This is a challenging time for us all and we are sensitive to the new and uncertain circumstances the Coronavirus has placed us all in. Conversations about how to, or whether not to, move forward with our Auction have brought us to considering the desire to balance the needs of our families with our needs as a School. Therefore it was not without thought and significant discussion that we made the decision to hold our Annual Auction, in a modified format this spring.
The fundraising event will be held virtually, offering the Silent Auction online from May 8 - 15, allowing parents to still bid on the many wonderful items that have been graciously donated to our School by local businesses and organizations, and by our own families. You will be receiving an email with greater detail about our new Auction tomorrow, including information about event ticket sale refunds.
The money raised through this event will help expand our current Financial Assistance to support those SPS families who are experiencing the impacts of this unprecedented financial downturn, so that we may be able to stay united as a community once our red doors reopen again.
As in years past, the auction funds will continue to go toward the professional development for our faculty, with a new focus on being proactive in our approach to support future online learning programs and a hybrid approach to the delivery of the SPS program.
Other adjustments to the auction, including the cancellation of the beloved Teacher Treat offerings, the cancellation of a formal Paddle Raise event, and the folding of the Live Auction experiences into the Silent Auction category, have all been made given the constraints we are facing with this modified event format.
Many of you knew originally, the Auction was going to support the first phase of renovating Wiggins Field. We have decided to postpone this until a later date for one important reason; the new need for our community to support our faculty and families impacted by this disruption in our daily lives due to the Coronavirus.
We deeply value our community and know raising money during financially uncertain times can be a conflict for many. However, we also feel the best way to support our community is to continue to strive to support one another, carry on with activities, events, and meaningful rituals where we can. Gathering for this event will be different, but perhaps coming together as a community, to support one another will help us continue through these challenging times.
We hope you and your family are safe and managing through this period. We also hope you are able to join us virtually on May 15, support the SPS community and continue to balance our new reality with our desire to stay connected with one another."
– Matt Evans
Head of School
