e-Newsletter: May 2008

IN THIS ISSUE
Student Showcase – A Resounding Success!
PSCS Board Retreat
Matching Challenge
In Memory of Bert Puchtler
May - What's Happening

STUDENT SHOWCASE - A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!
The annual PSCS Student Showcase took place on April 25th and was truly an unforgettable night. Good food, good conversation, good entertainment and the viewing of the vast array of projects completed by PSCS students all contributed to the delight. Certainly, for those interested in sampling the kind of things PSCS students do on a daily basis, this was the night for you.

Among the projects showcased included samples from the poetry class decoratively displayed and even with audio recordings of students reading their work. The two canoes from the Boat-building intensive were on display. Artwork filled panels and final project work from classes were available for viewing. But clearly the most obvious examples of student efforts on display had to do with performance art. Our master of ceremonies was student Kienan McFadden whose comfort in front of a group was obvious to all. The variety of songs performed by the musicians was a tribute to their musicianship and versatility. And the dance performances showcased several students whose interests and efforts at school aren’t always on display.

Also unveiled at the showcase was the graduation project of senior Rose O’Kane, the lone member of 2008 PSCS graduating class. PSCS graduation projects are year-long, large-scale undertakings intended to challenge our seniors, advance a personal passion, and give them practice in the skills necessary to make things happen. As people viewed Rose’s project, a display of 5 outfits she personally designed and then crafted for 5 of her closest friends, an ongoing “wow” could be heard. Through the display of the outfits, professional photos of her friends in the outfits, a slideshow, Rose’s commentary, and her fashion manifesto, everyone was provided deep insight into Rose and what a PSCS student is capable of completing. Inspiring is an understatement.

The evening also began to define a new term – “PSCS Formal.” People present were encouraged to dress in a way that defined this term, with trophies being given to the people who best embodied how those who were present defined it. Much fun and silliness surrounded this aspect of the showcase. To close the evening, a slide show was presented that effectively honored the school year.

PSCS BOARD RETREAT
On Saturday, April 19, the PSCS board met for its annual retreat. Pampered by both the location and the facility, they met in a lovely home on Guemes Island that was actually designed by board member Dana Bettinger in her former life as an architect (she is now an art teacher at University Prep). Dana’s mother, Irene Bettinger, was on hand, visiting from her home in Kansas City. Irene shared her expertise in fundraising, specifically for capital campaigns. Indeed, the subject of capital campaign fundraising was the main focus of the retreat.

As those of you who have been following PSCS the last several months know, the school is looking to expand its scope over the next several years. One thing we want to do is to acquire a permanent home that will allow expansion and growth. The “Dream Site” awareness effort that has been promoted regularly in this eNewsletter is an example of this.

The board approved the decision to move forward with a capital campaign. Recognizing the need to engage in such a project mindfully and strategically, the first step will be to promote a quieter phase in which a sizeable amount of money is raised before taking the campaign public. Be listening for ways you can contribute.

Discussion also surrounded site issues. The hope of the board is for PSCS to find a quality “interim space,” a location that will showcase the school to both funders and prospective families while the capital campaign takes off. To this end, the board’s site committee continues its tireless work investigating and reviewing potential sites.

PSCS is fortunate to have the dedication and leadership of community members who volunteer to serve on the school board. We appreciate and salute all of you!

MATCHING CHALLENGE
Tuition alone does not cover the cost of a PSCS education. Like all nonprofit organizations PSCS depends on receiving financial gifts from people who support our mission. This support helps us keep tuition low while ensuring we have money for scholarships, professional development, new books in our library, and the staffing necessary to meet our promises to our students every day.

With that in mind, we are beyond excited to announce that an anonymous donor has offered to not just match but to double every dollar we raise up to $10,000 for the remainder of our fiscal year ending June 30. That means if you send us $5, the donor will kick in $10 and the school will receive $15. Once we raise $10,000, the donor will have contributed $20,000 and PSCS will have received $30,000. And in raising this money PSCS will have balanced our budget this year, something additionally significant as we look to move our fundraising forward.

Have you thought recently about the promises you make to the people you care about or to whom you are committed and dedicated? At PSCS we promise to support our students in the pursuit of their interests and passions while helping them to make intelligent choices, think critically, use knowledge freely and creatively, and adapt flexibly and intelligently to change. We promise to guide students in building meaningful expressions of their passions in the world, and in becoming responsible, caring and contributing global citizens.

Please help us meet this matching funds challenge, something that helps us to continue to fulfill these promises. That donations made over the next two months will be doubled makes supporting us right now all the more significant.

To donate right now, please visit http://www.pscs.org/give/donatenow.htm.

IN MEMORY OF BERT PUCHTLER
Bert Puchtler, father of teaching staff member Scobie, died on April 18. Bert's inspiring life included being part of the first Peace Corps group, serving in Pokhara, Nepal from 1962 to 1964. He worked for the US Agency for International Development in Laos, as well as the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Alaska Area Native Health Service in Alaska. He was also an accomplished bush pilot and glider pilot. After retiring, Bert toured Europe on his scooter, windsurfed in Baja, Mexico, and became a Canadian-certified snowboard instructor at age 68.

MAY – WHAT'S HAPPENING

TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
Tuesday, 5/6. Let's show our teachers some love.

VISITATION DAYS
Our next two visitation days are Wednesdays, 5/7 and 5/28. It is difficult to understand PSCS without coming to school and observing our activities and student life. Seeing the school in action can make the difference between having a basic appreciation of our philosophy and really "getting" how it works. For more information visit PSCS Admissions.

PARENT MEETING
Thursday 5/8, 7pm.

INTENSIVES WEEK
Spring Intensives Week is 5/12-16.

BOARD MEETING
Tuesday 5/13, 7pm.

NO SCHOOL
No school on Memorial Day - Monday, 5/26.

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