Footsteps

The Magazine of Marin Primary & Middle School

Vol. 8 Spring 2010

The More Things Change 2 Staying True to the Mission 3 Around Campus 4 MP&MS by the Numbers 6 Students Past and Present 7 Modalities: More Than a Buzzword 8 Getting Technical at MP&MS 10 Time Out with Steve and Donna 12 Liz Brown: Teacher/Traveler 14 Annual Report 16

Footsteps

Marin Primary & Middle School

Treasuring Childhood—Learning for Life

The More Things Change . . .

by Julie Elam, Head of School Welcome to the new version of Footsteps! Just as in the past, you will find stories about the engaged teaching and learning going on from one end of the school to the other, all within a new format that more appropriately reflects the growth and change taking place within the school. The new Footsteps is not only beautiful but environmentally friendly, employing a smaller size, soy inks, and recycled paper. We have also folded in our 2008-2009 Annual Report, to reduce the environmental impact of our communications. Hmm…just like last summer’s hallway renovation, a significant upgrade in functionality and “greenness,” all wrapped up in a beautiful package. And just as we’ve continued to discover the many advantages of our hallway improvements through the year, we anticipate that the new Footsteps will provide a new window for our readers on all that is going on at Marin Primary & Middle School.

This edition also reflects our school’s history and culture (see “Around Campus” and the interview with Donna and Steve Fanfelle) as well as the foundations of our future, in news from our educational technology specialist and an interview with this year’s new fourth grade teacher, Liz Brown. The timeless values of this school, especially treasuring childhood, remain as relevant to the lives of our students and families as they were when the school was founded in 1975.

From my own perspective, I’ve seen new research on learning and teaching impact schools significantly in the last decade. Technology has created shifts in everything, from the way we order lunches to the way our students receive information. These groundswells transform communication and information accessibility, but they don’t change fundamental learning experiences: watching chicks hatch, performing in a play, creating a work of art that pushes boundaries. It’s this dichotomy that makes working with students so rewarding, and one of the reasons it’s so much fun to come to school every day!

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Staying True to the Mission

by Therese Lawless, Board Chair Over ten years ago our family first arrived at Marin Primary & Middle School with our three-year-old daughter, Emma, who will soon be graduating from the eighth grade. For those of you just beginning the journey of educating your child or children, it is true what they say—time flies by. Marin Primary & Middle School was a different place back then, in so many ways, but at its core it was the same. The values and principles which are the foundation of this school have only grown stronger under the leadership and guidance of Julie Elam’s experience and wisdom.

When it came time to look at primary schools, we knew we didn’t want to send our children someplace where the process was sacrificed for an artificial goal. We wanted them to become critical thinkers—to question and explore and leave MP&MS with a love of learning that will remain with them throughout life. After an exhaustive search, we decided to stay at Marin Primary & Middle School because we so firmly believed in the school’s mission and philosophy. As the Mission Statement says, “we honor and enjoy children’s natural curiosity, competence, and exuberance.” Marin Primary & Middle School truly does honor each child, asking not “how smart is the child?,” but “how is the child smart?”

When author and brain researcher Maryanne Wolf came to our school recently, she unabashedly said, “You guys are doing it right. Keep it up.”

As we prepare for graduation, I feel incredible gratitude to the teachers and staff who give so much of themselves on a daily basis. This eighth grade class, like all of the students here, would not be where they are without the nurturing environment of our school. They have a solid foundation upon which to grow. They will face challenges and issues we can’t even imagine, and they will do so with compassion and grace. To our teachers, the leadership team, and each employee who contributes so selflessly to the school, thank you for your dedication and commitment to the children. We appreciate all of you.

Footsteps • Spring 2010

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Around Campus MP&MS Welcomes Cuernavacan Visitors What started as an old-fashioned ink-and-paper penpal exchange has blossomed into a multi-faceted friendship between people and cultures. Since 2007, Marin Primary & Middle School second and fifth graders have been exchanging hand-written letters, as well as email and video conversations via Skype, with students at The Williams School in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Cuernavacan students write their letters in English, Marin Primary students write “en Espanol.”

The project proved so successful that in November 2008, select MP&MS staff traveled to The Williams School to spread “shoobee diplomacy,” spending a busy week at The Williams School setting up a wood shop, then guiding students in building their own shoobee guitars.

From this positive experience a new tradition has sprung. Several teachers from The Williams School were guests of MP&MS in March, hand-delivering Mexican customs and culture to the students. Second grade students learned about “jugetes,” or traditional Mexican toys, fifth graders learned the vast impact corn had on the Mexican culture. Both grades put their newfound knowledge to work by creating “amates”—traditional Mexican paintings on paper made of bark from the amate tree.

The visit culminated in a schoolwide assembly on the playground. Under azul skies, students performed dances and shared favorite Mexican foods. Ole! Charlie Hale Speaks at David Hale Memorial Library on Meeting Challenges MP&MS alum Charlie Hale and his parents were on campus in April to address the MP&MS middle school community. In a moving talk, Charlie spoke of his late brother, David Hale, the MP&MS library’s namesake, and the accident that profoundly affected his life. “The library was built by my mom to honor my little brother who was killed in a car accident when he was two. I was badly hurt in the same accident. David Heath was willing to take a chance and let me try to be successful as a student. Marin Primary gave me confidence. They offered hope and encouragement to my family. It is important to remember that by trying hard and not letting challenges and disappointments get in your way, everyone can be successful.”

Charlie currently works at Five Points Fitness Gym, Woodlands Market and Cafe, and in guest services for the SF Giants. His story was the topic of a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle.

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MP&MS Actors Charm With “Into the Woods” Talented MP&MS actors brought “Into the Woods” to life at the Throckmorton Theater this spring. The production delighted audiences from preschoolers to grandparents. Set to music by Steven Sondheim, “Into the Woods” is a Jack and the Beanstalk/Cinderella/ Rapunzel/Little Red Riding Hood mashup. Students deftly handled the sophisticated score and delivered their lines with assurance.

Said director Charlie Queary, “It is amazing how good these actors are getting! Not only did they learn a very difficult music score, they overlaid it with fantastic acting. Everything ran smoothly thanks to parent support, and the production values were through the roof!”

Charlie’s confidence in his actors’ abilities has been showcased in past After-school productions such as last autumn’s primary school production of “Really Rosie,” and spring productions of “Daddy Lear,” and “The Tik Tok of Oz.” New Peeps in the Barn!

Weeks of patience paid off for Barn students when their incubating chicks finally pecked their way into the world in late March. While the chicks picked at their shells, Barn teacher Joy Abesamis wrote, “Our Barn children are all doing such an amazing job of being patient and keeping their excitement down. They are awesome and we couldn’t be more proud.” The Barn traditionally gets the fertile eggs from Skippy’s Farm Fresh Food in Petaluma.

The new Barn “mommies and daddies” were instantly smitten, naming their new additions Fluffy, Emma, Chubby, Little Lulu, Furry, Cheesy, Sophie and Chick’n’pop.

What is the fate of the chicks once they lose their fluff? “In the past, the grown chicks have been given to MP&MS teachers to raise for eggs,” said Barn teacher Mark DeRango. “This year the chickens were given to Rivertown Feed to be adopted by people wanting fresh eggs and fertilizer.”

They Blinded Us with Science Ahh, spring, when the air is perfumed with scents of plum blossoms, tender shoots of grass, and bunsen burners. Spring is science fair season, and the halls at MP&MS overflowed with the results of our fourth and fifth graders’ efforts.

Prior to presenting the awards in the fifth grade classroom, Rebecca Wunderlich spoke of using science in daily life, the excitement a tested theory can evoke, and the judging criteria was explained. Experiments were conducted on measuring the speed of sound, what kind of wood burns most efficiently, and a study on sunscreen that included included this interesting fact: a photostabilizer (the chemical used in developing pictures back in the day) is used in sunscreen to keep the other chemicals from breaking down in sunlight. Who knew?

Footsteps • Spring 2010

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MP&MS by the Numbers

35

1

years in operation

graduate in the very first eighth grade class

alumni who are college graduates

112

3

Heads of School

232

74

painted rocks in the Outdoor Education Center

years of MP&MS service that Donna Fanfelle, Steve Fanfelle, Claire Charbonneau, and Dave DeMartini have between them new laptops the 2009 Fund-In-Need bought

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books in the David Hale Library 6

1990

year the middle school was added

6,192

Students Past and Present The Shapes of a Year

MP&MS Alumni Spotlight

by Abby Bernard, Class of 2010 Warmth hits my face As I step out of class I reach out my hand to pluck A delicate flower off a nearby tree My flower sings to me, That life just has begun Life will live and it will die But life will continue on We part but will return Running past the dock, Through the barn, As I come to the meadow balmy air hits me, I am no longer near the sound The chill of the air has gone away Just as I reach the wooden door I grab a spoke of the wheel That is the door I walk in, Slip off my shoes, And let myself sink in The grass, dirt, the smell, My garden My home My camp My place As I walk out of class A crisp, brisk Wind hits me SMACK in the face A crunchy leaf flies into my eye We have returned We do each year To share what knowledge We gained while we were away

The frigid air snaps Against our frail sides We gather close and Sit inside, I watch water drip down and I dream of warmth Of my garden, Of my dock, Of my barn Of my time Of warmer times We come and go As time goes on, We change and grow As we grow we may feel that Nothing stays the same, And we are right Nothing stays exactly the same We can’t go back and it can’t come to us But one thing stays the same The shapes of our year, We will always Have a cold one A warm one A brisk one, And one filled with fever No matter what happens We have our Seasons.

Walker Henderson MP&MS Class of ‘07

Walker is a junior at the Urban School of San Francisco. Along with science and music classes, he is in his third year of Chinese, learning to speak, read and write Mandarin.

He plays lead guitar in Urban’s Advanced Jazz Band, which recently had a featured performance in front of 4,000 at the National Association of Independent Schools conference. The next step in his education is embarking on the search for a college.

Dylan Henderson MP&MS Class of ‘09 Dylan is thrilled to be part of Marin Academy, finishing up his freshman year. Dylan plays drums in one of the jazz bands and often plays in ensembles. Dylan continues to stay in contact with a number of his old MP&MS friends who are at different schools. “After so many years together, those bonds are still very tight,” says mom Laura Tauber.

The MP&MS Class of 2009 is finding success at the following high schools: The Branson School • Sir Francis Drake High School • The Bay School • Marin Catholic High School • Redwood High School • Sugar Bowl Academy • Saint Ignatius High School • Marin Academy • Drew High School • Marin School of the Arts Footsteps • Spring 2010

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Modalities: More Than a Buzzword Erin Murphy Primary School Director The sounds of learning in the primary school: first graders using their bodies to write the words of the week in the air, third graders hunting for things to measure, second graders shaking out their wiggles with the “shaky eights” and then sitting down to listen to stories of the Chinese Zodiac. All of these things are just part of a normal day at Marin Primary & Middle School, a place where children are truly excited to attend and to learn. And it happens that I am privileged to be in a school where an administrator is welcomed into the classroom as a teacher. For me, there is nothing like the sound of a first grader learning to read.

The predictable patterned text: “Here is a red ball. Here is a blue shirt.” The hope is that the child will turn and look at the picture so he or she will be able to “read” the word “shirt,” and maybe need a small prompt to remember the “sh” sound. And the excitement of watching the pattern change and watching the child stop and notice—a clear indication that the child is not simply memorizing the 8

pattern, but that reading has begun.

All of these behaviors are predictable because reading readiness and literacy develop in a systematic way in young children. It is why I chose to become a reading specialist and why I feel so fortunate to be at a school where I can teach as well as be a part of a fabulous administrative team.

The varied approaches to learning in the classrooms of Marin Primary & Middle School are one of the things that set us apart from other schools. Our teachers know that children learn in many different ways and through many different modalities. It is this knowledge that helps us develop a curriculum in the primary school that integrates many subject areas, including the arts, technology, physical education, and outdoor education. This integrated approach to learning not only helps to meet the learning needs of every student in the classroom, but furthers the mission of the school of “teaching to reach children.”

In addition to integrated curriculum, individualized instruction is important in providing children with a well-rounded education, and one of the many reasons I am at Marin Primary & Middle School.

Our teachers know that children learn in many different ways and through many different modalities.

The word “modalities” is heard often, and many schools make efforts to teach this way. In the classrooms of MP&MS, teachers know their students and group them according to specific needs on each given day. Children move in and out of groups rather than staying in one group for the entire year because their needs change.

Teachers continually assess their students to be sure they are challenged, provided with remediation, or instructed according to what each individual needs at the time.

That is true individualization, and it is seen on all levels from junior kindergarten to fourth grade and beyond. Teachers work in teams with specialists and learning resource staff and talk about individual students to come up with specific plans when a skill or concept needs strengthening, when a behavior has become a hindrance to learning, or when a child needs enrichment because he or she has mastered a skill. Marin Primary & Middle School is built on this philosophy that we “teach to reach” children, and it is done every day by every person in the building.

Footsteps • Spring 2010

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Getting Technical at MP&MS Yolanda Escandon Technology Education Specialist and Judy Zimola Communications Manager

When MP&MS first became a school in 1975, television sets had three main channels (four if you count the educational channel,) we were sure to carry dimes for the pay phone, and an exciting day was one on which your photos were ready after waiting a week for them from the time you dropped them off at the neighborhood drug store. Two renegade kids were building computers from wood and electric typewriter parts, and music was blasting through the speakers of Ford Torinos via eight-track tapes.

To state the obvious, technology has moved at dizzying speeds since 1975. As adults, sometimes it’s all you can do to figure out how to program the TiVo. Conventional wisdom says, “If you can’t figure out how to do something on your (insert latest technology item or software here: digital camera, iPhone, BlackBerry, Facebook,) ask your kid how to do it.” Indeed, kids’ comfort with the latest technology is impressive. Even more impressive are the ways we’ve learned to adapt at MP&MS to our rapidly-changing world in order to enhance learning. Far from replacing reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic, technology complements the process. Students learn to use the latest information-gathering and sharing techniques to give polished presentations, peer reviews, and classroom discussions.

Below are just a few ways we’re integrating technology into our classrooms: • Second graders round out their library research on rainforest animals by utilizing links posted on the class web page, applying the information they’ve gathered to create walk-through exhibits in their classroom. As third graders, they put those same research skills to work, this time with a little more muscle, for the African Extravaganza. Along with creating slideshows on African wildlife, students present their online discoveries via costume, dance, and skits interpreting African folklore.

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At MP&MS, we’ve adapted to our rapidly-changing world in order to enhance learning, make free time productive, and gain new perspectives from our youngest students.

• “Ning is the thing!” according to sixth grade teacher Daydra Bell. Young MP&MS authors are using Ning for writers’ workshop, in which students post writing samples and classmates critique in a private online forum.

“The teachers can really see how students evolve as writers. From the beginning to the end of the year, it’s apparent that students have developed their unique writing styles. They pay more attention to their writing because they’re writing for an audience, not just for the teacher. And they learn to analyze and critique. Social networking for them has grown to a level beyond ‘hey, how ya doin’?”

• Armed with digital cameras and guided by their own curiosity, the Zoo class recently visited the Outdoor Education Center. The result was a gallery of photos mounted on construction paper and artfully embellished with sunflower seeds. The photos showed closeups of flowers, long shots of the arbor, and the play of light and shadows on the path. “I’ve used a camera before!” one student eagerly shared. The young photographers were proud to point to their works, and enthusiastic about future photo opportunities.

• More technology will soon be invading our classrooms. This year’s 2010 Fund-in-Need at the MP&MS 22nd Annual Auction raised more than $70,000 to support the Technology Committee’s Fast Start plan, which will provide more laptops as well as SMART Board digital whiteboards, iPads, document projectors, digital cameras, and other high-tech tools for our classrooms.

Who knows what methods we’ll employ to teach our students by the year 2040? Maybe our technology lab will have plasma walls and we’ll look at images projected in the air. Maybe we’ll wear clothes made from soda bottles. Wait…we already wear those. One thing is certain: we’ll be here, ready to embrace whatever new developments come along.

Footsteps • Spring 2010

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Time Out with Steve and Donna What is your favorite event?

Steve: That would be graduation, because every single emotion you can possibly imagine just tugs at my heartstrings.

Donna: The heavy admissions season when I’m giving tours because that’s my favorite part of the job.

I just feel so strongly that MP&MS is an amazing place for students to be. I also like the holiday time, because we’re quite a family here.

What’s the single biggest change you’ve seen take place at school?

Steve: I’ve been here for thirty years, and the biggest change is a true understanding for the founding philosophy. I think in the last four years especially, people have come to truly acknowledge and respect what we’re doing for the kids, for all types of learners. We were talking about the “whole child” years ago, when no one else was, and now everyone is. That makes me feel proud.

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Donna: We’re starting to look on the outside the way we are on the inside, with the new rugs, the new lighting, and the skylights.

We look as special as we are.

What would you most like to see in the way of physical improvements?

Steve: Well, what I would really love to see next are two things: the first is a Multi-purpose room or gym or combination of both.

The second would be Dave (DeMartini) actually getting some gray hair. I’m really questioning how he can still have brown hair after being at MP&MS as long as I have.

Donna: Steve kind of took my idea, because I’d like to see a better Multi-purpose room so we could have a place where all of the families of the school could be together.

The other one is a certain middle school teacher wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes when I have admission tours.

Can a relationship survive when both parties work in the same place? If those parties are enthusiastic, committed, and have a great sense of humor, the relationship not only survives, it enhances the workplace. Eighth grade teacher Steve and Admissions CoDirector Donna Fanfelle bring the spirit of George Burns and Gracie Allen to MP&MS.

If you could have anybody else’s job at MP&MS, whose would it be?

Donna: That’s a good question, because in all my years here, I’ve done just about everything. I like my own job. I don’t want to trade positions with anybody else. Is that OK? Steve: I definitely would not want to be in any type of administrative position because I do better dealing with the fourteen-year-olds, hence, teaching children for thirtythree years. If I had to choose one other area, I would love to be a drama teacher like Charlie . . .

Donna: You’d be good at it.

Steve: . . . I would love to do that.

If a TV show were to be made about MP&MS, what do you think would be a good theme song?

Donna: Mine would be “It’s a Small World,” the Disneyland song, because I love that, and “We Are Family.”

Steve: What happened to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road?”

Donna: And I like “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” too.

Steve: I was gonna use that!

Donna: You’re arguing with me . . .

Steve: “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” . . .

Donna: . . .OK, but you’re arguing . . .

Steve: . . .this is what I tell the graduates. It’s a Wonderful World, Follow the Yellow Brick Road, but Go Your Own Way. There. That’s me, in a nutshell.

Steve: “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, and to coincide with that, “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac.

Footsteps • Spring 2010

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Liz Brown: Teacher/Traveler As told to Judy Zimola

My family moved from Colorado to California when I was two years old. Both my parents were teachers there but took the opportunity to move out to a farm on the coast of California near Fort Ross to take over running a ranch and summer camp for children that had been in existence from the 1950’s. I grew up on the farm in the redwoods with my parents, twin sister, and older brother in a very small community.

I attended an elementary school very similar to MP&MS and loved growing up in rural Northern California. My parents have always opened our eyes to different cultures and my family went on a trip to Europe when I was nine years old. My parents took us out of school for two months and we travelled to eight different countries. This was a very memorable trip for me. It gave me the passion, curiosity, and yearning to further experience the world in various ways. For example, I volunteered in Costa Rica, working at an orphanage, taking care of children of all ages.

I also worked at an elementary school part-time, helping teach English to kindergarten through sixth graders while there. At the same time, I was practicing my Spanish and learning about life in Central America.

I moved to New Zealand in 2005 with a year-long work visa to experience yet another culture and way of living. I took on many jobs including working in preschools; various agriculture jobs in vineyards, kiwi and apple farms; and hospitality jobs while exploring the incredible outdoor education of both the North and South Islands.

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A world traveler, first year MP&MS teacher Elizabeth Brown brings a depth of experience to the fourth grade classroom.

Travelling, experiencing and seeing other cultures makes me realize that my world and culture are just a small part of the big picture.

My experiences abroad have opened my eyes to different ideas and ways of living and have made me feel more connected to humankind.

Understanding various cultures and histories makes me want to learn more about the world around me and has given me a broader frame of reference in which to live. My travel experiences have humbled me and I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to interact with a diverse range of people, and experience other parts of the world with my own eyes and not just through the media of America. Furthermore, travel has made me appreciate my life here in California all the more!

Travel has also influenced my ideas and theories on teaching. I more deeply understand the true importance of opening students’ eyes to other ways of living. Learning about the greater world is vital, even from a young age, and I do my best to incorporate this into many aspects of my teaching as well as sharing my world experiences with students who may have not yet had the opportunity to learn as much first-hand about other cultures. I hope this will inspire them to appreciate diversity, be open to new worldly experiences, and accept others even more.

“I enjoy teaching at a place where students are exposed to the greater world around them. Community and global service projects including Pennies For Peace, helping students in the local Canal District, and providing relief aid for those devastated by natural disasters really enhances kids’ knowledge base.”

Footsteps • Spring 2010

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MP&MS 2008-2009 Annual Report Rising to the Challenge

by Meredith Clark Development Director

Nine months after joining Marin Primary & Middle School as Director of Development, I am thrilled to be a staff member of this special school.

I am continually impressed by our dedicated faculty, bright and eager students and the amazing community generously supporting our efforts.

2008-09 was a challenging year for our country and for many at MP&MS, and we are grateful for the hundreds of donors listed on the following pages who supported the school. Every gift truly made a difference.

The 2008-09 MP&MS Annual Fund campaign, chaired by Mark Slavonia, raised $344,763 for the school’s operating budget. MP&MS’s Parent Association, under the leadership of Larie Flaherty, made an additional contribution of $148,000 to the school, in part as a result of the success of MP&MS’s 21st Annual Auction, “Club Magnolia.”

We are also so thankful for our hardworking capital campaign committee, chaired by John Stobo and Sue Whitaker, for leading our school through its first major capital campaign. The sparkling new hallways are just a taste of what’s to come with this project!

If we haven’t yet met, please stop by and introduce yourself—my office is two doors down from Julie’s. I look forward to working with you to accomplish wonderful things for MP&MS!

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Giving at Marin Primary & Middle School Donations to MP&MS play a critical role in ensuring the quality of the school’s programs and facilities.

Thank you to all the current and former MP&MS parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends who help sustain the financial health of our special school.

Annual Fund The MP&MS Annual Fund raises unrestricted money to supplement the school’s operating budget. Annual Fund donations help bridge the difference between what tuition covers and the actual cost of educating each child. Items the Annual Fund helps support include teacher salaries, the school’s innovative curriculum, and the best student services. Annual Fund donations for the 2009-2010 campaign are being accepted through June 30, 2010.

Major Donor and Foundation Gifts MP&MS seeks ongoing support in the form of major gifts and foundation grants to fund specific programs, special projects, and the school’s endowment. Major gifts the school has received in recent years have helped fund the Learning Resource Center, the Tuition Assistance Program, and the Outdoor Education Center.

Building for Their Future Over the last few years, MP&MS has raised more than $2 million through the initial quiet phase of the Building for Their Future capital campaign. These funds helped the school complete a major hallway renovation and other important improvements in the summer of 2009. Funds are currently being raised for additional campus updates, including a new Multi-purpose room and a renovated playground area.

MP&MS Parents Association In addition to its role in strengthening the MP&MS community, the school’s Parents Association is crucial to fundraising. Proceeds from the MP&MS Annual Auction and other volunteer-driven Parents Association events support the school’s operating budget, helping ensure excellence and quality beyond what tuition alone will cover. The MP&MS 22nd Annual Auction took place on March 27, 2010 at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco.

For information about making a gift to Marin Primary & Middle School, please contact Meredith A. Clark, Director of Development at (415) 413-9046 or mclark@mpms.org.

Footsteps • Spring 2010

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Board of Trustees 2008-2009

Officers Chair Eliot Holtzman Vice Chairs Therese Lawless John Stobo Treasurer Laura Tauber Secretary Fred Lange Head of School Julie Elam

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Board Members Chris Albinson John Battelle Rick Bernard Jayme Canton George Carver Tom Dietz Larie Flaherty Cathy Hunter Susan Kan-Whitaker Rory Little Stephanie Mellin Melanie Nichols Tom Restaino Joe Rusbarsky Mark Slavonia Kerry Tepperman

Parents Association 2008-2009 Officers President Larie Flaherty Vice President Kristen Powell Treasurer Carol DeMuth Secretary Sam Cross

Annual Fund 2008-2009

Founder’s Circle $25,00+ Mark and Catherine Slavonia Head’s Council $10,000 to $24,999 Ed and Susan Catmull Garry Rayant and Kathy Fields-Rayant Tom Restaino and Jan Becker Magnolia Society $5,000 to $9,999 Anonymous John and Janet Bent George and Kathy Carver Tom Dietz and Leslie Ferguson-Dietz Bob and Myra Fairchild Eliot and Margot Holtzman Donald and Donna Kelleher (in honor of Bari Kelleher Williams) Byron Kuth and Liz Ranieri Kuth Tibor Laczay and Julia Zhen Rory and Jan Little Bill and Stephanie Mellin John and Diana Stobo Jim Sturdevant and Therese Lawless The LEF Foundation Lars Ulrich and Connie Nielsen Patrons $2,500 to $4,999 John and Michelle Battelle Stephen and Christine Bent Phil and Christine Bronstein Kurt and Jane Burkhard Craig and Vida Campbell Alex Cobb and Melissa Norris Leonard and Margaret DeSomma Mark and Maria Forney Chris and Allison Fragakis Eric and Kimberly Johnson Jon Myers and Bonnie Seto-Myers Jeremy and Amy Noblin

Liz Palacios Rich and Tanya Peterson PG&E Todd Schneider and Devin Dixon Daniel and Elizabeth Traub Craig and Gia Wallace John Whitaker and Susan Kan-Whitaker Erik and Ali Witte Benefactors $1,000 to $2,499 Chris and Debra Albinson Mark and Victoria Anderson Anonymous Jason and Negissa Araghi Clint Bajakian and Deniz Ince Rick and Sarah Bernard Scott and Pam Bohner Ned and Catherine Brown Jayme and Gayle Canton Will Costa and Kitty King Stuart and Lois Coven Shawn and Samantha Cross Adam Cummings Deborah J. And Peter A. Magowan Family Foundation, Inc. Julie and Jon Elam Fidelity Charitable Fund Jim and Larie Flaherty Christopher and Nerida Gallagher Genentech Employee Giving Program Andy and Linda Gordon Jeff and Claire Haggin Tyson and Kristen Harper Mark Henderson and Laura Tauber Thomas and Tinsley Hutson-Wiley Joe Keene and Susan Andrus Robert and Sloan Klein Marco Krapels and Moira Hanes Fred and Lynn Lange Cortland and Elizabeth Larned Levi Strauss Foundation Robert and Maribeth Marchi Robert and Karen McHugh Michael McTiernan and Jeong-Ae Yoon

Luke Moix and Andrea DeRochi Martin and Carol Neville Paul and Melanie Nichols Steve and Cindy Patrizi Philip and Cynthia Pillsbury Jeff and Kim Qvale Josh and Angela Rafner Su Ranft Darrell Rosenstein and Liesel Walsh Joe Rusbarsky and Margaret Warner Peter and Diana Ryan Greg Schilz and Kim Kihara Alexei and Elena Sorokine Matthew Spotswood and Shannon Parrott Spotswood Leonard Stecklow and Karen Steiner Sharon Stone Dennis and Nancy Thompson John and Barbara Treat Kirk and Mindy Uhrlaub Patrick and Caroline Wabl Jimmy and LeAnn Wanninger Marc Watrous and Kimberly Kraemer Watrous Adam Wolfson and Dana Oliver Heroes $500 to $999 4Charity Foundation, Inc. Steve and Christine Berkley George and Sheila Bertram Sandy and Carol Boone Clif Bar Family Foundation Peter and Jeanne Conklin Jeremy and Wendy Coon Andrew and Michelle Foster Gap Foundation Gift Match Program Jewish Communal Fund John and Anne Gilchrist Alan and Elsie Gregson Mitch and Linda Hart Kurt and Julie Houtkooper Tom Johnson and Jennifer Barry Michael Joy Roger and Sally Kirk Footsteps • Spring 2010

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David and Penny Kweder Michael and Tracy Lauterman Don Lesser and Maria Whitaker Rick and Leslie Limpert Mark and Ingrid Lin Donna Maier Brian and Nicole Mott Oracle Corporation Matching Gifts Program Marcy Pattinson Michael and Linda Perrella Desmond and Teresa Pollock Carol Pott Peter and Leila Poutiatine Ethan Russell and Shannon Mong Eric and Ingrid Ryan Edward and Michelle Sarti Dan Schlager and Donna Wiggins Michael Schon and Tara Himler Scott and Jane Stiteler Craig and Gia Wallace David Wilson and Belle Cole Friends $1 to $499 Sarah Abbey Joy Abesamis Ellen Abrams Raymond Ahearn Dorie Akka Mark and Susan Anderson Mia Andler William and Georgeann Andrus

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Anonymous Ian Arthur Nora Bailetti Knud and Lynda Balslev Christopher and Maryam Barrett Jacob Bastacky and Laurie Roth Kirsten Bauer Michael and Kirsten Beckwith Daydra Bell Derek Berka Arlene Birkhahn Kurt Birkhahn and Christienne DeTournay Birkhahn Wendy Bolker Juliana Carlsen Raquel Carrillo Claire Charbonneau Robert and Kimberlee Chase Roy and Renee Chernus Chris and Nancy Connery Kevin and Deborah Cook Kevin and Katherine Cope Rick and Paula Coven Chris and Sonya Danne Christopher Dean and Wesley Hudnall David DeCotis and Paige Missamore-DeCotis Dave and Chris DeMartini Carol DeMuth Mark DeRango Joel and Jolie DeVilbiss Ferenc and Karen Dobronyi

David and Karen Dold Kristi Durst Steve and Elizabeth Dveris Sherrie Dye Andrew Eldredge Peter Eldredge Mia Elsberg Yolanda Escandon Douglas and Julia Evans Gayanne Fambrini Steve Fanfelle and Donna Fanfelle Donna Firenzi Ward Flad and Jennifer Feigal Geoff and Karyn Flynn Lassa and Kristel Frank Drew Freeman and Irene Kanehiro David Goray and Jana Wondriska David and Dana Gottlieb Johnny and Jordonna Grace Laura Greenfield Tanako Hagiwara Jason and Johanna Hall Celine Hamel Tim and Carolyn Harrington Dan Harrison Carl Hawk Jennifer Henzi Tika Hick Paul and Victoria Hinks Joseph and Barbara Hinman Jon Hull Susan Humphrey

Cathy Hunter Jennifer Ingrassia Jacob Jackson Alan and Pam Jarrett Jeff and Alex Jennings Jewish Communal Fund Eric and Heather Johnson Jason and Angela Jones Rhonda Jones Warren and Diana Karlenzig Daniel and Valerie King Jennifer Klem-Clarke Claudia Knaack Margot Koch Alessa Kutten-Cottrell Heather Kweder Michael Laine and Kim Roberts Jeanne Lawless Jerry and Cici Lee Leon Lepyansky and Mary Hope McQuiston Jerry and Kathy Lewis Heather Liston Michael LoRusso Stephanie Lyle Paul and Jennifer Maes Jonathan and Jane Maier Michael and Jodi Manning Mrs. Glenn Martin Nancy Matthews Al Mayberry Sheila McBroom Joe McGovern Robert and Missy McQuiston

Mitzi Medrud Madeline Mendelsohn and Steve Shakin Stephanie Mink Stephen and Barbara Moran Mario Moran David and Mia Munson Erin Murphy Molly Myerson Cristy Norian Tom Norian James and Katja O’Brien Jim Parton and Maureen Brown Parton Matt and Amie Penwell Peter Pfau and Kimberly Starr David and Mary Phillips Kyle Polite Meghan Polite Michael Polite Jeff and Kristen Powell Rick Pozzo Charlie Queary Jeffrey and Adriana Rabkin Lisa Ramezzano Violet Ramezzano Judy Regalia William and Betsy Richardson David and Annie Riedel Lori Rifkin Jim and Kim Rizzo John and Julie Rootes Agustin Rosas-Maxemin Tom Rosko Todd and Camille Roth Tom and Nan Ryan

Charles and Susan Schaefer Winston and Ann Searles Al and Ann Seidel Amrick Singh Virk Julia Smith Avery Stout LuzMaria Strohm Douglas Styles and Deborah Pearl-Styles Whitney Sutak Sean and Nancy Svendsen Craig and Marylou Symonds Jeff and Amy Taylor Kerry Tepperman Marianne Thomas Craig and Stacey Tupper Skylar Ulrich and Mario Moran University of Illinois at Chicago Tony and Rita Vierra Meike Wanberg Linda Warren Suzanne Warren Jeremy and Heather Wenner Klaus and Ellen Werner Sarah Westmoreland Rob and Gerri Wilkinson Sean Williams Stephen Wilson and Corinne Wong Ted Wilson and Darcy Sears Ted and Shauna Witt Tim and Ashley Wood Jeff and Laura Woodhead Michael Wray Rebecca Wunderlich Brooke Young Bradford and Lisa Zampa Judy Zimola

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Endowment, Capital, and Other Restricted Gifts 2008-2009

Endowment John and Michelle Battelle Michael and Linda Perrella Scott and Jane Stiteler Jeff Symonds and Susee Witt Louis Weller David R. Heath Outdoor Education Center George and Kathy Carver Berenice Spalding Gifts in Kind Judith Bebianno Johnny and Jordonna Grace Stan Hoffman Eliot Holtzman Marin R/C Hobbies Morrie and Inna Mink Steve and Mattie Morgan Kerry Myers and Cathy Myers Peter Pfau and Kimberly Starr Sharon Stone Fund-in-Need Suzanne Abele-Ebanks and Kenneth Ebanks Chris and Debra Albinson Julia Banning Nicholas and Jennifer Bartle John and Michelle Battelle Vinit and Hilarey Bhatt Brad and Liz Bird Scott and Pam Bohner Phil and Chris Bronstein Kurt and Jane Burkhard Craig and Vida Campbell Jayme and Gayle Canton George and Kathy Carver Ed and Susan Catmull Will Costa and Kitty King In Honor of Chris DeMartini, Joy Abesamis and Claire Charbonneau Joel and Jolie DeVilbiss Tom Dietz and Leslie Ferguson-Dietz 22

Ferenc and Karen Dobronyi Julie and Jon Elam Robert and Michele Field Jim and Larie Flaherty Andrew and Michelle Foster Chris and Allison Fragakis Jeff and Claire Haggin Eliot and Margot Holtzman Dana Johnson Robert and Sloan Klein Joel and Jennifer Kleinfeld Byron Kuth and Liz Ranieri Kuth Cortland and Elizabeth Larned Bill and Molly Lawrence Justin and Nicole MacNaughton Jonathan and Jane Maier Alex and Aimee Mandossian Robert and Karen McHugh Brian and Nicole Mott Liz Palacios Michael and Linda Perrella Carol Pott Su Ranft Joe Rusbarsky and Margaret Warner Todd Schneider and Devin Dixon Mark and Catherine Slavonia Jim Sturdevant and Therese Lawless Mark and Samara Toole Daniel and Elizabeth Traub Skylar Ulrich and Mario Moran John Whitaker and Susan Kan-Whitaker

Tom Dietz and Leslie Ferguson-Dietz Ferenc and Karen Dobronyi Julie and Jon Elam Josh and Kara Fisher Christopher and Nerida Gallagher Andy and Linda Gordon Jeff and Claire Haggin Mark Henderson and Laura Tauber Eliot and Margot Holtzman Cathy Hunter Peter Joseph and Marcy Levine Tibor Laczay and Julia Zhen Fred and Lynn Lange Rick and Leslie Limpert Rory and Jan Little Deborah J. And Peter A. Magowan Family Foundation, Inc. Peter and Deborah Magowan Laurentius Marais and Susan Hendrie-Marais Bill and Stephanie Mellin Paul and Melanie Nichols Jim Parton and Maureen Brown Parton Peter Pfau and Kimberly Starr Wick and Karen Polite Garry Rayant and Kathy Fields-Rayant Tom Restaino and Jan Becker Mark and Catherine Slavonia John and Diana Stobo Jim Sturdevant and Therese Lawless Kerry Tepperman John Whitaker and Susan Kan-Whitaker

Learning Resource Center Byron Kuth and Liz Ranieri Kuth The LEF Foundation

Music Byron Kuth and Liz Ranieri Kuth The LEF Foundation

Library Media Center Salesforce.com Foundation

Social Curriculum Anonymous Bell & Anderson, LLC

Building for Thier Future Anonymous Chris and Debra Albinson Julia Banning John and Michelle Battelle Rick and Sarah Bernard Jayme and Gayle Canton George and Kathy Carver Ed and Susan Catmull Will Costa and Kitty King

Tuition Assistance Program S. Mark Taper Foundation

Auction Donors 2008-2009

A Line Sarah Abbey Joy Abesamis Ellen Abrams Chris and Debra Albinson Susan Anderson Nicole Apostoli Arrowood Vineyards Autodesk Azul Design Gallery Knud and Lynda Balslev Maryam Barrett Nicolas and Jennifer Bartle John and Michelle Battelle Vesa and Gwenael Becam Benefit Benissimo Ristorante & Bar Derek Berka Berkeley Repertory Theatre Rick and Sarah Bernard Brad and Liz Bird Bistro 333 Mariko Blakemore Scott and Pam Bohner Book Passage Phil and Chris Bronstein Buckeye Roadhouse Buoncristiani Photography Jeff Burke Kirby Burke Jane Burkhard Cafe of Life Chiropractic Calistoga Ranch Camp K-9 of Marin Jayme and Gayle Canton Juliana Carlsen Raquel Carrillo Ed and Susan Catmull Erika Chapman Claire Charbonneau Rob and Kim Chase Chateau St. Jean

Children’s Fairyland Stacy Ciauri Kelle Clark Classic Kids Photography Clear Center of Health Connexion Tutoring Wendy Coon Cooper Raphael Katherine Cope Cote Consulting Marcia Cote Country Club Bowl Rick and Paula Coven DJ Chinese Cuisine Dagaz Salon David Fromer’s Soccer Camp Dave and Chris DeMartini Mark DeRango Jolie DeVilbiss Devin Dowd DiPietro Todd Salon Tom Dietz and Leslie Ferguson-Dietz Ymke Dioquino Devin Dixon MP&MS Drama Department Kevin V Duncan Elizabeth Dveris Julie Elam Andrew Eldredge Peter Eldredge Leslie Ferguson-Dietz Kathy Fields Firefly Restaurant Jim and Larie Flaherty Karyn Flynn Allison Fragakis Frame Crafters Gallery Marie France Lassa and Kristel Frank Golden Gate Fencing Center David Goray Jeff and Claire Haggin Amelia Haimovitch Moira Hanes Tim and Carolyn Harrington

Francesca Harris Dan Harrison Harvest Moon Winery Heitz Wine Cellars Karen Hensley Jennifer Henzi Tika Hick Eliot Holtzman Scott Howard Jon Hull Tinsley Hutson-Wiley Il Fornaio Jennifer Ingrassia Lin Ivice Jarvis Conservatory Eric and Dana Johnson Jack Johnson Kimberly Johnson Kevin Jones Joseph Cozza Salon Susan Kan-Whitaker Warren and Diana Karlenzig Don and Donna Kelleher Debbie Khalilifah Jonathan Kleid Sloan Klein Joel and Jennifer Kleinfeld Jennifer Klem Heidi Krahling Heather Kweder La Jolla Shores Hotel Lambert Bridge Winery Lark Theater Cort and Elizabeth Larned Las Camelias Mexican Restaurant Michael and Tracy Lauterman Bill and Molly Lawrence Edward Leaman Nathalie Leiseing Clare Lightfoot Rory and Jan Little Michael Lopez Susana Lua Lulu Designs Stephanie Lyle Footsteps • Spring 2010

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M Clothing MEGA Gymnastics MP&MS Paul Maes Jonathan and Jane Maier Marin Brewing Co. Marin Rowing Association Marin Shakespeare Company Marin Symphony Matanzas Creek Winery Al Mayberry Karen McHugh Melons Event Catering Timothy and Jennifer Merrill-Palethorpe Erika Michelis Stephanie Mink Shannon Mong Barb Moran Dawn Morgan Brian and Nicole Mott Mountain Camp Moylan’s Brewery and Restaurant Nancy Alcott Photography Navarro Vineyards Nicolette Amy Noblin Noodle Soup Tracy Novick Katja O’Brien Dana Oliver Pacific Tan

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Painter’s Place Liz Palacios Matthew Spotswood and Shannon Parrott Spotswood Cindy Patrizi Carl Pearl Deborah Pearl-Styles Peggy Parks Photography Peju Winery Matt and Amie Penwell Mike and Linda Perrella Peter Pfau Pier 39 Cynthia Pillsbury Desmond Pollock Robyn Pope Aaron and Carol Pott Leila Poutiatine Jeff and Kristen Powell Charlie Queary Jeff and Kim Qvale Josh and Angela Rafner Ravenswood Winery Ristorante La Toscana Julie Rootes Linda Ross Laurie Routhier Ethan Russell Ingrid Ryan Samantha Howe Photography Dan Schlager Schug Carneros Estate Winery Peter and Elizabeth Schumacher Darcy Sears Missy Silver Mark and Catherine Slavonia Julia Smith Kim Starr Leonard and Karen Stecklow Stellar Spa John and Diana Stobo

Sharon Stone Jim Sturdevant and Therese Lawless Whitney Sutak Swing TJ’s Gym Anna Tapay Laura Tauber Tavern at Lark Creek The 2 Brothers Spotless Windows The Melting Pot The Pelican Inn The San Remo Hotel Theatre Rhinoceros Sam Toole Twin Cities Market & Deli Lars Ulrich Vintner’s Collective Patrick and Caroline Wabl Meike and Richard Wanberg LeAnn Wanninger Ward Street Cafe Nathan Washburn Marc Watrous and Kimberly Kraemer-Watrous Nirmal Watson John Whitaker Wipeout Bar & Grill Adam Wolfson Jana Wondriska Jeffrey and Laura Woodhead Michael Wray Rebecca Wunderlich Jeong-Ae Yoon Brooke Young

Parents Association Committee Chairs 2008-2009

Auction Devin Dixon, Leslie Ferguson-Dietz, Francesca Harris, Jane Maier, Angela Rafner

Parent/Faculty Green Initiative Group Stephanie Philipp and Kirsten Beckwith

Safe Routes To School Allison Fragakis Sock Hop/Bunny Hop Larie Flaherty

Book Fair Coordinators Sonya Danne and Lori Docherty

Speaker Series Garry Rayant, David Gottlieb

Eighth Grade Graduation and Reception Karen Dobronyi and Claire Lightfoot

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Gayle Canton, Diana Stobo

Emergency Phone Tree Leila Poutiatine

Volunteer Hour Coordinator Irene Kanehiro

Friends of Library (FOL) Roz Lewis, Shannon Mong, Margot Holtzman

Welcome Coffee Margot Holtzman, Karen Dobronyi

Halloween Celebration Ali Witte, Samantha Cross

Welcome Picnic Larie Flaherty

Homeroomless Giving Susan Andrus Homeroom Parent Coordinators Preschool Julie Rootes Primary School Leila Poutiatine Middle School Debra Albinson Hospitality Coordinators Liz Palacios, Lisa Christensen Literary Day Roz Lewis, Shannon Mong Merchant Program - eScrip Kim Kihara Outdoor Education Center Margot Holtzman

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Financials Exhibit 1: 2008-2009 School Revenues Tuition Fundraising Interest and Other

90% 9% 1%

Exhibit I1: 2008-2009 School Expenditures Salaries and Benefits: 70.5% Building and Grounds 9% Tuition Assistance Program 8.5% Educational Supplies and Field Trips 5% Other (Fundraising, Marketing, Insurance, Telephones, Postage, Printing) 3% Professional Services 1.5% Parents Association 1.5% Professional Development 1%

Exhibit I1I: Gifts to Marin Primary & Middle School Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2009 Unrestricted Funds

Includes funds raised by Annual Fund and Parents Association

$455,510

Temporarily Restricted Funds

$1,503,018

Permanently Restricted Funds

$2,100

Includes capital campaign donations and other restricted gifts

Includes endowment donations

Total Gifts

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$1,960,628

Faculty and Staff 2008-2009

Division Directors Preschool Director Marianne Thomas Primary School Director Erin Murphy Middle School Director Dave DeMartini Learning Resources Center Director David Gottlieb Administrative Directors Head of School Julie Elam Co-Directors of Admission Donna Fanfelle, Erin Murphy Director of Development Judy Regalia Director of Finance and Human Resources Heather Liston Administrative Office Assistant to the Head of School Sherrie Dye Admission Office Coordinator Celine Hamel Communications Manager Judy Zimola Development Assistant Laura Greenfield Facilities Manager David Munson Finance Associate Sarah Westmoreland Maintenance Assistant Carl Hawk Network Administrator Michael LoRusso Nurse Stephanie Mink Office Manager Lisa Ramezzano David Hale Library Media Center Librarian, Ellen Abrams

Preschool Meadow Claire Charbonneau, Chris DeMartini Forest Stephanie Lyle, Mitzi Medrud Seashore, Julia Smith, Brooke Young Jungle Raquel Carrillo, Tika Hick Zoo Rhonda Jones, Leila Poutiatine, Camille Roth, Linda Warren Barn Joy Abesamis, Mark DeRango Primary School Junior Kindergarten Mia Munson, Alessa Kutten-Cottrell Kindergarten Paige Missamore, Mario Moran First Grade Jennifer Ingrassia, Heather Kweder Second Grade Peter Eldredge, Jennifer Henzi Third Grade Sarah Abbey, Kristi Durst Fourth Grade Susan Humphrey Middle School Fifth Grade Meike Wanberg, Rebecca Wunderlich Sixth Grade Daydra Bell, Andrew Eldredge Seventh Grade Derek Berka, Jennifer Klem Eighth Grade Sheila McBroom, Steve Fanfelle Physical Education Jon Hull, Whitney Sutak Specialists Art Margot Koch, Paul Maes Drama Charlie Queary Education Technology Yolanda Escandon Spanish Nora Bailetti, LuzMaria Strohm, Julieta Zuniga Music Jason Jones, Michael Wray

Outdoor Education Center Mia Andler, Molly Myerson Projects Lab Al Mayberry Social Curriculum Joe McGoverm Learning Resources Center Learning Specialists: Mia Elsberg, Madeline Mendelsohn, Tom Rosko, Melissa Silver, Amy Taylor, Junia Ziblay After-School Program Manager Matt Penwell After-School Staff: Ian Arthur, Dan Harrison, Amie Penwell Summer Camp Director: Jason Hull

Demographics 2008-2009 Founded May 1975 Incorporated not-for-profit, coeducational, non-sectarian.

Student Enrollment Preschool JK-4 5-8

338 112 115 111

Student:Teacher Ratio Preschool JK-8

5:1 7:1

Total Number of Staff

73

Disclaimer MP&MS has made every effort to check the accuracy of the lists in this report.

Acknowledgment lists include gifts received during the 2008-2009 fiscal year and names appear as listed on school forms.

We sincerely regret any errors or omissions.

MP&MS values every contribution and greatly appreciates your support. Thank you.

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