Double Your Impact: What parents are saying

Photo caption: Left to right Tyler Toth (kindergarten) presents his senior buddies, Dominick Coiley and Garren Nicholson, with artwork. This was the first time the buddies were able to meet in-person. They have been meeting virtually this year. It was exciting for all parties.

Last week’s post resulted in a couple of outcomes:

1. $10,000 in donations to the schools, which was DOUBLED to $20,000. Thank you to the donors listed below.

2. The following questions: 

1. Why are you seeking donations? Isn’t enrollment up and bringing in more money?
2. What happens to the money raised during the Spring Fundraiser? 

These are great questions. Here are the answers:

1. Enrollment is down this year due to Covid-19 mitigation protocols. Distancing students according to CDC guidelines required a reduction in capacity. Approximately 330 students are enrolled between the two schools – ICS and Monroe. Ideally, enrollment would be around 450. Enrollment is open for the 2021-22 school year now. Can you please help spread the word?
2. Money raised during the Spring Fundraiser supports the schools. Tuition only covers about 65% of the schools' operating expenses. The remaining $1,400,000 is raised throughout the year with HIPOW and the Spring Fundraiser being two of the primary fundraising events. Spring Fundraiser monies are used to buy classroom supplies, pay teacher salaries, and keep the schools operating. 

Don’t just donate because of need. Donate because these schools are special. 

Our schools may be small, but they are mighty. As a private, Jesuit-endorsed school, we are blessed to be able to forge our own path, inspired by Christ the Teacher. In a year that encouraged us to be apart, we have truly been a community that is better together. But hey, you don't have to take my word for it - here is some feedback from parents collected in a recent bi-annual parent survey:  

"ICS has done an absolutely amazing job of providing a safe environment for in-person learning ALL school year! It took a lot of creative thinking and planning, but you made it work and we are extremely thankful for that :)"

"Thank you for being so amazing and putting the children first in all of your decisions this past year. I feel the tuition I pay is really an investment into their future and the school allowing the kids to come in-person this year really made me feel like you understand that education is much more complex than mathematical and vocabulary advancement."

"While we have always appreciated the school for its sense of community, focus on personal ownership and service to others, we are especially grateful for the way Catholic Schools of Fairbanks has managed this incredibly trying school year. The teachers and staff at CSF have provided over 300 children with a lead-by-example lesson on perseverance in this year of COVID. The kids are learning that even best laid plans can change and that the key is to keep moving forward."

Thank you for your continued support of these schools. Thank you for supporting us as we move forward together. We are better because of you. 

All donations will be doubled. Thanks to the generosity of Skip & Linda Johnson, Bert & Becky Bell, Jim & Sandra Haselberger, Bill & Marsha Pike, and The Stroecker Foundation, your donation will be doubled up to $90,000. $25 will become $50, $50 will become $100, and $100 becomes $200. It’s another opportunity for us to be “Better Together.”