ASCEND A Campaign to Inspire Excellence

Graland Country Day School

Guided by our mission, values and strategic plan, we go to extraordinary lengths to give children the best education possible.

But we don’t stop there.

We look at the changing environment and evolving technologies. We anticipate society’s future needs as we make new discoveries about how children learn. We are constantly appraising how to keep our program relevant for each generation of students. It means asking ourselves, “What’s next?”

A great school never sits still.

OUR MISSIONAchieve intellectual excellence,

build strong character,

enrich learning through the arts and athletics,

and prepare our students to be

engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders.

Ascende Omnem Montem Climb Every Mountain

A GREAT SCHOOL NEVER SITS STILL

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Pursue Excellence

Instill Integrity

Inspire Leadership

Promote Independence

Stimulate Innovation

Honor Individuality

Cultivate Compassion

Embrace Experiences

Celebrate Perseverance

Value Tradition

Build Community

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Everyday I’m thankful to be surrounded

by curious and intelligent students

who keep me on my toes. Graland’s

exceptional faculty and inclusive

extended community inspire me around

every turn. To be honest, I’ve never

been on a more lively and exciting

campus in my 40 years in education.

Today, right now, Graland is in a unique

place in its history. A solid foundation

of outstanding student performance,

visionary board leadership and strong

community engagement allows us to

dream big. We can envision what might

be, what can be and what will be for

Graland 2035.

With our mission as our guide, we

now look over the horizon to create a

future that is more innovative than ever.

Our students deserve a school that is

constantly searching for ways to nurture

their distinct abilities, gifts and talents.

We promise to be that school.

The vision is clear: We will prepare

students for lifelong success by

investing in a vibrant community,

extraordinary staff and dynamic

facilities. We will inspire the next

generation of Graland students to

achieve great things. With your help, we

will transform education and cultivate

future leaders.

Ascende Omnem Montem

LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL, RONNI MCCAFFREY

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Graland’s mission is timeless, but our world is constantly changing.

Our job is to help students achieve their unique and fullest potential by

preparing them for ... anything.

New technologies and new discoveries about how children learn are just two examples of why we have to teach in new-fashioned ways. Our approach is forward thinking: What skills will this year’s preschool class need to be successful when they start careers?

It’s as much about teaching how to reason, how to question and how to take initiative as it is about knowledge.

We know four essential skills are necessary for future success.

Students must have:

These four skills define “intellectual excellence.”

With these traits, they’ll have the confidence to face any situation. They can navigate changing environments and expectations. They can use technology to access information and solve problems in real-world situations. They will take ownership of their learning.

They can succeed.

LOOKING OVER THE HORIZON

DEFINING OUR GOAL

VISION To prepare students for lifelong success, Graland will inspire excellence by investing in a vibrant community, extraordinary faculty and dynamic facilities.

ASCEND: A CAMPAIGN TO INSPIRE EXCELLENCE

EXPERTISE IN CORE SUBJECTS • THINKING SKILLS MOTIVATION • ATTITUDE OF A LIFELONG LEARNER

Students must move forward with the tools and skills to

become the engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders we promise

in our mission.

Curiosity and discovery are the sparks that ignite a love of learning, paving the road to intellectual excellence. Graland expertly guides students to discover, appreciate and use their unique gifts and abilities.

Today, there are three “teachers” on this journey.* Each is needed to create a learning environment that inspires excellence.

THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY Adults, children, alumni, friends

THE FACULTY Teachers, administrators, staff

THE LEARNING SPACE Classrooms, labs, outdoor facilities

COMMUNITY

FACULTY

LEARNING SPACE*With thanks to Bruce Mau for introducing us to this concept in his book, The Third Teacher.

To prepare students for lifelong success, Graland will inspire excellence by investing in a vibrant community, extraordinary faculty and dynamic facilities.

“It’s imperative that we teach students to ‘learn how to learn.’ This skill will enable them to become mature, lifelong

learners who can fulfill their highest potential.”Nan Remington, Head of Lower School

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE

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COMMUNITYA strong community fuels a strong school. Graland is committed to

creating an environment with diverse perspectives and backgrounds that inspires all to broaden their viewpoints, to investigate, to discover.

Diversity and Tuition Assistance

A robust tuition assistance program supports a diverse student population and stimulates learning on many different levels. Offering tuition assistance will ensure a Graland education is accessible to a variety of students.

When we invest in the future with a $5 million financial aid endowment, we ensure the longevity and strength of our inclusivity programming. The fund allows our long-term commitment to financial aid to thrive. Offering tuition assistance to at least one in every five students means our community is comprised of a broad student mix.

Attracting and bringing a broader diversity to our campus is step one. Step two is making sure, through thoughtful inclusivity efforts, that everyone in our community can succeed and fully participate in the Graland experience.

Ultimately, a diverse learning community prepares students with the character traits and compassion to achieve future success.

THE ASCEND CAMPAIGN $5 million for tuition assistance endowment $10M

ASCEND:

$24M to inspire excellence

$5M ENDOWMENT

13% annual increase to annual �nancial aid or Estimated $250,000 annually to fund �nancial aid.

THE COMMUNITY

$1MGiving above and beyond tuition to fund an exceptional program for all students

ANNUAL FUND$13M

Science, Innovation and Learning Center, campus renovations

THE LEARNING SPACE

$5M ENDOWMENT

Estimated $250,000 annually to fund Director of Innovation, Professional and Program Development

THE FACULTY

$5M ENDOWMENT

13% annual increase to annual �nancial aid or Estimated $250,000 annually to fund �nancial aid.

THE COMMUNITY

$1MGiving above and beyond tuition to fund an exceptional program for all students

ANNUAL FUND

$13M

Science, Innovation and Learning Center, campus renovations

THE LEARNING SPACE

$5M ENDOWMENT

Estimated $250,000 annually to fund Director of Innovation, Professional and Program Development

THE FACULTY

$5M $5M

$5M $5M

$13M

$1M$1M

Graland’s responsibility is to reflect society’s changing demographics as we look ahead to our future student population. We define diversity as

differences in race, ethnicity, socio-economics, culture and family

structure. This diversity creates a richer learning experience for every

member of our community.

When families from diverse backgrounds join our community, everyone grows.

“REACHING OUT AND finding commonalities BUILDS

A FOUNDATION WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM.”

Demitric Boykin, Graland class of 2002 and parent of

Jaliyah, class of 2022 and Jayden, class of 2024

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“THE SCHOOL’S TRUE ARTISAN IS STILL THE TEACHER WHO skillfully guides

students to inspiration and insight.”Josh Cobb, Head of Middle School

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FACULTYGraland’s goal is to empower our faculty to be active leaders and

to supply them with the tools and motivation to help students reach their highest potential. The best teachers can change lives.

Charles C. Gates Endowed Chair of Innovation

A new endowed position is part of our vision to inspire curiosity and discovery throughout campus. The Charles C. Gates Endowed Chair of Innovation will direct the implementation of pioneering concepts, tools and technologies into all programs. The educator hired for this role will also oversee and advance the Gates Invention and Innovation Program.

Teacher Retention

To attract and keep outstanding teachers in our program, we offer competitive compensation plus onsite, subsidized childcare. We will continue to support faculty members so their children can enroll at Graland as active members of our community. With their children on campus and accessible, teachers can focus more fully on meeting the needs of their students.

Professional & Curricular Development

Developing our instructors and improving our curricula go hand-in-hand at the heart of this effort. We follow a multifaceted approach, utilizing the Inspire-Investigate-Instruct-Impact model to uncover new ideas and further train our faculty. By engaging in field research and coursework, connecting with industry experts or being a part of a task force, the faculty identify and study important advancements in education.

Collaboration is the key, as Graland teachers then implement concepts, share with other teachers and lead the way in upgrading our program to bring a higher level of excellence to Graland.

Staying current with methods and technologies is an expectation of our faculty, not an option. This unique approach ensures teachers stay stimulated, students stay engaged and our program stays relevant. Everyone wins.

Our vision is to keep Graland at the forefront of education through ongoing professional development. Teachers on the cutting edge of education bring new ideas and methods of instruction into the classroom to impact learning. Their professional excellence is key to equipping students for success.

When teachers engage in enriched learning, amazing things

happen in the classroom.

THE ASCEND CAMPAIGN $5 million for professional development endowment$10M

ASCEND:

$24M to inspire excellence

$5M ENDOWMENT

13% annual increase to annual �nancial aid or Estimated $250,000 annually to fund �nancial aid.

THE COMMUNITY

$1MGiving above and beyond tuition to fund an exceptional program for all students

ANNUAL FUND$13M

Science, Innovation and Learning Center, campus renovations

THE LEARNING SPACE

$5M ENDOWMENT

Estimated $250,000 annually to fund Director of Innovation, Professional and Program Development

THE FACULTY

$5M ENDOWMENT

13% annual increase to annual �nancial aid or Estimated $250,000 annually to fund �nancial aid.

THE COMMUNITY

$1MGiving above and beyond tuition to fund an exceptional program for all students

ANNUAL FUND

$13M

Science, Innovation and Learning Center, campus renovations

THE LEARNING SPACE

$5M ENDOWMENT

Estimated $250,000 annually to fund Director of Innovation, Professional and Program Development

THE FACULTY

$5M $5M

$5M $5M

$13M

$1M$1M

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Classrooms of the future offer flexibility for small group work, large group

instruction and one-on-one interaction as teachers customize lessons to match

individual learning styles. The new 24,700-square-foot Corkins Center,

combined with related renovations across campus, will ensure an excellent program is complemented by excellent facilities. A modular, open design offers teachers the flexibility to engage in lessons that spark creativity and inspire learning.

When innovative lessons converge with amazing new spaces,

students can’t wait to learn.

LEARNING SPACE

The ideal space inspires excitement and a passion for learning.

Dynamic facilities allow students to move, create and explore.

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Main School Entrance

Visitors and guests will first experience campus through a secure entrance where they will be welcomed and assisted.

Learning Commons

The 9,480-square-foot Learning Commons is where we redefine “school library.” An expanded library program with books for research and reading joins a dynamic technology center and enhanced digital media studio. It’s all about creative learning and discovery in a specialized area perfect for instruction, creativity, group work and individual study. The Learning Commons will be a destination where students can tinker, gather, learn, collaborate and explore.

Gates Invention Lab

We’re almost tripling the size of the Gates Invention Lab and moving it to the new building—a workspace with state-of-the-art equipment, tools and resources. Complete with a cut room, robot arena, print room, outdoor patio and learning space, the new lab will ignite our inventors’ imaginations.

Technology will continue to be a growing factor in the invention process as students explore computer coding and use 3D printers to conceptualize their designs. We are committed to ensuring the Gates Invention Lab is supplied with the latest technology for inventors of the future. Use of the space will also be open to other departments campus wide.

Lower School Science

Young scientists can explore wonders of the natural world through creative indoor and outdoor learning spaces.

Inside the Corkins Center, a flexible classroom workspace, including tech components, complements the recently updated curriculum and makes science concepts tangible.

With imaginative lessons and movable, adaptable spaces, kids are ready to tackle complex scientific ideas and longer-term projects.

CORKINS CENTER: SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND LEARNING

Main Entrance Lobby

THE ASCEND CAMPAIGN $13 million for campus improvements $10M

ASCEND:

$24M to inspire excellence

$5M ENDOWMENT

13% annual increase to annual �nancial aid or Estimated $250,000 annually to fund �nancial aid.

THE COMMUNITY

$1MGiving above and beyond tuition to fund an exceptional program for all students

ANNUAL FUND$13M

Science, Innovation and Learning Center, campus renovations

THE LEARNING SPACE

$5M ENDOWMENT

Estimated $250,000 annually to fund Director of Innovation, Professional and Program Development

THE FACULTY

$5M ENDOWMENT

13% annual increase to annual �nancial aid or Estimated $250,000 annually to fund �nancial aid.

THE COMMUNITY

$1MGiving above and beyond tuition to fund an exceptional program for all students

ANNUAL FUND

$13M

Science, Innovation and Learning Center, campus renovations

THE LEARNING SPACE

$5M ENDOWMENT

Estimated $250,000 annually to fund Director of Innovation, Professional and Program Development

THE FACULTY

$5M $5M

$5M $5M

$13M

$1M$1M

Corkins Center Exterior

Goal updated November 10, 2015

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RELATED RENOVATIONS ACROSS CAMPUS

Middle School Science

Our Middle School science labs are staying put in the Gates Middle School Building—but will function much better with a comprehensive renovation. Students develop intellectual excellence by learning to think critically through science, and they require updated tools, equipment and technology. New well-designed, modular classrooms will adapt to the teaching needs of the unit and ensure students connect with their lessons in innovative ways.

Student Support Services

As we learn more about how children learn, our commitment to student support grows with student specialists addressing each child’s individual needs. It’s more important than ever to provide services integrated into central learning areas that accommodate specialized instruction. Our goal, as always, is student success and growth.

FUTURECORKINS CENTER

Future Campus Map

Future Campus

Related Renovations Across Campus

Plans are being finalized to renovate the vacancies created within other buildings. For example, the band room, Lower School world language classes, and toddler room will find new homes on campus. We are committed to ensuring an excellent instructional facility for every Graland program.

MAIN ENTRANCE

“WITH THE CHANGE IN OUR CURRICULUM, THERE IS MORE COLLABORATION, INNOVATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING. Students need more flexible space to learn and reflect on their thinking.” Elizabeth Leddy, Technology Liaison

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LET’S CLIMB TOGETHER

Students enter our gates with individual potential for greatness. They must leave equipped with knowledge, skills, values and motivation.

Now is the time to impact generations of children and leave your legacy of excellence at Graland. To elevate Graland’s community, faculty and learning spaces, we need every member to join in and support our vision.

Our students deserve the best education possible; with your help, they can go forward with confidence to achieve their highest potential, knowing Graland has given them every tool to succeed.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERSDavid Corkins and Karen Reidy, Honorary Chairs

Jon-Erik ’92 and Brooke Borgen, Co-Chairs

Geoffrey and Marty Lord, Co-Chairs

Guy and Liz Arnold

Michael and Shannon Bell

Tim and Nancy Buese

Ellie Caulkins

Adam ‘92 and Melissa Farver

John Jr. ’92 and Andi Freyer

John and Susan Gowen

Ryan ’93 and Griffen O’Shaughnessy

Patrick and Tricia Youssi

Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School

Josh Cobb, Head of Middle School

Nan Remington, Head of Lower School

Karyn Huberman, Director of Marketing and Communications

Development Office Staff

“GRALAND HAS

GIVEN ME A SOLID

FOUNDATION. I HAVE

THE ABILITY TO TAKE

MY LIFE WHEREVER

I WANT TO GO. I have the power of choice and that’s a big gift.” Hannah, Graland Class of 2015

GIVING LEVELSLEADERSHIP CIRCLE $25,000+ Donors at the $25,000 and above level qualify for a named opportunity.

1924 CIRCLE $10,000–$24,999

FOUNDERS CIRCLE $5,000–$9,999

HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE $2,500–$4,999 Donors at the $2,500 level and above are invited to the annual Head of School’s reception.

SCHOLARS CIRCLE $1,000–$2,499 Donors at the $1,000 level and above will be included on the donor wall.

HONORS CIRCLE $500–$999

FACULTY FELLOWS CIRCLE under $499

BUDGET PROJECTIONS: $24 MILLIONTHE COMMUNITY $5M Endowment$225,000 annually to fund a 13% increase to annual financial aid awards

THE FACULTY $5M Endowment$225,000 annually to fund Charles C. Gates Chair of Innovation, professional and program development

ANNUAL FUND $1MGiving above and beyond tuition to fund an exceptional program for all students

THE LEARNING SPACE $13MCorkins Center, space optimization, campus renovations

Goal updated November 10, 2015

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GRALAND COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

55 Clermont Street • Denver, CO 80220graland.org/ASCEND • 303.399.8370

Updated November 10, 2015