Montessori School of Maui Annual Report 2017-18

Montessori School of Maui A N N UA L R E P O R T F O R F I S C A L Y E A R 2 0 1 7 – 2 0 1 8

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2017 – 2018

officers GROWING GLOBAL CITIZENS SINCE 1978

Allyson Mattox

The Montessori School of Maui provides a

president 1/1/18–present

comprehensive curriculum from early childhood into adolescence by following the principles, spirit and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori’s method of education. This approach features a collaborative learning environment to stimulate each student’s critical thinking skills, cultivate inquisitive minds and empower children to actively participate in the rapidly

Dr. Heather Haynes president 1/1/15–12/31/17

Tess Hanson DeLisa vice president

Salma Ansari treasurer

Dr. Frederick Rawe secretary

changing environment of the twenty-first century.

trustees The Montessori School of Maui promotes: • Academic excellence • A love of learning • Mutual respect • Environmental awareness and responsibility • Individual accountability within a social framework • The development of each child’s unique potential The Montessori School of Maui is a non-profit organization.

We are a non-denominational, co-educational school enrolling and providing education to children without regard to race, nationality, gender, ethnic origin or religious beliefs.

The Montessori School of Maui is fully accredited by the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Both associations awarded our school a full seven-year accreditation, the highest term any school can receive.

An expansion during the 2004-2005 school year was awarded LEED® Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Jeremy Baldwin Jennifer Pritchett Sarah Bredhoff Klaus Simmer Emma Burns Christopher Smith Karen Frampton David Spee Robert Pellettieri Ben Summit Erica White

honorary board members Susan R. Graham Annie Nelson Cynthia Quisenberry Cherry Anne Sutherland

FACULTY & STAFF Eric L Dustman, PhD head of school

2017 – 2018

toddler classroom

administration

‘Ōhi’a

Cheryl Kaupalolo director of finance

primary classrooms

Ali Grimes director of development

Kamani Alejandra Carta, Lead Teacher

Susan Kaupalolo, Assistant

Sue Schmidt director of admissions Melinda Lyle-Javier director of teaching and learning __________________________________

Judy Doucette, Lead Teacher Jennifer Dempsey, Assistant

Kukui Megan Lacasse, Lead Teacher

Roopa Akkineni, Assistant

Iolani Antonio, Assistant

Monkeypod Shana Driscoll, Lead Teacher

Elianne Santin, Assistant Nara

Chrissy Charles, Lead Teacher Azusa Merrill, Assistant

Plumeria

Janie Kunin, Lead Teacher Anne Colletta, Assistant

Momi Chun finance associate Deesha Tucker finance assistant Jamie Athearn administrative assistant Maile Lopes development assistant Dheya Kealoha librarian, field trip & after-school programs coordinator

Jen, Elianne, Alejandra, Susan, Holly, Megan, Azusa, Chrissy, Roopa, Janie, Judy, Shana and Anne

lower elementary classrooms

upper elementary classrooms

Banyan

‘Iliahi

Emily Severson, Lead Teacher Sierra Sylva, Assistant Monica Reineke, Assistant

Jacaranda Gloria Del Rivo, Lead Teacher

Amanda Asue, Assistant 1st row: Maile, Dheya, Deesha and Melinda 2nd row: Jamie, Sue, Eric, Ali, Cheryl and Momi

Wiliwili

Jolyne Rego, Lead Teacher Hidemi Hiraga, Assistant

resource teachers Art: Sandra Guerard Garden: Scott Lacasse Physical Education: Sarah Pearson Fine Arts Integration: Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) Hawaiian Studies (Lower El): Jamie Athearn Hawaiian Studies (Upper El and MS): Melinda Lyle-Javier Mindfulness: Ali Grimes Spanish: Elianne Santin Upper Elementary Resource Teacher: Jennifer Stocks

Gloria, Emily, Jolyne and Hidemi (not pictured: Amanda, Monica and Sierra)

Amy Eiden, Lead Teacher Nani Cabanting, Assistant

Māmane Shirah Minagawa, Lead Teacher

Tanja Valentine, Assistant

Miri Sunkel, Assistant

middle school classroom Koa

Jeffrey Friedman, Lead Teacher Melissa Meeker, Math/Science

Nani, Amy, Miri and Melinda (not pictured: Shirah)

Melissa and Jeffrey

extended care Primary: Anela Medeiros, Holly Hume Elementary: Sarah Pearson, Liliana I‘i

maintenance Tony Akina, Head of Maintenance Anthony Phillips, Maintenance Assistant Chad Llego, Maintenance Assistant Jonathan Rebo, Custodian Shaina Mendez, Custodian Monica Reineke, Custodian

Resource Teachers: Sandra, Jennifer, Elianne, Scott, Jamie, Sarah, Liliana, Melinda and Anela (not pictured: Ali)

Maintenance and Janitorial: Chad, Tony and Anthony (not pictured: Jonny, Shaina and Monica)

A Message from the Head of School There is a simple canvas that hangs in our home that includes the statement, among a chaotic Jackson Pollock-styled paint splattering, “There is always a new beginning”.

Our son painted it soon after we arrived in Qingdao, China and I am pleased to share that it followed us to Maui. The statement and the possibilities it suggests continue to hold a prominent place for my eyes and within my heart.

Heather Haynes Board President 1/1/15 – 12/31/17 Eric Dustman, Head of School and Allyson Mattox Board President 1/1/18 – Present

The Montessori School of Maui has managed to also earn a rightful space from me over the past academic year. The welcoming of this community and the dialogue we have begun is nothing but extraordinary. It has been invigorating to learn of the school and community’s significant achievements, to identify the many touch points deserving of attention, and to begin solidifying in my own mind the vision that will afford us a future of greater prominence within the Montessori and Maui communities.

This past year lends itself nicely to realizing such a goal. Reaccreditation with the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges affirmed our compliance with standards befitting an accredited, independent school and necessitates our capitalizing on the plans for improvement that we identified ourselves throughout the process. Record enrollment demanded that faculty and staff perform feats of magical proportion, looking constructively at their many routines and processes to ensure that the curriculum being delivered was meeting the needs of their students. Even conversations heard among many within the immediate and broader community proved that our efforts were noticed, viewed positively, and bettering our outcomes.

Celebrating our 40th Anniversary, the Montessori School of Maui is as strong as it has ever been. Such strength does not suggest that we rest on our laurels but demands instead that we look for ways to be innovative in our practice so that the lives of all children, present and future, are enriched even more so. We are doing this.

The start of this academic year officially marked an end to the 2017-2018 school year while also setting in motion another, new beginning. We are lucky to have such an opportunity for in few industries, other than education, time does not afford extended periods for reflection, planning, and implementation. Each year we are provided the distinct opportunity to start anew. Your support and active involvement surely make it a pleasure to do so.

Mahalo nui loa,

Eric L Dustman, PhD Head of School

About Our School The Montessori School of Maui, founded in 1978, began by serving just 8 students in a simple Quonset hut beside St. Rita’s Church in Ha‘ikū. Over the years the organization has mindfully grown, stretched and evolved to a lovely 9-acre campus serving over 270 students, from 18 months through 8th grade.

The school employs a collaborative learning environment, based upon the time-honored principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago, designed to stimulate each student’s critical thinking skills, cultivate inquisitive minds and empower children to actively participate in the rapidly changing environment of the twenty-first century.

The Montessori teaching methodology is uniquely based upon observation, peer learning, tactile learning materials and intrinsic motivation. Within each classroom, multiple grades or levels of students are combined, creating an environment wherein students serve as leaders for one-another. These elements all come together to create a truly distinctive and remarkable approach to education.

ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Ages 6 years to 12 years, Grades 1 through 6 Elementary students thrive on learning with and from each other. These collaborative learning environments, divided into Lower Elementary serving grades 1 through 3 and Upper Elementary serving grades 4 through 6, emphasize the interactive process that achieves both academic success and social competence. Students develop the ability to work cooperatively in reaching a goal, contributing ideas, listening to others and respecting individual differences.

Our Programs: TODDLER PROGRAM

Ages 18 months to 3 years The Toddler Program supports children in developing self-control and self-confidence through communication and real life activities. In a safe and caring environment, young children are encouraged to explore and challenge themselves as they develop into independent human beings.

PRIMARY PROGRAM

Ages 3 years to 6 years, Pre-K through Kindergarten Primary children love to work in a community of independent learners. A wide range of activities engage the children at all levels of ability and maturity, and make possible the Montessori goals of individualized work, concentration, independence and social awareness.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Ages 12 years to 14 years, Grades 7 and 8 When our Middle School students graduate, they find themselves well prepared for their high school years. The program’s curriculum and instructional design are developed so that each student is exposed to and well versed in knowledge and skills common to a pre-collegiate curriculum, with a special focus on the integration of technology.

Montessori School of Maui, Celebrating 40 years We are overjoyed to be celebrating our 40th Anniversary Year at MOMI during the 2018-19 school year. Many of the original founders of our school who came together in 1978 to form MOMI, still live on Maui and support MOMI in a multitude of ways. This small group of individuals had the idea to open a Montessori preschool to offer early childhood education opportunities on Maui, that did not exist in the 70’s. Through many years of teamwork, navigation through obstacles, and a strength in vision and mission, MOMI has grown from its modest roots as a small preschool located in a Quonset hut at St. Rita’s Church in Ha‘ikū, to the beautiful 9-acre campus in Makawao, serving students 18 months through 8th grade. The school continues in its original mission to offer a collaborative learning environment, based upon the time-honored principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago, designed to stimulate each student’s critical thinking skills, cultivate inquisitive minds and empower children to actively participate in the rapidly changing environment of the twenty first century. We look forward to celebrating MOMI throughout the 2018-19 school year. The calendar below highlights several happenings, but keep an eye out this year for other ways we will be telling our story and celebrating our 40th Anniversary, including a Middle School videography storytelling project, as one example.

Please enjoy the timeline, which tells our story, our journey and growth over the last 40 years.

Many of the landmark moments are highlighted here for our families present and past to understand and enjoy. As Dennys Eymard, former Board Member and longtime Staff Member, wrote of the school, “We look back to remember our beginnings, honor our past and revere those who have paved the way for us. By understanding the journey, we can more fully understand our present and plan for our future. We have been able to succeed in our mission only because of the tireless dedication of the Montessori pioneers who first gathered in that simple Quonset hut in Ha‘ikū; chief among them, former Head of School, Cynthia WinansBurns. From the very beginning, she has been a part of our classroom experience, guiding the learning of many children and leading a dedicated team of fellow instructors to challenge, grow and evolve their skills and approach.”

Mahalo to Dennys for compiling the timeline information from 1978-2012.

Quonset Hut at St. Rita’s Church, Ha‘ikū 1978–1984

cynthia winans-burns teaching

40th Anniversary Calendar SEPTEMBER 2018 All-School Assembly to kick off the 40th Anniversary birthday year with students and staff SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 Taste of Upcountry in honor of the 40th Anniversary SPRING 2019, DATE TBD Stay Tuned . . . 40th Anniversary Community Party

1978-79

1983-84

Montessori Children’s Home begins in a Quonset hut at Saint Rita’s Church in Ha‘ikū with 8 students. Theresa (Klett) Andreae is the school’s first Director.

First Board of Directors is formed and Montessori of Maui, Inc. (MOMI) is incorporated.

1978-2018 Holy Rosary Parish Hall, Pā‘ia 1984–1994

Kahului Union Church 1985–1994

Primary Campus

Elementary Campus

“

When my children first went to the school, I was struck by the way Cynthia (Cynthia Winans-Burns, Head of School, 2000-2011) spoke to the kids. She had this way of speaking to each human being. The response was amazing and the wholechild dynamics change in that air of respect. I was immediately sold on Montessori and Cynthia changed my life. She continued to inspire me to work towards the school’s next goal so that as many children as possible would be able to have a Montessori experience. I have always felt honored to be a part of her vision

”

for the school.

upper elementary

– Susan Graham, Honorary Board Member and former Board President

lower elementary

makawao campus groundbreaking

1984-85

1987-88

1990-91

1985-86

School moves into two classrooms in the Parish Hall of Holy Rosary Church in Pāia.

Leadership team

The new permanent

The first

develops a “10 Year Plan” for the future of the school and to identify a permanent unified site.

site in Makawao is selected, securing the future of our campus through an agreement with Maui Land & Pineapple Company.

elementary class in Kahului Union Church opens.

1990-91 The new permanent site in Makawao is

selected, securing the future of our campus through an agreement with Maui Land & Pineapple Company.

Maui Architectural Group wins the island-wide competition to create a campus design that

is sensitive to Montessori principles and the needs of children.

1992-93 Groundbreaking for new site; Capital Campaign begins to fund construction.

Montessori School of Maui, Celebrating 40 years Makawao Campus

2003–2010

1994–2002

“

We always had a culture of ‘team effort’ to get things accomplished during my time at MOMI. I am very proud of our growth, planning and the sustainable future on the horizon.

Our Board and staff work hard in the best interest of children

”

and know how to work as a team to move mountains.

– René Anderson-Vorfeld, Head of School, 2011-2017

design charette arbor arch

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MAUI G U I D E L I N E S O F S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

students observing campus construction

school garden

root family center / energy efficient design

construction completion

1993-94

1994-95

1997-98

2001-02

2003-04

School assumes its current name “Montessori School of Maui.”

Construction is completed in fall 1994, enabling the school to move all of its classes together for the first time on the new campus.

The Toddler Program is added.

The School Garden is created.

The Middle School opens.

Willie Nelson presents his first fundraising concert for the school.

Conducted a design charette for campus expansion project. Recycling Learning Center is created.

1995-96 Second phase of construction is completed in December to add four additional classrooms.

2000-01 Cynthia WinansBurns becomes Head of School.

2004 Arbor Arch is erected on the Lower Campus Lawn to thank and honor donors of the first Capital Campaign,

which raised funds to move to and build the Makawao campus.

curriculum and its educational environment.

New playground is created.

2006-07

2005

Groundbreaking for campus expansion.

School is awarded prestigious LEED (Leader in Environmental and Energy Efficient Design) Silver Certification for campus expansion project.

Sustainability Guidelines are created so the purpose and performance of the built environment could be positively integrated with the Montessori

2008-09 Samuel N. and Mary Castle Complex and Root Family Center are completed.

2009-10

1978-2018 2010–2013

2014–2018

“

middle school groundbreaking

It’s fun to think about what our early MOMI pioneers considered as they began the journey that we still find ourselves on today. These same considerations – what’s best for children, what’s good for families, and what actions will ensure innovation in Montessori education – remain atop our priority list.

Seeing that these ideals have brought us to our 40th year and understanding that they will lead us through our next is inspiring and will help us achieve the founders’ early dream.

– Eric Dustman, Head

”

of School, 2017-present

middle school completion basketball court

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2018-19

School is awarded 6-year accreditation from Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).

Cynthia Winans-Burns retires after 33 years of dedicated service and René Anderson-Vorfeld becomes Head of School.

New Basketball Court opens.

5th Primary Classroom opens.

Relocated and redesigned new Administrative Office Building and Library.

Blessing and groundbreaking for the new Middle School classrooms.

The Middle School Environment is completed, blessed and students moved in. New Art Classroom opens with adjacent new Ceramics Workspace.

MOMI receives a full 7-year accreditation, the highest term any school can receive from Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Head of School, René Anderson-Vorfeld, retires after 19 years total at MOMI, 6 years as Head.

Head of School, Eric Dustman, joins Montessori School of Maui.

Our Mission Academic Excellence

A Love of Learning

Mutual Respect

Academic excellence is a cornerstone of the Montessori School of Maui’s mission as a school. Since we opened our doors in 1978, we have continually self-reflected as a school, and grown and developed our program to be a model Montessori school.

Student abilities vary across all academic areas of study. Therefore, our focus on

One of the primary tenants of our school and the Montessori philosophy is to inspire a “Love of Learning” within each child.

Teachers work on an individual and group basis with students to support the intrinsic curiosities within each child, so that they come to awaken their innate passions and love their days at school. Finding that sense of contentment in our

The healthy social and emotional learning environment that Montessori School of Maui provides allows our students to learn and cultivate self-respect, respect for their environment, respect for their peers and respect for their teachers. This sense of “Mutual Respect” for each other is a way that we encourage and develop a sense of peace within the school community.

Students address their teachers by their first names cultivating a sense of connection and

academic excellence, layered with a flexible child-centered model, allows a child to work individually, or with peers, at the level that meets the developmental and cognitive needs at that particular point in time. The beauty of the Montessori methodology is that it allows flexibility for both teachers and students to build upon the intrinsic curiosity of the student to achieve growth and academic success. Many successful Montessori-educated adults accredit their Montessori-style education for giving them the ability to “think outside the box.” For a changing world, our education gives students the critical thinking skills, selfconfidence and adaptability that will be necessary for them to thrive.

students’ daily workflow and social and collaborative time is given great attention.

Of this, Maria Montessori said, “Joy, feeling one’s own value, being appreciated and loved by others, feeling useful and capable of production are all factors of enormous value for the human soul.” During the morning work cycle, our teachers create an environment of “joyful workflow” for our students, where they are given the freedom to choose their work, follow their curiosities and thereby strengthen their intrinsic motivation.

respect between teacher and student. When teachers model respect by being respectful to children, as opposed to a system of rewards and punishments, a true culture of respect can be created. Whether it is a gentle hand on the shoulder or soft words guiding better behavior, we see this respect modeled by our teachers and embodied in our students as they grow and develop. If our students can grow into adults who carry this sense of respect in their interactions and pursuits, we believe this is one of the foundations for a more peaceful and interdependent society and world.

GROWING GLOBAL CITIZENS SINCE 1978

Environmental Awareness and Responsibility

Individual Accountability within a Social Framework

The Development of Each Child’s Unique Potential

Cultivating a love and respect for the Earth and our environment is tied into many aspects of our students’ education at Montessori School of Maui. Beginning in Toddler and Primary, students experience hands on activities with Living Classroom Teacher, Scott Lacasse, in the beautiful School Garden. As they grow into their elementary years, students continue to work and study in the Living Classroom and Peace Garden and also take field trip excursions within our wondrous environ-

At our school, great attention and care is given to each individual student, not only to bring out the intrinsic gifts within that child, but also to help the child embody individual accountability. With the tools they are given for mutual respect and healthy communication at our school, they also learn about personal integrity and

In our prepared environments, teachers become the ally of the student, in assisting them in their growth and in achieving their unique potential. It was Maria Montessori’s belief that each child has a unique gift and purpose, and that the job of the educator is to help the student tap into

ment of Maui. In Middle School, those trips and service work expand to include environmental care and sustainability projects on campus and community service work in the greater Maui community. As part of the mission of “Growing Global Citizens,” we feel that care for and sustainability of our planet is of paramount importance for our students’ learning.

accountability. Their hearts and emotions are held in great care, and they are also taught about the responsibility that comes with their own actions and behaviors – how to humbly apologize and take ownership for their mistakes. The classroom ‘ohana is held with the highest regard, so that each individual also learns to care for and support the greater group.

that potential. Our academic curriculum is rich and rigorous. Our Montessori teachers are trained in the art of observation and appreciate the differences between students’ learning styles and interests. Teachers create individualized learning plans for each of their students, which allows each student to realize her full potential.

Academics The Montessori methodology originates from a nontraditional, holistic education model developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. The Montessori methodology has grown over time and is highly valued and admired by leading neuroscientists, like Steven Hughes, for its basis in supporting a child’s brain development. While traditional approaches to education focus on simply measuring a student’s knowledge-base given the delivery of a teacher-led curriculum, the fundamental idea behind a Montessori education is that children are intrinsically motivated to learn and explore and when afforded the necessary guidance, children will learn and will do so enthusiastically.

As a society and culture, we are slowly moving from productbased education systems to process-based education systems, something that Montessori educators have been promoting for decades. Adaptability, critical thinking, self-motivation, collaboration, and social and emotional development are becoming indicators of success. Nurturing the development of such soft skills lends itself to teaching important principles of peaceful education – kindness, empathy, mindfulness and more, in addition to offering time for the development of strong language and math skills. At MOMI, our academic program utilizes carefully designed tactile materials to support teaching and learning. This often translates into the development of other materials, making what may have been abstract, something concrete, tangible, and useable. For example, during one of our middle school occupations this year, students learned about science, math, engineering, architecture, collaboration, and problem solving to construct new bins for efficient composting in the School Garden. Such holistic and real-life application of academic skills begins in our Toddler Program and continues through our Middle School Program. The achievements and well-being of our alumni are a testament to the success of our academic program. Please see our Alumni News and Alumni Spotlight sections on pages 14–19 to learn more about the lives of MOMI alumni.

Environmental Awareness & Responsibility “The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to live and feel in harmony with the Earth.”

— MARIA MONTESSO R I

Montessori School of Maui’s ‘āina-based curriculum encompasses a wealth of opportunities to learn about the natural world. The centerpiece of environmental learning at MOMI is our Living Classroom found in the School Garden.

Our Peace Garden established in 2015 and the Plumeria Grove, created by the Middle School class in 2016, enrich the learning experiences of our entire community.

The Sustainability Committee, comprised of both students and staff, is responsible for promoting and implementing ways in which the school can function in a sustainable and mindful way. On Earth Day each year, the School comes together to celebrate the Earth and complete environmentally-based service-learning projects. Last April, Earth Day started off with a school-wide assembly on the lawn where students read poems and sang songs about the ‘āina. The students then welcomed a musical performance in the RFC by visiting Haleakalā Waldorf High School musicians, who also shared their art trash creations. Marine biologist Lauren Blickley made a presentation on marine plastic pollution and showed students how they can help clean up our beaches and oceans. The day ended with each class playing recycling-inspired games and participating in a Wiliwili tree seed ball station for our 3rd Annual Leeward Haleakalā Watershed Restoration Partnership service-learning project. It was a festive day of learning and celebration about our beautiful Earth.

This school year our Student Philanthropy Committee raised over $5,000, the largest amount of money in its 11 year existence.

The students chose to donate $2,000 to East Maui Animal Refuge, $2,000 to the Montessori School of Maui Tuition Assistance Program, $500 to the Calvary by the Sea Montessori School Flood Recovery and $1,000 to the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Hawai‘i Island Volcano Recovery Fund. Mahalo to our Philanthropy Club mentor, Kristin Holmes, for teaching our kids about the importance of philanthropy and to the families and supporters who helped our young philanthropists go above and beyond their goal!

Kupuna Day 2018 One of the most cherished days of the school year for students and families is Kupuna Day. Our students’ kupuna, (or grandparents,) are invited to spend the day with their grandchildren on our school campus each January. Locally-based kupuna, as well as those who visit from the mainland and beyond, spend the morning with their grandchildren receiving a hands-on experience with the Montessori materials and methodology, guided by both their grandchildren and classroom teachers.

After a busy morning spent learning and observing in the classrooms, kupuna enjoy a potluck brunch provided by Montessori parents in the Root Family Center. There is also an opportunity for family photos along with a craft project.

We thank our kupuna for all of the ways they support their grandchildren, from drop-off and pick up, to help with paying tuition, making school donations and more. We hope to see many returning and new faces at our Kupuna and Special Friends Day next year, on January 25, 2019.

Lei Day 2018 Our beautiful annual Lei Day festivities took place on May 4, 2018.

It is a favorite all-school celebration of spring and Hawaiian culture. This year’s Lei Day performances highlighted themes of ancient Polynesian voyaging practices in honor of the Hōkūle‘a, a double hulled canoe, that circumnavigated the world and returned to Hawai‘i earlier this year. Middle School students Sierra Ryden and Zach Teagarden MC’d our Lei Day event.

Some classes chose to expand their performances beyond that of hula and shared strengths such as singing or skits to express their knowledge of voyaging-related themes. One skit told the story of the canoe plants brought over to Hawai‘i by early voyagers, another highlighted the ancient knowledge of the moon phases. Songs and hula celebrated the elements that play an important role to successful navigational skill, all pointing to the environmental knowledge early navigators encompassed to achieve their wayfinding.

To conclude the Lei Day celebration our students performed “Oli Mahalo,” an oli, or chant, to express our school wide gratitude, admiration, and love to our retirees Gloria Del Rivo, Hidemi Hiraga and Jolyne Rego for their years of dedication to MOMI. We appreciate all of the parents, kupuna and friends who came out to join us for Lei Day and who enjoyed the student performances and aloha spirit of the day. Lei Day 2019 will take place on Friday, May 24th.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

I

n the fall of 1981 when Montessori School of Maui was located in Ha‘ikū in a simple Quonset hut and offered early childhood education for children ages 3 to 6 years old, 3 year old Mamie Lawrence began her Primary school years at MOMI. The school had not yet grown into the vibrant toddler through 8th grade program on nine beautiful acres in Makawao that it is today. In 1978 the school was established, born from the vision of a small group of determined women and men who were passionate about the need to create a Montessori early childhood education opportunity on Maui. Mamie’s parents, David and Cindy Lawrence, were a part of the Montessori community that helped grow the school in the early days and served the school in multiple roles through Board work, committee work and more. Mamie has

Mamie (center) at the Ha‘ikū Quonset hut ____________________________________________________

memories of her time spent at Montessori School of Maui in the early 80s, such as her love for chopping carrots with the wavy chopper, the touch and feel of the soft leather lacing boot and the deafening sound of the rain on the corrugated tin roof in the Quonset hut. She also has fond memories of the closeknit community – families would often gather in the Teacher’s House to sing and play music together and share meals.

After she completed her third year of Primary at MOMI, Mamie went on to spend her elementary years at Waldorf, high school years at Seabury Hall and then college years at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.

Although her three years at MOMI were a small part of her overall education, Mamie’s profound experience as a young child at Montessori School of Maui affected her so deeply that she has started a Montessori School on O‘ahu, Mo‘O School. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in ethnomusicology

Mamie Lawrence-Gallagher

and a minor in Native American studies in 1999, Mamie stayed on working at Dartmouth for three years as Director of Student Activities.

In 2002, Mamie (and eventual husband Mike Gallagher, a friend from Dartmouth) left New England and moved back home to Honolulu, where she served in various administrative, consulting and fundraising roles for nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving the Native Hawaiian community.

Mamie and Mike later married and welcomed two daughters, Kilia, currently 10, and Maraea, currently 8. Mamie’s girls began attending Montessori toddler and primary programs, and this re-inspired her to rejoin the Montessori world as a teacher by pursuing her Montessori diploma. Mamie began her own Montessori 3-year Association Montessori International (AMI) elementary training in 2012, which she completed in Hartford, Connecticut in 2015 at the Montessori Training Center of New England (now Northeast.) During her training, Mamie saw the need for more Montessori education opportunities on O‘ahu. With the help and collaboration of like-minded families and educators, in 2015 she helped to open Mo‘O School, an ‘āinabased Montessori community serving students 2½ to 12 years old. This spring they received accreditation from AMI for both their Primary and Elementary classrooms.

Mo‘O School is unique in that it is not only a Montessori School, but also a model of a “microschool” or “storefront school”, intending to serve children as a safe school experience within urban America. The two classrooms at Mo‘O serve Primary students in one class, ages 3 to 6 and elementary students in the other, ages 6 to 12. Mamie serves dual roles, as not only School Director, but also Elementary Guide. As an urban school, Mamie and her students utilize public lands and space as part of their learning environment. Of this, Mamie says, “Montessori education in itself is ‘āina-based, and I also personally have a commitment to making sure our students know where they are in the world. So after time working inside within the uninterrupted work cycle, we venture outside and get to know our environment. Students know the ridges in Mānoa, they learn about what is growing in the area on their walks, they get to know the winds and rains and learn to follow the stream bed and waterfall patterns. They also learn how to ride a city bus and practice kindness, grace and courtesy in our marketplace community.”

Mamie instills many of the same qualities she first learned here as a small child at Montessori School of Maui in her students at Mo‘O School: a love of learning, personal responsibility, collaborative community, environmental awareness and more. “Life is not a solo journey. We cannot do it without others. Montessori education requires that a community of children engage in a daily practice of kindness and responsibility. Clean . . . continued on page 16

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

D

avid Quisenberry and his younger brother, Michael, both attended MOMI during the school’s formative years. The boys’ parents, Terry and Cynthia Quisenberry, were part of a small group of MOMI’s founders who were actively involved in the establishment and growth of the school.

Terry and Cynthia worked tirelessly on behalf of the school in many ways, from Board and committee work, to writing and receiving capital grant monies for buildings, to working on construction and facilities projects and much more.

David began his education at MOMI in the fall of 1981, shortly after the school was established in 1978, as a 2 ½ year old student in the Primary class on the Ha‘ikū campus in the Quonset hut at St. Rita’s Church. A curious and independent child, David has clear memories of his excitement in starting school. From the very first day, he joyfully joined the class, with a smooth transition from home life to school life. David has fond memories from his Primary years on the Ha‘ikū campus including happily singing the Friendship Song with his class and being in awe of the massive size of the cane hauler rubber tire on the playground, climbing in it in search of frogs and playing hide and seek there with classmates. David spent his Primary years with fellow Alumni Spotlight alum, Mamie Lawrence-Gallagher, current MOMI Board member and parent, Chris Smith and current MOMI parent, Cliff Graham and many more longtime MOMI friends. David remained a student at MOMI through its growth from serving 3 to 6 year olds only in the early 80s to adding the

David at the Ha‘ikū Quonset hut

David Quisenberry (DQ)

Elementary levels at school, serving students up to 12 years old. On the school’s second campus at Holy Rosary Parish Hall of Holy Rosary Church in Pāia, David remembers some of his experiences. “There was a papaya tree at the Pāia campus I used to climb to try to get papayas. There were also massive Norfolk pine trees that would drop their cones which was exciting as a child to find and collect. I also remember the feeling of the sandpaper continents on the globe in the classroom, as well as the feeling of the sandpaper numbers and letters materials.

That tactile learning about the world’s geography and language and numbers helped me learn more comprehensively.” Within David’s vivid memories of life at Montessori School of Maui, one can see the roots of his interests in the natural world and sciences.

Often after school, Cynthia, would stay for Board or committee meetings while Terry would take David and his brother Michael to search the recently harvested cane fields near the Pāia campus for treasures such as shells, rocks, seeds, plantation relics like clay door knobs, marbles, bottles and buttons.

During the mid-80s through the early 90s, MOMI had two campuses, maintaining the Primary classes at the Holy Rosary Church campus in Pāia and opening the Elementary school downtown in Kahului in 1985. David recalls the shift from Pāia to Kahului, where school was in a more urban environment.

The school made use of the urban landscape, incorporating school

trips to the public library for research and the pool downtown for swimming lessons.

Of life on campus there, David says, “I remember climbing trees in the school yard, trips to the school library to research information about Peru, having to be alert and careful crossing the street in single file, and performing in ‘Puss in Boots’ in the main auditorium.” The Montessori School of Maui parent community was still fairly small and very close knit, so David remembers often carpooling to school in station wagons with third row seats to accommodate 6 to 7 students in one family’s car.

After completing 5th grade at MOMI, David went on to attend Seabury Hall, followed

by California Polytechnic State University.

David majored in Agriculture at Cal Poly, focusing on fruit production (pomology) and wine grape production (viticulture).

Production experience included working in grape vineyards, and stone fruit orchards, and the citrus and avocado enterprise project where he sold produce at the weekly farmer’s market. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Fruit Science with a concentration in insect and pest management, with additional studies in forestry and natural resource management. During college, David worked as a wildland firefighter with the Forest Service on Santa Lucia Crew 7, stationed along the Coast range near San Luis Obispo in the Los Padres National Forest, and then in his last . . . continued on next page

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT CONTINUED Mamie Lawrence-Gallagher . . . continued from page 14

up is not about your workspace, but about your whole classroom. Children practice looking one another in the eyes, working with their hands and speaking with one another. This gives them the foundation of character to be strong, collaborative and peaceful world citizens. I am honored to carry on the vision and mission of Dr. Maria Montessori while imbuing within my children aloha and reverence for the kupuna, traditions and storied-places of our Hawai‘i Nei.”

David Quisenberry (DQ) . . . continued from page 15

year stationed in Big Sur on a wildland Engine 18 crew. David loved the structure and discipline of wildland firefighting which paid for his college education and enhanced his studies and interest in forest management while attending Cal Poly.

After graduating from Cal Poly, David moved back to Maui in 2002 and joined Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) on the Hāna Miconia crew conducting control work on Miconia calvescens, an invasive tree that has taken over 75% of Tahiti’s rainforests and is a threat to Hawai‘i’s watersheds and ecosystems.

After that, he worked in natural resources management for East Maui Watershed Partnership, then moved on to work for the Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Natural Area Reserve System, or NARS, doing watershed protection and invasive species management, endangered species work and ungulate control.

Shortly after moving back to Maui, David met his future wife, Erica, who worked for the National Park Service on the exotic plant management team. The two became fast friends, with similar work and interests, and soon Erica transitioned to working for the Auwahi Dryland Forest Recovery Group. David and Erica got to know each other quite well prior to getting married in early 2013. Soon thereafter their son Lucas (now 4) was born and in May of 2015, Erica, David and Lucas moved to Salt Lake City to live near Erica’s family and embarked on a new family adventure, incorporating

exploration of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. In 2016, daughter Lillian (now 2) was born in SLC, Utah.

David currently works in the Parks Department for Salt Lake City on the Open Space Crew as an Irrigation Technician.

In his job, he is tasked with caring for the city’s multitude of irrigation concerns, along with refuse clean-up, trail and grounds maintenance, as well as dumping problems. David has taken his lifelong work and love for the environment into a more urban setting, which he sees as challenging work, but equally important as preserving natural spaces in the world.

David also enjoys helping people and works seasonally in the Mountain School at Snowbird as a Snowboard Instructor and is currently studying to become an EMT. Both Lucas and Lillian now attend the Montessori Community School of Salt Lake City where Erica and David both volunteer on the MCS Parent School Alliance. David remarks, “When we first took the Silent Journey at Lucas’ and Lillian’s school, it was incredible to go back to my childhood at MOMI and fondly remember the Montessori materials and works I had the pleasure of growing up with – the sandpaper globe, bead chains, pink tower and knob-tube cylinders. Now, as a Montessori parent of two, I look back and feel I was very fortunate to have had such a nurturing school community to have grown up in and want to provide that for our two children. MOMI gave me the opportunity to grow up in an exceptionally positive learning environment even amongst the very humble beginnings we had. My time at Montessori was very formative and helped me develop a sense of self, as well as inspired me to follow my talents and curiosities in life. I remain very grateful to the truly awesome community of MOMI teachers, students, parents, and alumni that I got to grow up with! Thanks to my parents and MOMI, we recognize the value of early childhood education, the Montessori Method of following the child, and letting children become the best version of themselves. We love having our kids at the Montessori where we live in Salt Lake City!”

MAHALO TO THE PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION!

Our 2017-18 PTO Team, including President, Roxanne Gillespie, Vice President, Dionne Phillips, Treasurer, Carole Wentworth and Secretary, Jackie Goring led another successful year of community building and fundraising events including: the PTO New Parent Breakfast, the PTO Fall Family Potluck, PTO Family Movie Night, the PTO Holiday Fair and the Annual Staff Appreciation Party. Noteworthy for this year, our team raised a record amount of funds from the PTO Holiday Fair totaling $7,569.

The PTO voted to spend these funds on new tricycles for the Primary playground, recess and PE equipment, and emergency preparedness supplies on campus. We extend a heartfelt mahalo to Roxanne, Carole and Jackie who will be ending their 2-year terms as PTO Officers. We thank Dionne for returning for her second term as Vice President and also welcome new President, Jennifer Oberg, new Treasurer, Keri Quinsaat and new Secretary, Kanoe Merino.

Top photo: 2017-18 team Carole, Jackie, Roxanne and Dionne Lower photo: 2018-19 team Dionne, Jennifer, Kanoe and Keri

ALUMNI NEWS 2018 Coordinator. I help organize Celebrity and Brand Ambassador activities for CHANEL shows in Paris, as well as travel for shows and product-launch events abroad. Sending gratitude and aloha to the Montessori School of Maui family!”

Alyshea Hiraga Alyshea attended MOMI from Primary through Upper Elementary and is now the mother to a second generation of MOMI students. Her son River is in Primary and son Ridge is enrolled in the Toddler Program. “Through Montessori education I have learned to be independent and driven, while also being patient and empathetic towards others. I have learned that growth and learning starts from the beginning of our lives and that the foundations we build through our time at Montessori help us to move towards being the positive change in the world.

Most importantly I have learned about the importance of inspiring and instilling the joy of learning in my own children who are now second generation Montessorians.”

Emilie Betham MOMI Alum and CHANEL ambassador, Emilie Betham writes of her education and career in Paris, “My Montessori School of Maui education and my upbringing on Maui have been very important early experiences for me.

My early life and education on Maui has helped me recognize exciting opportunities and be open to new adventures! After finishing my degree in Politics and French at the University of Bath in England, I moved to Paris where I had previously studied on a year abroad in high school.

For the past year and a half I have been working for CHANEL as a Celebrity

Eugene Massad Eugene Massad, a former MOMI Toddler alum and his parents visited campus this past summer. He is now 23 and enjoyed staging his toddler photo in the same spot 20 years later! Eugene graduated in the spring of 2018 from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, majoring in Pre-Law and will be attending law school this Fall also at SMU. The Massad family was impressed to see how the school has grown over the last 20 years. Both Eugene and his parents have warm memories of Eugene’s short time spent at MOMI in the Toddler Class. We are grateful to the Massad family, who are loyal patrons who have supported the Annual Fund every year since they moved off of Maui to Texas 20 years ago.

Kai Richardson Kai Richardson graduated from King Kekaulike as a Valedictorian, 2nd in his class. He received several scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship, to fully provide for his education at the University of Portland where he will study computer science.

Skylar Lickle Skylar graduated from Seabury Hall last spring and will attend the University of San Diego this fall to study Marine Conservation. Skylar is excited to follow a path in environmental studies and attributes her MOMI education to igniting her love for the Earth. “Montessori always taught me to love and appreciate all of the little things that our Earth has to offer.

Sadly, as I have grown up I have seen a lot of the devastation that humans have created on the Earth, so I feel it is my turn to help out!”

Abby Drood Abby Drood graduated from Seabury Hall this past spring and was presented with the prestigious Female Scholar Athlete Award. Abby was also honored by being inducted into Seabury Hall’s Cum Laude Society. Abby will attend the University of Southern California (USC) this fall along with longtime Montessori and Seabury classmate and friend, Camille Erdman.

Skylar Lickle, Camille Erdman, Sydney Walker and Abby Drood

_____________________________________________________

Camille Erdman Camille graduated from Seabury Hall last spring and was presented with the prestigious Paul Wood Award for Performing Arts and also inducted into Seabury Hall’s Cum Laude Society.

Camille is headed to USC in the fall with Montessori and Seabury classmate and friend, Abby Drood.

Lea Stuart Primary through Middle School alum, Lea Stuart, completed her freshman year at Seabury Hall in May 2018. It was an excellent year during which Lea challenged herself academically, socially, and personally.

ALUMNI NEWS 2018 Lea earned a high GPA and she looks forward to sophomore year, which includes Driver’s Ed! Lea shares that her MOMI education was an immeasurable foundation for her success as a student, particularly her Middle School education.

Sydney Horne Sydney attended MOMI from Lower Elementary through 7th grade. She currently lives on Maui and works in real estate.

Sydney Horne, Zuri English and Sebastian _______________________________________

Kaili Scheer (formerly Lickle) Congratulations to Kaili and Jeff Scheer on the birth of their baby boy, River, in March of 2018. Kaili married husband Chef Jeff Scheer from The Mill House last year in May of 2017.

Rebecca McLean (formerly Narrowe) Rebecca married Chase McLean under the Banyan Tree here on our MOMI Campus this past January. For the last two years, she has taught MOMI students movement and art through Maui Academy for Performing Arts (MAPA.)

Zuri English (Art Teacher, Sandra Guerard’s daughter) Zuri welcomed a baby boy, Sebastian, in 2017 and is currently living in Virginia pursuing her Master’s degree in Library Sciences. Zuri and Sebastian visited teachers, staff and friends on the MOMI campus this past spring.

Daniel Kapua Daniel received an Olympic Weightlifting Scholarship to Menlo College in Atherton, CA. He graduated from Kamehameha Schools this past spring with a 3.8 GPA and participated in track, gymnastics and football.

Zofia Kayian This past school year, Zofia completed her city council internship at Kelly King’s office and assisted in preparing a Peace Resolution which she read at the March for our Lives march and concert last spring.

Zofia made such an impact in her work with Kelly King that she has been asked

to return again as an intern this school year. Some other accomplishments of Zofia include: being the first teenager to sit on the Board of Directors of Maui Pride, creating a TedX talk on gender roles and occasionally co-hosting her mother’s radio show. Zofia is graduating from Seabury Hall in the spring of 2019 and plans to study political science in pursuit of a career in “changing the world” in a positive way.

Jaxon Chester (pictured with Zofia and Jolyne) is entering his Junior year at King Kekaulike, where he is actively involved in student government, an avid tutor and will enter his third year on the varsity tennis team. Jaxon is continuing his musical studies in ‘ukelele, mandolin and guitar, as well as enrolled in multiple AP classes. He recently received an internship at Akakū.

Jon Currier Jon finished up his second year at Seabury Hall maintaining honor roll status.

Jon shares that MOMI Lower Elementary Teacher, Jolyne Rego, has greatly prepared him for high school and college with her phenomenal organizational skills. Inspired

by Hidemi Hiraga, Jolyneʻs asssistant, Jon is studying Japanese language and is interested in traveling to Japan and pursuing college there. Fondly called “Jon The Tech Man” while at Montessori, he continues to pursue his interest in computers and has joined the Seabury Cyber Patriot team to help protect computers from cyber threats.

Alex Muto Alex, now 21, created a company in high school at age 16 called the Hawai‘i Leaders Core and a sister non-profit 501(c)3

A N E W G E N E R AT I O N O F MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MAUI ALUMNI company called Ignite A Life. The Hawai‘i Leaders Core is a youth organization dedicated to teaching middle and high school students leadership skills, emotional intelligence, relationship mastery, personal finances, and personal development. In 2014, they raised over $60,000 and sent 40 Hawai‘i youth to the Global Youth Leadership Summit hosted by the Anthony Robbins Foundation in San Diego. Since then they have created over 185 life changing opportunities for students and raised over $230,000. They run a year round organization for youth, sponsor trips for students to attend leadership events around the world, and host their own leadership training seminars throughout the year.

Congratulations to the Montessori School of Maui 2018 8th Grade Graduating Class!

Sierra Ryden, Logan Chong, Kannon White, Zach Teagarden, Marcus Hauen-Limkilde and Gabriel Girardin

Cliff Graham Cliff married Ginny Boomer at a beautiful ceremony in Hāna this April.

Already MOMI parents to Upper Elementary students, Kahalawai and Arieanna, they are expecting a baby girl to join their ‘ohana this September.

Conan Gentile Conan graduated from Seabury Hall this year where he was active on the crosscountry team. Conan is attending UCLA this fall where he plans to study music.

He recently spoke at a TedX Hawai‘i Ted Talk event about following through.

Kai Richardson, Kathryn James, Ben Belew, Ryme Pagan, Zaa Lee, Milo Debliquis, Drew Belew, Hailey Papritz and Bianca Schneidewind

We wish the best of luck to our class of 2014 8th grade graduates who recently graduated from high school: Ben Belew — Academy of Art University: San Francisco Art School Drew Belew — Academy of Art University: San Francisco Art School Milo Debliquis — Western Washington University Kathryn James — Brigham Young University Zaa Lee — Gap Year, Music Production Ryme Pagan — University of Hawai‘i Maui College Hailey Papritz — Portland State University Kai Richardson — Portland State University Bianca Schneidewind — University of Hawai‘i Maui College

Financials: 2017–2018 Fiscal Year Montessori School of Maui’s fiscal health is paramount to our longevity and institutional success.

As a nonprofit organization, our administrative staff and Board of Trustees work hard to ensure our financial security by running a balanced budget; which includes yearly income from tuition, annual donations, grant monies and more.

Operating Budget and Financial Statement 2017 – 2018 Fiscal Year REVENUE

EXPENSES

Tuition and Fees $3,696,851 ________________________________________ Grants and Fundraisers 174,249 ________________________________________ Annual Fund 74,153 ________________________________________ Other Income 46,719 ________________________________________

Total Revenue

$3,991,972

Salary and Benefits $2,892,340 ______________________________________________ Classroom Supplies and Special Programs 152,576 ______________________________________________ Other Educational Expenses 23,036 ______________________________________________ Grants & Fundraiser Expenses 115,723 ______________________________________________ Administrative Expenses 43,028 ______________________________________________ Depreciation, Land and Building Costs 579,505 ______________________________________________ Maintenance, Utilities and Insurance 172,741 ______________________________________________ Funds to Reserves 13,023 ______________________________________________

Total Expenses

$3,991,972

This year, our community members expressed their generosity by underwriting the following programmatic initiatives:

Unrestricted Support $50,394 ____________________________________________________________________ Tuition Assistance Program $27,204 ____________________________________________________________________ Hawaiian Scholarship Fund $14,614 ____________________________________________________________________ Cynthia Winans-Burns Scholarship Fund $ 7,580 ____________________________________________________________________ Fundraising Events $95,783 ____________________________________________________________________ Capital Projects $130,000 * ____________________________________________________________________ Grants $39,500

Thank you to our many donors and benefactors who have provided us with a year of generous contributions. We appreciate each and every one of you, and all gifts, large and small. These funds support the needs of each Montessori classroom, the diversity of our campus through our tuition assistance and scholarship programs, and restricted funding projects. Mahalo! * Includes Gifts and Pledges

Heather Haynes Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health Teaching for Diversity Program Grant DeWitt Lickle and Moonstar Greene Eric and Willa Romanchak Jacque Scheibel Troy Tanga and Kelley Kramers Leonard Yu and Roberta Beatty

Mahalo!

We are very grateful to all of the parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, alumni, community members, friends and institutions who supported our school this past year. The following pages reflect all gifts made to the Montessori School of Maui between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.

In-kind contributions are highlighted separately at the end of this section. ** indicates Montessori School of Maui Alumni VISIONARY $10,000 and above Anonymous (1) McInerny Foundation Jeremy and Michelle Baldwin Frost Family Fund ADVOCATE $5,000 to $9,999 Bendon Family Foundation G. N. Wilcox Trust Hawai‘i Petroleum Jimmy and Honey Bun Haynes Hope Builders Montessori School of Maui Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) William, Elysia, and Marcus Santos STEWARD $3,000 to $4,999 Gary and Greta Bandy Bank of Hawai‘i Hilary and Zadoc Brown Jr. Cale Financial Management Inc Sumner and Angie Erdman First Hawaiian Bank

MENTOR $1,000 to $2,999 Keith and Anne Awad Sarah Bredhoff Ben and Tess DeLisa Fathy Elsherif and Heather Ziddell Anthony Engesser and Thea Jensen-Engesser Eric and Sarah Ernst James Ferrier Patrick Furlotti and Danielle Kiersz ** Perley and Karen Grimes John Guarin and Kimmie Ouchi HAIS – Hawaii Schools Digital Media (HSDM) Grants Teresita Heath, Andrew and Lauren Plemel Kevin and Sabrina Jardine Allyson Mattox MOMI Student Philanthropy Committee Morgan Stanley Gary Nakamatsu Peter Norins and Salma Ansari Paia Fish Market and Restaurant, Inc. Robert and Michelle Pellettieri Precision Maintenance NW INC Leonard and Kathy Sakai Jordan and Carolyn Sharp Peter and Judy Siracusa Chris** and Sara Smith David Spee Robert and Renee Brown-Stein Wayne and Kathleen Takemoto Jed and Erica White Zadoc W. & Lawrence N. Brown Foundation PATRON $500 to $999 Barkley Bastian Matias and Morena Bessaso Daniel and Heidi Bigelow Henry Brocklehurst and Lili Maltese Stephanie and Zadoc Brown III Robert and Gillian Carvalho Flatbread Company Eric and Renee Dustman Dominick and Lisa Gentile

Leadership Circle The Montessori School of Maui Leadership Circle has been established this year to honor the donors who have lifetime cash gifts exceeding $100,000.

We would like to express our utmost gratitude and appreciation for their contributions.

Because of the generosity of our Leadership Circle donors, the vision of our dedicated founders lives on, and thousands of children have flourished at Montessori School of Maui and beyond in their lives.

The Atherton Family Foundation Jim and Susan Bendon The Biel ‘Ohana Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation Harold K. L. Castle Foundation Pia Damon First Hawaiian Bank Foundation Susan R. Graham Hawai‘i Community Foundation Jimmy and Honey Bun Haynes Kimo and Sheila Haynes Wes and Diane Hickey Korg Foundation McInerny Foundation Willie and Annie Nelson Chapman S. and Susan S. Root Root Family Foundation David Spee Lindy and Cherry Ann Sutherland The Family of William O. Taylor

Rob and Caroline Stoner Shaun and Denise Thayer Bruce and Kathy U‘u Gary and Karen Woodward Glenn and Kyoko Yamasaki-Kimura

Goodfellow Bros., Ltd. Kimo and Sheila Haynes Coe Huston and Danielle Dewey-Huston Kokua Hawaii Foundation Daniel and Missy Lickle Maui Mountain Riders Inc. Azusa and Patrick Merrill Pacific Rim Land Terry and Cynthia Quisenberry Frederick and Maria Rawe Klaus and Michele Simmer Stephen Smith Nathan and Tia St. Cyr Glenn and Alice Tremble David and Deesha Tucker Unicold Corporation Kris and Katarina Vadla Jason and Tomomi Verkaart Walter Vorfeld and Ellen Loucks Daryl and Oklim Yamashita CARETAKER $250 to $499 Mark Bridgeford and Danielle Perrault Emma Burns ** Andrew and Oceania Castellini Peter and Diana DeLisa Kathy DePalma Tim and Elizabeth Dick Eriko Dowd Mark and Jo Ann Ellis Pat and Tobi Fisher Ariel and Carrie Gebb Michael and Christina Hartman Frank Hollister Ben and Yuko Holt David Kingdon and Roxanne Gillespie Mark Leuffgen and Meg Obenauf Gordon and Annie Loo Maui Garage Doors, INC. Donald and Gabrielle Meeker Joseph and Patt Narrowe Javan and Keri Quinsaat Mike and Kimmy Seguin Isaac and Jennifer Stocks

FRIEND Gifts up to $249 Anonymous (2) Acura of Maui Tony and Sherron Akina AmazonSmile Foundation Dianne Anderson Sam Aruch and Susan Marshall Astrella Art Design Amanda Asue Jamie Athearn ** Lawrence and Deborah Awai Brandon and Mya Awai Steven and Anne Barber Sandra Bergman Gary and Eva Blumenstein Andrew and Lisa Brodzinski Virginia Brown Michael and Diana Burrows Keahi and Jasmine Bustamente C & H Propane Nohealani and Benjamin Cabanting George and Carmen Cagasan Richard Campbell Fernando Canuso and Suelem Rocha Alejandra Carta Todd and Sheryl Carter Devin and Chrissy Charles Ryan and Christy Churchill Matthew and Sayuri Cockey Tony and Anne Colletta Glenn and Jo-Ann Costa Gloria Del Rivo Jen Dempsey Ricardo DeRama Judy Doucette Alexandra and Pat Downes James and Shana Driscoll

Jodel and Justin Edwards Robbie Edwards Reed and Trisha Egge Amy Eiden Oshri Elbaz and Hadas Metzler-Elbaz Josef and Edwina Erlemann Kamaki and Brianna Everett Dennys Eymard Daisy Finch Dennis and Marge Fitch Karen Frampton Jeffrey Friedman Brian and Cindy Funai John Gallagher Thomas and Kassia Gann John and Elizabeth Gillespie Dru Glass-Gracia** Shep Gordon Kenneth and Jacqueline Goring Ali Grimes Sandra Guerard Ken and Vera Hagan Douglas and Kathleen Hagan William and Karen Hanisch Maxine Hanson Satako and Yoshitaka Hata Dennett Hesia and Anne Matsumoto Alyshea Hiraga** Ted and Margaret Hori Todd and Jennifer Hori Holly Hume Charles and Kristen Hunter Ron and Liat Igra Liliana I‘i ** Noah and Kasumi Johnson Robert and Rebecca Judge Dan Judson Naki and Megan Kanekoa Cheryl and John Kaupalolo III Susan and John Kaupalolo IV Donovan and Dheya Kealoha** Bill and Margaret King Asher Kingdon Kathleen Klett Lorinda and Ben Kottke Christopher and Jennifer Kramer Neal and Janie Kunin Marc and Angela Lammers Jean-Luc Langlois and Lana Wilkinson Benedict and Gurvan LeMeur Chad Llego Maile Lopes Melinda Lyle-Javier Richard and Suzy Marciel Dean Masao and Hidemi Hiraga Gene and Barbara Massad

Jim McManus and Tina Bartsch Robert and Arlene Medeiros Robert Jr and Anela Medeiros ** Shaina Mendez Asti and Kanoe Merino Steve and Kieu Meyer Micah Miller Keita and Shirah Minagawa Craig Mullins and Jennifer Oberg Charles and Pamela Murr Victor and Suzanne Musselman Shep and Elena Nelson Shai and Mira Nissim Fernando and Angela Nolan Daniel Norkunas and Amy Cochran Emma Oberg Pazivo Padilla Katherine Paet Matt and Tiana Paet Charles Parente and Elizabeth Ignacio Mark and Sarah Pearson Sundaura Perreault Sigal Petersen Corine Peterson Valerie Petredis Anthony and Dionne Phillips Matt and Erin Pritchard Hugh and Jenny Pritchett Keha Quinabo and Momi Chun Francis and Anna Quitazol Melissa Ramirez Raefer Reardon and Wendy Takemoto Jonathan Rebo Jolyne Rego Tim and Monica Reineke Christian Reynolds Wade and Amanda Robson Alika and Dorien Romanchak Tyler Roth and Trisha Joseph Run for Fitness – Maui For Kids 5K Tommy and Jennifer Russo Saltwater Clothing Corp Gail Santantonio Bart and Jane Santiago Alberto and Elianne Santin Phil Schettewi

Sue Schmidt Doug Severson and Miriam Geraghly Emily Severson Greg and Jamie Shepherd Daniel and Tara Shupack Ryan and Julie Siphers Maroe and Stephani Smith Donny and Sada Smith Randy and Terra Stark Dave and Nyla Nolan Malia Stewart Kiera Strom-Herman Joseph and Alicja Sumerlin Ben and Tash Summit Miri Sunkel Sierra Sylva** Lawrence and Cheryl Tabaco Joe Imhoff and Sara Tekula Pasquale and Reyna Tenneriello Rasa and Sarah Priya Heidi Thorson Rich and Inger Tully Izaak and JoMarie Tyrrell Tanja Valentine Linda Van Arsdale Anthony and Maleta LaBua-Keiser Katherine Verhaeghe Wesley and Barbara Verkaart Norma Visitacion Alisa VonHartitzsch Wilma Vorfeld Robert Vorfeld and Rene Anderson-Vorfeld Michael and Jan Walker Daryl and Jennifer Ugalino Donald and Mindon Weiss Carole Wentworth Chase Williams and Natasha Boone Lauren Wilson Art and Karen Wong Jing Wong Mike and Sharon Wright

IN-KIND GIFTS The Montessori School of Maui welcomes gifts of products, equipment, services and other items that enhance our educational programs and physical campus. Special thanks goes out to the following families, friends and community partners for their contributions.

Astrella Art Design Ben Franklin Mark Bridgeford Matthew Brunn Aaron and Stefanie Burkert Cook Kwee’s Maui Cookies Ben and Tess DeLisa Garnish Craft Cocktail Catering Ariel and Carrie Gebb Hang Ten Rigging LLC Kristin Holmes Island Essence, Inc. John and Cheryl Kaupalolo Maui Preserved Maui Printing Company, Inc. Maui Raw Maui Time Maui Upcountry Jams and Jellies Printer Pete Greg and Jamie Shepherd Wesley and Barbara Verkaart Jason Verkaart Volcano Signs Walter Vorfeld & Associates Jed and Erica White Wildheart Flowers Woven We Wildflower Farm Zellee Organic

You are important to us! If we have inadvertently listed your name and/or giving level incorrectly, please let us know by contacting the Development Office at 808-573-1062 so that we may update our records. Mahalo for your understanding and support!

Taste of Upcountry Our 2nd Annual Taste of Upcountry school fundraising event was a festive and financially fruitful evening on October 7, 2017.

Parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, and friends came together as an ‘ohana to support MOMI and enjoy a night of delicious food, music and friends under a tent on our beautiful campus. Local Maui chefs partnered with Upcountry farmers and purveyors, to create an exceptional culinary experience for the community. Mahalo to our guests who graciously had fun with the new BYOB format for the evening. MOMI parents Mya Awai and Tommy Russo MC’d the evening and Live Auction with musical appearances including Sal Godinez and Willie Wainwright. The event increased it’s net profits from just over $50,000 in 2016 to over $60,000 in 2017, which will all benefit our students at Montessori School of Maui.

In honor of our 40th Anniversary, please join us for our 3rd Annual Taste of Upcountry, Saturday, September 29th, 2018, 6:00-10:00 PM on campus on the Lower Lawn, BYOB. Ticket prices start at $90. VIP seating and previewing 5:00-6:00 PM is available. This year, the event features MC’s Kainoa Horcajo and Sara Tekula, live and silent auction, musical entertainment and more. For more information, please contact Ali Grimes: alisong@momi.org, or visit momi.org.

Mahalo to our 2016-17 Taste of Upcountry Committee Dr. Heather Haynes, Chair Jeremy Baldwin • Eric Dustman • Nicole Gonzales • Ali Grimes Dawn Hudson • Maile Lopes • Amanda Robson • Greg Shepherd Sara Smith • Steph Smith • Sara Tekula • Deesha Tucker

SAVE THE DATE for for

Taste of Upcountry aa benefit benefit to to support support Montessori Montessori School School of of Maui Maui

TH, 2018 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH

Ways to Give Back to our ‘Ohana As a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, Montessori School of Maui depends upon the support of the community to thrive each year. There are many ways to give back through volunteer opportunities and donations of gifts and services. We truly rely upon the annual generosity of our ‘ohana for generous monetary donations. These funds raised go directly back to the operating budget to support our student programs, staff development, campus maintenance and more.

While “unrestricted” donations to our Annual Fund give us the greatest flexibility to utilize donations for the betterment of our students and school, we also offer several opportunities to direct your gift to our school: ANNUAL FUND – GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT

The Annual Fund underwrites all aspects of our education including school programs, teacher professional development, the maintenance of our campus, the purchase and replacement of classroom materials, computers and software and much, much more.

a Hawaiian Scholarship Fund, designed to help students who came to us through the Pauahi Keiki Scholarship Program, to remain a part of our ‘ohana. Annually, an average of seven or eight young people from the Pauahi Program must leave our school as they reach age six and become ineligible for the Pauahi scholarship. Our goal is to bring the generosity of interested members of our community together with these families – to allow more of these young people to continue to enjoy the many benefits of an enriching Montessori education.

CYNTHIA WINANS-BURNS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Cynthia Winans-Burns, former Head of School and member of our community for over thirty-three years, was a passionate advocate of the many benefits of a Montessori education. Following her wishes, the school established this scholarship fund in her name.

Once the fundraising target is achieved, the fund will support the tuition of children of Montessori School of Maui alumni, enriching education here on Maui for future generations.

PLANNED GIFTS

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Our Tuition Assistance program enables families who otherwise would not have the opportunity to provide their children with the benefits and enjoyment of a Montessori education, to become or remain a part of our ‘ohana. It also allows our students to develop diverse life-long friendships and helps assure the socioeconomic diversity of our student body to mirror the greater world in which our children live.

HAWAIIAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In an effort to further reinforce the cultural diversity of our school, the Montessori School of Maui also offers

Planned gifts recognize your belief in the future of our school and your desire for its impact to be furthered for generations to come. By including the Montessori School of Maui in your estate planning through a bequest, life insurance policy, fund, trust or other planned gift, members of our community have the opportunity to make the gift of a lifetime.

For more information about supporting the Montessori School of Maui, please contact Development Director, Ali Grimes at 808.573.1062. We are pleased to assist you in your philanthropic goals, as we partner together in support of a quality Montessori education.

photo credits: Nani Cabanting Daeja Fallas Jeffrey Friedman Danielle Kierz Ben Kottke Janie Kunin Maile Lopes Ryan Siphers

writer: Ali Grimes

editors: Eric Dustman, Ali Grimes, Allyson Mattox, Sue Schmidt

graphic designer: Patt Narrowe

Our care of the child should be governed, “ not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence. ~ Maria Montessori

”

GROWING GLOBAL CITIZENS SINCE 1978

2933 Baldwin Avenue • Makawao, Hawai‘i 96768 808.573.0374 • fax 808.573.0389 • www.momi.org

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER