8836 Crefeld Street Philadelphia, PA 19118
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For Parents of Seniors re: Graduation

Calendar Dates of Note


A Letter to Parents
April 9, 2008

Dear Crefeld Families,

I send this packet out to you as spring unfolds around us, and we look forward to the warmth of May and June. We are now focusing our attention to the remaining two months of the school year. Time will pass by quickly as we engage in the spring mini-courses and the successful culmination of the school year.

Spring Mini-Courses: In early May all students and faculty will suspend regular classes and engage in an extended experiential learning program. Here is what our teachers and students are doing this spring:

Celebration of the Arts: At 7:00PM on Tuesday, May 20th we will host a reception to celebrate our student artistic creations. They will be displayed in the gymnasium and open to the public through Thursday. Then on Thursday, May 22nd at 7:00 PM we will celebrate our performance arts—dance, drama and music. Our January performance was standing-room-only, and therefore I encourage you to come early to get a good seat.

Congratulations to Our Seniors: The past month witnessed a continuation of congratulations to seniors. Every day in morning meeting it seems like we are applauding a senior, either for completing another component of the graduation exhibition or for receiving an acceptance letter from a college.

At this time 19 of our seniors have been accepted to 85 colleges. Of those, 13 have reported being accepted to their first choice school. The others have all been accepted to their second choices. Eight of our seniors (so far) have been accepted at every school to which they applied! In addition, these fine students have been collectively awarded over $425,000 in four-year merit scholarships. We will soon publish the full list of schools to which our seniors have been accepted.

The Coming Months: As we look forward, we see that the remaining months of the school year are punctuated with some significant events.

The Prom: This year the Crefeld Prom is taking place at 7:00 PM on Friday, May 16th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Philadelphia. It is a special community affair. It is inclusive, not exclusive. All Crefeld students may attend, and they can come single or with a partner. Furthermore, the partner does not need to be a Crefeld student, and we will provide financial aid for those who cannot afford the cost of the ticket. Tickets can be purchased from senior Krissy Barnes-Meyers for $42.

Next Year: If you have not returned your enrollment contract and deposit for next year, please do so as soon as possible. We need to know your plans for the coming year (including whether you will be applying for financial aid) as it impacts admission for new students.

Annual Fund: As you know, Crefeld is more than just a school. It is a place that nurtures each student as an individual, giving him or her the tools and strategies that are needed for success in life. Our goal is to help all children benefit from our program, regardless of financial ability, and your donation will help us achieve this goal. We hope that our Annual Fund will raise $40,000 this year to support school operations, and we have received over $37,000 to date. Your contribution can put us over the top.

We ask you to contribute whatever you can, knowing that every donation makes a difference, and all donations are fully tax deductible. We will be happy to provide you with documentation for your tax records. If you have already contributed, thank you!

Scholarship Fund: Crefeld also provides financial aid and scholarships to some students. If you own or manage a business in Pennsylvania, imagine writing your annual tax check to Crefeld instead of to the State of Pennsylvania! The Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) makes it possible to make a donation to Crefeld and pay fewer tax dollars as a result. We are asking any Crefeld families to investigate their business eligibility for the EITC this year and think of employing it for the benefit of your child's school.

The EITC closes its books every year with money remaining. This is a lost opportunity for tuition-based schools like Crefeld and Pennsylvania businesses like yours. Please visit www.newpa.com to explore the process necessary to capitalize on the EITC; or contact Maria Veneziano, Development Director, at 215-242-5545 ext. 42 for more information.

Staffing Changes: As we look to the coming year, we will be saying goodbye to a number of teachers, welcoming back others, hiring new personnel, and shifting some responsibilities. Details were included in your mailed packet. While it is always sad to say goodbye to teachers, we are thrilled to be able to retain such a large percentage of our talented staff. Furthermore, the shifting of assignments promises to provide the type of challenging yet caring program that is the hallmark of The Crefeld School.

Wish List: In each of the monthly newsletters, I am noting items that our staff members wish they had so that they could enhance our educational program. A big thank you to all the parents who have responded already to requests. Emily Elliott is particularly appreciative of the anonymous donation of rock climbing gear. As of this date our staff is still seeking for the following items:

Sincerely,


Mark Piechota
Head of School


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