Together, We Are Strong: Announcing the Show Our Strength Mini-Campaign
Feb 02, 2021
Dear Families and Friends,
As we have turned the corner to 2021, we have reflected back to last summer, when we announced plans for the year, and many families asked how we would ensure the loving, nurturing, and socially connected environment of our pre-pandemic days through the plexiglass barriers, masks, distancing, and constant disinfecting that 2020-21 would demand. We worried, too, about that and so many things, but we knew that this great community would rally with careful planning, investment in safety precautions, and our stalwart dedication to our curriculum and mission. Our AMS families demonstrated over and over again that because you were with us every step of the way, showing a commitment to your fellow families and our staff, AMS could be open as much as possible, as safely as possible. Each of you has stepped up, from donating PPE and disinfectants, to volunteering at Grounds Day, to the numerous sacrifices outside of school to maintain your social distancing.
And now, six months in, the work continues, but your determination has shown us why the AMS community will continue to be successful in upholding our mission, ensuring our loving environment, and doing everything we possibly can to maintain safe spaces for our children and staff.
For us, this success so far shows in myriad ways, but is measured best by the joyful energy emanating from your children, from the students who run with their classmates into school each day, to the exuberant and imaginative games on the playground, and absolutely in the deep engagement we’re seeing in the classrooms.
COVID-19 has upended so much of our lives, but this community has been strong in the face of this adversity.
Buoyed by this momentum, we are writing today, as we typically do around this time of year, to announce the launch of a two-week giving blitz for our Annual Fund. Returning families will know that in years past this effort has been a light-hearted classroom competition that we called Show Us the Love. This year, of course, is a bit different.
The work we have done to remain open this year has come at a cost, both to our staff and to our bottom line. Not only did we reduce enrollment to keep class sizes small, but we also invested significantly in classroom materials, enhanced cleaning, PPE, and disinfecting supplies. Every year our annual fund is important, as it contributes to the part of our operating budget that is not covered wholly by tuition dollars, but this year, it is not just important⸺it is essential.
Beginning on Monday, February 1, we officially kicked-off our Show Our Strength two-week giving blitz with a goal of raising $20,000 before February 15. Why $20,000?
We have spent roughly $20,000, or on average about $250/child, on COVID precautions including: PPE, plexiglass barriers, disinfecting supplies, professional deep cleaning, air filters, hand sanitizer, and additional classroom materials so each child had their own workspace and supplies.
We know that some of you are not in the position to give anything extra right now and that is absolutely okay and understandable. Read no further!
For those of you who might be in the position to help this year, we hope you will feel inspired to be as generous as possible. Please click here to make a secure online donation.
During the two weeks between February 1 and 15, you will see a giving widget active on ParentSquare, have opportunities to learn more about the Annual Fund and why we ask for donations (on top of tuition), and be able to watch daily as we get closer to our goal. And, we’ve pledged a whole school popsicle & pajama day celebration when we reach our goal. Thank you for giving if you can.
Not only is 2020-21 the year of COVID-19, it also happens to be the 50th anniversary of Amherst Montessori School. Thank you for being a part of this incredible community. Please join us as we work together for continued strength and loving kindness in the face of this challenging pandemic.
With gratitude,
Kelly Edreich, Interim Head of School
Susanna Thompson, Former Head of School
Jennifer Lefort, Chair, AMS Board of Trustees