FRIENDS OF SWS

As stated in our Articles of Incorporation, Friends of SWS exists to promote and support the ongoing educational programming, staff professional development, and future growth of School-Within-School, a District of Columbia public school (DCPS). We fulfill this purpose through raising and managing private funds to augment funding the school receives from the D.C. government. Friends of SWS does not in any way manage the school’s operations, or make curriculum and staffing decisions. We also pursue private foundation grants and other donations of money, goods, and services in support of the school’s needs. This fundraising effort, conducted primarily by members of the Friends of SWS Board of Directors through their relationships in the local and national community, accounts for roughly 10% of our annual fundraising efforts. As of October 2012, Friends of SWS has applied for eight of grants and so far has received two corporate and foundation grants. Funds raised through the above activities support the organization’s purpose by providing training and development for teachers and professional staff, funding the delivery of special course offerings at the school, such as music and movement, funding special educational modules, and funding outlays for supplies and equipment that would not be covered by other funding sources (or where there are gaps from other funding sources). The School-Within-School mission and philosophy is to support and develop children’s potential through a child-centered, collaborative teaching and learning environment inspired by the philosophy and practice of the Reggio Schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Because DCPS does not provide teacher and staff training and development specific to the Reggio Emilia pedagogy, Friends of SWS raises the funds necessary to make these critical educational components available to the students.