FALL 2017 | WSMSNYC.ORG Great Beginnings Fall 2017 CONTENTS

IN MIMI’S VOICE...... 1

A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT 2

2017-2018 BOARD OF TRUSTEES...... 3

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE AND ANTI-BIAS EDUCATION...... 6

BIG STEPS AT WSMS-TEP: Expanding our Montessori Teacher Education Program...... 10

A MONTESSORI MATCH: Congratulating Dave and Stefanie Eckert!...... 12

2017-2018 PA SPEAKER SERIES...... 13

ALUMNI NEWS: Pancakes, Plays, Novels and NBC, The Ackerman-Weston Family...... 14

2016-2017 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS...... 17 WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT OF GIVING...... 18 BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Annual Fund...... 19 Parents Association...... 26 2017-2018 48th Annual Auction...... 29 Fall Festival...... 32 Myles Amend, President Tim Daileader, Vice President Lindsay Forbes, Vice President Iva Mills, Vice President Jason E. Santiago, Treasurer Jennifer S. Conway, Secretary Nissa Booker Mark Cicirelli Victoria Feltman Justin Hamilton Mort Haque Elise J. Natasha Kazm Allen Lamb Nigel-Ann La Qua Williamson Kyra Nelson Kelly Morrison Opdyke Jing Wang Kelly West Tenille Skelton, Parent Representative Bonny Whitcher, Parent Representative Katherine Fordney, Faculty Representative IN MIMI’S VOICE

This summer marked the 10th One thing we have always done at faculty and administrators, in so many anniversary of my return to WSMS as WSMS is read with our children, and ways. You will see the breadth of that Head of School. As many of you know, I the article on literature in the classroom support in the Annual Report included served as Associate Director from 1995- by Giuliana de Grazia (Head Teacher, in this issue. We celebrate our ability 2001, and I had a long relationship 3Wam) will give you an interesting to continuously grow and evolve, and before and after that time as a Teacher perspective on how much thought goes acknowledge from our hearts that we Education Program (WSMS-TEP) in to choosing the books we share, and could not do it without you. instructor, and as a fellow member, and to how we share them. later Vice President, of the American Montessori Society. Our alumni article connects you to a family who preceded me at WSMS: I have seen much growth at WSMS the Weston-Ackermans. This is a family over the years and am proud to be who thrived in the Montessori focus on Mimi Basso responsible for implementing signifcant creative exploration, and continues to Head of School changes. Many of you know about our do so more than 25 years later. physical enhancements (especially the gym/ffth foor and library) and our Included in this issue is the schedule academic ones: the new Twos Program, of upcoming Parents Association the After Lunch Bunch, the Visiting workshops on a variety of child Scholars. What you may not know about development subjects. The Weston- is the parallel expansion of WSMS-TEP Ackermans describe their appreciation and the impact it has had on both our for the post-drop-off gatherings with school and other schools around the the school’s psychologists in the early world. “Big Steps at WSMS-TEP” will 90s; they would have jumped at these give you a quick overview of how much opportunities! has happened in the recent past. (Who knew that would include the marriage Finally, I want to express my deepest of Stefanie Allen and Dave Eckert, two gratitude for all the support we receive teachers who met through TEP?!) from current and past families, friends,

1 BOARD NEWS

A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT

Dear members of the WSMS community, who give generously of their time, talent, and treasure to ensure our success today As someone whose professional career and into the future. has focused on education, I have been exposed on an intimate basis to a broad This issue’s Annual Report celebrates the variety of institutions. My experience as a school’s activities of fun and fund-raising. long-time Board member at WSMS, and Our deep thanks to last year’s Parents as Board President for the past year, has Association co-chairs—Jeff Leaf and confrmed to me how fortunate we are Bonny Whitcher—and to the innumer- as parents to have found a place that is able volunteers who made the year so dedicated to offering the best possible successful. start to our children’s schooling. West Side Montessori School never stands Finally, my sincere gratitude to everyone still or rests on its well-deserved laurels. who contributed to the 2016-2017 An- As a community of educators and fami- nual Fund. Every gift makes a difference lies, our school is always seeking and and your participation and wonderful implementing opportunities to prepare generosity ensure our ability to provide children to be joyful, life-long learners in the highest quality education for genera- new and exciting ways. tions to come.

For this spirit we have to thank Head of School Mimi Basso, who continuously Gratefully, thinks about what we should do next, and her tireless administrators and dedi- cated faculty, who spend their days en- suring that our students (and this means both the young children and the TEP Myles Amend scholars working so hard to become their President, Board of Trustees educators) are inspired and challenged. I (Ashley Amend-Thomas ’11) am deeply grateful to my fellow trustees

2 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG A LETTER FROM OUR 2017-2018 WSMS BOARD PRESIDENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Myles B. Amend, Lindsay Forbes, of the Studio Museum in Harlem and President Vice President volunteers for the Harlem Children’s Zone. She is married to Scott Mills. Myles B. Amend is Associ- Lindsay Forbes was born and ate Head of School for Ad- raised in Vancouver, Canada. Jason E. Santiago, vancement at Trinity School, She holds a BS in natural re- Treasurer where he has worked since sources conservation from the 2000. Prior to that he served as Director Faculty of Forestry, University of British Colum- Jason E. Santiago is currently of Development and Finance at Rice High bia and a JD from the University of Toronto. an investor at Stripes Group, School in Harlem; as Principal of Tampa Catho- Lindsay practiced commercial real estate law a $2B private equity fund lic High School in Tampa, Florida; and as As- in Vancouver and New York. She later helped that invests in internet and sociate Director for Institutional Advancement develop the U.S. East Coast market for EAB consumer products companies. Prior to join- and Governance at the Museum of the City Tool Co., a power tool accessory company ing Stripes Group, Jason was an investment of New York. He is a graduate of Iona Col- marketed in over 2,700 retail outlets in North banker at Cowen and Company in both New lege and holds master’s degrees in history America. Lindsay and her husband, Ali Dibadj, York and San Francisco, responsible for the from New York University and in independent are the proud parents of two recent WSMS al- execution of growth equity fnancings. He school leadership from Columbia University ums. During her time as a parent at WSMS, was also a director at PRIMEDIA, responsible Teachers College. He is also a trustee of De Lindsay served for two years as the co-pres- for enterprise-wide internet product devel- La Salle Academy and a past president of the ident of the Parents Association, and before opment. Jason started his career as an en- New York City Chapter of the Association of that helped run the Auction raffe and WSMS’s trepreneur, co-founding two internet tech- Fundraising Professionals. Myles and his hus- annual Bulb Planting event. She remains an ac- nology companies, and then leading them band, Marc Thomas, are parents of a WSMS tive participant in WSMS as a member of the through acquisition and IPO. Jason was alumna who completed her two-year career at Admissions Committee and a Board Trustee. born in Puerto Rico and has an MBA from WSMS in 2011. Columbia Business School, where he was an Alberto Verme Scholar, and a BA in architec- Tim Daileader, Iva Mills, ture and planning from Columbia College. Vice President Vice President Jason and his wife, Casey, have two children: a daughter who graduated WSMS in 2017 Tim Daileader, the father of Iva Mills is the mother and a son who graduated WSMS in 2015. Declan and Madeleine Dail- of twins who graduated eader (both WSMS ‘14) and WSMS in 2016. Iva was an husband of Maggan Dail- active parent at WSMS, Jennifer S. Conway, eader, has over twenty-fve years of experi- and assisted with the Annual Fund, the Secretary ence in fnancial restructurings, investment Auction and Spring Fair committees, and Jennifer S. Conway is a part- management and banking. Tim is a Char- the Admissions committee. Iva received her ner at the law frm Cravath, tered Financial Analyst (CFA) and has volun- BA in political science from the University of Swaine & Moore, where she teered on the Board of Directors of 257 Cen- California, Los Angeles, and her JD from the is a member of the Executive tral Park West, Inc., and the College Board American University Washington College of Compensation and Benefts Department. of Advisors and the Admission Ambassador Law. Iva practiced law for ten years, frst at a She regularly advises public and private programs for Georgetown University. Tim law frm, primarily in the area of advertising companies on executive compensation graduated from Georgetown University, and marketing litigation and, later, in-house and employee benefts matters, principally where he was a Baker Scholar, with a bach- litigating intellectual property disputes. Iva in connection with mergers and acquisi- elor’s degree in economics. also serves on the Acquisition Committee

3 tions, initial public offerings and other busi- a number of years as an investment banker at Victoria Feltman ness transactions. Jennifer is a graduate of Bank of America and JP Morgan in their lever- Georgetown University and Columbia Law Victoria Feltman is a nutri- aged fnance and M&A departments. He is a School, and she serves as a trustee for the tionist who specializes in fam- graduate of Georgetown University (SFS) and Lawyers Alliance for New York. She is also a ily and childhood nutrition. Columbia Business School. Mort is married to member of the Steering Committee of the Before going into private Henna Khan, who has been actively involved Kate Stoneman Project, an organization de- practice, Vicky worked at at WSMS. They have two daughters who grad- voted to the advancement of women in the the New York Children’s Health Project in the uated from WSMS. legal profession. Jennifer and her husband, South Bronx, where she counseled kids and Victor Manuel, have two daughters who are adults and taught nutrition education classes. Elise J. both current students at WSMS. Jennifer Prior to becoming a registered dietitian, Vicky and Victor also served as co-chairs of the spent four years as an editor at O, the Oprah Elise J. is a dentist and frst annual Fall Festival. magazine, and later worked as a restaurant mother of two. She holds a publicist in New York and Los Angeles. Vicky doctorate in dental surgery has a BA from Cornell University and an MS from the University of in nutrition from NYU. Vicky and her husband Strasbourg, France, as well Nissa Booker Josh have three sons: one who is a current as a master’s degree in cellular and molecular physiopathology. She relocated from France Nissa Booker is a graduate student at WSMS, one in frst grade, and a several years ago and lives on the Upper of Spelman College where baby born in May 2016. She is a member of West Side with her husband and their two she earned her degree in the WSMS Admissions Committee and is ac- children. She has previously worked with English. After graduating tively involved as a parent volunteer. several non-for-proft organizations, and is from Spelman, Nissa started actively involved in the community. her career as a journalist at ABC News in Justin Hamilton Washington, DC, where she worked her way Justin Hamilton is a media, up from an entry level role in the newsroom Natasha Kazmi message and strategy consul- into a management role in Talent Develop- tant based in New York City. Prior to taking time off to ment. Nissa left ABC News in 2010 to pur- He has spent over a decade raise her family, Natasha sue her interests in the emerging digital advising elected offcials, can- Kazmi spent ffteen years space. She found her way to AOL, where didates for higher offce, federal cabinet mem- in a number of roles in the she supported hiring for Patch.com and The bers, CEOs, Fortune 500 companies, venture fnancial services industry, Huffngton Post. After gaining digital expe- capitalists and entrepreneurs on how to de- ranging from corporate banking to rience managing recruitment for two digital velop and execute winning strategies. Prior to restructurings and asset management, across brands, she was recruited away to lead the launching his business, Justin served as Chief diverse geographies like Pakistan, Indonesia Talent Acquisition function at Vimeo. Nissa of Staff and Head of Corporate Communica- and the U.S. Natasha was a member of the is currently the Head of Talent Acquisition tions for News Corp’s education technology 2014 WSMS Online Auction Committee, at BuzzFeed. Nissa is married to Courtney division, Amplify. He also served as the nation- and currently serves as a member of the Booker. They reside in Harlem where they al spokesperson for President Barack Obama’s Admissions Committee and Chair of the are raising two amazing children: Dalyn and education reform efforts, where he helped Annual Fund. She is also involved in projects Aiden, who are both WSMS alumni. to develop and execute the groundbreak- related to furthering girls’ education in ing media campaign around the President’s Pakistan’s remote areas and serves on Race to the Top competition. Before joining Manhattan’s Community Board 7. Natasha Mark Cicirelli the Obama Administration, Justin served on and her husband, Qaisar Hasan, are proud Mark Cicirelli is a Portfolio both the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition parents of one current WSMS student and Manager at Elliott Manage- Team and as a battleground spokesperson one WSMS graduate. She earned a BBA and ment, a NY-based invest- for the President’s 2008 Campaign. In addi- MBA from the University of Karachi. ment firm. He joined El- tion to working on presidential and congres- liott in 2005, before which sional races across the country over the past Allen Lamb he worked at TH Lee Putnam Ventures, 10 years, Justin has served in both policy and a private equity fund, and at JPMorgan. management positions for members of the Allen Lamb has been a Wall Mark graduated from Dartmouth with an House and Senate. Justin lives on the Upper Street professional focused AB in government and economics, and West Side with his wife Lucia, their two beauti- on the intersection of media from Harvard with an MBA. He serves on ful daughters Vivienne and Lyla, and their Bos- and technology for over 15 the New York board of All Stars Project, a ton Terrier, El Guapo. years, and has also been a non-profit that supports the development multiple-time digital media entrepreneur. In of inner city youth. He also serves on the his capacity as a fnance executive, Allen cur- rently serves as U.S. Head of Digital Invest- boards of various companies engaged in Mort Haque banking, insurance, medical technology, ments for a large European media conglom- and mining finance. Mark and his wife, Mort Haque is a Portfolio erate; prior to that he was an investment Lisa, have two daughters: one a current Manager at Sound Point banking/private equity professional with WSMS student, and the other a WSMS Capital, an investment man- The Raine Group, a boutique merchant bank alumna now attending Sacred Heart. agement frm specializing in focused exclusively on entertainment, digi- below-investment grade cor- tal media and sports. His latest concept as porate and structured credit markets. Prior to an entrepreneur is Cheddah, an app-driven Sound Point, Mort worked at Apollo Manage- conversation platform that helps brands and ment in their capital markets group, and spent venues offer cash-based incentives to con-

4 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG sumers in real-time in exchange for respons- rent WSMS students. Kelly spent the past es to quick surveys about their thoughts and ten years as a senior technical advisor for Tenille Skelton, insights. Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in Cicatelli Associates Inc., a public health non- Parent Representative mechanical engineering and a master’s de- proft headquartered in New York, where she Tenille Skelton is currently gree in computer science from Cornell Uni- led projects providing technical assistance co-president of the Parents versity, in addition to an MBA from the MIT to community-based organizations on the Association and an active Sloan School of Management. He resides on collection and use of data for nationally rec- WSMS volunteer, having the Upper West Side with his wife, Angela ognized initiatives, including the Ryan White served on several committees since 2015. (an on-faculty dermatologist at Mt. Sinai), HIV/AIDS Program and the Avon Foundation Tenille received her BS in fnance and ac- and two children, Mitchell, who completed Breast Health Outreach Program. She previ- counting at Tulane University. She has ten three years at WSMS, and Darby, who is a ously interned as a research assistant with years of experience in real estate fnance current student. the New York City Department of Health and capital raising, having spent her career and Mental Hygiene, and provided ad- at The Carlyle Group, Goldman Sachs and Nigel-Ann La Qua Williamson ministrative support to continuing medical TPG. Tenille is a member of the board of education programs at the School of Sleep Grand Street Settlement, a non-proft orga- Nigel-Ann La Qua William- Medicine in Palo Alto, CA. She spent her nization that provides programs and services son was born and raised in early career in digital marketing, co-leading to over 10,000 under-served New York chil- Grenada, West Indies. She an email marketing practice at online ad dren, families and seniors, and serves on its has a BS and a BArch in Ar- pioneer, Beyond Interactive. At WSMS, she Real Estate and Capital Committee. Tenille chitecture, from The Bernard has served as a class parent, a member of and her husband, Travis Skelton, are the and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at the Admissions Committee, and a co-chair proud parents of two current WSMS stu- The City College of New York. Prior to taking for the Fall Festival. Since 2014 she has also dents, Alden and Quinn, and reside on the time off to raise her family, Nigel-Ann spent served on the PTA Executive Board for The Upper West Side. 9 years practicing Architecture, at HLW In- Anderson School. She received her Master ternational and GKV Architects in New York of Public Health from Columbia University, Bonny Whitcher, City. She is currently developing her compa- and a BA in psychology from the University Parent Representative ny and is pursuing an MBA at Columbia Uni- of Michigan, Ann Arbor. versity. Nigel-Ann was a class representative Bonny Whitcher is currently at WSMS for two consecutive years, currently serving her second year as serves as a member of the Admissions Com- Jing Wang co-president of the Parents Association. Bonny is a CPA mittee, co-chaired 2017 Sandsational, and is Jing Wang was born and and received her BS in business and eco- actively involved as a parent volunteer. Nigel- grew up in China and came nomics from Lehigh University. Prior to start- Ann and her husband, Marco Williamson, are to the States to pursue grad- ing a family, she worked at Ernst & Young proud parents of one current WSMS student uate study after getting his for nine years in their fnancial services of- and one WSMS Alum. BS in physics from Peking fce, and then spent several years as the cor- University. After receiving his PhD from Mas- porate controller of a boutique investment Kyra Nelson sachusetts Institute of Technology in 2004, bank headquartered in New York City. She he joined Tricadia Capital LLC, a $3.5B Born and raised in the San also provides volunteer fnancial advisory multi-strategy credit hedge fund, and has Francisco Bay Area, Kyra services to the Harlem Educational Activities since worked there for thirteen years. Jing Nelson spent many years as Fund. Bonny and her husband, Jonathan, is now a partner and portfolio manager at an investment banker with reside on the Upper West Side and are the the fund, trading U.S. and European fxed Cowen and Company, where proud parents of a daughter who graduated income and equity derivatives, and focusing she focused on healthcare and technology, WSMS in 2017 and a son who is in his sec- on generating stable and superior returns for and later with the Credit Suisse First Boston ond year at WSMS. investors. Besides work, Jing would like to Technology Group. She then worked in real dedicate more time to philanthropic efforts estate in the Bay Area until she moved to and nonproft organizations. He is married to Katherine Fordney, Manhattan in 2013. Kyra holds a bachelor’s Yi Zhang. They have one son at WSMS and Faculty Representative degree in history from Georgetown University another one who graduated in 2016. and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate Katherine Fordney received School of Business. Kyra and her husband, a BFA in acting from the Travis, are proud parents of four children: a Kelly West North Carolina School of daughter who graduated WSMS in 2017, a the Arts. A Montessori child Kelly West is currently the son who currently attends WSMS, a son who herself, Katherine became reacquainted Director of Lower School attends the Manhattan Children’s Center, and with the philosophy as an adult, receiving Admission at The Browning a son born in 2016. Kyra has been actively her AMS certifcation for children three to six School. Kelly frst joined the involved at WSMS as a parent volunteer and from Midwest Montessori Teacher’s Training Browning faculty in 2003, serves on the WSMS Admissions Committee. Center in Evanston, IL. She completed her where she served as an Assistant Teacher, MA in Early Childhood Special and General Head Teacher and then Acting Head of Kelly Morrison Opdyke Education from Bank Street College in Man- Lower School, before moving to Admissions. hattan. She has taught in Montessori schools Kelly Morrison Opdyke and Kelly received her MA from the Steinhardt in Illinois and New York City. Katherine joined her husband Jonathan are School of Education at N.Y.U. and a BA in WSMS as a Head Teacher in 2009 and as an the proud parents of three psychology from The George Washington instructor for WSMS-TEP in 2014. children, including one University. WSMS alumna and two cur-

5 CHILDREN’S LITERATURE AND ANTI-BIAS EDUCATION By Giuls de Grazia, 3Wam

“He likes his name because he wants to be like his dad, but not just like his dad.” The child looked seriously at me as he thought about the relationship between a father and son in the story. There was a short pause and another child added, “He wants to be big like his dad, so he likes the name Lightning.” A third child’s smile fashed as he remembered the line from the book, “He likes his name because they [father and son] light up the sky!”

This conversation followed our reading of thinking, and creativity; and material for Thunder Boy Jr., a book written by Sherman conversation, expression, and connection. Alexie and illustrated by Yuyi Morales, the As such, books are an important piece of story of a Spokane boy who wants a name WSMS’s current initiative to create anti-bias that’s different from his father’s (Thunder community, and our faculty is committed Boy). He’s thrilled at the end when he’s given to learning more about choosing and using a new name: Lightning! literature in our classrooms.

These comments offer a tiny window Over the past year, we have been considering into the power of children’s literature in how our use of literature supports the anti- IN YOUR HOME our classrooms. The children consider bias goals outlined in Anti-Bias Education relationship and identity, express ideas and for Young Children and Ourselves by Julie LIBRARY, DO YOUR empathy, and break down the idea some of Olsen Edwards and Louise Derman-Sparks. HAVE BOOKS THAT... them hold that Native Americans only “lived According to Olsen and Sparks, “Books a long time ago.” They learn from each other, are one of the richest resources for helping • Present accurate images and in- listening and building their vocabularies. children meet the anti-bias education goals” formation, with no overt or covert The teachers at WSMS embrace the power (2010, p. 46). These goals include children stereotypes? of children’s literature, developing their building self-awareness and positive • Challenge unfairness and prejudice? practices to support the school’s initiative to identities, understanding and appreciating • Encourage children to take action create consequential anti-bias communities differences, and recognizing unfairness. when faced with unfairness toward of learning. themselves or others? One of the most important practices in Children’s literature provides endless les- developing anti-bias classrooms is the sons about community, acceptance, and consideration of “visibility.” Can every child self-love; invitations for imagination, critical- see him/herself refected in their classroom

6 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG environment? In the classroom’s literature? beginning to depict more kinds of characters As children learn about the world, they in the literature they create; teacher’s choices consider who is and who is not important. have begun to grow. There are also non- They develop their understanding of power fction books that highlight specifc aspects from who they see as the main characters of difference, such as books about skin of stories, the heroes, and the faces and color, hair, family composition, and specifc bodies on book covers. As Olsen and disabilities. It has become our responsibility Derman-Sparks explain, “Invisibility erases to be careful critics of the books we select, identity and experience; visibility affrms to ensure we aren’t supporting stereotypes reality. When children see themselves or any myths about minorities that have and their families refected in their early been accepted for too long. childhood setting, they feel affrmed and that they belong” (2010, p. 13). Literature Literature is also a tool for teaching about is an opportunity for every child to see unfairness, history, and society. Whether a her social identities represented in the child notices the hurt feelings of a character classroom and, furthermore, it opens her who is excluded, or the strength of a char- perspective to differences. Angela Bronson acter who stands up for her friend, he can work of SEED (Seeking Educational Equity at Public Libraries Online explains, “Having practice thinking about fairness and rela- and Diversity) and the Diversity Council, two children only see one type of race shown in tionship. Young children have a strong sense groups focused on raising awareness about picture books can affect them deeply. That of injustice, and when given the chance to best practices to create anti-bias communi- is why I believe books should be used as hear stories where someone is wronged or ties for ourselves and our students. ‘mirrors and windows’—refecting who kids something is unfair, they are quick to point are, but also showing them someone who it out. As educators, we can encourage this These faculty members and many more is different to expand their views” (Mirrors thinking and conversation with both fction joined forces to learn more about what our and Windows: Diversity in Children’s Picture and non-fction. school needed and what we could provide. Books, 2017). We held a faculty meeting with a focus on WHAT WE’RE DOING AT WEST SIDE holidays that invited teachers to explore a Choosing literature gives teachers the MONTESSORI SCHOOL range of the library’s books, from books ex- opportunity to break down stereotypes. plaining national holidays—such as a very However, it is a challenge to fnd Over the past couple of years, WSMS fac- dated Columbus Day—to books about re- children’s books with accurate, unbiased ulty discovered a shared passion for chil- ligious holidays, like The Best Eid Ever by representations of people. “The majority dren’s literature. Cailyn De Bie (3Wpm) Asma Mobin-Uddin. Last year, the Diversity of children’s books tend to only show began a book committee that involved sev- Council worked collaboratively on assess- dominant culture representations of who eral teachers recommending new literature ing the quality of books in the library; we people are and how they live,” (Derman- for the school library; Robyn Mernick (4E) paid careful attention to language, illustra- Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 46) and “...more shared her knowledge of author studies and tions, and covert messages about groups than 90 percent of all pictures show a white children’s literature with the faculty; and Ste- of people that are often present in some character” (Mirrors and Windows: Diversity fanie Eckert (3Wam/3Wpm) shared her per- well-loved stories. We used each other to in Children’s Picture Books,” 2017). To our spective, having earned a Masters in Library ask questions. For example, a Twos teacher advantage, authors and illustrators are Science. These interests aligned with the noticed that the original Curious George

7 story shows George shackled as he’s taken at the beginning of the year, we could fnd from Africa. He wondered if the group felt as books such as Who’s in a Family? by Robert he had about this imagery. What message is Skutch and The Great Big Book of Families SOME FAVORITE in this illustration? Is it appropriate for chil- by Mary Hoffman. These books are wonder- BOOKS AT WSMS: dren? Are we being too critical? We tackled ful displays of how families are all different. many questions together, and worked with a What we couldn’t immediately fnd were the • My Name is Yoon by shared sense of purpose. story books, the fction, that include families Helen Recorvits (K) with twins, with separated parents, with an Over the past four months, Cailyn De Bie and adopted child, or with single parent families, • The Other Side by Stefanie Eckert have been reviewing books to name a few. Teachers need to make sure Jacqueline Woodson (K) in the library, looking for gaps, and consider- their libraries always have books that repre- • Yoko by Rosemary Wells ing how we could make the collection more sent different kinds of families because our • The Colors of Us by Karen Katz accessible to teachers and families. Cailyn classroom, our school, and our world include describes their intentions: “Children’s pas- diverse family compositions. To address this • My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis sion for books is both timeless and univer- problem and make the library more accessi- • All Families are Different by Todd sal, not to mention critical for development. ble, Stefanie explains their efforts: “Over the Parr (and everything else by Parr) When teachers and families are easily able summer we researched some of the current to access literary content that their child(ren) library management apps on the market. • And Tango Makes Three by need or desire, we have the opportunity to We chose the Libib app since it offered the J. Hoffman foster that innate love.” Aside from the well- most comprehensive package. It is an easy- • Susan Laughs by Jeanne Willis sorted non-fction section, teachers want to to-install app for all devices, and most books fnd books in the fction section that repre- can quickly be scanned into our digital col- sent and refect the diverse society we are lection. Now we’re working on scanning all part of. For example, while studying families of the books in the main library. Once that is completed, everyone in the WSMS commu- nity will easily be able to search our collec- tion for books by any subject or any author.”

The faculty at WSMS have taken on this great task with enthusiasm; however, it’s not easy work. It sometimes requires looking critically at old favorites, or discarding a book with wonderful language due to the content of the illustrations. We have found many good resources to help teachers review the litera- ture, so that we challenge ourselves to make the very best choices. One source draws our attention to the sexism and racism that must be countered. “Both in school and out of school, young children are exposed to rac- ist and sexist attitudes. These attitudes—ex- pressed repeatedly in books and other me- dia—gradually distort children’s perceptions until stereotypes and myths about minorities and women are accepted as reality. It is dif- fcult for librarians or teachers to convince children to question society’s attitudes; but if children can learn to detect racism and sex- ism in books, they can transfer that skill to

8 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG other areas” (10 Quick Ways to Analyze Chil- dren’s Books for Racism and Sexism, 1998). Other sources remind teachers to look at the date, the illustrations, the type of language used by characters, and the settings. We help one another by reviewing classroom libraries and asking, “Who is represented? How are groups represented?” We also take into consideration the mixed-ages we have in the classroom; not every book is mean- ingful to both a fve-year-old and a two-year- old.

Given the range of ages in our classrooms, experiences of others. This is at the heart we’ve designed a program specifcally for of anti-bias education. As Dr. Montessori in- the fve-year-olds in After Lunch Bunch. This sisted, looking to the child is the best way to weekly program invites the older children understand our own practice as educators. to explore literature and ideas that their Based on the responses we’re hearing from younger classmates may not yet be able to children, this work with literature is essential, grasp. For example, the year began by con- and we work toward every WSMS child of- sidering the power of names and identity. fering every other child the sincere exclama- The group read My Name is Yoon by Helen tion of “Welcome!” Recorvits. It is a story of a Korean child mov- References: ing to America and beginning school. We Bronson, A. (2017 January 11) “Mirrors and Win- talked about how they might feel to move to dows: Diversity In Children’s Picture Books,” a new place with a new language. (Scared. 2017. Retrieved from http://publiclibrariesonline. Sad. Excited!) The children practiced empa- org/2017/01/feature-mirrors-and-windows-diver- thizing with Yoon through role playing. They sity-in-childrens-picture-books/. shared ideas for how they would help chil- dren who were moving from ‘far away’ feel Derman-Sparks, L. and Edwards. J.O. (2010). An- welcome in their new school. Here are some ti-Bias Education for Our Children and Ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC. of their ideas: Honig, B. (1998) 10 Quick Ways to Analyze Chil- • Being their friend. dren’s Books for Racism and Sexism. Retrieved • Telling them, “Welcome!” from http://www.chil-es.org/10ways.pdf. • I would show them around the whole city, if my mom and dad let me. • I would let them sleep at my house, if they had no home. • You could say, “Please come in! Come join America and join friends!”

Again, these comments—the thinking and expression children generate in response to literature—remind us that this is a real op- portunity. Literature helps children under- stand their own feelings and experiences, while it also gives them windows into the

9 BIG STEPS AT WSMS-TEP

Most WSMS parents are aware that, in ad- before she became Head of School, and perience than just Early Childhood. Over its dition to providing “where to begin” for she has a creative vision grounded in that history TEP has consistently been accredited some 200-plus children every year, we also historical perspective about where WSMS- by MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Coun- run a series of programs for adult learners TEP might go. Expanding to Infant Toddler cil for Teacher Education) and affliated with to become credentialed Montessori educa- was a frst step. But being Head of School AMS (American Montessori Society), and tors. Indeed, we beneft from the presence is more than a full-time position, so her big- meeting their standards has guaranteed that of WSMS-TEP student teachers in our class- ger dreams for TEP were by necessity on the TEP has been in the forefront of high quality rooms and draw from TEP alumni when we “back burner.” Lisanne Pinciotti, Director of professional education. With the support of have openings. WSMS-TEP, arrived in 2014 with a comple- MACTE and AMS, growing our program was mentary vision about what TEP could be and the right thing to do. During this 2017-18 school year, we will cel- the energy and commitment to make chang- ebrate the 50th year that our teacher edu- es happen. In addition, through AMS WSMS has been cation program has been in existence. Over a popular destination for visits from interna- the years much has changed, and we have Every year 10 to 15 WSMS teachers are also tional Montessori educators, and we have recently seen an exciting acceleration of the TEP faculty or support staff. Lisanne knew that received many inquiries from international opportunities available. WSMS faculty are strongly bonded with their students looking to earn their Montessori fellow teachers and identify deeply as mem- certifcations. SO…WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON? bers of that classroom community, and she was initially focused on helping the TEP fac- Fast forward to the 2016 NYSAIS re-accred- For many years WSMS-TEP offered the ulty develop the cohesive and collaborative itation process and the concurrent develop- Montessori Early Childhood credential—be- structure which would allow them to identify ment of a new Strategic Plan. For the frst cause, of course, WSMS was an Early Child- within TEP as well, generating a similar en- time, TEP had its own section—a clear dem- hood school. vironment that fosters the brainstorming and onstration of the importance TEP now holds feedback essential to an evolving system. in the school’s operations. The objectives In the fall of 2013 WSMS began the Twos in the new plan refect Lisanne’s aspirations Program; TEP had begun to offer the Infant Lisanne and Mimi were also crucially aware and—in certain cases—work she had already Toddler credential the year before. of the expanding need (throughout the begun: developing and implementing new world!) for high quality Montessori educa- credential levels and continuing education/ Mimi Basso was a WSMS-TEP instructor long tors over a broader range of ages and ex- professional development opportunities,

10 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG expanding access via scholarship funding “turning it around”; and AMS recruited her and sponsorship of foreign students, and to work on their Emerging Leaders Fellow- using videos and conference sessions to in- ship Program. Her deep understanding of crease awareness to potential students. the role of the administrator has been key to WHAT IS WSMS-TEP? her development of the Administrator cre- MORE OPTIONS FOR TEACHERS dential with Lisanne. In February, they sub- Only four years after WSMS was mitted that self-study to AMS. founded, the school administrators The WSMS-TEP program is now twice as recognized a clear need for formalized big as it was only a year ago, thanks to the With AMS approval, WSMS-TEP instituted training in Montessori early childhood implementation of the Elementary I and I-II the Administrator program in the summer of education in the New York area. The and Administrator credentials. (See the side- 2017 with eight students. The curriculum has Montessori approach was not wide- bar for a list of credentials offered.) three options, depending on the student’s spread in the ’60s, although it had a background: strong and successful foothold in Eu- rope. There were few places in the U.S. Montessori training takes place in two phas- • Model 1: for administrators with Mon- es: the academic and the practicum (student where credentialed early childhood tessori administrative experience but no teachers or individuals interested in teaching). The length of each depends on Montessori teacher credential the credential. In most cases the academ- early childhood education could learn • Model 2: for administrators with a Mon- the Montessori method. ic takes place over several concentrated tessori teacher credential but no Montes- weeks in the summer, and/or on weekends sori administrative experience Founded in 1967 as Central Harlem throughout the school year. There are some • Model 3: for administrators with no Mon- online options as well. Many, but far from all, Association of Montessori Parents tessori administrative experience and no (CHAMP), the West Side Montessori students do their practicums at WSMS. Most Montessori teacher credential classes are held at WSMS, though the Ele- School–Teacher Education Program (WSMS-TEP) is a program that prepares mentary classes take place at Metropolitan The curriculum focuses on the adult version Montessori School on West 85th Street, al- adults to become effective, responsive of Montessori as parents know it in their chil- Montessori teachers capable of help- lowing TEP to use age-appropriate materials dren’s classrooms: and classrooms. Attaining a credential takes ing young children reach their full po- 12-18 months on average. • the essential principles of responsibility, tential. Taught primarily in WSMS class- respect and independence rooms on weekends and during school A team of four spent six months analyzing • an environmental structure of order bal- breaks, WSMS-TEP offers a supportive and developing the Elementary program: anced with freedom learning environment in which adult creating the syllabus, defning the course • positive communication students work together with experi- requirements, identifying the necessary enced, highly qualifed Montessori ed- classroom resources (written materials and BUT HOW DOES A TEP STUDENT ucators, some of whom are graduates videos). MACTE and AMS have approved PAY FOR THIS? of WSMS-TEP themselves, while others the initial implementation of the Elementary bring additional perspective from train- I and I-II credentials. The curriculum for the The good news is that many schools provide ing programs around the country. Elementary I and I-II programs, unsurpris- funding for their faculty and administrators ingly, overlap. MACTE and AMS recently ap- to pursue academic credentials. But some- proved the proposal for a separate Elemen- one who is not currently employed in a sup- tary II credential (9-12 years old), which we porting school can face a substantial cash will pursue in the future. outlay (the cost of TEP credential programs ranges from $7,200 to $12,900). Some schol- Sheba Kapur was hired as Elementary Level arship funding has historically been available Coordinator. She taught at Brooklyn Heights through AMS. Montessori School, which has pre-K through 8th grade classes. Sheba and Lisanne wrote The better news is that fnancial aid is now a thorough self-study exploring the Elemen- available through WSMS-TEP for qualifed tary programs. In 2018 an AMS team will be students. At its May 2017 meeting, the on-site, both at WSMS and at the various WSMS Board allocated funds to support student teacher practicum locations, for an a new scholarship program. These funds in-depth review to confrm the breadth and supplement the generous donation of a veracity of the self-study. WSMS family who donated TEP tuition for three African-American students in this ADDING THE ADMINISTRATOR current year. CREDENTIAL INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES The expanding growth in Montessori schools has also fostered a growing need for Another big step is that we now have the Montessori-accredited administrators. ability to issue Form I-20 to accepted inter- national students. This allows the student to Beverly Smith was hired as Assistant Head apply for an F-1 visa to study in the United of School in 2016, with the specifc goal of States. The visa is good for one year, and developing an AMS-credentialed Admin- renewable for a second year, and allows the istrator course. At her former school, Bev, student to complete the academic and pract- as head, was faced with the diffcult task of icum parts of the TEP program. This year we

11 ANYTHING ELSE GOING ON? A MONTESSORI As if this did not keep the TEP staff busy enough: MATCH: • This summer WSMS-TEP ran a satellite In- CONGRATULATING DAVE fant Toddler credential program in White- AND STEFANIE ECKERT! house Station, NJ. Two new TEP faculty began training the teachers who will staff We are thrilled to congratulate WSMS a former daycare facility which is transform- teachers—and WSMS-TEP gradu- ing into a Montessori school. ates—Dave and Stefanie Eckert (née • Lisanne is modifying work done by the Allen) on their recent marriage. WSMS faculty with Judy Jablon (founder and executive director of Leading for Chil- Stefanie (3Wam/3Wpm), originally dren at Bank Street College) on evalua- from Philadelphia, and Dave (4W/ tions (self, peer and leadership) for use by LAP), from upstate New York, met the TEP faculty. during the WSMS-TEP Early Child- • The bulk of the summer sessions were vid- hood summer program, and became eotaped to facilitate online learning op- friends during Saturday classes and tions. Montessori Credentials while supporting each other through Offered at WSMS-TEP: • Melissa Freeman (former Associate Head rigorous seminars. After TEP, Dave of School at WSMS and TEP Early Child- taught in Brooklyn, while Stefanie • Infant Toddler: birth to age 3 hood Sensorial teacher) began creating online modules for the Philosophy course. had a short stint in California. Ste- • Early Childhood: age 2.6 through 6 fanie returned to the East Coast when • Elementary I: age 6 through 9 Every student working toward a credential she was offered a job as a teacher at • Elementary I-II: age 6 through 12 is required to take this course; a separate • Administrator Overview course is required for Infant Tod- WSMS, and Dave happily came on dler and Elementary students who do not board the following year. have that credential. These online mod- ules will expand the possibilities for poten- As the faculty and staff will tell you, have Giulia Lindsay from England and Shang tial students to begin coursework off-site. Dave and Stefanie were notably Yi Chou from Taiwan enrolled in the Elemen- • Work has begun on an AMS “Montessori quiet and relaxed about their rela- Inclusion Endorsement” in Special Educa- tary I program. As the availability of the F-1 tionship. Mimi jokes that they were tion. This new program would require an becomes more widely known, we expect to rarely even seen on the same side of expand our roster of international students additional 158 classroom hours and be an the room! But everyone who knows in the coming years. We have already had “add on” to the age-specifc teaching cre- inquiries from Pakistan, Spain and India. dential. Several faculty already have MAs them agrees that they are a great in Special Ed, and they will work with class- team who complement each other For several years, we have had a room SEITs (Special Education Itinerant well. Katherine Fordney (3E), who relationship with iHommy International Day Teachers) to identify how to use those pro- instructed Dave and Stefanie in their Care in Beijing. iHommy currently has fve fessional inter-relationships to identify and Math course, described the couple as small schools, which offer Montessori Infant support children at risk, and to develop a a “dynamic addition equation.” Dave course for credentialed Montessori teach- Toddler programs in an English-speaking and Stefanie were married on August ers. The endorsement program will allow environment. Our goal—and challenge— 18, 2017, in a small ceremony with a has been to create a culturally appropriate WSMS-TEP to offer continuing profession- rooftop celebration. teacher education program for iHommy to al development to credentialed teachers. offer locally to their own teachers and those • In addition to fling for accreditation of the from other schools. This summer WSMS- Elementary and Administrator programs, TEP faculty members Karen Deinzer and the Infant Toddler and Early Childhood Tara Greaney spent a month training local programs submitted the self-studies to re- faculty; they also made a presentation at a new MACTE accreditation last June. In this conference in Shanghai. There have been way, all levels will be going through the on- similar programs at iHommy in past years. site process during next school year. Because there is a three-year experience requirement before a Montessori teacher can train other teachers, WSMS-TEP will be providing that training in Beijing for several more years. Our long-term goal is to maintain an ongoing consulting relationship with iHommy.

We also have an ongoing relationship with schools in Vietnam, and are exploring opportunities for a teacher exchange program with them.

12 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG ANNOUNCING THE 2017-2018 PA SPEAKER SERIES

The WSMS Parents Association is pleased to announce the 2017-2018 Speak- er Series. This year’s speakers include a WSMS teacher, a family therapist, a clinical physiologist, and experts on race and positive discipline. Holding monthly discussions regarding topics pertinent to the lives of parents with young children not only strengthens the home-school connection by provid- ing information to parents about early childhood topics, but also supports the valuable partnership between the school and parents and fosters community among families. Come with questions or come just to listen. We hope to see Tenille Skelton and Bonny Whitcher, you there! PA Co-Presidents 2017-2018

Thursday, November 16, 2017 BUILDING A HEALTHY MULTI-RACIAL COMMUNITY 9:00 a.m. Join us for an engaging presentation led by Ali Michael, Ph.D, author, co-founder and director of the Race Institute for K-12 Educators. Ali Michael will help parents think about how we talk with our WSMS Gym children about race in a way that informs, empowers, and provides tools to navigate what might now feel like uncomfortable conversations. For more information: www.alimichael.org

Wednesday, January 24, 2018 SIBLING RIVALRY – PART I 7:00 p.m. Sibling rivalry can be stressful for the whole family. Back by very popular demand, Sheila Bascetta, a NYC-based child and family therapist, will lead a discussion regarding sibling rivalry: where it starts, WSMS Gym how we might contribute to it, and what tools we as parents can use to address the problem. *Following the PA Meeting

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 PARENTING AN ONLY CHILD 9:00 a.m. Join Sheila Bascetta, a NYC-based child and family therapist, for a chance to share stories, discuss issues, and fnd solutions to the challenges you might be facing as a parent of an only child. WSMS Library

Wednesday, February 28, 2018 SIBLING RIVALRY – PART II 7:00 p.m. Join us for Part II of the Sibling Rivalry Session. Sheila Bascetta, a NYC-based child and family therapist, will lead this follow-up discussion regarding sibling rivalry. Parents who attended WSMS Gym Sibling Rivalry - Part I can discuss the successes and challenges using the tools learned in the frst session. Parents who were unable to attend the frst session are encouraged to attend this one.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 POSITIVE DISCIPLINE 7:00 p.m. Please join us for a workshop on positive discipline, lead by Chip DeLorenzo, M.Ed., a Montessori educator and Head of School at the Damariscotta Montessori School in Nobleboro, Maine. Positive WSMS Gym discipline workshops support parents in discovering concrete strategies that help children develop *Following the PA Meeting valuable life skills and strong character in a manner that is respectful, kind and effective for both children and adults. For more information: www.developingcapablechildren.com

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 PARENTS’FIRESIDE CHAT 9:00 a.m Grab a coffee and join fellow WSMS parents in an open forum to discuss issues that are top of mind for our parent body. Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, a clinical psychologist specializing in early childhood WSMS Library social-emotional development and mental health, will facilitate a casual group conversation on the challenges and joys of raising young children. She will be available to address specifc questions or simply to talk as a group regarding any issue our children and families might be facing. For more information: www.littlehousecalls.com

13 ALUMNI NEWS

PANCAKES, PLAYS, NOVELS & NBC THE ACKERMAN-WESTON FAMILY

If you ask the members of the Ackerman- Weston family what they love most about their time at WSMS, the answers all come back to creativity and the importance of play.

Lizzi and Emme Ackerman, now 29 and 26, have pursued different but highly creative careers, certainly infuenced by parents who pursued their own dreams in the theater, television and literary world.

LIZZI

Spring 1989. Lizzi Ackerman, at two, was happily engaged in a neighborhood nurs- ery school when her parents found out that the school was closing. Carol Weston, Lizzi’s mom, called West Side Montessori School, which was only a few blocks farther away, and reached Judy Lyons, then in her frst run as Director of Admissions. It was past admis- sions season and there were no open spots, but Judy agreed to meet with them. It must have been karma, since a few weeks later, a family dropped out and Lizzi had a place to go in the fall.

Lizzi credits Deirdre Kaufman (a long-time WSMS head teacher, who passed away too young of a heart attack) with changing her life. Lizzi arrived at WSMS having diffculty

14 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG expressing herself. Deirdre helped the fam- ity kindergarten. She sat next to him on a ily seek speech therapy, while encouraging bench and interviewed him with the conf- Lizzi to explore the classroom, and make dence of someone much older than fve— new things by using art supplies and Mon- and she credits her time at WSMS with in- tessori materials in nontraditional ways. And stilling that ease. Deirdre always called Lizzi “a star.” To Emme, WSMS was where she learned Trinity took her, and thirteen years later, life skills. Teachers did not “helicopter” but so did Yale. Majoring in history of science were there to help. They recognized that and medicine, Lizzi intended to go to med children learn in different ways and let them school. After getting a post-bac at Colum- explore on their own terms. She remembers bia, she headed to Colorado to take organic Windy as a big infuence, and Joseph and chemistry (and ski between classes…). She Chrystal as well. And even after she moved was joined there by Matt LaCasse, her Yale on to Trinity, she and her close friends Julia boyfriend/now husband, who was working as Black and Mary Jane Sakellariadis would still a waiter and hoping to become an entrepre- Although Lizzi does not credit her cooking stop by the Spring Fair; a favorite part was neur (and also skiing). One day they had a abilities or food creation to WSMS, she does watching the parents play! craving for pancakes, but realized that there connect her persistence in trying so many was no way to make organic delicious pan- different options, willingness to start again Emme majored in flm/minored in Japanese cakes except from scratch—and their kitchen when something didn’t work, openness to at Middlebury and sang in an all-girl aca- wasn’t stocked with the right ingredients. suggestions and new approaches, and abil- pella group which exemplifed her WSMS ity to work in a group, to the way Deirdre background: mixed ages, learning from Click went the light bulb above their heads. and her other teachers encouraged her in each other. She is now living in Brooklyn and The next few months were spent (when they those early days. working at NBC Universal in the News Ar- weren’t working, skiing or in classes) explor- chives Division. ing alternatives: What four/sweetener/liq- EMME uid/starch makes the best pancakes? What CAROL AND ROB balance of ingredients works best? Double- Emme followed her sister to WSMS three blind taste tests (inspired by those chemistry years later. She has fond memories of walk- It will come as no surprise that Lizzi and courses?) identifed the ideal contents for ing in line, holding the railing, on the way Emme have creative, focused and motivat- their frst mix, and a local grocer, Lucky’s, to the “great big upstairs.” She loved “how ed parents, who credit WSMS with provid- gave them a place to experiment with mixes the teachers took you seriously, made eye ing them as well as their daughters with a for sale until they found the right price/in- contact, built your confdence,” and how great beginning. gredient point. Now their company, Birch the multi-age classroom meant you could Benders, has ffteen different versions for interact with older as well as younger Rob Ackerman describes the WSMS par- sale nationwide in places like Whole Foods kids…and even adults. Emme repeated a ent body as “warm, fun, embracing, and in and Target and on their web site. And they story her best friend’s father still tells about their own learning process,” and sees what are hard at work on a new product. his frst conversation with her in the Trin- he loved about WSMS refected in his life

15 experience. Rob is a playwright who writes ary of Melanie Martin series are highly popular This is a family whose ties to WSMS remain about people “trying and failing to work with the fourth and ffth grade crowd; and the strong through long-time friendships and the together.” His plays and musicals, includ- New York Times Book Review just called her impact of what they discovered about them- ing Tabletop, Call Me Waldo and Volley- latest, Speed of Life, the story of a young girl selves and how to work with others. Their em- girls, have been reviewed in the New York coping with the loss of her mother, “a funny, bedded creativity was enhanced by their time Times, New York magazine and other me- perceptive and moving new novel.” Carol has at school and is refected in the myriad things dia. His “day job” since he moved to New also been the “Dear Carol” advice columnist they do and how well they do them. York (after earning an MFA in stage direc- in Girl’s Life magazine since 1994 and has had tion at Northwestern) has been backstage, over 45 letters to the editor published in the including 25+ years as prop master for Sat- New York Times. urday Night Live, where he has worked with a diverse group of writers who (as he put Carol has fond memories of the regular parent it) “cover every permutation of human na- workshops hosted by the school’s psychologi- LINKS YOU MIGHT ture”—almost like a WSMS classroom! He cal consultants. She loved the opportunity to FIND INTERESTING is currently working on a play with Allen Da- sit with fellow parents after drop-off, enjoy a vison, whom he met preparing chicken and cup of coffee and share concerns and insights: https://birchbenders.com collard greens for the Spring Fair. “group therapy in the Parents Room.” As Car- http://bit.ly/BirchBendersToday ol says, “You didn’t have to be in crisis. We all http://www.carolweston.com As Rob says, the WSMS culture became part benefted from a calm helpful hand.” http://bit.ly/NYTSpeed of their family: “The words ‘work’ and ‘play’ are interchangeable: work is energized by fun, She shared a story about Deirdre recommend- and the serious side of play is recognized.” ing that Carol give Lizzi some special “mommy Even today Rob and Carol use the fve-minute time” after Emme was born. Carol asked her warning as a head’s up before dinner time. three-year-old, “What’s something really spe- One will say to the other, “Five more minutes cial that you’d like to do, just us?” then secretly to fnish your work and then it’s time to come hoped Lizzi wouldn’t request something that to the group area.” was impossible to deliver. Lizzi thought hard and said she wanted to make “Little Mermaid” Meanwhile Carol Weston is the author of 16 cookies. Perfect! They spent hours on end books. Her frst, Girltalk, has been published baking and decorating until…ta-da! A whole in a dozen languages; From Here to Ma- tray of green and red mermaids! Who knows? ternity was a hit with WSMS parents when it Deirdre’s suggestion just might have lit the came out in 1991; Ava and Pip and The Di- spark that turned into Birch Benders!

THE WSMS STORY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY TELLS

One afternoon, Carol’s trusted baby- sitter Matty walked in with Emme but not Lizzi. Carol and Matty stared at each other, wide-eyed. They’d gotten their signals crossed and each thought the other was picking up Lizzi. It was already ten minutes past pick-up, and Carol high-tailed it to school. When she entered the classroom, panting and apologizing, Lizzi and Deirdre were cheerfully engrossed in a Mon- tessori project, and Deirdre lifted her hand to indicate that they wanted to fnish the experiment and to please not add unnecessary stress. The family cites this story as emblematic of both Deirdre’s warmth, talent and under- standing, and of the way the Montes- sori approach engages children while trying to help parents stay sane and happy too.

16 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG 2016-2017 REVENUE

Annual Fund 5% Auction 3%

FUNDRAISING RESULTS 2016-2017

ANNUAL FUND $327,618

AUCTION $221,683 Tuition, Fees, Gov’t Programs TOTAL $549,301 92%

2016-2017 OPERATING EXPENSES

Building Financial Aid 13% Maintenance 11%

Administrative 20% Instructional Expense 56%

17 WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT OF GIVING 2016-2017

18 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG THE ANNUAL FUND 2016-2017 WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO COUNT ON YOU …

The Annual Fund is the foundation of the school’s fundraising efforts. All contribu- tions are utilized to ensure signifcant im- How are WSMS Annual Fund dollars provements to the school’s programming and facilities, as well as to achieve a bal- being put to work? anced budget for the year. Last year’s par- • guitar lessons for teachers to expand their repertoires (beginning in 2016) ent-led Annual Fund Committee drummed • faculty coaching with consultant Judy Jablon focusing on powerful interactions up great excitement with the frst-ever An- (beginning in 2016)* nual Fund FlyWheel ride. Parent participa- • the comprehensive renovation of the gym in 2015 tion also reached its highest percentage • hiring an expert on Dual Language Learners in 2015 to enhance the support of ever last year, thanks in part to a small de- children whose family language is other than English* nomination drive and a generously-funded • the Kindness Curriculum, designed and launched by a former WSMS teacher match drive in the spring. We are deeply in 2015* grateful to the trustees, parents, alumni • a series of teacher workshops in partnership with the Network for Schools that families, grandparents, faculty, staff and Heal in 2014* friends listed in this report. We are able • working with a nutritionist who created healthy snack and meal options for to deliver the quality of early childhood WSMS children in 2013* education that WSMS is known for, while • the creation of our new Parents Room/Library in 2011 also ensuring the long-term stability of the • the installation of new Snug Play equipment in our rooftop play space in 2011 school, thanks to the generous support of this incredible community. *As a result of the Annual Fund-supported Visiting Scholar Program

19 ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTORS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2016-2017

Myles Amend, President Alex Southwell, Kyra Nelson Mimi Basso, Vice President Jing Wang Head of School Nissa Booker Jason Santiago Jason Santiago, Mark Cicirelli Kelly West Treasurer Tim Daileader Jeff Leaf, Jennifer Conway, Victoria Feltman Parent Representative Secretary Mort Haque Bonny Whitcher, Lindsay Forbes, Elise J. Parent Representative Vice President Natasha Kazmi Joan Shisler, Joanna Rego, Allen Lamb Faculty Representative Vice President Iva Mills

FACULTY 2016-2017

Nahid Abhar Melissa Freeman Maria Rosado Sultana Ahmed Akwanza Gleaves Elisa Rosoff Stefanie Allen Casey Gomez Nazy Saremi Gretchen Amberg Ellina Han Joan Shisler Marimi Brutus-Toussaint Maiko Ishii Annie Schor Julie Cassese-Valentin Thana Khouli Nicole Valenti Lindsay Cohen Ping Li Nina Wheeler-Roberts Cailyn De Bie Donna Longdon Nicole Zerafa Giuliana de Grazia Julianne Lucas Cheryl Zinn Karen Deinzer Margot Mack Annie Donovan Robyn Mernick Dave Eckert Nadja Nether Rebecca Estomago Beata Owczarzak Aldo Evangelista Marcia Polanco Katherine Fordney Nubia Ramirez

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 2016-2017

Mimi Basso Sarah Eson Lisanne Pinciotti Matthew Bloom Barbara Grant Bev Smith Desiree Care Julia Jimenez Gelsey Steinbrecher Nikki Chase-Levin Judy Lyons Amy Stoney Loren DeNicola Melissa Mack Christelle Manon

ANNUAL FUND COMMITTEE 2016-2017

Natasha Kazmi, Chair Elena Simpser Wendy Heilbut Tenille Skelton Sophia Ovanessian Yi Zhang

20 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTORS

PARTICIPATION BY CLASS

Garden (16) Elizabeth Mann and Micah Lasher Vernaliz Co and Scott Li Suneeta Krishnareddy and Shanu Aggarwal Kyra and Travis Nelson Colleen and Will Overlock Alexsis Anthony Kelly and Jonathan Opdyke Elizabeth Martorella and Benjamin Hope Atherton and Gavin Brown Chloe Marnay Baszanger and Regis Swinburne Kathleen and John Cantrell Paquette Elizabeth and Kermit Cook Olga and Laurent Pariente Victoria and Josh Feltman Shirley Annan and Eugene Rodriguez 4W (18) Candida do Amaral and Jan Leenknegt Tenille and Travis Skelton Christina and Howard Blaustein Christina and Logan Schmid Dawn Jackson-Soden and Adam Soden Shalini Rajaram and Brandon Coonse Wendy and Ethan Schwartz Gillian and Adrien Weindling Lindsay Forbes and Ali Dibadj Anar and Dale Stohr Anonymous (4) Marla and Jay Eisbruck Sarah Mlynowski and Todd Swidler Malda Hibri and Greg Eisner Aarti and Jason Von Bartheld 3E (19) Sharifa Ali and Emil Estrada Lydia Muniz and Robert Young Riquelmy Sosa and Richard Bautista Dana and David Feigenbaum Anonymous (3) Marta Cammarano and Sandro Belvedeer Emma and Joel Gibson Dana and Saya Bliss Lingli Zhang and Songtao Jia 1W (18) Libby Cantrill and Chris Chan Jennifer Conway and Victor Manuel Elena Simpser and Matt Alper Lisa and Mark Cicirelli Cristina Melendez and Ydanis Rodriguez Tina and Isaac Chang Alison and David Gould Dena and Timothy Sims Elizabeth and Kermit Cook Wendy and Nicholas Heilbut Caroline and Jeff Swiatek Sarah Eson and P.J. Coward Joanne Kwong and Gene Hu Priyal and Bilge Tanyeri David and Dana Feigenbaum Lindsay and Jeff Leaf Wendy Jin and Jeff Tao Leonora and Adam Gogolak Marie Bonitatibus and Douglas Le Blanc Allison Ross and Dan Waldman Lucia and Justin Hamilton Kate Chechak and Mark Levin Yi Zhang and Jing Wang Emily Krasnor and Scott Heiferman Damaris and Reid Maclean Anonymous Sarah and Adrian Lazar Reshma Rughwani and Ravi Pherwani Jill Kalish Levy and Matthew Levy Eileen Kelly Rinaudo and Alexander 4Eam (16) Damaris and Reid Maclean Rinaudo Kerryann and Andre Benjamin Kristen Kane and Matt Onek Deborah and Michael Rothman Tatyana Dobryanskaya and Andrey Dutov Olga and Laurent Pariente Julie and Andrew Schaffer Marla and Jay Eisbruck Angela and Eric Rahe Laura and Andrew Slabin Malda Hibri and Greg Eisner Gabrielle and James Tieng Gabrielle and James Tieng Katherine and Evan Flecker Amy and Doug Warden Bianca Dias Soares and Edwin van Keulen Angela and Allen Lamb Bonny and Jonathan Whitcher Charlotte and Josh Landis Lisa and Jay Yook 3Wam (16) Sara Buckley and Paul Mullen Anonymous Elena Simpser and Max Alper Sophia and Gabriel Ovanessian Kelly and Sean Brennan Charity Scribner and Harlan Protass 2E (14) Lisa Cobert and Eric Cohen Sophie and Owen Rodda Krista and Jordan Adler Jennifer Mascarenhas and Wade Davis Katie and Jonah Sonnenborn Lisa Cobert and Eric Cohen Katy and Giff Foley Gillian and Adrien Weindling Laura Clancy and Lee Dicker Natasha Kazmi and Qaisar Hasan Bonny and Jonathan Whitcher Bethelehem Belay and Benyam Haile Sarah Babcock and Josh Krepon Anonymous (2) Lucia and Justin Hamilton Jill Kalish Levy and Matthew Levy Carly Gottsegen Koen and Jonathan Koen Melissa Mansur and Kurt Miller 4Epm (11) Kimberley Chapman and Dustin Longstreth JoAnne and Chris Neidow Ariane Anthony and Jeffrey Bauer Lucy Emhardt and Drew Ramsey Kyra and Travis Nelson Elizabeth O’Neill and James Echikson Yong-Kyoo and ShinHyung Rim Angela and Eric Rahe Desirae Brown and Bryan Hernandez-Luch Sarah and Adam Schwarzschild Sarah Gray and Gavin Simms Annie Kim and Jeffrey Lin Kelly and Fred Wang Jessica Kirshner and Dan Sommers Chang Lee and Hyun-Joo Kim Nigel-Ann La Qua Williamson and Marco Mildred Ojea and Juan Trujillo Nami Soejima and James Levy Williamson Erica Reiner and John T. Williams Laura and Lee Morakis Anonymous (2) Anonymous Stephanie Bonan and Samir Patel Vanisha and Rajan Raval 2W (17) 3Wpm (8) Susan and Matthew Tratner Christine and Michael Capilouto Sejal Shah and Josh Aiello Jenny and John Whittaker Janine Keuskamp and Brian Chiong Neha Khoda and Raj Bakaya Cristina and Charles Davis Gina and Kevin Christie Monica Rodriguez-Greene and Daron Jo Kimber and Finbar Cooke Greene Natalie and Jared Gould

21 ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTORS

ALUMNI FAMILIES, FRIENDS, GRANDPARENTS

Alumni Families and Friends Dara Mandle and James Panero Jean Adams Katherine Westgate and David Pascual Barbara and Chip Angle Doralynn and Jeffrey Pines Carol Baird and Richard Ashford Marcia Polanco Kathleen Massey and Jim Blaney Judith G. Pott Lisa and Charlie Carr Jacqueline and Timothy Ramsey Misha Nonen and Jocelyn Charles Joanna and Matthew Rego Andrea Cohen and Rodger Citron Kathleen Marrin and Henry Reukauf Adriana and Michael Clancy Carole Rothman Tina and Michael Connelly Tracey Strauss and Josh Sandbulte Maggan and Tim Daileader Amy Newman and Max Shulman Eva Fyer Jeannie Kim and Justin Sommers Renee and Ignacio Galaz Liz Canino and Cordell Spencer Betsy Morgan and Chad Gifford Geniel and Marcus Strock Crystal Williams and Akwanza Gleaves Amy and Jeff Tarr Tirzah Schwarz and Charles Goldblum Myles Amend and Marc Thomas Ilana Goldman and Jordan Goldstein Michael Urias Elizabeth and Edward Gonzalez Ruth and Stephen Waxman Lisa and Adam Gorfain Kelly West Amy and Peter Groome Eric Wolner Henna and Murtaza Haque Virginia Annibale and Eli Worden Aileen Hefferren and Charles Harkless Julie and Townsend Ziebold Molly and Dylan Hixon Akemi and Robert Hong Grandparents Carmen Knoepffer and Peter Ingerman Arynn Auzout Lisa Kohl Susan and Dennis Capilouto Shalinee Sharma and Arvind Krishnamurthy Kathy and Patrick Conroy Nikki Chase-Levin and David Levin Mary Weber and Rob Duggan Olivia Kim and James Lochart Mary Fogos Rosemarie and Bonell Lombardi Frances Gould Rebecca Fraioli and David Lundell Lucy and Robert Krasnor Judy and Jeffrey Lyons Eugene and Linda Rodriguez Maren Messing MaryEllen and Raymond Santiago Lee and Cindy Michel Jean and Raymond Schrag Lorrie and Bruce Millman Priscilla and Matthew Snyder Iva and Scott Mills Anonymous Jisook Lee and Bruce Moses Belle Newton and Blake Tyler Newton Jennifer Ozanne

22 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG WSMS PARENTS ASSOCIATION 2016-2017 YOU CAN COUNT ME IN…

At WSMS, ALL parents are part of the breadth of time, talent and good will Parents Association. This means that we generated freely by so many in the value every contribution to our school community is inspirational. community in whatever ways work for each family. From hosting a Class Dinner, Last year, Co-Presidents Jeff Leaf to spending a Saturday morning at and Bonny Whitcher stepped up to Hippo Playground at our Bulb Planting assemble an energetic, creative and event, to scheduling time to visit the hard-working group of committee chairs classroom to share something important and class representatives, whose names to your family, or anything and are listed here. This list of volunteers is everything in between, we are so happy but a small percentage of the countless to have had you on board. In addition parents who lent a hand. To all of you, to our children’s unparalleled learning we extend our deepest thanks. environment, the wonderfully diverse and active parent body is a great source of pride at WSMS. As a school that was founded in 1963 by a caring group of parents, each and every family is a special part of WSMS’ history. The

26 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG PARENTS ASSOCIATION 2016-2017

PA CO-PRESIDENTS Yearbook Jeff Leaf Lindsey Lynch Bonny Whitcher Deborah Rothman

PA CO-CHAIRS CLASS REPRESENTATIVES Coordinator Annual Fund Lindsay Forbes Natasha Kazmi Garden Auction Wendy Schwartz Marla Eisbruck Anar Stohr Carly Gottsegen Tenille Skelton 1W P.J. Coward Bulb Planting Dana Feigenbaum Elena Simpser and Max Alper 2E Priyal Subramanian and Bill Lisa Cobert Tanyeri Justin Hamilton

Class Photo Day 2W Christine Capilouto Charles Davis Eileen Kelly Rinaudo Daron Greene

End-of-Year Picnic 3E Lucia and Justin Hamilton Wendy Heilbut Damaris Maclean Fall Festival Saya and Dana Bliss 3Wam Kim Chapman Katy Foley Ilana Okafor Angela Rahe Kelly Opdyke Allison Ross 3Wpm Amy Sharma Hat, Mitten, Coat and Elizabeth Sofro Boot Drive Lisa Cicirelli 4Eam Jennifer Diana Marla Eisbruck Katie Sonnenborn Hooked on Books Angela Hurley Rahe 4Epm Charity Scribner Ariane Anthony Carolyn Zweben Sandsational Sejal Shah and Josh Aiello 4W Nigel-Ann La Qua William- Jennifer Novikov son and Marco Williamson Caroline Swiatek

WSMS Merchandising Ilana Okafor

27 SAVE THE DATES

WSMS AUCTION 2018 SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018 7:00 – 11:00PM | THE EDISON BALLROOM Bringing the entire community of families, faculty and staff together to celebrate & to support a critically important part of our mission. For over 50 years, we’ve provided 20% of WSMS families (40 or more students) annual tuition support from our financial aid program.

3RD ANNUAL WSMS ALUMNI COCKTAIL PARTY THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018 WSMS GYM Enjoy an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and laughter at this celebration of friendship.

28 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG 48TH ANNUAL AUCTION JANUARY 28, 2017 | CITY OF DREAMS

Auction 2017 “City of Dreams” was an we can welcome even more NYC fami- incredible celebration topped off by an lies into our treasured community. inspiring demonstration of generosity. When WSMS parents are literally danc- The gracious volunteer leadership of ing in the aisles before placing their frst auction co-chairs Marla Eisbruck, Carly live auction bid, you know it’s a sensa- Gottsegen Koen and Tenille Skelton, tional shindig. From the energy of the along with many committee chairs and “Rockin’ Dueling Pianos” throughout members, led to a fantastic night. Thank the live auction, to the pulse of the you for the incredible support from post-program dance party, the spirit of parents, alumni families, faculty, board the WSMS community was at its most members, donors, and friends. A spe- festive on Saturday night. cial thank you to our WSMS faculty and children for their impressive projects, Thanks to the enthusiasm and generos- and to teachers and administrative staff ity of this extraordinary community, we for their support. collectively raised over $200,000 to ben- eft the West Side Montessori School Fi- nancial Aid Program. Thanks to the col- lective giving power of our thoughtful WSMS family, we forge ahead knowing

29 BENEFACTORS

Platinum Tina and Michael Connelly Kyra and Travis Nelson Mimi and Bob Basso Denise De La Rosa Silvers Kelly and Jonathan Opdyke Laura Clancy and Lee Dicker Angela and Eric Rahe Gold Mary D Gebhardt Lucy Emhardt and Drew Ramsey Joanna and Matthew Rego Songtao Jia Katia Papalezova and Angelo Reyes Annie Kim and Jeffrey Lin Casey and Jason Santiago Silver Nora Newlands Julie and Andrew Schaffer Marta Cammarano and Sandro Belvedere Wei Qian Alison and Ben Schrag Janine Keuskamp and Brian Chiong Katia Papalezova and Angelo Reyes Amy and Sheetal Sharma Lisa and Mark Cicirelli Carolyn Washington Sarah Gray and Gavin Simms Marla and Jay Eisbruck Anonymous Caroline and Jeff Swiatek Malda Hibri and Greg Eisner Elizabeth Martorella and Benjamin Swin- Victoria and Josh Feltman Teacher Ticket Sponsors burne Leonora and Adam Gogolak Leslie and Nick Bazos Myles Amend and Marc Thomas Nikki Chase-Levin and David Levin Christina Winters Blaustein and Howard Susan and Matthew Tratner Nami Soejima and James Levy Blaustein Colleen “Kelly” McMenamin Wang and Iva and Scott Mills Nissa Booker Fred Wang Jen and Kirill Novikov Hope Atherton and Gavin Brown Amanda Kan and John O’Meara Jennifer Diana and Carl D. Cambria Special Thanks Kelly and Jonathan Opdyke Marie Christine and Michael Capilouto Nikki Chase-Levin Yong-Kyoo and ShinHyung Rim Tina and Isaac Chang Marcia Ciriello Photography Julie and Andrew Schafer Janine Keuskamp and Brian Chiong Tina Connelly Melissa Sobel and Robert Schlosser Maggan and Timothy Daileader Amy Epstein Tenille and Travis Skelton Jennifer Mascarenhas and Wade Davis Donnie Kehr and Cori Gardner; Rockers on Katie and Jonah Sonnenborn Tatyana Dobryanskaya and Andrey Dutov Broadway Sandra and Alexander Southwell Emily and Burr Eckstut Anna Ponder and Sean McCoy; Tribeca Priyal Subramanian and Bilge Tanyeri Katherine and Evan Flecker Film Institute Wendy Jin and Jeffrey Tao Damaris Hernandez and Joseph Gilbert James McGovern; Central Park Boathouse Kristin and Thomas Toland Henna and Murtaza Haque Power Posse Productions Bonny and Jonathan Whitcher Natasha Kazmi and Qaisar Hasan Sarahmay and Larry Robbins Karessa Cain and Michael Hay Dean Sandler, Principal; Keypoint Presenta- Underwriting Malgorzata Plewako and Paul Laffy tion Specialists Cynthia Adair Lindsay and Jeffrey Leaf Jenna Verhoff Wagner Nissa Booker Nami Soejima and James Levy Lisa and Mark Cicirelli Shaan Kandawalla and Shaun Mirza Sara Buckley and Paul Mullen

30 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG AUCTION VOLUNTEERS AND COMMITTEES

AUCTION CO-CHAIRS EVENT DAY SET-UP LOBBY RAFFLE AND Marla Eisbruck Marta Cammarano TICKET SALES Carly Gottsegen Koen Bianca Dias Soares Lindsay Forbes Tenille Skelton Victoria Feltman Rielly Vlassis Katy Foley Sharifa Ali AUCTION Lindsay Forbes Bianca Barboza PHOTOGRAPHER Leonora Gogolak Bethelehem Belay Craig Warga Janine Keuskamp Anar Chudgar Carly Gottsegen Koen Victoria Feltman AUCTION LOGO Jeff Leaf Lindsay Forbes DESIGN Dave Levin Angela Rahe Jeff Leaf Wendy Schwartz Elise J. Elena Simpser Wendy Jin BANKING Elizabeth Sofro Janine Keuskamp Raj Bakaya Adrien Weindling Jeff Leaf Reshma Rughwani Bonny Whitcher Mildred Ojea Jonathan Whitcher Angela Rahe CATALOG WRITERS Shalini Rajaram Dana Bliss ITEM DESCRIPTION Charity Scribner Nikki Chase-Levin WRITERS Arana Shapiro Josh Aiello Priyal Tanyeri CLASS PROJECTS AND Charles Davis Amy Warden “JAZZ HANDS” INVITES David Feigenbaum Bonny Whitcher Cecily Denny Alison Gould Judy Lyons Emily Krasnor MOBILE BIDDING, DATA Margot Mack Sarah Lazar ANALYTICS & TESTING Glenn McAnanama Marla Eisbruck DATA ANALYTICS Karen McAnanama Kurt Miller AND TESTING Ilana Okafor Jennifer Novikov Kurt Miller Elizabeth O’Neill Owen Rodda Jen Novikov Thao Nguyen ITEM MANAGEMENT ONLINE AUCTION Owen Rodda Sejal Shah Marla Eisbruck Priyal Subramanian Ritika Gill DÉCOR Christine Capilouto Cecily Denny Vernaliz Co ONLINE AUCTION Carly Gottsegen Koen Ritika Gill PREVIEW Lindsay Leaf Brittany Kjar Christine Capilouto Marta Cammarano Monica Rodriguez-Greene Elena Simpser Lucia Hamilton Tenille Skelton Tenille Skelton Jessica Kirshner Priyal Subramanian Virginia Rowe ITEM SOLICITATION & Elena Simpser CURATION TAKE DOWN AFTER PARTY Caroline Swiatek Malda Hibri Sandro Belvedere Nigel-Ann La Qua Tenille Skelton Marta Cammarano Williamson Christina Blaustein Vernaliz Co Katy Foley Jay Eisbruck CLASSROOM INVITATIONS Leonora Gogolak Giff Foley Margot Mack Wendy Heilbut Carly Gottsegen Koen Tenille Skelton Reshma Rughwany Dave Levin Bonny Whitcher Scott Li LIVE AUCTION SPOTTERS Tenille Skelton DÉCOR Biancia Dias Soares Travis Skelton Marta Cammarano Monica Rodriguez-Greene Jeff Tao Elena Simpser Bonny Whitcher Adrian Weindling Carly Gottsegen Koen Gillian Weindling Elizabeth Sofro Bonny Whitcher Jonathan Whitcher Note: Bold indicates committee chair

31 THE 2016 FALL FESTIVAL OCTOBER 15, 2016

While we are still reveling in the excite- faces were painted as butterfies and su- ment from the recent 4th Annual Fall perheroes, and children who held hands Festival, we would like to look back to with their classmates as they skipped acknowledge the wonderful volunteers from one activity to the next. To quote and donors who graciously put togeth- one of our WSMS children after all the er the 2016 Fall Festival. Our heartfelt fun was over: “That was the best day of thanks go out to each and every WSMS my life.” volunteer for making our 3rd annual Fall Festival such an incredible success. From In particular, thank you to our 2016 Fall the ferris wheel, bounce houses and live Festival Co-Chairs—Dana and Saya music to a countless assortment of ‘eats Bliss, Kim Chapman, Ilana Okafor, Kel- and treats,’ face painting, giant games ly Opdyke and Allison Ross—for their and WSMS merchandise—we truly had commitment and enthusiasm. Also, it all! And if that wasn’t enough for our special thanks to PA Co-Chairs Bonny 350 guests, indoor activities including Whitcher and Jeff Leaf for support- Robofun, spin art, instrument making ing the team. Finally, we couldn’t have and necklace making were a big hit, too. done it without Nikki Chase-Levin and the rest of our incredible administration But, most importantly, there were happy and faculty. Thank you for helping make children everywhere: children whose last year’s event a smashing success.

32 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG FALL FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS AND COMMITTEES

FALL FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT INSTRUMENT MAKING CO-CHAIRS Damaris Maclean Ariane Anthony Dana Bliss Susan Tratner Desirae Brown Saya Bliss Neha Khoad Kim Chapman FACE PAINTING Skye Stahling Ilana Okafor Bianca Dias Soares Annie Thorkelson Kelly Opdyke Allison Ross FISHING INTERNATIONAL Bethelehem Belay FOODS BAKE SALE Brittany Kjar Shirley Annan Sarah Babcock Gosia Plewako Chloe Baszanger Christina Blaustein Kelly Wang Sandro Belvedere Stephanie Bonan Dana Bliss Marie Bonitatibus GENERAL STORE Christine Capilauto Crystal Caligiuri Vernaliz Co Anar Chudgar Tina Fey Wendy Jin Sophia Erensel Katy Foley Ilana Okafor Katie Foley Lindsay Forbes Vanisha Raval Lindsay Forbes Taylor Frazier Shinhyung Rim Kristen Kane Ilana Goldman Priyal Subramanian Annie Kim Malda Hilbri Hyunjoo Kim Elise J. GIANT GAMES Melissa Mansur Amanda Kan Natalie Gould Kurt Miller Janine Keuskamp Joanne Kwong Ilana Okafor Annie Kim Judy Lyons Evgenia Pekarskaya Jessica Kirshner Logan Schmid Emily Krasnor GLITTER TATTOOS Sejal Shah-Thum Elizabeth Martorella Taylor Frazier Elena Simpser Iva Mills Emily Krasnor Elizabeth Sofro Mildred Ojea Chanelle Rogers Riquelmy Sosa Shalini Rajaram Andrew Schaffer Amy Stoney Deborah Rothman Nigel-Ann La Qua Kristin Toland Arana Shapiro Williamson Aarti von Bartheld Elena Simpser Wanda Zorilla Bonny Whitcher Tenille Skelton Winstead Catering Elizabeth Sofro GRILL Paul Zweben Rielly Vlassis Ariane Anthony Aarti Von Bartheld Jeffrey Bauer MARKETING/PR Jenny Whittaker Dana Bliss Mildred Ojea Mike Capilouto BANKING Brian Chiong NECKLACE MAKING Raj Bakaya P.J. Coward Krista Adler Chris Chan Ali Dibadj Hope Atherton Alexander Rinaudo Jay Eisbruck Karen Dana Tenille Skelton Greg Eisner Vicky Feltman Sophia Erensel Gillian Weindling BOUNCE HOUSE David Feigenbaum Finbar Cooke Giff Foley POPCORN/COTTON Emily Eckstut Dave Levin CANDY Steve Gottesfeld Tim Sims Allen Lamb Yi Zhang Travis Skelton Jen Novikov Jeffrey Swiatek Victor Manual DRINKS Jonathan Whitcher Gavin Simms Leslie Bazos Gregory Walker Jennifer Conway Lisa Yook Gabriel Ovanessian Eric Rahe

33 PUMPKIN Annie Kim DECORATING SoYoung Lee Bianca Barboza James Levy Libby Cook Scott Li Shaan Kandawalla Aimee Mankodi Suniti Kanodja Chris Neidow Allison Schrag Kyra Nelson Sonali Theisen Travis Nelson Mildred Ojea REGISTRATION AND John O’Meara TICKETS Elizabeth O’Neill Sharifa Ali Sam Patel Mimi Basso Harlan Protass Libby Chan Shalini Rajaram Mona DAttilio Yong-Kyoo Rim Jennifer Koball Karen Robins Reshma Rughwani Bob Schlosser Amy Stoney Wendy Schwartz Sean Stoney Sejal Shah Priyal Subramanian Tenille Skelton Caroline Swiatek Travis Skelton Rielly Vlassis Elizabeth Sofro Priyal Subramanian SAND ART Rielly Vlassis Tar-Kisha Bryant Jason Von Bartheld Leonora Gogolak Grace Yancoskie Alison Gould Suneeta Krishnareddy SIGNAGE AND Sejal Shah DÉCOR Bianca Barboza SECURITY AND Marta Cammarano STROLLER PARKING Angela Rahe Nick Bazos Sara Buckley SPIN ART Gene Hu Sarah Eson Doug LeBlanc Aimee Mankodi Amy Sharma SET-UP Elena Simpser Virginia Annibale Bianca Barboza TAKE DOWN Chloe Baszanger Dana Bliss Leslie Bazos Jason Brown Nick Bazos Kevin Christie Sean Brennan Laura Clancy Brian Chiong Lee Dicker Lisa Cicirelli Dave Levin Kermit Cook Mark Levin Mona DAttilio Emeka Okafor Charles Davis Eric Rahe Jennifer Diama Ben Schrag FALL FESTIVAL DONORS Victoria Feltman Dale Stor Katy Foley Adrien Weindling Annie and Mark Priyal and Blige Janine Keuskamp Jay Yook Himmelsbach Tanyeri Nikki Chase-Levin Wendy Jin and and David Levin Jeff Tao Kelly and Jonathan Allison Ross and Opdyke Dan Waldman Sarah Gray and Anonymous Gavin Simms

34 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | FALL 2017 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG FALL 2017

Very special thanks to the WSMS faculty and the WSMS parent photographers, who provided many of the articles and photos used in this magazine, and to the WSMS administrative team, who helped in ways too numerous to count.

Editor: Sarah Eson Editorial Consultant: Tina Connelly Creative: Samantha Budd Photography: WSMS Faculty, WSMS Parents, Lisanne Pinciotti, and Craig Warga

309 West 92nd Street New York, NY 10025 Phone: (212) 662-8000 Fax: (212) 662-8323 www.wsmsnyc.org

© 2017 WEST SIDE MONTESSORI We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible in compiling our lists of donors and SCHOOL (WSMS) volunteers. If we have inadvertently omitted your name or made errors in spelling, please email [email protected].

35 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

309 West 92nd Street New York, NY 10025 Phone: (212) 662-8000 Fax: (212) 662-8323 www.wsmsnyc.org

West Side Montessori Schools Accreditations & Memberships

American Montessori Society Independent School Admissions Association of New York National Association of Independent Schools New York State Association of Independent Schools The Parents League of New York

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