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In 2007, the concept of a middle school to serve the inner-city girls of New Bedford was little more than a vague dream edging toward an evolving hope. Today -- thanks to the dedication and generosity of the entire Greater New Bedford community -- it is a thrilling and established reality. The past four years have demonstrated beyond doubt that a determined community can come together and achieve what some thought was impossible: starting an all-girl middle school to serve students who show promise, potential and a deep desire to achieve in a safe, supportive and challenging environment.
Our Sisters’ School continues to grow and flourish and amaze us all. In the fall of 2010, OSS became a full four-year middle school serving fifth-grade-through-eighth-grade students. Even more exciting, in the Spring of 2011 we all gathered to celebrate our very first class of graduating students – 10 competent, well prepared young ladies eager for the next voyage of their exciting young lives. In September, these graduates began that voyage -- at Bishop Stang High School, Greater New Bedford Vocational School, Lincoln School, Phillips Andover Academy, St. George’s School, Tabor Academy and The Wheeler School. These girls, many with full scholarships, have excelled, taken charge and emerged from their OSS experience as confident, energized and independent young citizens!
Many factors have contributed to the success of OSS. Our educators – AmeriCorps teachers, art and lead teachers, mentors, tutors and volunteers – have been remarkable in their dedicated efforts to ensure that the girls are academically challenged and supported at every level. Outreach to and from the community has been outstanding. The students have learned from and about the community; the community has learned from and about the students. Partnerships have been numerous and productive and collaborations will continue.
While we have made great strides, our needs as always remain great. Each fall, OSS accepts an incoming class of 15 new fifth graders. Our goal is to support each incoming student with a promise that the funds to support her during her four-year tenure at OSS will be provided. We have and will continue to accomplish this goal through the generous donations of individuals, foundations and grants from a variety of interested groups, and also through the steady and welcome support of local businesses.
Through the leadership and direction of the OSS Finance Committee, our operating costs remain lean and the majority of our budget goes directly into supporting the girls and the academic program. Through growth and financial reassessment over the past three years, our yearly individual sponsorship cost is $10,000. We continue to seek to secure yearly as well as multi-year sponsorships from individuals who welcome and embrace the concept of supporting the four-year voyage of a girl at OSS. However, we are extremely grateful for all levels of giving as each gift allows us to advance and fulfill our primary mission: to educate and inspire middle-school-aged girls in a safe and secure environment. We invite you to learn more about our school by coming on a personal visit and meeting the girls and seeing for yourselves the incredible work being done here at OSS. The impact that generous individuals have made thus far has been immeasurable and we encourage you to come on board as well … as donors, as volunteers, as supporters of Our Sisters’ School. There is no better feeling in the world than being part of something that helps children and families, something that is making a vital difference in the community around us and in the lives of these very special girls. For more information, please contact Abby Keene, Director of Development, at akeene@oursistersschool.org.
You may make a donation online or download the attached OSS Pledge Form and return it to the school. As an alternative, you may prefer to consider an item on our Wish List.
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