Northwest’s philosophy states, “all interactions in the School community can and should be directed toward the development of courtesy, common sense, mutual support, the creative spirit and independence.” Since our school’s founding this sentiment has consistently defined how we celebrate and steward our community.
So, what exactly is Uniquely Northwest? It’s more than a name for our Annual Fund, which supplements a significant portion of our operating budget each year and affords our students the caliber of education that Northwest has provided for more than 30 years. It’s a description that defines the very heart of our diverse community.
Northwest students, faculty, and families come from different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Our teaching faculty is comprised of artists, scientists, environmentalists, athletes, philosophers, mathematicians, writers, and lifelong learners.
Just as we are a community of learners, we are also a community of givers. It is up to each one of us to ensure that The Northwest School can continue to provide an exceptional education to our kids. We are delighted to know that our gifts to the Annual Fund help support our unique learning environment, creating opportunities for our students to grow and learn that extend beyond typical classroom activities.
This October, Jen Kulik used a SMART board in her 9th and 10th grade theatre class to skype with Andrew Watson, Artistic Director of the Geese Theatre Company in Birmingham, UK. The Geese Theatre Company works with incarcerated offenders, using plays and theatrical exercises to help the prisoners on their road to rehabilitation. Talking with Andrew Watson, her class learned firsthand how theatre can be used to make social change.
Last month, Robert Isgur’s 7th grade science class used a special microscope with a camera attachment to observe and study bacteria. Through the use of this camera, the class was able to examine and discuss the specimen together, rather than in small segmented groups. This whole-class collaboration engendered lively class discussions and ensured that every student was engaged and had a front row view of study.
So, what is the connection between these unique class experiences and Uniquely Northwest? Both the SMART board used in Jen’s theatre class and the microscope in Robert’s science class were purchased with money raised through our Annual Fund.
This is why we named our Annual Fund Uniquely Northwest. It is the lifeblood of our school. Funds raised through the Annual Fund enhance projects and programs that the operating budget cannot accommodate; it helps the Administration make purchases that enhance the school’s educational offerings—like new computers for our students. Uniquely Northwest also safeguards the school’s budget for faculty professional development, giving our beloved teachers the opportunity to take their curriculum to the next level.
As parents, faculty members, alumni, grandparents, and friends, we are all a part of this wonderful Northwest School community. It does not matter how much we give, but that we demonstrate our pride for this community by participating. Each gift, regardless of its size, makes a real, tangible difference for our students.
All gifts made to Uniquely Northwest are 100% tax-deductible. In order to receive tax benefit for 2011, please make your gift on or before December 31st. You can give online or you can mail your donation to:
The Northwest School
Attn.: Development
1415 Summit Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122
We both give to the Annual Fund because it is the right thing to do. We know that it takes more than tuition to make our school great. After a few years here, we’ve seen the many ways, small and large, that the Annual Fund has made a difference. Please join us in supporting Uniquely Northwest today.
Thank you for supporting The Northwest School!
Bob Evans & Scott Guettinger
Annual Fund Parent Co-Chairs
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