Hershey Montessori School 2020-2021 Year-In-Review by Hershey Montessori School

CONCORD CAMPUS (BIRTH - 12 YEARS) 10229 PROUTY RD. CONCORD, OH 44077 P (440) 357-0918

HUNTSBURG CAMPUS (12 - 18 YEARS) 11530 MADISON RD. HUNTSBURG, OH 44046 P (440) 636-6290

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

AKRON, OH 44309 PERMIT No. 1196

10229 PROUTY ROAD CONCORD TWP, OH 44077

Our Mission

Grounded in the tradition of Dr. Maria Montessori, Hershey Montessori School provides carefully prepared learning environments for children from birth to 18 years. Our community fosters personal and academic growth, independence, confidence, responsibility, and joyful lifelong learning.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Dylan Crowell Development Assistant dcrowell@hershey-montessori.org 440-357-0918 ext. 64

Lakisha Wingard Director of Admissions lwingard@hershey-montessori.org 440-357-0918

PLEASE DELIVER TO:

>>Field 1 Name<< >>Field 2 Title<< >>Field 3 Street Address<< >>Field 4 City, State Zip Code<<

2020-2021 HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

C. Fraser Elliott VICE PRESIDENT

Patty Emond

SECRETARY

Sandy Giallanza TREASURER

John Cunningham ADVANCEMENT CHAIR

Chris Sedlock

CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS

Jeffrey Embleton Jane Neubauer Colleen Welder EMERITUS

Debbie Guren

CONTENTS

Congratulations CLASS OF 2021!

A Great Education .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3

KNOW MORE. LOVE MORE. SERVE MORE. 2 0 2 0 -2 0 2 1 Y E A R- I N - R E V I E W

Planes of Development Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 4-6 Pandemic Distance Learning......................................................................................................................................................... 7 2021 Hershey Events and Volunteer Spotlight ........................................................................................................... 8-9 Hershey Donors......................................................................................................................................................................... 10-11 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging............................................................................................................. 12-13 2020-2021 Noteworthy Numbers ........................................................................................................................................ 14 College Counseling and Hershey Farm ............................................................................................................................... 15

REFLECTIONS FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL OUR STUDENTS’ LIVED EXPERIENCE OF INTERDEPENDENCE

Our Mission

The 2020–2021 school year was the second of two extraordinary years and offered a collection of reflections, discoveries, and renewed commitments to our personal, school community and global priorities. It revealed to the staff, and me, the enormous value of essential Montessori principles. We weighed decisionmaking between the marvelous psychology of learning and adaptations of design so that our students could safely learn together, in person, on campus for the full year. Those of us in Geauga and Lake counties shared many of the same inward reflections with people in every corner of the world, while experiencing the pandemic. Similarly, our students experienced, first-hand, our grand interdependence with all of humanity. Our students showed us a glimpse of the “new children” that Dr. Montessori described, in their adaptability, in their ability to ask the important questions, and being at their best when learning in response to their intense interests and when working toward a greater good.

2020-2021 HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

C. Fraser Elliott VICE PRESIDENT

Patty Emond

SECRETARY

Sandy Giallanza TREASURER

John Cunningham ADVANCEMENT CHAIR

Chris Sedlock

CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS

Jeffrey Embleton Jane Neubauer Colleen Welder

CLOSER RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOP WHEN DESIGNING SOLUTIONS TOGETHER

EMERITUS

Debbie Guren

CONTENTS

While we were greatly disappointed not to have our boarding students return to the Huntsburg campus, due to the U.S. and international border closures, we were grateful that technology brought our boarders into our campus classrooms virtually. Although local students returned to a very different environment, they were hungry to return to on-campus work and to be able to learn in full interaction with their friends and teachers after three months of remote learning the previous spring. The successful adaptation by our staff and students enabled us to be successfully together for the full academic year, bar a 3-week cautionary remote period around the winter holidays. Gratitude again to parents and families for their care throughout the holiday season and the resulting protection of the whole school community that resulted in zero-spread of the virus on campus.

A Great Education............................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Planes of Development Highlights...................................................................................................................................... 4-6 Pandemic Distance Learning......................................................................................................................................................... 7 2021 Hershey Events and Volunteer Spotlight............................................................................................................ 8-9 Hershey Donors......................................................................................................................................................................... 10-11 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging............................................................................................................. 12-13 2020-2021 Noteworthy Numbers......................................................................................................................................... 14 College Counseling and Hershey Farm................................................................................................................................ 15

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

REFLECTIONS FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL OUR STUDENTS’ LIVED EXPERIENCE OF INTERDEPENDENCE

Our Mission

2020-2021 HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

C. Fraser Elliott VICE PRESIDENT

Patty Emond

SECRETARY

Sandy Giallanza TREASURER

John Cunningham ADVANCEMENT CHAIR

Chris Sedlock

CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS

Jeffrey Embleton Jane Neubauer Colleen Welder EMERITUS

Debbie Guren

CONTENTS A Great Education .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Planes of Development Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 4-6 Pandemic Distance Learning......................................................................................................................................................... 7 2021 Hershey Events and Volunteer Spotlight ........................................................................................................... 8-9 Hershey Donors......................................................................................................................................................................... 10-11 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging............................................................................................................. 12-13 2020-2021 Noteworthy Numbers ........................................................................................................................................ 14 College Counseling and Hershey Farm ............................................................................................................................... 15

Many of our staff worked throughout the summer to redesign how we might modify group sizes, distancing within environments, air quality and protocol so that we could safely have our children and adolescents back on campus to learn in-person. Ultimately, the selfgovernance skills of so many of our staff allowed the complexity of Concord campus to be 100% designed by the program staff, with support by the administration. The Concord staff had the most complexity in redesign due to the interdependent nature of serving 190 children from infancy through sixth grade. In their evaluative check-outs, they regularly reflected on their sense of connection, saying, “I feel closer than ever to my colleagues…” While we were greatly disappointed not to have our boarding students return to the Huntsburg campus, due to the U.S. and international border closures, we were grateful that technology brought our boarders into our campus classrooms virtually. Although local students returned to a very different environment, they were hungry to return to on-campus work and to be able to learn in full interaction with their friends and teachers after three months of remote learning the previous spring. The successful adaptation by our staff and students enabled us to be successfully together for the full academic year, bar a 3-week cautionary remote period around the winter holidays. Gratitude again to parents and families for their care throughout the holiday season and the resulting protection of the whole school community that resulted in zero-spread of the virus on campus.

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

ONE GREAT SCHOOL, TWO AMAZING CAMPUSES

REFLECTIONS FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL OUR STUDENTS’ LIVED EXPERIENCE OF INTERDEPENDENCE

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

BOARD, ALUMNI, FRIENDS, AND FAMILIES RALLIED TO THE CHALLENGE

To accomplish on campus learning, Hershey committed to extra investment to ensure the healthiest possible environment for our children. We invested in PPE, outdoor learning environments, tents, and clearings in the woods. Extra staff were hired to maintain selfcontained small cohorts and extra sanitizing. We also invested in new technology, such as classroom video conference cameras so that boarders and remote learners could see their whole class while the main screen picked up on whoever was speaking. The generosity and commitment of our board, Hershey supporters, including alumni and our current families, helped to cover the cost of this enormous investment. Similar dedication was reflected in the degree of participation in our annual fund drive. Notably, our alumni contributions grew from 1% to 5% of our net fundraising. “CONSIDER HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS”—DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING

The human challenges of our times and specific social justice needs called our attention further within the conditions of the pandemic. Some Upper School students felt called to respond to the challenges of racism and formed a campus committee, two of whom became fully equivalent committee members for our whole school Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) committee. Our aims included dedication to learning more about ourselves, our history and the effects of inequity.

In her San Remo lectures of 1949, Dr. Montessori reflected on the course of human conditions and the role of education: “…to be precise, the science of the cultivation of man, (is) of those energies inherent within him from birth. However, before embarking on the study of man not only as an individual, but also as a member of the community within the context of his relationships and social function. If we are to realize the magnitude of the aims achieved by humanity, and envisage those of the future, we should meditate on the various stages of human evolution, study the science from which it takes its name and scrutinize its history.” “Our task as educators is to ensure that an intense consciousness of universal solidarity will flourish within our children.” “…we should consider human relationships if we are to create a better humanity, worthy of comprehending the noblest truths, in the light of universal love….” (Montessori. Citizens of the World pp 88,89 Montessori-Pierson, 2019 – San Remo Lectures 1949)

we meet core best-practice standards as a high quality Montessori school. Provisional membership gave us immediate access to affinity group meetings and resources for leadership, extended professional development, and guidance on how to prepare a self-study that will reflect the voices of students, parents, staff, board, alumni and extended community stakeholders. Accountability includes a site visit, reporting to recommendations, and further assessment so that our school is continually growing in 7-year accreditation cycles. Hershey also received renewal of our AMI recognition status at the Young Child Community level which included observation, consultation with staff and documentation of fulfillment of certain standards such as the training of the teacher, the mixed age ranges of children, the fully equipped classroom environments, and consistent blocks of time for children to have uninterrupted independent work. GRATITUDE FOR THE RESILIENCE OF OUR INTERDEPENDENT COMMUNITY

We closed the 2020-2021 year transformed in many ways and with ever deepening gratitude for our parents, board, staff, and donors and for the resilience of our rich and complex community. The majority of our school’s success is based upon the relational aspect of who we are as a community and how unwavering we are to keep the child, adolescent, and Montessori at our center. The next most essential element of our success is based upon our communication skills, emotional intelligence, logical scientific approaches to problem solving and self-governance. We reflect with admiration for our families, parenting in the most challenging times, and for how they forgo so many personal needs to live mindfully outside of school in order to protect their child and the entire on-campus community! We ended the year with happy redesign tasks to begin to open up our Montessori implementation closer to pre-pandemic times, involving larger social groupings, mixing of students and staff, returning boarders, more choice, and more independence. The Hershey story, in this extraordinary year, illustrates the resilience of a very interdependent community with a shared vision of education for human development, in a very interdependent world. In service to the child and adolescent,

ACCOUNTABILITY TO MONTESSORI AND BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS FOR SCHOOLS

We celebrated our provisional membership with the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS). This launches our school on a deep self-study, reflecting on how

Hershey Montessori School offers a unique and highly successful education program that is world renowned. Founded in 1978, Hershey prepares students to navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our education model is scientifically designed to meet the developmental needs and psychology of learning for children and adolescents from two months of age through completion of the twelfth grade. Our school promotes hands-on, self-paced, collaborative learning that engages the student in authentic problem solving in context of their environment and community. Students follow their innate interests, engage in deep intellectual inquiry, and reach academic mastery. They develop a strong sense of self, personal expression, and connection to community. Through experiential learning, studying the evolution of man and societies, and exploring roles of adults in many different social and professional contexts, they begin to explore their identity and role as contributors to humanity and agents of peace.

Paula Leigh-Doyle Head of School

CONCORD CAMPUS

HUNTSBURG CAMPUS

BIRTH-12 YEARS

12-18 YEARS

• Home to our Parent-Infant, Young Child Community, Children’s House, and Elementary programs. • Scientifically designed Montessori materials are provided and intentionally placed throughout environments to inspire optimal learning at each stage of development. • Our 13-acre campus provides outdoor environments throughout which all students interact daily. • Each classroom has direct access to vegetable gardens and the natural world to provide many lessons and opportunity for real work. • Students go outside every day for class work or exploration in our woods and nature trails for creative play and scientific investigation. • Developmentally appropriate play areas are designed engage and challenge physiological and intellectual growth.

• Our 97-acre campus integrates Montessori theory and practice, learning, and community. • Environments are specially prepared for sciences, mathematics, humanities, and world language for optimal academic, personal, and physiological benefits. • The farm is specifically designed to offer students adult-like responsibilities while providing connections to nature and incorporating experiential academic lessons. • Our uniquely created “Microeconomy” inspires students to develop entrepreneurial skills including product ideation, creation, sales, marketing, customer service, accounting principles, and more. • Two animal barns and a greenhouse provide hands-on sustainability practices, year-round science projects, and health lessons, as well as fresh food for the community.

2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

ONE GREAT SCHOOL, TWO AMAZING CAMPUSES

REFLECTIONS FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL OUR STUDENTS’ LIVED EXPERIENCE OF INTERDEPENDENCE

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

BOARD, ALUMNI, FRIENDS, AND FAMILIES RALLIED TO THE CHALLENGE

ACCOUNTABILITY TO MONTESSORI AND BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS FOR SCHOOLS

We celebrated our provisional membership with the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS). This launches our school on a deep self-study, reflecting on how

Paula Leigh-Doyle Head of School

CONCORD CAMPUS

HUNTSBURG CAMPUS

BIRTH-12 YEARS

12-18 YEARS

2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

PLANES OF DEVELOPMENT

8 WEEKS TO 12 MONTHS

12 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS

3 YEARS TO 6 YEARS

6 YEARS TO 12 YEARS

PARENT-INFANT PROGRAM

YOUNG CHILD COMMUNITY

CHILDREN’S HOUSE

ELEMENTARY

The Parent-Infant program brings parents and their infants together in a thoughtfully prepared environment to learn and to share unique one-on-one bonding experiences. We reimagined our approach this year due to pandemic-related limitations. We instead offered one-on-one sessions as well as small group sessions. Our trained Montessori guide provided support and suggestions specific to each child's needs. A lending library of toys was created, and parents were encouraged to take a material or activity home every week that matched the developmental abilities and interest of their child. Additionally, a new outdoor space was created as an extension of the indoor classroom where work was put on shelves for the children to choose. We look forward to the success of the program and its useful additions being carried into future classes.

Young Child Community children learn and grow at their own pace through self-correcting materials, observation, discovery, and interaction with others. Art exploration, food preparation, environmental care, language development, motor coordination, and independence flourish as each child begins to form a strong sense of self. The observance of how much a child at this age can do for themselves and their environment continually astonishes visitors and newcomers. In addition, the children learn to problem solve and lend helping hands in a myriad of ways. Once a parent has seen their toddler grow through this program, they return with each of their subsequent children. Our YCC levels earned recognition from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) after a consultant observed, reflected and guided teachers, and documentation of fulfillment of AMI standards.

Children’s House fosters active learning in indoor and outdoor spaces designed to provide refinement of movement and the ability for children to choose their activities. Guides observe each child’s readiness and mastery of lessons to move them onward. Children learn academic and cultural concepts based upon critical developmental periods of interest and opportunities for deep concentration. Daily activities for caring for their environment and contributing to others foster strong social skills and a sense of belonging to community. Younger students learn from older classmates, while older students are academically challenged and gain leadership skills. Daily open-ended outdoor exploration and play in nature brings wonder and laughter among peers. The growth and development that takes place in Children’s House well prepares the child for Hershey’s elementary program.

Our elementary program is based on Maria Montessori’s theory of cosmic education for children between the ages of 6 through 12 years. Academics are interwoven within an interdisciplinary hands-on curriculum that consists of language, mathematics, geometry, biology, geography, physical sciences, history, music, foreign language, and art. Our elementary guides foster independence, responsibility, and a sense of community while continually encouraging stewardship. To deepen their understanding of our world, the children utilize and explore our outdoor environment for project-based learning. Elementary students collaborate in small groups, allowing for conversations with higher level thinking skills, developing problem-solving strategies, and building strong communication skills. Lessons are ultimately aimed at helping the student discover the interconnectedness of knowledge within society and their universe.

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

PLANES OF DEVELOPMENT

8 WEEKS TO 12 MONTHS

12 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS

3 YEARS TO 6 YEARS

6 YEARS TO 12 YEARS

PARENT-INFANT PROGRAM

YOUNG CHILD COMMUNITY

CHILDREN’S HOUSE

ELEMENTARY

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

PLANES OF DEVELOPMENT 12 YEARS TO 15 YEARS

15 YEARS TO 18 YEARS

PANDEMIC PROMPTS DISTANCE LEARNING MODEL FOR HERSHEY BOARDERS

Our on-campus learning designs centered around small cohorts of students and availing of as much education in our outdoor environments as possible. However, as our local region faced continued uncertainty our international student body also endured travel challenges and restrictions due to the pandemic.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

During these pivotal years in adolescence, students come to understand the planet on which we all live. That is why beyond intellectual development, the goal of the Middle School program is to guide students to become responsible, participatory citizens, critical thinkers, and unintimidated problem solvers within the Hershey community and beyond. Students work to acquire expertise in math, science, and history, while they also build skills in social-emotional intelligence, practical life work, and student leadership. Students in the Adolescent Community come from all over the world and represent a range of socio-economic backgrounds, races, religions, and cultures. Through this community of diversity, students learn about other cultures, which expands their world perspectives and allows them to better understand the global world in which we all live.

The integrated studies of the Upper School tackle local, social, and environmental challenges as focal points. This year, students and staff co-designed an interdisciplinary project that allowed students to earn credit for Humanities, Science, and Business. Students chose a food product and then researched the history and cultural significance, its chemistry and environmental impacts, and then created a business plan. Students proceeded to create and sell the food product at a culminating market event. Engaging projects such as this incorporates multiple disciplines to allow students to think critically with a systems mindset and build skills through practical, hands-on experience. Additionally, students embark on pre-collegiate work and enjoy freedom to pursue individual intellectual, athletic, and artistic interests. Having agency and voice builds participation and connection to their school community, preparing them for greater contribution and meaningful integration with communities at large after high school.

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Connection has always been a key focus area at Hershey, which is why we underwent continual process improvement sessions, touch points, and we made significant investments in technology assets. Our goal was to keep our international students a part of their beloved school community and to be able to offer engaging academics with an interactive experience for our students. We are grateful for the collaboration and support of our entire Hershey community through these challenging times, and we are proud of our students and their resiliency as they adapted through tremendous change both inside and outside of our beloved community.

PARENT TESTIMONIALS

job “Hershey has done an amazing d s impose adjusting to the condition d students te by COVID. You’ve ”suppor and families well. “Thank you for the work you are g in support of the students and stadoin ff, to create the best environment possibl while in such unusual circumstances.” e at “We appreciate all that everyoneto do for ntinues Hershey has done and comunity. We fully our family and the comis no ideal way to understand that there l are doing their handle this and that alances.” best, given the circumst

“Much appreciation to con tinue the tessori community and maintain the learningMonand personal development environment through difficult and uncertain times.” 2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

PLANES OF DEVELOPMENT 12 YEARS TO 15 YEARS

15 YEARS TO 18 YEARS

PANDEMIC PROMPTS DISTANCE LEARNING MODEL FOR HERSHEY BOARDERS

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

PARENT TESTIMONIALS

“Much appreciation to con tinue the tessori community and maintain the learningMonand personal development environment through difficult and uncertain times.” 2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

THE HEART OF HERSHEY

HERSHEY’S SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

We saw double the fun in spring of 2021! It was a delight and pleasure hosting the Extravaganza weekend. Together with our community and our special guest host, Emily Ellyn, we celebrated and raised funds in new and exciting ways.

We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers for their amazing leadership, creativity, and passionate work with our community.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 PARTICIPANTS, SPONSORS, AND VOLUNTEERS!

2021 TIMELESS VIRTUAL GALA EVENT COMMITTEE Jim and Maria Boyer Dana Davis Lola Gibson Suzette Horner Sharyn Laux Cherie Lechner-Lunato Kathryn Madzsar Alecia May Jonas and Virginija Muliolis

Katie McCabe Karen McDonald Katie Poe Rachel Sanniti Jessica Strelec Stephanie Swank Lea Swanson Karen Wilson

2021 HERSHEY COSMIC RUN EVENT COMMITTEE Patsy & Jim Lombardo Sara Guren & Bo Beeman Rachel Strong Mike Swanson

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who registered, the company partnership sponsors, and all those who donated to the 2020 Hershey Cosmic Run. Amid a global pandemic, this meaningful support was more than we could have ever expected to receive. The 2020 Hershey Cosmic Run fundraiser received more than $8,000 in support of educating our children and adolescents. We are deeply grateful for the support of our educational mission through the investment of our supporters. We extend a very special thank you to all the volunteers and committee members. We could not have held this wonderful and successful event without them! COSMIC RUN SPONSORS:

The Price and Fracci Families of The K&D Group Sugar Pines Farm Business Marketing Engine Main Sequence Technology, Inc. Ray Arnold Masonry & General Contracting Vance Eyecare Photo credits: Miranda Akins, Dana Davis, Sara Guren, Dave Sedensky

We gathered at Mayfield Drive-In Theater on a Friday evening for a family friendly evening with games, music, and give-a-ways as we awaited the sundown for our feature film enjoyment. The children played, while the adults socialized all in the name of fun in fundraising. Food Network Chef, Emily Ellyn, joined in Saturday night as our special guest host for a virtual mix-a-long happy hour. Zooming in from her home kitchen in Orlando, Florida, Emily shared a few of her signature mixology recipes and tricks of the trade as our guests mixed right along with her out of their own personal mix box full of all the necessary accoutrements. Our beloved silent auction kept the engagement going throughout the weekend. Keeping the energy high and engaging, we were honored to have Emily act as our auctioneer for the Live auction and paddle raise. We are very grateful to Emily and all she shared with us during this fun Extravaganza! Annual Events like this help to support the Heart of Hershey and the labor of love and learning our staff and students commit to every day. With a final total of more than $56,000, the Extravaganza weekend benefited the operations and financial aid fund, helping to keep the Heart of Hershey beating strong.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH SPONSORSHIP:

Horner Networks Sugar Pines Farm Junction Auto Family TCC Technology Solutions LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH PROMOTION:

Buckeye Chocolate Cakes by Venus Mindfully Mixed Rowdy Cow Creamery Sage’s Apples Sweet Bean Chocolates Whiskey Sticks

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:

Our Board of Directors for financial contributions led by C. Fraser Elliott, John Cunningham, Jeffrey Embleton and Debbie Guren. And thank you to all of our parent volunteer committee for collaborating ideas and their excellent execution of this unique event. We are grateful to all who donated to the live and silent auctions, and those who raised their paddles in support of Hershey’s financial aid program.

2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

THE HEART OF HERSHEY

HERSHEY’S SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers for their amazing leadership, creativity, and passionate work with our community.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 PARTICIPANTS, SPONSORS, AND VOLUNTEERS!

2021 TIMELESS VIRTUAL GALA EVENT COMMITTEE Jim and Maria Boyer Dana Davis Lola Gibson Suzette Horner Sharyn Laux Cherie Lechner-Lunato Kathryn Madzsar Alecia May Jonas and Virginija Muliolis

Katie McCabe Karen McDonald Katie Poe Rachel Sanniti Jessica Strelec Stephanie Swank Lea Swanson Karen Wilson

2021 HERSHEY COSMIC RUN EVENT COMMITTEE Patsy & Jim Lombardo Sara Guren & Bo Beeman Rachel Strong Mike Swanson

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH SPONSORSHIP:

Horner Networks Sugar Pines Farm Junction Auto Family TCC Technology Solutions LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH PROMOTION:

Buckeye Chocolate Cakes by Venus Mindfully Mixed Rowdy Cow Creamery Sage’s Apples Sweet Bean Chocolates Whiskey Sticks

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:

2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL ANNUAL FUND 2020-2021 Thank you all for your generous support of the Hershey Annual Fund! Every effort was made to include all donors. If your name was inadvertently omitted or misspelled, please contact our office. INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS ($10,000-$24,999)

AMBASSADORS ($1,000-$2,499)

ADVOCATES ($250-$499)

Anonymous* Budnik Family Foundation* Debbie and Peter Guren* Loren and Birgit Hershey* William and Sharon Ruple*

Anonymous* Richard Beeman* John and Laurie Cunningham* Jeffrey and Patti Embleton Jennifer and Chris Finan* Sam and Nancy Guren* Zachary and Lauren Guren* Laureen Golden Scott and Victoria Hackenberg Holly and Rob Kline* Michelle and Michael Murray* Progressive Insurance Foundation* Lynette and Jonathon Ruple* Joel Smith and Jessica Strelec Rick and Colleen Welder* Kate and Gary Witosky*

Anonymous (4*) Jim and Linda Blue* Carrie and Anthony Cirino* Carole Cummings* Karen Hannan-DeWalt and David DeWalt* Phyllis Fuchsman and Erik Neff* Elizabeth Harwood* Peter and Tina Joyce* Vinit Makkar and Ritu Malhotra Louise Milner* Kristin and Scott Monroe* Patrick and Kristin Roach* Riffle and Associates The Taich Family Sarah Tetzloff and Bart Hildebrant* Kevin Vouk*

VISIONARIES ($5,000-$9,999)

Anonymous* Barry and Connie Hershey* Shane and Suzette Horner*

INNOVATORS ($2,500-$4,999)

C. Fraser Elliott and Line Montminy* David and Victoria Nadzam* Jane and Fritz Neubauer* Jaeger Robertson

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

PATRONS ($500-$999)

Candace Goforth DeSantis and Daniel DeSantis* Paula Leigh-Doyle* Adam and Dana Fleder Nancy and Doug Geuder* Tim and Deb Gooden* Sara Guren and Bowman Beeman* Denny and Judy Hershey* The KeyBank Foundation Margaret Mehicic* George Milbourn* Cheryl and Vic Noviski* Mike and Ronnie Nowak* Christopher and Jennifer Pickett* Melissa and Rob Reigle* Rick and Jeanette Smith* Chris Susan and Ellen Smith-Susan* Elin Thierry*

COMMUNITY FRIENDS ($100-$249)

Anonymous* (3) Aaron Altman and Nikki David* Nathan Barnes Melissa and Michael Batt* Tom and Dona Black* David E. and Sharon Boyer Kathryn Christoph* Carole Corrigan Robyn Dill* Sheryl Edwards* Jeneen Ford Sandy Giallanza and Edmund Evans* Sheila and John Grabnar* Faith Heinen* Eileen Hull*

Barbara and David Kahn* The KeyBank Foundation* Judy Kline-Venaleck* The Kovalcheck Family Lake Catholic High School Jodi Latshaw and Mathew Bailey Karen and Nate McDonald* Claudia and Curtis O'Neal* Carol and John Penrod Charles Perrotti* Valerie Raines* David and Enid Rosenberg Melissa Rosenheck* Chris and Alyson Scott Janelle and Dean Slavick* Leslie and Lyle Steelman* Stephanie and Mike Swank Trisha and Bryan Vance* The Varcelli Family Kathleen Voneman* Keith Vouk and Louise Fabian Vouk Kurt and Elizabeth Vouk Webco Industries, Inc. Donnah Whitaker* Wesley and Karen Wilson* Lakisha and Walter Wingard* SUPPORTERS ($1-$99)

Anonymous (2*) Meryl Hershey Beck* Kathy and Timhershey Beech* Tina Bergmann and Bryan Thomas* Danielle Brassard and Will Krause* Tim and Lori Bresnan* Jim and Maria Boyer* Joyce and Thomas Cole

Lila and Joe Crugnale Karen Dorsey* Scott Emrick Gary and Camella Haley Betty Hissong* Joy and Paul Langmaid Jody Lathwell* Sharyn Laux John and Julie Loxterman* The Makkar Family* Ed and Irene McDonald Shelley and Gerry Morgan Golnar and Scott Parry* Saren Peetz* Bob and JoAnna Schneider* Noelle Sieradzki Margaret Smith Theresa and Nick Suvak* Thrivent Financial Foundation* Aaron Twaddell and Zaynab Olin-Twaddell* Caroline and Doug Vicchiarelli Susan Wells

*Indicates consecutive multi-year donors to the Annual Fund

AMBASSADORS ($1,000-$2,499)

ADVOCATES ($250-$499)

Anonymous* Budnik Family Foundation* Debbie and Peter Guren* Loren and Birgit Hershey* William and Sharon Ruple*

VISIONARIES ($5,000-$9,999)

Anonymous* Barry and Connie Hershey* Shane and Suzette Horner*

INNOVATORS ($2,500-$4,999)

C. Fraser Elliott and Line Montminy* David and Victoria Nadzam* Jane and Fritz Neubauer* Jaeger Robertson

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

PATRONS ($500-$999)

COMMUNITY FRIENDS ($100-$249)

Anonymous (2*) Meryl Hershey Beck* Kathy and Timhershey Beech* Tina Bergmann and Bryan Thomas* Danielle Brassard and Will Krause* Tim and Lori Bresnan* Jim and Maria Boyer* Joyce and Thomas Cole

IN MEMORY OF (Gifts to the 2020-2021 Annual Fund)

ALUMNI DONORS

COVID RELIEF DONORS

KATHLEEN BURICHIN

Sara Guren Zachary Guren Nik Makkar Saren Peetz Jaeger Robertson Joel Smith

Tina Bergmann and Bryan Thomas Danielle Brassard and Will Krause Daniel DeSantis and Candace Goforth DeSantis Sheryl Edwards Lauren and Zach Guren Sara Guren and Bo Beeman William Hartstein Hershey Family Foundation The Hershey Foundation Betty Hissong The LWH Family Foundation Progressive Insurance Foundation Meg Sondey and Bill Hines Joel Smith and Jessica Strelec Rick and Jeanette Smith Chris Susan and Ellen Smith-Susan Theresa and Nick Suvak Lynette and Jon Ruple Carole Walters Laurel and Bob Weinberg Kate and Gary Witosky

Michelle Murray

JEANNE CATALANO

Sheryl Edwards

CHRIS EDWARDS

Sheryl Edwards

MILDRED GOODEN

Tim and Deb Gooden

NATHAN HEINEN

Faith Heinen

ELLEN MOLNAR

Sheryl Edwards

MAURA O’DONNELL

Anonymous

JOSHUA ROSENHECK

Melissa Rosenheck

THOMAS H. SMITH

Margaret Smith

Nathan Barnes Kathy Beech David E. and Sharon Boyer Carole Corrigan Lila and Joe Crugnale Karen Dorsey Sheryl Edwards Scott Emrick Debbie and Peter Guren Carmella and Gary Haley Melinda Kovalcheck and Family Lake Catholic High School Alumni Administration Ed and Irene McDonald Riffle and Associates Noelle Sieradzki The Varcelli Family; Anthony, Donna, Olivia, Anthony Jr., Nichole & Michael Caroline and Doug Vicchiarelli Kevin Vouk Kurt and Elizabeth Vouk The Vouk Family, Keith, Louise, Gabrielle Hannah Webco Industries, Inc

YOUR GIFT MATTERS

IN HONOR OF (Gifts to the 2020-2021 Annual Fund) MADELINE BOYER, CLASS OF 2021

MADIGAN JOLLIFF

LIAM AND JUDSON CONWAY

OWEN, JAMES, KAILEY, ASHLEY AND PETER JOYCE

SIDNEY DAVIS

JAYNE KOETH

JENNIFER FINAN

LUISA MENDEZ, KATHY SKIBA AND LESLIE MINOTTI

Jim and Maria Boyer

*Indicates consecutive multi-year donors to the Annual Fund

TAMI VOUK

Kathryn Christoph

Tom and Dona Black Carole Cummings

DEBBIE GUREN

Charles Perrotti

MAYA HARWOOD

Elizabeth Harwood

Nancy and Doug Geuder Peter and Tina Joyce The Taich Family Christopher and Jennifer Pickett

MARK, DANIEL, SARAH AND DAVID NOVISKI

Cheryl and Vic Noviski

MAKELLA AND JACOB SLAVICK

Janelle and Dean Slavick

DONATE NOW! Place your smart phone camera over the QR code to donate or visit hershey-montessori.org/donate. Your contributions help us offer unique, world renowned programs which create optimal learning environments for our children.

In Honor of Paula Leigh-Doyle, for all her hard work John and Laurie Cunningham C. Fraser Elliott and Line Montminy Patty and JP Emond Sandy Giallanza and Edmund Evans Debbie and Peter Guren Jane and Fritz Neubauer Christopher and Tracie Sedlock Colleen and Rick Welder

THANK YOU

to those who gave above and beyond during this unprecedented time.

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL STAFF

Patrick and Kristin Roach Sarah Tetzloff and Bart Hildebrant Rick and Colleen Welder

YOUR GIFT IS 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE 2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

HERSHEY ACHIEVES ISACS PROVISIONAL MEMBER STATUS

HERSHEY EMBARKS ON SOCIAL DISCOVERY JOURNEY

“The crises we are witnessing is not one of those that make the passage from one era to another, it can only be compared with the opening of a new Biological or Geological period, when new beings come upon the scene, more evolved and more perfect, while upon the earth are realized conditions of life, which had never existed before.” Dr. Maria Montessori, Peace and Education (1932) OUR DEIB POSITION STATEMENT Dr. Maria Montessori, and many other scientists, espoused an educational philosophy that removes the obstacles for healthy development and that allows the student’s innate energies for good to develop in accordance with their natural capacity. She wrote and observed that such an education will reveal a “new child” who is intellectually independent and emotionally drawn to contribute to moral and social conditions of their environments. Hershey Montessori School has centered intentional focus on social-emotional development that expands emotional intelligence, communication skills, social leadership capacities with special emphasis on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING IS ALIVE The events that unfolded over the last year brought a heightened awareness of the social injustice and inequity that has plagued our nation’s history and profoundly affected fellow citizens. School leadership and students felt it was important to examine Hershey Montessori School’s commitment to diversity and equity and take collective action. That is why this year’s whole school professional development day centered on social-emotional development that included emotional intelligence and communication skills, as well as social leadership capacities and abilities.

We also launched the DEIB Circle (“committee”), which is comprised of administrative staff, faculty, and adolescent students. The circle exists to support the school’s strategic priority of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and to ensure that all members of our community are represented and empowered across all areas of Hershey Montessori School. Much groundwork has been laid, and DEIB will continue to be at the forefront of the work we do at Hershey for many years to come.

“As someone who has worked in education for 15 years, I am always engaging in continual self-reflection. DEIB is important to me because of my lived experiences as a Black biracial woman and my important charge of parenting three Black children in this world. Instead of thinking about what’s good for my children, I think about what’s good for our children. I want my children and the children and adolescents we have at Hershey and in this society to feel that who they are is more than enough. I want them to be seen and heard in every space that they occupy. I want to help in creating inclusive environments where they always feel like they are enough and always feel that they belong.”

Hershey Montessori School proudly received Provisional Member status from the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). This achievement is the first step in becoming an ISACS-accredited school. Hershey’s ISACS Steering Committee began this work in early 2019. It required Hershey to provide documented evidence of compliance across 52 standards for membership, including our current policies and practices; mission, philosophy, and goals; school community; programs and activities, student services; governance and administration, personnel; and residential programs. The Benefits of ISACS membership include a wide variety of professional development programs though opportunities to attend ISACS conferences, subject-specific workshops, convenient webinars, and facilitated conversations with member schools on topics of governance, accreditation, and other areas. ISACS members also receive access to the National Association of Independent Schools’ Data Analysis for Student Learning (DASL) tool for data reporting and benchmarking.

Lakisha Wingard, Admissions Director and DEIB Committee Chair 12

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

HERSHEY ACHIEVES ISACS PROVISIONAL MEMBER STATUS

HERSHEY EMBARKS ON SOCIAL DISCOVERY JOURNEY

Lakisha Wingard, Admissions Director and DEIB Committee Chair 12

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

204

total students enrolled in 2020-2021

146

Concord campus

29%

Tuition

State/Auxiliary Funds

Huntsburg campus REVENUE

Along with remote learning locations in

Mexico, Scotland and the United States

Our Vision

Children will develop as whole human beings with a strong sense of self, community, and the natural world, reaching adulthood as leaders, models, and contributors to peace.

Thank You!

Our community’s pandemic response brought nearly

$600,000 in COVID Relief gifts in school year 2020-2021

directly from our generous families, friends and supporters to help offset our increased operating expenses. Your amazing support made all the difference!

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Morning Care & After School Programming Fundraising/Annual Giving Other Operational Income

THE PURPOSEFUL FARM AT HERSHEY

10%

61% 5% 3% Direct Payroll Indirect Payroll & Benefits

Program Operations

EXPENSES

Facilities/Utilities

10%

COVID Expenses (not payroll related) Administration Expenses

65% Copies of our audited financial statements are available upon request and our most recent 990 filed is available on Guidestar. This report is also available on our website.

EARLY COLLEGE COUNSELING PROVIDES PROPER PREPARATION AND PEACE OF MIND Hershey’s Adolescent Community participates in a highly individualized college guidance counseling program led by our expert College Counselor, Valerie Raines. Beginning in tenth grade, Valerie works closely with each individual student and family to identify colleges that are the best fit academically, programmatically, culturally, socially, and financially. This aspect of our Upper Schooler’s academic journey has become invaluable to Hershey students and their families as it allows them to make sound, well informed decisions regarding their college career and area of study. This highly specialized program has proven so invaluable that we will be extending it to all incoming freshman beginning in the fall of 2021.

Maria Montessori believed a farm school setting is an ideal condition for adolescents to learn the lessons required of this age. Incorporating a farm as a prepared environment provides adolescents daily opportunities to handle adult-like responsibilities by giving them real-life experience in social organization, solving the community’s challenges and addressing its fundamental needs— including those that are social, environmental, or physical in nature. Students also learn how to provide one’s food, maintain one’s shelter, how to participate in economic endeavors, and to interact with the natural world. The power of such an environment to engage and guide adolescents toward adult-level cultural understanding and practical experience is invaluable preparation that sets Hershey students apart from their peers.

Valerie Raines College Guidance Counselor 2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS

204

total students enrolled in 2020-2021

146

Concord campus

29%

Tuition

State/Auxiliary Funds

Huntsburg campus REVENUE

Along with remote learning locations in

Mexico, Scotland and the United States

Our Vision

Children will develop as whole human beings with a strong sense of self, community, and the natural world, reaching adulthood as leaders, models, and contributors to peace.

Thank You!

Our community’s pandemic response brought nearly

$600,000 in COVID Relief gifts in school year 2020-2021

directly from our generous families, friends and supporters to help offset our increased operating expenses. Your amazing support made all the difference!

HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Morning Care & After School Programming Fundraising/Annual Giving Other Operational Income

THE PURPOSEFUL FARM AT HERSHEY

10%

61% 5% 3% Direct Payroll Indirect Payroll & Benefits

Program Operations

EXPENSES

Facilities/Utilities

10%

COVID Expenses (not payroll related) Administration Expenses

65% Copies of our audited financial statements are available upon request and our most recent 990 filed is available on Guidestar. This report is also available on our website.

Valerie Raines College Guidance Counselor 2020-2021 YEAR-IN-REVIEW

CONCORD CAMPUS (BIRTH - 12 YEARS) 10229 PROUTY RD. CONCORD, OH 44077 P (440) 357-0918

HUNTSBURG CAMPUS (12 - 18 YEARS) 11530 MADISON RD. HUNTSBURG, OH 44046 P (440) 636-6290

10229 PROUTY ROAD CONCORD TWP, OH 44077

Our Mission

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Dylan Crowell Development Assistant dcrowell@hershey-montessori.org 440-357-0918 ext. 64

2020-2021 HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lakisha Wingard Director of Admissions lwingard@hershey-montessori.org 440-357-0918

PRESIDENT

C. Fraser Elliott VICE PRESIDENT

Patty Emond

SECRETARY

Sandy Giallanza TREASURER

John Cunningham ADVANCEMENT CHAIR

Chris Sedlock

CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS

Jeffrey Embleton Jane Neubauer Colleen Welder EMERITUS

Debbie Guren

CONTENTS

Congratulations CLASS OF 2021!

A Great Education............................................................................................................................................................................... 3

KNOW MORE. LOVE MORE. SERVE MORE. 2 0 2 0 -2 0 2 1 Y E A R- I N - R E V I E W

Planes of Development Highlights...................................................................................................................................... 4-6 Pandemic Distance Learning......................................................................................................................................................... 7 2021 Hershey Events and Volunteer Spotlight............................................................................................................ 8-9 Hershey Donors......................................................................................................................................................................... 10-11 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging............................................................................................................. 12-13 2020-2021 Noteworthy Numbers......................................................................................................................................... 14 College Counseling and Hershey Farm................................................................................................................................ 15

Hershey Montessori School 2020-2021 Year-In-Review

Articles inside

College Counseling and Hershey Farm

A Great Education

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

2021 Hershey Events and Volunteer Spotlight

Planes of Development Highlights

Pandemic Distance Learning