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In the heart of Southern Maryland there is a Catholic School named St. Michael’s which is, in many ways the backbone of the community. If the walls of this building could speak they would tell a story that spans almost 100 years of a strong, faith-based education. 2018 will be 100 years exactly. Sadly, St. Michael’s is at risk of closing. We all know that children spend more time at school then they do at home. St. Michael's was "home away from home" for me and my siblings until high school. It was where my mother and grandmother went to school also. This place and the people in it have touched so many lives that it would be a great loss to see the doors close.
I have witnessed firsthand the passion and commitment of the staff to their students and I encourage anyone who reads this page to comment below with a memory of St. Michael's and their incredible staff.
If statistics were to tell the story of the past 10 years it would be this:
*80% of the 2nd-8th grade students score "average" or "above average" in Reading
*78% of the 2nd-8th grade students score "average" or "above average" in Math
*30% of the student population is bilingual
*100% of the students are proficient in the 6 key elements in Religion
*80% of the student population is composed of members of the Catholic faith
*97% of the students have enrolled in higher learning institutions or trade schools
*7 former students have been the valedictorians/salutatorians of their high school graduating class
*In 1 particular year, St. Michael's had 2 valedictorians in 2 different high school programs at the same time!
*Annually former students are awarded over $900,000.00 in college scholarships.
*Teacher: student ratios are small to ensure each child's needs are being fulfilled in the classroom.
I grew up in this community. I went to church at St. Michael's parish. I know the success stories from this school because I have witnessed them firsthand. No one can question the good that this school does. The staff is selfless and kind. They are devoted and energetic educators who deserve to continue to share their knowledge with students at St. Michael's.
The staff at St. Michael's was told that they need to raise $200,000.00 by the end of January. The second financial marker must be reached by the end of May in the amount of $385,000. The Archdioceses is requiring the school to have all finances covered in advance in order to open for the 2017-2018 school year. Despite endless fundraising efforts there is still more that WE can do to help...If not, the children that call St. Michael's home, will have to find somewhere else to go (The nearest Catholic school is almost an hour away for some students.) Education is important and I think that every child needs something to believe in and my faith was that "something" for me.
My hope for these children is that St. Michael's remains open for many years to come.
I ask all of you to consider helping this cause. Even if you think a small amount would be insignificant, it is not. This is a time where the saying has to hold true "It takes a village to raise a child." We are the village and we need to ensure that these children get the education that they deserve. Let's be sure that the walls of St. Michael's have stories to tell for years to come! Thank you. God bless.
FINANCIAL GOALS/BREAKDOWN:
Need $200,000 by the end of January 31st.
If GoFundMe reaches even HALF of it's goal it would cover ~38% of this needed amount. If we reach our FULL amount then we cover 75% of the overall needed amount.
Need an additional $385,000 by June 2017.
The school is being required by the Archdiocese to pay for the 2017-2018 school year IN ADVANCE. Please keep in mind there will be constant fundraisers hosted by the school.
Below are ways you can help the school during this time.
-Monetary donations are being accepted in person at the school, via mail (address at bottom of message) or through the following online sources:
- Archangel Scholarship Foundation (click to be redirected to webpage)
-GoFundMe (committed to raising a portion of the overall financial need)
-Fundraising involvement. You can participate in school fundraising events. The school is working hard to explore all avenues to raise funds. I will post about events as they arise but if you are in the community and would like to show your support please attend/participate in those events.
-Own a local business? If you would like to host a "School spirit event" (where a certain portion of sales would support the school) please send an email to Mrs. Hofmeister at Principal@saint-michaels- school.org
-Power of Prayer. Please pray that St. Michael's School, which is a vital part of St. Mary's County, remains open to continue to provide a faith-filled education.
Address:
Saint Michael's School
16560 Three Notch Rd.
Ridge, MD 20680
#GoBeyondGiving
I have witnessed firsthand the passion and commitment of the staff to their students and I encourage anyone who reads this page to comment below with a memory of St. Michael's and their incredible staff.
If statistics were to tell the story of the past 10 years it would be this:
*80% of the 2nd-8th grade students score "average" or "above average" in Reading
*78% of the 2nd-8th grade students score "average" or "above average" in Math
*30% of the student population is bilingual
*100% of the students are proficient in the 6 key elements in Religion
*80% of the student population is composed of members of the Catholic faith
*97% of the students have enrolled in higher learning institutions or trade schools
*7 former students have been the valedictorians/salutatorians of their high school graduating class
*In 1 particular year, St. Michael's had 2 valedictorians in 2 different high school programs at the same time!
*Annually former students are awarded over $900,000.00 in college scholarships.
*Teacher: student ratios are small to ensure each child's needs are being fulfilled in the classroom.
I grew up in this community. I went to church at St. Michael's parish. I know the success stories from this school because I have witnessed them firsthand. No one can question the good that this school does. The staff is selfless and kind. They are devoted and energetic educators who deserve to continue to share their knowledge with students at St. Michael's.
The staff at St. Michael's was told that they need to raise $200,000.00 by the end of January. The second financial marker must be reached by the end of May in the amount of $385,000. The Archdioceses is requiring the school to have all finances covered in advance in order to open for the 2017-2018 school year. Despite endless fundraising efforts there is still more that WE can do to help...If not, the children that call St. Michael's home, will have to find somewhere else to go (The nearest Catholic school is almost an hour away for some students.) Education is important and I think that every child needs something to believe in and my faith was that "something" for me.
My hope for these children is that St. Michael's remains open for many years to come.
I ask all of you to consider helping this cause. Even if you think a small amount would be insignificant, it is not. This is a time where the saying has to hold true "It takes a village to raise a child." We are the village and we need to ensure that these children get the education that they deserve. Let's be sure that the walls of St. Michael's have stories to tell for years to come! Thank you. God bless.
FINANCIAL GOALS/BREAKDOWN:
Need $200,000 by the end of January 31st.
If GoFundMe reaches even HALF of it's goal it would cover ~38% of this needed amount. If we reach our FULL amount then we cover 75% of the overall needed amount.
Need an additional $385,000 by June 2017.
The school is being required by the Archdiocese to pay for the 2017-2018 school year IN ADVANCE. Please keep in mind there will be constant fundraisers hosted by the school.
Below are ways you can help the school during this time.
-Monetary donations are being accepted in person at the school, via mail (address at bottom of message) or through the following online sources:
- Archangel Scholarship Foundation (click to be redirected to webpage)
-GoFundMe (committed to raising a portion of the overall financial need)
-Fundraising involvement. You can participate in school fundraising events. The school is working hard to explore all avenues to raise funds. I will post about events as they arise but if you are in the community and would like to show your support please attend/participate in those events.
-Own a local business? If you would like to host a "School spirit event" (where a certain portion of sales would support the school) please send an email to Mrs. Hofmeister at Principal@saint-michaels- school.org
-Power of Prayer. Please pray that St. Michael's School, which is a vital part of St. Mary's County, remains open to continue to provide a faith-filled education.
Address:
Saint Michael's School
16560 Three Notch Rd.
Ridge, MD 20680
#GoBeyondGiving
Organizer and beneficiary
Lila Hofmeister
Beneficiary