MSB 2019-2020
Annual Report
CULTURE OF GENEROSITY CULTURE OF GRATITUDE The MSB 2019-2020 Annual Report honors parents, grandparents, students, staff, faculty, board members, alumni, friends, and all the businesses in our community who helped to make our 2019-2020 school year a success.
We are grateful for your generosity. In order to bring you a more dynamic and comprehensive report while simultaneously reducing the impact on our environment, we adopted a downloadable format for our annual report. If you prefer a paper version, a limited number are available at the front desk.
Todd Covert, Head of School Sarah Ober, Development Coordinator
This report is a publication of The Montessori School of the Berkshires. It recognizes gifts received between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible. If your name has been omitted or is listed incorrectly, please accept our apologies and contact: Jeanette Maguire, Director of Communication Jeanette@BerkshireMontessori.org 413-637-3662
TABLE OF CONTENTS 03
Letter from Todd
05
MSB Faculty & Administration
07
Parent Community
09
Volunteers & In-Kind Donations
11
2019-2020 Annual Fund
15
Graduating Class of 2020
What a test this year was! While it may be difficult to remember back on much that happened before the curveball COVID threw us all in March, our community kept itself quite busy for the first half of the year: we communed at the opening picnic and our pancake breakfasts, and played games together at Elementary Game night; AE sold the produce, pottery, and wrapping paper students created to help raise money for AE trips; our Elementary running club had their inaugural turkey trot; we hosted Fallfest, Winterfest, and visited with each other at the Apple Squeeze and Harvest Festival; we shared our work through conferences, holiday showcases, and family sharing days. Maria Montessori wrote, “Now, what really makes a teacher is love for the human child; for it is love that transforms the social duty of the educator into the higher consciousness of a mission.” Love for children and dedication to our mission was certainly even a stronger theme during the second half of the year, as we worked hard to figure out how to translate the core of our very physical, intimate, in-person program into the more abstract world of Google, Zoom, physical distance and remote connection. Though it was (and continues to be!) very different in many ways, it was another opportunity for MSB to evolve, and for all of us to think creatively about how to continue to meet our children and families where they were. While it was not how we expected to close out the year, there were certainly a number of stand-out moments—from our physically distant elementary drama performance, to virtual dance parties, to recording our graduate speeches, and the drive-through closing ceremony. We saw our community rise to the occasion and redefine what it means to connect with each other. I am grateful for our MSB children and families, for our teachers and staff, and to have shared the many experiences of the past year with you. And I am grateful for the efforts of all those who have been part of MSB’s evolution. I look forward to seeing what the future brings for all of us who are part of MSB. Warmly,
Todd Covert Co-Founder, Head of School The Montessori School of the Berkshires
Reflecting on the past. Looking to the future.
ADMINISTRATION Todd Covert, Head of School Kehr Davis, Director of Operations & Admissions K. Meagan Ledendecker, Director of Education Jeanette Maguire, Director of Communication Avie Maloney, Office Manager Sheena Evans-Morris, Business Manager Sarah Ober, Development Coordinator Mark Losardo, Facilities & Grounds Manager
SPECIALISTS & CLASSROOM SUPPORT Andrea White, Learning Specialist Dana Harrison, Drama Joey Chernila, Integrated Learning Coordinator Natalia Bernal, Spanish Najwa Squailia, After School Coordinator Sheela Clary, Latin Vanessa Luman, Spanish Language Guide Wes Buckley, Band
TEACHING STAFF Launa O’Gara, Toddler Community Guide Kalee Tart, Toddler Community Guide Balinda Lennon, Toddler Community Assistant, After School Coordinator Bonny Flower, Children’s House Guide, Level Coordinator Jodi Standring, Children’s House Guide Vicky Sideropoulos, Children’s House Assistant Lisa Rebello, Children’s House Assistant Meagan Ledendecker, Elementary Program Guide Gussie Greer, Elementary Program Guide Leia Bibiloni-Bastow, Elementary Program Assistant Erika Chait, Elementary Program Assistant Kim Sinopoli, Elementary Program Assistant Julie Haagenson, AE Guide, Program Director Lori Nadig, AE Guide Lorimer Burns, AE Assistant
LEARNING PARTNERS Woven Roots Farm, Jennifer & Pete Salinetti
thank you
MSB PARENT COMMUNITY The first half of the 2019-2020 school year was fairly typical for the Parent Community—chaperoning outings, attending school events, and organizing program level events like the pancake breakfast. The second half of the year called for entirely new roles. Alongside their new position as valuable teacher’s aids, our parents formed a crew of crafters making Montessori materials, became a stealthy band of ice cream distributors, and stepped into the limelight as online MC’s and entertainers for Friday night dance parties. In short, they became superheroes and the MSB staff is grateful.
The MSB Parent Community aims to foster camaraderie amongst the parents, offer guidance to new and transitioning parents, and provide support for the staff and school, through education and enrichment events, social gatherings, work parties, volunteer coordination, and classroom ambassadors. All parents, grandparents, and caregivers are inherently part of the parent community and encouraged to participate. To find out more about how you can be more involved, visit our page on the MSB website, email parentgroup@BerkshireMontessori.org, or attend a Parent Community event!
THANK YOU
VOLUNTEERS
Throughout the school year, parents, grandparents, caregivers, students, alumni, and other members of the MSB community chaperone outings, help prepare lessons, provide transportation, mentor students, plan events, donate supplies, lend us their talents, and so much more. To all the people who have donated their time, offered their expertise, or given goods to MSB, we thank you. Many hands not only make light work, they also build a better school.
SKI CLUB Alison & Roger LaRocca Aurel de St André Erica Spizz Hope & Ivan Kruh Jagruti Patel Jennifer & Matt Knodler Kate & Len Light Matt Murray Tony Zaniboni COFFEE, CUT, & CHAT Alison Quiñones * Angelica Feigin Erin Murphy Heidi Zorn I’in Cox Jagruti Patel Melissa Davis Natanya Bittman Rachel Shapiro Stephanie Gaylord *CCC coordinator
DRIVING & CHAPERONING Alison LaRocca Aurel de St André Kate Light Laurie Coyle Tony Zaniboni Vasi Latsis Chris Swindlehurst Sheela Clary ELEMENTARY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Ailsa Colbert Erica Spizz I’in Cox Jaimee Christinat Jodie Gordon Kristin Cameron Liza Murray Natanya Bittman Tammy Merenda
DANCE PARTIES Avie Maloney Bridget Rigas Chris Merenda Jennifer Knodler Joey Chernilia Julie Haagenson Meagan Ledendecker Tammy Merenda SPRING EVENT Ali Rotenberg Chris Merenda Crispina ffrench Cristina Markham Elle Villetto Erin Murphy Fredrika Wilgren Gabby Squailia (DJ BFG) Lorimer Burns
CLASS LIAISONS Ellen Cunningham Erin Murphy Heather Dremak Jagruti Patel Liza Murray * Natasha Perlis Tammy Merenda *MSB lead liaison
ALUMNI/STUDENT THANKSGIVING ICE CREAM DELIVERY Carter Wilding-White Crispina ffrench Heidi Zorn Ivan Kruh Jagruti Patel Kate Light Mary Hannigan Sheela Clary * Stephanie Hill-Manuel & Charles Manuel Tess Fedell Vanessa Luman * delivery coordinator
FALL FEST TURKEY TROT Ali Rotenberg Bridget Rigas Erica Spizz Erin Murphy Fredrika Wilgren Jennifer Salinetti Marta Kirsis Neil Davis Rob Sanzone OTHER VOLUNTEERS
FILM WORK Dan Karp Erica Spizz George & I’in Cox Najwa Squailia
Crispina ffrench Erin Murphy Horace Anderson Ismay Maloney John Coyle Mary Hannigan Max Paladino Nancy Ringer
Alison Quiñones * Bryn Davis Erica Spizz Ivan & Hope Kruh Jagruti Patel * running coach
IN-KIND DONATIONS Alison Basdekis Alison LaRocca I’in Cox Jed Shields J.H. Maxymillian, Inc. Karlis Kirsis Nelson Costello Peter Chait Sandeep Kumar Your Color Connection
Liam Coote Claudia Maurino Lucy Doren Willow Covendecker Aurora Maldonado ELEMENTARY PIZZA & GAME NIGHT Liza Murray Erica Spizz Ivan Kruh Jagruti Patel Stephanie Gaylord Ali Rotenberg Cristina Markham Erin Murphy CAMPUS CLEAN UP Ashley Maroney, Noah & Eila * Barb May, Natalie & Gabriella * Bob Christian, Adrian & Eileen Carolyn Hammer & Justin Celeste Craig McDowell, Tuula Heidi Zorn * Jennifer & Matt Knodler, Cooper, Oliver, & Ever Jen Salinetti Kristin Cameron & Archer Marta Kirsis Roberto Stephanie Gaylord & Ivy Stephanie Hill-Manuel, Charles Manuel, & Sophia *donated plants
2019-2020 ANNUAL FUND Your gift towards the 2019-2020 Annual Fund underwrites new learning materials for our classrooms, professional development of our staff, and financial aid for students in need. Your philanthropy touches each MSB student and supports them on their path of self-discovery.
Thank you for your generosity! ADVENTURER, PIONEERS & INNOVATORS ($1,500 and above)
Anonymous (2) The Chait Family * Clary Design, LLC * Todd Covert & Meagan Ledendecker * Barbara Lloyd ** Natasha Perlis & Louis Juska * Emily & Simon Shaw *
TRAIL BLAZERS ($1,000–$1,499)
Anonymous (4) Annabelle & Tom Coote * Bryn Davis & Craig McDowell * Ramesh Gangisetty & Mala Shetty A Emily Rechnitz & John Paladino * The Sinopoli Family *
CULTIVATORS ($500–$999)
Anonymous Dr. Adrian Elliot & Dr. Ailsa Colbert * Nancy & Eric Knodler ** Chris & Barb May ** Zack McCain III & Wendy Brown A Justin & Sarah Ober * Jagruti & Kalpesh Patel * Tom & Jean Porter ** David & Tammy Valicenti A
FAMILY TREE ($250–$499)
* Current Parent(s) ** Current Grandparent(s) A Alumni Family S Current Student
Joan B Burns ** Joey & Alana Chernila A Elizabeth & Robert Christinat ** Jenna Barbary-Glovsky & Michael Glovsky * Todd & Vanessa Luman * Pete & Jen Salinetti * Matt & Carolyn Sanzone ** Kristin & Rob Sanzone * Jen Travis * Steve & Andrea White
WOODLAND FRIENDS ($125–$249)
Matthew & Catherine Chester * Jodie Gordon & Josh Bloom * In honor of the Children’s House Guides Gussie Greer Mary Hannigan & Crispin Tresp * Alicia & Dan Hardy * Eileen & Paul Masiero A Erin & John Murphy * Christopher Nye Charlie & Kathy Plungis Peter & Jo Podol ** Rosemarie Siegel ** Starr W. Snead Elle Villetto *
* Current Parent(s) ** Current Grandparent(s) A Alumni Family S Current Student
TENDER ROOTS (up to $124)
Anonymous (3) *Paula Almgren A Lisa, Barth & Aidan Anderson A Cara Barkett ** Alison Basdekis & Keegan Schelling * Joshua Beckwith S Natanya & Simeon Bittman * In honor of Grandpa Jack’s 98th birthday. Sam & Maggie Bittmann ** Rose Bohmann Erin Burke Kristin Cameron * Jaimee Christinat & Nelson Castillo * Laura Coyle * Ellen Rose & Geoffrey Cunningham * The Dremak Family * Alexey Ershov ** The Flynn Family A In honor of the work MSB, Julie, & Lori did with our daughter Hannah - we are so grateful. Grace Haagenson** In honor of Noah & Jonah Haagenson
The Higgins Family * Lila Juska S The Knodler Family * The Kruh Family * The Krzysztof Family * Roger & Alison LaRocca * Kate & Len Light * Cristina Markham * Anna Marsh * Marc Maurino & Dana Harrison * The Merenda Family * Sheena Evans–Morris Liza & Matthew Murray * Alli & Dustin Rotenberg * William & Barbara Salinetti ** David Scribner S Toby Sohn ** In honor of my granddaughter Aliyah Jodi Standring Loghan Strzepa S Kali & Brendon Tomasi Michael Traore * Mary Vasquez-Slack Heidi & Ari Zorn *
A SPECIAL THANK YOU Special thanks to the Beckwith Family for their gift of a wireless microphone and streaming music system for the Multipurpose Room, in honor of Joshua’s 8th grade graduation this past June. We are grateful for their generosity and look forward to making frequent use of the upgrade from our portable system to easily pipe in music for classes, to better amplify the voices of speakers, and for many other purposes when we can once again gather in groups!
B MS Class of 20 20
“The thing that probably had the greatest impact on me is how understanding the guides are. They treated me like a person, not just a kid. Even though I feel like I don’t want to leave, I’ve learned what I needed to learn to move on. For that, I have Julie and Lori, my guides, and Todd, the principal, to thank.”
David Scribner
The Putney School, Putney, VT
“There was one friend and teacher who may have done more for me than anyone else. That person was Joey. He managed to help me in teacher ways, like with spelling and colors, but he also helped me as a friend. He made jokes with me, introduced me to comics and graphic novels, taught me how to make a zine and how to do both the hotdog and taco folds, pulled me out of a shopping plaza parking lot, and believe it or not the list goes on. The point is, I’m grateful for the connection I had with him and all he did for me.”
Declan Travis
Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
“I came to this school argumentative and ready to challenge anything that I disagreed with. Montessori gave me a space to be who I was and become who I am. Thank you…everyone. I will miss this place and the people a lot.”
Horace Anderson Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
“I have been at this school as long as I can remember and the school doesn’t only focus on academics, but also on how to build relationships in your life. I would say that I would not be the person that I am today without going to this school.”
Jonah Haaganson
Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
“Graduating from Montessori is one of the biggest moments of my life so far because I’ve been going here since I was two. Montessori education was different from any other. Kids at other schools didn’t build the pink tower, line up the bead chains, dance around the maypole, or have personal reflection time. Of course, it’s not just the lessons that make MSB unique. It’s also the people. It would not be the same without…all the guides who make the Montessori experience what it is.”
Joshua Beckwith
The Putney School, Putney, VT
“This is my goodbye to the best three years of my life, filled with the joy of understanding the formula of a cylinder and the delight of sharing a laugh with the class when everything goes silent. Here at MSB, I have found so much delight in learning and it will continue to be a touchstone for me through this next chapter of my life.”
Lila Juska
Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
“I’ve been at MSB for three years, and Three Moons. I wish I had more time here. Thank you to everyone for making me feel like I can take on the universe, or maybe something a bit smaller and more awesome. Thanks for making me feel like I could wrestle a dragon and win! So, in the words of Clay [from Wings of Fire], ‘Big Heroic Destiny...here I come.’”
Lily Sanzone
Miss Hall’s School, Pittsfield, MA
“Berkshire Montessori is such a wonderful experience. The people around me have been on my side from the start and [they provided] so many learning opportunities, every single one of them being new and immersive. With all the support I had, I was able to have the best middle school experience. I’m so happy that I was able to be at Montessori.”
Logan Evangelisto Pittsfield High School, Pittsfield, MA
“I first came to this school as a shy 4-year-old. My first time here, I hid behind my mom the entire time. With each year I’ve been here I’ve gotten more and more confident. Montessori has shaped me to be the person I am today, and I will always be thankful for that and all of the people who have helped along the way.”
Loghan Strzepa Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
“The first thing I remember about MSB was being in the Writer’s Workshop with Joey in kindergarten. I remember making a story about an eagle. There was a writing celebration and we all read our cardboard books to the parents. I thought MSB was pretty cool. But what really has made my experience so great at MSB has been the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve made a lot of good, long-lasting friendships here and I’ve also built a lot of strong relationships with the guides. Thank you.”
Noah Haaganson
Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
“I have been at Montessori for 12 years. All I am, all I have experienced, and everything that makes up every part of my being is somehow attached to this place and its people. Maria Montessori once said, ‘Growth is not merely an increase in size, but a transformation.’ The role of this school was to create the space in which each of us could transform and it has outdone itself. I have gone from a caterpillar to a butterfly.”
Noelia Salinetti
Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
“The people working here have been so helpful in guiding me, even when I didn’t think they were. A good example of this is the Kroka trip. I thought it was going to be awful, but it ended up being a great experience overall, honestly, one of the best that year. I feel as though I am prepared for the next part in my education. To everyone here, thank you.”
William Marsh
Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
“Why can’t I just stay here forever? Can I be held back?! All of these wishes pile in my head. Leaving this school is bittersweet. It is not simply a step in my life, it feels like a leap, a bound. I am thankful for the opportunity that I had to go to this special school and be part of this family. I am and will be forever grateful.”
Zadie Juska
Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
“If I’ve learned one thing from MSB, it’s how to live my life to the fullest. But I’ve also learned much more than just how to live my life. I’ve been taught how to manage my time and how to trudge through mud and rain (thank you for that Kroka). It’s like my guides say, we learn things here that most 20-year-olds don’t know.”
Zoe Coote
Monument Mountain RHS, Great Barrington, MA
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www.berkshiremontessori.org | 21 Patterson Rd, P.O. Box 422, Lenox Dale, MA 01242 | 413-637-3662