Dear Seacoast Waldorf School Families and Friends,

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Richard - father of Ada in 1st grade, Cora in Piping Plovers and of baby Iris, husband to Jenna and member of the board of directors. I’m writing to you today introducing this year’s Annual Appeal to raise funds for our financial aid program.

While it might seem funny for someone on the board, SWS wasn’t originally part of the plan for our family. We first decided to move to the US in early 2022 and didn’t know when the paperwork would be done to allow us to move from the UK. It took 18 months in the end. Worried most of all that there wouldn’t be space anywhere for Ada whenever we were finally able to move, she was on the waiting list of a long list of pre-Ks stretching from York to Newburyport.

Ada could very easily have ended up somewhere else, going into the public system the following year like we assumed would happen. Had the visas come through even a few months later, Ada would have started formal public school in the UK, which begins at age 4. Instead, a healthy dose of fortune led Ada to walk through the doors of Ms Francesca’s class two years ago, and we fell in love with the school. Cora then went to Lighthouse class and later nursery, and I joined the board last year, around the same time Iris came along.

I count my family doubly fortunate - that we happened upon the community which has grounded us as we moved countries, and that our circumstances mean we can afford it without hardship. I give to this school with immense gratitude for that. I invite you to join me. Every contribution — large or small — strengthens our ability to nurture every child who walks through our doors.

As the Treasurer of the Board, I have the privilege of seeing the many sides of what makes this community thrive: the soulful teaching that nourishes each child, the many parents who volunteer their time and talents, and the careful stewardship that keeps our school sustainable. I see firsthand how every dollar we raise allows us to open our doors to more families. Last year’s appeal raised $27,938, this year we are targeting $35,000.

Financial aid is not just a line item in our budget; it is a reflection of the values that make this place special. It ensures that our classrooms are filled with a diversity of experiences and perspectives. It allows us to welcome more families who share our belief in educating and nurturing the whole child. It is one of the most tangible ways that we as adults live the values we are working to instill in our children.

I wouldn’t be the Treasurer if I didn’t like getting down to brass tacks, so I’ll leave you with a bit of school financing 101. Most of the costs of running a school are fixed. More students means a healthier bottom line, more programs we are able to run and enrichment opportunities we can offer. When we provide financial aid to someone who otherwise would not be part of our community, our dollars not only build the strength of that community but the strength of our balance sheet. And as all financial aid recipients contribute at least 50% of tuition costs, any donation that allows us to expand our community is effectively matched.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community and for helping us continue the work that means so much to all of us.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Richard Williamson

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Parent of Ada, Cora and Iris

Seacoast Waldorf School

Help us award Financial Aid funds to deserving students!