MSB
2022-2023 Annual Report
THE MSB DISTINCTION: RESPECT KINDNESS RESPONSIBILITY GRATITUDE The Montessori School of the Berkshires 2022-2023 Annual Report reflects back on the previous year, highlighting and honoring students, parents, guardians, grandparents, teaching faculty, staff, board members, alumni, friends, supporters, and businesses in our collective community who, by giving their attention, time, and resources, make our work possible. With the help of individual community members, the school is able to prepare our students for curiosity and joy-filled lives. Thank you for joining us on this connected journey that allows us to help our students discover how they can best contribute to our community, culture, and world. Thank you for celebrating the individuality of each family, classroom, and student. The Montessori School of the Berkshires is pleased to share our 2022-2023 academic-year annual report with the community.
We are grateful for your involvement and generosity.
This report is a publication of The Montessori School of the Berkshires. It recognizes gifts received between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible. If you name has been omitted or listed incorrectly, please accept our apologies.
LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL When I think of the 2022–2023 school year at The Montessori School of the Berkshires, learning and gratitude come to mind. Each day, I feel extremely fortunate to be part of a Montessori school that helps not only build students’ academics, but also their life skills–like the drive for exploration, the need for community and connection, and the quest for intellectual and emotional self-growth. But there is more. I feel equally grateful for engagment with parents and families, hardworking and creative guides, and supportive and driven staff. It was an incredible year: our students flourished, your support was unbelievably generous, and our community gatherings hit record attendance. And finally, we were touched and are incredibly grateful for the astounding generosity of our MSB supporters. Last year we raised $82,000 through the MSB Annual Fund and the Montessori Rising Event, an annual record for the school. These funds allowed us to invest more in our program and school, building a better future for our students and our community. Thank you so much for making this possible. These funds helped us send three teachers to Association Montessori International (AMI) training (from that astounding response to the paddle raise at the gala with the help of the video by MSB parents iin Purwanti and George Cox), helped us purchase materials for the classroom, and most importantly helped us support our individualized family tuition rates, keeping MSB accessible to whomever chooses a Montessori education. I am grateful for every student, every family member, every guide, and every member of our staff who has been a part of the MSB community over the past year. I am eager to see what the future holds for us! Warmly,
Todd Covert Co-Founder, Head of School The Montessori School of the Berkshires
“We learned about gratitude and humility - that so many people had a hand in our success.” ~—Michelle Obama
thank you
MSB FAMILY COMMUNITY This year, the Family Community blossomed with unprecedented volunteer hours, the number of events, robust attendance and participation, improved communication, and strategic conversations on how to make our community even more engaging, welcoming, and supportive. Under the leadership of the lead liaison Liza Murray, and with the help of the classroom liaisons Susan Wrba (Cedar), Gwen Miller (Spruce), Heather Strekal-McHatton and Tim Robinson (Maple), Jagruti Patel (Willow), and Emily Shaw (Adolescent Experience), the community reached new heights. In the 2022-2023 year, parents, guardians, grandparents, and caregivers volunteered at the MSB table at the Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival, the Fall and Winter Fests at MSB, for school photo day, at Field Day, in the office, driving for field trips, for the Elementary Shakespeare play Hamlet, and for the Montessori Rising Gala. Parents taught AE elective classes like Flamenco Dance, Body and Movement, and AE Cooking Business. They pitched in with Children’s House enrichment like apple pressing, turtle care, and music, as well as an elementary program on Ghana and Community Yoga classes. The group organized and hosted the Fall Community Potluck, Trunk or Treat, Elementary Game and Pizza Night, the Toddler Community and Children’s House Pancake Breakfast, and a Teacher Appreciation Week with made-to-order lattes, yummy food, flowers, cards, and more – the teachers and staff talked about it for weeks, gratitude abounded. Outside of activities at the school, students and families organized impromptu gatherings at area playgrounds and parks. A very touching activity throughout the year was when a few families needed support getting their children to and from school and the community rallied. The main goal of the Family & Parent Community is to foster a culture of inclusivity, kindness, and gratitude. Without a doubt it was a triumphant year. “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” —Elizabeth Andrew
THANK YOU
VOLUNTEERS
PLANTS Durfee Conservatory Kristen Gellella Nicole Zaccari
The 2022-2023 MSB school year had about 100 volunteers donate over 1,300 hours—Bravo! Whether it was helping to plan an event, preparing lesson materials, participating in Staff Appreciation Week, driving students on class outings, or scooping ice cream on the last day of school, so many of our community members stepped up to give one of their most precious gifts–time.
LAST DAY Bryn Davis Ivan Kruh
COMMUNITY SUPPORT Jeanette Maguire Candice Schroth Michael Schroth Alison Basdekis Kristen Gellella Bridget Rigas Jamie Gray Erica Spizz Kehr Davis
COMMUNITY YOGA Stephanie Gaylord
VIDEO & PHOTOS George Cox iin Purwanti Erica Spizz
SKI PROGRAM Stephanie Gaylord Kristen Gellella Erica Spizz
SCHOOL LIAISONS
Heather Strekal-McHatton Amanda Johnson Tim Robinson Susan Wrba Jagruti Patel AQUARIUMS Liza Murray Gwen Miller Michael Schroth Emily Shaw Candice Scroth
TRUNK OR TREAT Alison Quiñones Johnson Jeanette Maguire Aurel de St Andre Candice Schroth Michael Schroth Kathy Quiñones PHOTO DAY Justine DeLuca Brian Quiñones Somya O’Connor Gwen Miller Liza Murray Lorraine Shaw iin Purwanti Ellla Formel Amy Taylor Bryn Davis CUBING CLUB Jagruti Patel Kabir Patel
CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS
CLOTH NAPKINS David Houser Page Houser
Jo Ann Santangelo Lauren Cameron Bethany Strauss Thomas Sample Bonnie Daniels Ross Cameron Isadora Wolfe Zoe Ayinbora Kate Payne
FALL FEST Alison Qiuñones Johnson Ellen Cunningham Heather Dremak Andrew Dremak SHAKESPEARE Lorraine Shaw Melisa Krzyzsztof Leisl Moriarty Jagruti Patel iin Purwanti Bryn Davis Hope Kruh
TRANSPORTATION Molly Lyon-Joseph Ivan Kruh
GALA SUPPORT Jo Ann Santangelo Melisa Krzysztof Lesil Moriarty Susan Wrba Liza Murray Neil Davis
CLASS OUTINGS Heather Strekal-McHatton Danny McHatton Rachel Friederick Meaghan St. John Melisa Krzysztof Alicia Stevenson Kristen Gellela Calvin Rodman Emily Melchoir Bridget Rigas Matt Kulesza Tim Robins PIZZA & GAME NIGHT Veronica Johnson Meghan St. John Melisa Krzyzsztof Kristen Gellella Igor Shimelonis Steven Broome Tim Robinson Jagruti Patel Liza Murray iin Purwanti
COMMUNITY POTLUCK Jo Ann Santangelo Keegan Schelling Katheryn Boswell Sarah Martinelli Alison Basdekis Joseph Method Eric Shimelonis Nora Carvalho Lorraine Shaw Heather Fusick Kalpesh Patel Nick Martinelli Helen Sacon Jeff Carvalho Matt Murray Jagruti Patel Kevin Fusick Gary Sacon Liza Murray Paul Habig John Coyle Kate Payne Tim Robins Ray Cappo Ivan Kruh Neil Davis
HARVEST FESTIVAL Vicky Sideropoulos Marissa Mestre Susan Wrba Liza Murray Andy Wrba Hope Kruh Ivan Kruh
OFFICE SUPPORT Lorraine Shaw
GALA COMMITTEE
Heather Strekal McHatton Michael Schidlowsky Jo Ann Santangelo Molly Lyons-Joseph Cricky Schidlowsky Simon Holzapfel PANCAKE BREAKFAST Melisa Krzysztof Alison Basdekis Jared Kirchdorfer Somya Shankin Rebecca Shein Eric Shimelonis Daniel Shankin Carrie Ramirez Church Davis Lorraine Shaw Nick Martinelli Abigail Noble Leisl Moriarty Zach McCain Mike Schroth Josh Schulte Susan Wrba Carter White Seth Pitman Jack Houser Kate Payne Simon Shaw Maja Stodte Gwen Miller Stacy Shaw iin Purwanti Liza Murray Piper Miller Emily Shaw Liza Murray JJ Winter Andy Wrba Cara Davis LEGO CLUB Peter Metz TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK Vicky Sideropoulos Magdalena Lipinska Milos Wodin Jo Ann Santangelo ART SUPPLIES COFFEE Sara Goodberlet AE BUSINESS Somya O’Connor Barrington Jeanette Maguire Daniel Shankin CoffeeRoasters Cristina Markham Lorraine Shaw Lorraine Shaw Jessica Winn Barbara May Nick Martinelli Ariel Wolinski PLAYGROUND TRUCKS Jeremy Smith Leisl Moriarty Haider Garzon Michael Schroth Liza Murray Helen Sacon Kate Payne
Graduation The Montessori School of the Berkshires Graduating Class of 2023
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I think of leaving Montessori as a good thing because I know I will take all of the experiences I have learned here and use them. And when I do, I will remember all my friends I have made and the teachers I have worked with. I will always be grateful for you guys.
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Aidric Johnston Bard Academy at Simon’s Rock Great Barrington, MA
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Duncan Bennett Springfield High School Springfield, MA
I have truly learned so much during my time at Montessori, and I have also had many good times. Like when I built forts in the woods and ran around outside in the fresh Berkshire air. Like when I went camping with my friends and when I helped begin the process of building a chicken coop. Like when I got to take photos for the winter sale and also when I got to silkscreen sweatshirts for the AE. Like when when I helped cook a take-and-bake for the school; by the way, the food was delicious. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me grow and evolve through my time at Montessori. I will never forget all the happy and wonderful memories I have had here.
”
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Inez Garzon Miss Hall’s School Pittsfield, MA
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Through the five years I have been here I have made strong friendships and I have learned many skills–like time management and organization–that I will take with me to high school and beyond. [At MSB] they made learning fun and encouraged me to explore things I found interesting and was passionate about. I would like to thank my guides Gussie, Leia, Caitlin, Julie, and Henry for making the classroom environments so warm, Joey for making super cool art projects and letting us play Taylor Swift in most art classes. My advisor, Kehr for playing fun games with us and having very yummy snacks. My mom for letting me go to her office during lunch and recess this year and all the other amazing guides who are so passionate they are about teaching and made my experience so great.
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If I were asked to describe Montessori in one word, I would [say] Rich. Todd and Meagan have created a community rich with people who support curiosity, encourage freedom of expression, and most importantly, offer an opportunity to learn beyond the typical school experience. I cannot express how wonderful the MSB community is. The amount of support they’ve given me these past two years has pushed me to do things I never would have done before. I don’t feel like I’m moving on [from MSB]. Instead I am moving forward, carrying the memories and experiences Montessori has given me.
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Jasmine Boinay Miss Hall’s School Pittsfield, MA
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Niilo Davis McDowell Monument Mountain RHS Great Barrington, MA
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It is my pleasure to stand before you today to commemorate my 11 years at Montessori. From the very first day, I felt a sense of belonging and purpose. It was an environment that encouraged learning, growth, and self-discovery. Over the years, I have had the privilege of being taught by some of the most dedicated and passionate teachers. They challenged me to push beyond my limits and strive for excellence. They instilled in me a love for learning and a thirst for knowledge. I have also made some of my closest friends here at school. Together, we have shared countless laughs, ups and downs, and unforgettable memories. I leave with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I have grown and thrived in this incredible community. I will cherish the memories, lessons, and friendships that I have gained here, and I will carry them with me as I embark on the next chapter of my life.
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I came to Montessori in 5th grade. I have made friends and so many memories. School has not always been easy, but I am very ready for the next step in my education. I would like to thank Montessori for teaching me to understand my own abilities.
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Willow Shaw The Thacher School Ojai, CA
MONTESSORI
RISING Berkshire Montessori’s annual benefit supporting the Tuition Assistance & Teacher Development Programs. We ended the 2022-2023 school year by gathering to celebrate MSB at our annual fundraiser, Montessori Rising. The evening was magical despite the weather’s attempt to dampen our spirits. We are so grateful for the community’s thoughtful and generous help. Our success is because of each of you. We would like to thank: The musicians who donated their time and talent—Matt Cusson, Natalia Bernal, Jason Ennis, and Billy Keane. Our generous sponsors—Anonymous (2), Berkshire Cider Project, Cohen Kinne Valicenti & Cook LLP, Lee Bank, Chocolate Springs, Live Sound, Inc, Hudson Chatham Winery, Marie’s North Street Eatery, The Ruth and Peter Metz Foundation, Outpost, The Ruins of Sassafras, Berkshire Mountain Distillers, Interprint, and Mezze Events. Our creative and tireless event committee and volunteers— Alison Basdekis, Cara Davis, Church Davis, Simon Holzapfel, Melisa Krzyzstof, Molly Lyon-Joseph, Zack McCain, Peter Metz, Leisl Moriarty, Liza Murray, Kate Payne, iin Purwanti, Bridget Rigas, Jo Ann Santangelo, Christina Schidlowsky, Michael Schidlowsky, Lorraine and Stacy Shaw, Emily and Simon Shaw, Rebecca Sheir, Eric Shimelonis, Heather Strekal-McHatton, Carter White, Andy and Susan Wrba. And all the members of our community who attended and otherwise supported this spectacular event.
The Paddle Raise
One element of the evening that was new to Berkshire Montessori was the paddle raise. We opened with an incredible video produced by Outpost, MSB parents iin Purwanti and George Cox (Rya in Willow Room), about the importance of guides receiving AMI teacher training. After the viewing, we asked the community to help us support this important program. The energy and excitement was palpable as the community donated nearly $20,000 to help provide our guides with the highest quality Montessori training, a key to our community’s success. Check out the video and share it with your friends.
WHY WE GIVE Seth Pitman and Julia Thomas
give to the Montessori School of the Berkshires, because we feel it’s “ We important to support the communities that support us. MSB provides our children with an environment that allows them to thrive, stoking their curiosity, supporting their agency, and instilling a sense of connection to their peers and the environment. It’s important to our family to do what we can to help ensure that others have the same opportunities to learn and grow that we have by virtue of our connection with MSB.
”
Seth Pitman and Julia Thomas have been part of the MSB community for three years and were generous donors to the MSB Annual Fund, Montessori Rising, and the Paddle Raise. We are so grateful for their generosity and for sharing their story. They are the parents of Remy (Cedar) and Eden (Toddler Room).
STAFF & FACULTY ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT TEAM Bridget Rigas Christophe Pichard Jamie Gray Jeanette Maguire Kathy Quiñones
Kehr Davis Mark Losardo Meagan Ledendecker Todd Covert
TEACHING STAFF & CLASSROOM SUPPORT Abigail Bolner Amanda Johnston Aylen Dominguez Caitlin Henke Dana Harrison Henry Frentzel Joey Chernila Justin Wehry
Karen Hayes Kim Sinopoli Kristi Johnson Leia Bibiloni-Bastow Lisa Rebello Marissa Mestre Meagan Ledendecker Najwa Squailia
Natalia Bernal Sarah Daunt Shaylyne Mancivilano Sofia Christinat Susan Boyd Veronica Toro-Ruiz Vicky Sideropoulos Wes Buckley
A TRIP AROUND
THE WORLD THE ELEMENTARY GEOGRAPHY FAIR K. Meagan Ledendecker
In the book, Why Geography Matters: More Than Ever, Harm de Blij warns that America has become the world’s most geographically illiterate society of consequence. This is happening despite increasing global interconnectivity, yet in the elementary communities at MSB, six- to twelve-year-olds are bucking the trend! Geography concerns all things connected with the earth. The word comes from the Greek ”geo” which means earth and “graphein” which means to write. In Montessori, elementary students learn about both physical and political geography. Political geography focuses on the boundaries of nations or states and even the interactions of those nations or states. In contrast, physical geography includes space, earth, and the universe, as well as the composition of the planet, the nature of the elements, how the sun and earth interact, as well as the work of air and water. The Montessori geography curriculum is vast! Back in 2015, MSB elementary students initiated a geography fair to showcase their learning about places in the world: from land and water forms to countries to flags to capital cities. The event was so successful that students wanted to continue the experience each year. Even with the disruptions of the COVID years, this tradition has stayed alive thanks to student interest! This year, elementary students decided to focus on different countries around the world. Depending upon their interests, students researched their country’s culture, famous landmarks and buildings, economic products, regional foods, bodies of water, and even
the meaning of the colors and/or symbols on the country’s flag. Students then prepared interactive informational stations for guests to learn more about these countries. As part of their research into the cultural history of their chosen nations, students listened to indigenous, traditional, pop-influenced, and contemporary music from their countries. They then chose a song to be played in the entryway of the Multipurpose Room during the Geography Fair. After walking through the hall listening to the songs and witnessing the array of flags representing the countries, friends and family browsed display boards, enjoyed regional and local foods prepared by our students, and even tested their geography knowledge through interactive games and activities. Our hope is that with their understanding of the world’s geography, MSB students will be positioned to better respond to the events and global challenges before us. At the very least they had a lot of fun in the preparation and the presentation of what they learned!
2022-2023 ANNUAL FUND This year we received $82,000 in donations. These funds went a long way to helping the school provide two key programs to advance the school: AMI training for three lead teachers and Individualized Tuition to make MSB accessible to every family that wishes a Montessori education for their children. MSB community members gave to the school through donating to the Annual Fund, purchasing and sponsoring tickets to the Montessori Rising Gala, raising their paddles during the Gala, and donating to specific programs, with many giving through multiple avenues. All gifts of every size were deeply appreciated and helped us provide a better education and experience. We are deeply grateful to every donor for their vote of confidence and for supporting the Montessori School of the Berkshires with their philanthropy.
ADVENTURERS ($1,500 and above) Anonymous (5) Advanced Enterprise Agility Neha Das and Jayson Messenger Neil Davis Kevin and Heather Fusick Google Matching Program Gary and Nicole Kroyter The Ruth and Peter Metz Family Foundation PEACE Fund of Greater Worcester Community Foundation Julia Thomas and Seth Pitman Warrior Operating, Inc The Winter Family
TRAIL BLAZERS ($1,000–$1,499) Anonymous (1) Cohen Kinne Valicenti Cook, LLP Charlotte Davis Ellen Ennis Interprint, Inc Meagan Ledendecker and Todd Covert Marie’s North Street Eatery W. Peter Metz Leisl and Kevin Moriarty Emily and Simon Shaw Ralph Shaw David and Tammy Valicenti
CULTIVATORS
($500–$999)
Anonymous (2) Catherine and Matthew Chester Bryn Davis and Craig McDowell Church Davis Rachel Fletcher Simon Holzapfel The Kruh Family Sue and Mike Lascoe Lee Bank Chris and Barb May The Murray Family Jane and Chris Nye Julia Kadison and Steve O’Donnell Christophe Pichard
FAMILY TREE ($250–$499) Amazon Smile Anonymous (4) Anonymous, in honor of Margaret Basdekis Schelling Alison Basdekis and Keegan Schelling Cindy and David Berger, in honor of Sylvie and Max uuSavir, our grandchildren Dana Bixby Wayne Boswell, in honor of MSB teachers and staff Paolo R. Caserta Robin and Claude Cicchetti Kehr Davis Heather and Andrew Dremak, in honor of Acadia and Aspen Dremak Kirsten Gellela and Simon Cole, in memory of uuKathleen Narbutas Jamie Gray and Brennan King Veronica and Chris Johnston Janet and John Krygowski Kate Maguire Kelly and Thomas Minahan The Patel Family Jean and Tom Porter, in memory of Karen Tarnauskas Alison and Sean Quiñones Johnson Francisco Ramirez and Kimberly Meyers The Robinson-Habig Family, in honor of the Maple Room guides Lorraine and Stacy Shaw Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis The Peter and Joanna Strauss Family Fund Heather Strekal-McHatton and Danny McHatton Ellen Swan Mazzer and Ken Schelling, in memory of Kathleen Schelling Amy Taylor and Joseph, Dorothy, and Zadie Method
WOODLAND FRIENDS ($125–$249) Anonymous, in honor of Kehr Davis and her many years of dedication to MSB Mickie Audette Patricia Bevan Stephanie Campbell Aspen and Acadis Dremak Anita Gellella Alicia Halsted Ewa Jancewicz Melisa Krzysztof, in memory of Teresa Krzysztof: grandma to Madeline and Lucas and an amazing educator Marc Maurino Piper Miller Mrs. Smitha Piedilato Kathy and Brian Quiñones, in honor of Aibhlínn Quiñones Johnson Ralph Shimelonis Kim Sinopoli Starr W. Snead Donna Ying, in honor of Eleanor Trothakes
TENDER ROOTS (up to $124) Anonymous (6) Rose Bohmann Susan Boyd Alana and Joey Chernilla Winter Covendecker The de St André Family Haider and Lauren Garzon The Gaylord Family Lin Howitt Ulrike Kolb, in honor of Adalia uuDaniels Kolb
Giulia Laveto-Emery and Nicolas Emery Gwen Miller and Eammon Coughlin, in honor of the MSB guides and staff Tim and Grace Robinson, in honor of uuHannah Robinson-Habig Nancy and Leonard Sacon, in honor of uuAva Sacon Audrey Strekal Isadora Wolfe and Joe Poulson
FIELD DAY Field Day is an annual event, put on by the Family Community for the Children’s House, Elementary, and AE students.
LAST DAY
After comencement, we have a community picnic, followed by ice cream. The tradition is, with the first taste of ice cream, the student moves up to the next level. Congratulations all!
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www.berkshiremontessori.org | 21 Patterson Rd, P.O. Box 422, Lenox Dale, MA 01242 | 413-637-3662