Fulton Science Academy
EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, CHARACTER
Dear FSA Community,
I hope that you are having a great day.
Today, we are sending you an important communication that will help our students on so many levels. As you always do, please take your time to read it.
The FSA community knows that a better world is possible through the education of the next generation, our children, and anything that we can do to make this happen is definitely something worth doing.
To this date, all the achievements and progress at FSA were made possible through the team efforts of our wonderful community. Thanks to your continuous support, our school is a prime example of how much can be achieved when people come together. We should all be very proud of that. Knowing your continuous desire to assist our students in any possible way, we would like to share some ideas with you today. Below is a summary and details of some ways that you can continue to contribute to the education of our young minds.
- Mentoring STEAM Enrichment Projects
- Mentoring FSA High School Students and especially Juniors
- Contributing to the Georgia State Tax Credit Scholarship Program
- Participating in the FSA Annual Fundraising Campaign
- Taking an active role in our FSA Advisory Committee
- Taking active role(s) by volunteering in the Mustang Parent Support Organization
- Assisting and/or coaching academic teams, clubs, or sports teams.
Please see the details of each item below.
1) MENTORS NEEDED FOR STEAM ENRICHMENT PROJECTS
Here are the fields:
STEAM Projects and Fields
Greenhouse Development
Food Chemistry
Website Design/Development
Application Development
Water-filter Design
Hydrodynamics
Hydroponics/Aquaponics
Art/Design (Recyclables turned into art)
Air pollution (Lexus Challenge)
Economics/Business/Market Economy
Botany
Orthopedics
Industrial Engineering (eco-friendly insulating cup)
Industrial Engineering (programmed medicine can)
Industrial Engineering (firebot that can detect the origin of fire)
Solar-paneled popcorn machine
Creating different skin colored band-aids
Heat charge camping power
Solar powered mac charger case
2) MENTORS NEEDED FOR OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Being a small high school, we have the perfect environment to meet the needs of our students based on their individual needs. One best practice to help high school students to get ready for career and life is to assign mentors from the field to each of them.
Mentoring is a powerful personal and career development tool that can enable the mentee to achieve or exceed their life's goals and aspirations. Depending upon the mentee's needs a mentor: Shares knowledge and life experiences.
Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills students can learn from mentors but also because mentoring provides professional socialization and personal support to facilitate success. Quality mentoring greatly enhances students' chances for success.
There is no set schedule required for the mentors. Mentors and mentees will discuss ways to create a helpful path for success.
Some example fields are Computer Engineering, Fashion Design, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Business, International Relations, Politics and so on.
If you are interested and wish to be a mentor for one of our high school students, please contact our college counselor, Mrs. Selvakumar at dselvakumar@fultonscienceacademy.org.
3) STATE TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This program provides an opportunity for taxpayers to redirect Georgia tax dollars and, in turn, provide financial aid assistance to FSA students. We would greatly appreciate it if you would please apply and choose Fulton Science Academy Private School as your designated school. Please also inform your friends, co-workers, and relatives who live in Georgia; they can also participate and help support our school.
How can this tax credit benefit both Fulton Science Academy Private School and myself?
Under this law, you can redirect a portion of your Georgia income tax to provide financial aid assistance to FSA students based upon need. You will receive a tax credit on your state income taxes and a charitable deduction on your federal incomes taxes for the amount of your contribution. For married couples filing jointly, the maximum tax credit-eligible contribution is $2,500 ($1,000 as an individual).
How do I participate in the program?
It’s easy. All you have to do is complete our easy paperless process, and Apogee will submit the paperwork on your behalf. Apogee will process your approval notice within 30 days. Once the approval notice is received, please send your payment by check or pay online within 60 days of your approval date.
Is there a limit regarding how much I can give each year?
Yes, the amount you can give is limited by your tax filing status:
· Married Filing Jointly: Maximum of $2,500
· Individual Filer: Maximum of $1,000
· Married Filing Separately: Maximum of $1,250
· Individuals who receive pass-through income can contribute up to $10k
· C-Corporation: Up to 75% of GA tax liability
Can I direct my contribution to help a specific student?
Although we understand why it would be ideal to designate specific recipients, this is not possible. Apogee does not accept donations that are allocated for specific individuals. Donors would lose their ability to receive a charitable contribution, as well as the Georgia tax credit.
Apogee is a 501c3 non-profit organization and, as such, is bound first and foremost by the rules and regulations governing this special status. As a 501c3, Apogee is not permitted to accept any donations directed to a specific individual. To do so would put Apogee’s non-profit status in jeopardy and, in turn, its SSO status in jeopardy.
Who or what is Apogee?
Apogee Scholarship Fund is a state registered SSO (Student Scholarship Organization) as well as a 501c3 non-profit organization whose primary functions are to facilitate the process of distributing tax credits in exchange for donations and to disburse those funds for private school tuition scholarships.
"Apogee" (ap-uh-jee) is defined as the highest point (typically of an arc). To this end, Apogee strives to help children reach their highest educational potential.
How do I know what my GA tax liability is?
Your GA tax liability is typically 6% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). You can also look at Line 18 of your GA tax return (Form 500) to learn your GA tax liability.
Why should I give now?
The State has placed a yearly cap on the amount of credit available. That amount is $58 million. That means that every school, every taxpayer, and every corporation in GA is drawing from the exact same pool of credits.
Once the funds are distributed, interested agencies must wait until the following year to participate in the program. Once funds are deposited, they are immediately available to assist families who want the best educational choice for their children.
Please note: The yearly cap is generally met on the very first day of January; we expect this trend to continue until the cap is raised beyond the $58 million. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged that you please submit your application as soon as possible to be considered for approval.
Can I reduce my quarterly estimated tax payments by the amount I donate?
This is a great opportunity to write the check to support education instead of paying that portion of estimated taxes. Please ask your accountant to reduce your quarterly estimated tax payment by the amount of your contribution. This will reduce each of your quarterly payments by 25% of the amount you intend to contribute.
What happens if my donation exceeds my tax liability?
The tax credit is a “non-refundable” credit. This means you cannot receive a refund for any more than your GA tax liability. Any excess credit beyond your tax liability can be carried forward for up to five years.
Do I have to include my check with my donation package when mailing to Apogee?
No. Apogee cannot accept payments prior to January 1. Since the vast majority of applications received are early applications, payment should be made after approval has been secured. Payment must be made within 60 days of approval.
What is Apogee's Tax ID Number?
FEIN: 26-2693572
Is this donation a charitable deduction on my Federal return in addition to the credit?
Yes. Because of the 501c3 status, you are eligible to receive a Federal Charitable Deduction for the amount of your contribution. The law does require that you increase your State income by the amount of your Charitable Deduction on your Federal return (donation amount).
Can Apogee help me understand how this credit will affect my specific tax situation?
Yes. Apogee is well versed in the specifics of how this credit affects most tax scenarios and is happy to offer guidance regarding how this credit is related to your specific tax situation.
As always, we also suggest that you please consult your personal tax advisor, as they will have the best understanding of your specific tax situation.
How do I get started?
Simply log onto http://www.apogee123.org.
Please let me know if you have any question
4 - FSA ANNUAL FUNDRAISING
Every day at Fulton Science Academy, we continue our journey towards becoming a top school in the nation by providing an innovative STEAM curriculum that benefits each individual student. Our journey is just beginning and you are an important part of it!
Our official Annual Fundraising will kick off on November 28, 2017, and continue until the end of December 2017. Our goal for this year is to raise $200,000.
As we are currently working on our building expansion that includes 25 additional classroom, labs, art classes, and an innovation center, the success of our annual fundraising will be even more important for us.
Where Should I Make a Donation?
A new, convenient web site has been created for secure online gifts. To donate online, please CLICK HERE or send (or deliver) a check to FSA, 3035 Fanfare Way, Alpharetta, GA 30009.
How Much Should I Give?
Please consider giving as much as you can! The gift of education is a gift that keeps on giving. To help us reach our goal, a donation of $300 per student is suggested, but every gift helps! Whether your contribution is $10, or $10,000, giving offers a positive statement of your belief in FSA and pride in your family’s FSA experience.
When Should I Donate?
The earlier we receive your donation, the sooner we can put it to use to benefit our students. We encourage all families to make their pledges by December 31 for maximum year-end tax benefits.
Will My Gift be Recognized?
We realize that giving is a uniquely personal experience. If you wish to remain anonymous, that request will be honored. Otherwise, gifts will be recognized on our donor wall.
But I already pay tuition. Why am I being asked for more?
Put quite simply, if we relied on tuition alone to fund the many wonderful attributes that make FSA so special, our tuition costs would be substantially higher. Most prestigious private schools like ours rely upon robust Annual Fund contributions that directly support every aspect of school life. Your financial contribution to the FSA Annual Fund supports the people and programs that make us an award-winning private school. Through these tax-deductible gifts, we are able to recruit and retain talented teachers, offer small class sizes, provide cutting-edge technology, enjoy award-winning extracurricular teams, and fill our beautiful new campus with laughter, learning, and life-long friendships that form while studying here.
Is FSA Able to Receive Matching Gifts from My Company?
Yes! FSA welcomes corporate support through sponsorship and generous matching gift programs. Please ask your employer about Matching Gift Programs that support K–12 schools. This is a great way to double and sometimes triple your gift to FSA .
Tax-deductible contributions to Fulton Science Academy enable us to keep competitive tuition rates while providing award-winning STEAM education to our precious students.
Contributions from alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends are all vital, and greatly help to further our mission.
We invite you to please explore the many different ways you can support Fulton Science Academy through a charitable contribution. An investment in education is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
If you wish to contribute to our annual fundraising earlier than November 28th, please CLICK HERE
5 - FSA ADVISORY COMMITTEE
As part of our school’s ongoing desire to build strong relationships with our community, Fulton Science Academy looks forward to adding a few new members to our Advisory Committee. This group is comprised of approximately a dozen members who are professors and/or executives working in STEAM-related fields.
The purpose of the FSA Advisory Committee is to elicit feedback from STEAM experts as we continue to explore opportunities, programs, and partnerships for our precious students. This committee is especially important now as we have a rapidly growing high school program. The group will meet quarterly and the meetings should not exceed two hours.
Because we have such a dynamic and talented pool of parents, we wanted to reach out to our FSA families. If you are interested in joining the FSA Advisory Committee, please email your contact information (Position, Company, Preferred Phone Number) to Principal Sener at ksener@fultonscienceacademy.org.
We are pleased to have many parents who are professors at local universities and teach STEAM subjects. I would like to personally encourage these parents to please consider joining our advisory committee.
I look forward to moving forward with this exciting addition to our school.
6 - MUSTANG SUPPORT ORGANIZATION
What is the Mustang Support Organization (MSO)?
The Mustang Support Organization is a parent driven, non-profit, volunteer organization that was established to support the students, faculty and administration of Fulton Science Academy Private School (FSAPS). The goal of the organization is to build community, involve parents, and enrich the campus life and overall student experience.
Who are the members of the Mustang Support Organization?
The MSO is comprised of every student, parent, faculty and staff member of FSAPS. There is an elected board of volunteers that includes 2 co-presidents, a vice president of Membership & Fundraising, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The board also has appointed directors overseeing Room Parents, Technology and Activities. The board members meet monthly with the Administration Liaison, Mr. Turan, and the Teacher Liaison, Mrs. Sanders. If you are interested in serving as a member of the board or interested in getting involved, please contact the MSO via e-mail or Facebook.
What activities are organized and funded by the MSO?
- Cyber Safety Assembly Speakers for Students & Parents
- Earth Day Activities
- Room Parent Organization
- Pi Day Pizza Party and Activities
- Monthly Teacher & Staff Luncheons
- Red Ribbon Week – Drug-Free Awareness Week
- STEAM Day – All day, age-appropriate activities for the entire school
- Book Fairs – Proceeds are used to purchase books for our media center
- Spirit Wear Design & Sales
- Snowballs for PE Classes
- Environmental Awareness
- Rivers Alive Community Clean-Up Event
- Blessings in a Backpack Fundraiser
- Road to College Event
- Staff Holiday Gifts
- Lunchroom Assistance
- Cultural Cafe Luncheon, Performances & Bazaar
- Thanksgiving Dinner, Performances, Activities & Gift Shops
- Holiday & Special Event Decorations throughout the year
- Decorations throughout the school
- Teacher Door Nameplates
- Several Speakers specializing in Gifted Children and other pertinent topics
- Teacher Appreciation Week Activities, Gifts & Food
- 8th Grade Dance
- 8th Grade Graduation & Ice Cream Sundae Social
- Kindergarten Graduation
- Valentine’s Day Dance with a DJ
- And everyone’s favorite LAST BLAST SPLASH which includes a pizza party, snow-cones, water slides, water balloons, dunk tank, bubbles, games and so much more!
How can I get more involved with the MSO?
Throughout this year, we will have many opportunities for you to volunteer and participate at Fulton Science Academy. There is a section on the membership form to volunteer for many of our events. Additionally, we will keep you updated via email and Facebook about all the activities and opportunities to volunteer.
We look forward to working with those who have helped in the past and encourage our new families to get involved too! If you ever have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via e-mail or Facebook.
7- Assisting and/or Coaching an Academic Team, Club, or Athletic Team
We are very proud that our academic teams represented the state of Georgia in seven different national and international competitions last year.
Did you know that more than half of the coaches in our nationally ranked Science Olympiad Team are actually our parents! Yes, thanks to these parents we are stronger than we could ever be.
We have a very talented parent pool and for you to help our students in different academic teams, clubs and sports teams make all the difference in the world.
If you wish to help an academic team, club, or sports team, please contact Mr. Turan at nturan@fultonscienceacademy.org.
Thank you for all you do!
Fulton Science Academy Private School
Serving Advanced and Gifted Students
Pre-K through High School
Email: ksener@fultonscienceacademy.org
Website: www.fultonscienceacademy.org
Location: 3035 Fanfare Way, GA, United States
Phone: (678) 366-2555
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FultonScienceAcademyPrivateSchool
Twitter: @fsaprivate