All Jews are responsible for one another.

Not just a slogan.   It is one of the core values guiding our school.  It reminds us of what is of deepest significance in our lives.  As parents, grandparents and community members, we are charged with bringing this important value to life for our children.  Now more than ever, our school’s mission is critical to our families.  We offer:

• Steadiness and a caring community during a period of change;
• Focus on the critical Jewish values that guide our interactions with others;
• Attention to the development of the creative problem solving, analytical research and communication skills that allow our children to adapt to a rapidly changing world;
• Care for individual needs whether reflected in diverse learning styles or support of students and families through emotionally troubling times.

Celebrating 25 years of inspiring students

In 1983, a handful of families in our community set out on a journey.  Their goal was to create a school that provided children with a Jewish context to enrich their daily lives, as well as a program of academic excellence to foster future success.  Today we all benefit from their vision and courage.  In its 25th year, our school is a pillar of our Jewish community, serving 398 students in grades K-8. It is up to us to continue this important journey.   

100% Participation

One of our goals this year is to involve everyone.  That is why we have decided that in 2010, the number of gifts we receive is as important as the size of the gifts.  Of course we want everyone to make a meaningful gift that is appropriate for their family circumstances.  But remember, every gift counts, no matter the size.  100% participation from our Board, parent body, and faculty sends a strong message to our entire community about our passion for our school.

We need to raise $310,000.  We are confident that if everyone participates to the fullest extent, we will meet this ambitious goal.

“Why do we need an Annual Fund? How does it fit into the overall financial condition of the school?”

The money that the Annual Fund brings into the school budget goes directly to support the quality academic programs that HMJDS provides.  These enhancements include: science labs, instrumental music instruction, up to date technology, professional education for teachers & staff, curriculum enrichment, resource teachers, student field trips & class retreats, and the list goes on. 

For the past 5 years HMJDS has achieved a balanced budget because we have reached our fundraising goals.  You should know that 78% of our revenue comes from tuition.  Parents paying full tuition do cover the cost of educating their children.  However, 40% of our families receive some form of financial assistance.  This represents 20% of our gross budget or approximately $800,000.  Your tuition is your investment in your child (children) and your gift to the Annual Fund is your investment in the HMJDS community.

“Didn’t our school just receive a major gift from  Amos and Celia Heilicher?  Why are you asking me for an Annual Fund gift?”

Yes we did.  Our school was honored to receive a substantial gift from Amos Heilicher (z”l) in the spring of 2008.  This gift represents a down payment for a building addition and does not impact our need to balance our budget this year. 

Did you know…?

Here are some suggested ways to make it easier to give:

• Set up monthly installment payments directly from your checking account;
• You can make arrangements so that your credit card (Visa/MasterCard) will be charged each month;
• If you are age 70 and a half or older, you can take advantage of the newly extended IRA rollover provision that permits you to use your IRA to make a charitable gift with no federal tax impact;
• If you would like to use appreciated stock to make your gift, please contact Lynn Lederman at (952) 381-3535.

We would like to recognize the following people who have generously agreed
to serve as our volunteer Annual Fund Ambassadors:

Co-Chairs: Jon Halper and Riva Kupritz Mark Appelbaum Gary Berman Brad Birnberg Janie Covin Alan Einisman David Fogel Randi Fogel Gary Friedell David Goldenberg Harold Goldfine Oren Gross

Jon Halper Matt Heilicher Tom Hymanson Sharon Kadet David Kohn Ron Krebs Shira Krebs Bonnie Lazar Lisa Lederer Jeremy Litton Amy Rosenblatt Lui Peggy Mandel Seth Meisler Deb Olson Steve Orloff

Heidi Pergament Ken Raskin Jerry Ribnick Rob Ribnick Sheila Sigel Stan Smith J.R. Tapper Stuart Tapper Marc Usem Heidi Weinberg Dori Weinstein Josh Wert Mark Wolpert Michael Zweigbaum