Friends and Families,
Can you believe we are already at the end of June?
As you may remember, starting Ponderosa Academy happened so quickly that a lot of our systems and processes were selected out of immediate necessity and affordability, not necessarily by value add. Now that we have settled a little better into our building, you will start to see some better services and systems popping up. This email service being a good example.
The website is also being updated with our new homeschool and hybrid school resources, which include but are not limited to:
- Science at Home Starter Kit
- Hybrid School Blueprint
- Classical School Blueprint
- Science Experiments Bundle (Ages 5-8)
- STEM Bundle (Ages 9-12)
- And more being built as you read this...
"Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn; and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking; learning naturally results." - JOHN DEWEY
End of Fiscal
We are a few days away from the end of the fiscal year. Sounds funny when we've only technically been going since March. However, we registered the non-profit with a July to June fiscal year. As we are in the process of interviewing board members, Cat will be sure that financials are made available on email and the website by the middle of July.
Fundraising Ideas
The reality of running a non-profit school hits Cat harder and harder each day. She has been diligently finding and apply for as many grants as possible. The summer camps have got us this far but it has not been enough and we are not looking set up correctly to cover our rent for July.
Here's the thing... if we plan to follow the Classical School Blueprint then Cat shouldn't be doing everything. We aren't asking you to either but we would LOVE your suggestions on how we could fundraise. Our community is tiny in comparison to some others, so it is a tricky choice. Here are some ideas we've had:
✔ Asking for donations
Not always easy or fruitful
✔ Selling Merch
School branded hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts. Small profit
✔ Dog Walking
We need your kids to make this work
Final Faculty List
We know... you just can't wait to hear who the final teachers will be. Some people hear about Ponderosa Academy and are ready to jump in immediately. Others don't know our team and may be a little more apprehensive about the truth behind the passion. We get it, you may be feeling a little the same way too. Here is what we know 100% for sure:
- Seedlings (K/1) - Mrs. Tauron Ferguson
- Sprouts (2/3) - two candidates under consideration
- Saplings (4/5) - Ms. Felice Fernandez
- Bonsais (6/7/8) - Mrs. Angela Freeman
- Math Tutor and Para - Mrs. Sheri Centifanto
- French - Mrs. Anneliese Renck
- Literature and Latin Semester Modules - Mrs. Angela Freeman
- Van Driver and Sub - Mr. Gutowksi
We do not need a cleaner or facilities manager as these are included in our rent, along with utilities. As you can see, we are pretty much ready to get rocking and rolling for 2026/2027.
Enrollment
It would be really great if folks who have registered their family accounts would please confirm if they will be enrolling. We have placed our order for the curriculum that will be personalized, and will still have time to order what is needed for the year to begin. That window is very narrow though. We respectfully remind people that this is our first year so a late enrollment may result in books and supplies not being available for your child during that first week.
Art Walk
We are looking for families who would be willing to be Ponderosa Ambassadors on Friday, July 17th for the Helena Art Walk. We are hosting a local artist, Alexia Duncan, and we would like to have a set up inside where people can take brochures about the school, makes donations, and take small tours through the first floor. If you would like to sign up for an hour let Cat know.
Stay Curious,
Ponderosa Academy
