2015 - 2016 Community Appreciation Report final draft(1)

Community
Appreciation Report

2016

National
Blue Ribbon School

of Excellence

This Community Appreciation Report is dedicated to the countless

individuals, families, and businesses that support OLPH School in a
rich variety of ways. Throughout this publication we will highlight
people, committees, volunteers, and boards that propel our mission
forward, to glorify God, and serve the greater good of our Church.

Dear Friends and Benefactors of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School,

As I look back over the past several years, I am overcome with gratitude for the doors that have been opened to our
students by the generosity of our donors. We’ve built a state of the art computer lab and library, upgraded technology
infrastructure, set new standards for the use of technology in and beyond classrooms through interactive and 1:1
programs, and enriched STEM programs through the acquisition of new resources and installation of lab tables and
equipment cabinets in our 8th Grade Science room.

We’ve also invested in our facility by installing a new roof on the upper deck above middle
school this summer. We have begun researching and planning for our next project, a Maker
Space in the current art room that once again blends the latest technical innovation with the
drive for creative learning exhibited by our students.

I firmly believe that these enhancements, pedagogical shifts, and vision for the future led to
our school’s achievement as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U. S.
Department of Education. As an exemplary school, our students’ performance and
academic program is recognized in the top 15% of schools nationally! This is due to the
hard work of our students, the dedication and careful planning of our teachers, and the
support of our wonderful parents and families. It is also due to all of our donors who
support our vision of giving our students the very best tools and resources that will propel
them into a future of infinite possibilities. We look forward to your partnership as we
continue making dreams for our school into reality!

Peace and All Good, Victor J. Pellechia, Principal

As we offer our thanks to the families, friends and benefactors of our great school, I want to
begin with a deep and heartfelt thank you to all of our teachers and staff who, with Mr.
Pellechia, have helped achieve the great honor of our school being named a 2016 National
Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. I am so proud of their hard work, day in and day out, that
makes itself visible in the achievements and accomplishments of our students. As we
celebrate the great honor of being named a Blue Ribbon School, I hope it will give you even
more confidence in the great things that happen through your gifts and donations.

When we make sacrifices for institutions like our parish school, we want to know that every
dollar is contributing to the mission in a significant and meaningful way. Clearly that is
happening here as your gifts have helped create an environment where our children can
excel. Thank you for making this happen! There is so much more we hope to do and
accomplish for our children here at OLPH School, and I hope you will join me in supporting
our great mission of shaping the hearts, minds and souls of our children.

God bless you! Rev. Erik J. Arnold, Pastor

I hope as you look through this report you share our joy in seeing how the OLPH community
continues to work together to achieve remarkable success for our school. We are grateful for
your role in propelling forward the important work of educating, forming, and nurturing our
students. The importance of Catholic education cannot be overstated, and neither can our
gratitude to you for helping us provide our students with a transformative learning
experience in an environment that builds virtue, reaffirms values, and instills a love of Christ.
Thank you for helping us plant seeds each day that we pray will bear fruit for all eternity!

Gratefully yours in Christ,
Jodi Phelan, Director of Development

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Development & Fundraising Income & Expense Overview

We are 100% committed to continuous improvement. Consistent progress is expected of our students, and it is
essential to our mission as well. This is why we dedicate significant time and energy toward raising the funds
needed to provide students with the best tools and environment for their education. Total income from fundraising
and development for the 2015-2016 school year was $205,142. Our efforts also serve the many OLPH Parish
ministries, clubs, and organizations that use our facilities. We offer the information below as a summary of the
broad base of support we cultivate as a means to serve our OLPH community.

The generosity of our Annual Fund Drive donors helped us launch a 1:1 Chromebook program for grades 3-8,
upgrade our science program, and purchase thirty laptops that students use in technology class, science, religion,
language arts, social studies, and math. The AFD is also a crucial factor in bridging the 20% gap between tuition and
the actual cost of an OLPH education. Your generosity helped us achieve all this AND become a Blue Ribbon School!

Annual Fund Drive income was $46,820 and allowed us to invest in:

 One Chromebook cart: $2,500  Fifteen science tables: $5,000
 120 Protective hard covers: $3,000  Science cabinet: $1,500
 120 Soft travel cases: $3000  Thirty Acer Laptops: $12,000
 120 Chromebook Management software: $3,600  Facilities upgrades / new locksets: $6,000
 General Operations $15,000

Grant Awards & Projects

We pursue grants each year to fund special projects. Grant income in 2015-206 totaled $87,625. The Knott
Foundation awarded us $36,000 to purchase 120 Chromebooks for our 1:1 device program. The Maryland
State Department of Education awarded us two grants totaling $51,625 under the Non-Public Aging Schools
Program to replace the roof on our school building. The cost of the roof repair exceeded $100,000 and was
partially funded by our parish, for which we are extremely grateful.

Schoolwide Fundraisers

Net fundraising income last year totaled $65,573. One hundred percent of this goes to operations. This is why
Fall Fest, Breakfast with Santa and Bull Roast are so important; they are built into the budget to cover general
expenses. Our Scripp program is a significant revenue source; it accounts for nearly 20% of our fundraising
income. Thank you to all who devote their time, talent, and treasure to ensure the success of these programs.

Percentage breakdown of Development & Fundraising Income Matching Gifts, Volunteer
Grants, & Partnerships
20%
2% More than 20% of our Annual Fund Drive dollars
come from corporations and local businesses.
43% Many companies such as Northrop Grumman
32% and T. Rowe Price will match 100% of your gift
to the AFD. They also reward your volunteer
3% hours by donating to the charity of your choice,
Total Development & Fundraising Income: $205,142 hopefully OLPH School!

Local business leaders, such as Bob Lucido of
Keller Williams Realty also support our school
through partnerships. When you buy or list with
him as an OLPH referral, he will donate $2,500 to
our school. Share the word!

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Thank you to all who so graciously supported our Annual Fund Drive!
Together, we far exceeded our $40,000 AFD goal!

Perpetual Charity

Mr. Samuel W. Chairs, Jr. In Memory of Patricia A. Chairs

Perpetual Grace

Anonymous The Kippenbrock Family

Perpetual Hope

The Baynes Family Tim Carroll The Gracci Family The Lake Family

Bob Lucido Mr. & Mrs. Fabijus Marcinkus Kevin & Jodi Phelan Barb & Jon Smith

“Our middle school students have been so excited to work with even more hands-on projects in their science classroom
thanks to the Annual Fund Drive. These new desks were purchased to support the ever-increasing opportunities for
introducing STEM projects in the classroom. Now students are able to ask questions, investigate, and interact with
science concepts without having to relocate to other areas of the school. Our new science supplies are another stepping
stone to continuously enhancing our program to meet the needs of today’s students.”

On behalf of our students, I thank you for your generosity which made this possible.”

~ Matt Malone—8th Grade Homeroom, Instructional Coach,
Middle School Science & Religion Teacher

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Perpetual Faith

The Alonsozana Family The Connelly Family, Brian, Beth, Patrick, & Moira The deGordon Family
Laurel A. DeSantis Christine & Luis Diaz Mr. & Mrs. Delbert Frist

Mr. & Mrs. Pat King & Family in Memory of Rev. James King, CSSR Joe & Cindy Loverde
William & Mary Maselko The Pellechia Family Mark, Lauri, Ben, & Luke Shropshire The Sliker Family

Gus & Melanie Wurtzer in Honor of Stephen Wurtzer

Perpetual Loyalty

John & Margaret Addicott Mr. & Mrs. William Bennett in Honor of Bryce & Caleb Bennett
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Berzonsky in Honor of the Kelleher Family The Dittmar Family
Carol Durkee & Kim Sampson in Honor of Emily & Claire Durkee Mrs. Darlene Gracci
Kenneth & Iryna Graves In Honor of Danylo B. Graves Mr. & Mrs. Tim Horton
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Jeschke Shibu Jose James & Lorraine Kramer
Karen, Eric, & Emily Kuczynski Mr. & Mrs. Martin Malarkey in Memory of Lois Malarkey
Jeanne Martin & Larry Johnson in Honor of Taylor Johnson
Gayle & Ellen McAdams in Memory of Richard Sliwinski

Sean & Terry Muldoon in Memory of Barb Coakley Dr. & Mrs. Gregory Small The Trout Family
Ab & Elaine Vallese in Honor of Alex & Nate Gracci Karen & Dan Vorsteg

Perpetual Kindness

The Brake Family Caryn Shriner-Bobbick in Memory of Chris Bobbick Miles & Kathleen Booth
Nick Carroll in Honor of Katie Carroll The Coury Family John & Nancy Decker Frank & Reda Duffy

Tony & Laura Errera Mr. & Mrs. Charles Fagan Charlie & Gina Fisher Margaret M. Frederick
Sheri & Dave Gates in Honor of Amanda, Zack, and & Emily Mrs. Michele Geiman

Betsy Gemmill in Memory of Joseph Sokol Kate Gilligan in Honor of Megan Gilligan Rosemarie Gordon
Robert & Shelley Johnson The Kallmyer Family Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Kiss The Koenig Family
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McHugh Mr. & Mrs. William McMahon in Memory of Edgar & Concetta Best

Rachel Mertins Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anthony Munoz in Memory of Caroline Hermann & Christopher Sliker
Dorothy Neal Mary Ellen & Bernard O’Neill Victor & Amy Pellechia Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Pumphrey

Stan & Erin Raborn Barry & Kathleen Russell Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Strong in Honor of Kara & Aubrey Strong
Mrs. Maribeth Tulenko The Weir Family Mr. & Mrs. Restia Whitaker

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Perpetual Friendship

Mrs. Alexis Baldwin Carol & Ron Barth Mr. & Mrs. Carballo Mr. & Mrs. John Deoliveira
Paul & Margene Chambers in Honor of Danny & Sarah Muldoon, Patrick & Moira Connelly
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Cody Anthony & Paige Crofton Beryl Dejarnette in Honor of the Vorsteg Family
Darlene Donnelly in Honor of Katie Carroll Tim & Karen Gaydosh in Honor of Greg & Grace Gaydosh
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Guzman The Hahner Family Joanne Keats Ines Lopez in Honor of Isabella Rivera
Sally & John Minardi in Memory of Greg Mr. Anthony Pellechia Mr. Mark Pellechia Mr. Steve Proctor
Bynia Reed in Honor of Cameron Clark Isabella Rivera & Family Mr. & Mrs. William Smallman

Michael & Lynn Steer Mr. & Mrs. D. Suave in Honor of Claire & Emily Durkee
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Thompson Mary Jo Warthen Margie Zimmerman

The following benefactors supported our Annual Fund Drive, but preferred
that their donation level remain undisclosed.

Ed & Terri Carr in Honor of Stefan Russell JoAnn & Ed DeSantis Pam Durkee & Dawn Christofferson
Mr. & Mrs. John F. Eikenberg Greg & Kristen Fisher Wilfrid & Karen Gapp The Hildreth Family
George Kapusinski Julie A. Kavanagh in Honor of Addison Brvenik

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Klatt in Honor of Marissa & Mikel Fink George & MaryJo Kuczynski in Honor of Emily Kuczynski
Mary Beth & Greg McCormack in Memory of Marion K. McCormack Mairzie & Jay Mulholland
Angela Patton Ted & Margaret Stromberg Mary Toffolo-Cresce The Truex Chungs

Rose Marie Weaver in Honor of Benjamin Hooper Brent & Nancy Weiser in Honor of Luke Shropshire

Thank you to these foundations, local businesses and
corporations for supporting our school!

The Abundance Catering Company, the Juliano Family Angels AfterCare Cisco Systems Chick-fil-A
Cybercloud Technologies, Mr. Frank Kippenbrock Dimitri’s International Grille, the Wethern Family
Dex Imaging ~ Mr. Frank Culotta Key Press Printing The Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation
Lancaster Foods The Bob Lucido Team, Keller Williams Integrity Maryland State Department of Education

Scott McGrew, State Farm Insurance Merck & Co. Northrop Grumman PNC Bank
Standard Energy Solutions, Mr. Steve Welsh Target T. Rowe Price

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From our School Board Chair, Lorraine Kramer

OLPH School Board: Lorraine Kramer, Barbara Marks, Karen I have been involved with OLPH School for over 12 years,
Kuczynski, Laurei DeSantis, Dan Vorsteg George Kapusinski, wearing many hats along the way. As a school parent for nine
Maribeth Tulenko, Jodi Phelan, Kristen McMahon, Vic of those years, I was able to experience first-hand the dedica-
Pellechia, (not pictured: Brian Connelly, Mary Harris, Darlene tion, skill and commitment that the faculty and staff bring to
Gracci, and Fr. Erik Arnold) Anne Welsh, Kip Kippenbrock & the students each day. I have chaired fundraising events,
Steve Proctor finished their term at the end of last school year. served as room parent several times, lead the Home and
School Association, and am now serving my third year on
School Board, this year as Chair. Each of these opportunities
has allowed me to witness the uniqueness of OLPH.
Teaching children in a Christ-centered school is certainly a
calling for our teachers, and our students directly benefit from
the teachers’ faith and expertise. I look forward to working
with our talented team on the School Board as we support the
school and implement its Strategic Plan.

~ Lorraine Kramer OLPH School Board Chair

“Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So
use your gifts well. If you have the gift of speaking, preach God’s message. If you have the gift of helping others,
do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God be-
cause of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever.” ~ 1Peter

New School Year, New H.S.A. President, Mary Harris

The HSA Board is an important link between school administration and our families. We are very proud of all of
the activities and improvements we provide for our children and school. From new trophy cases and volunteer
coordination, to cultural events for students and teacher appreciation
lunches, we have committed ourselves to making a difference at
OLPH. Our board members are at all of our school events and our
room parent program offers welcoming information to new families,
while keeping classes up to date with the most recent information. I
am truly blessed to be leading such a wonderful team.

My journey here started years ago when our oldest child, Steven, now
age 24, started at OLPH. We fell in love with the school and it quick-
ly became a wonderful part of our family. Since that first day, OLPH
has been home to all five of our children. All of our kids have bene-
fitted significantly from the loving and supportive environment here
at OLPH and they have made friendships that will last a lifetime.
Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation for our staff,
our priests, and our families. My husband, David, and I could not
have picked a better school for our children!

~ Mary Harris

6 Dave, Mary, Steven, John, Jordan, Ashley, & Madeline Harris

OLPH families know how to put
the “FUN” in Fundraising!

What do oysters, elves, and ovens have in common??? Each plays an im-
portant role in one of our three ‘major’ fundraisers throughout the year!
Our 80th Annual Fall Festival welcomed about 1,000 friends of OLPH and we
served over 900 Turkey dinners, a feat that only Pat King, countless volun-
teers, Larry Schuberth, his team of helpers, and multiple ovens could pull off.
New this year were arcade games and pony rides, both of which were big hits
with the kids. Wisely, our Fall Fest committee keeps tradition alive while also
embracing new ideas. Thank you John & Ginny Gates for donating all of the
pumpkins, mums, and fruit for our Harvest Store and children’s craft table.
Our 2016 Bull & Oyster Roast offered a Bull on the Beach theme, which made
the oysters feel right at home. Everyone thought the great food, awesome
auctions, dancing, and gambling were plenty fun, until Elvis showed up and
ROCKED the HOUSE! This is the beauty of Bull Roast—you just don’t know
how much fun you can have until you get there!!! Thank you Tim Carroll and
your team for a wonderful event!

Breakfast with Santa was another milestone event. We celebrated our 25th
year of hosting the guy in the big red suit and his helpers. Our wonderful
friends at the Knights of Columbus cooked up a delicious breakfast for our
guests, and numerous local companies donated items for our raffle trees and
auction items. Thank you Mrs. Kathleen Russell for bringing joy and the
Christmas spirit to so many.

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VIP Visitors at OLPH

Baltimore Ravens Nose Tackle, #98 Brandon Williams, Paralympic ten-time medalist, Tatyana McFadden visited
pictured here with alumna Moira Connelly and her father, and discussed her book, ‘Yo Sama’ Moments from My Life,
Brian, spoke at our spring reception and shared his story which Mrs. Gregorini’s 4th grade class was reading. ‘Yo
of overcoming hardship and injury to become a starter. Sama’ means “you can do it” in her native tongue, Russian.
He shared how his faith played a big role in his success. She has certainly lived this motto to the fullest!
Retired Howard
County Chief of
Police, William
McMahon spoke at
our Catholic
Schools Week VIP
Reception. As an
alumni parent, he
shared stories of
his children’s
experiences and
emphasized the
value of Catholic
education.

OLPH parent, Petty Our school year began with a blessing by Archbishop Lori and
Officer 1st Class encouragement from Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edmondson.
Justin Cody and the The Archbishop spoke about the importance of loving one
Navy Band Cruisers another and being ever mindful of God’s love for us. This tied in
put on the concert of perfectly with our spiritual theme for this year from the Gospel
a lifetime for us. of Matthew, “You shall love the Lord your God, with all your
These supremely heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the
talented musicians greatest and the first commandment.”
travel the world
entertaining troops,
performing at
government events
and acting as good-
will ambassadors for
the U.S. Navy.

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OLPH Named 2016 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

The U.S. Department of Education selected OLPH a 2016 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
in September. Our school is one of only 50 private schools in the nation receiving this
honor. The Blue Ribbon School Program honors public and private K-12 schools for their
academic excellence and ability to help students achieve at very high levels.
Standardized test scores must be in the top 15% nationally to be nominated for this award.
Principal, Victor Pellechia congratulated the students and staff by saying, "I feel a deep
sense of pride for this wonderful achievement, and it is truly a testament to the hard work
of our students, the passion and expertise of our faculty and staff, and the trust and support
of our parents. I am grateful for the encouragement of Fr. Arnold, and we share this recognition with the countless
alumni, parishioners, and extended families that have helped us serve children through an outstanding academic
program that is grounded in faith."
The data-driven and rigorous year-long application process evaluated the school’s academic program, student
performance, instructional methods, assessment practices, use of classroom technology, professional development,
differentiated learning programs, and inclusion of foreign language and the arts.
Dean of Academics, Florence Hahner, who was integral to the process stated, “This award is an acknowledgment that
when a community works together, with our Lord at the center, great things are accomplished. Our challenging
academics, diversified programs, and excellent test scores attest to the quality of education provided at OLPH.”
We are proud that our students receive an excellent education in an environment that nurtures a love of Christ, builds
virtue, and reaffirms the values that families teach at home.
Students and staff celebrated in their Blue Ribbon t-shirts, eating blueberry snowballs, and dancing at carpool pickup!

Knott Foundation Awards
OLPH $36,000

As part of our school’s long term
planning and strategy, we sought
funding from the Knott Foundation in 2015 to launch a 1:1 Chromebook program in 2016. Our proposal was
fully funded for $36,000 which allowed us to deploy 120 Chromebooks for grades 4-8. Our case for support
was strengthened by the success of our Interactive Learning Center, (which the Foundation helped fund in
2013), stable enrollment, and the strong financial support we have from a broad base of donors.
This 1:1 device initiative allows every student consistent access to optimal educational tools and provides
increased engagement, unlimited research, unsurpassed connectivity, individually paced instruction,
real-time feedback, multi-media collaboration, and efficient organization of information.

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Publication of the OLPH School Office of Development [email protected]
410-744-4251 4801 Ilchester Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21043 www.OLPHschool.org