Support Special Funds

The legacy of an incredible woman benefits our campus in so many ways! 

The Tracy Collins Schwartz Endowment (TCSE) Fund was established in memory of Tracy Collins Schwartz. Tracy was the President of the Montessori School of Denver Parent Association for the 2007-08 school year. The mother of three MSD students, Tracy worked tirelessly on behalf of the school.

She loved life, embracing each day to the fullest. No task was ever too small, and her enthusiasm and love for the school were evident in everything that she did. Although Tracy’s unexpected passing left a void in our hearts, Tracy’s work and spirit live on. The purpose and use of the Endowment Fund are to remember Tracy each year by creating an extraordinary experience for the students at MSD.

Each year, we commemorate the memory of Tracy Collins Scwartz with a special event.

 

These events are designed to deliver an extraordinary experience for our students. Extraordinary TCSE Fund experiences have included:

A gift to MSD’s Special Funds delivers extraordinary experiences.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Frankie Zoan
History Hunter
Spark It Studios
Project V.O.I.C.E.
Katherine Dines
Marcy Shepker

Simply Venture
Avid4 Adventure
Billy Corbett & Chris Anthony

Dr. Derrick Gay, Equity & Inclusion All-Day Workshop

Stephanie Pax Flanigan Legacy Gate

It’s hard to find the perfect way to thank Stephanie Flanigan for her 18 years of BIG thinking and doing at MSD. It’s also tough to say farewell to a Head of School who we have come to know as a friend. While brainstorming a variety of options, we were drawn to the idea of having something permanent on campus that would remind the MSD community that she is forever woven into our history—and our hearts.

Introducing the Stephanie Pax Flanigan Legacy Gate. This Gate was thoughtfully-designed with dashes of beautiful bronze accents to include 66 icons that illustrate how Stephanie’s and MSD’s story are linked together. If you look closely, you will see that there are 18 icons in the archway, carefully selected to represent each year of her tenure at MSD.

Supporting MSD FAQs

Are you wondering… What is the Annual Fund? How can I help beautify campus? Why does my help matter? Can I contribute by volunteering? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Why does MSD need an Annual Fund?
Like many independent schools, tuition does not cover the full cost of educating our children and operating our school. Annual events, such as the Auction, help fill this gap and is critical to the continued success of MSD. In 2021-2022, the gap is $1,677 per student. There are seven buckets that your gift will impact, including:

  • Montessori Experiences
  • Professional Development
  • Montessori Materials
  • Facilities
  • Technology
  • Tuition Adjustment
  • General Fund
Why not raise tuition to cover the actual operating costs?
MSD strives to be a community, valuing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. By raising tuition, MSD risks losing this diversity we strive for, so our community needs to help bridge the gap of $1,677 per student. Some families can give at the gap level, some give what they can, while others are able to give more than the gap to help our school. Together, we gather up all the gifts to keep the goodness going. In short, every gift matters. And in this way, we offer all our parents an opportunity to make ta tax-deductible gift while keeping tuition as low as possible. By bridging the gap, you’re helping to ensure MSD is as inclusive a student body as possible while maintaining our competitiveness, both locally and nationally.
When is the best time to donate?

We value your time, talents, and treasure and have events throughout the year, with some on and off campus, as well as virtual options. A tax-deductible donation is always welcome but key donation periods include the following: Read-A-Thon, Fun Runs, and Fall Fest happen in Autumn. In Winter, MSD participates in Colorado Gives Day. In Spring, parents, caregivers, and staff come together for an Auction and Paddle Raise. In 2022, we hosted an in-person auction at the Colorado History Museum on Saturday, April 23!

How can I participate in beautifying MSD?
The Stephanie Pax Flanigan Legacy Gate was thoughtfully designed with dashes of beautiful bronze accents to include 66 icons that illustrate how Stephanie’s and MSD’s story are linked together. There are 18 icons in the archway, carefully selected to represent each year of her tenure at MSD. Each icon is available for a minimum donation of $2,500. Icon sponsorships are limited to three school years per donation. A donor recognition plaque will be located at the Gate’s site. Please consider joining hands with other MSD families like yours to celebrate Stephanie’s love for MSD and have a BIG impact at MSD!

In addition to supporting the Legacy Gate, these funds contribute to MSD’s two $5,000 summer sabbatical grants each year. Faculty and staff apply for funds for an activity outside of education that will recharge their batteries and promote personal growth. The positive impact the sabbaticals have on our community is truly inspirational. Recipients of Summer Sabbatical funds share their experiences with the MSD community in a variety of ways, such as the MSD Bee Newsletter.

DONATE NOW

DOWNLOAD THE FORM TO PLEDGE OR PAY BY CHECK. Printed copies of the form are available in the Welcome Center.

Learn more about the Legacy Gate

Why does my participation matter?
We rely on the MSD community, including parents, grandparents, Trustees, families, alumni, and friends, to help make the campus the best it can be (historically, 100% of faculty and staff participate, helping our nonprofit school be eligible for grants!) These contributions of ANY and ALL amounts make this a community effort. Your contribution supports our not-for-profit organization. MSD is dedicated to providing a dynamic educational (and working) environment. In addition, our goal is for the entire MSD community to participate, such as sharing time, talents, and treasure.
Does MSD have Special Funds?

YES! The Tracy Collins Schwartz Endowment (TCSE) Fund was established in memory of Tracy Collins Schwartz. Tracy was the President of the Montessori School of Denver Parent Association for the 2007-08 school year. The mother of three MSD students, Tracy worked tirelessly on behalf of the school. She loved life, embracing each day to the fullest. No task was ever too small, and her enthusiasm and love for the school were evident in everything that she did. Although Tracy’s unexpected passing left a void in our hearts, Tracy’s work and spirit live on. The purpose and use of the Endowment Fund are to remember Tracy each year by creating an extraordinary experience for the students at MSD. Learn more about MSD’s endowment here.

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