October 17, 2016

Dear North Star Community,

This fall, we embark on a monumental campaign to advance the exceptional education offered at our school.  Through the development of our field and playground, the North Star Sports Complex and Playground Campaign supports our mission to educate the whole child by providing safe and appropriate outdoor play along with improved athletic and exercise opportunities.

Why is this necessary?  Research shows the critical role that outdoor play, sports, and exercise can play in child development and academic performance.  North Star is well-known for setting and achieving high standards in academic performance, but our offerings for play, sports and exercise are quite limited.  Our current field and playground has great potential, but is under-utilized and under-developed.  We have an opportunity to create a school of excellence in building strong minds and strong bodies.

How much will it cost and how will we achieve this goal?  Enclosed with this letter is a rendering of the complete vision of this campaign.  The estimate for the entire project is between $1.5-$2million.  In order to accomplish a project of this size we will need to break it up into three phases.  Phase I will be our focus for this year.  We are aiming to raise $250,000 to complete the extended playground, sport court, courtyard, and outdoor classroom plaza area.

Why me?  Did you know that on average charter schools in Idaho receive 22% less funding per pupil than the municipal public district school?  As a charter school, we are not able to raise additional funds through local bonds and levies for capital projects.  We are seeking support from multiple constituencies such as foundations and corporations for this project.  But our most invested and biggest benefactor is you, our current families.  This year, we are aiming for 100% parent participation.  Your support shows a collective commitment to our school and speaks volumes to potential major donors.

Will you join us in supporting this effort?  Please consider an amount that is meaningful for your family. Gifts of any size matter and are appreciated.  Thank you for investing in the lives of North Star students today and for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Joanna O’Donnell

Director of Development

1. Please take a moment to review the tax document HERE to learn more about the unique tax benefits Idaho offers for gifts to educational institutions.