A note from the Great River School Foundation Executive committee

Dear Great River School Families,

Between global conflicts, political divisions, and uncertainty in so many corners of our lives, the world feels heavy. Especially as winter begins to set in, it is tempting to turn inward, to protect what's ours and wait for calmer days, but that’s not what we are doing.

Because it’s not the way of the Great River School community - because it's not the Montessori way, or the way of our mission.

Our school was built on the principle that we prepare students to be "responsible and engaged citizens of the world" – not citizens who retreat when times are hard, but those who are connected to their community and step forward when they're needed most. We teach our children to be peace-builders, to address systemic challenges through open dialogue, to meet the world with compassion and responsibility. 

Like many of you, we are thinking a lot about our values, and what we want to model for our children. We are looking to them, as students of such a powerful mission, for guidance too. 

The Foundation of Our Community

Every day at Great River School, something remarkable happens. Students don't just learn subjects – they learn to trust, to collaborate, to find their place in a community that sees them fully. They learn to hold space for complexity and resolve conflict. Key Experiences build bonds and a sense of self that last a lifetime. Guides create environments where deep questioning meets peaceful action. 

Our children spend years here, and they leave transformed.

This doesn't happen by accident. It happens because of commitment – from our dedicated staff, from engaged families, and from a funding model that asks more of us than traditional public schools.

As a charter school, we operate with approximately 30% less funding than traditional public schools. While we rely on per-pupil funding just like traditional public schools, our school has not been not eligible for additional funding sources like property tax levies. To sustain access to a quality Montessori experience among many parts that make GRS extraordinary, as a charter community, we agree to share the costs of our innovative learning model. We also share the benefits.  

This Is Our Moment

For those who can give, now is the time to step up. This Is the Moment.

We know many of you are already investing beyond generously, of your time, talents, and money. We see you volunteering in the kitchen, organizing the Harvest Festival, serving on committees, showing up for our children and staff. Your generosity has carried us this far.

Today, we're asking you to consider what you are giving and what you can give, and consider investing more in our community if you have the capacity. Not because the school is in crisis- we are working hard to keep things steady and regulated as we move through uncharted territory in the world around us. Yet there are urgent needs in our community and we want to respond effectively. We want to build and maintain excellence in all possible areas, including important things like paying and supporting our amazing staff and shared spaces as best as possible. This takes sustained generosity. 

How You Can Help

• Sustainable giving allows you to make monthly contributions that add up throughout the year. Our mission definitely has a better ROI than your monthly investment in Netflix. Right?! You can do it from our giving page

• Key Experience funding ensures every child can participate in these transformative trips. Support through invoice payments!

• The Blue Heron Bash is on February 21st is a ton of fun! Mingle with parents and staff. See all the auction items and beat out friends for that sauna vacation! Oh, and by the way, grandparents love our auction too!:) 

If Financial Giving Isn't Possible Right Now

We understand completely. There are other ways to get involved, to invest (and to receive) in this community:

• Join the Parent Engagement Group (PEG) and help create the events that bind us together

• Volunteer on GRS Board committees and working groups

• Give time in the kitchen or classroom

• Share your ideas and expertise

• Read the Wednesday ‘Huron Huddle’ to stay connected

The Great River School Foundation has an opening in December – reach out if you'd like to learn more. We’re doing interesting work with wonderful people. Join us!

Let’s Come Together

In a world that often feels fractured, Great River School remains a place where community, trust, and belonging are not just ideals but daily practice. Where children learn that their voices matter, that peace-building is active work, and that engaged citizenship starts right here, in how we show up for each other.

Let's extend these Montessori principles beyond our classrooms and into how we sustain this remarkable school. Let's come together, not in spite of difficult times, but because of them.

Let’s build and support this extraordinary community alongside the work of our children in their communities at GRS. 

Connections

Connect with the right people to give your gift of time and talents!

PEG (Parent Engagement Group) PEG@greatriverschool.org

Kitchen or Classroom Skreger@greatriverschool.org

GRS Board committee Tchristie@greatriverschool.org 

GRS Foundation Kfischer@greatriverschool.org 

Ideas and inquiries Jsartain@greatriverschool.org 

With gratitude and hope,
Executive Subcommittee, Great River School Foundation

GRS Foundation members

Great River School (GRS) Foundation is a 501c3 created to support the long-term financial needs of Great River School’s mission: to prepare students for their unique roles as responsible and engaged citizens of the world. By building relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations, the GRS Foundation creates enduring support for students, faculty, and the school’s urban Montessori learning environment. 

All funds are held by the GRS Foundation for the sole purpose of supporting the programs of Great River School, with all funding priorities directed by GRS staff.