2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
PORTLEDGE SCHOOL
thrives because its parent body is dedicated to enriching our children’s educational experience and creating a positive school community. There are many ways to get involved in the daily life of our school that will allow you to become more connected to school life. Immersing yourself into the community will give you deeper insight into the lives of your children and will introduce you to fellow parents. How can I get involved at Portledge School?
PARENTS ASSOCIATION
Every parent is a member! The Parents Association (PA) plays an integral role at Portledge, facilitating communication between the school and parents, promoting volunteerism, and encouraging parental involvement in the Portledge community. Join us at each of our Parents Association meetings to hear from speakers about a variety of topics and connect with other parents. Division lead curriculum evenings, Back to School nights, and parent programs offer important information about your child’s education. Head of School receptions and Division Head Parent Coffees are held for parents to better understand Portledge’s curriculum, philosophy, and major initiatives.
SPECIAL EVENTS (Visit Portledge.org/calendar for events and calendar updates) PA Meetings Wednesday, September 6 Wednesday, January 10 Tuesday, May 8 Homecoming & Founders Day Friday, September 15 & Saturday, September 16 Head of School Receptions Thursday, October 26 Thursday, April 19 Champions for Charity Thursday, November 30 – Sunday, December 3 Portledge Gala Auction Saturday, March 10
2017-2018 PARENTS ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEERS President Mona Taner Sanveren
Fifth Grade Tiffany Palagonia
Vice President Jami Friedman
Sixth Grade Missy Halpern
Secretary Julia Manners
Seventh Grade Amy Plum
VP Lower School Tiffany Palagonia
Eighth Grade Rey Mostafavi
VP Middle School Becky Schamis
Ninth Grade Orkideh Hallaian
VP Upper School Lisa Vella
Tenth Grade Grace Kelly
Class Parents
Eleventh Grade Angela Paradysz
Pre–Nursery Marielle Pietronigro Nursery Victoria Levy Pre - K Adrienne Chertoff Kindergarten Julia DeRoulet First Grade Jami Friedman Second Grade Kerry Rosen Cristina Berretta Third Grade Stacy Daniels ‘94 Fourth Grade Maria Gray
Twelfth Grade Addie Mulry Dari Marder-Kleinwaks Special Events/ Programs Chair(s) Auction Chair Dorthe Tate Founders Day Lisa Vella
2017-2018 BOARD MEMBERS Samara Meshel President Dana Pagliara Vice President T. Kelley Millet Treasurer Mary Ellen Mooney Secretary Claude A. Bahnik ʻ90 Lindsey Barnett Emily Chapman Peter Guo Joshua Kugler Jack Piuggi
Champions For Charity/WPGB Erika Millet
Truett Tate
Inter-School Exchange Lindsay Dubofsky
Donald D. Wilson
Lisa Warren
Valerie Yardeni
VOLUNTEERING
Serving as a parent volunteer is vital to enriching your child’s education. You can serve your school in many ways: chaperoning on field trips, helping with school plays, festivals and other cultural events, working with the Parents Association, and assisting with special events, such as Founders Day and the Annual Auction Gala. Together we can make a difference for the good of our children. Visit Portledge.org/parents for more information about getting involved.
FINANCES
Portledge School’s financial structure is based on the tradition independent school model where tuition is kept as low as possible, and the budget shortfall is funded by annual giving, auction, and other special events. Average Cost per Student...................................................................... $33,940 Average Tuition per Student................................................................... $28,277 The Difference Between Average Tuition & Average Cost per Student.....................................................................$5,663
ANNUAL FUND What is the Annual Fund? The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of all our fundraising efforts. It is the “gift every year” that Portledge counts on from our family—current parents, grandparents, past parents, alumni, trustees, faculty—to help underwrite the cost of our expenses. The Annual Fund makes up the difference between the revenue provided by tuition and the actual expense of running the school. What Does the Annual Fund Make Possible? A life-changing education A talented and diverse student body Faculty who inspire and educate the thinkers and doers who will
impact tomorrow
A dynamic campus culture defined by academics, service, athletics,
and the arts
The maintenance and enhancement of our beautiful campus
What is the Goal of the Annual Fund? We strive to reach 100% parent participation. Tuition covers approximately 70% of what it actually costs to educate each student. It costs an additional $5,000 per student to balance the budget.
Why Should I Participate? Your participation in the Annual Fund is crucial. To meet our financial goals, we rely on each and every gift, no matter the size. Gifts range in size from $25 to $20,000. Your support tells Portledge that you believe in our mission. Through annual giving, you can express your philanthropic commitment to Portledge.
LEVELS OF GIVING Benefactor Donors
Founders Society....................................................... $20,000+ Head of School Society...............................................$15,000+ Directors Society.........................................................$10,000+ Towers Society............................................................. $5,000+ Deans Society.............................................................. $2,500+
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Portledge School is governed by its own Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees focuses on three areas critical to the success of Portledge: it selects, evaluates, and supports the Head of School, to whom it delegates authority to manage the school; it develops broad institutional policies that guide the Head in running the school; and it is accountable for the well being of the school.