ANNUAL FUND 2008 - 2009

October, 2008

Dear Iona Grammar School Parents, Past Parents, and Friends,

We are writing to you as enthusiastic and dedicated Iona Grammar School parents who care deeply about our children’s education.  As fellow parents, we understand the many financial pressures upon each and every one of us. We also know that you can’t put a price on the value of the superior education our sons receive at Iona Grammar School . Not only are our sons benefiting from a strong academic program but, they are also flourishing and growing happily in a nurturing environment of respect, love and care.  All of this, plus they are acquiring a strong spiritual foundation to serve as a moral compass throughout their lifetime.

Tuition alone does not cover all the costs in providing this level of education.  Many of us participate in a number of the school’s social and fundraising events: Parent’s Cocktail Party, Family Fun Day, Christmas Boutique, Grandparent’s Day, School Play, Golf Outing, Book Fair, Annual Auction, etc.  All of these events are very important and necessary to our school but, all come with some costs and expenses to be paid.  Only the school’s President/Headmaster Annual Fund contributes 100% of the funds received directly to the school for the necessary enhancements and improvements to keep our school thriving and competitive.  It is for this reason that we write to you to ask you to give a tax free gift to the school to the extent that your financial situation allows. This year’s goal is $50,000. 

Since the last Annual Fund campaign for parents, December 2006 (2006-2007 school year), several new and exciting educational programs and building and grounds improvements have been implemented.  They include:

·        New Reading Program – Grades K through 4

·        Library re-organization – several new book collections added

·        Instrumental Music Program – Grades 5 through 7

·         SMART Boards and SMART technology Introduced in Several Classrooms

·        15 New Computers for the Computer Lab

·        School Boiler Refurbished

·        New Windows – Art Room

·        New Carpeting – Several Classrooms

·        Inauguration of Cross Country competing on the Junior Varsity and Varsity levels

·        Fairchester Athletic Association League Membership – Cross Country, Football, Basketball and Baseball

·        Intramural and Enrichment Programs initiated

This year poses new challenges and opportunities. Iona Grammar School is in the process of preparing its Self- Study for Re-Accreditation with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The administration, faculty and staff will be committing to a number of additional improvements within every facet of our school over the next 2 to 3 years. These needed enhancements partially include: upgrading and automating the Library (will be completed this school year) , upgraded computer technology, additional SMART Boards for all classrooms (7 more needed), baseball field refurbishing, carpeting in all classrooms, and upgrading classroom and administrative computers. To move forward on these initiatives and keep Iona Grammar School competitive in these times, we ask for your help in achieving the Annual Fund goal.

Attached is a flyer outlining gift categories for you to select. Please indicate your gift choice and return it to the school along with your check made out to “Iona Grammar School Annual Fund”.

On behalf of Iona Grammar School , we thank you for your generosity and support.

Most Sincerely,                                                         Most Sincerely,

Dr. Jesus Jaile                                                           Mrs. Joyce Filippazzo

(Francisco – gr. 6)                                                    (Brandon Zazza – gr. 1)

Annual Fund Letter from Headmaster