We are still moving towards our goal of receiving $8,000 from 50 families by December 16th, a number we have made in the past. We have successfully gained the support of 17 families with more than $2000 committed as of last week (this week has not yet been tallied). I know many of you are planning on donating and have not yet done so, but now is the time! We can do this together.
Over thanksgiving I reflected on the several ways I am so grateful for Healey. The teachers are of course one of these, and Nature’s Classroom (which my kids still talk about) is another. Mr. Graham (5/6 teacher) writes, “Nature’s Classroom is an amazing experience where students are exposed to some hands-on learning opportunities and are given the chance to learn from the world around them in an environment they may have never been a part of.”
Why amazing? Mr. Graham says, “students come out of their shells and find success where they may not in your average classroom. I have witnessed students uncharacteristically take the lead on a hike, express their knowledge to a large group, give a compliment to a peer they may hardly talk to, and even find the courage to sing along with a school full of students they have never met before. With the right support and strong student/ teacher relationships Nature’s Classroom helps to create a one of a kind atmosphere for learning, a positive attitude towards learning, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
This is precisely why enrichment is so important for the entire community. It provides the opportunity for all students to thrive, especially those who may find the day to day school experience a struggle. Important moments like this also give teachers access to these students, which can allow them to in turn make the day to day more effective and meaningful.
But these programs cannot exist if they are not available to all, and this means we need your support. The most direct way is to contribute to the Annual Fund. There are two easy ways to do so:
- Make out a check to “Friends of Healey” and deliver or mail it to the Healey front office..
- Make a one-time or (even better) a recurring payment online via the Friends of Healey website.
You can also see if your workplace can make a matching contribution to your donation.
Another great way to get involved is by volunteering for ArtsFest, our biennial fundraising event that will be on May 3, 2020 this year. This critical event is a way to solicit support from the businesses of Somerville, but it can only happen with your help! To learn more contact volunteer@healeyfamilies.org.
Thank you so much for your support.
Sincerely,
Luke Miratrix (Parent of a 6th and 7th grader, SSC board member, FoH volunteer)