RMDS is in the midst of an exciting Capital Campaign! This means we are rallying our efforts and resources to raise enough money to build a new school.

Since it’s inception, the school has moved four times.  Moving was necessary as we outgrew each space.  There were also financial and saftey concerns. Many of the chilren enrolled in the school have attended at all four locations.

Our school is experiencing phenomenal growth.  In the past 3 years, we have nearly doubled our enrollment.  Due to parent request, we have opened a middle school this school year, and in the fall of 2010, we hope to open a high school.

Expansion is difficult in the storefront space!

We NEED YOU to help us build a NEW SCHOOL!

We need to raise $1 MILLION dollars by May 1st, 2010!

 Although we have a great educational program, we have relentlessly struggled with building issues, such as a failing roof, structural problems, inadequate fire safety, asbestos, code issues, inadequate educational suitability, overcrowding, faulty and dangerous electrical service, poor indoor air quality, as well as a lack of ADA accessibility…reminding everyone at RMDS that we are still a tenant and dependent for a habitable and decent facility upon the attention and diligence of our landlord. In addition, crime in this area is on the rise… over 256 crimes committed within a mile in the last 6 months. We really need to move to a new location, to keep our students safe. By building a new school, we could have up-to-date technology and appropriate building design that would greatly help to meet the safety needs of our students.

This fall we will be opening a new high school. We had planned to rent the next door space in the strip mall, but the asbestos report is not encouraging. So instead, we will just box up our books and close our library to renovate that space for the high school classroom.

With the inception of the BEST program (Building Exceptional Schools Today) by the State of Colorado, RMDS now has the opportunity to obtain a facility of its own that is specifically designed for deaf students.
The BEST Grant addresses health and safety concerns, as well as educational issues by providing funds to rebuild, repair or replace the states’ most dangerous and most needy K-12 facilities. Most importantly, it will address the immediate life and safety needs of our students.

The BEST program requires that each school provide a local match of funds as a part of the application. RMDS must raise a minimum of $1.2 million by MAY 1st. If we are able to raise the funds required, we will be eligible to receive 17 million dollars from the BEST grant to build a new school for our deaf children. Although the cash is not required until October, we need Letters of Intent for the required match by May 1st.

Just recently, the Boettcher Foundation pledged $100,000 toward our goal. We have also held numerous fundraisers within our school community, and have raised an additional $60,000. But still, we need immediate help to meet our goal

The school’s strongest support base includes our families within the Deaf community. Although this community actively supports RMDS through fundraisers and events, the monies raised are quite small in comparison to the requirement. Therefore, we are looking for outside support.

If you can help us, we would deeply appreciate it and we would love to finds ways to celebrate your help through publicity and sponsorship with you in whatever way feels right to you.

We deeply care about our children. And our greatest need is a new school for them to thrive and learn. We would greatly appreciate any help you could give us.

 Land Finding Committee

The land finding committe is the group of talented individuals that have been working since last year to find the right location to build the new school!

The team has been narrowing down the choices within the Jefferson County Public School district. They must consider zoning codes, street access, drainage, water rights, topography, and more!

We are looking forward to the announcement of our new location!

Send Out Cards

Send Out Cards is an online service that is sponsoring the RMDS Building Fund! This is a really cool service that you and anyone can use to send greeting, birthday, sympathy and endless other cards to loved ones! And it is EASY!

Check it out at www.sendoutcards.com/rmds