STRENGTH IN UNITY

2019-2020A N N U A L R E P O R T

STRENGTH IN UNITY

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

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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


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


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


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


#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.


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


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%

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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


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


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!


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


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!


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.

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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.


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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.



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


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


Russ and Cathy Bocklage

James Carr


Kevin and Heather Curry

Matt and Marian Godwin/ Wells Fargo

Christian and Erin Grant



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


Tom and Marie Thomas

Ty and Kaia Udell

Randal and Candace Waters ’03


LEGACY SOCIETY ($10,000+)


Michael Olander and Candace Covington-Olander

MARIA’S CIRCLE ($5,000 - $9,999)

Olivier Arraou and Macy Hamm


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


Brian and Robin Dailey

Blake and Shelley Edwards

Travis and Brandie Felts/FMC Grading Inc.


Joe and Debbie Gordon

Peter and Lisa Kamarchik


Tim and Julie Meigs/Becton, Dickinson and Company

Eric and Laura Padden

Mark and Amy Parris


Derek and Kim Rohde/Nvidia

Derek Sanger and Samantha Clark

Arnold and Julie Siegmund

Brian and Melodi Whitley


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


THE FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($1,000 - $1,973)

Matthew and Megan Baldwin

Matthew and Leslie Baskir


Russ and Cathy Bocklage

Robert and Donna Boyd

James Carr

Albert and Catherine Chang


Kevin and Heather Curry

Grant and Meagan Gill

Matt and Marian Godwin/ Wells Fargo

Matt and Colleen Gross



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


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


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


Anonymous

Laura Morrison ’03

Anonymous

Simon and Julie Allen



Joe and Debbie Gordon




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


Mark and Tara Rein

Gonza Salamanca and Derly Suarez

Sheree Vaikus


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.



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 [email protected] [email protected] (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.

https://www.msr.org/giving/msrfund

STRENGTH IN UNITY

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