New Nonprofit Leads Reopening Efforts

Dear Friends,

Best wishes to you for a happy fall season. The St. Margaret’s tradition is active in Tappahannock. My September 5 letter related that a new, independent organization has been established, the Foundation for St Margaret’s School (FSMS), to act as the governing board for a reorganized school with the purpose of “fundraising, resource management, operation, and advocacy for a girls’ school in the Episcopal tradition, in Tappahannock, Virginia.” FSMS has obtained 501c3 status from the IRS; donors can deduct contributions they make to the organization under IRC 170.

The reconstituted school now has a website: www.smsontheriver.org. Thanks for your patience as we build it out to effectively communicate with you. The FSMS has rented the Phillips House at 625 S. Water Lane, where six staff members are located to offer fall programs, interface with the community, consolidate communications and marketing, and administer academic and facility components for the new school. Fall programs include music lessons, academic support, sculling and rowing. While the reorganized school’s mission is girls’ education, these fall programs are available to boys and girls.

The interim Head of School is Valorie Mundie, former Academic Dean at St. Margaret’s. Her energy, focus on the girls, and commitment to perpetuating the school is extraordinary. The Board of Governors is active, and alumnae are supportive. While we will use the website to update you on school progress, you may use the following to ask questions and send comments directly: info@smsontheriver.org, and 804-925-6070.

A lawsuit is still pending between SMS plaintiffs and Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia (CSDV), so we are unable to discuss aspects of a potential campus property transfer. What we can do is position ourselves to acquire the property and continue the school, in the Episcopal tradition, for girls, focused on unique river learning and stewarding opportunities. Momentum is high for both the River Studies curriculum and the Sculling and Rowing Academy. Sentiment is strong for continuing distinctive girls’ academic and leadership training.

There are three important things you can help do to support the effort to reconstitute St. Margaret’s:

1) Giving your wealth,

2) Using your influence and networks, and

3) Participating in focus groups this fall.

Giving

Instructions to request your 2025 SMS donation be returned: Please request your donations made in 2025 to St. Margaret’s School be returned to you and follow these instructions to redirect those funds to the Foundation for St. Margaret’s School.

Email Edwina Bell at ebell@sms.org to request that your 2025 contribution to SMS be refunded to you directly. Your generosity is vital to reviving the school. We will need these funds, and additional contributions you can make, to fund new school operations, acquire the campus, and pay potential legal fees.

Unrestricted gifts are most useful, but if you have a preference for how the funds are used let us know.

Three Ways to Give to the Foundation for St. Margaret’s School

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible (EIN: 36-3548265)

Write your check to: The Foundation for St. Margaret’s School, and mail to: Treasurer, Foundation for St. Margaret’s School, P.O. Box 1572, Tappahannock, VA 22560

Give online at our PayPal site: LINK TO COME

Stock gifts may be sent to Wells Fargo Advisors, Kilmarnock, VA. Call 804-435-1636 to speak with our account rep. Specific instructions will also be placed on the school website soon. Please include your updated contact information: phone, email, and mailing address.

Using Your Influence

Please make contact with alumnae and donors to whom you have access and encourage support for the school. If you are uncomfortable having donor conversations on your own, or if you have access to a significant donor who needs additional information, please contact me and I will get involved to help guide us.

Your love for St. Margaret’s and belief in its power to build academic and character strength in girls is the special sauce that can coalesce people around the school.

Participating in Focus Groups

During the fall 2025, the FSMS will hold focus groups and other methods of getting feedback from school constituents. Donors, alumnae, families, staff and community members will be important voices to include. We hope you will participate. Notice of this will be placed on the website. Thank You!

The FSMS Board, future SMS students, and I are grateful to you. The opportunity to continue our traditions in a relevant, quality way on the river is within reach. Success requires our bold outreach and confident approach to potential backers who will be moved by the school’s commitment to girls in a challenging time, as well as its commitment to coastal studies that promote environmental conservation.

Thank you for giving, advocating, and utilizing the resources above to contact us. The website will include Talking Points in the very near future.

With Appreciation,

Sissy Crowther ‘75

Chair, The Foundation for St. Margaret’s School