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“Our Legacy & Our Future”: 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign
There is a magic that happens every day, in a small school in our town, with the youngest of students. A tiny child rings a bell, the teachers sing “Circle Time,” and everyone gathers in a circle on the rug. In that wiggly circle, the children share their treasures and triumphs. In that wiggly circle, the magic begins – the learning of respect for others and themselves, the beginnings of true and deep kindness, and the love of their community. After circle time, snack is set out by little hands – crumbs and cups and clean up time. Then play time, which is also learning time. Art projects, each a treasure, are set to dry in little cubbies with children’s names on little tags. Then jackets on – it’s time for fresh air and running and trying to cross the monkey bars one more time (I can do it myself!). As time moves on, we grow apart from the unity of Circle Time, we lose the diligence of Clean Up Time, we forget the creativity of Art Time, we neglect the free spirit of Play Time. We struggle with the hardships of daily life. But for those young students, some now adults, the magic of Circle Time is still with them – we yearn to share, to listen, to grow in respect and fellowship – to build a community. Quietly and persistently, the magic of Circle Time has continued to happen for 50 years, in a cheerfully decorated classroom behind the First Congregational Church of Haddam.
Haddam Cooperative Nursery School has been an integral part of the community since its beginnings in 1968. In honor of our 50th anniversary, we are excited to announce a special fundraising campaign to raise $20,000. This campaign, which we are calling “Our Legacy & Our Future” will not only help us fund a 50th Anniversary Open House and dedicate a playground plaque, celebrating our legacy, but will also help set our school up for a financially secure future.
HCNS is a non-profit organization run by our beloved teachers and a volunteer parent-led board, operating on a very limited budget. Typically, tuition covers only a small portion of the actual cost of each child’s educational experience, while additional funding is obtained through fundraising initiatives throughout the school year. This year more than ever, we need the support of our small town community, as we are having a more difficult time closing the budget shortfall. This gap is driven by significantly lower student enrollment, which as you are so keenly aware, not only impacts us at HCNS, but our regional school district as a whole. As business owners, families of the nursery school, and members of the local community, this is your opportunity to show your support for our nursery school, so that we may not only continue to make this wonderful learning experience possible for the children, but so that we continue to shape our community’s future – abundant with kindness, respect, diligence, learning, and play. Would you be willing to make a special, tax-deductible, donation to help us reach our goal and ensure a stable future for our school? We simply cannot do it without you! Your support will not only make a real and lasting impact on “Our Legacy & Our Future” but most importantly on the children, and help us continue the magic of Circle Time.
Here are a few ways to donate to our 50th anniversary “Our Legacy & Our Future” campaign:
- Make a donation online at our website www.haddamco-op.org
- Check payable to HCNS mailed to Haddam Co-operative Nursery School, PO Box #206, Haddam CT 06438
- Donate via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/HaddamCooperativeNurserySchool/
- Visit our fundraising page online at www.gofundme.com/help-haddam-co-op-preschool
This campaign is an essential part of our fundraising initiatives, and vital to “Our Legacy & Our Future” as we look toward the next 50 years! We sincerely hope that you will consider making a donation and we appreciate your support in helping us reach our goal! We simply cannot do it without you!
With deepest gratitude,
The Families and Children of Haddam Cooperative Nursery School
