Special Funds

The Constellation Math & Science Fund

The Constellation Math & Science Fund honors the influence math and science teachers have had and continue to have on the alumni and students of Tandem Friends School. The alumni family who provided the initial funding particularly want to acknowledge the impact Lisa Grove, Christine Putnam, Lena Lewis, Lisa Friedorsdorf and others have had on their lives. This fund recognizes the role math and science teachers have in supporting the development of critical and analytical thinking skills.

The Constellation Math & Science Fund supports programmatic expenses in math and sciences at Tandem Friends including classroom materials and supplies and field trips and other experiences that directly benefit students. Gifts may be made to the fund while it is active and pledges to the fund will be accepted for a pledge period up to five years.

The Gordon Fields Fund for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

The Gordon Fields Fund honors the influence Gordon Fields has had on the students and alumni of Tandem Friends School, both as an athletic director and coach and as the Director of Diversity. Over Gordon’s years at Tandem, he has coached and mentored numerous students and continued those relationships after the students graduate. He has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Tandem Friends Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, particularly in developing student leadership opportunities.

The Gordon Fields Fund supports programmatic expenses in the area of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Initial funding was provided by a group of Tandem Friends alumni who played basketball with Gordon. Some of their parents matched their gifts. Gifts may be made to the fund while it is active and pledges to the fund will be accepted for a pledge period up to five years.

The Nancy Hiles Johnson Fund for Student Experiences

The Nancy Hiles Johnson Fund for Student Experiences was created to honor Tandem Friends School English teacher Nancy Hiles Johnson for her many years of devoted service. Over Nancy’s career she has nurtured students and embraced Tandem’s belief that powerful learning happens inside and outside the classroom. She has served as a faculty leader to the 11th grade trip to South Dakota since its inception.

The Nancy Hiles Johnson Fund for Student Experiences supports Tandem Friends School’s experiential education program, including programs such as grade-level trips (e.g., 11th grade South Dakota), off-campus classroom learning opportunities (e.g., plays at American Shakespeare Center) and student participation in approved conferences/programs (e.g., Quaker Youth Leadership Conference). Initial funding was provided by Nancy’s family and friends. Gifts may be made to the fund while it is active and pledges to the fund will be accepted for a pledge period up to five years.

Funds will be used to directly support Tandem’s experiential education program activities approved by the Head of School in the three broad categories of grade-level trips, off-campus classroom trips or attendance/travel for students to approved conferences/programs.

The SPICES Fund

The SPICES Fund supports Tandem’s Quaker values, commonly referred to as the SPICES–Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equity and Stewardship. These values influence and guide all aspects of our School life.

The SPICES Fund provides resources to implement initiatives that reflect our Quaker values and to support activities that further understanding of and involvement in Friends’ education, and our relationships with other Quaker communities and Friends Schools, and with the Friends Council on Education.

Initial funding was made by a grandparent and a relative of current students of the School. Gifts may be made to the fund while it is active and pledges to the fund will be accepted for a pledge period up to five years.

Interested in Setting Up a Special Fund?

Special funds offer donors the opportunity to make a more substantial impact at Tandem Friends School. These funds support specific programs in areas of donor interest and require a minimum commitment of $10,000. To learn more about these special funds or to set up a fund, please contact Peter Gaines, Assistant Head of School for Mission & Values and Director of Major Giving, at 434-296-1303 or by email.

- Gordon Fields

- Nancy Hiles Johnson in South Dakota

Donations may be made by check to Tandem Friends School, 279 Tandem Lane, Charlottesville VA 22902, attn: Development Office. Credit card gifts can be made online. Tandem Friends also accepts gifts of appreciated securities; contact Peter Gaines, Assistant Head of School for Mission & Values and Director of Major Giving, at (434) 296-1303.

Tandem Friends School is a co-ed Quaker day school for grades 5-12 in Charlottesville, Virginia.