Post on 11-May-2023
Table of Contents
MSR Mission and Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Letter from Head of School | Monica Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Letter from Board of Trustees | Krystin Knox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2019-2020 MPSA Officers | Liaisons | Event Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MSR Proud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Professional Development | 2019-2020 Annual Fund Chart | COVID-19 Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Framing Our Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The MSR 2019-2020 Annual Fund by the Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Alumni Highlight | Ashley Assa ’15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Donor Highlight | Debbie and Joe Gordon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
This Year in Milestones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16
Annual Fund Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-20
Giving to the Annual Fund | Ways to Give . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Follow us on...
1 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
Lower School | Lead Mine Campus 7005 Lead Mine Rd | Raleigh, NC 27615
Middle & Upper School | Brier Creek Campus 408 Andrews Chapel Rd | Durham, NC 27703
919-848-1545 tel | 919-848-9611 fax
The Montessori School of Raleigh is the Triangle’s
modern embodiment and mindful practice of the
time-proven Montessori philosophy, developing
agile thinkers, poised communicators, and
gracious collaborators–engineers of authentic and
fulfilling lives.
In the year 2023, The Montessori School of
Raleigh will be a thriving, well respected, and
diverse day school community, recognized for its
expertise in empowering students (18 months to
18 years) to be confident and competent life-long
learners and respectful global citizens, distinct
in the Triangle for delivering the authentic
Montessori program and the International
Baccalaureate program with unified purpose and
integrity, competitive in attracting and retaining
exemplary faculty and staff, and robustly funded
by an ever-expanding circle of support.
* Created and endorsed by MSR’s Faculty, Staff and Board of Trustees, April 2019
Our Mission
Our Vision
Accreditations
Memberships
2 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
Dear MSR Families and Friends,
This has been a school year like no other. In the spring of last year, MSR made the wise decision to cease in-person learning and shift to remote delivery in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. With little time to plan and prepare, our teachers created an exceptional virtual learning community. Moreover, what followed was MSR’s very first commencement ceremony where we celebrated the work and accomplishments of our first high school graduating class, the Class of 2020.
During the summer, teachers and administrators spent countless hours in collaboration, reimagining and researching what in-person instruction looks like for a Montessori and International Baccalaureate school, one for which the classroom environment is key to our unique method of teaching and learning. The meetings were long and sometimes intense, yet fruitful because we were able to produce our school’s Re-Entry Plan, which has served as our playbook for the community as we navigate COVID-19. We successfully opened school on August 25, and we now find ourselves in the third quarter with much to consider as we look forward to navigating the school year in the middle of a pandemic and beyond.
We have come a long way since last March and an even longer way since 1974, when The Montessori School of Raleigh officially opened with the goal of educating children according to the Montessori philosophy, an approach that reflects Dr.
Montessori’s many years of observation in the fields of medicine and education. We are a school that has educated countless students across two campuses spanning ages 18 months to 18 years.
At every step along this 46-year path, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends of the school have given generously, both in time and treasure, so that we, so many years later, can educate children in this enlightened and purposeful place. As recipients of our rich legacy, it is now our turn to provide the resources the school most urgently needs, as together we meet the challenges of a worldwide health crisis and mitigate the risks it presents to so much of what we love and value.
I witnessed the magic of the Montessori philosophy at a young age as a student in the Santa Monica Montessori School in Santa Monica, California. It was there that I received my first formal lessons on language, math, science, practical life, and many other subjects. Years later, I would undertake the arduous elementary training through Association Montessori Internationale and later work as a classroom teacher in two Montessori schools and serve on the board of two other Montessori schools. Now I am privileged to witness the magic of a Montessori education through my own daughter, Maya, who is a student in the Toddler program. My personal experiences and that of my daughter were and are possible because people who believe in the power of a Montessori education step forward to sustain what they value. This, too, is why my husband and I give to MSR.
The MSR Annual Fund is a critically important source of revenue that funds much of the financial gap not covered by tuition. In gratitude for the richness of our legacy and with full awareness of the importance of providing all the equipment, supplies, and materials required to ensure the vitality and effectiveness of this wonderful school, I ask you to give to the MSR Annual Fund as generously as you can and to contribute to another record-breaking year in supporting our students, faculty, and staff.
Sincerely,
Monica Rodriguez Head of School
From the Head of School
Monica RodriguezHead of School
3 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
Without a doubt, the 2019-2020 school year was unlike any other in our school’s 46-year history. As I reflect upon the close of last year and the opening of the 2020-2021 year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, one word comes to mind: agility. The Montessori method teaches young people to be agile thinkers. Throughout 2020, this goal has been ever present in our faculty and administration and remains the underpinning of the MSR curriculum. No school in this area was better poised to weather the challenges of this pandemic, and MSR effectively and efficiently pivoted to remote learning in March and to in-person and Blended Learning Plus programs this fall to address the many re-entry needs of our students. How fortunate we are that this is our practice and our foundation!
In spite of the challenges that the year presented, we look back on a year, and a history, highlighted by many accomplishments. From the first set of parents who met in 1974 to establish a Montessori school and now fast forwarding to May 2020 when we graduated four outstanding young men and women, who are prepared to make amazing contributions in all the endeavors they undertake – the MSR journey continues and evolves in wonderful ways.
As the board cited in last year’s Annual Report, “Resources are required for hope to become reality.” This year, the MSR Annual Fund grew in every area; parent participation, Day of Giving donations, and increased participation in The Leadership Giving Circle (three-year pledge commitments), resulted in the largest Annual Fund in the school’s history. This
is only possible through the generous support of the MSR community. This past year the MSR community grew to include more alumni, grandparents, and community members than ever before, people whose values align with those that have been the foundation of MSR’s standard of excellence for 46 years.
MSR’s infrastructure continues to evolve with an increased focus of delivering a combined Montessori and IB pedagogy. Our students’ paths to adulthood are rooted in the community we create and in the intersection of education and real-world challenges that community provides. No educational philosophy does this better than the principles of Maria Montessori coupled with the International Baccalaureate learner profile, both of which foster a distinct set of attributes in their students – inquiry, introspection, communication, exploration, and care for others.
A history highlighted by so many accomplishments defines our path to serve our community by creating exceptional contributors and young citizens.
On behalf of the MSR Board of Trustees, thank you to each member of the MSR community for your trust, confidence, and support of our school, our administrators, and our faculty.
Sincerely,
Krystin Knox 2020-2021 Chair, Board of Trustees
Dear MSR Community,
Jeff Ammons
Daniel Barker
Kristina Brunelle
Candace Covington-Olander
Abdel Darensburg
Debbie Gordon
Peter Kamarchik
Krystin Knox
Joe Lee
Jim Luther
Tania Malik
Greg Peele
Kim Rohde
BJ Stolz
From the Board of Trustees
2019-2020 MSR Board of Trustees
4 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
President Erin Grant
Middle/Upper School Representative Wendy Peele
Secretary Katie Meyers
Room Parent Coordinator Miya Fleming
Sunshine Fund Coordinator Stephanie Schouten
Art Liaison Amy Parris
Library/Tech Liaison Isabell Krueer and Kim Miller
Music Liaison Jessica Lee
Sports Liaison Jennifer and Tim Kroboth
Theater Liaison Amber Weeks
Book Fair Carrie Bekerman and Kristina Heinz
Fall Festival Amy Parris
Garden Day Dana and Shannon White
Go Play Save/Rewards Programs Julie Bendsten and Daycia Ladegaard
Holiday Treat Extravaganza Laura Fish and Lauren Hood
Pancake Breakfast Christine Bermudez and Amy Phinney
Staff Appreciation Luncheon Lisa Lowe-Hall, Meghan Pyle, Julie Siegmund
The MSR Annual Fund Parent Chairs serve as leaders in the participation and communication of The MSR Annual Fund throughout the year, championing the fund and the important role it plays in the acceleration of our school and its resources.
Michael and Carrie Bekerman
Dustin and Christine Bermudez
Colin Blair and Christine Etschmaier
Brian and Heather Clark
Brian and Robin Dailey
Robert and Laura Fish
Carmelo Gullotto and Jane Gagliardi
Alex Hall and Spy Yeh
David and Lauren Hood
Jason Jerald and Neeta Nahta
Kathryn Kiel
Jeff and Perin Marcus
Kevin and Kelly Shoaff
Andrew and Ashley Techet
Ty and Kaia Udell
Dana and Shannon White
2019-2020 MPSA Officers, Liaisons, and Event Chairs
2019-2020 MSR Annual Fund Parent Chairs
5 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
#MSRProud
In March 2020 our world changed overnight. Parents
were challenged to create classrooms in any spare space
and to form even stronger partnerships with teachers
as we all worked with positivity and creativity to deliver
our exceptional education regardless of location. Our
community remained strong and #MSRProud through
every challenge.
The end-of-year drive through event al lowed families to celebrate teachers before summer break.Younger learners worked with Montessori materials at home and enjoyed one-on-one and smal l-group instruction.
6 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
Faculty member Andy Beaver makes sure to take care of MSR’s land and livestock when classes went virtual through his “MSR Urban Farm Update” video series.
Midd le and Upper School students didn’t miss a
beat, and virtual instruction remained consistent with
fairly typical in-person instruction days.
“Much thanks and appreciation to the MSR faculty, teachers, and staff as you continue to work tirelessly to educate and care for the children during these unprecedented times! Your dedication and courage to lead the way through this pandemic and work to keep the children and each other safe is admirable and we are proud to be a part of this great community!
With much love and great respect!” -MSR Parent
7 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
MSR faculty share in the joy of being life-long learners. They work throughout each year to improve their skills, expand their knowledge, and enhance the classroom experience for all students. Every year MSR dedicates funds to faculty and staff professional development, ensuring MSR students receive an exceptional Montessori and IB education. This year, 70 professional development training sessions were completed by our faculty on both the Lead Mine and Brier Creek campuses.
Professional development included Montessori assistant training, Montessori Principles to Practice Summit, as well as sessions focused on language, agility, and interdisciplinary studies.
Professional Development in Numbers
• 2 Montessori Assistant Trainings
• 5 Adolescent Introductory Workshop attendees
• 8 Montessori Principles to Practice
• 10 Interdisciplinary focused trainings (Music, Visual Art, Spanish, Theater)
• 8 International Baccalaureate trainings
• 6 Counseling, Positive Discipline, Agility Lab-focused trainings
The effects of COVID-19 on the classroom brought many of our faculty together to learn how to creatively adapt to virtual learning in preparation to instruct Blended Learning Plus and to equip themselves for all reopening scenarios. Twenty-two members of the MSR faculty attended the Reimagining School virtual training session offered through the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS). The dedication of our faculty to set aside a portion of their summer to learn, plan, and prepare to reach our students in any learning scenario is a testament to the success of reopening for fall 2020.
Professional Development
2019-2020 Annual Fund
COVID-19 Statement
13%
33% 54%
8 MSR.org
Framing Our
Future
1 NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL
In July 2020, The Montessori School of Raleigh welcomed Monica Rodriguez as its new
Head of School.
4 SENIORS
Graduated as our inaugural Senior Class of 2020 and
matriculated to High Point University, North Carolina State University, Queens University of Charlotte,
and Virginia Tech.
38 LEADERSHIP GIVING CIRCLE MEMBERS
Lead through their transformational gifts to The
MSR Annual Fund, boldly contributing to the fulfillment of the school’s vision by making a
3-year pledge to the Fund.
22 FACULTY MEMBERS
Attend Reimagining School, in preparation for in-person and Blended
Learning Plus.
64 LOWER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS BECOME MINI MINERS
MSR’s Lead Mine Campus established the Mini Miners
program with great success. MSR coaches and student-athletes
introduced extended-day through third graders to sports such as volleyball, soccer, cheerleading,
and basketball.
388 PARENT P.E.P. TALK ATTENDEES
Members of our parent community attended 16 P.E.P. (Parent Education
Program) Talks with topics ranging from
“What is Montessori?” to “Coffee, College &
Conversation.”
33,000+ DOLLARS RAISED ON
DAY OF GIVING
MSR’s second annual Day of Giving raised over $33,000 toward
The MSR Annual Fund, solidifying a record-
breaking year for annual giving.
$204,00 ANNUAL FUND DOLLARS RAISED in 2019 - 2020
More parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends of MSR gave than ever before for another record-breaking
year for the Annual Fund.
Back to Table of Contents
9 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
SECOND ANNUAL DAY OF GIVING MAY 20, 2020
$204,000+ Total Raised
40Leadership
Giving Circle Members
89First-time
Annual Fund Donors
290Total
Annual Fund Donors
58%Parent
Participation
48%Increase in Total
Raised in 2018-2019
28%Over 2019-2020 Annual Fund Goal
100%Faculty/Staff Participation
100%Trustee
Participation
The MSR 2019-2020 Annual Fund by the Numbers
$33,188 Raised
21% Parent Participation
108 Donors
32 First-time Donors
10 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
Alumni News
CLASS OF 2003 Candace (Mitchell) Waters and husband welcomed baby Clint Barton Waters on April 9, 2020.
CLASS OF 2012 Caroline Lindquist relocated from Raleigh, NC, to Berkley, CA, to pursue graduate studies in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning with a focus in environmental justice, hydrology, and restoration ecology. Caroline has also been invited to join the Emerging Leaders Program as a 2020 Fellow, with an internship at SHIFT. Prior to moving to California, Caroline worked at the City of Raleigh’s Parks Design Division for the planning and design of Dix Park.
CLASS OF 2013 Nia Doaks passed the North Carolina bar exam and is now an Associate at Poyner Spruill LLP.
Daniel Aiello has accepted a new position as Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual.
CLASS OF 2014 Haley Steffens accepted a new position as the Toddler II Assistant at The Montessori School of Raleigh.
Victoria Colbert is a J.D. Candidate at The George Washington University School of Law. Victoria is a member of the George Washington Law Review and the Moot Court Board. This fall Victoria will be interning with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Student Honors Program, as well as with the Division of Corporation Finance in the Office of Small Business Policy.
CLASS OF 2016 Kinnidy Coley is pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Kinnidy is both a Food Animal Scholar and Annabel Scholar. Kinnidy completed her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at North Carolina A&T in 2020.
CLASS OF 2020
• Ryan Gregory is currently attending Virginia Tech.
• Lexi Johnson is currently attending Queens University of Charlotte.
• Gracie Felts is currently attending High Point University.
• Alex Rangnow is currently attending NC State University and is part of the University Scholars Program. He serves as The Montessori School of Raleigh’s 2020 Class Chair.
RECENT GRADUATES Claire Steffens is attending High Point University as an Education Fellow and received a Presidential Scholarship.
Please visit msr.org/community/alumni to update your contact information and let us know your most recent news!
11 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
MSR reached out to alumna Ashley Assa ’15
to learn more about her 11 years (Children’s
House - 9th Grade) at The Montessori
School of Raleigh and how it impacted her
life. Ashley recently graduated from Georgia
Tech University with a B.S. in Biomedical
Engineering and a minor in Spanish Language
Studies. Ashley is currently a clinical specialist
at Abbott Laboratories.
What is your most vivid MSR memory?
I have many amazing memories that are still fresh in my
mind and that have shaped who I am today. Everything
from the many immersive school trips, to Garden Day,
to going to an Upper Elementary class as a Lower
Elementary student for a cube root lesson because I loved
studying math. All of these experiences, and more, have
had a huge impact on my life.
Tell us about your time at MSR, how it shaped
you personally, and how it influenced your higher
education path at Georgia Tech.
Receiving my engineering degree was one of the hardest
things I have done, but I knew that I would figure out how
to succeed thanks to my experience at MSR.
What inspired you to pursue biomedical
engineering?
It took some time for me to realize that I wanted to pursue
biomedical engineering, but my love for math and science
was ultimately what led me to explore the many options
that the engineering field offers.
Through some soul-searching in college, I knew I wanted
a job where, in 20 to 30 years, I could still wake up and
be excited to go to work. Making a difference in the lives
of others makes me want to go to work every day and
helped me realize that biomedical engineering was for
me. Now I live that dream every day in my position at
Abbott Laboratories, working directly with patients and
doctors who use our products.
How has starting your career in biomedical engineering during a pandemic been most challenging/most rewarding?
I never thought I would be starting my career in a
pandemic. As a clinical specialist for a medical devices
company, I operate our company’s equipment needs
during procedures. There are some challenges to starting
a job during this time, but it has mostly been a humbling
and rewarding experience. The medical field is essential
and always evolving; I feel fortunate to be a part of
MSR, without a doubt, has shaped me into the person I am today: my independence, my work ethic, and my drive led me to engineering and to Georgia Tech.
Alumni Highlight
Ashley Assa ’15
12 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
that. Although it has been a bit nerve-racking to be in
a hospital during this time, each time I see a patient
go home having received the help they needed, I am
reminded of why I love my job and why it’s important to
be working in a time like this.
If you had any advice to give our MSR seniors,
what would it be?
It is okay not to know what you want to do with your
career right now or not to know exactly what the future
will look like. Take as many opportunities as you can to
learn about different fields and different paths you can
take. I didn’t fully figure out what I wanted to do until
my senior year of college. If you were to ask me four
years ago what I would be doing now, I never would
have guessed it.
I always planned my future, but, when it came to
planning life after college, I was very lost. There are many
people who know exactly what they want to do, but it is
okay if it takes you more time to discover your path. The
next four years will be an incredible time when you will
grow and learn so much about yourself. Enjoy it, and one
day something will speak to you.
I gained a lot of emotional intelligence from my time at MSR. I learned strong communication skills, how to empathize with my peers, and self-awareness. For example, work cycles that begin in Lower Elementary taught me to respect other people’s space and time, to take my learning into my own hands, and to make a plan and then execute. I use these skills every day when I am interacting with doctors and patients.
Ashley in Upper Elementary Ashley in Children’s House!
13 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
They say that we give because we belong (think dues to an organization). We give because we believe (think support of the Annual Fund). We give to have impact and effect positive outcomes (think Debbie and Joe Gordon). Trustee, past parent, and MSR grandparent Debbie Gordon, along with husband, Joe, believes deeply in the school, reflected through their generous support for operations. “As a former math educator,” Debbie explained, “I know there is no better model of education than experiential learning.” Unlike many, she has a vivid memory of being in first grade, “being stuck in the seat all day long and filling out worksheets. There was no learning going on!” Borrowing the Star Wars reference from fellow trustee Abdel Darensburg, Debbie calls MSR “a Jedi school,” because, as she explained, the approach to learning “reaches more of the senses and therefore learning is memorable and meaningful.” She added with emphasis, “It gives me a shiver up my spine!”
In July, the Gordons’ giving had an immediate high impact at a time of great need. Debbie and Joe are the lead donors for the bipolar ionization technology that provides state-of-the-art air purification for every HVAC system at the school. Thanks to their foresight and generosity, the school now has a powerful new strategy to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread on campus, and students and teachers have clean air to breathe.
Smart and strategic, Debbie had questions when the ionization project was first introduced. What is the air change rate per hour? (Four to seven, depending on room size.) Has each room been evaluated for air flow? (Yes, and ongoing.) Her questions came as no surprise; Debbie is in charge of operations at Care First Animal Hospitals, the business she and Joe, a veterinarian, own and manage. It was not the innovative science in the technology, however, that led Debbie to respond favorably to the school’s request for funding. The issue of healthy air and being able to breathe, as she explained, “is a personal issue with me.”
Debbie recalled something her mother had said many years ago: “If you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.” She explained that both her parents smoked. At age 60, her mother quit, but her father continued. “He always had a pipe in his mouth,” Debbie said. “He developed COPD,” she went on to explain, “and his last words before dying were, ‘I can’t breathe.’”
Her desire to act, which grew out of her personal experience, is rooted in personal characteristics Debbie said developed “somewhere along the way–pure stubbornness, a determination to accept a challenge, and the insistence that something good be brought forth from something unpleasant.” These traits define who Debbie is. With those gifts, and during a time of personal searching, she was open to the teaching of her priest many years ago when he told her, “Fill the space with light because where there is light there is no room for darkness.”
“The fruit of faith is charity,” Debbie explained, because “faith overcomes the fear that can stop people from giving.” She said that she will not give in to “fear’s temptation,” because she has faith that “everything will be alright.” She also believes that we all have a purpose in this life, although, as she explained, “we spend a lot of time not knowing what it is.” Then something happens, she added, that “gives us a clue.” When the school asked for her help, Debbie remembered her father’s struggle to breathe, and acknowledging the darkness created by the virus, Debbie, with Joe’s encouragement, decided to fill the gloom with the light of clean air.
Debbie and Joe Gordon have brought light into the darkness over many years and in many venues in the Triangle. MSR is grateful to be one of those places.
Thank you, Debbie and Joe!
Donor Highlight: Debbie and Joe Gordon Grandparent’s High Impact Gift in a Time of Great Need
Photo right: Debbie and Joe Gordon dance with granddaughter,
Emiline, 3-year-old in Children’s House 3 / 5.
15 MSR.org
AU
GU
ST
OCTO
BER
DEC
EMB
ER
NO
VEM
BER
JAN
UA
RY
SEP
TEM
BER
The Upper School building on the Brier Creek Campus opens its doors to the inaugural graduating senior class. Four seniors prepare to graduate, two with the full International Baccalaureate diploma.
The first edition of the quarterly MSR Alumni Newsletter launches.
MSR’s new Head of School, Monica Rodriguez, is appointed by the board of trustees.
MSR brings together students from Lower Elementary through 12th grade, highlighting student leaders from across the school, to celebrate its first ever opening convocation followed by an ice cream social in celebration of Maria Montessori’s birthday. The new Parent Education
Program (P.E.P. Talks) launches. Over the course of the year, it will host 16 programs to nearly 400 parents. P.E.P. Talks encourage MSR parents to come together as a community and learn more about topics that are of shared interest.
The new Annual Fund Parent Chairs program launches.
This group of leaders is dedicated to
parent participation in the annual fund. Parent chairs were an integral part of
the success of MSR’s second-annual Day
of Giving in May.
90% of The MSR Annual Fund goal is reached!
December 4, 2019 MSR turns 45!
The senior class holds the first-ever
Senior Lunch, hosted by the Development
and Alumni Office at the Brier Creek
Campus. The class agent is chosen and
seniors are introduced to the MSR Alumni
Association.
$103,000+ secured for the year’s annual fund by the generosity of MSR’s most transformational donors, members of the Leadership Giving Circle. Members enjoy benefits such as early insight into school updates and planning from the head of school, as well as invitations to special events.
100% of MSR faculty and staff give to The MSR Annual Fund in
record time!
The 2019 - 2020 academic year is well underway, and community events like Fall
Festival are in full swing!
The MPSA hosts the New Parent Dinner
and Event Jamboree, introducing new
parents to each other as well as to the
many opportunities to become involved in the
MSR community.
THIS YEAR IN MILESTONESThe 2019 - 2020 school year was full of challenges and celebrations. Despite the year’s many twists and turns, the strength of the MSR community was more evident than ever before.
Back to Table of Contents
16 MSR.org
FEB
RU
AR
Y
AP
RIL
JUN
EM
AY
JULY
MA
RCH
The MSR Annual Fund meets its goal in record time!
Members of the Leadership Giving Circle have an opportunity to gather during an evening cocktail hour and become the first in our community to meet the incoming head of school.
SummerScape transitions from virtual offerings and opens its doors to in-person campers, marking an important trial period as the administration considers reopening its doors to students in the fall.
The incoming head of school visits MSR families during the annual Pancake Breakfast hosted by the MPSA on the Lead Mine Campus –undoubtedly the most delicious day of the year at MSR!
Twenty-two faculty members attend Reimagining School, in preparation for in-person and Blended Learning Plus.
MSR faculty and administration begin planning for what working and learning may look like during a global pandemic.
The success of SummerScape brings hope to MSR reopening its doors to students on the planned first day of school, August 25. MSR administration rolls out its initial Re-Entry Plan to the MSR community.
Virtual learning continues, but COVID-19 doesn’t stop our amazing and supportive community who come together in support of MSR, donating nearly $24,000 in faculty payroll assurance through donations of Encore program fees.
The annual Leadership Dinner celebrates 38 families and friends
of MSR who have committed to the transformation and vision of the
school by becoming members of the Leadership Giving Circle. Attendees
were the first to hear “The MSR School Song,” written by faculty member
Denise Forbes and performed live by the seventh-grade chorus.
$33,000+ is raised on MSR’s Day of Giving. Twenty-four hours of friendly challenges were conducted throughout
the day. Despite not being able to be physically
together, our community unites and doubles last
year’s Day of Giving.
Exceeding its goal by 28%, The MSR Annual Fund raises a record amount of $204,000. Notably,
the year’s success was an increase of 48% from the
previous year, a testament to The Montessori School of Raleigh’s strength in unity.
MSR faculty and administration put plans in place in the event of a
state-mandated quarantine, resulting in faculty and students conducting
virtual learning from home.
The Montessorian Giving Club, exclusive to MSR
alumni, launches. Alumni can now commit to a
five-year pledge of any amount in support of the
school and community that prepared them for everything beyond the
Lead Mine and Brier Creek campuses.
March 23 - MSR faculty officially begin remote learning. Early planning in the event of the
pandemic meant MSR students were able to continue learning with only a shift in their spring break schedule.
The Montessori and IB values of independence and student-led
learning contribute to the success of the quick transition and ability to
thrive in this non-traditional setting.
Alumna Candace Waters delivers the
commencement address for MSR’s inaugural
Senior Class of 2020.
Back to Table of Contents
17 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
Members of MSR’s Leadership Giving Circle are among The Montessori School of Raleigh’s most transformative donors to The MSR Annual Fund with a three-year pledge commitment to The MSR Annual Fund. MSR is grateful for these thoughtful donors who boldly contribute to the fulfillment of the school’s vision.
$30,000+ LEVEL
David and Kay Holloman
Michael Olander and Candace Covington-Olander
$15,000 LEVEL
Olivier Arraou and Macy Hamm
Dustin and Christine Bermudez
Dale and Kristina Brunelle/Microsoft
Abdel and Tori Darensburg
Jeremy and Meghan Pyle
Keith Shepherd and Natalia Luckyanova
$7,500 LEVEL
Josh and Patti Bulgin
Grady and Holly Crumpler
Blake and Shelley Edwards
Travis and Brandie Felts
Scott and Tammy Franklin
Rob and Krystin Knox
Greg and Wendy Peele
Derek and Kim Rohde/Nvidia
Carlos and Monica Rodriguez
Arnold and Julie Siegmund
Mason and Catherine Williams
$4,500 LEVEL
Matthew and Megan Baldwin
Colin Blair and Christine Etschmaier
Russ and Cathy Bocklage
James Carr
Brian and Heather Clark
Kevin and Heather Curry
Matt and Marian Godwin/ Wells Fargo
Christian and Erin Grant
Carmelo Gullotto and Jane Gagliardi
Alex Hall and Spy Yeh
David Hughens
Peter and Lisa Kamarchik
Katie Larsen
Michael Hall and Lisa Lowe-Hall
Rachel and Garrett Martin
Pavlo Netrebko and Nataliya Yatsenko
Mark and Amy Parris
Carlos and Monica Rodriguez
Andrew and Ashley Techet
Tom and Marie Thomas
Ty and Kaia Udell
Randal and Candace Waters ’03
Dana and Shannon White
LEGACY SOCIETY ($10,000+)
David and Kay Holloman
Michael Olander and Candace Covington-Olander
MARIA’S CIRCLE ($5,000 - $9,999)
Olivier Arraou and Macy Hamm
Dustin and Christine Bermudez
Dale and Kristina Brunelle/Microsoft
Abdel and Tori Darensburg
Christian and Erin Grant
Jeremy and Meghan Pyle
THE HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE ($1,974 - $4,999)
Brian and Renee Baker/Lenovo
Michael and Tiffany Brown
Miles and Elizabeth Bruder
Josh and Patti Bulgin
Grady and Holly Crumpler
Brian and Robin Dailey
Blake and Shelley Edwards
Travis and Brandie Felts/FMC Grading Inc.
Scott and Tammy Franklin
Joe and Debbie Gordon
Peter and Lisa Kamarchik
Rob and Krystin Knox
Tim and Julie Meigs/Becton, Dickinson and Company
Eric and Laura Padden
Mark and Amy Parris
Greg and Wendy Peele
Derek and Kim Rohde/Nvidia
Derek Sanger and Samantha Clark
Arnold and Julie Siegmund
Brian and Melodi Whitley
Dana and Shannon White
Mason and Catherine Williams
Leadership Giving Circle Donors
The MSR Annual Fund establishes the breadth and depth of an MSR education. The generosity of donors to The MSR Annual Fund sustains the unique learning tools, environments, and experiences that have come to define a Montessori education, one cultivated through fostering transformative mindsets and the pursuit of success not bound by the traditional classroom and rooted in real-life learning.
The MSR Annual Fund Donors
18 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
THE FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($1,000 - $1,973)
Matthew and Megan Baldwin
Matthew and Leslie Baskir
Colin Blair and Christine Etschmaier
Russ and Cathy Bocklage
Robert and Donna Boyd
James Carr
Albert and Catherine Chang
Brian and Heather Clark
Kevin and Heather Curry
Grant and Meagan Gill
Matt and Marian Godwin/ Wells Fargo
Matt and Colleen Gross
Carmelo Gullotto and Jane Gagliardi
Alex Hall and Spy Yeh
Michael Hall and Lisa Lowe-Hall
Doug and Gerri Herakovich
David Hughens
Nikhil Jariwala and Priti Patwari
Katie Larsen
Christopher and Laura Longo
Jim and Libby Luther
Jeff and Perin Marcus
Rachel and Garrett Martin
Jordan and Katie Meyers
MPSA
Pavlo Netrebko and Nataliya Yatsenko
Cary and Melissa Nordan
Jeannie Norris
JP and Amy Phinney/ Unleashed LLC
Tillie Pickard
Charlie and Josie Reeves
Steven and Shari Rushton
Dan and Amy Russo/Red Hat
Jon and Ami Seier
Keith Shepherd and Natalia Luckyanova
John and Ashleigh Solie
Andrew and Ashley Techet
Tommy and Marie Thomas
Ty and Kaia Udell
THE FACULTY CLUB ($500 - $999)
Steven and Isabella Bentsen
Randy and Debbie Bettini
Harry and Carolyn Bruder
Christy and David Chapman/Bean Traders Inc.
Robert and Claire Dineen
Charles and Kate Falkiner
Jim and Miya Fleming
Nabila Khalek
Tian Liu and Wendy Wang/Genworth Financial
Mike and Kaley Mansour
Cameron and Dana Martz
Adam and Heather McCarthy
Joe and Nancy Melamed
Jessica Mitory
Karolina Nabialek
Gonza Salamanca and Derly Suarez
Jeff Schenk and Tania Malik
Kelly and Kevin Shoaff
Michael and Rebekah Steele
BJ Stolz and Kim Green
Hali Strykowski
James Taylor
Gary and Vicky Wampler
MINER’S CLUB ($250 - $499)
Anonymous
Blake and Sheryl Alford
Phil and Alice Applegate
Ken and Mary-Anna Arnold
Daniel Barker
David and Pamela Basile
Robert and Ann Basile
Michael and Carrie Bekerman
Charles Bettini and Jennifer Armstrong-Bettini
Brandon and Jennifer Bitner
Cliff and Maria Carattini/ Wells Fargo
Amy Chang
Phil and Babe Clawson
Loren Cocking and Lisa Colby
Eric Dill and Abby O’Leary
Michael and Melissa Edwards
Darren and Caroline Farrell
Laura and Robert Fish
Rikki Graham
Rick and Jonette Gregory
David and Lauren Hood
Kathryn Kiel
Tim and Jennifer Kroboth/IQVIA
Chip and Debbie Morris
Ryan and Sarah Owrey
John and Julie Pyle
Greg and Jennifer Rangnow
Benjamin and Courtney Raskob
Jill Stafford
Curtis Strong and Monica Goodson/NetAPP
Kenneth Thigpen
Michael West and Kate Larsen West
PATRON’S CLUB ($100 - $249)
Anonymous
Ben and Rachel Acton
Jeff and Beth Ammons
Jon and Lauren Anderson
Mark and Laura Bernhard
Tim and Sharon Bray
Denise Broad
Robert and Marie Brown
James and Mitake Burts
Richard and Ann Burts
Jon and Ellie Cooke
Greg and Chris Dahlin
Mason and Stephanie Deming
Mick and Lauren DiGrazia
Phyllis Dolan
Alan and Teresa Dozier
Bruce and Rene Edwards
Steve Farrell
Linda Flippo
Michael and Ceci Florentino
Lamar and Jackie Franklin
Tom and Nancy Furlong
Roy and Marsha Gaster
Michelle Gilchrist
19 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
Brian Go and Maya Zumwalt
Haya Greenwood
Kenneth and Susan Grunwald
Dennis and Leisa Guvetis
Nathaniel and Ashley Hays
John and Norma Hays
Doug and Stephanie Henderson
Jeremy and Brie Hile-Hoffer
Jason Jerald and Neeta Nahta/Cisco Systems
Mark and Melissa Johnson
Susan Keefer
Kendra Scott
Tim and Carole Knieriem/Genworth Financial
Mark Kolman
Randy and Heather Kovicak
Barry and Regina Leonard
Bennie Leverich
Jason Mandarino and Emily Johnston
Isobel and Carl Marcus
Mary Marino
Jake Maule and Anne Burke
Matthew and Alyssa McCain
Rod and Doratha Merchant
Gene and Diana Moffat
John and Michelle Moricone
Brant and Kristin Morris
Laura Morrison ’03
Donna Nero
Richard and Megan Nettuno
Lisa and Alan Newsome
Larry and Terry O’Malley
Mital and Rimple Patel
Rajen and Rina Patel
Sammy and Nishi Patel
Jim and Becky Perry
Tresa Pickup
Steve and Sheryl Plating
Robert and Diane Pulse
Beatrice Runyan
Matt and Beth Ryan
Gonza Salamanca and Amparo Suarez
Laura Sayles
Jason and Lindsay Sloan
Tom Snow
Drew and Missy Steffens
Jenne Todd
Justine Ulrey
Ruthie Walker
Dick and Diane Wendt
Sean and Terri Witty
SUSTAINERS CLUB (UP TO $99)
Cathy Adams
Kelli Alvater
Richard and Nadia Aram
Rose Barnett
Andy Beaver
Marianna Berry
Magdalene Bloom
Allison Bluj and Cynthia Sortisio
Jason and Melanie Bocarro
Ed and Roberta Bograd
Jonathan and Karen Bograd
Sean and Ellen Boswell
Linsay Brown-Narvaez
Rose Byer
Alec Campbell-Barner
Andy and Sharon Cooke
Shelby Coury
Erick Crepsac
Jessica Davis
Stuart and Marilyn Fleming
Gilda Flippo
Mark and Kelli Freeman
Felisa Garcia
Carlos and Emily Garcia-Shelton
Vickie Hall
Craig Hanemann
Kevin and Jodi Hemphill
Mark Holt
Scott and Bayley Johnson
Roy and Kathleen Kelly
Sujay and Chavi Koneru
Steve and Barb Kovicak
Doug and Jane MacMillan
Alicia Martin
Melissa McClure
Kasey McCoy-Christmas
Gerald Melanson
Robert Miller and Jamie Martin/Cisco Systems
MOD Pizza
Tyrone Moore
Caroline Morrison
Megan Muniz-McAleavey
Courtney Nutter
Mark Oborne and Amanda Harman
Kwaku Osei
Nora Ostler
Henry Pham and My Le
Cameron Poole
Jeff and Beth Raxlin
Karen Richards
Bob and Diane Robar
Kent and Martha Rose
Alisha Sarkar
Iryna Shvets
Andrew and Courtney Stafford
Hartmut and Marion Stark
Fran Strombotne
Keith Strombotne
Sara Sved
Bhavna Tank
Wells and Daphne Thompson
Irvin Williamson
Kim Wimpey
20 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
Anonymous
Laura Morrison ’03
Anonymous
Simon and Julie Allen
Grady and Holly Crumpler
Scott and Tammy Franklin
Joe and Debbie Gordon
Carmelo Gullotto and Jane Gagliardi
David and Kay Holloman
Rob and Krystin Knox
Tim and Jennifer Kroboth
Geoffrey and Anne Krouse
Joe and Jessica Lee
Charles Long and Jodi Schwartz
Stephen and Kathleen Malik
Mike and Kaley Mansour
Greg and Wendy Peele
Mark and Tara Rein
Gonza Salamanca and Derly Suarez
Sheree Vaikus
Dana and Shannon White
Montessorians Alumni Giving Club
In the Works Capital Campaign
Montessorians are an ever-expanding group of MSR alumni whose leadership is exhibited by their commitment to the growth and future of The Montessori School of Raleigh. Through a five-year pledge commitment to The MSR Annual Fund, MSR alumni are supporting the vision and initiatives of The Montessori School of Raleigh.
Back to Table of Contents
21 MSR.orgBack to Table of Contents
Every year, The MSR Annual Fund provides critical resources that enable MSR to stretch beyond what is possible and draw closer to our vision, equipping our students to recognize their passions, build confidence in exploration, and engage in critical thinking.
The fund provides tangible resources such as COVID health and safety equipment, dedicated outdoor classroom space, resources to build Blended Learning Plus learning packets, and classroom technology as well as intangible needs such as funding for professional development, memberships, and accreditations– all foundational elements to deliver an exceptional Montessori and IB education.
Your commitment and loyalty through giving yields exponential benefits. Thank you for choosing to support a time-proven teaching philosophy, an extremely dedicated faculty, and a community that is strengthened in unity. In a world that needs it more than ever, we are grateful for your support of MSR’s commitment to help students become citizens who possess the values that come from a Montessori and IB education.
It is never too late to support The Montessori School of Raleigh. Please consider giving a gift to this year’s Annual Fund.
Checks may be made payable to: The Montessori School of Raleigh 7005 Lead Mine Road Raleigh, NC 27615
Please note “MSR Annual Fund” in the memo.
Marian Godwin Ellie Cooke Director of Development Associate Director of Development for Annual Giving mgodwin@msr.org ecooke@msr.org (919) 848-1545 x 247 (919) 848-1545 x 287
Giving to the Annual Fund
FOR ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN GIVE, OR TO GIVE TODAY, PLEASE VISIT MSR.ORG/GIVING.
NO GROUP HAS MADE A BIGGER IMPACT THAN OUR LEADERSHIP GIVING CIRCLE – ensuring that MSR starts each year backed with vital financial resources. For more about becoming one of MSR’s most transformational donors, visit msr.org/leadership.