Our Mission
Woodland Hill Montessori School – a diverse and engaging educational partnership of parents, teachers, children, and community – nurtures a child’s love of learning and sense of social and personal responsibility using the child-centered Montessori philosophy and curriculum to develop the intellectual, spiritual, physical, artistic, and academic excellence inherent in each child. Dear Woodland Hill Community, Behind the facts and snapshots in this annual report are the moments and stories that defined the 20222023 school year: a year where the Woodland Hill community fully emerged from the challenges of the pandemic and could once again feel grounded as we look to the future. The limitless potential embodied by each of our students and the dedication and love of our skilled teachers are the antidote to the despair and pain we are witnessing across the globe. Woodland Hill embraces the vitally important work of educating our students to become change-makers, capable of great impact on the world around them. Fostering intellectual curiosity, agency, and grit while valuing the connections and relationships within the classroom is our teachers’ specialty. It is an honor to spend my days here. This year, we made it our priority to advance our work on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, building on the objectives identified by our JEDI Task Force. We are celebrating our successes while recognizing the many opportunities for growth. Thank you for being alongside us on the journey. I am grateful to the Woodland Hill Community, past and present, for shaping the school we are today. Thank you for your support as we continue to live into our mission to develop the intellectual, spiritual, physical, artistic, and academic excellence inherent in each child. Sincerely,
Michelle Edwards Head of School
Dear Woodland Hill Family, I hope this message finds you in good health and in good spirits! It is with great pleasure and a sense of pride that I write to you as President of the Woodland Hill Board of Trustees. Woodland Hill is an extremely special place and has been a part of my family for fourteen years since 2009 when our eldest son Isaac joined Primary. Two of our sons have since graduated from Woodland Hill and are thriving in high school. Our youngest son Asher is still at Woodland Hill in his first year of Upper Elementary. Like many of you, we have found a home at Woodland Hill. Since the first time my husband Jim and I visited with our son Isaac back in 2008, we just knew this was a special place. Our children have enjoyed their learning, found mentors in their teachers, and made lifelong friends. When we first came upon Woodland Hill, we did not know much about Montessori education, but over time we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this wonderful community and are thankful in knowing our children are in a caring atmosphere. I feel extremely grateful and humbled to be able to serve this community in the capacity of Board President. Our Board of Trustees is wholly dedicated to their service to the school and works tirelessly every day to uphold their responsibility. We are in an exciting time in our school’s history persisting in our commitment to JEDI initiatives embraced by our school community in recent years. We are now delving into a fresh phase of strategic planning, all the while envisioning our school as a robust and enduring institution well into the future! I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Woodland Hill community, including the administration, teachers, students, and parents, for your unwavering commitment to our school’s mission and vision. Wishing you a happy and healthy new year! Warmest Regards,
Julie Knox
Julie Knox President of the Board of Trustees
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Julie Massry Knox President Erika Solomon Vice President Acting Treasurer Michael Logan, Esq. Secretary Tamara Gatchell Immediate Past President Nicole Lenihan Teacher Trustee
MEMBERS AT LARGE Elizabeth Armstrong Julie Clancy Wendy Gilman Eric Ledet, Ph.D. Andrew McClain Alex Pieterse, Ph.D. Jesse Roberts Sara Stevens Rex Tien, Ph.D.
ADMINISTRATION Michelle Edwards Head of School Erin Mergil Assistant Head of School Ashley Moschouris Director of Finance Kris Gernert-Dott Director of Admissions and Community Outreach Eraena Fraites-Gonzalez Associate Director of Admissions Moira Rienzo Director of Development and Communications Nicholle Gregor Assistant Director of Communications Danielle Hall Business Manager
Cat Pacini Office Manager Patrick Kraft Director of Auxilary Programs Michael Early Director of Facilities
FACULTY Head Teachers and Assistant Teachers Julie Adams Laura Angell Ben Atwood Sandy Blakeman Ashley Campion Stephanie Carty Tina Claus Elyssa Connolly Ashley Dick Olga Febus Linda Fennell Michael Franklin Jennifer Graham Julio Gonzalez Jess Goodrich Cora Heiser Hannah Heiser Katja Higgins Sara Howard Nicole Lenihan Diane McCorkle Kristen McDermott Kim Morrison Lourdes Ortega Jessa Pelizari Michele Praileau Stephanie Puchner Melinda Putney J.T. Rinker, Ph.D. Toni Roland Cassandre Rowe Alisa Scapatici, Ph.D. John Slater Callie Terpstra Emily Whitby Chloё Williams-Searle Naomi Wimberley-Hartman
SPECIALS TEACHERS AND STAFF Sue Anthony Renata Atwood, R.N. Amanda Bentley Jennifer Burns Bethany Burroughs Ignatius Calabria Sarah Colwill Maria Germain Clay Gustave Krysten Houser Ben Kelts Tami Meek Sandy Schneider Jodi Selzer Andrew Snow, DMA Megan Stasi
SCHOOL CARE STAFF Ben Bashant Garrett Blind Kelsey Carter Katherine Endler Camdyn Erwell Sofiya Fruggiero Isabella Hall Ginger Hebert Jaylene Larmond Sadie Murphy Saturn Pierce Jescyka Thompson
New Board Member
Julie Clancy joined the WHMS Board of Trustees in July 2023. Julie is the Assistant Head of School for Enrollment and Advancement at Berkshire County Day School. Prior to joining the Berkshire County Day School, Julie worked at Emma Willard School for eight years. Julie has a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena College and a master’s degree from The College of St. Rose in English/Writing.
New Faculty Members
Elyssa Connolly joined the Middle School team as our science teacher. Elyssa comes to WHMS from North Country School in Lake Placid where she taught 4th, 5th, and 8th graders. Elyssa has a bachelor’s degree in geology, religious studies, and public health from St. Lawrence University. Linda Fennell is the assistant teacher in Upper Elementary with Michele Praileau. Linda earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from The College of Saint Rose. Prior to joining WHMS, she was a teaching assistant for Questar III BOCES at Maple Hill. Michael Franklin is an assistant teacher with Sandy Blakeman in Lower Elementary. Michael has a bachelor's degree in physical education from Russell Sage College. He has worked at WHMS since 2020 in our aftercare, summer camp, and as a substitute. Clay Gustave has been hired as our first Nautilus Coach. The Nautilus Program is designed to support student social/emotional well-being, facilitate conflict resolution and restorative conversations, and deliver programming to support prosocial behavior. Clay has a bachelor’s degree in leadership and management from New York University. Diane McCorkle returns to WHMS to teach Latin to Middle School students. Diane previously taught Spanish and Latin at Emma Willard School for 15 years. Diane has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature from the University of Michigan. J.T. Rinker, Ph.D. is an assistant teacher in Upper Elementary working with Melinda Putney. J.T. has a doctorate in music composition from the University of Buffalo. He has worked as an adjunct professor at RPI and The College of Saint Rose and as a teacher at Morning Star Montessori School in Troy. J.T. will be completing his AMS credential in Lower and Upper Elementary. Emily Whitby joins us in the Toddler program after working in aftercare, summer camp, and as a substitute at WHMS since 2021. She has a bachelor’s degree in childhood/special education and English from The College of St. Rose. Chloё Williams-Searle is a 2013 graduate of Woodland Hill Montessori School and our first alumnus to join the WHMS faculty. She works as an assistant teacher in Olga Febus’ Lower Elementary classroom. Chloë has a bachelor’s degree in in Art History and Film from Vassar College. Prior to joining WHMS, she worked at the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan.
Highlights PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Thirty-four faculty members attended the American Montessori Society Conference in Boston from March 16 – 19, 2023. Attendees greatly enjoyed the keynote speakers and conference sessions leaving them full of new ideas for their classrooms.
We began the 2023-2024 school year with 339 students, including 29 Toddlers, 110 Primary, 90 Lower El, 68 Upper El, and 42 Middle School students. The breakdown was very similar to our 2022-2023 and our 2021-2022 enrollment.
Faculty and staff began the 20232024 school year with professional development by Montessori teacher and school leader Cassi Mackey. Her workshop was entitled, “Creating Harmony through Courageous Conversation.” The goal is to promote a schoolwide culture of trust and respect in which all parties feel heard and valued.
NEW PROGRAMS
The Nautilus Approach is being implemented, led by Nautilus Coach Clay Gustave. His role is designed to support student social/emotional wellbeing, facilitate conflict resolution and restorative conversations, and deliver programming to support prosocial behavior. Clay is trained in the Nautilus Approach to behavior management and community wellness. Created by experts in the Montessori community and used in public and private Montessori schools around the country, the Nautilus lens of handling behavior is a constructivist approach, focusing on re-engaging students in their meaningful work and restoring them to productiveness and peace in their classroom with their teachers and peers rather than leaning on punitive discipline policies to manage behavior. Incoming transfer elementary students were invited to attend an orientation for a week in August with longtime LE teacher Julie Adams. The children enjoyed getting to know the school and our program before starting school in the fall.
Acorn Camp was introduced this year. Formerly known as ‘Three’s Camp’, this small camp offers incoming threeyear old Primary the opportunity to dive into summer camp supported by our nurturing, experienced Montessori staff. The program gives children the chance to become comfortable with the Woodland Hill campus and Primary level environment. The program was very popular and will be expanded next summer.
The first Annual Sports Banquet was held at the Red Barn in East Greenbush on Thursday, May 11. Over 100 guests were in attendance for the formal evening in recognizing the student-athletes. A new offering for families, the admissions office is meeting with all the current 8th grade families to discuss their plans for high school. Kris Gernert-Dott and Eraena Fraites-Gonzalez are working to connect students with their local high schools and completing requests for families who will be continuing with an independent high school option.
A new WHMS website – www.woodlandhill.org – was launched on November 3, 2023. Our most significant update since 2017, it gives us a revitalized look and greater functionality. Additionally, for our current families, the new Family Resource page is a source of important calendar updates and helpful links to find essential information all in one place. The JEDI Task Force, which was formed in early 2021, completed their work and submitted final drafts of their proposed objectives. Partnering with Nishant Mehta of Mehtacognition, the goal was to better understand the needs and opportunities within the Woodland Hill community and to provide advisory support. Woodland Hill’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Mission Statement and the JEDI objectives were shared with the community in September 2023. The next phase of this work is the creation of specific initiatives and action steps to achieve the JEDI objectives. The initiatives will be developed by the school leadership team and faculty, in consultation with the JEDI committee of the board, Nishant Mehta, and families.
A SAMPLING OF CAMPUS EVENTS
The Middle School students, their teachers, and staff traveled to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama and Memphis, Tennessee in March 2023 as part of the Middle School’s bi-annual class trip, A Civil Rights Journey. On their trip, they visited many historical and important sites including The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, the Rosa Parks Museum, the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in silence. The students said it was a powerful experience and very inspiring. Several of the students shared their reflections about the trip with parents at the May 18 Muffins with Michelle event. Several of our art students attended the Olympics of Visual Arts competition in Saratoga on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Students competed in this state-wide problem-solving art contest over several months to present on this day. Our students won first, second, and third in numerous categories for their age division.
Mahika Gandla won the WHMS Spelling Bee in December 2022. Mahika edged out the 22 other competitors with the winning word lurid.
The Diversity Committee hosted a cultural night on Friday, November 3, 2023, with a dinner and performances from around the Capital Region including a step team from The College of St. Rose, interactive dances, singers, and an African drummer. Families had a wonderful night appreciating the arts. The Independent High School mini-fair for our Middle School students and parents returned again this fall. The evening event was well-received and well-attended with 12 independent schools: Academy of the Holy Names, Albany Academies, Bard Academy, Buxton, Christan Brothers Academy, Darrow, Doane Stuart, Emma Willard, LaSalle, and Miss Hall’s in attendance, along with and two local lottery options - Tech Valley and STEM High at HVCC. WHMS offered a Montessori in the Home parent education online event in October 2023, led by Jennifer Graham. Twenty-five families learned how to translate their child’s classroom experiences into their daily home life.
The WHMS Talent Show returned on Friday, March 24, run by the Friends of WHMS. Sixteen different acts performed with confidence by Primary to Middle School students!
The ZuZu African Acrobat Troupe came to school on March 9, 2023, for a schoolwide assembly, which complemented the study of Africa this year. The performance was full of energy with music, dance, amazing stunts, and audience participation. The children were engaged, impressed, and grateful to have this experience. Ana Homayoun visited WHMS on Thursday, January 27, 2023, to meet with students, faculty, and families to discuss digital wellness, social media safety, and methods to navigate the world of technology.
Lower El students held a Science Fair on March 31. The students created projects which they presented to their classmates. The teachers report that the presenters were well spoken, and the students were wonderful audience members, who paid attention to the speaker, clapped enthusiastically at the end, and took turns asking questions.
For the third year in a row, the Upper El held a toy drive for the Salvation Army around Christmas time. We have welcomed back prospective parents and current parents into the classrooms so that they can observe the magic of Montessori firsthand. It has been wonderful to welcome parents back into the building after a long absence due to Covid restrictions.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
at Woodland Hill
Mission Woodland Hill is committed to acceptance, affirmation, and
curiosity; embracing and encouraging all manner of human differences. We are dedicated to the promotion of peace education, both within the walls of our school and in the community at large. We are practitioners of the Montessori method, which holds cosmic education - the path through which children develop a global vision - as a cornerstone of its pedagogy. We are wholeheartedly and unwaveringly committed to the preparation of an environment and the maintenance of a curriculum which guides children to embrace the interconnectedness of humanity. It is with this mission in mind, and guided by the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, that we approach the practices of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at our school.
WHMS JEDI Objectives
One. Our school community will engender an inclusive and welcoming environment where all members experience a sense of belonging regardless of identity or background, and barriers to equal participation are addressed. Two. WHMS seeks to recruit, review, and retain its diversity of faculty, students, and staff as we commit to be rooted in the continual growth of reflecting JEDI values through Montessori practices, including a wide range of voices and lived experiences in our community.
Spring 2021
Five. Our curriculum and classrooms will provide a safe,
July 2022
2022
Six. Our curriculum and classrooms will foster a learning approach that enables students to engage with diverse histories and perspectives with empathy and compassion.
Eight. The WHMS community will cultivate work, learning,
and community environments that will each reflect the school’s commitment to accessibility, belonging, and individual growth toward collective responsibility.
Community Learning Forum
Nishant joined Michelle Edwards on campus to share what was learned during the listening sessions and how those findings will lay the groundwork for next steps; the development of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) objectives.
September Formation of JEDI Task Force
inclusive, and empowering space for all students to learn, analyze, and engage in productive dialogue based on those values.
Seven. WHMS will maintain its commitment to fostering global citizenship in its students, faculty, and parenting adults by partnering with community stakeholders to engage with diverse issues facing our world.
Woodland Hill Montessori made the decision to advance our work on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion by engaging the support of a consultant. A thorough selection process involving trustees, faculty, staff, and parents resulted in the unanimous decision to engage Nishant Mehta of Mehtacognition.
February Community Listening Sessions 2022 Nishant hosted a series of listening sessions on campus. Individuals representing our community in all ways we are distinct from one another shared their perspectives and experiences.
Three. Our admissions and orientation processes will provide families with the opportunity to clearly understand and experience WHMS’s educational approach and commitment to values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Four. WHMS will strengthen student and employee policies and procedures that create a sense of psychological safety and accountability, and promote greater equity and inclusion for our community.
JEDI Consultant Selection
A group of approximately 15 school community members (trustees, administrators, teachers, and parents) was responsible for taking the feedback from Nishant’s listening sessions and developing objectives to carry this important work forward.
Mission Statement September and Objectives Adopted 2023
The mission statement and objectives will serve as the foundational documents guiding our focus and efforts in the coming months and years.
Congratulations to the
Woodland Hill Montessori School Class of 2023! Nineteen 8th graders graduated on Friday, June 16 in the WHMS gymnasium. Dalilah Massey was nominated by her classmates and teachers to speak at graduation to represent the Class of 2023. Jinah Kim served as our keynote speaker. Jinah is the owner of Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen Restaurant and Sunhee’s Community Place, an organization for immigrant and refugee advocacy. Our graduates are attending the following schools: • Academy of the Holy Names (2) • The Albany Academies • Albany High School • Averill Park High School • Bethlehem High School The members of the Class of 2019 have • Columbia High School enrolled at the following colleges and • Darrow School universities: Bard College • Doane Stuart School Clarkson University • Emma Willard School (4) Columbia University Harvard University • Miss Hall’s School Northeastern University • Mohonasen High School Otterbein University • Niskayuna High School Temple University SUNY New Paltz • Shaker High School The University at Albany • Troy High School University of Wisconsin
WHMS FUND
July 1, 2022– June 30, 2023 Thanks to our generous supporters, we raised nearly $83,000 for the WHMS Fund. Woodland Hill Montessori School is proud to recognize alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends for their contributions. This list includes all unrestricted and donor designated gifts between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of our donors.
Your contribution will make a world of difference to WHMS. SCHOLARS’ CIRCLE Anonymous Josh and Jenny Wainman
HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE Elizabeth and John Armstrong Global Companies, LLC Tien Family Foundation
The Orietas Family Jesse and Wendy Roberts The Santola Family Erika and Chris Solomon Evan Stavisky Stewart’s Shops/Stewart’s Holiday Match Ruth, Paul, Ana, and Emilia Turaew Leo Wan and Hsin Peng
MAKE YOUR GIFT NOW
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Blackbaud Giving Fund Mary and David Buehl Michael and Sara DeLeonardis Jason and Danielle Dow Drs. Carlos and Sonia Elguero Peter and Jean Endryck Lore and Charles Ferguson Bob and Tamara Gatchell Liliana Garcia and Dan Massey Dorian Goldman and Marvin Israelow IBM Jacob Israelow and Tanu Kumar Julie and Jim Knox The Ledet Family The Mailworks Neelam Mehta Alex and Portia Pieterse Cyril & Lydia Rodriguez Drs. Tobi and Gary Saulnier INVESTOR Bilal Alp and Mevlude Akay Alp Bottar Law Thomas Capezza and Melissa Breger Vicki Dillon Michelle and Ashley Edwards Michael Endler and Lise Hafner Jamie and Michael Furgang Kris and Pete Gernert-Dott Jennifer and Niles Gold Robert Honsinger Patrick and Laura Jordan Shaun and Lisa Kelly Ira and Cynthia Leesfield Maggiano, Digirolamo, and Lizzi, PC Jim and Jenny Malatras Murray and Mallory Massry
BENEFACTOR 16 Handles Elisa Albert and Edward Schwarzschild Amazon Smile Elizabeth A. Angell Laura and Nathaniel Angell Ann and Adam Ayers Dr. Michael and Madeline Baltrush Santosh Bangalore and Amrita Mohanty Ines and Ted Berger Kristi Berner and Geoff Gloak Charlotte Buchanan Heather Buehl Cadence Creative Inc. Liz and Tim Cahrenger Tanya and Matt Corry Nicole and Michael Davis Mustafa Dokucu and Isil SevercanDokucu Theresa Dott Susan and David Evans The Galt Family Gary and Diane Gober Ariel Jaitovich and Maria Moran E. Stewart Jones, Jr. & Kimberly Sanger Jones Kathleen and David Kelly Robert Lahm Jeffrey Lang and Andrea Tinio Nicole and Brian Lenihan Conor and Doni Lillis Nicole and Brendan Longcore Dr. Steven and Tara Manierre Andrew McClain & Sandra Blakeman Erin and Fernando Mergil
David and Robyn Morrison Gary and Jane Noakes Tom and Stephanie Puchner Pamela and Michael Rabbia The Rattner Family Michele Richens Moira Rienzo The Ryu Philip Family Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. Mary Jane Wilson The Yutesler Family FRIEND Mariam Aghayan The Albany Port District Commission Robert and Lynne Angelicola Marina and Kyle AngelicolaRichardson Anonymous Christopher and Shayla Armand Roger Armstrong Renata and Ben Atwood James and Donna Baccei Kristi and Rich Barlette Douglas R. Beam John and Barbara Beaulieu Ken and Susan Belflower Vanessa Bilanceri Board of the LPGA Amateurs, Capital Region Chapter Rand and Michelle Booth Richard Bopp Ann Brandt Christine Bubriski Mary Ann Buckowski Alta Buden and Jeffrey Johnson Robert and Maureen Buhrmaster Peter Burns Barbara Caicedo The Catalano Family Stephen and Genevieve Chenette Timothy Chiplock and Nuhar Jaleel Tina Claus Sarah Colwill Jennifer Cote Michael and Eileen Criscione Chris Cueman and Jaime Nass Greg and Alice Cusimano
Patricia D’Agostino Howard Daley and Karyn Yaffee Maureen and Larry Dana Maron and Maximillan de Maizière Jennifer Eckman Rebecca Endryck Bryan and Britnee Eskew Sigrid Fahrun Ravi and Deepa Gandla Kyra Garrigue and Justin Baker Barbara Gifford The Gifford Family Wendy and Charles Gilman Laura and Edwin Graham Gemma and Ilan Halfi Danielle Hall Aleem and Diana Hamil Hannaford Supermarkets Ed and Maryanne Hannan David and Adele Harris Justine Heilner and James Canty Cora and Scott Heiser Marion and Chris Heller Max Heller Richard and Mary Hendrick James and Shirley Hicks Jim and Lisa Hoffman Lisa and Griffith Holland Sara Howard Sauro and Jaqualyn Iardella Jalal and Taj Jaleel James and Erin Jenkins Randy and Donna Jennings Bonnie Johnson Leah Johnson Susan & James Kambrich Benjamin and Olivia Karis Cynthia Kellogg Tyler and Sarah Kenning Jim and Roxanne Knight Ryan Lauderdale and Lindsay Becker The Lavigne Family Sue LaVigne Law Offices of John E. Hill, PC The Logan Family The Luciani Family Donna MacGregor Mary Ellen Mahar
Jessica and Chris Mascolo Norman and Micki Massry The Maxian-Winston Family Tami Meek The Moschouris Family Mark and Jing Mowry Ed and Aubrey Ohanian Susan Orth Cat Pacini Suzanne Pasley Sima Patel-Harris and Michael Harris Peapack Private Stacy Pettigrew and Scott Kellogg Justin Pfeiffer and Rebecca Koch Kimberly and Yakov Polishchuk Kate Powers and Josh Pepper Michele Praileau Robin C. Raco Daphne and Ryan Remarcke The Rinker Tennant Family The Robinson Family Sandra Rouse Kendra and Daniel Rubin Audrey Sartiaux and Gregory Bonaros A. Schaefer and A. Headley Caitlin Jordan Shaffer Rachel Siegel Anne Siudy Michael and Anne Skrebutenas The Fredericka V. Slingerland Family Foundation Mike and Martha Smiles Stephanie and Tyler Smith Maria and Chris Spencer Megan and Paul Stasi Sara Stevens Angela and Stephen Stokes Christine M. Stuto Keri and Matthew Tetreault Ken and Marcie Titlebaum Larry, Gail, and Jason Trimyer The Unger-O’Shea Family Richard and Dorothy Usas Frank and Laurie Verderame Sarah Ward and the Assi Kids Aaron Wey and Jodi Novak Wey Caleb and Tressa White Perry Woodin and Laura Welles Irtiza Zaidi and Mashal Shaikh IN-KIND DONATIONS The following donated gifts to WHMS, freeing up resources for other needs. James Besha, Jr. and Susan Thomas Ellms Family Farm Samascott Orchards Montessori Services (For Small Hands) MEMORIAL AND HONORARY GIFTS In honor of Maisie and Lily A. Ed and Maryanne Hannan In Honor of Alexander and Hana Angell Elizabeth A. Angell In honor of Bezyn Capezza Thomas Capezza and Melissa Breger In honor of Conrad and Tucker Dillon Pamela and Michael Rabbia
In honor of Sidney Furgang James and Shirley Hicks In honor of Juana Jaitovich Ariel Jaitovich and Maria Moran In honor of Lena, Cami, and Collette MacGregor Donna MacGregor In honor of Silas Nastasi Mary and David Buehl In honor of the Roberts children Susan Orth In honor of Hunter Rubin Kendra and Daniel Rubin In honor of Dr. Alisa Scapatici Mariam Aghayan In honor of Liam and Aubrey Schneider Jim and Roxanne Knight In honor of Olga Swick Peter and Jean Endryck In honor of Arthur Wan Leo Wan and Hsin Peng In honor of Ada Yesupriya Patricia D’Agostino In memory of Khodr Ali Assi Sarah Ward and The Assi Kids In Memory of Sigrid Gernert Kristi Berner and Geoff Gloak Tina Claus Theresa Dott Michael Endler and Lise Hafner Sigrid Fahrun Robert Honsinger Ariel Jaitovich and Maria Moran Randy and Donna Jennings Susan and James Kambrich Sue LaVigne Peapack Private Sandra Rouse Rachel Siegel Mike and Martha Smiles Karyn Yaffee and Howard Daley In Memory of Christine Kelly Powers The Albany Port District Comission Dr. Michael and Madeline Baltrush Kristi and Rich Barlette Douglas R. Beam, P.A. John and Barbara Beaulieu The board of the LPGA Amateurs Capital Region Chapter Rand and Michelle Booth Richard Bopp Bottar Law Robert and Maureen Buhrmaster Peter Burns Cadence Creative Inc. Stephen and Genevieve Chenette Timothy Chiplock and Nuhar Jaleel Tina Claus Michael and Eileen Criscione
Greg and Alice Cusimano Maureen and Larry Dana Jennifer Eckman Michelle and Ashley Edwards Fidelity Charitable Friends from AAJ and TAOS. Gary and Diane Gober Laura & Edwin Graham Richard & Mary Hendrick Ariel Jaitovich and Maria Moran E. Stewart Jones, Jr. & Kimberly Sanger Jones Patrick and Laura Jordan Kathleen and David Kelly Shaun and Lisa Kelly Robert Lahm Sue LaVigne Law Offices of John E. Hill, PC Ira and Cynthia Leesfield Maggiano, Digirolamo, and Lizzi, PC Mary Ellen Mahar Norman and Micki Massry Suzanne Pasley Justin Pfeiffer and Rebecca Koch Kate Powers and Josh Pepper Robin C. Raco The Santola Family Steven Schwartzapfel, Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. Caitlin Jordan Shaffer Michael and Anne Skrebutenas Evan Stavisky Christine M Stuto Ken and Marcie Titlebaum Larry, Gail, and Jason Trimyer Richard and Dorothy Usas Frank and Laurie Verderame Mary Jane Wilson In Memory of Ahmad Praileau, Class of 2016 Cyril & Lydia Rodriguez
Great care was taken to ensure the accuracy of this report. A donor may be listed in several categories in this report. If you made a gift during this period – July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023– and your name is misspelled, omitted, or listed in the wrong category, please accept our apologies, and notify Moira K. Rienzo, Director of Development at mrienzo@woodlandhill.org
WOODLAND HILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL
More than 200 guests gathered under the night sky on Saturday, May 20 at our annual Soiree. A Starry Night Soiree was held at the Shaker Heritage Barn, and raised almost $70,000 was raised for Woodland Hill Montessori, including $37,000 toward the WHMS music curriculum and programming. Thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsors, honorary committee members, donors, and auction supporters.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! MILKY WAY The Massry and Knox Families Wainschaf Associates, Inc. ORION Global Partners JP Dow Woodworking CANOPUS Key Bank LB Foods Marathon Strategies The Pilates Principle POLARIS Albany Marble, Inc. Bethlehem Podiatry Cadence Creative Capezza Hill LLP CDPHP Dwight Plumbing & Heating Global NEP Greenwood Realty Group of New York Krum Marketing* New Leaf Tree Services Repeat Business Systems Sciocchetti & Taber Siena Private Wealth Hillary Zio* *Denotes in-kind donation
PLANNING COMMITTEE Mark Bobb-Semple, Co-Chair Jenny Wainman, Co-Chair Marina Angelicola-Richardson Coral Anglada Camille Barnes Nicholas Corvino Danielle Dow Michelle Edwards Britnee Eskew Arti Goswamy Danielle Hemmid Faye Jones Heather Klusendorf Melissa Krumanocker Bobbie Marchand Edwina Mccormick Alia Moore Guinevere Noakes Vishnu Nocella Moira Rienzo
HONORARY COMMITTEE Dawn and John Abbuhl Owusu Anane Marina and Kyle Angelicola Richardson James Besha, Jr. and Susan Thomas Vanessa Bilanceri Mark Bobb-Semple and Simonia Brown Tametha Brown James Browning and Kenya James David and Sheri Canfield Thomas Capezza and Melissa Breger Timothy Chiplock and Nuhar Jaleel
Dan and Faith Colvin Dr. Tanya and Matt Corry Dr. Samantha and Nicholas Corvino Christopher Cueman and Jaime Nass Sara DeWitt Mustafa Dokucu and Isil Severcan-Dokucu Danielle and Jason Dow Michelle and Ashley Edwards Drs. Carlos and Sonia Elguero Spencer Freedman and Sophia Conroy Jamie and Michael Furgang Tamara and Bob Gatchell Matthew Gifford and Jennifer Baltrush Geoff Gloak and Kristi Berner Jennifer and Niles Gold Howard Kibrick, Halliday Financial Danielle and Mohamed Hemmid Lisa and Griffith Holland Drs. Andrew Hune and Kirsten Grau Kristina and Chris Huston Jaqualyn and Sauro Iardella Jon Irizarry and Coral Anglada James and Erin Jenkins Patrick and Laura Jordan Scott Kellogg and Stacy Pettigrew Julie and James Knox Henry Kovacs and Tanya Amodio-Kovacs Melissa and Zane Krumanocker Robin Krumanocker Drs. Derek and Kimberly Lane The Lavigne Family Nicole Lenihan Doni Lillis Jim and Jenny Malatras T. Charles and Kelsey Martin
Murray and Mallory Massry Norman and Micki Massry Edwina and James Mccormick John McDonald, NYS Assemblyman Fernando and Erin Mergil Dr. David and Robyn Morrison Vishnu and Christopher Nocella Lauren and Frank Orciuoli Lindsey and Thalis Orietas Martin Reed and Lucieli Trivizoli Dr. Wendy and Jesse Roberts Nolan Robinson and Marisa Rothstein Henrique Oliveira Santos and Mariana Dutra de Sa Eric Schroeck and Shayna Vecchione Paul Sciocchetti Erika and Chris Solomon Jeff Stewart and Heather Klusendorf Lisa Taber Daniel Teesdale and Yamile Morales Kandi and Daniel Terry Alex and Kate Vasilakos Jerry and Judy Wainman Josh and Jenny Wainman Caleb and Tressa White Meghan Wilkinson Trevon Williams and Katina Hutton Hillary Zio
DONORS Robert and Lynne Angelicola Marina and Kyle Angelicola Richardson Elizabeth and John Armstrong Austin & Co. Inc. Tys and Annemarie Bailey-Yavonditte
Dr. Ashley and Chevy Bennett James Besha, Jr. and Susan Thomas Concetta Bilanceri Mark Bobb-Semple and Simonia Brown James Browning and Kenya James Heather Buehl Dave and Sheri Canfield Timothy Chiplock and Nuhar Jaleel Samantha and Nicholas Corvino Jennifer Cote Maron and Maximillan de Maizière Ashley and Jay Dick Mustafa Dokucu and Isil Severcan-Dokucu Michelle and Ashley Edwards Drs. Carlos and Sonia Elguero Eraena Fraites-Gonzalez and Julio Gonzalez Andrew Gambarani and Alexandra Collins Bob and Tamara Gatchell Kris and Pete Gernert-Dott Matthew Gifford and Jennifer Baltrush Wendy and Charles Gilman Jennifer and Niles Gold Danielle and Mohamed Hemmid Jaqualyn and Sauro Iardella Jon Irizarry and Coral Anglada James and Erin Jenkins The Honorable Laura and Patrick Jordan
Rachel and Sam Judge Julie and James Knox Henry Kovacs & Tanya Amodio-Kovacs Robin Krumanocker Matthew and Dr. Erin Lavigne Conor and Doni Lillis Nicole and Brendan Longcore Thomas MacGregor and Zoe Nelson Jim and Jenny Malatras Roberta Marchand T. Charles and Kelsey Martin Edwina and James Mccormick Neelam Mehta Erin and Fernando Mergil Alia and Trevor Moore Dr. David and Robyn Morrison Lauren Newton and Adam Lammly Vishnu and Christopher Nocella Lauren and Frank Orciuoli Lindsey and Thalis Orietas Eric Pedersen and Marisa Smith Kate Powers and Josh Pepper William and Elizabeth Price Precious Riehl Dr. Wendy and Jesse Roberts Eric Schroeck and Shayna Vecchione Edward Schwarzschild & Elisa Albert Erika and Chris Solomon Jeff Stewart and Heather Klusendorf Adrielle and Tracy Sutton Colleen and Seigo Takeshima Kandi and Daniel Terry
Jerry and Judy Wainman Josh and Jenny Wainman Caleb and Tressa White Meghan Wilkinson Karyn Yaffee and Howard Daley
AUCTION DONORS 9 Maple Avenue Jazz Club Albany Symphony Orchestra Dr. Michael and Madeline Baltrush Jessica Belflower Beth’s Farm Kitchen Alyssa Bararulo, A Blooming Beauty Crossgates Mall Megan Daly Danielle Simmons Photography Hillary D’Argenzio DeskSpace Dunkin’ Donuts Fenimore Art Museum/The Farmers’ Museum Forts Ferry Farm Global Companies LLC Grotto skin and lash lounge Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Albany Sarah Hazelke Danielle Hemmid High Adventure Ski Shop Honest Weight Food Co-Op
JP Dow Custom Woodworking Jump N’ Shout June Farms Bobbie Marchand MASS MoCA Dan Massey and Liliana Garcia Edwina and James Mccormick miSci The Music Studio Nigro Companies The Pilates Principle Remarkable Liquids Rocky’s Music Studio Saratoga Performing Arts Center Anne Schaefer Shakespeare & Company Kathy Sheehan, Mayor of Albany Shine Salon beauty & nature Siena Private Wealth Simply Sorted by Jessica Starbucks Stewart’s Shops Target Tech Valley High School Tri-City ValleyCats University at Albany Victoria van der Laan Peggy Vogel-Nagengast Josh and Jenny Wainman Yankee Trails
Financials
Woodland Hill Montessori School Statement of Activity For the year ended June 30, 2023
Revenues
Tuition net of tuition remission, multi-child discounts & financial aid $4,217,349 Employee Retention Credit $1,673,566 Investment income-net of expenses $391,827 Summer Program $284,946 Aftercare $264,570 Pizza Lunch & Extracurriculars $247,316 Other $188,958 Fundraising $91,707 Enrichment program $75,644 Gala-net expenses $63,752 State Funding $23,215 Total Income $7,522,850
22.2% 56.1% 5.2% 3.8% 3.5% 3.3% 2.5% 1.2% 1%
Expenses
Payroll, Taxes and Benefits $4,004,512 Depreciation $323,990 School Supplies & Materials $280,639 Building Maintenance $202,350 Office Expense $176,968 Insurance $86,572 Utilities $73,782 Other $72,909 Interest & Amortization $70,247 Conferences, Meetings & Dues $63,665 Professional Development $54,458 Advertising $51,700 Professional Fees $25,662 Total Expenses $5,487,453 Change in Assets
$2,035,397
0.3% 0.8%
5.9% 5.1% 73%
3.7% 3.2%
1.6% 1.3% 1.3% 1.3% 1.2% 1% 0.9% 0.5%
Statement of Financial Position As of June 30, 2023
Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $2,903,715 Investments $735,466 Receivables (net) $22,711 Pledge Receivable, Current $19,800 Prepaid Expenses $17,155 Total Current Assets $3,698,847 Land, building, and equipment (net)
$5,300,149
Other Assets Pledges receivable, non-current $0 Investments - designated $3,424,204 Total Other Assets $3,424,204 Total Assets $12,423,200 Liabilities and Net Assets Current Liabilities Current portion of long term debt $61,639 Accounts Payable $46,338 Accrued expenses & payroll withholdings $144,036 Deffered Income $1,855,856 Total Current Liabilities $2,107,869 Long-Term Debt, less curent installments
$1,402,132
Total Liabilities $3,510,001 Net Assets Without donor restrictions Undesignated Board Designated Total without donor restrictions
$5,469,155 $3,424,204 $8,893,359
With donor restirctions $19,840 Total Net Assets $8,913,199 Total $12,423,200
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11/8/23 11:33 AM