Enrollment and Fundraising Donation Opportunities Now Underway
Many in the Destin community have been watching and learning about Destin High School (DHS), a tuition-free public charter high school opening in August 2020 at the nine acre site of Destin United Methodist Church (DUMC) on Beach Drive in Destin.
And now, parents can go to the www.DestinHighSchool.org website and click on the “apply now” button to submit student application information. The deadline for the initial application window is 5 p.m., February 15, for students entering grades 9 and 10.
Under the direction of an eight member governing board, much progress has been made in past months including DHS’s charter being approved by the Okaloosa County School District and most recently, DHS has officially signed a purchase and sales contract with DUMC.
According to Sarah Stone, treasurer of the DHS governing board, “The real work has now begun, and we need our local community and businesses to help us get across the finish line. After all, our children are counting on us.”
Stone continued, “We have identified several financing strategies and the course we will undertake depends on the support of the community. The stage is set, but there is much work to be done and our community’s immediate financial assistance is critical at this time.”
Timing and monies expended will be less because of the existing DUMC buildings on the property, including a gymnasium. However, there is still much to be done prior to opening. Hiring the principal and staff, renovations, and fundraising are high on the list. The school’s financial obligations are significant, especially in the first year.
DHS will feature a unique style of learning – project-based learning will be offered with the state mandated core curriculum as a base, as well as specialized programs and career-themed courses such as Marine Science, Environmental Science, Cybersecurity, Construction and Hospitality/Tourism.
Phase two of DHS’s capital campaign is ongoing. It is paramount that donations are made as soon as possible by the local community and businesses.
All donations to the capital campaign will be acknowledged publicly. DHS’s short-term goal is to raise $2 million by the end of this year. As a 501(C)(3) non-profit entity, all donations are tax deductible. Depending on the donation amount, there are many perks, including naming a building, a classroom, and other numerous campus recognitions.
Be sure to attend the next Town Hall Meeting & Pep Rally on January 16, 2020, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at DUMC’s gymnasium. During the meeting, the winning logo, mascot, and colors will be revealed. Information regarding the school’s educational programs will be discussed. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and complete an application for enrollment.
To find out more details or to make a donation, call (850) 424-1664, or email info@destinhighschool.org. For detailed donor information and levels, contact DHS’s fundraising chair and governing board treasurer, Sarah Stone at (850) 598-6888 or sarah@saysarah.com. Additional information about DHS can be found at www.destinhighschool.org.
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