Annual Report 2022-23

ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022–2023

Montessori School of Maui

GROWING GLOBAL CITIZENS SINCE 1978

The Montessori School of Maui provides a 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 changing environment of the twenty-first century.

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, coeducational school enrolling and providing education to children without regard to gender, race, nationality, ethnic origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, 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.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2022 – 2023

officers

Christopher Smith president

Sara Tekula vice president

Emma Burns Cabiles secretary

Salma Ansari treasurer trustees

Jeremy Baldwin

Chad Goodfellow

John Guarin

Allyson Mattox

Heather Haynes, MD

Robert Pellettieri

Jacob Simons

Klaus Simmer

Kate Stinger

Ben Summit

Lisa Tomihama

Erica White

Heather Zidell

honorary board members

Susan R. Graham

Annie Nelson

Cynthia Quisenberry

Cherry Anne Sutherland

Front Row: Kate Stinger, Erica White, Lisa Tomihama, Salma Ansari

Back Row: Jeremy Baldwin, Sara Tekula, Chad Goodfellow, Bob Pellettieri, Jacob Simons, Heather Zidell, John Guard, Ally Mattox

FACULTY & STAFF 2022 – 2023

toddler classroom

‘Ohi’a Anela Medeiros, Guide

Liliana Ii, Teaching Assistant

primary classrooms

Kukui Megan Lacasse, Guide Courtney Fischer, Teaching Assistant

Monkeypod Emily Smith, Guide

Kazuyo Tsuneoka, Teaching Assistant

Nara Eva Sikes, Guide

Jessica Blaylock, Teaching Assistant

Plumeria Jennifer Zainuddin, Guide

Yamille Vicente, Teaching Assistant

resource teachers

Art: Kristin Kakutani

Living Classroom: Kimberly Dukes

Physical Education: Tracy Carey

Spanish: Elianne Santin

Counselor: Jennifer Foster

maintenance

Tony Akina, Director of Maintenance

Anthony Phillips, Maintenance Assistant

Kaimi Gilliland, Maintenance Assistant

Jason Duquette, Custodian

Elmer Rasay, Custodian

administration

Eric L Dustman, PhD head of school

Tess Hanson DeLisa director of finance

Jamie Athearn director of admissions

Momi Chun director of human resources

Kiana Iwado administrative assistant

Deesha Tucker finance assistant

lower elementary classrooms

Banyan Melinda Lyle-Javier, Guide

Alejandra Carta, Teaching Assistant

Jacaranda Gloria del Rivo, Guide

Sierra Tanouye, Teaching Assistant

Wiliwili Jennifer Dempsey, Guide

Lisa Garrett, Teaching Assistant

middle school classroom

Koa Eric Dustman, Guide

Jonnette Santos, Math/ Science Resource Teacher

upper elementary pod

Tevia Cole-Arlidge, Guide

Olof Ehrenstrom, Guide

Kaci Sagayaga, Teaching Assistant

Anne Colletta, Teaching Assistant

extended care

Primary: Kristen Jones, Sokha Furumoto

Elementary: Hayden Pickard and Zabrie Loio

Jamie, Tess, Deesha, Kiana, Eric, Momi

Melinda, Gloria, Jennifer, Alejandra, Sierra, Lisa

Eva, Liliana, Courtney, Megan, Jennifer, Yamille, Jessica, Emily, Anela

Tevia, Anne, Kaci, Olof

Eric, Jonnette

Kristen, Sokha, Hayden

Jennifer, Kristin, Kimberly, Tracy, Elianne

Kaimi, Tony, Anthony

Christopher Smith, Board President and Eric Dustman, Head of School

A Message from the Head of School

Aloha Friends,

The 2022-2023 school year revealed so many of the qualities that make the Montessori School of Maui an endearing place. From shifts in educational settings, to pedagogical practices, to the capacities held by many in schools worldwide, it left little to wonder the level of dedication our faculty and staff operated with. It was clear, too, that members of our MOMI family were in awe of our work, offering assurances and encouragement in all forms to continue our good work.

This 2022-2023 Annual Report is full of examples that highlight and spotlight our level of dedication to the children and families we serve. Our sincere desire to afford children glimpses into what could be, and what they could be, are valuable and directly represent what inquiry and displays of courage can bring when self-discovery is central to learning. Whether through the daily promotion of our core values, opportunities to explore new technologies, or the time-honored work of yesterday, our students maintained their connection to ʻāina (the land) and all of the beauty and abundance it affords.

In this report, we pay homage to our most recent graduates and to those who now embark on secondary education or life journeys. Each of these individuals represent MOMI and the important values that the school promotes. It is our belief that they have all learned great things while with us and that they will take advantage of each new opportunity to enlighten others, illuminate their paths, and ensure that they, too, will support one another for the benefit of the greater good.

We have much to learn, gain, and give through our efforts here at Montessori School of Maui. While a great deal is changing around us and has over the past year, I am thankful to have you with us while we extend our efforts. Mahalo to you for your generosity and kindness. May you find joy as you page through and see things of particular interest. We hope you will celebrate, knowing that you made much of it possible, and that your support in our partnership is forever valued.

Best,

Eric L Dustman, PhD Head of School

About Our School

The Montessori School of Maui began by serving just eight students in a simple Quonset hut beside St. Rita’s Church in Ha‘iku¯ in 1978. Over the years, the organization has mindfully grown, stretched and evolved to a lovely nine-acre campus serving up to 300 students, from Toddler through 8th grade.

The school engages staff and students in a collaborative learning environment based upon the time-honored principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 150 years ago. Through this effort, the school looks to encourage critical thinking, cultivate inquisitive minds, and empower children to actively participate in their rapidly changing environment and unpredictable future.

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 come together to create a truly distinctive and remarkable approach to education and the experience of childhood.

Our Programs

TODDLER PROGRAM

PRIMARY 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.

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 the Montessori goals of individualized work, concentration, independence, and social awareness attainable.

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 encourages both academic success and social competence. Students develop the ability to work cooperatively in reaching goals, contributing ideas, listening to others, and respecting individual differences.

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 includes a special focus on integrated technology and is developed to ensure that students are capable of meeting the demands of pre-collegiate curricula. Students are well-versed in approaching ideas and challenges creatively, with a sincere interest in growing themselves, while also supporting the well-being of the greater good.

Our Mission

While the theme of our mission, circa 1978, remains Growing Global Citizens, we realized quickly this past year that we had to shift our focus, direct attention, and educate our broader MOMI community differently. We did this by refining our efforts with social media in order to fully inform our dedicated followers and others about key tenets of our program. As we shared in one post about our mission theme, “We’ve educated Global Citizens at Montessori School of Maui since 1978. Doing so has enabled our students to adopt broad perspectives so that everyone is eagerly welcomed to the table where different ideas, viewpoints, and opinions are readily served and consumed with delight.“ Find other missioninspired ideas we’ve shared with your community below.

Academic Excellence

“The idea of academic excellence is generally about teacher-taught knowledge and skills, but at Montessori School of Maui it’s also about student-led discovery, inquiry, and will. Engendering a love of learning and a fearless approach to anything that may be challenging are characteristics that enable a Montessori student to enter the world saying, ‘Here I am, what do you have for me?’”

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 Montessorieducated adults credit their Montessoristyle 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.

A Love of Learning

“Engendering a belief in oneself and the value that lifelong learning holds for each student is central to our work at Montessori School of Maui. Daring to explore, exerting maximum effort without anticipation of reward, and mastering one’s interests is the work of life and the Montessori child.”

Teachers guide students to support the intrinsic curiosities within them, so that they come to awaken their innate passions while loving their days at school. 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.

Mutual Respect

“Mutual respect at Montessori School of Maui develops as a result of living and working in community. Engaging with others offers countless chances to appreciate one another— our differences, our similarities, and what we each believe. Remaining open-minded, willing to perspective-take, and being empathic affords everyone a space that is inclusive and safe.”

A healthy social and emotional learning environment allows our students to learn and cultivate respect for themselves, respect for their environment, respect for their peers, and respect for their teachers. This helps to develop a sense of peace within the school community and helps to cultivate connection and relationship where a system of rewards and punishments is unnecessary. We believe that by helping our students exercise this sense of respect today and into adulthood, they can manage their interactions and fulfill their pursuits in ways that can be foundational in supporting a more peaceful and interdependent world society.

Environmental Awareness and Responsibility

“Learning earth stewardship at Montessori School of Maui creates opportunities for students to practice environmental awareness and responsibility. Drawing connections between themselves and the ‘¯aina empowers them to act with mindfulness and care that will help to support our island and worldwide sustainability.”

Beginning in Primary, students experience hands-on activities with the Living Classroom teacher 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 environment 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.

GROWING GLOBAL CITIZENS SINCE 1978

Individual Accountability Within a Social Framework

“Working and learning in community at Montessori School of Maui demands personal accountability. Understanding the effects that one’s choices and actions have on other individuals in part helps to build a strong, productive, and supportive social framework within which all children can thrive. This in turn helps to build socially conscious individuals that will affect positive change for all us.”

Great attention and care are 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 accountability. The classroom ‘ohana is held with the highest regard, so that each individual also learns to care for and support the larger group.

The Development of Each Child’s Unique Potential

“It is understood that all children have potential and it is as unique and different as they are.”

It was Maria Montessori’s belief that each child has a unique gift and purpose, and that the job of the educator was to help the student tap into 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 for each student to realize their full potential.

The Montessori Program

The Montessori School of Maui continued its efforts to extend ʻa¯ina-based learning opportunities to its students during and following the 2022-2023 school year. A key and important aspect to the development of one’s own self-concept as evidenced through the teachings of Dr. Montessori, she herself professed the value of expanding the child’s knowledge across activities so as to not be singularly disciplined but multifaceted and all encompassing.

Much of our students’ engagement in the outdoors involved our Living Classroom. Fortunately, however, we were awarded several grants that enabled our work alongside community partners so that work among students and staff toward sustainable mindsets was myriad in scope.

KOKUA HAWAI’I FOUNDATION

Grant monies received from Ko¯kua Hawai‘i Foundation provided for the participation of all 96 Primary aged students (ages 3-6) in classroom specific projects ranging from the cultivation of a rotating food/garden patch to a barrel garden. In collaboration with one another, students from each of the four respective classrooms planned and executed their vision.

Learning about the lifecycle of plants within a garden, the students observed the growth of seeds from germination to maturity, enjoying the “fruits” of their labor by observing daily and tending to the needs of all things within their vegetable gardens, desktop hydroponic gardens, and more. With in-depth conversations occurring daily and encouraged at home, and interdisciplinary activities related to their garden projects, the students learned a great deal about the value of caregiving. In at least one instance too, such activity encouraged the reading of Too Many Mangos by Tammy Paikai, where the seeds to sprout more kindness among everyone were planted.

QUALITY CARE FOR HAWAIIAN KEIKI

Receipt of a grant from Ho‘owaiwai Kaiaulu and Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki is supporting our efforts to improve the natural play spaces available to our youngest students, both Toddler and Primary. In an effort to spruce up our beloved Banyan Tree Playground, these valuable funds will ensure clean and safe spaces for each keiki as they learn about the power of their bodies, their minds, and their spirits.

MICROGRANT FOR FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM

Through efforts within our Living Classroom, students of all ages routinely engaged in activities that supported their growth of social responsibility and land sustainability. One activity central to this effort was our agricultural land plot whose

development was first initiated by our Middle School students. By employing interest in this 25’ x 50’ agricultural plot, students within our community support and engage in activities of sustainable agriculture on a large scale. Planting and harvesting ‘uala (sweet potato), kalo, and other vegetables, our students learn about regenerative agriculture and means by which they can sustain themselves and others in the community.

With grant support from the Agricultural Development Division of the State of Hawai‘i, the value our students gained and the benefits they were able to extend to the community in which they learned was immense. Plans for next year include getting our harvests to the local community, both inside and outside of campus, affording engagement with the Maui Food Bank and our own Middle School microeconomy at the Koa Store. Previous years’ harvests from inside our central garden where kalo is already grown indicates we will likely be able to collect at least 500 lbs of vegetables for members of the local community. Our hopes for helping to eliminate food scarcity, to increase food security and to educate our students about the positive impact their efforts stand to provide is sure to be immense.

GROW SOME GOOD

The Middle School class was granted a hydroponic garden tower in late Fall ’22 by Grow Some Good, a Maui-based nonprofit organization that works to cultivate a healthy community by strengthening local agriculture and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. Once delivered, the students worked  collectively to assemble the tower and engaged in learning that was multi-faceted, equal part agricultural, linguistic, scientific, and mathematical.

The students started seedlings in rockwool, transplanted them into the tower once germination occurred, and watched as arugula, gourmet lettuce, basil, kale, and tomatoes grew by day and night. The students were responsible for checking the water level and pH balance weekly to make sure they were appropriate and sure enough they were. Incredibly, things grew quickly and reached heights of 10-12 inches. The students collected small, initial harvests of each garden variety and were able to make a few salads, enjoying the abundance in class together.

RETREE HAWAII LA HO‘OULU PAE MOKU

Upper and Middle School students participated in a statewide tree planting initiative sponsored by ReTree Hawai‘i. With support and leadership from MOMI parent Joe Imhoff and his Skyline Conservation Initiative staff, the students went big.

Our efforts were impressive for sure. In reviewing the numbers published by ReTree Hawai‘i on November 5, 2022, some 66 events were held state-wide. In completing this initiative, MOMI students and staff were among 9,962 other participants who planted some 12,127 trees. All told, about 145 native plant species now sprinkle the MOMI campus and are tended by our students. A specific breakdown of the trees planted here are as follows: (3) Koa, (9) ‘Ohi‘a Lehua, (2) Koaiʻa, (2) Hao, (2) Ma¯mane, (2) ʻIliahi, (2) Koki‘i ke‘oke‘o, (2) Koʻoloaʻula, (3) Naio, (2) Kuluʻi, (2) Mamaki, (100) ʻAʻaliʻi, (2) Maʻo hau hele (15) ʻUkiʻuki.

More Experiences

Other opportunities were also taken advantage of to further extend the understanding that we all have about our ʻa¯ina and the abundant, though limited, resources that are available to us on our beautiful Valley Isle.

WAIHE‘E REFUGE

Upper Elementary students found opportunities and took action with Hawaiʻi Land Trust staff by protecting the land at Waiheʻe Refuge. Learning about the need to restore the fish ponds, the value of coastal ecology, turtle nesting, and the ability to stabilize the dunes by transplanting lost vegetation were all part of the days events and the learning that will assuredly be transferred to other parts of the island that our students visit.

WHALE WATCH TRIPS

Our students in Lower Elementary through Upper Elementary ventured off campus and onto the sea to experience first-hand what they often talk about in class. Koholā (humpbacks)! Adventuring with the Pacific Whale Foundation brought the students close and personal to these majestic creatures that

bless our islands annually. Learning about their habits and the active roles that our students can take in protecting them is always a lesson well learned.

Neat too, our students even got a shout out from the Kratt Brothers, Mark and Chris, when they were on Maui doing their own whale watching. Excited about the “great creatures [we have] right here in our own backyard,” these PBS stars took time to mention Montessori School of Maui during a recent shoot of their Wild Kratts show, a live-action/flash-animated educational children’s television series.

WAIKAMOI PRESERVE

As a final experience for our eighth graders, they embarked on a return to a previous spot once visited earlier in the school year, the Waikamoi Preserve. While doing so alongside our partners at the East Maui Watershed, the students took the opportunity to adopt a new perspective and to gain an appreciation of the preserve and its native forest ecosystem in a whole new way, through place-based artistry.

With professional watercolorist and Maui native Maggie Sutrov, the students donned paint sets, clipboards, and quiet introspection to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces that displayed approaches to light and dark patterns noticeable only in time and space. Culminating in a round table discussion about what subtle hints lay almost hidden within the preserve, the students shared reflections about what they saw and what they intended to share with others not fortunate enough to be on the journey. One thing that stood out among the statements shared was this idea—“Koa trees actually hold water as opposed to utilizing all they collect so that in instances where drought occurs, they have water enough to disperse to other plants that share their proximal home.”

To the students, this simply showed one more positive attribute of their Hawaiian home, and the fact that all who reside here have much to give.

Community Connections

Parent-Teacher Organization

Few but mighty, our PTO Executive Committee hit the ground running with volunteers at the ready to make certain that our community of parents, students, and staff connected over the course of the year to develop strong relationships with one another. Like in times past, they spearheaded efforts to foster a collective spirit with crazy socks, but the most rewarding of all were the events they took direct responsibility for and those to which they lent support.

NEW PARENTS’ BREAKFAST

The New Parents’ Breakfast returned to campus as the start of our school year set itself in motion. Welcoming some 70 new families to the MOMI community, it was a full house and everyone was eager to participate and happy to be on campus together.

OCTOBER FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

A longtime family favorite, the October Movie Night presented fall weather suitable enough for a blanket and a cozy snuggle as everyone in attendance settled in to watch Encanto. To keep each happy and content, bake sale goodies and popcorn fed the crowd and made the return of this PTO sponsored event a blockbuster worthy enough of a shiny award.

WREATH MAKING

The PTOʻs annual wreath making event returned and allowed anyone to make a wreath and meaning for themselves as they

engaged together to create beautiful wreaths from flora and fauna gathered atop beautiful Haleakala¯. With contributions from Haleakala¯ Ranch and Ben Franklin Crafts, everyone from parents to Middle School students could partake in the fun. PTO even managed to include MOMI vendors who sold holiday gifts and a bake sale, complete with pies donated by Whole Foods.

STAFF APPRECIATION

As if the PTO hadn’t done enough already, they hosted an end-of-the-year Staff Appreciation and Celebration for our staff at Ocean Vodka. The perfect setting, everyone was able to relax just a little bit while enjoying good food and drink, and even raffled prizes, made possible through the generous donations of MOMI parents and area businesses alike.

KU PUNA DAY

Orchestrated with what appeared to be extraordinary motor memory by those managing check-in, the buffet line, craft table, and photo booth, everyone in attendance at our 2023 Ku¯puna Day enjoyed themselves as evidenced by the smiles that shown across their faces. The energy was almost indescribable too as children, grandparents, and special friends toured the campus grounds, visited classrooms, and dove into work that is routinely challenging our students to think and better themselves. The reception and gratitude from grandparents and special friends were immeasurable too. Perhaps most simply put, as uttered by one ku¯puna, “It is so wonderful to finally be back on campus. We have missed it so much and are so happy to witness our grand-daughter’s enthusiasm first-hand rather than through the computer screen.”

PTO officers for 2022-23: Maeghan Pocock, Jessica Reedy, Liz Boykin, Daeja Fernandez.

Development and Friend-raising

The Board of Trustees’ Development Committee regained a formerly held momentum in 2022-2023 as they sought to reimagine opportunities for bolstering the time-honored traditions of independent schools: fundraising and friend-raising. With unprecedented success, they did both well.

LUKAS NELSON AND LEE ANNE WONG

Our good friends Lukas Nelson (MOMI alumnus), Tato Melgar (MOMI parent), and Lee Anne Wong (MOMI parent) joined us mid-January to host an intimate acoustic music night with Iron Chef style pupus at the Root Family Center. Complete with décor from Carolina Carabetti at Rio Event Designs and lighting from Mark Bridgeford with Hang Ten Lighting (both MOMI parents), the RFC was transformed into a musical oasis hard-pressed to be beat. Envisioned for intimacy, only 50 tickets were available, seeking to ensure the small crowd a one-of-a-kind event to impart MOMI memories of a lifetime.

MAHALO RECEPTION

The Mahalo Reception returned and was a roaring success. Held outside and within the Lower Pod, advantage was taken to express our gratitude and appreciation for the support, guidance, and generosity lent to us by so many over the past year. Additionally, plans were revealed for the future replacement and construction of a new Kamani Classroom, the fifth and currently unused Primary space within the lower pod.

(Opportunities to learn more about this project and how you might elect to involve yourself can be found under Capital Improvements.)

Student Connections

Encouraging connections between students is important because when students acknowledge one another for their similarities and unique differences, valuable relationships grow. The multi-age design of our Montessori classrooms makes this encouragement easy though finding new and novel ways to initiate the connections between younger and older students can be nerve racking for some or energizing for others. All is dependent upon the temperament of the other. In nearly all cases, however, preparing chance opportunities to support one another within classroom groups and across programs eliminates everyone’s anxiety and makes fun number one.

FUN AND FITNESS DAY

Fun and Fitness Day returned to our campus this year for the first time since 2020. Each team had 7 to 10 students ages 5–14 years old. Led by Middle School team captains, the students had a ball and met each task and obstacle with supportive encouragement for one another and a sincerity for the assured achievement of the whole.

The plan for the day and the rotation of activities was accomplished through the collaboration of Tracy Carey, our PE teacher, and the Fun and Fitness Committee of staff and students. Assuming their rightful positions as group leaders, our Middle School students supported their youngest to oldest peers after each participant donned their team color. A rainbow of color spread across campus as teams moved between events and celebrated the hard work and camaraderie that naturally came with getting fit and having fun.

EARTH DAY

Earth Day returned to MOMI’s campus this past year as well. Long missed, our Earth Day celebration is an event of deep meaning and one poised to evoke actions that have far-reaching benefit.

PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION

The Pacific Whale Foundation joined our students on campus and entertained our wildest imaginations by bringing along a life-sized humpback whale. It was huge and nearly filled every inch of the Root Family Center!

In Montessori philosophy, it’s tremendously important that while we speak of natural phenomena, we make every effort to get students to that phenomena in the real world if possible. The Pacific Whale Foundation’s ability to help us do just that was remarkable. Their talk of whale ecosystems, anatomy, and lifecycles was interesting, and the ability for all students to walk inside the life-sized blow-up of these majestic creatures was out-of-this-world. Talk about bringing the abstract to life, this opportunity was concrete and in-yourface, and the learning was so powerful that dreams were started and commonalities among students were solidified.

The event was organized and planned through the collaboration of the Earth Day

Staff and Student Committee as well as Maui Country partners like Haleakala¯ National Park, Surfrider Foundation, and others. Following the presentation of original poetry by students in Lower Elementary through Middle School, teams of students aged 5-14 moved through stations that involved Earth-related scavenger hunts, recycling relay races, seed ball making, rock painting, and even creating an Earth Day inspired mosaic art piece to adorn campus.

WALK-A-THON

Our annual Walk-a-Thon returned as well and was hosted once again by our Student and Staff Philanthropy Committee. Benefitting Keiki Cupboard, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential supplies to Maui’s school children, our students in grades Lower Elementary through Middle School raised money by completing sponsored laps around campus. Cheered and revered by their peers throughout the event, students ran and walked to meet their personal goals, many of whom accomplished personal bests. All told, they all did well and raised over $6,000 to benefit other, less fortunate students.

Kamani Classroom Replacement Project

BACKGROUND

Maintaining our facilities to provide the best possible environments for learning is key. To this end, efforts began in 20202021 to engage with foundations and other prospective donors to complete the Kamani Classroom Replacement Project (KCRP).

Utilized for multiple purposes since its arrival on our Makawao campus, the temporary Kamani Classroom building has been home to Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Primary Programs. Prior to its closure following the 2019-2020 school year, Kamani housed 22 Primary students aged 3-6.

STATEMENT OF NEED

In its place, our hope is to build a permanent, 2,000 square foot building— a new Kamani Classroom—which will feature a full complement of appropriate materials and Practical Life space (kitchen and bathrooms) that are necessary within an authentic Montessori program and in accordance with State of Hawai‘i Childcare Licensing regulations. Our longtime relationship with former MOMI parent and architect Alika Romanchak has afforded ease in design given his knowledge of the intricacies of our campus and buildings.

The Primary Program is our largest program on campus. Despite its decline in 2020 to only 96 students, recent data gathered from attrition and retention statistics as well as enrollment applications

and inquiry submissions shows that enrollment in our Primary Program could return to 118 students by school year 2025-2026. With 24 more spots to fill following the construction of the new Kamani Classroom, the future shows promise when coupled with the State of Hawai‘i’s interest in supporting early childhood education and our own on-going Tuition Assistance, Hawaiian Scholarship, and the Cynthia Winans-Burns Scholarship Programs that support Maui’s families.

To ensure that we have space for eager and appropriate keiki, and to fulfill our mission, aspirations exist to open the new Kamani Classroom in SY25-26. Permit approval was granted in January 2023 and removal of the current building

in July 2023 will provide space enough for us to begin construction as early as June 2024.

PROJECT FUNDING

The Montessori School of Maui’s Board of Trustees allocated $100,000 in early school year 19-20 to initiate a feasibility study of the Kamani Classroom replacement and permanent build. Additionally, funds and pledges from Strong Foundation, Samuel N and Mary Castle Foundation, Red Cabin Foundation, the MOMI Board of Trustees, and other private donors total nearly $425,000 toward an estimated $1,300,000 cost, down from $1,400,000 in Spring 2022. Proposals to other specific foundations have been prepared and our hope is to garner new and further support from the larger internal/external members of the MOMI community.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE KCRP?

Consider giving to the Kamani Classroom Replacement Project through cash donations, stock, or other means. With current donations in hand or pledged totaling $425,000, the need to raise an addition $375,000 still exists. For a copy of our Case Statement and Executive Summary or for more information about supporting the Kamani Classroom Replacement Project, please contact Sarah Mitchel-Block, director of development, at 808-573-1046 or at sarahm@momi.org.

If you’d like to meet with Eric Dustman, head of school, to talk about the project, to tour campus, and to learn more about this opportunity, please do so at ericd@momi. org. We would be pleased to help you in your philanthropic goals, as we partner together in support of quality Montessori education.

3D

Congratulations Montessori School of Maui 2023 8th Grade Graduating Class

Our Graduation Ceremony for 2022-2023 followed a similar pattern to those previously held with one major exception, the graduates. With thoughts and reflections at the ready, each graduate offered moments of deep gratitude to everyone who played a role in their journey at MOMI. For some, the journey lasted 13 years given their start in toddler at 18 months. For others, their time here was shorter but the impact made by everyone was great, surpassed only by the grace and presence that each graduate has had on us. MOMI is strong and its message is far reaching, taken by each graduate as they head to new schools and new places, assuredly offering their wisdom gained to affect change and a new world ahead.

Hannah Ingham, Aubrey Ingham, Olivia Egge, Ez Smith, Jonnette Santos (Resource Teacher), Lily Walter, Chloe Kramer, Jasper Rey, Jonah DeLisa, Reef Taylor, Eric Dustman

Congratulations Aubrey!

Generous and always willing to offer her help, Aubrey ensures that everyone has what they need and is successful in their pursuits.

Aubrey’s yearbook quote “Whoever is happy will make others happy too.”

~ Anne Frank

Congratulations Chloe!

Fun and comedic, Chloe lights up a room. Willing to offer a laugh or take one too, Chloe brings a light-heartedness to wherever she finds herself and assurances to everyone that all with be A-OK.

Chloe’s yearbook quote

“I dress the way I want, I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not.”

~ Britney Spears

Congratulations Ez!

Ez knows himself inside, outside, upwards, and down. He lends his own confidence to others too, ensuring that they too feel supported, heard, and acknowledged fully.

Ez’s yearbook quote

“Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood.”

~ Bill Murray

Congratulations Hannah!

Hannah is caring, compassion, and thoughtful. Eager to lend her time and talents, she promotes the greater good and shows that the achievements of many truly do outweigh those of just one.

Hannah’s yearbook quote “Happiness is a butterfly.”

~ Lana Del Rey

Congratulations Jasper!

Smart and capable, Jasper demands a great deal from herself and never tires in this manner. Others observe it and act according, affirming for Jasper and themselves alike that they are on the right track.

Jasper’s yearbook quote

“I don’t know where I am going from here but I promise it won’t be boring.”

~ David Bowie

Congratulations Jonah!

Cool, calm, and always collected, Jonah is an intellectual in disguise. Quietly, he offers good reason, compelling argument, and no nonsense practicality to whatever obstacles appear, and this helps him lead others with unmatched reverence.

Jonah’s yearbook quote

“You know it’s cold outside when you walk outside and it’s cold.” ~Unknown

Congratulations Reef!

Reef is a caring and kind humorist. While he long-feared the spotlight, his personality demands that it shines on him. Ironically, Reef is quick to make space so that the applause he hears is shared by everyone.

Reef’s yearbook quote “Sometimes when I close my eyes I can’t see.”

~ Unknown

Congratulations Lily!

Easily likened to her idol Queen Lili‘uokalani, Lily is herself outspoken and passionate about all things, forever caring in her approach toward whatever and whomever. She is the epitome of grace and grandeur and will no doubt share as much as she continues her journey.

Lily’s yearbook quote

“I just wanna lie on the beach and eat hot dogs.”

~ Kevin Malone, The Office

Congratulations Olivia!

Olivia is well liked as her personality draws everyone in. Confident, carefree, and social, Oliva will find a good space for herself as she marches toward new horizons and new opportunities.

Olivia’s yearbook quote

“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it.”

~ Rafiki, The Lion King

We wish the best of luck to our class of 2019 8th grade graduates who recently graduated from high school.

Sarah Oberg: Plans are yet to be decided

Helena Colletta: Monmouth University, studying marine and environmental biology and policy

Amber Lincoln: College of Marin

Coral Tucker: University of Colorado Boulder, studying environmental design

Evan Parante: Chapman University, studying creative writing

Sarah Oberg, Helena Colletta, Amber Lincoln, Coral Tucker, Evan Parante

ALUMNI NEWS 2022-2023

Coral Tucker Coral Tucker graduated from Seabury Hall, Class of 2023. She was a student at MOMI for 11 years, Primary through Middle School. Coral cherishes the wonderful teachers she had, is grateful to have had the opportunity to attend her early years here, and attributes MOMI for helping to shape the amazing human she is today. She will be attending University of Colorado Boulder in the fall in the Environmental Design Program.

Bryce Churchill, Hannah Drood, and James Haynes all graduated from Seabury Hall. Bryce has found himself at University of Arizona where he remains undecided. Hannah is studying architecture at the University

of Southern California. James, in addition to playing a lot of soccer, is studying hard and considering a major in business at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Amber Lincoln completed high school early and is now a freshman at the College of Marin. There, she plays volleyball and is enjoying all that life at a junior college brings.

Duke Romanchak also graduated from Seabury Hall, Class of 2023. He is currently undecided but is enjoying life and playing soccer alongside his friend James Haynes at Cal Poly Humboldt.

swimmer in the Western Zone of the US. Her volunteer work with Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, combined with her love for the ocean, has inspired her to study marine and environmental biology and policy at Monmouth University in New Jersey, where she will also swim at the Division 1 level and be a member of the Surf Club.

Alumni at USC graduation in May 2023. Camille Erdman received her BS in Neuroscience and Abby Drood received her BS & MA in Environmental Studies.

Helena Colletta attended Seabury Hall after graduating from MOMI in 2019. While there, she earned the AP Capstone Certificate, the AP Scholar Award and made the honor roll. She was voted Maui Interscholastic League’s Female Swimmer of the Year, was a member of Seabury’s first ever MIL championship women’s swim team, and received Athlete of the Month multiple times for both swimming and surfing. Helena was also recognized by USA Swimming for being a top age-group

Evan Parante graduated from Seabury Hall and is now a freshman at Chapman University in Anaheim, CA, presently majoring in creative writing.

Financials: 2022–2023 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.

Thank you to our donors and benefactors who have provided us with a year of generous contributions. We appreciate each 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 capital projects that will beautify our campus and help us maintain enriching spaces where our students can grow to understand themselves and the value they present all of us. Mahalo!

Mahalo!

Thank you for sharing your love for MOMI with us by giving back so generously to our school! We are very grateful to all of the trustees, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, community members, friends and institutions who supported our school this past year. The following reflects all gifts made to Montessori School of Maui between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

VISIONARY

$10,000 and above

Michelle and Jeremy Baldwin

Paige and Chris Cumming

Angela and Sumner Erdman

The Haynes Family Foundation

Myers Family Charitable Fund

Red Cabin Foundation

Barbara and Charles Smith

ADVOCATE

$5,000 to $9,999

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Coca-Cola Company

Athinela and Justin Kroplin

STEWARD

$2,500 to $4,999

Oluseun Augustus and Robert McLean

Bendon Family Foundation

Leonora and Russell Brooke

Sandra and Jeffrey Ellison

Goodfellow Bros. LLC

Heather Haynes

Chelsea and Graham Monroe

Michele and Klaus Simmer

MENTOR

$1,000 to $2,499

Salma Ansari and Pete Norins

Anne and Keith Awad

Heidi and Daniel Bigelow

Candace and Philip Cady

Central Pacific Construction

Laura and Nicholas Goehner

The Gordon Family

Moonstar Greene

Suzann Holman

Allyson Maddox

Jill and Cyrus Monroe

Annie Nelson

Elena and Shep Nelson

Paia Fish Market-Paia Town

Paia Fish Market-Front Street

Root Family Foundation

Kathy and Leonard Sakai

Shannon and Anthony Sayles

Carolyn and Jordan Sharp

Stacy and Andrew Tan

Jill and Sim Whatley

PATRON

$500 to $999

Elizabeth and Oscar Boykin

Zadoc W and Lawrence N Brown Foundation

Claire and Darren Byler

Melanie and Trevor Dwyer

Jessie and Daniel Ellis

Kari Feinstein and Federico Jaime

Robin and James Ferrier

Shay and Chad Goodfellow

Tamiraa Hauptman

Cheryl and John Kaupalolo III

Rachel Kondo and Robert Marks

Rhiannon and Slava Menn

Victoria and Kevin Moore

Jessica and John Reedy

Kazuyo and Fujio Tsuneoka

Erica and Jed White

Kathryn and Anthony Wilmet

Heather Zidell and Fathy Elsherif

CARETAKER

$250 to $499

Beryl and Gene Bal

Emma Burns Cabiles and DJ Cabiles

David Family Charitable Fund

Tess and Ben DeLisa

Renee and Eric Dustman

Sara and Wade Ebersole

Priscilla and Andrew Estes

Melissa Fisher and Chris Cole

Maria Giordano and Matias Besasso

Kimmi Ouchi and John Guarin

Taylor Halbritter and Justin Rice

Melissa and David Kaufman

Annie and Gordon Loo

Audrey MacLean Clair and Michael Clair

Jon and Leslie Maksik

Michelle and Robert Pellettieri

Cynthia Quisenberry

Maria and Fred Rawe

Leadership Circle

The Montessori School of Maui Leadership Circle was established to honor the donors who have made 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.

Anonymous

The Atherton Family Foundation

Michelle and Jeremy Baldwin

Susan and Jim Bendon

The Biel ‘Ohana

Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation

Harold K. L. Castle Foundation

Pia Damon

Angela and Sumner Erdman

First Hawaiian Bank Foundation

Susan R. Graham

Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Honey Bun and Jimmy Haynes

Sheila and Kimo Haynes

Diane and Wes Hickey

Korg Foundation

McInerny Foundation

Annie and Willie Nelson

Red Cabin Foundation

Susan S. and Chapman S. Root

Root Family Foundation

David Spee

Cherry Ann and Lindy Sutherland

The Family of William O. Taylor

Tara and Daniel Shupack

Kate and Jaxson Stinger

Madhuri Vijay and Alexander Maksik

FRIEND

Gifts up to $249

Tony Akina

Olena and William Alec

Shelley and Thomas Alvin

Amazon Smile

Paul Areus

Jamie Athearn

Barbara Barry

Michelle and Joshua Bell

Diane and Robert Bercik

Kapualeinani Beyer Cavaco and James Cavaco

Lauren and Kyle Blickley

Shannon and Jaron Blosser

Maile Bongolan and Ian Nakasone

Mark Branon

Lisa and Andrew Brodzinski

David Brooke

Stephanie and Zadoc Brown

Carolina Carabetti and Rodrigo Botta

Tracy Carey

Alejandra Carta

Carol Childerhose

Momimei Chun

Brynne and Justin Clark

Courtney and Tevia Cole-Arlidge

Anne Colletta

Jennifer Dempsey

Tulasi Dennis

Angela and Joseph Dimon

Marie-Laure Ditte and Woody Mallinson

Judy Doucette

Meegan and Kim Driftmier

Kimberly Dukes

Jason Duquette

Phil Ebersole

Trisha and Reed Egge

Olof Ehrenstrom

Romi and Noa Elan

Heather and Kyle Ellison

Dennys Eymard

Agnes and Lukas Faber

Daeja Fallas Photography

Sabrina and Andre Fehlmann

Courtney Fischer

Jeffrey Friedman

Kayla-Al and Evan Garces

Lisa Garrett and Steven Sanborn

Dru Glass Garcia

Virginia and Clifford Graham

Carolyn and George Griffin

Ashley Hankins and John Fryer

Heather Harrison

Michelle Heller and Travis Collins

Jasmine Herrick

Julia Holman

Liliana Ii

Kiana Iwado

Kristin Kakutani

Rowena and Victor Kamai

Kathleen Klett

Jennifer and Christopher Kramer

Janie and Neal Kunin

Megan and Scott Lacasse

Angela and Marc Lammers

Priya and Andrew-James Landgraf

Mary Lynn Lenz

Carina Long and Jeff Hall

Elena-Ann Lopes and Matthew Reyes

Keanu Lopes-Solomon

Janet and Robert Loree

Isabella Lorenzi and Charles Walker

Ellen Loucks and Walter Vorfeld

Karen and David Lusby

Melinda Lyle-Javier

Jennifer Martin and Tim Jasnau

Shae Martin and Clayton Matchett

Rebecca and Michael McLean

Anela and BJ Mederios

Laura and John Meisel

Ku’ulei Mello

Kaili and Jason Murbach

Katherine Murphy and Matthew DiSanto

Patt and Joseph Narrowe

Meredith Narrowe

Valerie Petredis

Dionne and Anthony Philips

Hayden Pickard

Aleutian Presley

Elmer Rasay

Jonathan Rebo

Angelina and Vetea Ribet

Lecca Roberts and Andrew Lusby

Jill Roberts and Greg Walton

Kiana Rowley and Joseph Silva

Kaci Sagayaga

Elianne and Alberto Santin

Jonnette Santos

Alison and Vince Schurtz

Batel Shimi-Knauf

Benjamin Shurtleff

Eva Sikes

Ryan Silva

Sarah and Jacob Simons

Sara and Christopher Smith

Jacqueline and Zachary Smith

Sophy and Ryan Smith

Emily Smith

Sada and Donny Smith

Morgan Soares

Varessa Sta. Ana

Terra and Randy Stark

Natasha and Ben Summit

Bahram Taghavi

Wendy Takemoto and Raefer Reardon

Augustus Taylor

Lena and Keith Teboul

Sara Tekula and Joseph Imhoff

Denise and Shaun Thayer

Lisa Tomihama

Precious Trall and Landon Laborte

Deesha Tucker

Anke and Remco van den Elzen

Yamille Vicente

Wilma Vorfeld

Rene and Robert Vorfeld

Sarah Voyer and Christopher Barca

Jing Wong

Arthur Hong Jun Wong Jr.

Oklim and Daryl Yamashita

Jennifer and Ari Zainuddin

Elizabeth Zeren

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.

Mark Bridgeford with Hang Ten Lighting

Carolina Carabetti and Rodrigo Botta with Rio Event Designs

John Guarin

Lukas Nelson

Tato Melgar

Lee Anne Wong

Ways to Give Back to our MOMI Community

As a nonprofit organization, Montessori School of Maui depends upon the support of the community to thrive each year. There are many ways for you to give back, from volunteer opportunities to donations of gifts and services. We truly rely upon the annual generosity of our ‘ohana through financial contributions. Funds raised go directly to the operating budget and support our student programs, staff development, campus maintenance and more.

While “unrestricted” donations to our Annual Fund give us the greatest flexibility in utilizing donations for the betterment of our students and school, you may also direct your gift through:

ANNUAL FUND – GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT

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

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Our Tuition Assistance program enables families to provide their children with the benefits and enjoyment of a Montessori education. It allows families to become or remain a part of our MOMI community. This program also allows our students to develop diverse life-long friendships and helps assure the socio-economic diversity of our student body, which mirrors the world in which we live.

HAWAIIAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In an effort to increase our Hawaiian student population and to further reinforce the cultural diversity of our school, the Montessori School of Maui also offers a

scholarship through the Hawaiian Scholarship Fund designed to help students who came to us for preschool through the Pauahi Keiki Scholarship program (PKS). This program helps these students remain a part of our MOMI community through the elementary years. Annually an average of seven or eight young people from the Pauahi Keiki program must leave our school as they reach age six and become ineligible for further funding. Our goal is to bring the generosity of our community to these families—to allow more of these students 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. This fund supports the tuition of children of Montessori School of Maui alumni, enriching the lives of many children here on Maui through education for generations to come.

PLANNED GIFTS

Planned gifts recognize your belief in the future of our school and your desire to see it sustained 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, you have the opportunity to make a gift of a lifetime.

For more information about supporting the Montessori School of Maui, please contact Sarah Mitchel-Block at 808-573-1046. We are pleased to assist you in your philanthropic goals, as we partner together in support of a quality Montessori education.

photo credits: Angelina Hills

Kiana Iwado MOMI Faculty and Staff

writer: Eric Dustman | editors: Jamie Athearn, Tess Hanson DeLisa, Kiana Iwado, Sarah Mitchel-Block, Sara Tekula graphic designer: Patt Narrowe