Denver Academy Annual Report 2010-2011

2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 A n n u A l R e p o R t

T E C H N O L O G Y A T D E N V E R A C A D E M Y

At Denver Academy, assistive and

instructional technology is a vehicle for

achievement. In the 2010-2011 fiscal year,

perhaps more than any other year of late,

Denver Academy has implemented new

technological strategies to help our students

learn better, create more and think about

solutions in different ways.

AT DENVER ACADEMY

DEAR FRiENDs OF DENVER ACADEMY,

We are excited to share another outstanding year for Denver Academy in this Annual Report. Our school continues to transform lives with the leadership of our excellent faculty and staff as we work with our Board of Trustees to ensure the sustained future of our fine institution. The recent economy has presented us with opportunities to refine our vision for DA, and we have come through these difficult times stronger as an institution.

I am very proud of the many accomplishments of our students in the classroom, on the stage, on the playing field and in our community. Denver Academy believes that students should learn in an environment that safely encourages intellectual curiosity and personal expression. It was exciting for me to see the fruition of years of vision and planning as we moved forward to unify our high school model and better prepare our students for post-secondary education. It is most gratifying to see the daily success of each pupil and the active partnership between parents, teachers and our students.

We are grateful to the many donors who enrich our community, and I would like to personally thank you for your generous support for our mission.

Because of you:

•Ourstudentsnowbenefitfromthemostadvancedassistiveandinstructionaltechnology• 117studentsattendDAwhootherwisewouldnotbeabletoaffordthecostoftuition•Weareabletoreachbeyondourschooltohelpotherschoolsteachmoreeffectively• Studentslearnfromthebestteachersintheworld•Wehavemanynewresourcesinourmathandscienceprograms•DAisarichcommunityandamodelforotherschools

Thank you again for your support for DA and for making a difference in the lives of our students.

Sincerely,

[ Kevin M. Smith ] Headmaster

H E A D M A s T E R | 1

AnnuAl RepoRt [ 2010-2011 ]

2 | B O A R D O F T R U s T E E s

Cindy Brown, President Owner, Blue Moon Works

Lorraine AlcottCommunity Volunteer

Maureen CainAttorney

Ed CallahanBusiness Consultant

Liane ClasenCommunity Volunteer

Cyle FeingoldPresidentResults Learning LLC

Nicky GittelmanCommunity Volunteer

Charles GwirtsmanManaging DirectorKRG Capital LLC

Karen LawtonCommunity Volunteer

Craig KnippenbergLicensedSocialWorker/CounselorKnippenberg, Patterson & Associates

Peter O’Neil Vice PresidentSerialEntrepreneur

Kristin RichardsonCommunity Volunteer

Nancy Rhyme Secretary Director, National Conference ofStateLegislators

Mary RossFreelance Writer

R.D. SewaldDeputy Director of LegislativeServicesGovernor Hickenlooper’s Office

Bruce WagnerPresident and COOWagnerEquipmentCompany

Laura WaldronCommunity Volunteer

Missy WarnerBusiness Development ManagerWestonSolutions,Inc.

Tina VesselsManaging Partner Tundra Resources

Ex OFFiCiO TRUSTEES

Kevin M. SmithHeadmaster, Denver Academy

Deb EllisPresident, Denver Academy Parent Association

Kim PankratzPresident, DA Alumni Association

Dan ToomeyFaculty Representative

EMERiTUS TRUSTEES

Jim DierkerAttorney

Dr. Nancy GaryClinical PsychologistNeuro-Developmental Center

Steve MooneyManager of Mooney EnterprisesLLCand Mooney Ventures LLC

Tim O’ConnorRetired

DENVER ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUsTEEs

B O A R D O F T R U s T E E s | 3

DEAR DENVER ACADEMY COMMUNiTY,

EachyearwepublishourAnnualReportwhichrecognizesthe

support of our Denver Academy community and highlights the great

accomplishments our school achieved in the past year. Without your

support we would be a very different school, and we appreciate each

and every one of our donors, friends and parents. Thank you for

your generosity of spirit, financial support and volunteering hours.

Thankstoyouweraisedoveronemilliondollarsin2010-2011to

advance our strategic priorities and ensure that DA will be able to

assist students with learning differences for years to come.

Last year, when the Board approved DA’s five-year strategic plan,

we set a goal to leverage assistive and instructional technology to

provide additional opportunities for our students. I’m proud to say that we are already achieving that goal.

This year, working under an accelerated timeline, our faculty and staff was able to update the technology

infrastructure on campus (we are now wireless!) and create and implement a program to bring the iPad to

students and the classroom. This venture provides students and teachers access to an infinite amount of

additional tools and lets students learn about and explore technology under the guidance of trusted adults.

We especially thank the Morgridge Family Foundation for the generous grant that allowed this to happen.

ThispastyearalsomarksthefirstfullyearofourunifiedHighSchool,allowingstudentstoexperiencea

wider variety of academic opportunities and encouraging cross-curricula among faculty members. I invite

you to read more about these and the other successes we’ve accomplished in the following pages. It is the

support you provide to our school that allows our teachers and administrators to invest their time and

passion into helping students learn and prepare for a lifetime of success.

I look forward to working with you, my colleagues on the Board of Trustees and our wonderful faculty and

staff to achieve another outstanding year at Denver Academy.

[ Cindy Brown ] President | Denver Academy Board of Trustees


4 | i D A s T U D E N T P E R s P E C T i V E s

Duringthe2010-2011

school year, Denver

Academylaunchedthe1:1

iPad initiative for students

enteringgrades7-12.In

line with DA’s mission and

strategic vision, we aspire

to leverage advances in

assistive and instructional

technology to enhance

learningandorganizational

skills. The iPad integrates

smoothly within the

educational priorities at DA

and complements an already

excellent program.

In their own words, students

and faculty explain how

the iPad has enhanced their

educational experience.

x“This tool is merging

my learning inside and outside of school. I

learn globally when I’m outside of school and

the iPad has allowed that type of learning into the

classroom as well.”Colin Ellis | Grade 9

x“Traditional restrictions

are gone because it’s mobile, light and personal. I have easy

access to tools online, digital media and I am

able to keep up with news around the world.”

Eli Tessler | Grade 12 Student Body President

i D A s T U D E N T P E R s P E C T i V E s | 5


x

“iPad has made it easier for teachers and

students to connect about homeworkquestions

and projects.”Bridget Barker | Grade 10

x“The iPad is my

sketchbook, my canvas, my art supplies; all the

tools I need to be an artist and learner.”

Ian Cable | Grade 9

x“The iPad has helped

students more completely understand the learning

process, not just accessing information, but how

to use and apply their findings.”

Matt Dastin | Middle School Teacher

6 | Y E A R i N R E V i E W

DENVER ACADEMy’S SyMPOSiUM

Over 400 teachers, parents, and educators throughout the state attended Denver Academy’s SymposiumonLearningDifferencesandUniqueLearning Profiles presented by Mark Twarogowski, DirectorofEducation,andhisteamlastMarch.DA hosts this event every other year. This year’s keynote speaker was Richard Lavoie, a renowned lecturer and educator on children with special needs. He talked about student motivation and how teachers and parents can inspire and motivate their children and students.

During the breakout sessions, DA’s teachers fascinated participants with their engaging presentations on a variety of subjects such as the teenage brain, eastern philosophy in a western classroom,DA’sFASTreadingprogram,aneeds-based approach to classroom discipline, and tools for implementing student choice.

UniversityofDenver’sLearningEffectivenessProgramteamandUniversityofNorthernColorado’sentire department of special education attended. Mark Twarogowski has plans for a bigger and even betterseminarfortheSpringof2013.

COLLEGE ACHiEVEMENT PROGRAM [CAP]

Denver Academy’s new College Achievement Program (CAP) has set out to help students make the transition to college when they need a little more help than the local college, university or vocational program can offer. As of this fall, Denver Academy has four students enrolled in the CAP program. These students are provided with mentoring, phone calls and email support and a weekly two-hour seminar with a focus on organization,studyhabitsandself-advocacy.

Run by Amy Macy, Gayle Bell and Kyra Ruscio, the students are succeeding where they could have struggled with the transition to the larger environment of post high school education. The team provides tutors and guidance for managing the logistics of classes in a new and bigger environment as well as helps students with their academics. The students also get help with skills like navigating transportation to and from their new school.

“We send out reminders to the students and provide them with help in every class and every test as well as help them with life skills,” Amy Macy said. “Denver Academy is there to help students succeed even after they leave us.”

a t D E N V E R A C A D E M YCollege Ach evement Program

a t D E N V E RA C A D E M Y

Y E A R i N R E V i E W | 7

THE UNiFiED HiGH SCHOOL

Denver Academy is a more united place among students and teachers since we eliminated our Core, Progressive, and Preparatory divisions last year and reorganizedunderonebanner,accordingtoMarkWood,HighSchoolHead.

“We found that students don’t just fall into two categories,PreporProgressive.Wereorganizedso that students now have a Core, Progressive, and Prep teacher in their curriculum,” Mark said. “There is less division and less internal competition throughout the school.”

Change does not come without a few bumps, though.InthefirstyeartheHighSchoolhadtwodifferent lunch times. That problem has been remedied this year so that students can see all theirfriendsatlunch.Eventhoughthelunchperiodisslightlyshorterthanitwasin2010toaccommodate the variety of classes and schedules, the students have said they would rather have the shorter time and be able to visit with their friends than to be on different lunch schedules.

The best of the former divisions has been maintained.StudentsstilldoPassagesintheirjunior year, a project based exploration, while seniors do Transition, a process of preparing them for their post high school lives—whether that means college, a vocational school, or a gap year.

“The students are no longer stuck with a label. They are now placed in their different streams based on their interest in a subject, their readiness level and their learning profile,” Mark said.


FACULTy CONFERENCE PRESENTATiONS DURiNG THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL yEAR

[ Cathy Allen ] MorgridgeShareFair

[ Gayle Bell ] ColoradoLanguageArtsSociety, CourageToRisk,DenverAcademySymposium

[ Barrie Bodden ] Courage to Risk

[ Matt Brink ] DenverAcademySymposium

[ Ramsey Brookhart ] CO3ProjectOzone

[ Tammy Curran ] Courage To Risk

[ Matt Dastin ] AssociationforExperientialEducation,Courage To Risk

[ Bobby Duhamel ] DenverAcademySymposium

[ Philippe Ernewein ] Learning Forward, Association forExperientialEducation,CourageToRisk,DenverAcademySymposium,PublishedinColoradoLanguageArtsSocietyJournal

[ Carey Eskesen ] ColoradoCouncilonHighSchoolRelations

[ Mike Eskesen ] DenverAcademySymposium

[ Kris Fritzsche ] MorgridgeShareFair

[ Emily Garbus ] Courage To Risk

[ Jon Hill ] DenverAcademySymposium

[ Steve Holz-Russell ] Learning Forward

[ Monica Johnson ] DenverAcademySymposium

[ Darcie Klassen ] MorgridgeShareFair

[ Amy Macy ] CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Cherry Creek College Fair, COCouncilonHSRelations,Pre-CollegiateConference,Keeping Options Open (Summer)

[ Kyra Ruscio ] DenverAcademySymposium

[ Kevin Smith ] National Association of IndependentSchools

[ Mark Twarogowski ] MorgridgeShareFair, DenverAcademySymposium

[ Mark Wood ] DenverAcademySymposium

8 | Y E A R i N R E V i E W

DAFFy

The Denver Academy Film Festival for Youth (DAFFY)continuestothriveinits12thyearundertheleadershipofKrisFritzsche,DA’sArtsand Technology coordinator and Film and Video teacher.

“DAFFY has become the resource for high school and middle school film students around Colorado to show their work. We’re seeing polished, good-lookingfilmsfromover15differentschoolsthroughoutthestate.Everyyearthere’snewtechnologyandbetterpicturequality,”Krissaid.

The judges from the Denver film community, as wellasfromtheColoradoFilmSchool,reviewedover160submissionsforthefestival’scontestlastMay. And once again, DA students showed their diverse and competitive talents in several different categories with four student finalists and one winner.

The DAFFY awards ceremony is held every year inMayattheUniversityofColoradoKingCenteron the Auraria campus. More than two hundred people attended the fun and sophisticated film evening that showed the finalists’ work in categories including comedy, drama, digital films, documentaries and animation.

“DAFFY has no entry fee for the students who are submitting their work, unlike other film festivals that chargeupto$100tosubmitafilm.ThankstoDenverAcademy, this festival is accessible to all students around the state,” said Kris. The evening is fun and provides free food and drinks to all who attend.

To see the films online, go to Vimeo.com to the channels section and view DAFFY finalists and winners.

Y E A R i N R E V i E W | 9

ASSiSTiVE TECHNOLOGy AND DiGiTAL LiTERACy

Toprepareforthelaunchofthe1:1AssistiveTechnology Program and to put iPad devices in the hands of middle school and high school students and teachers, a great deal of work went on behind the scenes.

Our Information Technology Department installed thewirelessinfrastructureinthespringof2011with35accesspointsthroughoutcampus,alongwith five high-end outdoor access points to cover open space areas, all tying into a Cisco Wireless LAN controller. One of the top trainers from Apple ProServicesspentaweekwithourITstafftooversee the deployment of Mac mini servers (to handle our Open Directory domain) and a Mac Pro server (a Podcast Producer server.)

To enhance teaching and learning, we knew that robust training for our program team, IT staff and teachers would be critically important in rolling out this new interactive learning environment. Our IT staff pursued many hours of technical training to become Apple certified specialists. The program team delivered a number of “town hall” meetings for parents and numerous workshops for teachers on foundational technology skills and curriculum integration strategies.

THE GREENiNG OF THE GROUNDS

JimLevinson,DirectorofthePhysicalPlant,hasbeenbusy making Denver Academy a greener and more efficient facility while saving the school thousands of dollars in electricity bills down the road.

The greatest savings have come from the installation of more efficient lighting throughout thecampus.Duringthesummer,Jim’steamretrofitted700fluorescentfixturesacrossthecampus and replaced them with more efficient inductionfluorescentlightbulbsthatwerelessexpensive than the currently popular, but more expensive,LEDlights.Theinductionfluorescentsalso carried a ten-year warranty, compared to the LED’sshorterfive-yearwarranty.

The school has also retrofitted the walkway pole lights and the gym lights, and is continuing to replacetheparkinglotlights.Jim’steamreplacedthecoolingsystemfortherefrigerationequipmentand the boilers in the elementary school building thathadbeenaroundsincethe1940’s.

Levinson estimates the school will save as much as $25,000overthenextthreeandhalfyearswiththeseimproved efficiencies.


SmartBoard technology in use

1 0 | C O M M E N C E M E N T

Valedictorian – [ Steven Blickley ]

Salutatorian – [ Tyler Starr ]

Alumni Association Outstanding Senior – [ Kelly Carmody ]

Phil Johnson & Lou Raders Community Service Award – [ Jordan Cardwell ]

Messinger Award – [ Eli Tessler ]

C O M M E N C E M E N T | 1 1

Miles J. Agan UniversityofColorado,Boulder

Taylor A. Bailey MesaStateCollege

Michael J.T. Barlow NHS CornishCollege $8,000TheaterScholarship $3,000AcademicScholarship

Hillary F. Bell DenverPublicSchools, Transition Program

Matthew R-N. Bennett MetropolitanStateCollegeofDenver

Michael W. Beyler Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Steven E. Blickley NHS ColoradoSchoolofMines $10,000MeritScholarship

Sunia B. Breningstall Community College of Denver

Alexandra J. Browning MesaStateCollege

Jordan T. Cardwell Gap Year, Costa Rica

Kelly D. Carmody NHS CurryCollege

Cooper Cohen ColoradoStateUniversity

Megan M. Conner MesaStateCollege

David Corboy Berklee College of Music

Jared D. B. Crawford EmilyGriffithOpportunitySchool

Krista A. Culloo RegisUniversity

Zach P. de la Cruz MetropolitanStateCollegeofDenver

Alex D. Dudley NHS UniversityofColorado,Boulder $9,000NorlinScholarsScholarship

Alex T. Gamel Red Rocks Community College

Whitney M. Hall NHS ColoradoChristianUniversity $28,000DeansScholarship $5,000PartnersinSpiritScholarship

Ross C. Hallenbeck UniversityofDenver

Franklin L. Harris UniversityofColorado, ColoradoSprings

Nick J. P. Hemmant UniversityofDenver

Sasha M. Hoagland MetropolitanStateCollegeofDenver

Eric J. James MetropolitanStateCollegeofDenver

Jordan A. Johnson NHS UniversityofColorado,Boulder $24,000 Kappa Alpha Psi FraternityScholarship

Brennan C. Jones Hastings College

Michaela L. Kahan American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Blake M. Kast Undeclared

Hayden M. Kast UniversityofNorthernColorado

Matthew S. Kent Community College of Denver

Connor M. Koren UniversityofColorado,Denver

Robert C. Lawton NHS NortheasternUniversity

Kirbi L. Lechner MetropolitanStateCollegeofDenver

Adrienne C. Lembke NHS UniversityofColorado,Boulder

Corinne J. Lembke NortheasternJuniorCollege

Andrea L. Lonnecker Red Rocks Community College

Harrison R. Mahlke Undeclared

Sean M. McPhail Community College of Denver

Paul C. Miller NHS UniversityofDenver $40,000MeritScholarship

Spencer Muchnick NHS UniversityofDenver $40,000MeritScholarship

Denise S. Rausch UniversityofArizona, SALTProgram $20,000MeritScholarship

Neil A. Reinecke NHS CommunityCollege ofDenverandCLE

Alec D. Rogers Undeclared

Will V. Ross SantaClaraUniversity

Katrina C. Scott Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Emmy K. Shirk Aveda Institute

Alex K. Smith SantaBarbaraCityCollege

Mark W. Sorensen Colorado Mountain College

Andrew M. Sowin ColoradoFilmSchool

Tyler Starr UniversityofDenver $208,000MeritScholarship

Daniel J.S. Stein ColoradoSchoolofMines

Sam A. Swerdling Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Dylan J. Tallian Community College of Denver

W. M. Bryan Thomas NHS UniversityofHawaii,Hilo

Julian D. Valas Curry College

J. Taylor Wagner UniversityofArizona $20,000MeritScholarship

Chris T. Waldron NHS UniversityofDenver $52,000MeritScholarship

Ben J. Wolf ColoradoStateUniversity

Mackenzie J. Woodley SavannahCollegeofArtandDesign

NHS = National Honor Society

COMMENCEMENT


1 2 | A W A R D s

WiNGS OF THE FUTURE AWARD

[ Matt Roberts ] Dean of the Freshman Class

The Wings of the Future Award acknowledges a faculty member who has achieved a higher level of accomplishment in classroom teaching or curriculum development and manifests an extraordinary dedication to the students of Denver Academy.

Matt Roberts has worn many hats in his years at Denver Academy including teacher, coordinator of the Core high school, head of the Prep high school and Faculty representative to the Board of Trustees. In all of those positions, Matt has shown an extraordinary dedication to his fellow teachers and to the students of DA.

“Matt is really respected and loved by his peers and the people who work for him,” according to MarkTwarogowski,DirectorofEducation.“Mattis the first one here in the morning, setting up an environment for his teachers so they can just focus on their students. His attitude as a boss is that he works for his teachers, not the other way around.”

Matt exemplifies Denver Academy’s high standards for professionalism and empathy as he takes such great care of its teachers and students.

STAFF MEMBER OF THE yEAR AWARD

[ Karen Lozow ] Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations

The Staff Member of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose hard work, dedication, and commitment have made a difference at Denver Academy.

“No matter what issue is going on, Karen can makeeverythingok,”saidShelleyDevitt,DirectorofGrantsandStewardshipandKarenLozow’scoworker. “Karen has such a fun and caring spirit. Everyonejustwantstobearoundher.”

Karen worked for Denver Academy while her son attendedDA.Jakegraduatedtwoyearsagoandwent on to college, but for eight years now, Karen’s hard work, dedication and enthusiasm continues to inspire those around her as well the donors and board members that Karen works with on a daily basis. Karen has also coordinated thousands of detailsandorganizedhundredsofvolunteersforeight DA Gala events. “Her devotion to DA comes from her heart and that is how she approaches her work,”HeadmasterKevinSmithsaidaboutKaren.

A W A R D s | 1 3

TEACHER OF THE yEAR AWARDS

The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a year of outstanding success in the classroom through commitment, competence, and professionalism with nominations submitted by peers, supervisors, parents, teachers and students.

[ Jennifer Perry ] 3rd-4thGradeTeacher

Jenniferisaleaderamong the elementary schoolfamily.“She’sveryknowledgeable and kids adore her for her great sense ofhumor,”saidB.J.Peavler,a fellow elementary school teacher.“Jenniferisalsofabulouswithparents.Shehas a way of making them feel very understood.”

JenniferisalwayswillingtolendahandoutsideofherownjobteachingstudentsScience,SocialStudies,Reading,Math,WritingandCharacterEducation.NotaskistoobigorsmallforJenniferas she helps her young students gain competence in their subjects as well as confidence in their abilities.

[ Alan Price ] HighSchoolChemistry, Physics and Astronomy Teacher

“Alan is one of the busiest people I have ever met,” saidPaulPressler,12thGradeDeanofStudents.Alan is at Denver Academy beforeandafterschoolandonSaturdayshelpingstudents achieve their goals in challenging science courses. As one parent said, “Alan has always been that teacher who not only challenged my son academically, but also personally. Alan’s ability to be strict, patient, and consistent has built trust and respect with his students.”

AlanchairstheSciencedepartmentaswellasteachessix classes and meets with potential donors while also tutoring students before and after school. He does whatever it takes to provide the best learning environment for his students while meeting their learning profiles and setting high standards for them.


VOLUNTEER OF THE yEAR AWARD

[ Cris Norin ]

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant difference at Denver Academy through the donation of their time and talents on an ongoing basis.

Cris came to Colorado five years ago from CaliforniasothathersonsMarkandJamescouldattend Denver Academy.

Her older son, Mark, graduated from Denver Academy two years ago and is attending Colorado StateUniversity.Heryoungerson,James,isajunior at DA.

SinceCrishasbeenatDAshehasvolunteeredwherever she is needed. “There is no job too small forher,”saidKarenLozow,DirectorofAnnualGiving and Alumni Relations. Cris has worked in the library, chaired the Gala, and worked at DA’s Habitat for Humanity program that her son helped to start. “When you need a volunteer, Cris is there,” Karen said.

1 4 | P H i L A N T H R O P Y

2010 DA GOLF TOURNAMENT

The9thAnnualDenverAcademyGolfTournamentreturnedtoPinehurstCountryClub,wheregolfersenjoyed great weather, food, golf and a beautiful setting. With a sold-out field of 88 players, we continue toattractskilledgolferswhoappreciatethefastpaceofourtournamentandgreatprizes.TheGolfTournamentCommitteedidanoutstandingjobandsucceededinincreasingrevenueby50percentabovewhatwasraisedinthe2009tournament.ProceedsbenefittedtheTuitionAssistanceFund,TuitionAssistanceEndowmentFundandtheDAGolfTeam.

Keith lawton | Golf tournament Co-Chair

iN KiND SPONSORS:Deep Rock WaterColoradoSki&Golf/GartCo.ElementsTherapeuticMassage,CastleRockGreen Valley Ranch Golf ClubHighlandsRanchSpaKeith and Karen LawtonNatural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage

COMMiTTEE:Keith LawtonNicky Gittelman*BoSquireLisa BaileyPam Hassler

PRESENTiNG SPONSORS: Keith & Karen Lawton*

EAGLE SPONSORS:1stBank,LakewoodBranchMedical Business Resources

DA GOLF TEAM SPONSOR:McCormickEquities,Inc.

HOLE SPONSORS:Precious Metal ProcessingChris A. Weatherman, Weatherman Insurance AgencyBev and Kate HutterSteveandNickyGittelman*

*Denver Academy Trustees

P H i L A N T H R O P Y | 1 5

GALA 2011

TheDenverMuseumofNatureandSciencewastheperfectlocationforthe2011Gala.Thesold-outeventfeaturedcocktailsandasilentauctionsurroundedbydioramasofthefloraandfaunaofColorado.Our500attendeesenjoyedawonderfulevening,withdinnerintheMainHallAtrium,anenergeticliveauction,our“headsandtails”gameandatestimonialfromstudent,JacobLawton.Noonewillforgettheflashmobrenditionof“UndertheSea,”performedbystudents,teachers,faculty,staffandGalaCommitteemembers.

We are thankful to our community for helping to raise over $200,000 to benefit the Tuition Assistance Fund, anincreaseof7percentfromlastyear’srevenue.Theneedfortheseimportantfundscontinuestogrow.

FionaBaldwin,EventChairValerie AlfordBev BallKatie Davis-CrawfordLisa BaileyElizabethBarryDenise BellucciJodyCharmatzJoanEbersoleEveEpsteinJoanEckrichMarshaEngelDiana HallLeslie Hammer-PalenPam Hassler

JanHubertDiane LowryKathy MadillShirleyMcClainJennyMcCullochBetsy McGiboney-MillerCris NorinCia Perlman-GereConnie RobertsonMariaPaceSmithSandySolomonMikeStrascinaT.J.SullivanDeb Woodward

SiLVER CiRCLELockton Companies, LLCRalphSchompAutomotiveSMARTTechnologies

BRONZE CiRCLEJ.K.MullenFoundationUniversityofDenverVessels Coal Gas, Inc.

COPPER CiRCLELarryandJillDiPasqualeMichael’s of Denver CateringNatural Grocers by Vitamin CottageTIAA-CREF

GALA COMMiTTEE: CORPORATE SPONSORS:


John & Carrie Morgridge

2011 REACH FOR THE sTARs AWARDPHiLANTHROPisTs JOHN AND CARRiE MORGRiDGE

JohnandCarrieMorgridgehaveapassionforeducationandliteracy.ThroughtheirMorgridgeFamilyFoundation,theyhavea16-yearhistoryof investing in new buildings on college campuses, reading programs in elementary schools, scholarships, a new charter school and technology. Withleadershipandvision,Mr.andMrs.Morgridgeformedthe21stCentury Classrooms Collaboration, providing tools of interactive technology and multimedia curriculum to impact student achievement and teacher engagement and retention. Due to the Morgridges’ generosity, more than 10,000SMARTboardsareuseddailyinColoradoschools.ItwasanhonorforHeadmasterKevinSmithandDAsenior,AndrewSowin,topresentMr.and Mrs. Morgridge with a handcrafted award at the event.


ANNUAL FUND 2010-2011 [ Making a Difference for Every Student ]

TuitionAssistance|FacultyEnrichmentProgramsAcademics | Library | Athletics | Drama | Arts Technology|PhysicalEducation|StudentClubs Buildings and Grounds | Music


Whether it’s inside or outside of the classroom, the Annual Fund helps Denver Academy live up to its mission of excellence in education for children with learning differences. As is the case with fellow independent schools, the Annual Fund is a yearly fundraising appeal to bridge the gap between the total costofrunningtheschoolandtuitionrevenue.The2010-2011AnnualFundraised$1,039,944andtouched every student and every facet of campus life at DA.

The remarkable generosity of the DA community—parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, friends, faculty and staff, foundations—supports the people and programs that make DA excellent. Throughout the pages of this Annual Report you see the benefits of your gifts; whether it’s the gift of your time and talent or in-kind or cash donations, the impact is substantial.

Because of gifts to the Annual Fund, the DA Gala, the DA Golf Tournament, grants from foundations and staffgiftstotheAbelMartinez,Jr.andKevinGregierMemorialEndowmentFunds,wewereabletoprovidetuitionassistanceawardsto117studentswhowouldotherwisehavebeenunabletoattendDA.

Theimpactforstudentsisprofound.Asthis2011honorsgraduatewrites:

“I thought of Denver Academy as a dream school. I observed classes and saw that students weren’t marginalized or talked down to…I saw the mutual respect between the students and the teachers. I knew that I desperately required alternative education, but my family simply couldn’t afford tuition. Without the generous support of donors, I would not have been afforded the opportunity to attend a school that meets all of my academic and disability needs. I was given the chance to thrive and I began to enjoy school for the first time in my life.”



THE DENVER ACADEMy TUiTiON ASSiSTANCE FUND

Throughgenerousgrantsin2010-2011,numerousstudents received support to attend Denver Academy. The result of the investments of the following foundations is immeasurable as children receivethespecializededucationtheirfamilieswould otherwise be unable to afford.

The Anschutz Foundation__________________________________ $30,000

The Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation__________________________________ $14,000

The Virginia Hill Foundation__________________________________ $10,000

SCHOLARSHiP ENDOWMENT

The Glendorn Foundation began its support of Denver Academy’s scholarship endowment fund in 1999.TheGlendornScholarshipEndowmentFundhasreached$179,034invalueandcontinuestogrowwiththeadditionofa$25,000pledgerecentlyawarded by the foundation.

1:1 ASSiSTiVE TECHNOLOGy

The1:1AssistiveTechnologyprogram,designedto provide assistive technology via iPad devices for students, and iPads and MacBook computers for teachers, would not have happened without the support of two prestigious foundations—the EdwardE.FordFoundationandtheMorgridgeFamily Foundation.

Withachallengegrantof$50,000fromtheE.E.FordFoundation,wewereabletosecurea matching grant from the Morgridge Family Foundationof$195,000,plusadditionalindividualdonationsforthisimportantproject.TheE.E.Ford Foundation grant allowed us to prepare our high school teachers and program team with the professional development component necessary to roll-out this initiative successfully, while the Morgridge Family Foundation grant provided the essential funding for the wireless technology infrastructure.

GOOGLE ADWORDS

Our third year as a recipient of the Google Adwords grantprogramgaveusnearly$38,000worthoffreeAdwords,helpingustomaximizeourschool’spresence on the internet via Google searches.

GRANTsDenver Academy is grateful for the support from foundations and corporations that believe in our mission and the potential of our students. This support helps to make some of our most important activities possible.


ACROSS CAMPUS – FOR THE ARTS, MATHEMATiCS AND SAFETy

Through the generous support of the Arneson CharitableFoundation,agrantof$13,000madeitpossible to purchase a large format digital printer for the Arts department. The benefits of this printer are unlimited—studentscancreatepostersizeart,learngraphic art design and showcase photography. This printer also saves the school money in the long run as it is used to create banners and posters that were once outsourced to vendors.

A grant of $2,000 from the Kinder Morgan FoundationhelpedtofundanewExperientialMathematicsProgramledbyteacherPaulSasaki.Through the use of electronic circuitry and computer components, high school students who learn experientially can create projects that help them to better understand abstract mathematical concepts.

Denver Academy was the first school to be chosen by the American Red Cross Colorado Chapter to participateintheSaveALifeDenverprogram,designedtoputmoreAEDs(heartdefibrillators)into public places in the city. DA was awarded five AEDsunderthisprogram,bringingthetotalAEDson campus to eight. A portable unit was included for coaches and teachers to bring to sporting events.


Senior Sean laughlin

large Format printer

Senior Blake Kast & paramedic Dennis Baker


ENDOWMENT

DenverAcademy’sEndowmentFundisavitalresourceforthefuture–toproviderevenueforoperations,to fund new strategic initiatives and to ensure scholarship funding for students, especially in changing economic and demographic climates. We know the future of the economy in the near-term is uncertain, but we are optimistic about the long-term and our ability to thrive as an institution and, above all, to remain focusedonhelpingourstudentsrealizetheirfullpotential.

An endowed gift is permanently invested and the original principal is preserved in perpetuity. Annual income from the fund supports general operating expenses or particular programs designated by donors, such as tuition assistance and faculty enrichment.

Through generous contributions from families, staff, foundations and friends, the following named endowment funds have been established to perpetuate the legacy of Denver Academy and to provide important financial sustainability for its future.

BALANCEFUND 6/30/2011

Scholarship Endowment25thAnniversaryFund $ 10,197AbelMartinezJr.MemorialFund $ 50,056AnonymousFund $ 412,096BaldwinFamilyFund $ 57,786BobSimmonsMemorialFund $ 20,980CarsonFoundationFund $ 334,649CaseyKahnMemorialFund $ 76,111CosbyFund $ 86,298DAGolfTournamentFund $ 40,236DanielsFoundationFund $ 184,987EpsteinFamilyFund $ 11,700Gary Family Fund $ 448,444 GeneralFund $ 65,190GlendornFoundationFund $ 179,034HorwichCharitableTrustFund $ 14,745J.K.MullenFoundationFund $ 163,960JimDierkerFund $ 26,261JustinSteckerMemorialFund $ 53,024KarpasFamilyFund $ 9,674KevinGregierMemorialFund $ 42,097MessingerFund $ 34,991PhilJohnsonFund $ 16,309RichardsonFamilyFund $ 62,210SwanFoundationFund $ 25,492TaddonioFamilyFund $ 39,326

BALANCEFUND 6/30/2011

Senior Class Legacy Funds Class of 2007 GittelmanFamilyFund $ 5,060GwirtsmanFamilyFund $ 42,139GeneralFund $ 29,100 Class of 2008 - General Fund $ 26,316Class of 2009 - General Fund $ 12,485Class of 2010 - General Fund $ 2,857Class of 2011 - General Fund $ 7,993 Faculty Enrichment Endowment $ 29,194 General Endowment Alumni Brick Campaign $ 2,484 GatesFamilyFoundationFund $ 213,775GeneralFund $ 52,429J.K.MullenFoundationGeneralFund $ 48,605 TOTAL $2,938,290 Quasi Endowment Fund $ 16,513 GRAND TOTAL $2,954,803


DENVER ACADEMy LEGACy SOCiETy

Craig Knippenberg and Lisa Patterson have a special affinity for Denver Academy. As counselors with Knippenberg, Patterson & Associates, they have helped many Denver Academy students and familiesoverthepast25years.Theyhavealsoprovidedparent/professional training and lectures on the challenges that learning differences present in school and at home. Craig has served on the DA Board of Trustees since 2004.

When asked what motivated them to include Denver Academy in their estate plans, Craig and Lisa told us “As a working family, we’ve never had the ability to make financial contributions to match our emotionalattachmenttoDA.WerealizedthatjoiningtheLegacySocietywasawayforustomeetbothgoals.”

GiViNG HOPE TO FUTURE GENERATiONS

Over our lifetime, there are many people and institutions that have significant impacts on our families. MembersoftheDenverAcademyLegacySocietyhaveexpressedtheimportanceofDAintheirlivesbymakinga commitment to the school through their will, a trust, a gift annuity, life insurance policy or other deferred gift.

Althoughthesegiftsmaynotcometofruitionformanyyears,theLegacySocietyisawonderfulwaytoprovideasolidfoundationfortheSchool’sfiscalhealth,whileensuringthatfuturegenerationsofstudentswith learning differences will benefit from a Denver Academy education.

DENVER ACADEMy LEGACy SOCiETy:

JaneAndersonEddieandJudyBlackLyle and Connie BlessmanDarwin and Debbie CampbellBob and Liane ClasenRobert M. Cole Trust*JimandLynnDierkerSteveandNickyGittelmanMichael and Wendy HandlerJerryandGinnyHutcheson

DonandSharonJacobsPhilJohnsonandLouRadersTom and Leigh KahnCraig KnippenbergDavidandBarbaraKnizeMark and Ruth LampertBeckyLeibmanandJohnHoskinsJimLoanAnne Marie MessingerPaul and Theresa Messinger

TimandSallieO’ConnorPeter O’NeilDavidandLouiseSantomarcoNedreeSimpsonKevinSmithandMariaPaceSmithKatieSmolka*Dale and Marty WagnerNeil and Laura WaldronJohnandMissyWarner

* Deceased

If you are among those who have named Denver Academy in your estate plans and your name is not listed here, we would love to hear from you. We invite you to contact the Development Office at 303-777-5870.


lisa patterson & Craig Knippenberg

2 2 | F i N A N C i A L s

Revenues Amount PercentTuition/Fees $ 8,173,806 85.9%Contributions 10.7%Unrestricted $ 246,914TemporarilyRestricted $ 670,473PermanentlyRestricted $ 103,235 Interest/Investment/OtherIncome $ 322,766 3.4%Total $ 9,517,194

Expenses Educational $ 5,253,667 58.4%StudentActivities $ 167,354 1.9%Operations/Maintenance $ 731,205 8.1%Depreciation/Amortization $ 584,853 6.5%GeneralAdministration/Operations $ 1,481,385 16.5%Development,AlumniandPublications $ 354,215 3.9%InterestExpense $ 429,318 4.8%Total $ 9,001,997

Change in Net Assets from Operations $ 515,197

Revenues from Other Activities $ 24,457

Change in Net Assets $ 539,654

Annual Giving Club informationDonor Category Level Number of DonorsWingsoftheFutureCouncil $20,000andabove 6ExcellenceCouncil $10,000-$19,999 8DALeadershipCouncil $5,000-$9,999 13Headmaster’sCouncil $2,500-$4,999 5DAScholarCouncil $1,000-$2,499 45Benefactor’sCircle $500-$999 36CenturyCircle $100-$499 183DAFriends Upto$99 148Total Donors 444

F i N A N C i A L s | 2 3


Annual Fund Contributions by Uses

Annual Fund Contributions by Source

2 4 | V O L U N T E E R s

Musician David Amram with High School Students

paul Buscarello

Amy Wood Memorial Walk/Run Volunteers

V O L U N T E E R s | 2 5

“Many hands make light work.” John Heywood


One key to the success of our students and school is the significant impact of the volunteer support we receive from our parents, friends and community. Whether it is the Board of Trustees, the Board Committees, Annual Fund Phonathon callers, DAPA members or event, library and homeroom volunteers, we could not achieve success without your assistance. Thank you for your generous and thoughtful support!

Fiona Baldwin

Jeff Branson and Students

Brad and Jake lozow

Mrs. peavler

4400 East Iliff Avenue • Denver, CO 80222 • (303) 777-5870 • denveracademy.org

This Annual Report is a publication of Denver Academy. © 2011 Denver AcademyDesigned by Ridgeline Graphic Solutions | Denver, Colorado

Cover Picture by Kris Fritzsche

Denver Academy Annual Report 2010-2011

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