MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF LOUISVILLE 2017-18
Our Mission Statement We ignite the child’s innate love of learning in a diverse and nurturing community by integrating authentic Montessori philosophy with contemporary, researchbased educational methods. We empower each individual to make knowledgeable, responsible, and peaceful contributions to the global community.
L E TT ER S F R OM L E AD ER S H I P To the MSL Community, Thank you. MSL is stronger every year with the energy, resources and vision of so many: the energy of parents, alumni, and friends who make possible everything from cultural celebrations in the classrooms to setting up community events to serving as ambassadors for new families. I am grateful that you make MSL a priority for your children and, therefore, make us a school that adapts and renews while staying true to the progressive tenets of Montessori philosophy. This Annual Report recognizes and celebrates those who have given time, treasure, and talent to our school. Your investment in our school directly supports our faculty and enriches our children’s lives. Thank you for all you do to support MSL’s mission. It would be almost impossible to thank each and every one of you personally. I do want you to know that you are making a true and lasting difference in our children’s lives. Jennifer Cattell Head of School
Dear MSL family and friends, It is an honor and a privilege to write to you as another successful year comes to a close. MSL continues to prosper and thrive, welcoming more families and gaining greater recognition and respect within the larger community. Our nurturing environment grounded in Montessori Philosophy distinguishes MSL as we cultivate our mission. I hope you share in my excitement as we look forward to a strong and bright future. I would like to thank Jennifer and her administrative staff for their tireless work keeping the school running smoothly, our talented teachers for their amazing work with our children and our parents and families for their support and dedication. I would also like to thank our volunteers (PTO members, room parents, committee members, material makers, special event helpers and our Board) whose work is vital to strengthening the fabric of our community. With warm regards, Katherine Kuntz Board President
W H O W E AR E Board of Directors Katherine Kuntz, President George Scott, Vice President Omar Hinojosa, Treasurer Rebecca Bell, Secretary Sue Perram, Past President, Founding Family Bob Buse, Founding Family James Gregory, Member Zach Spencer, Member Michael Wagner, Member Shannon Williams, Member Administrative Staff Jennifer Cattell, Head of School Lori Wendelin, Director of Finance * Marcia Kidd, Director of Admissions Rachel Flavell, Office Manager * Teaching Faculty Emily Arend, Magnolia * Jessica Cattell, Sprouts Michael Drummond, Magnolia Kelsey Dye, Dogwood Lisa Huff, Birch * Theresa Imhof, Willow Marc Johnson, Oaks Misty Kaufman, Sprouts ** Shabnam Mockon, Dogwood Bruce Otto, After Care * Anjana Patel, Willow * Vanessa Richmond, Aspen * Melissa Ronayne, Tulip Poplar * Vicki Schopmeyer, Tulip Poplar Diana Schreck, Maple Kathy Stewart, After Care
Pam Stewart, Hickory Carrie Tilton Grosch, Oaks Darcey Timmerman, Aspen Susana Trindade, After Care Ambre Wilson, After Care Amanda Wooden, Maple Taylor Yocom, Birch Substitutes Anju Datta Alex Heichelbech Angela Soren, Founding Family Susann Vorfalt Enrichment and Sports Faculty Tony Watson, Piano & Band Laura De St. Croix, Strings Evan Blum, Guitar and Ukulele Mayerling Roche, Spanish Tara Remington, Art Allison DeZarn, PE Samantha Saunders, PE Myisha Hines-Allen, Cross Country Room Advisors Katherine Ye, Sprouts Stephanie Hutchinson, Birch Lorie Nichols, Aspen Andrea Scott, Maple Samantha Aylmer, Dogwood Angela Kehdy, Willow Tracy Sightler, Tulip Poplar Claudia McClure, Hickory Ambre Wilson, Magnolia Susana Trindade, Oaks
*Indicates faculty who have been at MSL for at least 5 years. **Indicates faculty who have been at MSL for at least 10 years.
F I N AN C ES
FY 2017-18: Revenue $1,970,700
11%
1060 volunteer hours equals $23,850 in savings for MSL
Tuition
Extended Care and Other Programming
89%
FY 2017-18: Expenses $1,840,300 Employee Expenses
2% 4%
Tuition Assistance
22%
PER STUDENT EXPENSES $10,168
Classroom
63%
6%
Facilities
3% Marketing and Development
Funds raised supported: Playground Renovations Tuition Assistance Annual Fund - $16,564 *Financials are projections. Actual fiscal year is July 1st to June 30th.
Field Trips
H I G H L I G H T S AN D EV EN T S There are 191 students currently enrolled at MSL, including 31 in toddler, 90 in early childhood, 39 in lower elementary, 16 in upper elementary, and 15 in middle school. Below is a snapshot of the events held by MSL this year. August Community Clean up Grandparents Day Fall Festival and Chili Cook Off Thanksgiving Feast December Music Showcase Holiday Performance MSL on Skates Visioning Evening Bake Sale Spelling Bee
Science Fair Butterfly Release Bridging Ceremony and Graduation Spring Music Recital Parent Celebrations Movie Night/Lock in Book Fair Bourbon Tasting Butterfly Benefit Parent Education Evenings
SP OR TS AN D AC A D E M I C T EA M S Cross Country Team This year marks the inaugural year for our Cross Country team. It was a huge success. Thank you to our first cross country coach, Myisha Hines-Allen, University of Louisville’s women’s basketball captain, for helping coach our students in their first year. The special projects committee was responsible for the planning and implementation of our first team and has already begun planning for next year.
Cross Country Team Members Canyon Baggarley Leda Beale Siobhan Bell Layla Bellucci-Giles Kristen Blandford Will Blandford Carter Braden Lily Brocious-Moore Colette Burden
Jilly Chesnut Samran Chitsaz Lucy Gregory Nick Harshaw Adam Hayat Veronica Hocker Kiersten Langford Adam McGrath Lillie Mour
Madeline Schutz Eli Schutz Jasmine Scott Quinton Sightler Zerren Stacy Sophie Thomas Raphael Velinov Katie Wendelin
KUNA and KYA Teams Our upper elementary and middle school students participated in their second year of KUNA (Kentucky United Nations Assembly) and first year of KYA (Kentucky Youth Assembly). Both programs are leadership programs that provide students the opportunity to write policy and debate topics. Thank you to Rebecca Bell, MSL parent, who spearheaded and led both clubs, Michael Drummond, Magnolia class teacher, who co-led both clubs, and our amazing students for their bravery to try something new.
KYA Team Members Adam McGrath Nick Harshaw Canyon Baggarley Sophie Thomas Lorelai Lichtsteiner
KUNA Team Members Adam McGrath Nick Harshaw Ben Mackay Canyon Baggarley Sophie Thomas Lorelai Lichtsteiner Adam Sleimat
C L UB S We offered a wide variety of clubs for our students. This year we included a club option for our toddler students. Thanks to your feedback from this year’s survey, we will be expanding our club choices for our upper elementary and middle school students. We would like to thank all the vendors, staff, and parents who led one of our clubs this year. Clubs offered during the 2017-18 school year: Chess Tabletop Gaming Gymsters Second Chances Wildlife Tennis Young Makers Art KUNA Music Makers Archery My World en Espanol
MatheMagicians Swimming Literary Lads and Lasses Zoo and Zen Yoga Code Puzzlers Sci-Girls/Sci-Boys Wee Crafters Chef Mat’s Cooking Club Mad Science
G R AD UA TE Adam McGrath has attended Montessori School of Louisville since kindergarten. His peers and teachers describe him as kind, helpful, witty, a role model, and a wonderful leader. We wish him well in his future endeavors. Excerpts from Adam’s graduation speech…. “Since I have been here for so long, I’ve been able to see this school grow and change in so many ways. Not only have we grown in building space, but we’ve also grown in our number of students. In addition to seeing the school’s growth, I’ve had so many different experiences and grown myself. I have been to Marengo Cave, Fox Hollow, Huber’s Farm, a camp in Western Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. I’ve made so many memories here and gained friends I will never forget. It’s really going to be hard for me to leave. There’s no way I can give back to this school all it’s given me. I really feel there’s nothing I could do or say that would be a goodbye that’s good enough for this place. So, I’m not going to say goodbye, because as you know a bridge goes in both directions; I’ll be back.”
M I D D L E S CH OOL B US I N E S S In addition to their academic studies, our middle school students run their own businesses and conduct community service. It is through running their own businesses that students begin to develop a sense of who they will be as productive, caring adults in society.
PROFITS EARNED Smoothie Central Impresso Espresso Barrel Heads Profits Earned
$1,256 $403 $600 $2,259
Traveling Part of our middle school experience is spending time off campus. Our middle school students were able to travel to Tennessee, North Carolina, and Western Kentucky. Their student run businesses pay for half their travel expenses.
Community Service Our middle school students are our best volunteers. They are always willing to help teachers in the classroom, Ms. Rachel in the office and with our event setups, and our building projects. They help clean up our property to keep it in pristine condition.
C OM M I T TE E WOR K WHAT?
Much of the work of the Board is done through committees. Committees are charged by the Board with specific responsibilities. Generally, a committee focuses on a particular aspect of the school’s development and formulates recommendations for the Board. Although a committee may be given authority to implement certain decisions, only the full Board has the power to make major decisions or to formulate policy. Finance Committee The finance committee reviews and recommends financial policies and procedures. This committee oversees the development of the annual budget in close collaboration with the Director of School and presents the budget to the board for approval. The finance committee oversees financial operations and provides the board with periodic reports and coordinate an annual audit. It also oversees the school’s investments and recommends specific investment strategies to the board. Building and Grounds Committee The building and grounds committee oversees the other important category of the school assets: property, building and major equipment. The committee ensures that property is maintained and renovated to meet program needs. Members monitor the safety of the school’s physical environment, as well as conformity to other regulatory requirements, i.e., fire and building codes. The building and grounds committee makes recommendations for capital improvements. Development Committee The development committee oversees all fundraising efforts for the school. The committee sets policy for receiving gifts and conducting fundraising. The funds development committee approves all fundraising events and may appoint ad hoc committees to implement specific events. The committee itself plans the annual fund drives and its capital campaigns. Committee members take an active role in cultivating and soliciting major donors and train board members in the art of donor solicitation. Marketing Committee The marketing committee works to broaden the community’s involvement with the school. The primary job of the committee is to coordinate volunteer efforts in support of the school’s programs. The committee also reviews major publications to ensure that they are consistent with the mission and image of the school. This committee occasionally recommends communication or marketing approaches to disseminate information about the school and its programs to further develop public/parent relations. Special Projects Committee The special projects committee works to create programs for students and teaching faculty. The primary job of the committee is to analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate programming that would benefit the students and teachers. This committee focuses primarily on sports, professional development for educators, and social justice programs.
WHEN? WHERE?
Many committees meet quarterly. However, the development and finance committees meet monthly. Meetings are generally held at 6:30 pm at MSL. There are times when meetings are scheduled off-campus or by phone.
WHO?
Anyone who is a parent at MSL can join a committee. Interested parents should reach out to administration for more details.
2017-18 Committee Members Finance Committee Omar Hinojosa, Board Chair Katherine Kuntz Lori Wendelin Angela Kehdy Chris Priddy Bryce Sandefur
Development Committee Sue Perram, Board Chair Allison DeZarn Chris Langford Megan Sandefur Rachel Schrepfrerman Marketing Committee Shannon Williams, Board Chair Vahid Mockon Trista Coy Brianna Roberts Raghu Vamsi
Building Committee Mike Wagner, Board Chair Bob Buse Omar Hinojosa Rebecca Bell
Special Projects Committee James Gregory, Board Chair Matt Schutz Marcia Kidd Tonya Greenstone Kira Hutchinson Tracy Sightler George Scott Andrew Burden Claudia McClure Todd Roberts Carrie Tilton Grosch
P AR EN T AN D T EA C H E R O R G AN I Z AT I ON The PTO, led by Kristina Valerius and supported by our room advisors, had a successful year of events and fundraisers. They hosted our teacher luncheons, Annual Fall Picnic, Butterfly Benefit, and Field Day. To support their endeavors, they held two bake sales, restaurant nights, Scholastic Book Fair, and a Yankee Candle sale.
Goals of the PTO ❖ To build a strong sense of community and school spirit ❖ To support the students, faculty and staff ❖ To create a strong sense of community between the school administration and the MSL parent community
PTO Expenses $2,713
PTO Fundraising Amazon Smile Box Tops for Education Kroger Cards Restaurant Events Yankee Candle Fundraiser PTO Product/Catalog Sales Scholastic Book Fair (Credit) Total
$212 $614 $1,671 $487 $2,326 $1,328 $2,100 $8,740
V O L UN TE ER S Why do you volunteer? “I volunteer because I enjoy the opportunity to be in the environment and connecting with parents, students, and staff. It gives me a better understanding of their work and their environment and reinforces why we love Montessori.” ~Andrea Scott, EC and LE Parent “Sending our first born off to school for the first time was an emotional experience for him and us as parents. I knew immediately that I wanted to be as involved as possible, both to help him with the transition and to get to know the adults that would be caring for and teaching him. The more involved I’ve become, the more comfortable and included he feels, which has made our entire family highly invested in the school. There are so many ways to volunteer and doing so has offered so many opportunities to get to know the teachers, staff and children that have become such an important part of our son’s life.” ~Tracy Sightler, LE Parent “I volunteer to support and contribute to the school community and because volunteering allows me to continue to learn about the Montessori approach and the unique ways that MSL works.” ~Anonymous Toddler Parent “I volunteer for the same altruistic reasons other parents do: to lend a helping hand where needed at my children’s school, and to get a better idea of how they spend their time away from home. But, most of all, I volunteer for my own selfish reasons. When I first moved to Louisville, I didn’t know anyone, and, through Material-making Wednesdays, MSL provided a ready-made family of parents willing to answer my questions about life here. Over time, volunteering has continued to allow me to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people, which is priceless.” ~Susana Trindade, UE and MS Parent “I volunteer because I see it as an important investment in my children's education. It gives me the opportunity to participate in making the school more successful and helps me feel more connected to the students, parents, and teachers that make up the MSL community.” ~Alpa Shah, EC and LE Parent “I started volunteering to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I also want to be a part of my son's school and to learn more about Montessori's education. Since I have started volunteering I have made new friends and get to see the joy it brings my son when he can say to friends, ‘That's my mom’.” ~Kristina Valerius, EC Parent
O UR AM AZ I N G V O L UN TE ER S This year, our volunteers devoted over 1060 hours of service to our children and classrooms. Ms. Anju’s Willow classroom had over 121 volunteer hours in her classroom alone. The students enjoy having volunteers read with them, lead art and cooking projects, introduce to them cultural celebrations from around the world, and share their passions. Eman Abualganam
Erika Hinojosa
Elizabeth Roussis
Allison Ahmed
Omar Hinojosa
Bryce Sandefur
Mike Arend
Amy Hoagland
Megan Sandefur
Samantha Aylmer
Angie Hocker
Aya Sawazaki
Jermain Barger
Calvin Hocker
Amy Schutz
Carolyn Bell
Kira Hutchinson
Matt Schutz
Rebecca Bell
Stephanie Hutchinson
Andrea Scott
Kristin Bellucci
Angela Kehdy
George Scott
Gabriella Biberman
Shruti Kumbhojkar
Alpa Shah
Matthew Biberman
Katherine Kuntz
Alex Shull
Katie Block
Chris Langford
Cindy Siders
Andy Bollinger
Hon Lieu
Tracy Sightler
Chad Braden
Tatsiana Livitz
Laura Stimler
Jana Brewer
Andrew Mackay
Erika Tedesco
Cristina Bueno
Michelle Mandlehr
Michele Thomas
Natalie Burden
Claudia McClure
Kenya Toussaint
Veronica Chang
Kathryn McIntosh
Susana Trindade
Heather Chesnut
Avinash Mensinkai
Susana Turner
Mojgan Chitsaz
Brandie Mour
Nancy Underwood
Katy Condley
Lorie Nichols
Andy Valerius
Kendra Cotton
Katrina O’Brien
Kristina Valerius
Corazon de Maria Acosta
Kim Parker
Phillip Velinov
Kristin Delaney
Erin Patel
Susann Vorfalt
Allison DeZarn
Alexis Paxton
Aijie Wang
Dana Dugatkin
Ryan Paxton
Dan Wendelin
Nuray Elci
Chris Priddy
Shannon Williams
Gabe Evans
Pragati Raghav
Ambre Wilson
James Gregory
Lakshmi Ramareddy
Katherine Ye
Ashleigh Gross
Manar Rasheed
Chika Yoshida
Yasser Hayat
Brianna Roberts
Melissa Hensley
Eran Rosenberg
B U TT ER F L Y B EN E F I T SP ON SOR S AN D D ON OR S Silver Screen Level Familia Hinojosa Nova Salon Gatsby Level Scott Family Clark Memorial Hospital
Flapper Level Harshaw-Kuntz Family Custom Select Realty-Sightler Family Northstar Anesthesia Sypher Technology
Cat’s Pajamas Level UP for Women and Children Fetch! Petcare of Louisville Hosting Family Angat and Erin Patel
Bee’s Knees Level David Mour Law Office Condley Family
Fund the Mission Donations~$9,050 total donations Allison Ahmed Emily Arend JJ Aylmer Daniel Wendelin Shannon Williams Christopher Woods Marlon Chagua Michelle Chalmers Alison DeZarn
Rachel Flavell Steven Furlow Jackie Hamm Omar Hinojosa Dyan Hyman Farid Kehdy Marcia Kidd Sandy Mersch Lorie Nichols
Pete Patel Brittany Priddy Brad Thomas Brianna Roberts Megan Sandefur Amy Schutz Rob Sightler Kristina Valerius Michael Drummond
Kristin Bellucci Natalia Velinova Clay Condley Eddie Admony Katherine Kuntz George Scott Erin Patel David Mour
Butterfly Benefit Auction Donors 502 Power Yoga Allison DeZarn Amanda Wooden Amy Basbagill Anju Patel Anthony Vince Nail Spa Ashley Organizes Avanti Skin Center Bake Rattle and Roll Blairwood Swim & Fitness Bowtie Express Car Wash Brittany Fuller Bryan and Carolyn Siders Carrie Tilton-Grosch Cat Larimore Cellar Door Chris Langford Christina Alizadeh Clater Jewelers Diamond Cold Stone Creamery Cris Bueno Cuvee Wine Table Darcey Timmerman DB&L Crafts Delaney Family Derby Dinner Playhouse
Diana Schreck Donaldson Famiy Elements Massage Emily Arend Erin Lister Artist Erin Wilson Evelyn Fabre Feeders Supply Fresh Boutique 4 Girls Gabe Evens Gary Vitale Genesis Diamonds Heine Brothers Highland Morning InSync with You Jersey Mike’s Jessica Cattell Jet’s Pizza Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza Juice Bar Kahuna Cleaners Kelsey Dye Kentucky Arts Academy Khushboo Mehandru Kristi Fulkerson
Kristin Bellucci Lauren Louise Photography Lisa Huff Louisville Zoo Magpie3x3, LLC Marcia Kidd McClure Family Mel Owen Music Melissa Ronayne Michael Drummond Misty Kaufman Mockingbird Valley Sports Complex Molly Monkey Kids’ Furniture Moonlighting Services Mour Family My Gym Nanz and Kraft Florists Nichols Family Nouvelle Bar and Bottle Nova Salon Pam Zemotel Patel Family Pesto’s Persian and Italian Cuisine Playthings Toy Shoppe
Robert Roberts Scot Duvall Scott Family Shabnam Mockon Shannon Williams Sky Zone StageOne Sullivan University Bakery Susanna Trindade Target Taylor Yocom Tea Station Asian Bistro The Bakery at Sullivan University The Hat Girls Trader Joe’s Trista Coy Tunie’s Valerius Family Vanessa Richmond Wentz Family Whet Your Palette Yew Dell Botanical Gardens Yoga on Baxter
A N N U AL G I V I N G M AK ES I T A L L P OS SI B L E
Off to the Races Back by popular demand this year was our “Off to the Races” campaign. To kick off our event, students and faculty enjoyed their favorite snowballs from Boudreaux’s Snowballs. The race began with our Magnolia classroom sprinting to the finish line with 100% participation. As our campaign ended, our Aspen classroom also reached the finish line. Magnolia received a doughnut party on the last Once again, the MSL community came together to help the school achieve its fundraising objectives. Our annual fund was successful thanks to the generosity of alumni, current families, board members, faculty and staff, grandparents, and friends. Giving highlights include support
day of school. Thank you for actively participating in the Off to the Races campaign, and equally as important, to those who had already generously donated to the Annual Fund earlier in the school year.
from over 68% of community that raised $16,564. A big thank you to every one of our donors! The Annual Fund supports many important initiatives at MSL. This year we are proud to report that a portion of the donations by the community will help fund our tuition assistance program, allowing MSL to serve more students.
PLEDGES FOR THE 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR Underwood Family
Hinojosa Family
Ye Family
Zeng Family
Sandefur Family
Mockon Family
Steinbrecher Family
Givan Family
Harshaw-Kuntz Family
Patel Family
Desai Family
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” — Booker T. Washington
T H AN K Y OU T O A L L OUR O F WON D ER F UL D ON OR S ! Montessori Society ~$1,000 to $4,999 Furlow Family Golden Bead Patron ~ $500 to $999 Bollinger Family Dickson Family Langford Family Williams Family Yoshida Family Butterfly Society ~$250 to $499 Beale Family Bell Family Condley Family Gerlach Family Harshaw-Kuntz Family Hayat Family Hinojosa Family Hoagland Family Hutchinson Family Kidd Family McClure Family McIntosh Family Perram Family Roberts Family Sandefur Family Scott Family Shah Family Shofner Family Siders Family Smith Family Van Hook Family Underwood Family Wendelin Family Ye Family
Pink Tower Patron ~ $100 to $249 Ayyoubi Family Ballou Family Blakely Family Bruzina Family Choi Family DeBusk Family Donaldson Family Earhart Family Frazier Family Gray Family Gurevich Family Kilner Family Ng Family Ronayne Family Schrepferman Family Stoflet Family Valerius Family Zen Family Owl Club~Up to $100 Admony Family Ahmed Family Arend Family Aulenbach Family Ayapilla Family Baggarley Family Bahunutula Family Bailey Family Barbour Family Barrett Family Blair Family Block Family Bloomer Family Braden Family Brocious-Moore Family Broughton Family Bueno Family Burden Family
Chagua Family Chesnut Family Cotton Family Coy Family Datta Family Delaney Family DenDekker Family Doogarsingh Family Drummond Family Duvall Family Gettis Family Giles Family Givan Family Green Family Gregory Family Hagan Family Hammouda Family Hatcher Family Hocker Family Huff Family Hyman Family Imhof Family Kehdy Family Kline Family Lamb Family Livitz Family Mendelsberg Family Mensinkai Family Mockon Family Mour Family Nelson Spehar Family Nichols Family O'Brien Family Otto Family Parker Family Patel Family Pavluk Family Paxton Family Rabkin Family
Riles Family Rimmel Family Rosenberg Family Sagum Family Schutz Family Shriner Family Sightler Family Singh Family Smith Family Stacy Family Steinbrecher Family Stimler Family Stone Family Stonestreet Family Street Family Thomas Family Tilton Grosch Family Timmerman Family Trindade Family Tsebro Family Turner Family Velinov Family Wallace Family Wang Family Watson Family Wilson Family Woods Family Yao Family Yocom Family Matching Gifts Brown-Forman Community Foundation Design+ Humana PNC Foundation
This report acknowledges gifts received during MSL’s fiscal year, July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible in compiling our lists of donors and volunteers. If your name has been omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact Lori Wendelin at business@msl-edu.org or call 502-640-8585.