A Letter from Dr. Brown to the Parents of our Returning Students

December 12, 2008

 

Dear Parents:

 

You may have already heard of our efforts to recruit new students and the use of the Barrack Foundation monies for that purpose.  We wanted to make sure you also know that we are initiating several ways that will also help our veteran families – without whom we could not exist.

 

Because of the difficult economic times we are in, we want to make the process of applying for financial aid easier for all of you.  We also want to speed up the process.  For the first time, WE WILL ACCEPT 2007 TAX RETURNS FOR THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR.  This has never happened in the past.  We will ask that you fill out an application with information about your current financial situation so our accountant can fully understand your family’s ability to pay tuition.  If your financial circumstances have changed for the worse since last year, please indicate so in the application and submit your 2008 tax return as soon as it is ready. Applications are due by February 15, 2009 at the latest.  With this process in place, we hope to inform you of your tuition aid grant by mid March.  This should alleviate some anxiety and help you better plan for the coming year.

 

The Barrack funds, which are targeted for new students, will allow us to adjust our formula for returning students, too.  Since there is more money in the pipeline, we will be able to help returning families more than before.  Growing the school with new students is important, BUT KEEPING OUR CURRENT FAMILIES IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT!

 

We will notify you of next year’s tuition as soon as the Board has set the amount.  However, your tuition aid forms will be available before then.  Please send them in, even if you do not know what the tuition will be next year.  Those of you, who have never applied for aid before, please do so if your family’s finances have changed during these difficult times.

 

Our goal is to work with you so that children can continue here at Barrack.  We are blessed with both a wonderful parent body and student body.  Keeping our community intact – while increasing our numbers with new students – is what we all want.  We are also working hard on securing transportation arrangements for next year.  This is a complex process which will be done in coordination with the other Jewish day schools in the Philadelphia area.  We will keep you apprised of developments as they unfold.

 

Sincerely yours,

                                         

 

Dr. Steven M. Brown                                    Vivian K. Young

Head of School                                             Director of Recruitment & Admissions

 
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