GWHS IB Diploma Program

GW Fund-raising

Updated on September 23, 2009

We Need Your Deep Pockets

September's college prep meeting for seniors was instructive for the valuable information presented by IB’s new counselor, Rusty Haynes. We also witnessed firsthand the great value of the IB program for our kids, as Rusty, Suzi Geimer, and Marjie Lane guided parents and students through the labyrinth of the college application process.

Services of this sort (and we are all aware of the range of assistance our kids receive from the IB program from the time they choose GW in the Spring of their 8th grade year through graduation) ensure the highest standards. And they come at a very steep price. Very.

The IB program of excellence – and truly, it is the gold standard of excellence in the area – is not free. This year, as you know, the IB Foundation is funding a larger portion of Marjie’s position as deputy to Suzi because of budget cutbacks. That could amount to over one-third of the Foundation’s total budget. But without Marjie, the IB program would simply not provide the array of help, supervision, and guidance that you have come to expect. The Foundation bit the bullet and pitched in with funds, much of it donated by you. Rusty Haynes also comes at a cost that we need to foot so that your students end up at the best college for them. And I could go on and on (teacher needs, subsidies for students, etc), not just about the services and programs in IB but the expense.

I am asking, even pleading, with all of you to donate more to the Friends of IB Scholars Foundation. Many of you have been so generous already, but please do more. Dig deeper in these times of economic uncertainty. For those of you who have not donated (or have not paid your $40 dues), you need to step up and do so. Please. You are a member of the best high school program in Denver. Period. You expect the highest quality, and so you should. The IB program seeks to meet your standards. It cannot do so, however, without money.That has become all the more apparent this year as DPS and the GW administration have drained away financial support. We are moving on all fronts – politically, bureaucratically, etc. – to remedy the situation. The funding front is where you can help. If you’ve paid your $40 dues, think of doubling that with a donation. If you’ve generously given $100 in the past, why not $250? Why not $500 or $1,000?

Parents of seniors: a donation would indicate your appreciation to the program for your student’s excellent high school preparation while also helping with Rusty Haynes’ salary;

Junior parents: counseling and materials are costly in this first year of “real” IB;

Sophomore parents: you now understand how wonderful this program is after the freshman year, so please help;

Freshman parents: you’ve paid dues but that funds just a tip of the IB iceberg of educational resources your child will benefit from this first year and beyond.

For those of you who have come from private schools, think of your cost-savings. For those of you from public schools, think of the cost-savings. No amount is too much to donate!! Think of your kids, think of the teachers, think of the IB program. Thank you for all you’ve done already. And dig deep to ensure the future is as bright as the past.

Thank you! Tom Zeiler, President, IB Foundation

Donation Form

Whole Foods Market at Tamarac

Beginning July 6, 2009, Whole Foods Market Tamarac will be supporting George Washington High School as the recipient of our bag refund donation program. As part of our program, if you bring your own bag when you shop, you may receive 10 cents off your total bill. OR, tell the cashier you want to donate those 10 cents to George Washington High School!

Our donation to George Washington High School will support their efforts to recycle and preserve the environment, as well as go to the school renovations project.

In the last year alone, Whole Foods Market Tamarac has given $10,000 to local Denver Schools! SMALL CHANGE DOES ADD UP! Support your school by supporting Whole Foods Market!

ShopWithScrip to Benefit the GW Friends of IB Scholars Foundation

Your day-to-day purchases with retailers and restaurants can benefit the GW IB program when you register through the ShopWithScrip program. Learn more (PDF).

Enroll in Macy's Shop for Education Program

Register your Macy's credit card at www.escrip.com/my-escrip.jsp with group number 501447721. Up to 6% of every purchase will be directed to our school.

Office Depot

Identify GW before ringing up at Office Depot and 4% goes back to the school.

Enroll in Target's Take Charge of Education

Go to target.com and click on "Take charge of education" then click on "Designate a School" and enter GW ID # 37370, zip 80224.