2012-2013 Annual Fund
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.� - Benjamin Franklin
Ben Franklin was right. An investment in education is something that will never lose value. Your contribution to the Annual Fund is an investment in the people – the students, the faculty and staff – as well as the programs that make Walker one of the finest collegepreparatory schools in the state. Tuition alone cannot fund the entire cost associated with a private school education. The Walker School’s budget is funded primarily by tuition, around 95%; we depend on Annual Fund support to help make up the difference. All members of the Walker community – parents, trustees, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty and staff – are asked to make a tax deductible commitment to the Annual Fund each year.
The Wonders of The Walker School . . . What Your Gift to the Annual Fund Supports: Recruiting and Retaining an Outstanding Faculty Walker continues to attract the finest educators from a national pool. Seventy percent of our lead teachers hold an advanced degree. Gifts to the Annual Fund not only ensure that salary levels remain competitive with schools across the nation, but also guarantee that our faculty receives the latest in professional development training so that they may continue to help our students develop sophisticated new ways of thinking from an early age.
Maintaining Low Student: Teacher Ratios The Walker School is committed to keeping our student to teacher ratios low – an average of 11:1 in all divisions. Gifts to the Annual Fund contribute to the overall operations of the school, thereby reducing the need to increase class sizes to meet our yearly budget.
New Technology and Classroom Resources What your child learns now – and how he learns now – endures. Gifts to the Annual Fund help supply our teachers and fill our libraries with the most cutting-edge technology, resources and classroom materials.
Exceptional Fine Arts, Athletics and Extracurricular Programs Seventy percent of Walker Middle School and Upper School students play on at least one sports team. Our award-winning fine arts programs produce more than 20 performances and shows for all levels of the school each year. Walker athletes and teams have won 25 state championships. The Middle School and Upper School offer 85 student clubs and organizations. These are just some of the ‘extras’ for our students that make The Walker School exceptional. Support for the Annual Fund helps to sustain and improve these programs by providing new supplies and equipment, as well as mentors and coaches who make sure students learn and perform at their best.
Every Gift Counts . . . Why Your Gift to the Annual Fund is Important: All members of The Walker School community are asked to make a contribution to the Annual Fund each year. A strong level of participation from the entire 2011 - 2012 Walker community reflects positively when applying for outside funding Sources of Giving from foundations and grant-making organizations. Therefore, every gift Corporations and/or – at every level – makes a difference for our students.
Ways to Make a Gift
• Give or make a pledge online at www.thewalkerschool.org/give • Pledge with the enclosed card (payable by June 1) • Personal check or cash • Gifts of stock and securities
The Walker School is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Gifts are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Foundations
Current & New Parents
Grandparents Parents of Alumni Alumni Faculty & Staff
Corporate matching gifts can double or triple your gift to The Walker School! Please call the Walker Development Office to inquire about matching gift eligibility.
Trustees
The Leadership Society The Leadership Society honors those who support Walker’s mission by making a generous philanthropic commitment of $1,500 or more to the Annual Fund. Leadership Society members lead the way in support of Walker, demonstrating their dedication, appreciation and support of the school and its mission. All Leadership Society members are invited to special programs and to an annual leadership event with the Head of School and Board of Trustees, as well as receive special recognition in The Walker School’s Annual Report. Donors who give $5,000 or more will also be included in additional recognition events throughout the year.
Questions regarding the Annual Fund? Please contact: Cathy LaClaire Laura Nelson Director of Development Director of Annual Giving cathy.laclaire@thewalkerschool.org laura.nelson@thewalkerschool.org (678) 581-6904 (678) 581-6914
Kaleb McMichen Director of Alumni Relations & Planned Giving kaleb.mcmichen@thewalkerschool.org (678) 581-5193