"The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the earth."
Dr. Maria Montessori
Help Make Rochester Montessori Solar!
Rochester Montessori School is taking the next step in a long history of environmental stewardship, with the plan to install 100 solar panels on the roof. Every year, the panels will produce approximately 62,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which will be used by RMS or fed back into the grid (and providing RMS credit.)
Why Solar?
· For the environment! Solar energy is a sustainable alternative to carbon fuel. Our array will help do our part to address the climate crisis.
· For cost savings! The solar array will reduce our annual electric bill by approximately $8000. We will recoup our total investment in 9.7 years.
· To educate and empower our students to make the world a better place! The educational value of the panels is tremendous. Students will learn about solar energy, in the context of the current global energy and climate crises. Monitoring daily energy generated will be part of the installation at RMS, giving students hands-on real-life information to understand the impact of solar energy.
One of the four pillars of RMS’s current strategic plan is to be a regional leader in environmental stewardship and learning. Installing solar panels is a great step toward that goal!
Please help!
We need to raise $85,000 to purchase and install the 100 panels. That’s $850 per panel.
Please help us Make RMS Solar, by:
· Donating through the GiveMN site: Make RMS Solar
· Donate through our website: Give RMS
We hope every parent donates to this important effort. Every gift, no matter what size, matters. Thank you for your support of Rochester Montessori School, and for being part of influencing who our children become.
Why Give?
Your unrestricted annual contributions will afford RMS with the financial stability and flexibility to fulfill its mission and continue to provide an enriching education to current and future students. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations are tax-deductible and will be directly invested in the school to support the community and programs that are served by RMS.
It is our hope that every RMS family, including alumni, will contribute an amount that is meaningful for them. As your child(ren) enjoy the legacy of families who came before, so too will your support benefit generations of families ahead.
All donor levels will be recognized as part of the RMS Board of Director’s annual report.
“For our children, Rochester Montessori School is much more than a school. It’s an extended family where they feel deeply connected to their peers and guides. As parents, we love the optimized learning and character building that Montessori supports.” - Paul & Shannon
Solar panels on southern exposure.
Additional Ways To Give
GIFTS IN KIND
Gifts-In-Kind are non-cash donations. These gifts fulfill specific needs approved by the school such as computers, classroom supplies, landscape material, PE equipment and many other items that can support the curriculum, activities, and facilities. Reach out to the school if you have items you’re interested in donating in-kind.
MATCHING GIFTS
Do you work for an employer that encourages giving? Taking advantage of a matching gifts program doubles the impact of your gift to RMS. Talk to your employer’s Human Resources department for details.
GET INVOLVED
Run in our Earth Day Race, buy a book at the book fair! Families are encouraged to participate in fun activities that support the school. Sign up for Amazon Smile or Shutterfly and a portion of everything you buy is given back to the school.
PLANNED GIVING
Let your legacy live on. Planned giving allows you a way to support Rochester Montessori through deferred gifts such as trusts, charitable gifts, annuities, insurance policies, and bequests. Most planned gifts generate tax savings while being extremely beneficial to the school. We can work with you and your financial advisor to create the planned gift that best fits your financial circumstances.