Dear Portledge Community,
The spring of 2020 posed unprecedented challenges for our school and tested our community's commitment, resilience, and resources like never before. As the needs of our school changed dramatically and almost instantly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, so did our community's response. The power of the Portledge community once again shone through and helped to guide us through this challenge in every way.
Thanks to the unmatched philanthropic support of all of our constituencies and the unwavering dedication of our faculty, staff, and administration, Portledge was able to deploy approximately $500,000 of unbudgeted funds to ensure the continued success and future safety of our school. Examples of additional expenditures include, but are not limited to:
- Personal Protective Equipment e.g., temperature scanners, masks, face shields, desk barriers, etc.
- Creating additional classroom spaces
- Extra tents and seating to utilize more campus space
- Additional cleaning services
- Adapting our air circulation/purifying systems
- OWL technology for classrooms
- Adding/adapting staff responsibilities to help proctor and supervise
There is no doubt that our ability to successfully navigate these uncertain times is a direct result of the deep connection that exists between our school and our community.
As you already know, dollars raised by the Portledge Fund directly support the general operating budget of the school. The COVID-19 global pandemic has pushed this budget to its limits like never before. As a result, the incremental dollars raised through the Portledge Fund will be of paramount importance as we continue to provide an unmatched Portledge experience while safely operating our school within the confines of the pandemic.
Please donate to the Portledge Fund today. I extend my wholehearted thanks for your support during these trying times. Not just your continued philanthropic support, but also the moral, emotional, and spiritual support that you continuously give to Portledge. The varying difficulties we have all faced throughout this year will continue to challenge us but, by donating to the Portledge Fund today, you can play a big part in helping our school keep your children's education, well-being, and social and emotional development at the forefront of all we do.
Sincerely,
Simon Owen-Williams
Head of School