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On September 3, the bells rang for the first time at Our Sisters’ School. Thirty 5th- and 6th-grade girls entered the brightly renovated building across from Buttonwood Park and were welcomed by four wonderful young teachers. So began the first day. So was launched the first year. Our Sisters’ School had become a reality.
So much has happened over the past 12 months in preparation for that exciting first day. We managed to secure a large, inviting space, which will ultimately house all four grades of our private middle school for girls. We hired four young teachers who have been trained extensively; these young teachers will continue to be mentored by two experienced educators from the New Bedford area. Finally, from a large group of eager applicants, we successfully enrolled thirty admirable girls to fill our first classes.
Just one year ago, OSS was a hazy dream. Today, in no small part because of the generous contributions of so many local citizens, OSS is a functioning reality. But while our doors are clearly open, much work remains to be done. Our Sisters’ School is an independent entity that relies on funding from individuals, foundations and corporations. Much of the money raised to date has been provided by generous members of our local communities. It is our goal to maintain this local momentum. Indeed, in order to keep our girls and our school “going and growing,” we absolutely rely on it.
There are many ways for people to give. Some areas of particular and immediate interest include:
- Sponsor a girl’s tuition: $8,000 for one year; $35,000 for four years;
- Sponsor (or help sponsor) teachers’ and other enrichment programs;
- Assist our efforts to secure or purchase supplies for athletic equipment, and for library, music and art programs;
- Host an event during which school personnel can tell community members about the school and about the many opportunities for citizen involvement;
- Cover the costs of transporting our girls to and from various performing-arts programs and activities such as swim lessons;
- Provide foundation contacts and liaisons to get us connected to the “right” people at individual foundations and corporations.
To make a pledge or donation, please download the attached OSS Pledge Form and return it to the school. No gift is too large or too small. We thank you once again for your interest and generosity. Please feel free to contact us at bhickey@oursistersschool.org to obtain more information. Better yet, come to the school yourselves for a guided tour.
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