Go Beyond: The Guide to Giving and Getting Involved

The Guide to Giving and Getting Involved

MEET THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Hello, Laurel Community!

Welcome to the new school year. Whether you’re new or a returning member, we’re thrilled to have you with us. Your support and generosity are vital to the vibrant, enriching environment at Laurel thank you.

As Director of Development, I’m excited to share our “Guide to Giving and Getting Involved.” This guide offers information on how you can contribute and participate in our school’s life, from financial gifts and volunteer opportunities to attending events. Your involvement greatly impacts our students’ experiences.

Inside, you’ll find details on the Laurel Fund, volunteer opportunities, and special events for the year. Your engagement makes a significant difference, and we’re deeply grateful for your dedication.

We hope this guide helps you find meaningful ways to connect with the Laurel community. For any questions or more information, please contact our Development Office at 216.455.3024.

Thank you for being a valued part of the Laurel School family!

Maegan Ruhlman Cross ’03 Director of Development

How can I get involved?

ENGAGE: Connect with your child’s Laurel experience by interacting with their teachers, attending events and staying informed through school emails, weekly newsletters and updates. Visit our website at LaurelSchool.org or LaurelSchool.org/Calendar for more information.

VOLUNTEER: Join our thriving community of volunteers! Whether you have a few hours or more, there are many ways to get involved, such as through the Laurel School Parents Association (LSPA) or the Development and Admissions Offices.

DONATE: Support Laurel by contributing to the Laurel Fund, which is vital for the school’s success. Gifts can be unrestricted or designated for specific needs. Learn more about different opportunities and how annual giving supports our students on the next page.

What

is the Laurel Fund and why is it important?

The Laurel Fund is our annual campaign that supports essential operating expenses beyond tuition, helping to make Laurel exceptional. It helps fund faculty compensation, scholarships, Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls (LCRG), arts, athletics, Belonging, STEM and more.

By contributing, you help us in our mission to inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world. Parent volunteers, with support from the Development Office, play a key role in encouraging community participation, as peer encouragement is highly effective. If you’re enthusiastic about supporting Laurel’s mission, please contact Cathy Strauss at 216.455.3024 to get involved.

How should you plan your annual gi giving?

Everyone’s schedule and finances are unique and your giving should fit what works best for you and your family. The Development Office is here to help you create a personalized giving plan to maximize your annual contribution. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss how we can best support your giving goals!

Whether you participate in all the events or just one, plan your giving in a way that aligns with your priorities. Below, you’ll find various opportunities throughout the year to support the Laurel Fund. We recommend a thoughtful approach to giving, allowing you to make a significant impact without feeling overwhelmed.

• October - Laurel Fund launch

• November - Family Challenge (for parents/guardians)

• November - Day of Giving

• December - End-of-calendar-year giving (tax purposes)

• May - Reunion Challenge (for alums)

• June - End-of-fiscal year, last chance to participate in the school year!

GIVING FAQS

What is an appropriate Laurel Fund contribution?

Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference. We ask that you give a gift that is meaningful to you and your family. Donors find it helpful to know that a high percentage of participation from our constituencies (parents, alums, faculty/staff, etc.) often gives us the leverage to pursue transformational gifts from foundations and major donors.

When should I make my gi?

Laurel School’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. While early participation is encouraged, you can donate anytime. Funds raised are used each year. If you plan to give later in the fiscal year (winter or spring), consider making a pledge in the fall to count toward participation and competitions. Pledges must be fulfilled by June 30 each year.

If I make a gi on Day of Giving, does it count towards the Family Challenge?

Yes! Your gift on our Day of Giving, November 18, counts toward the Family Challenge! The Family Challenge launches on the first day of our Day of Giving. Please note that only gifts made by parents and guardians of students will be counted towards this particular challenge, but we encourage everyone in our community to support Day of Giving.

If I already made a Laurel Fund gi earlier in the fiscal year, do I need to make a gi on the Day of Giving to count as a Day of Giving participant?

Yes. Day of Giving is unique in that it is a one-day giving challenge for the entire Laurel community and only gifts made on this day can count towards our Day of Giving goal. It’s about participation and reaching a total number of donors for that particular day. Day of Giving gifts do count as part of your overall Laurel Fund gift for the year.

Which of the many opportunities and asks throughout the year should I participate in?

We suggest you focus on initiatives that are the most meaningful to you. Participation in the Family Challenge is a very meaningful and an important way to support the Laurel Fund. Making your gift on the first day of the Family Challenge (which is also our Day of Giving!), will build early momentum, inspire others to give, and help make this our most successful Day of Giving yet!

How can I take advantage of the Ohio Income Tax Credit and make a gi to the Laurel Fund through the Ohio Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO)?

By making your gift through this program, individuals will receive a tax credit of up to $750 on their Ohio income tax returns ($1,500 for married filing jointly). If your Ohio income tax obligation is equal to or greater than your gift amount, your donation costs you nothing extra! To make a gift through the OAIS website, go to OAIS.gosgo.co.

For more information, visit bit.ly/LaurelSchoolSGO.

Laurel charges tuition so why do we need the Laurel Fund?

Tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of a Laurel education. The Laurel Fund is our top fundraising priority because it has an immediate and direct impact. This practice is common among private educational institutions.

Why not simply raise tuition to cover the difference?

Supporting the Laurel Fund helps us deliver an exceptional experience while keeping tuition competitive. It enriches our community by promoting greater student diversity. Contributing to the Laurel Fund offers our community the opportunity to experience the personal fulfillment that comes from making a charitable contribution to an institution they love.

Does Laurel accept matching gis?

Yes! Double your impact with employer-matching gifts. Check if your company offers this perk, which also may apply to gifts from spouses and retirees.

Is my gi tax-deductible?

Yes. Gifts to the Laurel Fund are 100% tax-deductible. Any gift to the school (for which nothing is received in return) is tax deductible.

How does giving to the Laurel Fund differ from restricted giving?

The Laurel Fund supports current school operations. Restricted giving targets specific needs, such as building projects or named scholarships. Schools need both annual operational gifts and major capital support. Your generosity profoundly impacts our community.

GIVING FAQS continued from previous page

What is a capital campaign?

Our capital campaign focused on providing Laurel girls with spaces and support for academic and personal growth. Phase I is complete (including the Tippit Gymnasium renovation and Galleria redesign), Phase II (Ruhlman Family Center) opens in 2025, and we’re now fundraising for Phase III to transform the North Wing’s science labs and Middle School spaces.

Will I be recognized for my gi to the Laurel Fund?

All giving is recognized in our Annual Report unless you request to be anonymous.

Ways to Give

LAUREL FUND DONOR RECOGNITION LEVELS

Donor: $1- $99

Century Club: $100- $249

Courtyard Club: $250- $499

Green & White Club: $500- $1895

Prentiss Society: $1896+

Founder: $1,896- $2,499

Patron: $2,500- $4,999

Benefactor: $5,000- $9,999

Guardian: $10,000- $14,999

Investor: $15,000- $19,999

Shareholder: $20,000- $29,999

Torchbearer: $30,000+

Getting involved

MEET THE LSPA TEAM

President: Katie Fox - LSPA@LaurelSchool.org

President Elect: Katie Klimek - katieklimek@gmail.com

Recording Secretary: Amy Dolzine - amy@dolzine.com

Treasurer: Chris Ramos - ramos.45@gmail.com • lspatreasurer@laurelschool.org

Fundraising Coordinator: Chelsea Robbins - chelsea.m.robbins@gmail.com

Gator Lane Coordinator: Jen Halapy - GatorLane@LaurelSchool.org

Division Coordinators

Early Childhood: Chelsea McTigue - chelseamctigue@gmail.com

Grades K-2 (Lyman): Rachel Mistur - rachel.mistur@gmail.com

Grades 3-5 (Butler)r: Liz Gooden - eannable@gmail.com

Grades 6-8: Kyla Errington - kyla.errington@gmail.com

Grades 9-12r: Chase Clemo - jcclemo@yahoo.com

Laurel School Parents Association (LSPA)

Do you want to get involved in your child’s life at school? Looking for a way to meet other parents? The LSPA is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your fellow parents in a fun and purposeful way. It also provides an excellent link between parents and the school’s administration.

What does the LSPA do?

For over 50 years, the LSPA has harnessed the time, talents, and resources of Laurel parents and guardians to benefit students. We improve parent-school communication, boost school spirit, assist with events, support programs, and celebrate faculty and staff. Our success relies on our dedicated volunteers, and we welcome your participation at any level that suits your schedule.

Please visit LaurelSchool.org/LSPA to sign up to volunteer as a room parent or for any of our committees or events for the 2025-26 school year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at LSPA@LaurelSchool.org.

LSPA FUNDRAISING EVENTS

• School pictures • Lynch Creek wreath sale

• Used Uniform and Spirit Wear Sales • Double Good popcorn sale

• Gator Lane (school spiritwear store) • Restaurant week

• Dean’s Greenhouse mums sale

What types of activities does the LSPA support?

• Faculty & staff appreciation events throughout the year

• Division-based spirit events

• LCRG events, forums, and special guest speakers

• School jackets to all Ninth Grade students

• End-of-year and class parties

• Welcome coffee for parents

• Admissions events

• Book Swap

• All-school parent party

• Host families

• Representation for Laurel in the Cleveland Consortium of Independent Schools (CCIS)

• Grades 5 and 8 Promotions

• Service projects for various local nonprofits

• Humanitas Award

• Hospitality and flowers for events throughout the year

• Special events and treats for all grades including during exam week

Assist with the following special events:

• Back-to-School Ice Cream Social

• Fall Fest at Butler

• Green & White Day

• After Prom

• Dance chaperones

• Upper School dance planning

• Class breakfasts

• Song Contest breakfast

• Field trip chaperoning

• Kindergarten Iron Girl

• Greek Olympics

• Snowflake Ballet

• Family Movie Night at Butler

Launchpad Volunteer Opportunities

The Launchpad is a department that serves Upper School students as they seek to discover their strengths and passions while exploring academic, personal and career interests. The Launchpad is home to Laurel initiatives including Capstone Program, College Guidance, Entrepreneurship, Protégé Program and Passport Travel Program.

If you are willing to connect with a student individually to share about your career, to host a student intern and/or are interested in sitting on a career panel, please contact Claudia Zalevsky in the Development Office (cZalevsky@LaurelSchool.org).

Join Us!

*Below is a sample of events throughout the year. Please visit LaurelSchool.org/Calendar for a full list of school events.

AUGUST 14

Ice Cream Social

AUGUST 20

LSPA Welcome Coffee

SEPTEMBER 3

New Parent Welcome Gathering

SEPTEMBER 5

LSPA Movie Night at Butler

SEPTEMBER 19

Installation of Ms. Christina Breen

SEPTEMBER 20

Fall Fest at Butler

OCTOBER 22

LSPA/LCRG Community Forum & LSPA General Meeting

OCTOBER 25

Halloween Extravaganza at Lyman

NOVEMBER 18

Laurel Fund Day of Giving

NOVEMBER 18-21

Laurel Fund Family Challenge

JANUARY 23

LSPA All-School Parent Party

FEBRUARY 6

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

FEBRUARY 7

Boosters Casino Night

APRIL 8

LSPA/LCRG Community Forum & LSPA General Meeting

MAY 1

LSPA Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day

MAY 29

Green & White Day

Thank you, parents!

We are honored to partner with you in educating your child. Our goal is to provide the very best enriching , well-rounded experience. By engaging with us and embracing opportunities to volunteer, participate and donate, you create a lasting impact on “these dear walls,” the dreams of our students, and the future of our graduates.

Development Office

1 Lyman Circle

Shaker Heights, Ohio 44 122

LaurelSchool org /LaurelFund 21 6. 4 55. 3031