Green and Growing
A Thriving School with a
Strong Foundation
FCS has flourished in the last four years. We have a progressive curriculum, versatile and talented teachers, a stable administration, strong grounding in Quaker values, and a green building in a location with easy access from many communities in our region. These features have fueled remarkable growth for FCS in a time of uncertainty for most independent schools. The foundation of FCS is strong!
Just a few years ago it would have been hard to envision a school of more than 165 students enrolled at FCS. Yet we now enroll 217 students, filling every K-5 class and virtually all of the middle school to capacity.
A challenge to address: space
With our success has come the challenge of accommodating the children already at FCS. Our full enroll-ment means that we are running out of room. This year, we are one core classroom short in middle school; in three years, our children moving up into the middle school grades will not fit in the building. The current curriculum must work around space limitations, particularly in science, art and performing arts.
Our challenge at FCS is to provide more space to support our rich, hands-on curriculum, and fast!
After thoughtful study of enrollment scenarios, and space and program alternatives, the FCS Board of Trustees has determined that new construction serves the school best both in the short and the long term.
An immediate plan to expand key spaces
The expansion plan calls for:
- a lower school science room;
- a core classroom for the middle school;
- a conversion of the art room to a classroom;
- a full size art studio;
- tutoring space in both the lower and middle school wings;
- offices and storage;
- middle school lockers;
- a performing arts/music area off the multi-purpose room, if funding allows, including
- a large storage area.
A short fundraising campaign
The Green and Growing Campaign must raise an estimated $1.4 million to pay for the new spaces and for improvements to the existing building to integrate the two. The timeline for the Campaign is compressed to get the space up and running quickly. With substantial funding in hand, we can begin construction in October 2012 and complete the additional space by April 2013.
So close to the goal!
We have already raised more than $1.35 million. We are so close to reaching the goal! All of our trustees have supported the project; every faculty and staff member - 100% - has given to the project as well. No one knows better than our teachers and staff how important these spaces are for teaching the exceptional curriculum that nurtures our children's talents and skills.
A $1 for $1 matching gift opportunity
FCS was exceedingly fortunate to receive an offer of matching funds that will match any donation to the Green and Growing Campaign on a dollar- for-dollar basis, up to $250,000. Your gift to FCS will be doubled in value and twice as powerful in generating the funds for the project.
A role for everyone
FCS was built through the contributions of parents, grandparents, alumni families and other supporters of Quaker education. Will you lend your support to this special place and the thoughtful, progressive education it provides? We ask for your help reaching the goal, and with it, making a difference -- to the FCS community, and to the wider world our children will join as peace-makers and global citizens.
A time to be counted
This Campaign seeks donors large and small who can support the project. Your gift, regardless of its size, is an inspiration to others! A charitable contribution to FCS qualifies for tax deduction. You can give to the school in honor or memory of a person or idea -- just note the honor/memorial along with your check, or other form of payment (see pledge form). On behalf of everyone in our community, especially our children, thank you very much!
An impact beyond space
By adding space, we do more than just make room. We provide the place for teachers and students to explore and collaborate. We create space for the serious, the creative, and the joyful endeavors of our children. Imagine...
- full dramatic and musical performances;
- broader science curricula in the lower school;
- studio art fully integrated into the core curriculum;
- space for math enrichment resources; tutoring rooms that double the space available, increasing access and privacy;
- accessible multi-purpose room storage;
- enough office space for staff; and even
- middle school lockers to keep books and middle school stuff contained.