Dear Harbor Families,

As a community, it’s time to embark on an important annual process - our annual giving campaign, appropriately called the Harbor Fund. This year’s theme is ”Full STEAM Ahead”, focusing on the growing strengths of our program in the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

Some of you are thinking, “Oh yes, I’ve got to take care of that”, and have already reached for your credit card and clicked on the link above. For some of you who are newer to independent schools, it might not feel so natural. After all, you just wrote that check for tuition not too long ago, right? Coming from a background in public schools originally, I get that! I felt that way at one point too, until I learned more about independent school finances.

In the independent school model, the annual fund is actually a portion of the annual operating budget of the school. It covers aspects such as professional development for teachers, classroom technology and other materials to enrich the curriculum, and supports our small class sizes and low teacher to student ratios. In other words, annual giving allows us to maintain the high-quality educational program at Harbor. And… how much a family gives is important, yes, but even more important is that each family gives. Reaching the 100% participation mark (or as close as we can get to it!) reflects extremely well on a school and positions us to be more eligible for grants and other giving. The “culture of giving” is one measure of the health and vitality of a school.

Which organization or organizations your family supports is a highly personal decision that demonstrates your priorities and values. Personally, Bill and I are passionate about a few organizations that have made a significant difference for our children’s health and education, and are keenly aware that our contribution makes a bigger difference in a smaller organization. As a new family to Harbor, we look forward to joining all of you in supporting this special school in the annual fund.

Next week, you will receive a package in the good, old-fashioned mail with further information about the Fund. I urge you to give  careful thought to your gift to Harbor, and participate to the level that makes sense for your family.

Warm regards,

Leah Musico

Head of School

The Harbor School