2018 | WSMSNYC.ORG Great Beginnings 2018 CONTENTS

In Mimi’s Voice...... 1 A Letter from our Board President... 2 2018-2019 Board of Trustees...... 3 Not a Typical West Side Montessori Summer...... 6 Hats Off to WSMS-TEP Grads...... 7 Twos Twos Twos ... Wonderful Twos! 8 Talking to Children about Race and Difference, by Giuliana de Grazia... 10 Behind the Scenes: Keeping West Side Montessori School Safe and Effective...... 14 Alumni Notes...... 16

WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018-2019 GIVING 2017-2018...... 18 Myles Amend, Murtaza (Mort) Elise J. Mary Pat Dowhy, 2017-2018 Financial Highlights.. 19 President Haque, Treasurer Natasha Kazmi Parent Mimi Basso, Jennifer Conway, Nigel-Ann La Qua Representatvie Your Annual Fund Dollars at Work 20 Head of School Secretary Williamson Tenille Skelton, Tim Daileader, Mark Cicirelli Scott Li Parent The Results Are In! WSMS Vice President Victoria Feltman Kelly Opdyke Representative Annual Fund 2018 Survey...... 22 Iva Mills, Lindsay Forbes Jing Wang Casey Gomez, Donor Acknowledgements...... 24 Vice President Joseph Gilbert Kelly West Faculty Kyra Nelson, Justin Hamilton Bonny Whitcher Representative Volunteer Acknowledgements.... 31 Vice President IN MIMI’S VOICE

Dear friends of WSMS, resolution achieved this summer is de- at WSMS. We are proud that we were tailed in this issue’s article, “Twos Twos founded in 1963 with diversity key to our I am delighted to share with you this Twos ... Wonderful Twos!” mission, and that our commitment has issue of Great Beginnings, which cel- only strengthened over the past f fty- ebrates our successful academic year The pilot Twos opportunity happened as plus years. and gives you an inside look at how we we expanded WSMS-TEP, our teacher spent our summer and what we accom- education program, to offer the Twos New in this issue is Alumni Notes—in- plished. credential. The TEP focus has contin- put from alumni families on what their ued to expand academically (into more kids have been up to since they left. I The big news this fall is the opening of credentials) and geographically, with encourage you to send us your updates our new dedicated space for the Twos signif cant activity in the summer, as you for our next issue! Program at 302 West 91st Street (in the will see in “Not a Typical West Side Mon- basement of the Annunciation Greek tessori Summer... .” And the new loca- As always, I am deeply grateful for the Orthodox Church). tion includes off ce space and storage enthusiastic support, both f nancially for TEP admin. and as event volunteers, of our parents, As many of you know, in the fall of 2013 faculty and administrators, alumni fami- we took the big step of testing interest in And the summer is also the time when, lies and friends. Your generosity is de- providing Montessori education for two- with fewer people around, we take care tailed in the 2017-2018 Annual Report year-olds to address the needs of cur- of facilities maintenance that would be section of this issue. My special thanks rent parents. The response was over- disruptive during the school year. I am go to the Board, chaired so effectively whelming, and as a result we devoted grateful to Amy Stoney, Director of Op- by Myles Amend, and to last year’s PA a classroom to these young students erations, and Shawn Cumberbatch, Fa- co-chairs, Tenille Skelton and Bonny while limiting admissions to siblings and cilities Manager, for being on top of our Whitcher, who recruited some amazing legacy applicants. needs and ensuring they are addressed. talent to run special events for our fami- This article, “Behind the Scenes,” is a re- lies. Interest in this new programming option cap of all that they do. led to an exploration of how to balance the opportunity for two-year-olds with “Talking to Children about Race and the simultaneous need to serve an in- Difference,” written by WSMS Diver- coming three-year-old population. The sity Practitioner, Giuliana de Grazia, Mimi Basso ups-and-downs and ultimately exciting is a fascinating article about diversity Head of School

1 BOARD NEWS

A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR

Dear members of the WSMS commu- provide our children with their frst steps nity, in a lifetime of learning. I know I speak for the Board in expressing our appre- I have been thinking a lot about the in- ciation to the WSMS faculty and admin- credible support multiple generations of istrators. the WSMS community have offered to our school over the past 55 years. This This year’s Annual Report commemo- generosity has given us the confdence rates our busy year and the backing and wherewithal to grow our program in of so many people without whom what important ways over the years. The re- we’ve accomplished could not hap- cent additions of classroom space for pen. Special thanks to the 2017-2018 the Twos Program and dedicated offce PA co-presidents, Tenille Skelton and space for WSMS-TEP at 302 West 91st Bonny Whitcher, and to the many volun- Street are the latest examples of the im- teers who gave of their time and talent pact of your generosity. The expansion to make this year so successful. I also of the TEP program, both in the cre- want to thank my fellow trustees for their dentials offered as well as geographi- leadership, hard work, and support. cally—we now offer teacher education programs in China—has cemented our Finally, thank you to everyone who con- global leadership in Montessori educa- tributed to the Annual Fund. Your con- tion. tinuing generosity at every level ensures that we will be able to provide the high- We have much to be proud of, and credit est quality education for generations to for the inspiration and its implementation come. belongs to Head of School Mimi Basso and her multi-talented team. This issue With deep gratitude, of Great Beginnings gives you insight into two areas—facilities management and the teacher education program— and these hard workers are emblematic of all that goes on behind the scenes to Myles B. Amend President, Board of Trustees (Ashley Amend-Thomas ’11)

2 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG ginning with Cowen and Company, where she focused on healthcare and technology, and later with the Credit Suisse First Boston Technology Group. She then worked in real estate in the Bay Area until she moved to Manhattan in 2013. Kyra holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Georgetown Univer- sity and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Kyra and her husband, Travis, are proud parents of four children: a daughter who graduated WSMS in 2017, her twin brother who is in a home-school special 2018-2019 WSMS education program, a son who graduated from WSMS in 2018, and a son who current- BOARD OF TRUSTEES ly attends the WSMS Twos Program. Kyra has been actively involved at WSMS as a parent volunteer and serves on the WSMS The primary responsibility of the Board of Trustees is to see that Admissions Committee. A LETTER FROM the School operates in the best interests of its students, teachers, and parents. The Board sets the purpose and policies of the OUR BOARD CHAIR Mort Haque, School, ensures its ﬁ nancial stability, plans for its future, and Treasurer hires the Head of School, who is responsible for the day-to-day Mort Haque (Treasurer) is a operation of the School. Portfolio Manager at Golden- Tree Asset Management, an tor of Research at Knight Capital. Tim is a investment management f rm Myles B. Amend, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Tim also specializing in below-investment-grade cor- President serves as a director on two for-prof t boards, porate and structured credit markets. Prior Myles Amend is Associate and previous served on the College Board to GoldenTree, Mort worked at Sound Point Head of School for Advance- of Advisors and in the Admission Ambassa- Capital as a Portfolio Manager and before ment at Trinity School, where dor program for Georgetown University. Tim that at Apollo Management in their capital he has worked since 2000. graduated from Georgetown University with markets group. He spent a number of years Prior to that he served as Director of Devel- a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1992, as an investment banker at Bank of America opment and Finance at Rice High School in where he was a Baker Scholar. and J.P. Morgan in their leveraged f nance Harlem; as Principal of Tampa Catholic High and M&A departments. He is a graduate of School in Tampa, Florida; and as Associ- Georgetown University (SFS) and Columbia ate Director for Institutional Advancement Iva Mills, Business School. Mort is married to Henna and Governance at the Museum of the City Vice President Khan, and they have two daughters who of New York. He is a graduate of Iona Col- graduated from WSMS. Iva Mills is the mother of lege and holds master’s degrees in history twin WSMS alumni (2016). from New York University and in independent Iva served as co-president school leadership from Columbia University Jennifer S. Conway, of the Parents Association Teachers College. He is also a trustee of De Secretary for two years and assisted with the Annual La Salle Academy and a past president of Fund, Auction, Spring Fair, and Admissions Jennifer S. Conway is a part- the New York City Chapter of the Associa- Committee. Iva received her BA in political ner at the law f rm Cravath, tion of Fundraising Professionals. Myles and science from the University of California, Los Swaine & Moore, where she his husband, Marc Thomas, are parents of a Angeles, and JD from the American Universi- is a member of the Executive WSMS alumna who completed her two-year ty, Washington College of Law. Iva practiced Compensation and Benef ts Department. career at WSMS in 2011. law for ten years, f rst at a law f rm, primarily She regularly advises public and private in the area of advertising and marketing liti- companies on executive compensation and Tim Daileader, gation and, later, in-house litigating intellec- employee benef ts matters, principally in con- Vice President tual property disputes. Iva also serves on the nection with mergers and acquisitions, initial Board of Safe Horizon and the Acquisition public offerings and other business transac- Tim Daileader, the father of Committee of the Studio Museum in Harlem, tions. Jennifer is a graduate of Georgetown Declan and Madeleine Dail- and volunteers for the Harlem Children’s University and Columbia Law School, and eader (WSMS ‘14), and hus- Zone. She is married to Scott Mills. she serves as a trustee for the Lawyers Alli- band of Maggan Daileader, ance for New York. She is also a member of is a Partner in Drivetrain, the Steering Committee of the Kate Stone- LLC, the f duciary services f rm. Prior to this, Kyra Nelson, man Project, an organization devoted to the Tim enjoyed a twenty-four-year career in in- Vice President advancement of women in the legal profes- vestment management and banking. Over sion. Jennifer and her husband, Victor Manu- the course of his career, Tim was a senior Born and raised in the San el, have two daughters, one who is a current analyst at Litespeed Management and Stra- Francisco Bay Area, Kyra student at WSMS and one who graduated in tegic Value Partners, a portfolio manager at Nelson spent many years as 2018. Jennifer and Victor also served as co- Stanf eld Capital Partners, and the Direc- an investment banker, be- chairs of the f rst annual Fall Festival.

3 of the Admissions Committee and a Board Mark Cicirelli Elise J. Trustee. Lindsay also serves on the board Mark Cicirelli is married to of Trees New York, a non-prof t dedicated to Elise J. is a dentist and moth- Lisa and father to Emma and the care of street trees in New York City. er of two. She holds a doc- Alexandra. He is a Portfolio torate in dental surgery from Manager and US Head of the University of Strasbourg, Insurance at Elliott Manage- Joseph Gilbert France, as well as a master’s ment, a NY-based investment f rm. He joined Joseph Gilbert is married to degree in cellular and molecular physiopa- Elliott in 2005, before which he worked at Damaris Hernandez, and thology. She relocated from France several TH Lee Putnam Ventures, a private equity is the father of Mariana, a years ago and lives on the Upper West Side fund, and at J.P. Morgan Chase & Company. WSMS graduate, and Ollie, with her husband and their two children. Mark graduated from Dartmouth with an AB who is currently at WSMS. She has previously worked with several non in government and economics, and from He works as a Program Manager in the pedi- -prof t organizations, and is actively involved Harvard with an MBA. He serves on the New atrics department for NYU Langone Health. in the community. York board of All Stars Project, a non-prof t He joined NYU Langone Health in 2015, that supports the development of inner city after working in the Preventive Medicine youth. He also serves on the boards of Opus department at the Icahn School of Medicine Natasha Kazmi Bank, Paraline Holding, and Aeolus Capital at Mount Sinai (ISMMS). He serves as a co- Management, and is Chairman of Bernoulli investigator for the NYU Children’s Health Prior to taking time off to Health. and Environment Study (NYU CHES), a lon- raise her family, Natasha gitudinal study examining the environmental Kazmi spent f fteen years inf uences on growth and development of in a number of roles in the Victoria Feltman babies in utero, and the NYU Factors Inf u- f nancial services industry, encing Reproductive Success and Time to ranging from corporate banking to restructur- Victoria Feltman is a nutri- Pregnancy Study (NYU FIRST), a prospec- ings and asset management, across diverse tionist who specializes in tive cohort study aimed at identifying envi- geographies like Pakistan, Indonesia and family and childhood nutri- ronmental inf uences that lead to diff culties the U.S. Natasha was a member of the 2014 tion. Before going into pri- in attaining and sustaining a pregnancy to WSMS Online Auction Committee, a mem- vate practice, Vicky worked term. Joe graduated from Bridgewater State ber of the Admissions Committee and Chair at the New York Children’s Health Project in University with a BS in biology, and from of the Annual Fund. She is also involved in the South Bronx, where she counseled kids ISMMS with an MPH. projects related to furthering girls’ education and adults and taught nutrition education in Pakistan’s remote areas and serves on classes. Prior to becoming a registered dieti- Manhattan’s Community Board 7. Natasha tian, Vicky spent four years as an editor at O, Justin Hamilton and her husband, Qaisar Hasan, are proud the Oprah magazine, and later worked as a parents of one current WSMS student and restaurant publicist in New York and Los An- Justin Hamilton is a media, one WSMS graduate. She earned a BBA and geles. Vicky has a BA from Cornell Univer- message and strategy con- MBA from the University of Karachi. sity and an MS in nutrition from NYU. Vicky sultant based in New York and her husband Josh have three sons, two City. He has spent over a who are current students at WSMS, and one decade advising elected of- who graduated in 2016. She is a member of f cials, candidates for higher off ce, federal Nigel-Ann the WSMS Admissions Committee and is ac- cabinet members, CEOs, Fortune 500 com- La Qua Williamson tively involved as a parent volunteer. panies, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs Nigel-Ann La Qua William- on how to develop and execute winning son was born and raised in strategies. Prior to launching his business, Grenada, West Indies. She Justin served as Chief of Staff and Head of Lindsay Forbes holds an MBA from Colum- Corporate Communications for News Corp’s bia University, and BS and a BArch in Archi- Lindsay Forbes holds a BS education technology division, Amplify. He tecture, from The Bernard and Anne Spitzer in natural resources conser- also served as the national spokesperson School of Architecture at The City College of vation from the Faculty of for President Barack Obama’s education New York. Prior to taking time off to raise her Forestry, University of Brit- reform efforts, where he helped to develop family, Nigel-Ann spent 9 years practicing ish Columbia, and a JD from and execute the groundbreaking media cam- Architecture, at HLW International and GKV the University of Toronto. Born and raised in paign around the President’s Race to the Architects in New York City. She is currently Vancouver, Canada, Lindsay practiced com- Top competition. Before joining the Obama developing her own company, one of the Co- mercial real estate law in both Vancouver Administration, Justin served on both the lumbia University ventures working from The and New York and later helped develop the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team Columbia Startup Lab. Nigel-Ann currently U.S. east coast market for EAB Tool Co., an and as a battleground spokesperson for the serves at WSMS as a member of the Admis- environmentally-focused power tool acces- President’s 2008 Campaign. In addition to sions Committee, was a class representative sory company. Lindsay and her husband, Ali working on presidential and congressional for two consecutive years, co-chaired 2017 Dibadj, are proud parent of two WSMS al- races across the country over the past 10 Sandsational, and is actively involved as an ums. During her time as a parent at WSMS, years, Justin has served in both policy and alumni parent volunteer. Nigel-Ann and her Lindsay served for two years as the co-head management positions for members of the husband, Marco Williamson, are proud par- of the Parents Association, and before that House and Senate. Justin lives on the Up- ents of two WSMS alums. helped run the Auction raff e and WSMS’s per West Side with his wife Lucia, their two annual Bulb Planting event. She remains beautiful daughters, Vivienne and Lyla, and an active participant in WSMS as a member their Boston Terrier, El Guapo.

4 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG Scott Li Jing Wang Mary Pat Dowhy, Parent Representative Scott Li is currently a Man- Jing Wang was born and aging Director with CRG, a grew up in China and came Mary Pat Dowhy is serving healthcare-focused invest- to the states to pursue gradu- as the current co-president ment frm that has commit- ate study after getting his BS of the Parents Association. ted over $3 billion of assets. in physics from Peking Uni- Mary Pat and her wife, Don- Scott has been dedicated to the healthcare versity. After receiving his PhD from Massa- na Canfeld, are the proud parents of Pierce, industry as an investor, advisor, and execu- chusetts Institute of Technology in 2004, he who is in his second year at WSMS. Mary tive for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining CRG joined Tricadia Capital LLC, a $4.2B multi- Pat received her BA from Fordham Univer- in 2015, he worked at Hammond Hanlon strategy credit hedge fund, and worked there sity and spent a decade working in theater Camp and Lazard Freres as an investment for fourteen years as a partner and portfolio before moving to Los Angeles to work in flm banker focused on mergers and acquisi- manager, trading U.S. and European fxed and television. Mary Pat returned to New tions. He was previously the chief fnancial income and equity derivatives. He recently York to accept a position in marketing man- offcer of pingmd, a venture-backed health joined Millennium Partners L.P., a $36B aging high profle clients such as Absolut IT company. Scott serves on the boards of hedge fund, as a portfolio manager. Besides Vodka and MillerCoors. Mary Pat served on several companies in the healthcare industry work, Jing would like to dedicate more time the board of The Empire State Pride Agenda, and is active in the community, serving on to philanthropic efforts and nonproft orga- a statewide political advocacy organization the board of FC Harlem, a youth soccer and nizations. He is married to Yi Zhang. They that advocated for LGBT rights, including enrichment organization. He and his wife, have one son, Dillon, at WSMS and another marriage equality. Mary Pat has been an ac- Vernaliz, are committed WSMS volunteers, son, Aaron, who graduated in 2016. tive member of the WSMS community serv- and were co-chairs of the 2017 WSMS Bulb ing on several committees. Planting in Hippo Playground. A New Jer- sey native and long-time resident of New York, Scott, Vern and their two sons live on Kelly West the Upper West Side. He received an AB in Tenille Skelton, economics from Princeton University and an Kelly West is currently the Parent Representative MBA from the Wharton School at the Univer- Director of Admission at The Tenille Skelton is currently sity of Pennsylvania. Browning School. Kelly frst joined the Browning faculty co-president of the Parents in 2003, where she served Association and an active as an Assistant Teacher, Head Teacher, and WSMS volunteer, having Kelly Morrison Opdyke then Acting Head of Lower School, before served on several committees since 2015. moving to Admission. Kelly received her MA Tenille received her BS in fnance and ac- Kelly Morrison Opdyke and from the Steinhardt School of Education at counting at Tulane University. She has ten her husband Jonathan are N.Y.U. and a BA in psychology from George years of experience in real estate fnance the proud parents of three Washington University. and capital raising, having spent her career children, including two at The Carlyle Group, Goldman Sachs and WSMS alumni and one cur- TPG. Tenille is a member of the board of rent WSMS student. Kelly spent ten years Grand Street Settlement, a non-proft orga- as a senior technical advisor for Cicatelli Bonny Whitcher nization that provides programs and services Associates Inc., a public health non-proft to over 10,000 under-served New York chil- headquartered in New York, where she led Bonny Whitcher is a CPA and dren, families and seniors, and serves on projects providing technical assistance to received her BS in business its Executive Committee and Ad Hoc Real community-based organizations on the col- and economics from Lehigh Estate Committee. Tenille and her husband, lection and use of data for nationally recog- University. Prior to starting a Travis Skelton, are the proud parents of one nized initiatives, including the Ryan White family, she worked at Ernst current WSMS student and one WSMS alum. HIV/AIDS Program and the Avon Foundation & Young for nine years in their fnancial ser- Breast Health Outreach Program. She previ- vices offce, and then spent several years ously interned as a research assistant with as the corporate controller of a boutique in- the New York City Department of Health and vestment bank headquartered in New York Casey Gomez, Mental Hygiene and provided administra- City. She also provides volunteer fnancial Faculty Representative tive support to continuing medical education advisory services to the Harlem Educational programs at the School of Sleep Medicine Activities Fund. Bonny served two years as Casey Gomez received a in Palo Alto, CA. She spent her early career co-president of the Parents Association and BA in Human Development in digital marketing, co-leading an email served on the Admissions Committee. Bonny and Family Studies from the marketing practice at online ad pioneer, Be- and her husband, Jonathan, reside on the University of Connecticut. yond Interactive. At WSMS, she has served Upper West Side and are the proud parents Casey was always interested in working with as a class parent, a member of the Admis- of a daughter who graduated from WSMS children and was introduced to WSMS by a sions Committee, and a two-time co-chair in 2017, a son who is currently attending former family of the school. Casey received for the Fall Festival. Since 2014 she has WSMS, and a son born in 2018. her AMS Early Childhood Montessori certif- also served on the PTA Executive Board for cation from WSMS-TEP. She earned a mas- The Anderson School, currently serving her ter’s degree in Early Childhood Special and second term as Co-President. She received General Education from Concordia College her Master of Public Health from Columbia and has her New York State teaching cer- University, and a BA in psychology from the tifcation. Casey joined WSMS in 2011 and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. joined WSMS-TEP as an instructor in 2018.

5 NOT A TYPICAL WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SUMMER …

…though maybe there is no such thing Among our students this summer were as a “typical summer”! nine (one EC and eight EL) from the Miftaahul Uloom Academy in Union City, This year we had seven weeks of sum- NJ, and seven (four EC and three EL) mer camp, did multiple maintenance from WeGrow, a new school created by projects (see “Behind the Scenes”) and WeWork, initially for their employees’ renovated space to expand the Twos children, which incorporates the educa- Program (see “Twos Twos Twos … tional pedagogies of Montessori, Reggio Wonderful Twos!”). Emilia and Bank Street.

Summer is typically the busiest academ- Because most people seeking the Infant ic time for WSMS-TEP, our teacher edu- Toddler credential work on a year-round cation program, because that is when basis, there were no IT classes held at most teachers are free to take supple- WSMS this summer (students typically mentary training. That was certainly meet two Saturdays/month during the true this summer. However, traditional academic year). Instead Karen Deinzer, Montessori credential training was far Tara Greaney and Maria Rosado head- from the only activity keeping Lisanne ed to China to provide six weeks of Pinciotti, Director of Teacher Education, training for iHommy International Day- and her dedicated crew busy. care in Beijing. They had twelve lively (MIE) which would offer an additional and enthusiastic students enrolled in the qualifcation in special education for TEP For one thing, TEP offcially relocated academic phase, who are now in practi- students next summer. Giuls DeGrazia to 302 West 91st Street, with offce cums to receive their IT credentials next will be running the professional develop- and classroom space rented from the June. Karen and Maria will be in regu- ment process and Kathryn Fordney will Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. lar contact with them via Zoom and will be leading the MIE team. Starting in the fall, Infant Toddler (IT) likely visit two-three times over the year. and Early Childhood (EC) classes will Another summer focus was the request be held there. At the same time, all TEP The summer Administrator (Admin) of Starwood Montessori School in Fris- documents and other materials were classes were held in the Parents Room/ co, TX, to provide training for their facul- moved from the ffth foor of the main Library for two-and-a-half weeks. There ty. Lisanne and her crew are developing school building to a dedicated offce in were three new students, and seven a curriculum that would be available in the church basement. continuing students. Admin is a bit dif- two-week segments and seminar week- ferent from the regular credential, in ends taught by TEP faculty, and in online This past summer eighteen enthusiastic that admission is rolling and the stu- courses. new students started their Early Child- dents therefore overlap. The credential hood courses in the beautiful Demas requires an online course during the As Lisanne says, the Montessori phi- Hall on the main level of the church. Stu- fall and two summer sessions. Melissa losophy is a foundation that ensures dents on the fall EC track joined them Freeman, former Associate Head of consistency in the academic approach, for the last three weeks. WSMS, oversees the management of but—at the same time—there has to be the program (she also oversees practi- growth to ensure vibrancy. This is as Elementary (EL) classes were held cums for both EC and Admin), and Bev true for the adult programs as it is for the at Metropolitan Montessori School on Smith, former Assistant Head of WSMS, children’s. Lisanne credits and is grate- West 85th Street, which allowed us to serves as a mentor and coach. ful to the WSMS Board for their faith in, use their age-appropriate classroom and support of, the TEP goals; to Head settings. Twenty-one students attended Lisanne met regularly with her team of School Mimi Basso for her cease- these classes. Rosemary Quaranta, throughout the summer: Uniit Carruyo less encouragement and support; to Head of the Montessori Lab School of is the IT Coordinator; Sheba Kapur is Amy Stoney, Shawn Cumberbatch and Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, the Elementary Level Coordinator and their team for cheerfully and effectively shared her 40 years of Montessori ex- oversees visa procurement for interna- addressing TEP facilities requirements; perience during a two-week segment tional students; in addition to her Admin and to her team and faculty for ensur- of the program. This year the program role, Melissa Freedman coordinates ing the highest quality education for the included classes for the Elementary I practicums for EC students. They are adult students enrolled in TEP. (ages 6-9) credential. Next year we will now working on creating an online pro- expand to include Elementary II (ages fessional development curriculum, and Summer may be over, but the busy world 9-12). a “Montessori Inclusion Endorsement” of TEP keeps on going.

6 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG HATS OFF TO WSMS-TEP GRADS On June 20, 2018, WSMS-TEP cel- greeted warmly by all in attendance. their environments, work collaboratively ebrated its largest graduating class The invited speaker was Gina Lofquist, with fellow teachers, and maintain their ever, with a special ceremony held in Senior Director of Teacher Education for focus on the essential elements of Mon- the Trinity School auditorium. Sixty-six the American Montessori Society. We tessori’s philosophy. students completed the program and were also delighted to welcome Melina will receive their Montessori credentials Papadimitriou, the new AMS Director of The enthusiastic applause of a theater from AMS in the Infant Toddler, Early Teacher Education Affliation and Servic- full of friends and family was a joyous Childhood, and—for the frst time—Ele- es as a special guest. Gina lauded the ending to WSMS-TEP training and a mentary levels. The graduates from the group for their efforts throughout training great beginning to the careers of our Infant Toddler additional location in Bei- and encouraged the graduates to use all newest alumni group! jing, China, joined via Zoom and were they have learned to inspire children in

West Side Montessori School Teacher Education Program

For a career that makes a difference Infant Toddler Program Master's Programs Summer and Year-Round Models Concordia College partners with WSMS-TEP for dual Master’s Early Childhood Program in EC/Special Education AND Summer and Year-Round Models Childhood/Special Education Elementary Program Scholarships Available Summer + Five Weekend Model Committed to diversity and access Administrator Program to training for all Two Summers + School Year Online Course

Find out more at wsmsnyc.org/teachereducation or Enroll Today! email Lisanne Pinciotti at [email protected]

309 West 92nd Street, New York, NY 10025 | 212-662-8000 Founded in 1967 by Roslyn D. Williams as Project CHAMP, WSMS-TEP has been continuously AMS-affiliated and MACTE-accredited.

7 TWOS TWOS TWOS ... WONDERFUL TWOS!

This past September 47 two-year-olds began their educational journeys at WSMS … an event no one could have anticipated ten years ago.

When Mimi Basso returned to WSMS as Head of School in 2007, she had a wealth of exciting ideas about how to maintain and enhance the school’s pre- mier reputation in the New York early childhood sphere. She had served as WSMS Associate Head of School in the late 1990s and had long been affliated with the Teacher Education Program, so WSMS. Some parents questioned why siastic. Students were generally limited she was intimately familiar with what we WSMS did not offer some form of this to siblings or connected families, so as did, and in her role as Director of School opportunity as well. not to affect availability to three-year- Accreditation at the American Montes- olds whose families chose to wait. The sori Society she knew what our peers At the same time, UPK (Universal Pre- next year we offered an afternoon half- were doing. Kindergarten) was gaining widespread day option, but quickly discovered that support in local public schools, and two-year-olds really need nap time. We Mimi devoted a lot of listening time in her there was some legitimate concern in offered two-, three- and fve-day op- frst years as Head and quickly learned the administration that we would be los- tions, and ended up with 55 two-year- that many parents wanted to expose ing four-year-olds to tuition-free school- olds in attendance. The logistics were their children to educational opportuni- ing. We actually offered UPK for several complicated and we were forced to limit ties before they reached eligibility for years, but stopped because the city re- enrollment opportunities for three-year- WSMS. She realized that we sometimes quired separate classrooms—not con- olds new to WSMS because there were lost families who needed all-day or part- sistent with the Montessori mixed age fewer classrooms. time coverage (in fact, this has even approach—and we had to accept all ap- been an issue with WSMS teachers who plicants. In addition, we quickly realized have left for positions at schools with that having one-third of the students (all younger program options). the four-year-olds!) paying no/minimal tuition would have a signifcant impact At the same time, she was hearing from on our ability to provide our program- her peers about the need for Infant Tod- ming and offer fnancial aid to families dler Montessori credential training. who needed it.

This spearheaded the addition of sev- Meanwhile WSMS-TEP (the Teacher eral action items to the 2011-2016 Stra- Education Program), under the direction tegic Plan. of Loren DeNicola, applied to AMS (the American Montessori Society) to add WHY DID WE ADD A TWOS PRO- Infant Toddler credential training to their GRAM? options.

Back in 2010, Suzanne Day, the Direc- In 2013 we launched a two-year pi- tor of Admissions, conducted a survey. lot program and the frst class of Twos Some 60% of children had already been began at WSMS under the direction of in a formal program, most of which were Karen Deinzer. [You can see a detailed “separation” programs (which require description of the pilot program in the parents to drop the children off rath- Fall 2013 issue of Great Beginnings on er than participate), before attending our web site.] The response was enthu-

8 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG Ultimately Mimi Basso and Judy Lyons, ting, every class will get some outdoor faculty support), she has made multiple who succeeded Suzanne as Director time: a trip to the park or a nature walk visits to supervise the TEP IT program in of Admissions, resolved that what we around the block. Beijing, China. do best is fve-day programming. They decided to offer mornings, 9-3 and LAP AND WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING? Per Lisanne Pinciotti, Director of WSMS- (8:30-5:30) options for two-year-olds. TEP, there are currently 18 students pur- And to fgure out how to maintain suf- Karen Deinzer has watched the Twos suing the Infant Toddler credential train- fcient openings for new three-year-olds. Program fourish over the past fve years. ing. In addition, many of the requests She has recruited a dedicated and ex- we get for adding locations request IT Fast forward to 2018! Enthusiasm for perienced group of teachers (there are training. the Twos remained high, and the limited four teachers in every classroom). This number of classrooms meant outside fall she welcomed former parent Claudia Judy Lyons has seen a sparked inter- families had little likelihood of accep- Gravira as a teacher—not the frst time a est in full-day applications, especially tance. After considering a variety of op- WSMS parent has found her calling in a on the part of parents of potential Twos tions, we negotiated a long-term lease Montessori classroom! Program students. This has re-oriented with the Annunciation Greek Orthodox our focus on providing increased LAP Church on the corner of 91st Street and Karen has also become an integral part opportunities, both in terms of space West End Avenue. The summer of 2018 of the TEP Infant Toddler training, work- needs and in appropriate activities (es- saw a major renovation of the base- ing with Uniit Carruyo (IT Level Coor- pecially gross motor) for the post-3:00 ment space to include two classrooms dinator) and Tara Greaney (IT faculty) p.m. crowd. This year we have 49 chil- and dedicated offce space for TEP. The during the academic year. With Tara dren in LAP, including 11 two-year-olds, overhaul was not without a few unex- and Maria Rosado (Twos teacher and IT but we expect that number to grow. pected snags, but ultimately 32 happy children were welcomed into the brand new space: 18 stay until 3:00 p.m., while the rest leave at 12:30 p.m. Another 15 are housed in 1W on 92nd Street; most of them are in LAP (the Late Afternoon Program).

DO THE TWO-YEAR-OLDS HAVE A DIFFERENT MONTESSORI PRO- GRAM?

Two-year-olds are active creatures— they need 45 minutes to an hour of gross motor activity every day—and their small motor skills are still developing. Key areas to address include language development, physical development and socialization.

The classroom shelves include an as- sortment of activities to meet the needs of every individual. These materials are chosen to tie more closely to the younger children’s abilities and interests, while helping them understand cause and ef- fect. Easels and shelf supplies offer multiple creative art options.

But the big difference from the typical early childhood classroom is physical activity: we have less furniture in the classroom, which allows for bikes, balance boards, movement and block building … and we have even allocated space in the hallway outside the church classrooms for racing! Weather permit-

9 STOP AND THINK: Talking About Racial Identity

• What is it like for you when a child raises an issue about race? How com- fortable are you talking this topic with children? What makes you uncomfortable? What would help you respond appropriately? • In what kinds of situations in your life today do issues of racial difference come up? What is that like? Are there things you wished you understood better so you could speak more clearly about them? • What, if anything, do you do when you TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT see or hear racial prejudice, including a racist joke? What would you feel and RACE AND DIFFERENCE do if someone told you that you spoke or behaved in a prejudiced way? By Giuliana de Grazia, WSMS Diversity Practitioner

A couple of years ago I observed a white dren’s book about Ruby Bridges and society perceives race is centuries old child playing in the block area. She had another book about Martin Luther King, and is flled with ambivalence, confu- built a large building and arranged some Jr. The child explained that white people sion, misunderstanding, confict, and in- of the small wooden people on what did this. White people didn’t let brown- tense, powerful feelings … most people appeared to be the building’s roof. She skinned people in their buildings. prefer to avoid the topic of race, to re- then lifted one wooden person up, as main silent, to minimize its importance it were scaling the building, and used We talked for a little bit longer, and I or impact, or to pretend not to notice another to knock it down. I didn’t notice realized that this child was interested it” (Race Talk and The Conspiracy of that she had chosen only white people in the power of white people from the Silence, 2015, p. 5-6). His understand- for the rooftop until I heard her say, “No stories she had read. She had not, how- ing aligns with the theory of ‘aversive brown people allowed!” I then realized ever, picked up on the consequences of racism’: the behaviors of white people that she was choosing white fgures for the power and the injustice of the power. whose egalitarian ideas confict with the rooftop and a brown-skinned fgure She didn’t realize that the stories were their implicit biases, sometimes leading to be repeatedly excluded from the roof. not championing white supremacists, to discriminatory behavior, ambivalence, but revealing a terrible and unjust part of and avoidance (The Aversive Form of Feelings of surprise, concern, and re- our history, our country. I would need to Racism, Gaertner & Dovidio, 1986). sponsibility consumed me. This is not fnd some books to read with this child to This idea complicates the path forward. okay! What do I do? Keep watching? Do point out the injustice, the unkindness, How can people of all races recognize I say something? Ask her to stop? What and to invite her empathy. and work against implicit biases? if I say the wrong thing? Ugh, I wish I hadn’t seen this. Can I ignore it? Why is This is only one example of a time that Derald Wing Sue has advice for adults she doing this? I didn’t really know what to do or say. I wanting to talk to children about race; was reminded of how hard it is to talk however, his suggestions come with The question of why inspired me to be- with children about race and difference, a great deal of work and accountabil- come curious and to learn more for a and I felt weak, like I should have found ity. He insists that adults must become few reasons. Montessori teachers work something more powerful to say in the highly aware of their own biases and daily to better understand their children. moment. Perhaps now I could. But, hon- relationships with race and difference Furthermore, as early childhood teach- estly, without practice it can also be hard before preparing to work with children. ers, we are continually learning about to talk with adults about differences and He writes, “Self-healing must come be- how children make meaning from their our society’s response to them. fore other-healing” (2015, p. 213). His experiences. We also want to know how is a tall order. What if we don’t yet feel children communicate the knowledge Many adults feel uncomfortable talking prepared or “healed”? Should we stay they absorb. I decided to ask the child with children about race and difference. silent? a question, and I proceeded to learn Perhaps this makes sense, since ac- that this child had recently read a chil- cording to Derald Wing Sue, “How our Perhaps Sue sets the bar too high for

10 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG those of us who are just beginning to broaching uncomfortable topics. SEED awaken to our biases or to the complex- describes its work on their website: ity of our participation in society. Isn’t there some way we can talk to our chil- “The National SEED Project is a dren while we are also engaged in the peer-led professional develop- learning and growth Sue describes? ment program that creates conver- sational communities to drive per- Louise Derman-Sparks reminds us that sonal, organizational, and societal when we aren’t sure of just what to say change toward greater equity and as an answer, we can almost always diversity...SEED leaders design their help a child make meaning in some way. seminars to include personal refec- For example, we can ask questions to tion and testimony, listening to better understand what a child is think- others’ voices, and learning expe- ing. We can let children know that it is rientially and collectively. Through okay to talk about what they notice and this methodology, SEED equips us what they are trying to understand. We to connect our lives to one an- can take the role of listener, and then, other and to society at large by ac- after we have done some thinking and knowledging systems of oppression, questioning about what to say, we can power, and privilege.” return to the conversation. For example, one SEED exercise invites This is particularly important if we see participants to refect on their perspec- something unfair or unkind. Derman- tives by simply questioning, refect- Sparks writes, “If you keep silent, you ing on, and discussing, “Whom was I leave children alone to make sense of taught to look down upon?” Everyone a hurtful world. If you wait until you are is asked to journal, to speak, and to lis- completely sure of yourself, until you ten. Sometimes we show a video about know ‘enough,’ the moment will pass, socio-economic class or racial iden- and the children you work with will have tity. Participants come away with more more deeply learned negative attitudes self-knowledge, familiarity with their col- about themselves and others” (2010, p. leagues’ experiences, and awareness 19). that we are all taught, implicitly or explic- Eric Hoffman, an anti-bias educator and itly, to rank and classify people. We con- author of bilingual children’s books such At WSMS, we sometimes look at situ- sider how we automatically categorize as No Fair to Tigers, offers adults the ations by considering the presence of people when simply passing them on the following guidelines for responding to kindness or unkindness. Our children street or hearing their voices. Working children’s curiosity about difference: are practiced in identifying unkindness through this discomfort together helps • Just listen. Stay calm and interested. whether it takes the form of aggression us to know ourselves better, especially Don’t make assumptions or judgments or exclusion. We must practice, as well. as we interact with children and families about the child. in the classroom. • Figure out what the child wants to Practice making mistakes. Practice lis- know. It may not be what the question tening. Practice opening to other per- SEED meetings, however, are not al- appears to be on the surface. spectives and truths. Adults are encour- ways uncomfortable. We are building • Listen for the feelings behind the aged to create spaces or relationships community and working as partners to words. Does the question refect mere in which they can practice with relative learn from and with each other. We are curiosity or also discomfort of some kind? comfort. Sometimes these safe spaces regularly stimulated to approach our • Answer matter-of-factly. Use language are affnity spaces, other times they are community as a place to teach and to appropriate to the child’s developmen- groups of people who want to refect and learn. SEED meetings can feel empow- tal understanding. discuss challenging issues–the very is- ering–we are in this together! We can • Always respond. If you do not know sues mainstream culture insists we support each other! This feeling of sup- what to say, explain that you want to leave unspoken. At WSMS, we are cre- port is also the intention of WSMS’s Di- answer, but must frst think about what ating these spaces for practice. versity Council. to say. Get back to the child with your response by the next day This year, WSMS has a faculty group The Diversity Council spends less time • Follow up. Decide whether a particu- lar child’s question warrants follow-up with nearly thirty members called SEED on self-refection and more time on im- activities. (Seeking Educational Equity and Diver- plementation and organization. Every sity). Stefanie Eckhert and I lead the two Diversity Council member is also in a (from Derman-Sparks and Olsen hour discussions with activities and con- SEED group, so they are sure to be do- Edwards, Anti-Bias Education for Young versations that give participants practice ing the ‘deeper work’ in that group. The Children and Ourselves)

11 intention of the Diversity Council is to support classrooms with resources and practices, while putting together a vision for the whole school. In these sessions, we use one another to work through specifc classroom happenings, deal with challenging conversations, and develop lessons meeting the needs of a specifc child or group of children.

For example, last year on the Diversity Council, we examined each classroom environment and talked through some choices that were clearly well-inten- tioned, but needed to be re-thought. How were we introducing dolls with dis- abilities? What messages about gender were our comments on children’s clothing sending? When is it okay for a child to touch a teacher’s hair? These conversations are hard! However, we now see, and continue reminding each other, that these interactions are what will help lead to developing truly anti-bias communities.

Some teachers have expressed the feeling that it’s only getting harder; the more you learn, the more you worry we spent a few weeks learning about tions were not easy, but it was clear that about doing or saying the wrong thing. skin-tone. In our frst meeting, we heard the children had a lot to talk about! But we are not asked to do this chal- the ideas WSMS fve-year-olds were lenging work alone. We have a com- forming about skin. When asked, “How If children want to talk about something, munity of adults committed to learning do you think you got your skin color?” we need to listen; if children experience more and to supporting our children some children responded: injustice, we need to respond. As a com- as best we can. I trust the people who munity, let’s accept the discomfort and have devoted their professional careers “If you really wanna have a skin color, practice having hard conversations. and lives to studying socialization, gen- you have to touch your mom, in her der identity, race, etc. I can partner with tummy.” them and learn from their stories to bet- “It happens because your cells de- ter understand different experiences, cide. The boss cells say what your values, and truths. skin color should be and the worker RESOURCES cells do it.” • Boler, M. and M. Zembylas (2003). It’s okay to feel like you don’t know, and “By going in the sun.” “Discomforting Truths: The Emotional it’s important to continue trying to learn “By standing next to your favorite col- Terrain of Understanding Difference.” more, to think critically, to keep an open or and the wind blows it onto you and In Peter Trifonas, ed. Pedagogies of mind, to listen to others. It is not help- you close your eyes.” Difference. NY: Routledge. ful, however, to ignore these topics or “Somebody gives you your color • Derman-Sparks, L. and Edwards. J.O. to imagine that race and difference do when you’re a baby.” (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Our not exist. Just think of how important it “The people who make the world give Children and Ourselves. Washington, is for adults to be people who children the children skin color...” DC: NAEYC. • Gaertner, S.L. & Dovidio, J.F. (1986). will come to with questions, with obser- “The aversive form of racism.” In J.F. vations, and conversations about how What an opportunity for teaching, for Dovidio & S.L. Gaertner, (Eds.), Preju- they are making sense of our world. As offering children facts about difference! dice, Discrimination, and Racism (61- adults, we can help children think criti- We extended our conversations from 89). New York: Academic Press. cally, practice kindness, and make ac- the science of skin-tone to the language • Sue, Derald Wing (2015). Race Talk curate meaning. some people use to describe different and The Conspiracy of Silence. Hobo- races. We had to prepare for these con- ken, NJ: Wiley. Last year in ALB, the after-lunch pro- versations, but we began with what the • The National SEED Project. national- gram for the oldest children at WSMS, children were thinking. The conversa- seedproject.org

12 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG SAVE THE DATE WSMS AUCTION 2019

THE ANNUAL WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL AUCTION Bringing the entire community of families, faculty and staff together to celebrate & to support a critically important part of our mission. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019 7:00 – 11:00PM | THE EDISON BALLROOM | NEW YORK CITY For over 50 years, we’ve provided 20% of WSMS families (40 or more students) annual tuition support from our ﬁnancial aid program.

13 BEHIND THE SCENES: Keeping West Side Montessori School Safe and Effective

Most people who visit WSMS probably Because every space is utilized every cleaned and polished every few do not pay a lot of attention to the fa- day, the regular daily schedule includes months cilities. The atmosphere is bright, clean afterschool cleaning of classrooms/ • at least once a year the laminate and cheerful … there are no distractions gym/offces/restrooms … mopping classroom fooring is stripped and re- caused by dirt or marks on the walls in- foors, wiping off furniture, sanitizing the polished dicating the need for a paint job, strange kitchen and bathrooms. • every three months the kitchen ap- smells (at least most of the time), or un- pliances are serviced and the grease usual mechanical noises. For this we On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the TEP/ trap is cleaned (this needs to be done are grateful to Amy Stoney, Director of Concordia classes take place in the when the school is empty since it is Operations, and Shawn Cumberbatch, gym, so Shawn’s staff is charged with an unpleasant event!) Facilities Manager. turning the children’s play space into an adult learning center in the late after- A HECTIC SUMMER What visitors don’t realize is how much noon, then re-confguring it for the kids goes on behind the scenes and all when the adult classes are over. There are always one-time projects to through the year. be accomplished, and for the most part The same thing happens on Friday, in those are scheduled in the summer, OUR FACILITIES the gym and also in the Twos class- when camp occupies only two or three rooms at the Church, for Saturday TEP of the eight classrooms and there are far WSMS bought the double brownstone classes. fewer adults around. at 309 West 92nd Street in 1974 from the Calhoun School. Over the years Amy and Shawn also work hand-in-hand This summer’s big projects—aside from there have been many upgrades and with Nikki Chase-Levin and the Parents the renovation of the Church for the renovations, and the building currently Association to be sure that facilities are Twos—were: has eight classrooms for children, bath- ready for the many events that happen rooms on every level, a full-service at WSMS. • installing a new state-of-the-art fre kitchen, the library/parents’ room on alarm system, inspected and certi- the frst foor, a gym/adult classroom on EVERY FEW MONTHS … fed by the NYFD, which required run- the ffth foor, outdoor play space on the ning conduit at the rear of the build- roof, and offce space on multiple levels. There is a substantial amount of ongoing wired to every classroom (Shawn ing maintenance that takes place on cleverly realized this was much more This year we rented and renovated a regular basis over the course of the effcient than indoor wiring) basement space from the Annunciation year and has to be ftted into strategic • moving all TEP documents and other Greek Orthodox Church, at 91st Street timing—days off, weekends, and early materials to the Church (where class- and West End Avenue, to provide two closings: es were/are held), creating storage dedicated classrooms and offce space opportunities on the ffth foor for our thriving Twos Program and • all the carpeting is shampooed and • replacing fooring/carpeting in the WSMS-TEP. the non-carpeted fooring is heavy- Garden class and Teachers’ Room in

14 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG response to fooding damage could be highly upsetting if the children • replacing carpet in all other class- were blindsided by them. We schedule rooms and on the stairs (this is usu- two drills/month, monitored by the New ally done every two years) York City Fire Department to ensure AMY AND SHAWN • replacing laminate with tile in all bath- timely evacuation to safe locations, and rooms to ensure the foors are water- there are always several drills each year Amy Stoney joined WSMS in the fall of proof and to enhance cleaning where faculty are not given advance no- 2014 as a part-time receptionist and • ftting all fre escape doors with ex- tice to ensure that they are not compla- quickly progressed to a full-time member of the admin team. With a hand in many ternal key access (before they could cent in responding. different aspects of the daily operations only be opened from the inside with of WSMS, it seemed a natural progres- a push bar) BUT WE ARE NOT FINISHED … sion when she took over the position of • an external power wash, followed by Director of Operations in 2017. Amy is patching/painting the exterior where Having accomplished all this doesn’t still involved in much of the administra- necessary mean there is not more to be done in tive work, but also oversees the kitchen the future. Amy and Shawn are currently (where she has a strong hand in menu SAFETY contemplating: development), facilities and reception staff, and she makes sure classroom teachers have everything they need to For obvious reasons safety is our high- • painting the doors and the lobby do their work. She is a valuable contribu- est priority. Our daily maintenance en- • dealing preventatively with winter ice tor to decisions made regarding build- sures that our facilities are sanitary, that accumulation on the façade, which ing upgrades and construction projects, children do not have access to anything has previously been addressed by in- has been part of the weekly construction that could cause them harm, that our stalling special heaters meetings since January, and hires and passageways are not obstructed, that manages the various contractors who do steps and sidewalks are not slippery in Ensuring that our children have the best work at school. Before joining WSMS, bad weather, and—critically—that the possible place to start their education- Amy spent most of her career as nanny school can be emptied rapidly in case of al journeys means that we have to be or household manager. And in her spare time she has an amazing catering busi- fre or other emergencies. thinking ahead and exploring alterna- ness! tives. Fire drills are critical to school safety. Shawn Cumberbatch joined WSMS in Starting that classroom training is one As Mimi says, “Both Shawn and Amy the spring of 2017. He has worked in of the frst things teachers do in the fall; have an incredible ‘can do’ attitude.” the facilities/janitorial industry for many the loud noise and strobe lights (part WSMS is lucky to have Amy and Shawn years. In 2008 he started his career in of the new system) in every classroom on the job. Manhattan private schools, where he ran or worked in the facilities departments of Greenwich House/Barrow Street Nurs- ery School and the Brownstone School. As the Facilities Manager at WSMS, he is responsible for the daily maintenance of the building, DOH/DOB/FDNY compli- ance, safety of building for students and staff and any emergency facility-related issues.

Shawn has a critical and discerning eye around all safety issues. Most days at ar- rival and dismissal, he is out on the street in front of the building watching the area as families arrive. Caregivers and parents will leave sleeping babies in strollers with him so they can come in to drop off an older child. Shawn also does impromptu safety drills with individual classrooms, offering safety guidance to teachers.

And, in his spare time, Shawn owns and manages his ever-expanding business, IGT Moving and Cleaning Services, which oversees facilities in fve buildings throughout the city and provides other services to clients as needed.

15 ALUMNI NOTES Alex Stephan (’11) graduated Lily Kurtz (’11) is a from The Parkside School and is sixth grader at The now in 6th grade at York Prepa- Hewitt School. Pas- ratory School. Alex plays hockey sionate about books, year-round, has his junior black sewing, swimming and belt in karate, and always has skiing, Lily also has a his nose in a new book. Peter keen interest in marine biology. For Stephan (’14) will start 3rd grade the past two summers, she has at- Anna (’93) and Mary Jane (’96) Sake- at PS 199 this fall! He loves being tended SEACAMP, a marine science llariadis will be starting Harvard Busi- with friends, reading, skiing and camp in San Diego. Fun fact: one ness School in the fall. Sophie (’94) solving math problems... Their of Lily’s closest friends at Hewitt is is working in Southeast Asia, based in parents, Kate and David Stepha- Penelope Tarr, whom she met in the Singapore, for Stripe, a payments pro- ns, wrote, “We miss WSMS!” WSMS Garden classroom. cessing company. John (’99) starts Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs in the fall. The Connelly family has a strong connection to education. Katie (’90) is Chief of Staff at Bank Street College. James (’96) is working in administration at WSMS(!!). Annie (’97) is teaching Dena Twain Sims (’87) is a proud four-year-olds at DC Prep in Washington and will earn her mas- alumna and mom of current and ter’s in educational policy at American University in December. past WSMS students. Her daugh- And Molly (’00) has just started a position as a co-lead teacher ter Dylan (’17) spent two wonderful for two- and three-year-olds at C’e Montessori School in Wil- years at WSMS, and is now in Class liamsburg. Tina does special projects at WSMS, and serves on 1 at Brearley, and Izzie joined the the alumni parents committees of Collegiate and Spence. And WSMS fold in fall 2018. Dylan and Mike, who retired as head of a charter school company, is now Izzie love thumbing through Dena’s doing a turnaround for a guardianship agency. WSMS yearbooks from the ‘80s and have noticed that many aspects of the school still look the same! Dena works in unscripted television pro- From Mari- Sam Mellins attended WSMS 2000- duction, currently as Senior Director elle Eckos and 2002 and graduated in June 2015 of Production at Viceland. Emilio Lozoya: from Hunter College High School. “About six years He spent the following year in Israel, ago we left NYC in the Shalom Hartman Institute’s and WSMS to start a new adven- Hevruta gap year program in Jeru- Mikey Verberkmoes ture in Mexico City. As we now salem. He is now a rising third year (’16) competed in his pack up to start a new chapter in student at the University of Chicago, frst 3x3 Rubik’s Cube Germany, we often think about majoring in history, with a concentra- competition held by the how the wonderful time Amaya tion in early modern Europe (think World Cubing Asso- (’13) and Luca (’13) spent at Martin Luther!). ciation on October 21, WSMS allowed each of them to 2018, in Elmhurst New York. Mikey develop and learn individually, was the youngest participant in the embrace diversity and value the James (’14) and Josie Rego (’16) competition and scored his personal warm and welcoming community miss WSMS! Both are doing well. Af- overall best time and highest per- of learners. Thank you, WSMS. ter several terrifc years at the Trinity sonal average times during the 3x3 PS: We wish that Amaya and Lu- School, they transferred to the Wind- rounds. He was also excited to meet ca’s sister, Leni, could have expe- ward School on the Upper East Side many of the world record holders and rienced her frst learning years at this fall. The Regos send love to all to witness several national and North WSMS!” WSMS’ers!! American records being broken that day at the competition! Mikey has two brothers who cheered him on during the competition: Sammy Ver- 2010 WSMS alumni Lake Gifford, Finn Guillemin, and Perry berkmoes (2W) and Johnny Ver- Hefferren-Harkless formed a rock band, Uranium Sister, while in berkmoes (’14). His parents, John middle school at Trinity. The power trio has performed to wide ac- Verberkmoes and Daria Kim, have claim at school, in basements, and at the West End Lounge. On recently joined an online support Saturday, October 13, Uranium Sister made an exclusive appear- group for parents of Speedcubers. ance on West 92nd Street, doing a set at WSMS’s Fall Festival.

16 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG Giulia (’89) and Abigail Pines (’92) went to Trinity School after WSMS. Giulia Isabella España is graduated from Columbia in 2008, and moved to Berlin, Germany, where she a 2011 graduate of lived for almost 10 years, before returning last year. She published four books WSMS (4E). A classi- while there. She has had three articles in the NYT in the last few months (two in cal violinist who has the Travel section and one in the Arts section). Abigail graduated from Barnard in played nationally and 2011 and the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She interned in the internationally, Isabella BluePearl Veterinary Partners emergency and specialty hospitals, and started was accepted into the Special Music with the Veterinary Emergency Group in August 2018. School (SMS) at the Kaufman Center. She attributes much of her success to WSMS—not only academically, where her experience with the 100s Taylor Frazier attend- All is well with Alexa and Amelia number board helped her become ed West Side Montes- Citron (’12). They turned 12(!) in a math whiz, but physically as well. sori School from 1995 September and are now in middle With only one elevator in the building, to 1997, and went to school (6th grade) at Fieldston. SMS students must walk-up six fights the Brearley School They have been at Fieldston since of stairs. Who knew that treading up until her family relocat- they graduated from WSMS. They to 4E would be the “easiest” commute ed to Pennsylvania in enjoy school, have friends, and to school she would ever have? 1999. She graduated play sports (soccer in the fall, from Princeton with an softball in the spring) and instru- AB cum laude in His- ments (drums for Amelia, guitar tory in 2014, and earned an MPH in for Alexa). They still live in the Riya Pherwani (’17) Maternal and Child Health Policy in neighborhood and always take had a fantastic kinder- 2016 at Boston University School of pleasure in crossing 92nd Street. garten year at Chapin, Public Health. After two years with with fellow WSMSer, the Community Service Society of Piper Nelson. Ad- New York, she moved to St. Louis, justing to the school In May, Cooper MO, to pursue a JD at Washington routine and the academics were a Ramsey (’14) was University School of Law. breeze with the great foundation laid awarded First Place at WSMS. Even though Riya loves in the Hal Leonard her “big girl” school, she continues Vocal Competition to miss her teachers and friends at Bastian Canale in the 12 & Un- WSMS and wants to visit on every (’15) is almost der category. She is the young- possible occasion. Her one and only eight years old est winner in this category at age doll has been christened “Kathy” af- and will be in 9 and her parents couldn’t be ter the beloved Katherine Fordney of third grade in the more proud! This is a link to the 3E. Riya’s mom, Reshma, deals with Dual Language video of her winning submission: her own WSMS withdrawal symptoms program at PS 87 this fall. He is ful- https://youtu.be/2S8ffUryyDw by volunteering on the WSMS Admis- ly bilingual at a native level in both sions Committee, while working on Spanish and English, and is picking her start up, Cordelia Solutions, that up Italian from family. Bastian start- helps families fgure out how to take ed learning ASL last year, and loves Austin (’04) and Drew (’02) Perl- care of aging parents. signing. He has a passion for trav- mutter attended this year’s WSMS elling and sports, and has been to reunion [Heather P. is between six countries and seven states. Last them in photo]. Drew graduated summer, he spent a month in Ecua- from Bates College this spring and Lucian Cooke (’17) dor, where he had the opportunity to is now teaching in Maine. Aus- lives in London and go to “Galápagos, the most amazing tin will be a sophomore at Bates attends The Gower place on earth,” as he calls it. This in the fall. Both enjoyed returning School, a Montessori summer he is at mountain biking to the school and looking through primary school. He camp in a Colorado/Utah, and will their old yearbooks. Neither real- just fnished Recep- join the West Side Soccer League ized how tion (~Kindergarten). His favorite Travel Team this fall. Pursuing a di- many of their things are math, reading, high speed versity of interests, being strong aca- high school trains, Lego and dancing. He fondly demically, and able to adapt and en- friends were recalls his time and friends at WSMS; joy challenges are skills he owes to schoolmates especially how much he loved Miss WSMS. Here is where it all started! at WSMS! Cailyn!

We’d love to hear from you! Please share alumni notes with Sarah Eson, [email protected]. 17 WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT OF GIVING 2017-2018

18 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG 2017-2018 REVENUE (unaudited)

Annual Fund 4% Auction 4%

Tuition, Fees, Government Programs 92%

2017-2018 OPERATING FUNDRAISING EXPENSES (unaudited) RESULTS 2017-2018 Administrative 22% (unaudited) Financial Aid 13%

ANNUAL FUND $321,710 AUCTION 272,834 FALL FESTIVAL 5,048

TOTAL RAISED $599,592

Building Maintenance 12% Instructional Expense 53%

19 Your Annual Fund Dollars at Work

Annual ongoing Enhanced parent education opportunities, including Installed a modern expenses include: the addition of a monthly cataloguing and speaker series lending system Stipends to teachers who are working towards a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education continue

$10,000 of books are purchased annually Introduced instrument lessons for faculty to enhance music in Collaberated with a the curriculum Formed the Faculty nutritionist to create Hired dual language Diversity Council, and hired healthy options Expanded our Twos Program learning specialist a Diversity Practitioner to a beautifully renovated new classroom space at 302 West 91st Street

Launched Kindness Curriculum

Provided Powerful Hired an occupational Installed new Partnered with Interactions coaching therapist to work in Began a scholarship program open-ended gym Network of Accomplished comprehensive for teachers with classrooms with for our teacher education equipment Schools that Heal gym renovation! expert Judy Jablon teachers program, WSMS-TEP

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Questions? Write us at [email protected] THE WSMS ANNUAL FUND. GIVE FROM THE , GIVE WHAT YOU CAN.

20 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG Your Annual Fund Dollars at Work

Launched Kindness Curriculum

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Questions? Write us at [email protected] THE WSMS ANNUAL FUND. GIVE FROM THE , GIVE WHAT YOU CAN.

21 How much of an impact do you THE RESULTS ARE IN! feel your donation to the WSMS WSMS Annual Fund 2018 Survey Annual Fund would make?

In the spring, the Annual Fund Committee distributed an Annual Fund survey to current families. We are grateful to the 77 individuals who shared their thoughtful replies with us! Comprised of volunteer parents in the school, the Annual Fund Committee looks forward to using this information to plan for the coming year’s campaigns. Thank you for your help!

How familiar are you with the 2% WSMS Annual Fund? 23% 51% 2% 2% A lot 51% 51% 23% 23%A moderate amount 56% A little 2% 23% 51% 56%None at all 56% Unsure 2056%% 20% 82% 47%20% believe the outreach from the Annual Fund team this 182%% believe the 47% 47% 20% 82% year has been just right believe the outreach from process of giving to the believe the outreach from 82%the Annual Fund team this 60%147%% 82% Annual Fund the Annual Fund team this 1% Very familiar year has been just right believe the outreach from believe the outreach from the year has been just right has been Somewhatthe Annual familiar Fund team this Annual1% Fund team this year very easy year has been just right has been just right Not at all familiar

Which of the following facts about Contributions may be The Fall Festival, Auction, the Annual Fund are you aware of? 44% made in the form of 58% and Hooked on Books do 2% securities NOT raise money for the23% 51% 44% Annual Fund Annual Fund pledges must 58% 44% 58%64% be fulflled by the end of the 44% 58% fscal year The Annual Fund’s twin 64% goals this year are to raise The annual FlyWheel 56% 64% 64% 49% $300K and gain 100% 79% Ride raises money for The end of the fscal year participation from families the Annual Fund 52% at WSMS is June 30th 49% enrolled in the school 20% 79% 49% 79% 52%49% 79% 52%All Annual Fund Many employers will match 47% 52% The Match Drive raises 82% 88% contributions are fully 64% believe64% the outreachcontributions from to the WSMS tax-deductible money for the Annual Fund Annual Fund 1% 88% the Annual64% Fund team this 64% 88% 64% year has64% been just right 88% 64% 2264% | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG

44% 58%

64%

49% 79% 52%

88% 64% 64% How well does WSMS recognize fnd that certain campaigns (like the FlyWheel donors for their contributions? Ride, the Annual Fund Match Drive) motivate 68% them to give to the WSMS Annual Fund 2% 23% Extremely well 51%

56% Very well Please tell us in your own words why you choose to donate to the WSMS Annual Fund): 20% Somewhat well “We think the Annual Fund is a great fs- sure that future students have a similar 47% 82% cal catalyst that enables various students high quality experience.” believe the outreach from Not so well to attend WSMS, and we’re just grateful the Annual Fund team this 1% that our daughter was able to attend and “I feel like my whole family benefts tre- year has been just right be a part of a nurturing school environ- mendously from our experience being ment.” part of the WSMS community and I am deeply supportive of its mission, includ- “To help another family as we were ing fnancial aid/economic diversity.” The following are reasons for helped.” giving to the Annual Fund ranked “To provide support for the school beyond in order of their importance to you: “WSMS has had a profound positive im- what is covered by tuition and provide pact on our children, instilling a sense funds for the fnancial aid program.” 6 of community, a love of learning, and a confdence we are so happy and grate- “It is very important for us to give to the Helping WSMS with annual operating ful to see nurtured. We want to support school that has given so much to our 2% 44% 58% expenses in whatever area has the WSMS to express our gratitude and to family. That means helping teachers23% re- 51% greatest need enable the continuation of this wonderful ceive the training they need, as well as 64% school.” providing salaries appropriate for such 5.87 highly-qualifed and well-deserving fac- “I love the mission and philosophy of the ulty and staff. We feel like WSMS as a Funding49% Teacher Salaries and 79% school and would love to see the school whole bends over backwards to help our 52% Professional Development continue to serve the community.” family in such an array of areas.” 56% 5.71 “Supporting WSMS in any capacity very “Having been a part of WSMS for many important to us.” years, we’ve seen the impact these dol- 88% Funding64% excellent educational 64% lars make.” programs at WSMS “I am a recipient of fnancial aid and if it wasn’t for others’ fnancial contributions “We know that tuition does not cover20 the % 5.31 to the annual fund, my son and I would full cost of operating the school.” not have had the opportunity to attend 47% Funding the WSMS Financial such an amazing school.82% The education “To ensure that the community continues Aid Program he received was pricelessbelieve and the thecom -outreachto grow andfrom help as many children and munity was a very special bonus. I give families as possible.” 4.62 what I can. Once I am in athe better Annual fnancial Fund team this 1% position, I will give more becauseyear has I want been “It’sjust a right great community builder in the General appreciation to the school/ the next deserving child to have the same sense anyone can contribute anything desire to give back experience without the burden of not be- and it helps with the school’s operating ing able to afford it.” expenses.” 3.84 “To give back to a school that has given “It is a great school that does smart things Funding building enhacements so much to us, to help make WSMS with the fund. We love WSMS!!” available to other families through fnan- 2.70 cial aid, and to help improve the school.” “To support the school and the students Strengthening community through who attend fnancially, and to participate high participation in the Annual Fund “WSMS provides such an amazing edu- in the community we have committed to cation to children and I know that cannot as a family.” 1.94 happen without funding for all aspects of the school—big and small.” “I feel there is a direct impact on my son’s Personal Recognition education and experience at WSMS.” (Acknowledgement from “We’re happy with our decision to send Administration, Inclusion in Annual our daughter here and want to help en- 44% 58% Report, Leadership Cocktail, etc.)

64% 23

49% 79% 52%

88% 64% 64% DONOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2017-2018

Myles Amend, Jennifer Conway, Kyra Nelson President Secretary Kelly Opdyke Mimi Basso, Nissa Booker Jason Santiago Head of School Mark Cicirelli Jing Wang Tim Daileader, Victoria Feltman Kelly West Vice President Justin Hamilton Tenille Skelton, Lindsay Forbes, Elise J. Parent Representative Vice President Natasha Kazmi Bonny Whitcher, Iva Mills, Vice President Nigel-Ann La Qua Parent Representative Murtaza (Mort) Haque, Williamson Katherine Fordney, Treasurer Allen Lamb Faculty Representative

ANNUAL FUND COMMITTEE 2017-2018

Natasha Kazmi, Chair Liz Martorella Tenille Skelton Myles Amend Kelly Opdyke Wendy Heilbut Elena Simpser

FACULTY 2017-2018

Nahid Abhar Shayna Gatling Beata Owczarzak Sultana Ahmed Casey Gomez Margaret Persaud Gretchen Amberg Kira Haag Marcia Polanco Julie Cassese-Valentin Ellina Han Nubia Ramirez Lindsay Cohen Maiko Ishii Carol Roehr Cailyn De Bie Thana Khouli Maria Rosado Giuliana de Grazia Regula Kurzen Annie Schor Karen Deinzer Ping Li Neha Sharma Anne Donovan Donna Longdon Joan Shisler Dave Eckert Julianne Lucas Melissa Silvestri Stefanie Eckert Rosalba Luongo Stephanie Virgo Rebecca Estomago Margot Mack Nina Wheeler-Roberts Aldo Evangelista Ainsley Mallows Nicole Zerafa Katherine Fordney Nadja Nether

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 2017-2018

Mimi Basso Shawn Cumberbatch Lisanne Pinciotti Matthew Bloom Lorén DeNicola Jen Seltzer Desiree Care Sarah Eson Bev Smith Nikki Chase-Levin Judy Lyons Gelsey Steinbrecher James Connelly Melissa Mack Amy Stoney

24 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG DONOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ANNUAL FUND PARTICIPATION BY CLASS

Garden (12) Nami Soejima and Eileen Kelly Rinaudo and Amanda and James Levy Alexander Rinaudo Matthew Bacal Annie Kim and Deborah and Hope Atherton and Jeffrey Lin Michael Rothman Gavin Brown Bianca Barboza and Julie and Tina and Isaac Chang Morris Keith Andrew Schaffer Victoria and Christine Nuzum and Gabrielle and Josh Feltman Scott Kramer James Tieng Kristen Kane and Laura and Lee Morakis Bianca Soares and Matt Onek Katia Papalezova and Edwin van Keulen Christina and Angelo Reyes Amy and Doug Warden Logan Schmid Sarah and Nigel-Ann La Qua Wendy and Adam Schwarzschild Williamson and Ethan Schwartz Anonymous Marco Williamson Tenille and Travis Skelton 2W (12) 3Wam (17) Anar and Dale Stohr Beatrice Carre-Alleyne Gina and Kevin Christie Lisa and Jay Yook and Adrian Alleyne Adriana and Lydia Muniz and Christine and Michael Clancy Robert Young Michael Capilouto Katy and Gifford Foley Anonymous Cristina and Leonora and Charles Davis Adam Gogolak 1W (16) Angela and Sarah Babcock and Nicole and Raffaele DiMaggio Josh Krepon Christy Silvester and Jing Wang and Yi Zhang Marc Bertrand Mary Gebhardt, GP Gosia Plewako and Joseph Patt Anonymous (2) Shira Drossos and Monica and Paul Laffy Michele Caro and Juan Carlos Cabeza Daron Greene Jill and Matthew Levy Adam Smith 4E (17) Ellie and Tal Fligelman Kyra and Travis Nelson Vernaliz Co and Scott Li Elizabeth Martorella and Sejal Shah and Rosangely and Brea Bowen and Soraya Miller Benjamin Swinburne Joshua Aiello Travis Frick Christopher O’Connor Colleen and Janet Swinburne, GP Elena and Max Alper The Hay Cain Family Kelly and Will Overlock Sara and Oliver Tetlow Erin Jacques and Rebecca Fraioli and Jonathan Opdyke Angela Hurley and Susan and Emilio del Rio David Lundell Tenille and Eric Rahe Matthew Tratner Marla and Jay Eisbruck Jennifer Conway and Travis Skelton Sarah Gray and Heather Wise and Malda Hibri and Victor Manuel Gillian and Gavin Simms Michael Wilhoite Greg Eisner Kelly and Adrien Weindling Priscilla and Laura and Charles Young Dana and Jonathan Opdyke Anonymous Matthew Snyder, GP Lexi Brine and David Feigenbaum Xiao Cai and Wei Qian Maya Burgos and Jonathan Young Lucia and Yong-Kyoo and 3E (20) Paul Trussell Anonymous Justin Hamilton Shin Hyung Rim Libby and Chris Chan Bonny and Natasha Kazmi and Tracey Strauss and Lisa and Mark Cicirelli Jonathan Whitcher 4W (14) Qaisar Hasan Josh Sandbulte Sarah Eson and Amy Metzger and Lingli Zhang and Julia and Anar and Dale Stohr P.J. Coward Hootan Yaghoobzadeh Songtao Jia Benjamin Johnston Priyal and Bilge Tanyeri Emily and Burr Eckstut Anonymous Sarah and David Kessler Angela and Allen Lamb Allison Ross and Frances Gould, GP Landis Family Rebeca and Dan Waldman Emily Krasnor and 3Wpm (18) Sarah and Adrian Lazar Paimaan Lodhi Anonymous (2) Scott Heiferman Hyokon and David Choi Jennifer Conway and Ilana and Emeka Okafor Leighton Heilbut Natalie and Jared Gould Victor Manuel Amanda Kan and 2E (15) Linda and Phil Horigan Jing Lu and Kan Huang Sara Buckley and John O’Meara Krista and Jordan Adler Joanne Kwong and Kit Lin Lydia Tam and Paul Mullen Dara Mandle and India Branch Gene Hu Paulhwa Lee Stephanie Bonan and James Panero Lisa and Charlie Carr Marie Bonitatibus and The Lindsay Family Samir Patel Sondra WuDunn and Sooyun Hong and Douglas Le Blanc Cherise Wong and Yong-Kyoo and Ari Sklar Brian Chan Kate Chechak and Ricky Liu Shin Hyung Rim The Unterhalter Family Mary Dear Mark Levin Aimee and Jessica Kirshner and Anonymous Carri Chan and Damaris and Previn Mankodi Dan Sommers Matthew Ford Reid Maclean Moneeza and Priyal and Bilge Tanyeri Desirae Brown and Ohemaa Pratt Sarfraz Maredia Wendy Jin and *GP – Grandparents Bryan Hernandez-Luch Jeffrey Tao

25 DONOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ALUMNI FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

Carol Weston and Valda Witt and Jacqueline and Robert Ackerman Jay Hatfeld Timothy Ramsey E. Jean Adams Akemi and Bob Hong Joanna and Jocelyn Russell and Carmen Knoepffer and Matthew Rego Daniel Alford Peter Ingerman Denise Reid-Murray Barbara and Chip Angle Lisa Kohl Kathleen and Janet and Pano Anthos Shalinee Sharma and Henry Reukauf Carol Baird and Arvind Krishnamurthy Nancy and Richard Ashford Elizabeth Mann and Brooks Robertson Colette and Micah Lasher Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Berry Judy and Jeff Leon Alan Rothschild Nissa and Nikki Chase-Levin and Julie and Courtney Booker David Levin Nicholas Sakellariadis Asher Brooks Wendy Eakin and Candice Hoyes and Tina and Timothy Lister David Spiller Michael Connelly Bonnell Lombardi Caroline and Shalini Rajaram and Judy and Jeffrey Lyons Jeff Swiatek Brandon Coonse Mary Claire Mallows Myles Amend and Maggan and Jeanne Kracher and Marc Thomas Tim Daileader Laura McAlpine Mildred Ojea and Cecily and Joel Denny Cindy and Lee Michel Juan Manuel Trujillo Lindsay Forbes and Lorrie and Bruce Millman Michael Urias Ali Dibadj Iva and Scott Mills Ruth and Sharifa Ali and Jeffrey Gates and Stephen Waxman Emil Estrada Mike Moran Tom Willits and Katherine and Jisook Lee and Nancy Wheeler Evan Flecker Bruce Moses Eric Wolner Carole Rothman Forster Cyma Zarghami and Elly and Tony Wong Tirzah Schwarz and George Obergfoll Julie and Chuck Goldblum Kathleen Heenan and Townsend Ziebold Elizabeth and Clary Olmstead Anonymous (3) Edward Gonzalez Katherine Westgate and David Pascual

26 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG VOLUNTEER ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

FALL FESTIVAL 2017 VOLUNTEERS

FALL FESTIVAL Raj Bakaya 2017 CO-CHAIRS Paul Trussell Dana Bliss Saya Bliss COTTON CANDY Kim Chapman AND POPCORN Ilana Okafor James Panero Kelly Opdyke Karessa Cain Allison Ross Allen Lamb David Lundell BAKE SALE Taline Sahakian Malda Hibri Julie Schaffer Ji Lee Yi Zhang Deborah Sachs Sarah Babcock DRINKS Bianca Barboza Eric Rahe Stephanie Bonan Jennifer Conway Brea Bowen Sarah Eson Lexi Brine Sara Buckley ENTERTAINMENT Christine Capilouto GREETER Beatrice Carre-Alleyne Scott Heiferman Lisa Cicirelli PARENTS ASSOCIATION 2017-2018 Farrah Cine SPIN ART Adriana Clancy Brea Bowen Angela DiMaggio Anar Chudgar/Stohr PA CO-PRESIDENTS Lucia Hamilton 2E Raffaele DiMaggio India Branch Tenille Skelton Sarah Mlynowski Kim Chapman Shira Drossos Michael Ching Bonny Whitcher Elizabeth O’Neill Taylor Frazier Raffaele DiMaggio Merchandising/Winter Elise Jouffroy PA COMMITTEE Pop-Up Shop 2W Sarah Kessler EVENT PUBLICITY CO-CHAIRS Tina Chang Danielle Bussolini Annie Kim Vicky Feltman Annual Fund Michael Capilouto Jessica Kirshner Lydia Muniz Natasha Kazmi Winter Clothing Drive Emily Krasnor Rosangely Frick Alison Schrag 3E Sarah Lazar Aimee Mankodi Auction Elizabeth Sofro Alison Gould Melissa Mansur Liz Martorella Christine Capilouto Julie Schaffer Amy Metzger Kyra Nelson Kim Chapman Year-End Picnic Kurt Miller Colleen Overlock Marla Eisbruck P.J. Coward 3Wam Iraniss Jemima Unterhalter Sarah Eson Kevin Christie Morel-Dziengeleski Bulb Planting Kay Wright Kyra Nelson FISHING Vernaliz Co and Scott Li Yearbook ShinHyung Rim Erin Jacques Anar and Dale Stohr Elise J. 3Wpm Sejal Shah Eric Liaw Sondra WuDunn Lexi Brine Tenille Skelton Angela DiMaggio Class Photo Day Elizabeth Martorella Katie Sonnenborn Candida Do Amaral Katy Foley CLASS Priyal Subramanian Jeremy Newton Ilana Okafor REPRESENTATIVES 4E Paul Trussell Coordinator Malda Hibri Bonny Whitcher GENERAL STORE Fall Festival Wendy Heilbut Amanda Kan Cherise Wong Amanda Bacal Tina Chang Heather Wise Kim Chapman Kelly Opdyke Garden 4W Laura and Charlie Young Vern Co Bianca Dias Soares Leslie Bazos Kelly Brennan Neha Khoda Priyal and Blige Tanyeri Paula Christensen ShinHyung Rim BANKING Previn Mankodi Gillian and Michael Capilouto Charity Scribner Adrien Weindling 1W Monica Greene Sarah Jane Witchell Allison Ross Hooked on Books! Grace Yancoskie Paula Christensen Note: Bold indicates committee chair

31 VOLUNTEER ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

GLITTER TATTOOS Andrew and SIGNAGE AND DÉCOR Nigel-Ann La Qua Harry Schaffer Libby Cantrill Williamson Wendy Heilbut Hyokon Choi SAND ART Amina Akram Taylor Frazier Danielle Bussolini Shira Drossos Chanelle Rogers Allison Gould Matt Onek Skye Stahling Maggan and Annie Thorkelson Madeline Daileader TAKE DOWN Jeannie Kim Andrew Schaffer GRILL Ellie Neuman-Fligelman Wendy Schwartz David Feigenbaum Skye Stahling Kevin Christie Travis Skelton Susan Tratner Mary Dear Chris Chan Monica Greene P.J. Coward SECURITY AND Annie Kim Qaisar Hasan STROLLER PARKING Paul Lee Michael Hay Josh Feltman Jeffrey Lin Kan Huang Michael Clancy Jonathan Opdyke David Kessler Doug Le Blanc Sam Patel Paul Laffy Levar Prat Nami Soejima Paimaan Lodhi Dale Stohr Sara Tetlow Jeremy Newton Edwin van Keulen Edwin van Keulen SET-UP Jonathan Whitcher Jonathan Whitcher Justin Hamilton Jay Yook Robert Young Wendy Long Mitchell Robert Young Nicole Bertrand INSTRUMENT Brea Bowen TICKETS AND MAKING Sean Brennan REGISTRATION Desirae Brown Lexi Brine Tenille Skelton Taline Sahakian Leon Chernyavsky Rielly Vlassis Paul Lee David Choi Bonny Whitcher Monica Newton Anar Chudgar Ali Estrada Christine Nuzum Adriana Clancy Lexi Brine Lydia Tam Rosangely Frick Natalie Gould Ilana Goldman Marianna Moliver LINE MANAGEMENT Jordan Goldstein Sejal Shah Charles Davis Damaris Hernandez Gavin Simms Declan and Tim David Kessler Daileader Ji Lee WORLD CAFÉ Daron Greene Ricky Liu Josh Aiello Scott Li Victor Manuel Wendy Jin Sarfraz Maredia Mark Levin NECKLACE MAKING Iva Mills Amina Akram Elizabeth Sofro Iraniss Marc Bertrand Krista Adler Morel-Dziengeleski Marie Bonitatibus Moneeza Maredia Paul Mullen Juan Carlos Cabeza Lydia Muniz Lydia Muniz Christine Capilouto Melissa Sobel Kyra Nelson Cristina Davis Travis Nelson Raffaele DiMaggio PUMPKIN John O’Meara David Eckert DECORATING Gosia Plewako Ali Estrada Kelly Brennan Harlan Protass Sooyun Hong Martha Rocha Yong-Kyoo Rim Sid Kapoor Paula Christensen Michael Rothman Natasha Kazmi Vicky Feltman Sejal Shah Joanne Kwong Rebecca Fraioli Tenille Skelton Nigel-Ann La Qua Gregory Walker Ladan Stewart Williamson Ted Wright Ollie Tetlow Jared Lister Min Jeong (MJ) Oh Bianca Dias Soares Edwin van Keulen Rebeca and Elizabeth O’Neill Priyal Subramanian ROBOFUN Bonny Whitcher Paimaan Lodhi Olga Pariente Andrew Unterhalter Jen Novikov Hootan Yaghoobzadeh Aimee Mankodi Alison Schrag Robert Young Chris Leon Grace Yancoskie Ellie Neuman-Fligelman Sejal Shah Yi Zhang Monica Newton Jon Young Kirill Novikov Travis Skelton

32 | WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | GREAT BEGINNINGS | 2018 | WWW.WSMSNYC.ORG VOLUNTEER ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

AUCTION VOLUNTEERS AND COMMITTEES

AUCTION CO-CHAIRS Leonora Gogolak Paimaan Lodhi Christine Capilouto Sooyon Hong Elizabeth Martorella Kim Chapman Erin Jacques Taline Sahakian Marla Eisbruck Ben Johnston Sejal Shah Sarah Kessler Tenille Skelton AUCTION LOGO Aimee Mankodi DESIGN Victor Manuel LIVE AUCTION Jeff Leaf (Alumni Parent) Ellie Neuman-Fligelman SPOTTERS Wendy Schwartz Wendy Jin AUCTION Bianca Soares Jen Novikov PHOTOGRAPHER Daria Kim ITEM MANAGEMENT LOBBY TICKET (Alumni Parent) Ji Lee SALES Natalie Gould Lexi Brine CATALOG WRITERS Shweta Kapoor Rielly Vlassis Josh Aiello Brittany Kjar Maya Burgos 2018 Dana Bliss Sejal Shah Tina Chang Very special thanks to the WSMS faculty Nikki Chase-Levin Tenille Skelton Anar Chudgar Cecily Denny Heather Wise Vicky Feltman and the WSMS parent photographers, who Allison Ross Erin Jacques provided many of the articles and photos Tenille Skelton ITEM AND PACKAGE Wendy Jin used in this magazine, and to the WSMS DESCRIPTION Jing Lu administrative team, who helped in ways too CLASSROOM WRITERS Melissa Mansur numerous to count. INVITATIONS Karen McAnanama Kurt Miller Kim Chapman Megan Brunner Kyra Nelson Editor: Sarah Eson Brea Bowen Cristina Davis Kelly Opdyke Editorial Consultant: Tina Connelly Margot Mack David Feigenbaum Alison Schrag Creative: Jenna Verhoff Wagner Vicky Feltman Sejal Shah Photography: WSMS Faculty, DATA MANAGEMENT Rosangely Frick Tenille Skelton WSMS Parents, Olivia Pinciotti AND ANALYTICS Alison Gould Katie Sonnenborn Marla Eisbruck Sooyon Hong Bonny Whitcher Melissa Mansur Joanne Kwong Kurt Miller Glenn McAnanama ONLINE AUCTION Jeremy Newton Amy Metzger Melissa Mansur Elizabeth O’Neill Kurt Miller DÉCOR Taline Sahakian Brea Bowen Heather Wise REGISTRATION ShinHyung Rim Laura Young AND BANKING © 2018 WEST SIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Julia Johnston Melissa Mansur (WSMS) Jing Lu ITEM SOLICITATION Kurt Miller Ellie Neuman-Fligelman AND CURATION Allison Ross Katy Foley TEACHER TIME Wendy Schwartz Malda Hibri RAFFLES Note: Bold indicates committee chair Danielle Bussolini Tenille Skelton We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible EVENT DAY SET-UP Leonora Gogolak Bonny Whitcher in compiling our lists of donors and volunteers. If we have Mary Pat Dowhy Wendy Heilbut Kay Sarlin Wright inadvertently omitted your name or made errors in spelling, Raffaele DiMaggio Julia Johnston please email [email protected].

33 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Multi-Age Program 309 West 92 Street, New York, NY 10025 212.662.8000 Twos Program 302 West 91 Street, New York, NY 10024 212.662.0394 www.wsmsnyc.org

West Side Montessori School Accreditations & Memberships American Montessori Society New York State Association of Independent Schools Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York National Association of Independent Schools Parents League of New York

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