onwa s h i n g toncircle montessori school newsletter · fa l l 2 0 1 1 · vol. 27, no. 2

class of 2010

Back: Harper Pratt, Cam Gardner, Emma Fischer, Ava Mennin, Hannah Liebman, Sophie Randall, Jessica Lewis and Katie Young. Middle: Zach Pereira, Conor Ryan, Gabe Mennesson, Emma Nance, Stephanie Schor, Julia Cooper, Phoebe Paron, Kaley McNeill and Eun Bin Lee. Front: Colin Hay and Preetam Beram. Photo by Cherry Thurlow

Graduation 2011 class of 2011 hi g h school choices: A sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the future was the vPreetam Beram Hannah Liebman Harper Pratt Kent School Canterbury School The Marvelwood predominant theme throughout the ceremony where the 19 members of School the Class of 2011 said their farewells to Washington Montessori School. Julia Cooper Kaley McNeill Westover School The Taft School Sophie Randall Whether they had attended WMS since YCC or enrolled in 6th Grade, Kent School the graduates agreed the time spent at WMS was unforgettable. Several Emma Fischer Gabe Mennesson graduates thanked individual teachers who influenced them. Many thanked Kent School The Taft School Conor Ryan Berkshire School their parents for sending them to Washington Montessori. Cam Gardner Ava Mennin In her welcoming address, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Denise South Kent School The Taft School Stephanie Schor Kent School Trevenen, quoted from essays that each of the graduates had written. Colin Hay Emma Nance Based on the international project entitled “This I Believe,” students Kent School Miss Porter’s School Katie Young were required to write essays evaluating their own core values. Many of The Out-of-Door Eun Bin Lee Phoebe Paron Academy the essays reflect lessons taught at WMS. Canterbury School Westover School Preetam Beram believes “perseverance will be a part of the rest of my Jessica Lewis Zach Pereira life. It changed my life and can change the lives of others, too.” Ava Crosby ACE New Milford High Mennin believes “winning is just what a scoreboard or a piece of paper Program School continued on page 2 g raduation 2011 · continued from cover

says. Doing your best is concrete and “positive and inclusive.” memorable.” Harper Pratt believes “that my “Your parents and teachers all want to course in life isn’t set for me. I’m the one who preserve your natural optimism and support will choose it.” Cam Gardner believes “success your view of the future as one with all kinds is when you work hard to achieve a goal.” of possibilities, so that you’ll see opportu- In her remarks, Head of School, Pat nities and challenge yourself,” Pat said. “We Werner, noted the Class of 2011’s in- send you off today with confidence that you fluence on the whole school had been are well prepared for what lies ahead.”

Gabbi Quaranta with grandmother Arlene Quaranta

news from the recorder club by Sarah Jane Chelminski This Spring the WMS Recorder Club Recorder Club 2010-2011 began last played with Wykeham Consort, an ensem- September, and any interested 4th and ble of recorders, voices, viola da gamba, 5th year students were invited to join. We Tate Dunbar with grandmother Janet Dunbar guitar and percussion. The concert, “Birds of met after school on Tuesdays from 3:15- a Renaissance May” took place at The First 4pm. The Club is meant to offer a fun and Church of Bethlehem and was sponsored by relaxed atmosphere for making music as the Woodbury-Bethlehem Community Music an ensemble, improvising and sharing our Foundation. Inc. music with others. Members of the WMS Recorder Club are We played at the nursing home, Rose Annika Chiang-Boeckmann, Julius Chiang- Haven, in Litchfield last fall. We also played Boeckmann, Brady Grustas, Ally Merritt, Christmas carols and seasonal music for Eli Taylor, Amber Willen and Ben Willis. our WMS Winter Solstice Celebration, They opened the concert processing in 2 accompanied by Erica Warnock on bass viola groups into the sanctuary, while playing the da gamba and Wendy Rhodes on piano.” traditional English May tune “One Bright and Sunny Morning” with the sound of Sheila Largay with grandson Owen Farrar Cuckoos playing so sweetly on the recorders. ABOVE: Members of the WMS Recorder Club: Julius They played a Baroque piece “Fanfare” in two Chiang-Boeckmann, Brady Grustas, Eli Taylor, Amber Willen, Ally Merritt, Annika Chiang-Boeckmann, parts with ornaments. The students joined and Ben Willis. WMS Recorder Club and Wykeham Wykeham Consort to play two English Consort. BELOW: Maypole dancing. Photos courtesy country dances, arranged as trios. of Matilda Giampietro The concert was followed by Maypole dancing on the lawn of the church. Matilda taught dancing and intricate weaving of the Maypole. The recorder club spent many weeks pre- paring for this May concert, which was a wonderful opportunity for the students; and they all played beautifully, the audience was Hugo Delves-Broughton with grandmother Lucinda Frame very pleased and so was I.

2 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 2011 Grandparents & special friends D ay Photos by John Veleas

Paula and Leon Root with grandson Beau Root

Grandparents & Special Friends Day begins with breakfast in the library

Lynn Veleas with grandson Cedar Veleas

Music teacher Matilda Giampietro leads a Lower School performance for grandparents and special friends Frank Mooney with granddaughter Olivia Mooney

Helen Brown with daughter Amber Willen Marydale deBor with special friend Truman Reid Jessica Travelstead with her grandmother Louisa Oneglia and her daughter Eliza Travelstead

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 3 lower school play day

Mia Farrow and Milos Forman at the screen- ing and discussion of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Photo by Ed Martinez and Deb Chabrian

C u c k o o f o r M i l o s

This past April WMS was honored to “Never,” she said. “No,” he agreed. “It doesn’t welcome back to its stage Academy-award winning happen. It doesn’t exist.” director Milos Forman and actress/humanitarian “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” was Mia Farrow for a special screening and discussion of based on Ken Kesey’s 1963 novel of the same one of the most iconic films of all time. name. It follows the story of inmate Randle Forman’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) who finds himself Nest” is one of only three films in history to in a mental asylum after pretending to be sweep the major categories at the Academy insane. His stay there is punctuated by power Awards winning best picture, best director, struggles between himself and Nurse Ratched best actor, best actress and best screenplay at (Louise Fletcher.) the 1975 Academy Awards. The film is #20 on The film was shot on location at the Oregon the American Film Institute’s 100 Years...100 State Hospital where Milos actually lived Movies list and was added to the Library of during production. The real superintendent Congress National Film Registry in 1993. of the hospital, Dean R. Brooks, surprisingly “This is one of the greatest films ever was cast to play the head of the hospital in the made,” said Mia upon welcoming Milos to the film. He appears in one of the first scenes of the spotlight. “I’ve seen it maybe 10 times and it’s film—a scene that was completely improvised an honor to be in your presence, never mind according to Milos. asking questions.” “Improvised in the way that I had (Randle Although Mia and Milos have never worked McMurphy’s) dossier and gave it to the doctor on a film together, they have joined forces for and told him ‘just do your job as a doctor.’ And the benefit of WMS. Last year Milos inter- that’s what he did,” said Milos. “He talked viewed Mia for a discussion on Mia’s career as to Jack like he was one of his patients about an actress and specifically her role in Woody whom he learned from the dossier. Jack was just Allen’s film “Purple Rose of Cairo.” They shared brilliant in reacting to and answering him.” a warm rapport during that interview. Without “What was it like working with him (Jack)?” hesitation, they both said yes when asked if they asked Mia. would consider working together in the future. “I love that man,” said Milos. “From the Mia suggested she interview Milos next time. moment he comes on set until the moment he Mia came ready to ask Milos several questions leaves set, he is the most responsible, prepared, about the film that put him high on the A-list of professional, generous actor,” Milos said. He directors. “For us, you have made a perfect film,” then joked, “before and after he comes on set… said Mia. “Did you have a sense then that you to this day, I don’t know if he’s crazy or not.” were making one of the great films of all time?” After the question and answer session Mia “Did you ever have the sense that you were and Milos joined guests in the library for a making great movies?” he asked. reception of wine and hors d’oeuvres.

4 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 highlights from 2010-2011 f i e l d d ay

Left, Lower School Play Day: Top left, Field Day: Front: Alden Top Right, Field Day: Emily Garfinkel, Ana Karpas, Sophia Oldakowski, Pink Hannah Travelstead and Piper Skilton, Grayson-Funk, Zach Pereira, Andrew Alex Hubbell, Justin Blake and James Brown Wright, Jemima Paolucci, Joshua Mar- Edward DeVos, Graham Ince, John Siemon, Winston Salk, Colin Hay and Sam Center: Lower School students lowe, Graham Ince and Edward DeVos Paul Szewczuk and Joshua Marlowe Willis Back: Liam Lawlor, Nick Valletta, watched older siblings compete in Field Below: Mimi Gillen leads the school in Brett Matthews and Eli Italiaander Day: Andreas von Strasser, Lucy Sanchez, the Boot Scootin’ Boogey

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 5 highlights from 2010-2011

WMS IS PLEASED upper elementary shakespeare TO ANNOUNCE THE COLLEGE CHOICES OF OUR CLASS of 2007.

We wish you luck in this next step of your life.

Peter Bresnan New York University

John Charles St. John’s College

Leah Cooper Bates College

Chris Corsico New York University

Austen Flamand-Browne Deferred

Julie Grome Wheelock College

Lilly King Lesley College

Grant Luhman Reid College

Ana Piscuskas New York University

Alex Slohm Shenandoah Valley College

Mitchell Stone Hampshire College

Hannah Swomley Swarthmore College Clockwise from top: Amy’s class performed Henry Ben Tarsa IV, Pt. 1. Avery Rikhoff Quinnipiac University as Lady MacBeth and Jyne Dunbar as MacBeth, Alex Theisen Brady Grustas as the Earl Clark University of Westmoreland, Christina Khalil as King Henry IV Sam Willson and Eli Taylor as Sir Walter Deerfield Academy, Blunt. Jane’s class performed PG year MacBeth.

6 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 The following is an article I wrote during the 1998-99 school year to appear in the summer edition of On Circle. It was written in collaboration with Middle School Teacher Tom Fahsbender, Montessori colleague William Maier, Librarian Norma Mitchell and Board Member John Friedman. Over the course of the 2010-2011 school year, I have been often reminded of this article and the fact that its message is even more relevant today than it was 12 years ago.

w i n w i n c o m p e t i t i o n

b y P a t W e r n e r

“The world is a competitive place.” So says conventional wisdom. Afterall, it is through years of fierce competition that our own species was able to evolve from some beastly At an early age, Montessori WMS classrooms are largely devoid of ancestors. Darwin called it “Natural Selection.” rivalry and failure. Our students see their Herbert Spencer called it “Survival of the Fittest.” children learn to follow rather classmates as collaborative partners, rather If human beings evolved through fierce than to suppress their curiosity. than rivals. They call on each other for help, as competition, it seems reasonable to assume well as companionship. We want our children society’s institutions must be made out of that Their inner drive sustains them to think of themselves, and of their classmates, same stuff. Those who ignore this would fail and as they practice. in a multi-contextual way. We value their drag down their associates with them. To make it daily learning outside the school, from their in such a society, individuals must compete and family and from their other activities, just win, or be left behind. The pedagogy and culture as we do in their classroom learning. Our of our nation’s schools reflect this conventional urge that we get serious with older students. students regard their mistakes as challenges to wisdom. Class ranking, curved-grading, academic As parents’ experiences of WMS deepen, be overcome, rather than irreparable failures. and athletic prizes, and ever-present contests make they usually find that our educational phil- many of our educational institutions training osophy reflects their own beliefs, and realizes Prepared for Life Beyond Montessori grounds for future competitors. many of the hopes they have for their child- We believe that these attitudes are the best Some educators and parents believe that such a ren. At times, though, they second-guess preparation for real life. Most of our students competitive environment is essential if we are to themselves, worrying about the conventional will spend more time with us than they’ll encourage our children to strive to do their best, wisdom regarding competitive training. So, spend at any other school in their lives, and to run their fastest. They fear that, in the absence what is the rationale for WMS’s nuturing ways? they possess a magical, absorbent mind during of competition, children would lose motivation these wondrous years. We are confident that and sink into mediocrity. Independent schools, It’s About the Process the attitudes that are nurtured here are lasting like public schools, strive for high ranking No task is too rigorous for such a self-disciplined ones, and the conversations with alumni in public opinion, endowment, SAT scores mind! They follow their own standards of confirm this. “Montessori was a place not and athletics. Today, despite the widespread excellence, they strive to do better and learn to be competitive,” said a 1983 graduate, discussion on new ways of preparing children more because their accomplishments are deeply “it was a place to love learning. When I for the twenty first century, school culture in satisfying. As Montessorians, we emphasize the competed, I competed with myself.” Another the United States continues to accept common learning process. We might go so far as to say WMS graduate who went on to earn a BA assumptions about competition. that the products that our students generate are in Psychology said “I learned independence, but the means for their real learning. motivation, concentration, and, most im- An Alternative to Competition We teach children all the usual basics—reading portant, the value of cooperation.” At WMS we believe competition has its place. and writing, mathematics, the sciences and the With their family, and in their extra- But we know that competition alone cannot arts. But, more importantly, we help them to curricular activities, our children have plenty sustain true motivation. Some parents, when discover how they learn so that they enjoy learning of opportunities to witness the dynamic of first introduced to our methods at Washington as a lifestyle. We help them discover their inner their culture. But the best preparation for Montessori School, question whether our resources and the discipline to persevere and hardship is not hardship. It is supportive, children will be adequately prepared for the achieve. We don’t try to teach children everything; successful experiences. So WMS is an island competitive conditions they will face when we choose depth over breadth. At an early age, on which children’s origins and spirits are still they enter the real world of secondary schools Montessori children learn to follow rather than to divine, where they construct themselves as and the workplace. They may concede that our suppress their curiosity. Their inner drive sustains powerful, self-aware, expressive individuals. method is fine for preschool children, but they them as they practice. And, yes, they can compete and win, too!

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 7 alumni news

1983 (not necessarily evenly or in this Megan McDonald and her hus- 1987 order) between the pool, the beach band Bob welcomed a daughter, Emily Cousins-Scott has spent the Stefanie Lyon lives in Myrtle (Jersey shore!), time with friends, Mary Grace Murtha, on June 6 at last four years living with her fa- Beach, SC with her dad and step- dating and happy hour,” Colby 6 lbs. 2 ozs. “My father Bill and his mily on the Navajo Nation. “This mom. “I volunteer with hospice, said. wife Alitz are also in the process of summer, we traded in the red rock spend lots of time on the beach. adopting a 6-year-old boy, Kaylan, desert for the green forests of I also spend a lot of time with Heidi Ross lives in NYC with her from St. Lucia, who is thrilled to be Seattle,” she said. “For now, my church projects,” she said. “On 4-year-old daughter Ela Nawab an uncle,” said Megan. “Everyone is 9-year-old son Colm and 5-year- top of all this, I am also fighting who attends a Montessori school. healthy and happy. I am taking old daughter Fiona still view the colon cancer that has metastasized. She works at Beth Israel Medical some time off from teaching to stay rain showers as a novelty.” Emily I am in good spirits, and humor Center as a social worker in the home with Mary for the next year or continues to enjoy writing about goes very far.” She sends a big hug emergency department and a so.” Megan still lives in Eliot, Maine. environmental issues for the Natural to everyone at WMS! therapist in the hospital’s victim Resources Defense Council and services program, which helps Elizabeth Rand recently returned about life after cancer for young sur- Cassandra Purdy is still splitting survivors of trauma. “Ela and I love from a family trip to Israel. Her vivors on the Stupid Cancer Blog. her time between the U.S. and living on the upper west side of older boys, Noah, 11 and Eitan, France where she is working on Manhattan,” Heidi said. “We enjoy 9, enjoyed their first overnight Mara McDonald is happy to a book. She spends the summers visits to my mom in Connecticut camp this summer while be “an aunt to the cutest baby in Bridgewater dedicating her and to good friend Madeleine Jethro, 3, and Lilian, 6, stayed around.” (See Class of 1986) energy to her catering business DelVicario ‘86 in Hatfield, MA.” home with mom. Elizabeth She continues to work in the Radical Roots. You can check out writes a cooking blog at www. insurance health care business. her goods at the Westport Farmer’s Arthur Ware lives in Sao Paulo, feedemright.tumblr.com. “I’m Market. She also owns a mobile, Brazil with his wife Clo and his also working with my tie dye and 1984 wood-fired pizza oven and can be 3 boys, aged 8, 6 and 4. “I have crafting business and generally found at pizzatothepeople.net. Jesse Johnson lives in Brooklyn a secret fantasy of buying 15 keeping busy,” she said. “Looking with his wife and two children, acres of land in Washington and forward to more On Circle news!” 1988 Cole age 4 and Ellie age 20 returning to show my family months. He works in sales for how to take long walks up Steep Dr. Mandy Risley lives in Seattle, After spending several years run- iMANY, a software company. Rock and swim in the lake,” he WA with her husband Brad. They ning a theater company and work- admitted. “But that will have to welcomed a baby boy named ing as a drama therapist in NYC, 1985 wait a few more years yet.” Conrad Risley Gandt this July. He Sarah Douglas has relocated to Colby Green Rifkin lives in King- joins big sister Phoebe. Mandy is a Northern Virginia. Her focus this ston, New Jersey and is the dir- 1986 Naturopathic physician at the In- last year has been helping her father ector of marketing at Grounds For Trevor Johnson lives in Milford, stitute of Complementary Medicine go through treatment for pancreatic Sculpture—a gloriously, magical CT, and has a daughter Skylar in Seattle www.icmedicine.com cancer, and she’s happy to report 42-acre sculpture park and arbore- who is six years old. He works in (See Alumni Spotlight, Page 9) that he’s now doing very well. She tum in central New Jersey. “When sales for BMW in Greenwich. has connected with Patrick Dorton I’m not working, I divide my time ‘82 and his family in nearby DC,

Ela Nawab, daughter of Heidi Left: Megan McDonald, ’86 and her Ross ‘ 85, with Nico and Sammy daughter Mary Grace Murtha. ABOVE: DelVicario Walker, sons of Christopher Eanes, ’90 and 6-year-old Kaylan is thrilled to be uncle to Madeleine DelVicario ’86 fiancé Kelly Ann Nelson Mary Grace.

8 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 alumni spotlight and she and her parents, Hal and hormonal imbalances to autoimmune diseases Ruth, were delighted to meet up and cancer. NDs are currently licensed in with Pat and Ed Werner at Patrick’s 16 states (including CT) and the District of house during their visit this spring. Columbia. They are required to graduate from an accredited 4-year residential medical school 1990 and pass an extensive post-doctoral board examination. A Naturopathic Doctor’s scope Christopher Eanes is getting of practice depends on the state laws in which married this December to Kelly they choose to practice. In Washington State, Ann Nelson. She will be moving to we are considered primary care physicians and Cincinnati where Christopher is the have broad prescriptive rights. To learn more Director of the Cincinnati Boychoir. go to www.naturopathic.org. The foundations of my career in naturopathic Chris Leone has resigned as medicine took their roots and were nurtured Superintendent of Torrington at WMS. Central to the school’s mission to Public Schools to become develop a child’s self-esteem, responsibility, and Chief Operating Officer in the independence, WMS provided an environment and community that encouraged me to Bloomfield school district, effective cultivate these personal attributes. August 12. “The offer in front of WMS helped me to develop confidence at me is to do what I love—focus on such a delicate age. Despite the inevitable Dr. Mandy Risley with daughter, Phoebe ed­ucation and reform,” Chris said. or unpredictable challenges we face in our childhood, the school’s community helped me 1991 d r . m a n d y r is l e y ‘ 8 6 is a Naturopathic to have a strong sense of self-esteem. In fact, physician and mom to 2-year-old Phoebe and newborn if you were to ask my teachers in 1986, they Sarah Schell Anderson welcomed Conrad. may have reported that I had a little too much a baby girl named Ariana Lyon Al- confidence. It is possible that I spent some cott Anderson on January 5. She Choosing a career in naturopathic time in Pat’s office learning how to redirect joins big brother Aengus, age 4. medicine was not an obvious choice for me at a that strong sense of self. Sarah is finishing up her MFA in young age or even as a college student. It wasn’t The nature of the Montessori philosophy to writing from Warren Wilson until a couple of years after graduating from be supportive and to give to your community College. Rollins College in 1994, with a BA in English in service, are qualities that were modeled by literature, that I discovered I was interested in both the faculty and extended family of WMS. Derrick Picton works with his medicine. I then returned to school to complete The feeling of gratification of helping others family business Picton Brothers the pre-med requirements for attending Bastyr that I experienced during my elementary years General Contracting. He lives in University’s Naturopathic Doctorate program. at WMS, have stayed with me. I feel extremely There were many aspects of my experience at New Milford and has a 2-year-old fortunate to be able to help my patients and WMS that helped me in the decision to choose my community in the capacity of being a son named Isaac. and create a slightly more unconventional Naturopathic physician. continued on page 10 career as a Naturopathic Physician. At WMS you have complete ownership Naturopathic Medicine is based on the of your education. You choose your path. philosophy that the human body has an innate The educational methodology of Montessori ability to heal itself. It aims to combine combined with the supportive faculty and Christopher Eanes, ’90 directs the wisdom of nature and cutting edge community give a student a life-long ability the Cincinnati Boychoir medical research to create treatment plans for to be a risk-taker, in the best sense of the term. patients. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) strive Many of us WMS graduates are not fearful to identify the root cause of their patient’s of unconventional views or approaches to life illness and treat the cause. They use diet, and life’s challenges. This attribute has been exercise, lifestyle modifications and natural a driving force in my ability to choose and therapies to enhance the body’s ability to create a career as a Naturopathic doctor. I am prevent and combat disease. Naturopathic forever grateful to WMS for providing me physicians treat many different conditions with these fundamental building blocks for ranging from allergies, digestive issues and which I have built my career.

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 9 alumni news · continued

Chrissy Schell still teaches art in 1993 1994 Boston. She is also singing and Rebecca McNeill Couto graduated Dan McArdle married Marcie has released a CD. Check on her from the University of Michigan Braden on April 30, 2011. They at christinaschell.com Law School in 2006 and spent have bought a home in Las Vegas almost 5 years in private practice where they will be working for Elizabeth Waterston had a baby in Los Angeles before moving to several years. boy named Giulio Louis Atkinson San Antonio, Texas, to join the Cancelmi in February. His grand- Mexican American Legal Defense Julia Ruchman is a writer for the Miranda Pasch Grant, ’92, has two parents are “over the moon!” daughters—Hastings, 3 and Landry, & Educational Fund (MALDEF) as USA Network television show 6 months a Staff Attorney. She is very happy Covert Affairs. 1992 in her new position defending civil Miranda Pasch Grant moved back rights. Rebecca married Octavio Nell Solley is a teacher at a Mon- to The Woodlands, TX a year Couto on Leap Year Day in 2008, tessori-inspired school in Stamford. ago, after living in Indonesia for and they welcomed Olympia in She also teaches yoga both for four years. Her husband, Jim, is a October of 2009. adults and children. During the geologist and works for Anadarko summer months, she enjoyed Petroleum. Miranda stays Owen Muir just graduated from spending time with fellow alums home with her two daughters; the University of Rochester Sarah Graham Needham ‘94 and Hastings, 3, and Landry, 6 School of Medicine and Dentistry, her 8-month-old Charlotte, Ariel Emily Savory, ’92, welcomed Jackson months. They’re enjoying being and is thus now an M.D. He be- Pasch ‘94 and Christina Oneglia Philip Pratt on February 27 in the U.S. and being closer to gan work at North Shore/Long Rossi ‘94 and her two little ones their friends and family. Island Jewish Health System in Anna and Jake. June as a Psychiatry Resident. Emily Savory had a baby boy 1995 named Jackson Philip Pratt on Dominick Picton lives in Virginia Courtney Merz Saulnier owns and February 27. “We are having Beach with his wife Katie and operates Lakeville Interiors with a great time getting to know their two sons named Jackson sister Ashley ‘97. ((See Alumni each other and just enjoying and Nicholas. Spotlight, Page 13) every minute,” she said. “His grandparents, Diana and Philip, Katherine Rahilly was married to Anna Nelmes-Stoughton earned her are overjoyed at his arrival and David Altman on June 5. 6-year Masters in Education Leader- are loving being grandparents.” ship from Teachers College at Col- Emily will continue her studies Ryan Sager is a Commissioning umbia University. She is now Vice at Teachers College at Columbia Editor at The Wall Street Journal. Principal at the Six-to-Six Magnet Katherine University in September. He lives in New York with his Rahilly ‘93 School in Bridgeport, which serves was married to wife Emily Gitter. (See Alumni David Altman Spotlight, Page 11) continued on page 12 on June 5

Rebecca McNeill Couto, ’93 Will Rahilly ‘91, Hitchy Rahilly, with husband Octavio and Katherine Rahilly ‘93, and David Altman Farleigh (Goss) Barhart, ’93, with daughter Lucy Cooper their daughter Olympia Barnhart, 4, before her first ballet recital

10 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 alumni spotlight

Ryan Sager with his wife Emily Gitter in Patagonia, at the Torres del Paine Ryan Sager and Emily Gitter were married in 2007. Owen Muir, ’93, national park in Chile, in November 2010 served as best man

R ya n S a g e r ’ 9 3 is a journalist living and obscure child labor law—we put our lack of realized. But how might one go about the working in New York. He is a Commissioning Editor seasoning and absence of other marketable exact mechanics of it? There’s not an off- for the Wall Street Journal and author of The skills to work reporting, writing editorials, the-shelf piece of software to sketch out Elephant in the Room: Evangelicals, Libertarians, hashing out photo captions, puzzling out where this bell or that whistle might go on and the Battle to Control the Republican Party. the Associated Press style guide, and, God a newspaper page or where a page might go help us, laying out newspaper pages in a in the section’s page plan. So I folded over computer system called Quark, on which a bunch of 11"X17" pieces of paper into a I’ve never considered it a coincidence none of was formally (or informally) trained. mock/miniature “newspaper” and sketched that a good deal of my career to date has The Sun had a six year run before its doors everything out in pencil. Honestly, I felt like been spent in start-up environments. My were shuttered in 2008, and I like to think an idiot when this wad of papers eventually earliest journalistic endeavor, aside from we struck more than a few blows in that made its way before the editor-in-chief of the whispering to classmates instead of paying time for our ideals—education reform, free Wall Street Journal. “Are you sure he should attention “on circle,” was starting a student markets, free immigration, and low taxes. see this? It looks like a kindergartener did newspaper in high school. After college, I At the very least, I got thrown out of a it,” I beseeched the various editors between got the opportunity to join the founding senator’s office for asking him a question he me and the top. “There must be some more staff of a real start-up paper in the city, found particularly annoying. (It was Chuck formal, non-stupid-looking way.” the New York Sun—which in 2002 revived Schumer’s office.) I also met my wife, Emily, But there wasn’t. And those ridiculous the name and motto (“It Shines for All”) whom I’ve been known to annoy on occasion wadded papers eventually became page of the famed paper (best known for its as well. designs in the hands of our skilled designers. 1897 editorial “Yes, Virginia, There Is a After stints at the New York Post, quit- Those page designs became a prototype. And Santa Claus”), which was absorbed in the ting to write a book about the disintegration that prototype, with the hard work of our newspaper consolidation of the 1950s. of the Republican Party, and blogging small staff and fabulous contributions from The Sun was the first general-interest about cognitive science at a start-up blog outside writers, became a new section of the broadsheet newspaper launched in the city network that ended up being sold to Forbes, Wall Street Journal. in decades. You may have heard that print is I’ve most recently landed at what’s been When I wadded up those papers and dead, but there are those of us who still have something of a dream job at the Wall Street started drawing—that was Montessori. faith in the power of ink and paper, and we Journal. Brought in to help revamp their Knowing how to move forward, when did what we could to power our journalistic Saturday essays in December 2009, I got the there’s not an off-the-shelf solution, when enterprise on coffee, cheap Pakistani food opportunity last year, when the paper was there’s not a roadmap, is what a school like and young, also-cheap blood. Under the re-launching its weekend section, to design Montessori teaches kids. When I designed leadership of legendary newspaperman the prototype of what is now the Saturday a newspaper page over Chicken Makhani, Seth Lipsky, an inexperienced, ambitious Review section of the WSJ Weekend—a almost 10 years ago now, figuring out the staff of us, perhaps none with an operative newspaper section devoted to essays, books, difference between leading and kerning on memory of the Carter administration, kept humor, science, and culture. the fly, that was Montessori. When I got the daily operation running. Called “news Designing a newspaper section or maga- kicked out of a senator’s office…well, that assistants”—presumably to thwart some zine was something of a nerdy dream one’s on me.

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 11 alumni news · continued

5 towns with pre-school, back here while making a film elementary and middle school. nearby. He loves his life in CA in the film industry. Vanessa Simpson is now living in Reston, VA. She has earned her Scotty Ryan graduated from certificate in accounting from Pratt Institute with a degree in UVA and plans to take a few communications design. more courses and sit for the CPA exam. 1999

Quinn Pendleton recently finished 1996 her fourth year with Les Ballets Tory Solley lives in Hamilton, de Monte-Carlo in Monaco. New Zealand with her fiancé “We had a very exciting season, Andrew. They will be getting especially touring to Damascus, married back in Washington Beijing, Shanghai, Torino, in October 2012. Tory recently Venice, Lyon and Sicily,” she finished a graduate program said. “We have performed several in primary level teaching and ballets including Cinderella, learning and is hoping to start a Sheherazade and Midsummer’s teaching career in January when Night Dream.” She is pre- the New Zealand school year paring for one of her first begins. leading roles in an upcoming performance. She has been 1997 accepted to Harvard Extension School for the Bachelor of Liberal Ashley Merz Marchand owns and Arts and plans to major in operates Lakeville Interiors with Humanities. “I will work slowly sister Courtney ‘95. (See Alumni towards my degree online,” she Spotlight, Page 13) said. “This summer, I spent two weeks in Turkey with my 1998 boyfriend, before coming home Kathleen Bernard has relocated to Connecticut for three weeks. I to New York City and will am looking forward to next year begin her studies at Mount Sinai with the Ballet Monte-Carlo, Medical School this year. where we have tours planned for Beirut, Hong Kong, Madrid, Maggie Horne recently finished Tokyo, and (finally!) New York!” up her first year in the graduate textiles program at Savannah Liza Solley works as an Account Top: Quinn Pendleton, ’99 School of Design. She is happy Manager for EnerNOC, an energy with boyfriend in Piazza San and making beautiful art! management company based Marco, Venice in downtown Boston that runs Center: Miranda Pasch Lela Ilyinsky lives in NYC and is demand response and energy Grant, ’92, with daughter working in marketing and events efficiency projects across the Landry, Sarah Graham for a new restaurant. She sees Scotty country. She lives in Cambridge Needham, ’94, with daughter Ryan ‘98 and Betty Gilpin ‘00 often. and is enjoying summer in Boston Charlotte, Julia Graham, ’97, Nell Solley, ’94, Beth Rickart, with lots of outdoor activities. “I’m lives in Caucos, Calif- Ariel Pasch, ’94, with niece Dustin Picton still playing some hockey for fun Hastings, and Tori Solley, ‘96 ornia on a farm with his girlfriend. and skate with alumni at Harvard Bottom: Taylor Kilian, ’00 throughout the year.” with his wife Rebeccah Amendola David Ruchman visited WMS last fall when he spent several months

12 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 2000 alumni spotlight Ronan Farrow was recently named the Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Global Youth Issues and of learning, buying the business, buying our director of the State Department’s building, Courtney getting married, having her Global Youth Issues office. He first child, Ashley getting married, Courtney is responsible for implementing having her second child, and finally Ashley and amplifying youth policy and having her first child. Things have no sign of programming throughout the slowing down. With three children between Department. Ronan also gave the us and a thriving business, we always looking commencement speech at Bard for ways to grow as designers and provide our College at Simon’s Rock last spring. clients with the best service possible. When we took over the business in 2006 it already had an extensive library of fabrics, Taylor Kilian married Rebeccah trim and wallpaper. In the last 5 years, that Amendola on July 3, 2010. Sisters Courtney Merz Saulnier ‘95 and Ashley Merz Marchand library has grown and we have expanded Rebeccah teaches at Greenwich ‘97 together in their showroom with their children, Rad and to use the entire 10,000 sq. ft. building Academy and grew up in Guilford, Callie Saulnier and Tucker Marchand where we are located in Lakeville, CT. We CT. Taylor is entering his 4th year also now have a large retail space where of a PhD program at Yale for Geo- we sell everything from furniture to plates logy and Geophysics, where his con- to bedding. As our family has grown, we centration is palaeomagnetics. c o u r t n e y m e r z s a u l n i e r ’ 9 5 and discovered the need for a place to buy the His research has brought him to a S H l e y m e r z M a r ch a n d ’ 9 7 own type of toys we grew up with—ones that many places around the world in- and operate Lakeville Interiors. could be handed down rather than the cluding Siberia, India, Australia throw away toys we were finding. To answer In our years since graduating from this need we now have a toy section of our and Italy. He spent the summer WMS we continued our education together business “Kidaroos.” doing research in Wyoming. at Loomis Chaffee. Our bond as sisters grew We can confidently say that we wouldn’t with Courtney helping Ashley with living be the businesswomen or designers we are 2001 away from home as a prefect her freshman year. today if it weren’t for WMS. There are the Luke Brigham is working on a Ben In college we found our identities away from parts that are as mundane as knowing how Affleck movie,A rgo, shooting in LA being “The Merz Girls” at separate colleges to budget our time and having the discipline where Courtney studied at Hobart and William to get our “assignments” done without a and Turkey, as part of the “Brigham Smith College and Ashley attended Union “teacher/boss” overseeing our progress. Then and Brigham” production company. College. Upon graduating Courtney traveled to there are the elements of WMS that gave us He is also pursuing his passion of Hawaii for two years experiencing the slower the confidence we have to take creative risks. rock climbing in Joshua Tree Park paced island lifestyle. We have memories of teachers encouraging as time allows. When Ashley graduated from Union us to explore our interests. That was one of College we knew we wanted to go into the greatest tools WMS gave us because we Amanda Horne teaches at business together but were left wonder- now have the ability to follow through on Farmington Valley Academy ing what the best route to take was. We any endeavors we wish. Montessori in the fall. She also discovered a research facility in Boston where As we take notice of the things we are teaches yoga and will get her through multiple tests and questions they grateful for in our lives one at the top of yoga certification this winter. provide guidance on a person’s strengths in our list is that our lives have circled back reference to what careers they would excel at to WMS. Courtney’s daughter, Callie, is as well as enjoy. The results listed Interior starting her third year at WMS and her son, Jacob Kramer and his wife Andrea Design as the top career for Courtney and Rad, is starting his first year. Their cousin, traveled all over Europe with second for Ashley behind Civil Engineering. Tucker, will follow in their footsteps in friends in June. They still live With these results we were even more the fall of 2012. We feel so lucky that our in New Milford and are looking determined and encouraged that a bus- children can walk down the halls of WMS, forward to getting a giant iness together would work. Over the next and while they are different hallways, they schnauzer. For work, Jacob is year we apprenticed with a designer in are experiencing the same joys and getting following in the family auction- Lakeville, CT who was looking to sell her all the benefits we did from our time there. eering tradition in New York City. business. The next 3 years were a whirlwind

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Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 13 alumni news · continued

2002

Harry Ryan is still involved with making sound for films. He worked on the submission of a film to the 48 Hour Film Festival and it was screened at NYU.

Gavin Shapiro graduated from NYU a year ago and is working for The Onion doing special effects on television. Sam Gilpin, ’03, with girlfriend Kelsey Keith Brooke Shaw ’05

2003

Christian Ebersol graduated from Cristina Tafuri graduated from him to put in 90 hour weeks.... he Sarah Haber was an intern at the Bowdoin this year and received Eugene Lang College - The New loves it. Cannes Film Festival last spring and the Raimondi Italian Prize. He School for Liberal Arts with is taking two acting for film classes spent the summer in London a BA in Visual Arts. She will Grace Kalinosky has been work- in NYC this summer. At the end training with Deustche Bank. go on to attain her MA from ing this year and will be going to of August she left for Denmark to He now works for them in New NYU Steinhardt in Visual Arts American University in the fall. attend the European Film College York City. Administration with a concent- for the year. ration in For Profit Markets. She Harrison Kramer will be a senior Sam Gilpin graduated this spring works as a freelance contemporary at Syracuse University this year, Caroline Lendl transferred to The from the University of Vermont art curator in New York City. majoring in rhetoric and minoring University of Alabama for her with a degree in English. He is in photography. He loved the six junior year to study advertising. considering a career in sports Andrew Wells-Qu received his months he spent in Chile last sum- She spent the summer in Chicago entertainment. second All-American citation with mer and fall. Harrison continued his working at Cramer-Krasselt, the a third place finish in the 800 juggling this summer and appeared nation’s second-largest independent David Haber is working and study- meter run at the NCAA Divisions at the Levitt Pavillion in Westport communications agency. ing in Burlington VT. He will Track and Field Championships every Wednesday night. graduate from UVM in December. in May. He also was a member of Isabelle Lendl entered her junior the University of Chicago Men’s A Marika Lendl entered her senior year at the University of Florida Billy Lovotti graduated from the Capella group. year at the University of Florida and is a member of the golf team. University of Pennsylvania’s and is a member of the golf team. Huntsman Program, with a BS 2004 Brooke Shaw has been traveling in Economics from the Wharton Ariel Picton spent the summer out the world as a competitive School and a BA in International Sam Hunt became engaged in west working at a ski mountain. snowboarder. She is considered one Studies from the College of Arts July 2010 to Arleyrose Betteridge of the nation’s top young female and Sciences. He began work in of Miami, Florida. They met while Skylar Shapiro is going to be a snowboarders. She earned a spot August as a Junior Analyst with both attending Lesley College and senior at BU and is focusing on on the US Olympic snowboarding Analysis Group in New York. reconnected on Facebook. Sam the business end of fashion. She team, but was unable to compete took a course at the Community was in London for her junior in Vancouver due to a torn ACL. Nora Lovotti graduated from Cuisine School of Northwestern year and has had some great Vassar College in May, having Connecticut and found a passion. internships in the fashion world. 2006 double majored in Film Studies In November 2010, he moved and History. She is living in New to Miami Beach and he began Bella Boutet enjoyed her first year 2005 York City and interning at Gawker working for Eggwhites Catering. at Connnecticut College very Media and the Maysles Institute. In addition to his cooking Sam Funk finished his sophomore much. This summer she worked responsibilities with Eggwhites, year at Syracuse University by at a vineyard in Bourdeaux with a friend. Sara Schoon graduated from he is the Event Coordinator, traveling to London, Paris and Skidmore and will be starting responsible for getting everything Athens with a group studying a second bachelors program in needed for an event. Every day is the Olympics. nursing at NYU in the fall. different, and it is not unusual for

14 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 Brooke Shaw, ’05 and Caroline Lendl, ’05 Phoebe Rohn, ‘08 Oliver Martinez ’08 with Pat Werner at WMS this spring

summer he did some special Kevin Hubbard graduated from will attend the University of Ala- leave a lasting mark on the school.” Millbrook School a year ago. He bama and will be a member of Eve spent the summer working at painting projects to earn gas enjoyed the University of Maine the golf team. the Institute for American Studies money. at Farmington last year. This in Washington and traveling to Oliver Martinez transferred to summer he worked at his old Spencer Shaw graduated from Los Angeles to be with family. Canterbury this year and is “very summer camp on an island on a Stratton Mountain School and happy there!!” He is a triple music lake in Maine. He is taking the recently earned a spot on the US Doodle Funk finished her junior major, in Jazz Band, Rock/Blues fall semester off from school to Olympic rookie team. year at Forman. She is captain of Band, and has made the honor roll. hike the Appalachian Trail with the cross-country team and won Jason Feinman ‘06. Sam Willson is doing a PG the HVAL Championships. She year at Deerfield Academy next spent the summer working at Phoebe Rohn traveled as an ex- change student to Germany and Ali Quinones finished her fresh- year. He is playing basketball at the Litchfield Historical Society England this spring. In England, man year at Elms College in early various camps this summer. and going to running camp at she took classes at Cambridge May. She made the Dean’s List and Dartmouth and the University of University as part of their Sixth was chosen to partake in a dinner 2008 Colorado at Boulder. Form Law Conference. In Ger- with Cory Booker, the mayor Eve Brigham is looking forward to many, she attended the Munich of Newark, New Jersey. For the Thomas Hart is going into his her last year at Westover School, Schwabing Waldorf School. For summer, she worked in Watertown. senior year at the Gunnery. He as she was recently elected to be the past two years, Phoebe has She also did observation hours enjoys playing in the band The Solid the First Head of School for her played on the Yale University In- at a local speech pathology and Suns, which he started with Harris senior year. To be chosen as First terscholastic Polo Team, and this audiology center. She’ll be back at Owens ‘09. He attended Litchfield Head of School is a great honor past year was the captain and will Elms in the fall as an orientation Jazz Camp at Kent School this sum- at Westover. Three Heads of be again next year as well as riding leader and move-in assistant. mer with his cousin and bandmate School are elected by their peers John Carroll. hunter jumper horses. She has each year to lead the student also been playing soccer at her 2007 body and act as a liaison between Sarah Hubbard has one more year high school, and was the captain administration, faculty and stu- Luke Dougherty is looking forward to go at Millbrook School and is of the team, and will be again dents. “I was shocked when I to his senior year at Litchfield busy showing her horses in the this year. She was accepted at Yale found out I was elected First High School after a long bout of junior jumpers. Summer Session, and took classes Lyme disease. Head,” said Eve. “I just sat there there this summer. In the fall, she for a few minutes.” Along with Jacob Hunt just very successfully begins her senior year at the Great Lilly King stopped by WMS after several serious responsibilities, completed his Junior year at Barrington Waldorf High School. finishing up her year at Putney. including serving on the school’s the Forman School where he She worked as a landscape disciplinary committee as well continued to be on the Honor Isabel Steiner was accepted to gardener this summer before as the student council, the First Roll as well as on the Effort be a part of the National Honor going off to college. Head of School is also considered Honor Roll. He is in the process Society for her senior year at responsible for building school of investigating colleges, Shepaug Valley High School. Daniela Lendl graduated from morale. “It should be a lot of fun. thinking he would like to major Indian River Charter School and I’m looking forward to hopefully in Civil Engineering. This continued on page 16

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011· 15 alumni news · continued

Anthony Amato ’10, Sam Blitt ’10, and Kellen Rikhoff ’09 Caroline Hermans ’10 Alex Berg ’10 and Margaux Janowicz ’10 at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

2009 summer program at the New 2010 Sam Blitt had a great year at York Film Academy. Shepaug Valley High School, Ariana Brighenti will spend Alex Amato had a great first year at where he made the honor roll next year in China on the Shepaug Valley High School. He Serena Shaw has been making and received an academic achieve- Andover School Year Abroad received an academic achievement her mark as a competitive ment award for “Excellence Program. award for High Honors. snowboarder. This winter she in Drawing.” He enjoyed this competed in the Burton AM summer hanging out at Buck’s Stephen Brighenti is boarding at Anthony Amato enjoyed his first Series, the top regional amateur Rock Camp, playing guitar and the Kent School this year. year at Shepaug receiving an snowboarding competition. Her making music. academic achievement award for first-place finish in halfpipe Jane Funk is boarding at Westover High Honors. landed her a place at the US Open Caroline Hermans enjoyed her this year. She spent the summer Snowboarding Championships at first year at Shepaug and received working at R. Derwin’s Clothiers Alex Berg enjoyed his first year at Stratton Mountain in Vermont. High Honors. She spent the in Litchfield and going to surf Canterbury School. He liked his summer volunteering at Village camp in Costa Rica. She also classes, especially History of Rock Center for the Arts and face- completed played soccer for the Northwest Andrew Trevenen and Roll and English. Alex found painting on the weekends. Rovers this summer. his sophomore year at The Taft sports challenging, but really School where he spent the year enjoyed cross-country and track. studying hard and playing JV Harris Owens plays drums for The Soccer, Varsity Downhill Ski Solid Suns, a band he started with racing and JV Lacrosse. He spent WMS alum Thomas Hart ‘08. He the summer catching up with is a junior at the Gunnery. old WMS pals and learning to drive. This fall when he returns Kellen Rikhoff had a great year at to school he will be rooming Shepaug. He was on the honor with WMS graduate, roll, named to the second team Joe Paduano of the Berkshire League in soccer, ‘09—the school will never be the and played in the Berkshire same! League double tennis finals. Cassie Willson was at the “Center Oliver Salk finished his for Creative Youth” summer art sophomore year at The Taft program at Wesleyan this summer, School where he found an studying piano and music theory interest in film. He directed and for five weeks. She is spending her produced a student film in Maine junior year abroad in Zaragosa, as part of the Taft summer film Spain as part of the School Year The Solid Sons performed a concert for WMS students this spring. From left: program. He also completed the Abroad Program. Thomas Hart ’08, John Carroll, Harris Owens ’09 and Oliver Salk ’09

16 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 ANNUAL REPORT July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011

Message from the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Head of School The 2010-2011 school year started off on a good note when on September 1, 2010—after a year of negotiations with several financial institutions—Washington Montessori retired its $8-million CHEFA (Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority) Bond Debt. Replacing the bond is a $6.5-million loan from RBS Citizens Bank with a 10-year fixed rate locked in when interest rates were at historic lows. The switch to RBS Citizens, which finances several other schools and universities throughout the northeast, represents a significant stabilization of our school’s debt and eliminates the requirement of a “letter of credit provider” and other restrictive policies. As the school year progressed, the WMS community was thrown a curve ball in the form of a proposed cell tower just a hundred feet from our beautiful campus. True to form, the WMS community came together to protect our school and our students. There was an impressive showing of Washington Montessori parents, teachers and students at a public hearing on the tower application. Ultimately AT&T withdrew their proposal. The experience Pat Werner and Denise Trevenen reinforced for us what we already knew—ours is a dedicated community. It is this level of dedication and loyalty that makes what we do worth- while. It is our yearly pleasure to honor the donors and volunteers who gave to our school throughout the year. We know it takes the collective talents of everyone—parents, teachers, staff, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, children and friends to stay on course; and the WMS community never ceases to amaze with their generosity of time, talents and resources. This year, we were also fortunate to expand our community to include new corporate donors to the WMSCPP, our scholarship program for students from Waterbury’s Children’s Community School. As you read through this report, we hope it is obvious how important each family’s efforts are in our success. We are fortunate to have such Washington Montessori School generous and committed families. requires that its board, staff, teachers, students and their parents do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in administration of the school’s admission policies, educational Denise Trevenen Patricia Werner programs, financial aid program, extra-curricular or any other school Chair, Board of Trustees Head of School administered programs, or any other activities supported by the school.

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 17 Annual Report continued

Board of Trustees Development Committee 2010-11 2010-11 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Denise Trevenen Sandy Neubauer Chair Chair Washington Miriam Laufer Susie Berg WMF Parent Chair The wms P.A. Representative New Milford John Bourdeaux Leadership Circle Linda Greenberg The wms leadership circle has John Bourdeaux Ali Grimes been established to honor the donors who Norfolk Cindy Italiaander Pat Werner have made lifetime cash gifts exceeding Emily Fitzhugh $100,000 to express the utmost gratitude and Washington Depot appreciation for their contributions. Because Washington Montessori of their generosity, the vision of our founder Linda Greenberg Fund Volunteers Elvira Charles lives on and the children Litchfield Susie Berg of Washington Montessori School— John Bourdeaux past, present and future—have Roberta Hawley Heather Chirumbolo Morris Barat DelVicario flourished. Margret Delves-Broughton Cindy Italiaander Philip Delves-Broughton Litchfield Bill Dunbar Jana Dunbar Sam Laufer ! Linda Greenberg Roxbury Perley Grimes Alex Ince Ann Barry Ed Martinez Cindy Italiaander South Kent Virginia & Robert DeCourcy Miriam Laufer Sam Laufer Patrick ‘82 & Erin Dorton Martin Nance Laura Neminski West Cornwall Dick & Susan St. James Ebersol Sandy Neubauer Trish O’Reilly Judith & John Friedman Alex McNaughton Toula Ousoulijoglou Treasurer Susan & Murray Haber Mary Ann Ryan Bridgewater Julia & John Hubbard Jessica Travelstead Shelley & Robert Hunt Sandy Neubauer Vice Chair Susan & Tom Kendall Cornwall Samantha & Ivan Lendl Trish O’Reilly Denise & Alex McNaughton Litchfield Constance Miller Mike Paolucci The Mortara Family Washington Sally & Seward Ryan Tom Paron Smart Family Foundation Woodbury Anonymous Patricia Werner Anonymous Head of School Anonymous New Preston, CT

Elvira Charles Trustee Emeritus •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Salt Lake City, UT Susie Berg and Linda Greenberg

18 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 GIFTS TO THE Washington Gingerbread House Project Joel Baglia Bernard Van Funk Montessori Fund Karen & Perley Grimes Karen Bailey Doodle Funk ‘08 Pam & Michael Jackson Patricia & Arthur Balbirer Jane Funk ‘09 Emily Dalton & Matthew Karpas Trisha & Rocky Barry Liz & Steve Funk Head’s Council Miriam & Sam Laufer Justine McCabe & John Battista Sam Funk ‘05 $20,000 and up Susan & John Long Laura & Robert Benn Carolyn Barbolini & Roger Gagnon Patrick ‘82 & Erin Dorton Gretchen Hachmeister & Lili Dyer & Nick Benson Stacey & Doug Gardner April & Sandy Neubauer Randy Orzano Rebecca & Ted Bent Joanne & Gregory Gersten Ann Hertberg & Tom Paron Janet Tanner Poskas & Peter Poskas Dana Benton Ineke & Joseph Ghering Laurel Smith Susie & Jeff Berg Jennifer & Tom Gianfagna FOUNDERS Pam & Nick Solley Julie Chang & James Bernardin Susie & Jim Graham $10,000 to $19,999 Mary Anne & Alex Toppan Joan Bernstein Miranda Pasch Grant ‘92 Katharine Bernstein ‘96 Priscilla Grayson Anonymous FRIENDS Charlotte & Guido Bida Theo Grayson & John Funk The Lilac Foundation $500 to $999 Nancy Binns Ali Grimes Linda & Mark Greenberg Carol Singer & Jon Binzen Heather & John Grustas Ellen K. Pao & Alphonse Fletcher Jr. Christine & Matthew Cowles Shirley & Charles Birge Amy Habbas ‘87 Linda Saarnijoki & Rusty Davis Patricia Gould Booth Ellen Hadad-Blazys LEADERS Margret & Philip Delves-Broughton Wendy Walker & Chris Brigham Joan Hammond $5000 to $9,999 Ruth & Roman DeSanctis Helen Brown Elisabeth Handelsman Ruth & Hal Douglas Anonymous Judy & Larry Brownstein Meg & Paul Handelsman Saun & Pancho Drohojowski Laura & Robert Benn Chris & Adam Bruck Melissa & John Hay Susan & Michael Eanes Christine & Jim Davenport Andrea & Patrick Burke Anne & Friso Hermans Ben Ebner Jana & Bill Dunbar Joanna & Edward Carpenter Helaine & Joe Hirshfeld Emily Fitzhugh Roberta & Blair Hawley Sarah Jane & Michael Chelminski Vanessa Hoppe ‘92 & Steve Haskell Victoria & Toby Fossland Cindy & Michael Italiaander Heather ‘89 & Randy Chirumbolo Trish O’Reilly & James Huffstetler Lucinda Frame Susan & Tom Kendall Mimi & Ralph Ciancio Amy Hughes & Scott Jurewicz Ann & Jack Gilpin Denise & Alex McNaughton Toula Ousouljoglou & Paul Ciancio Roula & Magdi Khalil Kathy & Michael Gold The Norcross Foundation Madeline Cook Bonnie & Dick Leavenworth Andrea Hubbell Eliza & Michael Paolucci Rebecca McNeill Couto da Silva ‘93 JoMarie Leifert Alex & Brandon Ince Elenor & Laurence Smith Tonya & Steve Curry Danielle Lewis Jane & Chuck Ince Fourgie & Willie Smith Ingrid Davis Ellen & Jerry Liebman MaryBeth & Niall Lawlor Denise & John Trevenen Karen & Elliott Davis Lauren & John Long Marina Belica & Steven Lowy Katie & Christoph von Strasser Amy DeLuca Priscilla & Lance Loomis Laura & Burt Mashburn Pat & Ed Werner Barat & Joe DelVicario Loretta & Jerry Luhman Betty & Ken Merz Martha & Jon DeVault Carroll & Michael Macdonald Bola & Brian Mooney BENEFACTORS Liz & David DeVos Shari & Mike Mahan Kimmi & Duane Morikawa $3000 to $4999 Ruth & Dr. Leonard Diamond Philippa & Jonathan Malkin Denise & Peter Pasch Rebecca Johnson Dibb & Dani Shapiro & Michael Maren Anonymous Jan & Paul Prenoveau Michael Dibb Chris Martin Anonymous Carolina & Darren Reid April & Jacek Dolata Laura ‘86 & Richard Martin Martina & Milos Forman Beth & Tom Rickart Kerry Dorton ‘83 Deborah Chabrian & Ed Martinez Juliet & John Hubbard Kathy & Matt Root Joline & Gregg Douglas Jane McMahon Janet Janssen & Craig Puffenberger Susan & Craig Schoon Ann Kearney-Dutton & Phillip Dutton Kevin McNeill Sheila & George Largay Nancy Shilts Natalie & Elisha Dyer Holly & Andrew McNeill Angela & Kevin Siebrecht Christopher Eanes ‘90 Melora & Michel Mennesson MENTORS Pamela & John Siemon Anne Endicott Marcia DeSanctis & Mark Mennin $1000 to $2999 Jessica & Jason Travelstead John Endicott Denise & Stephen Morocco Barrie & Chuck Birge Rhonda Eleish & Buffer Ergmann Dr. & Mrs. Patrick Mulrow SUPPORTERS Lauren & Mark Booth Dawn Hathaway & Evan Estern Michele Murtha up to $499 Elaine Bourdeaux Blaire & Colin Farrar Laura & Perry Neminski Suzanne & John Bourdeaux Shelly & Joseph Abdella Deirdre & Adam Fischer Bonnie & Ken Norris Elvira Charles Emily Aldrich Sunday & Stephen Fisher Kim & Chris Norris Jaime Bachrach & Timothy Clew Jena & John Allee Bettina & Frank Flacke Robin & Stephen Oldakowski Copes Rubbish Removal Denise & Peter Arturi Marie Flamand & Liza & Dan Oneglia ‘91 Lori Fitzgibbon Dana & Kenneth Assard W. Thomas Browne Judith & John Friedman Susan & Sam Averill Katie Franklin ‘99 continued on page 20

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 19 gifts to the washington montessori fund continued

Mary & T.J. Oneglia ‘89 Ingrid Salcedo & Ulrich Vilbois David Owen Carol Ward Vi & Reese Owens Andrew Wells-Qu ‘03 development corner Concetta Paduano Dawn Willis e by Ali Grimes, Director of Development Beverly & Raymond Pajer Maureen & Chris Young Jake Paron ‘09 As most of you know, community has to WMS. Kathryn Paul ‘08 Gifts to the Washington tuition covers only about In addition to our WMF Sevara Jeleva & Ken Paul Montessori Community 80 percent of the actual efforts, we set out this year Susan & John Payne Partnership Program cost of a WMS education. with a goal to specifically raise Sarah & Phil Payson Anonymous This is true of nearly all money for the Washington Susan & Lou Pereira Baribault Oil Company, Inc. independent schools, which Montessori School Community Sarah Potts ‘97 Wendy Walker & Chris Brigham is why nonpublic schools Partnership Program Micky & Joe Pratt Judy & Larry Brownstein and universities alike rely on (WMSCPP), which allows Gillian Desjardins & Fletcher Previn Copes Rubbish Removal donations from their alumni, middle school students from Christina Babarovic & Bartley Price Christine & Matthew Cowles parents, grandparents, parents the Children’s Community Curtis Read Saun & Pancho Drohojowski of alumni and friends. WMS School in Waterbury to attend Carol Leskanic & Michael Regan Dzinski Polzella LLC also receives a small amount WMS on scholarship. In our Wendy & Rick Rhodes Ellen K. Pao & Alphonse Fletcher Jr. of foundation funding­­–almost first year, we raised $30,800 Jim Rikhoff Ann & Jack Gilpin always through someone mostly from individuals and Emma Risley ‘90 In-House Marketing LLC personally connected to that companies outside of our Mandy Risley ‘86 Susan & Tom Kendall foundation. If any of you have typical giving community. Dana & Fritz Rohn Kathleen & Robert Lopes a connection like this, please We hope to continue this Paula & Dr. Leon Root Betty & Ken Merz let me know! success each year to ensure James Schriber & Karen Ross NeJaime’s Fine Wine & Spirits Each year, money raised the viability of this wonderful Sharon & Mark Ruchman April & Sandy Neubauer from the Washington Mon- program – extending the Mary Ann & Tom Ryan Susan & John Payne tessori Fund (WMF) allows opportunity to receive a WMS Susanna & Eric Salk Janet Tanner Poskas & Peter Poskas us to cover the gap between education to students who Betsy Renwick & Jorge Sanchez Sharon & Mark Ruchman tuition rates and actual costs. would not otherwise be able Courtney ’95 & Todd Saulnier Tri-State Kenworth This year we raised $245,417 to attend. Diana & Philip Savory USA Hauling & Recycling Inc. – an accomplishment for all I would like to thank Katie & Eric Scheidt The W.I. Clark Company of us to celebrate during these everyone who contributed to Fran & Gene Schilling Pat & Ed Werner shaky economic times. I am Washington Montessori School Martha & Bob Schindhelm pleased to acknowledge that throughout the 2010-2011 Connie & Doug Sherman Capital Gifts 80 percent of our families school year. Contributions, Nicole & Joe Shine The Lilac Foundation made gifts to the fund this both large and small, make for Beth Simon & Gary Thompson Denise & Alex McNaughton year. This number is evidence a thriving school environment Lauren Simpson of the strong commitment our for WMS children. Vanessa Simpson ‘95 Endowment Gifts Jill & Mark Skilton Denise & Alex McNaughton Nell Solley ‘94 Pat Farrell & John Savage Bank Street Theater The Mayflower Inn & Spa Liza Solley ‘99 Copes Rubbish Removal Mark Mennin Hunter Southworth ‘93 In Honor of John Friedman Sandy Daniels Bola & Brian Mooney Terry & Peter Sullivan Emily Fitzhugh Gillian Desjardins O & G Industries Kelly Susi David Owen Jana & Bill Dunbar Eliza & Mike Paolucci Laura & Peter Swarz-Burt Ann Hertberg & Thomas Paron Laura Dunn & Bailey Marion Pennell Barbara & Peter Talbot Carol Ward Dawn Hathaway & Evan Estern Jan Tanner Poskas Ann & George Taylor Mia Farrow Cassandra Purdy ‘87 Sharon & Ting Tingley Grants Milos Forman Marsha Reid Carlotta & Ken Tollison Connecticut Community Toby Fossland Susanna Salk Andrew Trevenen ‘09 Foundation Annie Gilpin Fran Schilling Janice & Doug Uhl The Norcross Foundation Cherise & Robert Hutchings Scott Tilden Carol & Ray Underwood Susan Jahnke Janice Uhl University of Illinois Gifts of Bon Lombardi Aaron VanHandel ‘10 Linda & Gerry Valletta Goods and Services Priscilla & Lance Loomis Jon Veleas Deborah VanHandel Susie & Jeff Berg Thomas Mahan Kathy Weiser Diana Varlay Inga Britta-Mills Ed Martinez Ed Werner Jill Hirshfeld-Veleas & Jon Veleas Jaime Bachrach & Tim Clew

20 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 2011 Auction “Building Great Kids”

Barrie Birge Food/Bar Auction Co-Chair Kathy & Michael Gold

Linda Greenberg Auction Co-Chair Set-up Johannes Boeckmann Parents’ Association Maura Coyne Officers Susie Berg Technical Help Co-President Jim McDonald

Barrie Birge Classroom Projects Co-President Dana Assard Roberta Hawley Susie Berg Jack Gilpin graciously served as auctioneer this year. He’s seen auctioning a one-of-a-kind walking Secretary Chris Bruck stick hand-carved by Middle School student Joscie Norris Wendy Rhodes Deborah Chabrian Treasurer Valerie Cooper Christine Davenport Rebecca Dibb Acquisitions Thanks to the Following Jennifer Friend & John Szewczuk Jana Dunbar Jaime Bachrach Individuals for their Phil Willis Chris Bruck Martina Forman Generous Underwriting Heather Grustas Sharon Cunningham Laura & Robert Benn Donors, Bidders & Patrons Winnie Harrison Christine Davenport Jeff Berg of the 2011 Auction Ann Hertberg Paron Liz DeVos Joan Barry Bernstein A Room For Frances, New Preston Alex Ince Philippa Malkin Christine & Jim Davenport Ace Baseball School, Roxbury Priscilla Loomis Theresa Merritt Roman DeSanctis M.D. Adrienne Restaurant, New Milford Philippa Malkin Kimmi Morikawa Betty Doty After School Arts Program (ASAP), Laura Martin Kathy Root Elisha Dyer Jr. Washington Depot Robin Oldakowski Jessica Travelstead Susan & Dick Ebersol Ah Yoga & Wellness Center, Toula Ousouljoglou John Veleas Martina & Milos Forman New Preston Wendy Rhodes Virginia & Henry Hart All Aboard Pizza, New Milford Correspondence Kathy Root Ann Kearney-Dutton Jena & John Allee Laura Benn Courtney Saulnier Dr. & Mrs. Roger Locandro Jennifer Almquist & Tom Fahsbender Janet Fisher Jon Veleas Judith & David Long Danielle & Anthony Amato Laura Mashburn Susan & John Long Boyd Antonia Nicole Shine Special Thanks Carmel Malkin Dale & Doug Anderson, Palm Beach, Jack Gilpin for hosting the party Laura & Burt Mashburn Florida Catalog Pels Matthews Arbor Services of CT, Inc., Susie Berg Barry Blitt for the catalog artwork Camille McCormack Washington Depot Gillian Desjardins Erik Hawvermale and Greg DeRosa Melora & Michel Mennesson Averill Farm, Washington Depot Linda Greenberg for helping with endless requests Betty & Ken Merz Susan & Sam Averill Toula Ousouljoglou Oliver Salk, ’09, for producing the Phyllis & Frank Mooney B. Johnstone & Company, Kent Wendy Rhodes video tribute to WMS teachers Anne & Martin Nance b. hive Salon, Washington Depot Cherry Thurlow and Ellen Filchak for Anna Nelmes-Stoughton B&B Mason Supply, New Milford Data Entry always being there for the PA Kenneth & Barbara Norris Gretchen Barbarovic Dana Benton Joseph Orzano Tina Barbarovic & Bartley Price Laura Neminski Henry and Marion Pennell Bachi’s Ristorante & Bar, Torrington Janice Uhl Thanks to the following for helping to turn our Mickey & Joe Pratt Jaime Bachrach & Timothy Clew Decor gym into a party Wendy & Rick Rhodes Back Stage Restaurant, Torrington Karen Davis Big Wave Events Leon Root Backcountry Outfitters, Kent Davis Raines Design Barbarann Siebrecht & James Kolff Bank St. Book Nook, New Milford General Support Executive Cuisine Diana Savory Bank Street Tavern American Ali Grimes Litchfield Hills Wine Market John & Pamela Siemon Restaurant & Bar, New Milford AnnMarie Ovitt Preferred Building Maintenance Patricia & Arthur Simon Jill Skilton Taylor Rental of Torrington Fourgie Smith continued on page 22

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 21 donors, bidders & patrons of the auction continued

Left to right: Wendy and Rick Rhodes; Sarah Jane Chelminski places a bid during the silent auction with the encouragement of Antonia Davidson; Liz and David DeVos peruse silent auction items

Bank Street Theater, New Milford Clapp & Tuttle Framing, Woodbury Patrick ‘82 & Erin Dorton Joanne & Greg Gersten Bantam Cinema Kenyon Clark Liz Doty Matilda Giampietro Bantam Fuel Sheila Coad-Bernard & Joline & Gregg Douglas Jennifer & Tom Gianfagna Be Yoga, Litchfield Randy Bernard Miki Duisterhof Gilded Lily Jewelry, Woodbury Aimee Bida Colonial Photo, New Milford Jana & Bill Dunbar Mimi & John Gillen Barrie & Chuck Birge Compass Capital Management, EHL Consulting, Washington Depot Ann & Jack Gilpin Barry Blitt Southbury Eleish Van Breems Interiors, Goldsmith’s Art & Frame Gallery, Ben Berg Anthony Comunale Washington Depot Waterbury Susie Berg Connecticut Sports Arena, Elite Gymnastics Center, Grape in the Shade, Washington Rebecca & Ted Bent New Milford New Milford Depot Big Wave Events, Roxbury Valerie & Craig Cooper Dawn Hathaway & Evan Estern Theo Grayson Bike Express, New Milford Country Wine & Spirits, New Preston F & H Architectural Design and Green Hill Home & Garden, Nancy Binns Craig’s, Bantam Consulting Llc., Fabric Studio, Washington Carol Singer & Jonathan Binzen Cricket Hill Garden, Thomaston Litchfield Linda & Mark Greenberg Black Sheep Yarns, Kent Sharon Cunningham Fajitas & Margaritas Restaurant Bar Gregory James Gallery, New Milford Lauren Booth Sharon & Stephen Curry & Grill, New Milford Kathy & Michael Gold Bosson Optical, Litchfield D.N.A. Etc. Uniform Shop, Torrington Blaire Farrar Carolyn Gordon The Boulders, New Preston Emily Dalton & Matthew Karpas Pat Farrell Griffin Woodworks, Bethlehem Antonia Davidson & Michael Boyd Christine & James Davenport Fife ‘n Drum Restaurant and Inn, Kent Ali Grimes Brazen Betties, Torrington Davis IGA, Inc., Kent Fineline Theatre Arts, New Milford Carly & Eric Grimes Brickhouse Pizza & Restaurant, Karen & Elliot Davis The Firehouse, New Preston Karen & Perley Grimes New Milford Davis Raines Design, Washington Deirdre Fischer Heather Grustas Helen Brown Jessica & Michael Dell’Aera Sunday & Stephen Fisher The Gunnery, Washington Chris & Adam Bruck Betsy & Michael DeLuca Fitness Matters of Kent H.A. Dunne & Co., New Milford The Business Center, Litchfield Barat DelVicario Lori Fitzgibbon Ginny Habbas C. Smyth Salon, Bantam Dental Associates of Connecticut, Emily Fitzhugh Elisabeth Handelsman & Lester Sandra Canning New Milford Bettina & Frank Flacke Gottlieb Canterbury School, New Milford The DeVos Family Marie Flamand Jane Howard Hammerstein Cardinal Christmas Tree Farm, Di Franco’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Julie Flanders Joan Hammond Morris Litchfield Martina & Milos Forman Lucinda & Ted Hart Bev & Ed Caceres Rebecca Johnson-Dibb & Michael The Forman School, Litchfield Roberta & Blair Hawley Deb Chabrian & Ed Martinez Dibb Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris Terry Hawley Sarah Jane & Michael Chelminski Distinctive Pools, Washington G. W. Tavern, Washington Depot Hemlock Kennels, Bethlehem Anne Chiang & Johannes DK Schulman Design, New Preston Gager, Emerson, Rickart, Bower & Hickory Stick Bookshop, Boeckmann Doc’s Trattoria, Kent Scalzo, Llp, Southbury and Bethel Washington Depot Heather & Randy Chirumbolo Jacek Dolata Stacey Gardner Mary & Keith Holton Chowderheads, Bantam Dolly’s Wine Boutique, New Milford Geppetto’s Toys, Woodbury Homestead Gardening & Toula Ousouljoglou & Paul Ciancio Kerry Dorton ‘83 Geron Nurshing, New Milford Landscaping, Litchfield

22 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 Left to right: Laura Neminski and Heather Chirumbolo; Head of School Pat Werner and Director of Development Ali Grimes; Auction Co-Chair Barrie Birge. Photos by Jon Veleas

Hopkins Inn, Warren Lakeville Interiors, Lakeville Dani Shapiro & Michael Maren Joscie Norris House of Books, Kent Larson’s Farm Market, New Milford Lynn Marlowe Kim & Chris Norris Anna & David Hubbard Nancy & Stephen LaTour Laura Martin October Project Amy Hughes & Scott Jurewicz Laufer Teknik, Roxbury Gabriella Martinez Robin & Stephen Oldakowski Hunt Hill Farm Trust, New Milford Miriam & Sam Laufer Oliver Martinez Oliva Café, New Preston J. Robert Hutchings MaryBeth & Niall Lawlor Marty’s Café, Washington Depot Mary & T.J. Oneglia ‘89 Ida’s Bridal Shop, Torrington Sherry & Eric Leitz Stacey Matthews Gretchen Hachmeister & Randy Alex & Brandon Ince Libby’s Torrington Furniture, The Mayflower Inn and Spa, Orzano Cindy & Michael Italiaander Torrington Washington AnnMarie Ovitt It’s The Perfect Party, Torrington Ellen & Jerry Liebman Jim McDonald Vi & Reese Owens J. McLaughlin & Co., Washington Beth Lillard Jane McMahon Panini Café, Kent Depot Litchfield Athletic Club Alex McNaughton The Pantry, Washington Depot J. Seitz & Co., New Preston Litchfield Bancorp, Washington The Men of Montessori Eliza & Mike Paolucci J.C. Merritt Inc General Contractors, Depot Marcia DeSanctis & Mark Mennin Ann Hertberg & Tom Paron New Milford Litchfield Candy Company Theresa & Jeff Merritt Percy Thomson Meadows, Bethlehem J.P. Gifford Market & Catering, Kent Litchfield Hills Family Dental, Betty & Ken Merz Pergola, New Preston Jacek Dolata Photography, Riverton Torrington Michael’s Jewelers, Torrington Personal Touch Car Wash, Robert Jaeger Litchfield Hills Nursery Inc., Litchfield Mommypoppins.com New Milford Janet Janssen & Craig Puffenberger Litchfield Pet Supply, Bantam Bola & Brian Mooney Pet Acoustics, Roxbury Jimmy’s Barber Salon & Hairstylists, Little Town Mechanical Contractors, Teri & Lon Moots Photography by Heidi Johnson, New Milford Inc., Bethlehem Kimmi & Duane Morikawa New Milford Joan’s Candy Cupboard, New Susan Bednar Long & John Long Morrison Gallery, Kent Play, New Milford Milford Loomis Creative Woodworks Llc., Mother Goose, Litchfield Popey’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Morris Joanna John Collection, Woodbury Morris Michele Murtha & Dennis Gretorex Power House Appliances, Joe’s Salon & Spa, New Milford Priscilla & Lance Loomis Nail Chalet, Washington Depot New Milford Joseph Abdella Tile and Flooring Lore’s Lanes, New Milford Anne & Martin Nance Jan & Paul Prenoveau Contractor, Washington Depot Ann Lowe National Iron Bank, Washington Gillian Desjardins & Fletcher Previn Liz Kay & Rob Shaver Marina Belica & Steven Lowy Depot Privet House, Warren Roula & Magdi Khalil Lucia Ristorante, New Milford Laura & Perry Neminski Craig Puffenberger Myrna & Michael Kenausis Alison & Darrin Lundie April & Sandy Neubauer Quassy Amusement Park, Robert E. Kane O.D., New Preston Rebecca Lundie New Milford Sports Club Middlebury Kent Apothecary Luz & Bill MacArthur New Preston Kitchen Goods Quo Vadis, Fine Italian Accessories, Kent Greenhouse & Gardens Shari & Mike Mahan Nine Main Deli, New Preston Washington Depot Kent School Philippa & Jonathan Malkin Nirvana Cafe & Juice Bar, Torrington Natalie & Greg Randall Kent True Value Elena Manas Nodine’s Smokehouse, Torrington Rare Occasion, Bethel Kent Wine & Spirit Shop Marandola Fuel Service, Llc., Noica Necklaces for Children, Kent Carol Leskanic & Michael Regan Kent Yoga & Bodyworks New Milford Nordica, New Milford Gary Komarin Ashley Marchand ‘97 Norimaki, Washington Depot continued on page 24

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 23 donors, bidders & patrons of the auction continued

Carolina & Darren Reid Three Brothers Family Restaurant, Marsha & Rodger Reid New Milford Remember When, Torrington Three Monkeys and Me, Kent Wendy & Rick Rhodes Cherry Thurlow Eloise Ribis Tile Spaces, Woodbury Rich Pomerantz Photography, Tivoli Restaurant, New Milford New Milford Top Flight Sports Center, Home of Beth & Tom Rickart Planet Play, New Milford Catherine Risigo-Wickline Mary Anne & Alex Toppan Roma Ristorante, Oakville Torrington Gold & Coin Exchange Rooster Tail Inn, Warren Torrington School of Ballet Kathy & Matthew Root Toys Galore & More, Kent Jared Russell Jessica & Jason Travelstead Conor Ryan ‘11 Denise & John Trevenen Mary Ann & Tom Ryan Trevenen & Coploff, Washington S. B. Long Interiors, Inc., Greenwich Depot S. O. S. Massage Therapy, Unsurpassed Chocolate Sauce, Thomaston Washington Depot Courtney Saulnier ‘95 The Upper Crust, New Milford Katie & Eric Scheidt Linda Valletta Fran Schilling Jill Hirshfeld-Veleas & Jon Veleas Deborah & Steven Shapiro The Venetian Restaurant, Torrington Connie & Doug Sherman Teresa Venturo Kevin Siebrecht Village Center for the Arts, Siemon Company, Watertown New Milford Ed Werner won the Heads and Tails raffle Silo Cooking School, New Milford Village Green Cleaners, New Beth Simon & Gary Thompson Milford Bev Smith The Village Restaurant, Litchfield Deborah & Steven Shapiro Villarina’s, New Milford The Shoppes at Whittemore Vinny’s Pizza, Torrington Crossing, Middlebury Katie & Christoph von Strasser Jill Skilton von Strasser Winery, Calistoga, Fourgie Smith California South Kent School WMS Parent Earth Team The Spa at Litchfield Hills, Litchfield The Warner Theater, Torrington Sportsmen’s of Litchfield Washington Food & Liquor Spruce Home & Garden, New Washington Supply Company Milford Washington Sports, Washington Eloise Stager Depot Star Nail, New Milford Jennifer Waupotic The Stationer, Washington Depot Pat & Ed Werner Steven Lowy Studio, Kent West Street Grill, Litchfield Karen Stevens Western Connecticut Dental Arts, Straight Line Bikes & Snowboards, New Milford New Milford Westover School, Middlebury Steven Lowy Studio What?! Sugar Hoot, New Milford White Horse Country Pub, New Sundog Shoe & Leather, Kent Preston The Sweet Spot, New Milford Bob Williams Sweeets, New Preston Dawn Willis Ann & George Taylor Phil Willis Taylor & Son True Value Hardware, Woodbury Ski Area New Milford Amy & John Yarbrough Temenos Advisory, Litchfield Zero Prophet Coffee Roasting, Terston Home Accents & Women’s Washington Wear, Kent

24 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 FINANCIAL INFORMATION JULY 1, 2010 — JUNE 30, 2011

Washington Montessori Fund Operating Income WMSCPP Fund Tuition...... 3,922,157 Capital Gifts Washington Montessori Fund (WMF)...... 245,417 WMSCPP Fund...... 30,800 PA Fundraising Capital Gifts...... 7,250 School Programs Parents Association Fundraising...... 79,845 Interest School Programs...... 241,465 Interest...... 37,655 Other Income Other Income...... 12,799 Tuition

Total 4,577,388

*Annual Appeal includes Gift of Professional Artwork.

Financial Aid Operating Expenses School...... 301,937 Capital Expenses Administration...... 185,768 Other Expenses

Building...... 313,988 Education Salaries & Benefits...... 2,710,853 Administration Financial Aid...... 614,923 Capital Expenses...... 268,161 Building Other Expenses...... 176,029 Salaries & Benefits Total 4,571,659

*The endowment covered the operating deficit.

John Paul Szewczuk Eliza Travelstead Nicole Morikawa and Axel Orzano

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 25 m a k i n g s t r i d e s at w m s

The Kid’s Marathon program was started by runner Rod Dixon, who won the prestigious New York City Marathon in 1983. He describes the event “as an amazing life-changing fitness program resulting in a tremendous feeling of accomplishment and self-confidence.” It is an extremely popular event that is run annually in schools around the world. At Washington Montessori the event takes place year-round. “It has become a really great community event here at WMS,” said physical education teacher Mimi Gillen. “The students and parents both look forward to the mornings we run. Everyone has been having a lot of fun with it.” Mimi organized a series of 5 Kid’s Marathons throughout the 2010-2011 school year. Each marathon took about 7 weeks to complete with participants running together three days a week and on their own at least once a week. At the end of each 7-week marathon, participants had run a full marathon at 26.2 miles. Front: Olivia Mooney, Lauren Uhl, Logan Clew-Bachrach, Olivia Karpas, Rowan Greenberg, The motto of the Kid’s Marathon is “finishing Charlotte Mooney and Livia Greenberg. Back: Nathaniel Ince, Christina Khalil, James Birge is winning … winning is finishing.” The goal is and Mark Khalil to create a climate where all kids can feel secure in their ability to succeed. The program also teaches Rod Dixon visited WMS this spring, warming up with runners and completing their students sustainable exercise and nutrition habits as morning run. He generously sat down with 7th-grader Zoë Cameron to answer questions a foundation for life-long health and happiness. about his career. Zoë completed 5 Kid’s Marathons this year as part of her Hero’s Journey At WMS, teachers have also observed that running before school in the morning helps many project. In total, she ran more than 130 miles. if not all children arrive in class more settled and Hero’s Journey is a project based on “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” a non-fiction prepared to learn. “Many teachers have noted the book, and seminal work of comparative mythology by Joseph Campbell. A well-known positive impact running has had on the students,” quote from the book’s introduction summarizes the universal journey of heroes. “A hero said Head of School Pat Werner. “Those who run in ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: the morning seem to be more focused and ready to fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back start the day.” from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.”

F i n i s h i n g i s W i n n i n g by Zoë Cameron Hero’s Journey is the 7th-grade A great part about choosing running as life skills program at WMS. Throughout my Hero’s Journey goal was that I got to the course of the year, the goal is to learn meet Olympic gold medalist Rod Dixon, more about yourself through a variety of founder of the Kid’s Marathon Program. activities and challenges. The program He came to run and stretch with us. I was includes a retreat, journaling, projects lucky enough to interview him afterwards. and a personal challenge. My personal Rod told me that his hero is his brother. challenge was to run 5 Kid’s Marathons When he was younger, Rod’s older brother by the end of the school year. would run and, like all young kids, Rod My mom had encouraged me to start wanted to follow in his footsteps. Of running at the beginning of the year course, at first, Rod didn’t run as many before I had even picked my goal. I didn’t miles as his brother, but eventually he really like running to start off with, could run longer and longer distances. because I was not the best runner. It was That’s how he got to where he is today. tough to run three days a week before Running is so much easier for me now. WMS Kid’s Marathon runners competed in the Girls Just Wanna school and then on the weekend as well. This spring, I beat my fall mile time by 2 Run 5K event, sponsored by the Junior Women’s Club of Litchfield When it came time to pick a challenge for minutes! The whole running experience Hills. Front: Sarala Grayson-Funk, Logan Clew-Bachrach, Hero’s Journey I chose running, hoping has been great. I’ll definitely be running Olivia Karpas, Ana Karpas, Lucy Oneglia, Jack Oneglia, Mimi that it would motivate me to stick with Kid’s Marathons again. I deeply encourage Gillen. Back: Emily Dalton, Jamie Bachrach and Mary Oneglia the Kid’s Marathon program. kids to come run next year.

26 · Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 8 t h G r a d e s e r V i c e t r i p t o P u e r t o R i c o

Kid’s Marathon founder Rod Dixon with runners Hugo Delves-Broughton, Ella Paolucci, Axel Orzano, Nathaniel Ince, Graham Ince, and Augie Delves- Broughton

Mimi Gillen and Rod Dixon

Clockwise from top: Eun Bin Lee, Kaley McNeill, Hannah Liebman, Emma Nance, Preetam Beram, Zach Pereira, Stephanie Schor, Cam Gardner, Sophie Randall and Julia Cooper; Cameron Gardner reads to a local student; Planting trees in the rainforest; Kaley McNeill, Katie Young, Jessica Lewis and Harper Pratt. Rod Dixon and Zoë Cameron Photos by Jared Russell

Washington Montessori School On Circle, Fall 2011 · 27 Photo Contest

Can you name the people in this photo? And the year it was taken?

Please submit replies to: Answer to Last Photo Contest: [email protected] Back: Ted Webber, Owen Bailey and Heather Fairley; Front: Abi Mabasa, to win one free item of your choice at Kerry Dorton, Marsha Reid, Namino Glantz and Paul Dumas the new WMS Store. Kerry Dorton, ‘83, was able to identify herself, her classmates and their teacher in this photo. She received an item of her choice at the WMS Store.

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