With more than $2 million in gifts and pledges in hand and $300,000 remaining to be raised to meet the $2.3 million Together We Soar fundraising campaign goal, the Kent School Board of Trustees has authorized construction to begin on the eagerly-anticipated Middle School expansion project.
“The new Innovation Center is under roof and on schedule to be ready for the start of our next academic year.” Head of School Nancy Mugele said. “The Board recognizes that our fundraising efforts to complete the campaign have good momentum as we continue to reach out to alumni, parents, friends, corporations and foundations to help put us over the top.”
“Since 2009, the Kent School Campus Master Plan has guided the design for the Library addition, the Administration Building renovation and new front façade, as well as the new Innovation Center and Middle School renovation projects,” Albert W. Rubeling, Jr., architect for the project, said. “This Plan is designed to maintain the School’s relevancy, sustain its mission, and reinforce its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the students, faculty, staff and parents,” he concluded.
“The new Innovation Center will help our students take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, solve complex problems, think critically, embrace collaboration and work through the creative process,” Mugele added. “The new Center will include the Middle School Science Lab, Middle School Math classrooms, and Visual Arts classrooms – including a Maker Space and both a 2C art studio and a 3D art studio for all students.
“The new science lab is especially exciting. It will include state-of-the-art equipment focusing on giving students core understandings of key principles in Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science integrated with environmental science and Chesapeake Bay studies,” she noted.
“While the new Innovation Center will be located in the Middle School, every student at Kent School will benefit from the new facility,” she continued. “Even the Little Schoolers will explore the many opportunities the Center offers.”
The Together We Soar campaign is the most ambitious fundraising ever undertaken by the Pre-K through 8 independent school located on scenic Wilkins Lane outside of Chestertown. When completed, it will add $1 million to the school’s endowment and add 2,000 square feet of new classrooms.
“We believe wholeheartedly that Kent School’s mission is more relevant today than ever. Serving students from Delaware and the Upper and Mid-Shore of Maryland, our unparalleled environment on the bank of the Chester River promotes teaching and learning, moral integrity, kindness, and respect for others – values we cherish, nurture, and teach intentionally while pursuing excellence in academics, the arts and athletics,” Mugele continued.
“Our school’s supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world through high academic and personal standards taught a devoted and highly skilled faculty,” she added. “The success of this campaign to date is tangible proof of the community’s commitment to these principles.”
