Who's in the Burrow?

Stand Outs

Far West Nordic Skiers, standing out in a crowd...

Incoming SBA eighth-grader Skyler Mullings doctored this shot of the Far West team at the 2011 Junior Olympics in Minneapolis. Thus far, SBA student-athlete Katrin Larusson has had the strongest showing of the team with an eighth-place finish.

"Sugar" 'em up, then turn 'em loose!

Steve Ascher, beside himself.



An impromptu Waffle Party/Snow-Sculpting Competition broke out on the SBA campus Wednesday, courtesy of Head of School Tracy Keller. 


Phase 1: "'Sugar' 'em up"! (noteworthy: Steve Ascher contributed a bag of Krusteaz waffle mix as well as his very own waffle iron. Another "good on ya'," Steve!)


Phase 2: "Turn 'em loose!" 


Students were grouped and instructed to work in teams to sculpt something out of snow which represented or resembled an SBA staff member.


I leave it up to you to determine which SBA faculty members are represented by the snow sculptures depicted in the slide show below.


Being All a Fighting Marmot Can Be - Support the Annual Fund!


Sugar Bowl Academy alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and members of the extended Fighting Marmot family: please support the Annual Fund!


With the Annual Fund drive well underway (parents have until April 1 to fulfill your much appreciated pledges), you are being asked to be a part of something truly special: shaping the future of a school which - with its well-defined mission and sense of self, the strength of its student body and administrative, teaching and coaching staff - is truly on the move in the independent school world.  
What makes it so special? Academy students attending Monday's All School Meeting recorded SBA Radio spots to share their commitment to the school's student-athlete, "Mind, Body Spirit" mission. 
As you contemplate a gift in the closing hours of the Annual Fund campaign, I encourage you to listen to one of these recordings by clicking on the "Play" button below. Some of the comments are lighthearted and entertaining, but each of them in its own (teenager) way is a profound expression of support for what we have going up at the top of Old Route 40. In case you're confused about the identity of "Punky Brewster," I encourage you to revisit this link


While you're listening, here's a little education on why your support is vital: 
What does the Annual Fund pay for?
  • Annual Fund gifts help every child in the program—the size of the gift is not tied to the benefit each child receives.
  • Sugar Bowl Ski Team Foundation has the most robust financial aid and scholarship program among its peers. This year, our Annual Fund will help fund nearly 65 athletes with over $300,000 of financial support.
  • The Annual Fund helps to make up the difference between tuition income and actual program expense and thereby ensures the fiscal health of the entire program. Contributions directly support our students, athletes, coaches, faculty, and all programs (including professional development and safety training, staff salaries, supplemental educational programs, library acquisitions, athletic equipment, Academy and Village Hall building maintenance, radios, etc.)
Why is there a gap in revenue when ski team dues and tuition are already high? Why doesn’t tuition cover all the expenses at the program? Why should I give to the Annual Fund when I already pay tuition?
  • Tuition and fees are set to keep them within reach of as many families as possible.  We’ve done market comparisons each year in order to set fees and tuition, and they are already at the highest level we can justify.
  • Our adherence to high standards—i.e. low athlete-coach and student-teacher ratios, character education, safety training and strong customer service—requires a high price tag. Therefore our expenses outstrip our tuition income by 25% or so. 
  • This “gap” between income (tuition and dues) and actual expense is common for all quality educational programs, whether schools or teams!
Why not just increase tuition?
  • It's important to keep our tuition and fees comparable with other programs and to keep it accessible to a wide range of families. Also, your Annual Fund gift is tax deductible, unlike your tuition.
Why is 100% participation in the Annual Fund so important?
  • Full participation (alumni, faculty, staff, parents, etc) in the Annual Fund demonstrates the commitment of our community. It serves as a valuable benchmark to corporations, foundations, major donors, and friends, by demonstrating that those who are closest to the program and are dedicated to its well being. Therefore, all gifts, no matter what size, are very important. Remember that your gift is 100% tax deductible.
A Final Word from the Head of School: 


"The ski team foundation’s goal for our Annual Fund is 100% participation," said Head of School Tracy Keller.  


"As you know, the Annual Fund is an opportunity for everybody to support the Sugar Bowl Ski Team Foundation’s efforts to create a program driven by excellence at every level, and helps keep tuition and fees within reach of as many families as possible.

"I encourage you to donate to our annual fund and help us achieve our goal of 100% participation."


Pledge forms should have already arrived in the mail. If you did not receive a pledge form but would like to be part of the proud Fighting Marmot family of supporters, you can donate on line (or give again!) at justgive.org.


Thank you in advance for your support in the 2011 Annual Fund drive.