the students that pass through the School. It is a unified community working to help students be the best they can be, while celebrating everyone’s individual gifts. All of the alumni and I truly benefited from what the School offered to us as students and as human beings, and we still carry it with us today.
– Lynley Walker Ciorobea ‘96, President Alumni Board
PROPOSED SITE PLAN
$13 million will build the following facilities, listed in no particular order:
FOSTERING ACADEMIC GROWTH: CLASSROOMS
We are constructing a two-story classroom building with fifteen new classrooms in 18,000 square-feet of overall space. Building this new facility is integral to the educational and functional programming of our students and faculty.
EXPANDING OUR EPISCOPAL IDENTITY: CHAPEL
Palmer Trinity is unique, as the only Episcopal secondary school south of Boca Raton. A key priority as recognized by the strategic plan and the Board of Trustees is to enhance our Episcopal identity. Currently, held in the gymnasium, our vision is to construct a beautiful Chapel to serve as sacred space and the heart of our School. This facility will serve as a multipurpose gathering space for chapel services and convocations, as well as classes, presentations, music performances, fine arts exhibitions, and more. Prioritizing the addition of a physical chapel is consistent with the Mission of Palmer Trinity School.
CREATING A SUPPORTIVE SCHOOL COMMUNITY: STUDENT LIFE WING
To address student needs, we will also build a student-centered multi-use facility. In addition to four classrooms, this building will feature Admission and College Counseling, the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (C.E.L.T.), student activities, and a teacher collaborative area.These programmatic elements will serve the immediate needs of our students.
Palmer Trinity has been my home for five years. When I first looked at middle schools, PTS stood out because of its community. If I could describe PTS in one word it would be family. Everyone is caring and there are people of different cultural backgrounds from around the globe. Palmer Trinity changed my life in so many beautiful ways. I am privileged to attend such a valued school. It will be forever in my heart.
– Julia Irvin, Class of 2019
PHASE I — $13 million
TOP View of New Campus Construction: 1 – Classroom Building, 2 – Student Life Wing, 3 - Chapel
BOTTOM LEFT View of Chapel; BOTTOM RIGHT View of Classroom Building and Student Life Wing
CONCLUSION
This is our time! Here is an opportunity to build on Palmer Trinity School’s legacy. It is our vision to develop our campus in a way that honors our natural environment and provides outstanding educational facilities exclusive to this area of South Florida. Let’s seize this moment to soar into the future together.
At this moment in our School’s history, we invite you to support our vision for the future as we uphold our school’s motto –
VIRTUS,
HUMANITAS,
ET SPIRITUS
With your generous support, we can and will make it all happen.
The Soaring to Greater Heights Campaign Inserts
BUILDING NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
ADDITIONAL NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
Please consider these naming opportunities to support the Soaring to Greater Heights campaign for the development of the South Campus. For questions, contact Director of Development, Juan Gomez at (305) 969-4241.
OPTION ONE
$1-$999
Your name will be included in the list of donors in the Annual Report and the quarterly campaign newsletter.
OPTION TWO
$1,000-$4,999
The size and location of the paver will be determined based on the donation amount between $1,000 to $4,999. Installation of pavers is contingent on the completion of construction of theC hapel courtyard area on the South Campus.
OPTION THREE
$5,000-$14,999
The location and type of tree on the South Campus will be chosen based on the donation amount between $5,000 to $14,999.
OPTION FOUR
$15,000-$25,000
The location of the bench on the South Campus will be determined based on the donation amount between $15,000 to $25,000.
Q: What is the Soaring campaign for Palmer Trinity School?
A: The Soaring Campaign for Palmer Trinity School is a capital campaign directed at raising $13 million for the development of the South Campus.
Q: Why is Palmer Trinity conducting a capital campaign at this time?
A: This campaign will provide needed facilities. It is the result of the Strategic Plan that was approved last year and recommendations from the Feasibility Study. The Strategic Plan identified needs that couldn’t be met through the operating budget, and the Feasibility Study tested the community’s support for the campaign’s objectives. The final report was delivered to the Board in May 2015.
Q: What will the campaign cover?
A: The campaign will cover all aspects of student life:
• Academic Growth: Classroom Building
• Episcopal Identity: Chapel
• School Community: Multi-use Student Center/Dining Hall
Q: How did you decide on the goal?
A: The Campaign goal was approved by the Board of Trustees following a comprehensive Feasibility Study which tested the School community’s support for the campaign priorities and funding levels.
Q: Who is managing Palmer Trinity’s capital campaign?
A: The campaign is being managed by Juan Gomez, Director of Development.
Q: Who are the volunteers leading the effort?
A: The Committee is made up of Trustees, alumni, grandparents and parent volunteers.
Q: Who is being asked to support the campaign?
A: The entire PTS community will be asked to participate in the campaign. Because campaigns are conducted sequentially, some members of the PTS family may not be contacted right away, but within a year everyone will have had an opportunity to be a part of this important event in the School’s history. Making the School a philanthropic priority will ensure the success of the campaign.
Q: When will I be asked for a gift or pledge?
A: You’ll have an opportunity to learn more about the campaign, timing, and objectives. Then you can expect to be contacted by a volunteer member of the campaign committee.
Q: Why should I invest in PTS? My children are no longer there.
A: Everything we enjoy at PTS is the result of the generous gifts from those who came before us; as they provided for you and your children or grandchildren, it is now our responsibility to provide for those who will follow. Your belief in Palmer Trinity School’s mission was, in part, what led you to choose this School for your children. You now have the opportunity to reinforce that choice with a gift that reflects your continuing commitment to the goals and values that a PTS education represents. A gift to this campaign will ensure Palmer Trinity School’s strength and success in the future.
Q: Do other independent schools have capital campaigns?
A: Yes, capital campaigns are common for schools that, like PTS, are dependent upon tuition income and charitable gifts.
Q: Why are we asked to give to the Annual Fund and the Soaring campaign in addition to paying tuition?
A: The actual cost of educating each student is greater than the tuition at Palmer Trinity School. Annual Fund dollars and endowment income help our students to stay competitive by allowing Palmer Trinity to meet emerging needs while keeping an eye on its high standards in every area of school life.
Q: How does this capital campaign affect the Palmer Trinity School Annual Fund?
A: Even during the capital campaign, the School’s annual operating expenses will continue to require the support of the Annual Fund. The Palmer Trinity Annual Fund is vitally important to the life of the School and will be run separately from the capital campaign.
Q: Will I be asked to give to The Palmer Trinity School Annual Fund next year, too?
A: Yes! And every year thereafter.
Q: How long is the pledge period for the capital campaign?
A: Pledges to the capital campaign may be paid over a three to five-year period.
Q: May I make a contribution in some form other than cash?
A: Certainly, gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, real estate, life insurance, and charitable trusts will be greatly appreciated. The Development Office will be happy to assist you in planning one of these gifts.
Q: How do I make a gift of stock?
A: Publicly traded stocks can easily be transferred to Palmer Trinity School. Stock gifts may be transferred to Palmer Trinity School electronically, brokerto-broker.
Q: Are there other ways to make a non-cash gift to Palmer Trinity School?
A: There are many ways to give to Palmer Trinity School, including: a bequest, retirement fund assets, life insurance, and appreciated stocks.
Q: How much should I pledge to the capital campaign?
A: Only you can decide how much to give. The pledge should be made based on your ability to give, your understanding of the need, and your belief in the mission of PTS.
Q: Does my pledge have to be paid in equal amounts over that three to fiveyear time period?
A: Not at all. You can set your payments at any amount and schedule to suit your circumstances. It is entirely up to you.
Q: Why is a signed pledge card necessary?
A: A signed pledge card, or letter of intent, is needed to assure proper acknowledgment and credit for each gift. The auditors also need this documentation to confirm the gift or pledge.
Q: May I direct my gift toward a particular aspect of the campaign?
A: Although we’d prefer that your gift be unrestricted, there are Naming Opportunities available. Please call the Development Office for further assistance.
Q: Will I be notified when the payments on my pledge are due?
A: Yes. The Development Office will send reminders to you based on intervals you specify when making your pledge.
Q: We’d like our gift to be anonymous; is that possible?
A: All gifts will be listed in the Annual Report and those that are anonymous will be reflected accordingly.
Q: Is it possible to have my gift matched?
A: Yes, if your employer has a matching gift program. This could double or triple your investment. Check with your personnel office or human resources department to see if your employer has a matching gift program.
Q: Is my contribution tax deductible?
A: Yes. Palmer Trinity School is designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and contributions are tax deductible in accordance with federal law. You will be provided with an authorized receipt for tax reporting purposes. Pledges paid over multiple years also offer a greater tax advantage.
WAYS OF GIVING
There are a variety of ways to make a charitable gift. While cash gifts are the most popular, there are other creative strategies available that may address your interest in supporting Palmer Trinity School, and may also provide you with increased income and tax benefits. Some techniques, such as life income programs, may actually allow you to make a larger gift at a lower cost and receive unexpected benefits for you and your family.
CURRENT GIFTS
• CASH GIFTS
Generally, your cash gift may be deducted from your federal income tax return for the year your gift is made as long as you itemize deductions. In most cases, you can deduct an amount up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income in any one-tax year. The excess can be deducted over the following five years. Actual savings from the deduction depend on your tax rate and other factors.
• MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers have established matching gift plans that allow an employee’s charitable gift to be matched by the employer.
• APPRECIATED PROPERTY
If the property has increased in value and you have owned it long enough for it to qualify as a long-term capital asset (12 months and a day), the best course will probably be to give it outright. A gift of appreciated property allows you to avoid the capital gains tax due if you were to sell the property.
In most cases, you receive a tax deduction for the full value of the gift, subject to a limitation of 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. The excess beyond 30 percent can be carried forward for five years.
• PROPERTY THAT HAS LOST VALUE
In the case of property that has decreased in value, you would benefit from selling the property, taking the loss for tax purposes, and then contributing the cash. In this way, you would receive a deduction for both the loss and the charitable gift.
• REAL ESTATE
Gifts of real estate or a bargain sale transaction may be desirable, subject to review and approval of Palmer Trinity School’s Board of Trustees. It is also possible for you make a gift of your personal residence, farm, or vacation home, reserving the right to occupy it for as long as you or your spouse lives.
• SECURITIES
Stock certificates can be assigned directly to the organization or they may be transferred through your broker. The amount of your contributions is the fair market value on the day of transfer.
• CLOSELY HELD STOCK
A gift of closely held stock produces a current income tax charitable deduction equal to the fair market value of the stock. Your corporation may then purchase and redeem shares of the stock from the organization. You receive a tax benefit, and the outstanding stock is returned to your business.
PLANNED GIFTS
• CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY
A gift annuity is a simple agreement between you and Palmer Trinity School to provide a fixed income for the lifetime(s) of one or two annuitants. The annual amount paid is determined by rates recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities. The older the annuity, the higher the level of income.
• DEFERRED GIFT ANNUITY
For younger donors, a deferred gift annuity offers increased income tax benefits. All of the features and benefits of a gift annuity are provided with a deferred gift annuity, although income is delayed until a future date you choose, often at retirement. The longer the time between the creation of a deferred gift annuity and the start of the payments, the greater your rate of return and the larger the income tax charitable deduction.
• POOLED INCOME FUND
A pooled income fund operates much like a mutual fund in that contributions
•
are pooled together and managed by investment advisers. Income is paid quarterly to you and a second person, if desired, until the last of the beneficiaries dies. At that time, the principal is transferred to the organization.
Income will fluctuate based on the earnings of the fund. You receive an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of your gift. In most cases, you avoid capital gains tax liability and gifts to the fund are irrevocable.
• LIFE INCOME TRUSTS
Life income trusts are similar to pooled income funds but have two major differences. First, the trust is created by you and its assets consist only of the funds or property you contribute (generally $100,000 or more). Second, you set the amount of income you will receive rather than receiving the pro rata share of the pooled income fund. There is also much more flexibility in the type of property that can be donated. For example, real estate may be held by the trust and municipal bonds may be used. You can create a life income trust to provide either a fixed amount (called a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust) or variable level of income (called a Charitable Remainder Unitrust).
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST
The charitable lead trust allows you to set aside assets for charitable use for a limited period. Your gift is invested to provide income to the organization and then the assets in the trust are returned to you or your family at a date you specify. Such a plan can be used to fulfill a gift pledge over a number of years while serving to reduce estate and gift taxes that might otherwise be due on assets given outright to children, grandchildren, or other loved ones.
• WEALTH REPLACEMENT TRUST
A wealth replacement trust is method of protecting the inheritance interests of your heirs while still providing a significant gift to the organization. Under this plan, you would contribute property or assets to the organizations either outright or through one of the other planned giving vehicles. Using the resulting tax savings, you would then purchase a life insurance policy with your heirs as beneficiaries.
• LIFE INSURANCE
If you own a life insurance policy that you no longer need, you might consider the organization the sole owner and beneficiary of the policy. You would receive and income tax deduction for roughly the cash surrender value of the policy. If the policy that is not fully paid, you may consider continuing to pay the premiums. You will receive a tax deduction for the annual premium amount. Life insurance may also be used to benefit heirs by replacing the value assets gifted to the organization.
• BEQUESTS
In planning your estate, you should remember that an outright bequest to the organization, as well as certain bequests in trust, are not subject to estate taxation. Your actual cost is less than the face value of your gift because of the tax benefits realized through charitable contributions.
A bequest can take any of the following forms: (1) a specific bequest of a dollar amount or a particular securities or other property, (2) a residuary bequest of all or a portion of your estate, after the payment of specific amounts to other beneficiaries, (3) a contingent bequest to take effect only in the event that the primary beneficiaries under your will die before you, or (4) a testamentary trust, which takes the form of a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust or Unitrust, the corpus of which will be paid to the organization upon the death of the trust’s income beneficiary. Often the bequest can be arranged simply with the addition of a codicil amending your existing will.
CONCLUSION
When contemplating a special gift to the organization, it is a good idea to notify the Palmer Trinity School Development Office of your intentions. It is expected that each donor will consult with his or her financial advisor before finalizing a major gift.
