Montessori Moving Forward

2015-2016 Annual Report EXECUTIVE LETTER: OUTGOING HEAD OF SCHOOL

his spring, after spending eighteen years with this in the Eliot School and felt it throughout our transforma- community, I got to see an amazing class gradu- tion together – the opportunity to watch these kids learn T ate as I too completed my final year at Riverbend. and grow with our school is such a gift. I am so proud of what we’ve done together. As I reflect The nine members of the class of 2016 have been an inte- on my journey, I know it’s all of the people involved with gral part of Riverbend. The high schools they have chosen Riverbend that have made these years so great. With to attend are truly lucky to have them. And, the final weeks determination and a lot of work, you’ve made this school of the 2015-2016 school year were so fun! From the spring extraordinary, and I am excited to see what’s next. concert, where they presented me with a College Cap- tain’s Chair engraved with the Riverbend School logo, to Riverbend offers a uniquely exceptional education that is Graduation, where I had the chance to reflect on a favorite deeply grounded in our Montessori roots, and because of memory with each graduate, I am so grateful. you, we’ve grown in tremendous and important ways. We have seen our enrollment increase steadily and we now Of course, there is still much we can do to provide each have the ability to offer financial aid to more students who student with the tools and opportunities to reach their need it. Every member of our faculty and staff donated fullest potential. As I depart, I know Riverbend is in to the Annual Fund, and the auction raised more this year great hands! I am proud of our successes and I feel Parents, teachers, staff, board, than ever before. Parents, you really came forward in our confident in the school’s leadership going forward, with participation challenge and we all got to celebrate with an Christine Price as Head of School and Tony Proctor as ice cream party! President of the Board. and of course, students: thank The commitment and participation you’ve demonstrated My wish for our newest graduates and our incoming is inspiring. Riverbend’s legacy is one of community and students is the same as it is for the school itself: may you of coming together for the success of the individual as continue to find inspiration in the sound of the river. You you. The 2015-2016 school year well as the school. I know that the momentum you’ve are already excellent. Listen and you will know the way created will help the school soar even further forward. A forward. new Upper School, 100% participation in the Annual Fund, Thanks to all of you for your support in the past year. a campus that truly matches the quality of the education, was an unbelievably rewarding year. and more classes full of the most amazing students – all of these things are possible, and I know you can do it! time for me! The time I spent at Riverbend was such an important piece of my personal journey and I am honored to have been a part of the school’s story. Our achievements as a community are wonderful, but what I will treasure most Karen Riccardi are the moments with the children. I knew it as a teacher Outgoing Head of School EXECUTIVE LETTER: INCOMING HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Friends,

I am so grateful to be writing to you today! As my first year possibilities ahead, through your active physical and at Riverbend begins, I am delighted to have an opportunity financial involvement in our community. to celebrate the success of the 2015-2016 Annual Fund. I feel fortunate to join this community at such an exciting Through the dedication of the Annual Fund team, its time and to be working with such a great team. As you Ambassadors, and the generosity of this community, we may know, I have a holistic six-month plan that focuses substantially exceeded our goal of $130,000. This is a on getting to know children and parents, learning about testament to the enthusiastic commitment of Riverbend the distinguished history of Riverbend and its Montessori families and its faculty and staff to providing each child approach, and understanding the school’s distinctive with unparalleled resources, and opportunities for their culture and traditions. I look forward to working with many growth over their time in the school. of you in the months and years to come. We are building on a strong foundation and I am eager to be a part of what Your contributions not only close the gap between tuition lies ahead. and actual costs to educate each child, they also offer new and wonderful possibilities for learning, whether it’s Thank you for your generous spirit and your belief in a new Chromebooks for the dLab or giant building blocks small school that will be doing big things in the coming I feel fortunate to join this for the Children’s House playground. years!

The story of Riverbend is a story of a community who With love and gratitude, is committed to building and sustaining a place of community at such an exciting excellence for their children, a school where children’s academic, social, emotional, creative, and athletic skills are fostered, and where the innate curiosity of the child time and to be working with is honored in their unique educational journey. From two small Montessori schools, we have become one school Christine Price, Ph.D. that strives to exemplify the very best in both innovative Head of School such a great team. and Montessori learning for children ages Toddler through Eighth Grade. You play a critical role in realizing the many Outcomes Riverbend in a word 8th Grade Graduates Children’s House moments Our graduates are truly our most important outcome. The nine students that graduated in science fair memories 2016 are a great representation of all that is at the heart of the Riverbend School, and we are confidence math community music so grateful to have shared in celebrating this part of their lives. performance opportunities dance support farm Upper School We asked some members of the Class of 2016 to Here I have discovered that learning is all about me. Wheth- parents Ms. Latona MMUN Mrs. Lapon reflect on their time at Riverbend. Here is what a few er acing all of the spelling tests in third grade, realizing that friendship Mr. Puleo of them had to say: I need help in math, or getting a perfect score on my oral lessons Mrs. Lal presentation, my teachers didn’t tell me how to do any of field trips Mr. Wilkins those things. They just guided me along the way. To me, Riverbend means thinking outside of the box. Spanish Mr. Cohen Actually thinking without a box. It has meant being as —Daniel home Miss Karen creative as possible and it is a place where everyone’s Middle School ideas are heard. When I started at Riverbend, I was shy. Throughout my —Emily time here, I have given presentations, sung at concerts and assemblies, spoken in a committee at Model Montessori The question “what has Riverbend meant to you?” makes United Nations, and acted in short plays. This is such a me think of the word home. Not perfect and not without supportive, nonjudgmental environment. It has made me flaws, but always a place to turn to when you want and who I am today. need. Riverbend has been a phenomenal experience in —Elena all ways. —Isaac

I think I’ve spent about two thousand days of my life at this school. I’m not going to remember everything. But what I will remember are the people, and they’re most important. Riverbend is a place full of people that I could never forget. —Skylar

Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony 8th Grade Graduates William Avila Isaac Hargrave than bearing an untold story inside you.” My hope Emily Banthin Daniel Hartman for our graduates is for them to be brave, make their Elena Carmichael Seamus Merullo Skylar Davis Evan Strouse story matter, and share it with the world. Michael Duplessie

Liz Lapon, Upper School Teacher Upper School

Riverbend’s test scores soar Riverbend’s fifth year at MMUN

It is easy for us to say our students are amazing. This is Riverbend students consistently performed at or above In March, Riverbend sent about thirty students and four deeply into topics that are incredibly important to the true before they arrive at Riverbend; it’s true before they the 95th percentile for achievement across grades four teachers to join peers from other schools at Montessori times in which we live. The opportunity to meet and begin to read; it’s true without a test score. It’s not some- through eight when compared to independent school Model United Nations (MMUN). To participate, students mingle with students from other schools makes this an thing we need data to prove, but now we have it. peers nationally. choose a country in September and throughout the year important social occasion as well. Students report that, they learn as much as possible, discussing the ways that from start to finish, MMUN is awesome! These days, testing is on the minds of many educators The questions our kids will face in life will always be global issues affect the nation and its people. This year, and institutions. We too want to evaluate our methods, changing. True to our Montessori roots, we believe that This wouldn’t be possible without support from River- Riverbend students represented Kazakhstan, the Republic but Riverbend teachers don’t mold lessons to fit a test. In the skills that help children find the answers are what bend’s Annual Fund. Families do not pay additional fees of Korea (South Korea), and Democratic People’s Republic fact, our students may encounter concepts that are new to will help them moving forward. If the CPT-4 results are for this trip, making it an expense that we incur as a of Korea. them. Yet, the results from the 2015-2016 school year are indicative of success, it looks like a calm mind and a love school. We have been participating in MMUN for five years in. Our students who took the CTP-4, the Comprehensive of learning are tools that will last a lifetime. The MMUN conference is the culmination of students’ and are proud to include this off-campus learning oppor- Testing Program administered by the Educational Records research, where students come together to caucus and tunity in our curriculum. Students and parents alike see Bureau, outperformed their peers at other private schools. present a position paper in the United Nations Headquar- great value in the perspective that MMUN preparation and Through practice and discussion, our students are pre- ters in New York. Assembling in this official location, stu- the conference itself provides, and we are grateful for the pared for the test. dents must adhere to UN rules and regulations, including support that continues to make our participation possible. dress code. The experience allows students to delve

Students in New York City for The Montessori Model United Nations. The culmination of months of learning, thinking, and discussion, it’s also a lot of fun.

Lessons from the moon

As professional development over the past two summers, Upper School faculty member Angela Latona visited Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho. Ms. Latona worked closely with a team of NASA researchers as part of their FINESSE project, which seeks to share the excitement and importance of space science and planetary analog fieldwork with the broader community. Our Upper School classes enjoy hearing about her experiences and engaging in discussion about this interesting planetary analog research site, while exploring activities in space science. Riverbend At A Glance Children’s House • 212 students from 15 months through 8th grade A new day for the Primary program even made rest time for our first year students separate, creating a room dedicated to a quiet, restful pause in the Guided by our curriculum, Children’s House activities middle of their day. • 51 Faculty and Staff support the development of the whole child. In multi-aged classrooms, students learn from each other alongside The Children’s House playground is now more attractive, their teachers, who get to know each child and can en- and functional, with new equipment. The addition of the • Located in historic South Natick, MA courage their individual journey. Outlast Play system from Community Playthings provides open-ended activities that enhance curriculum goals • Formed in 2010 from the merger of Over the past year, Riverbend has undertaken an import- such as cooperation, language building, large muscle Eliot Montessori School (1971–2010) ant study of our Primary program and as a result, we have development, and experimentation with mathematical and implemented changes to our school day. Teachers, admin- scientific principles. and Natick Montessori (2000–2010) istrators, and parents worked collaboratively to assess our program and offer suggestions for improvement. Our goal Spanish for young learners was to ensure that our program matches our capabilities to provide students with the most ideal learning experi- Over the past two years we have seen an exciting ex- Student-to-teacher Ratios ence possible. pansion of our Spanish program, under the leadership of Christina Feder. What began as a twenty-minute pilot 4.5:1 Toddler Alterations include an improved flow of the school day, class for toddlers evolved into a permanent weekly 9:1 Primary maximizing teachers’ time at school and with students session for all three of our Toddler classrooms. We begin 10:1 Elementary in uninterrupted work cycles. Transitions throughout the developing habits for life long language learning and now, day are dramatically decreased, and students now stay students are learning to count to twenty and some kids 11:1 Middle School with their primary teachers for the duration of their day. know up to ten colors! Toddlers participate in activities Half-day students continue to be dismissed after lunch, al- that introduce sounds and concepts through fun play: lowing for an important chance to gather with classmates songs, puppets, parachute games, crafts, and interactive Admissions Infograph over a meal and practice grace & courtesy. books. As students get older, building on what they have Our new day allows us to continue to stress the impor- learned is natural, adding things like feminine and mas- tance of special classes for our Kindergartners — along culine. Many students are able to read Spanish words by with new Peer Collaborative Lessons and continued Kindergarten! Open Circle and other Social Competency lessons. We 212 2016-2017 students

Toddlers are at a perfect age to learn Spanish. We 197 2015-2016 students combine language with physical movement and other strategies that make learning new sounds natural. We’re successful and the kids really love it. 182 2014-2015 students Christina Feder, Spanish Teacher Innovation

Innovation moving forward This year, to round out their experience, eighth Not your average STEM/STEAM curriculum graders will be participating in a similar project, but - - Over the past year, in the space once known as the Com addition to working individually with students in dLab. The with a new twist. At this year’s Social Impact Summit, Projects and activities that are STEM and STEAM fo puter Lab, Riverbend has seen a transformation of its tech- addition of an “open studio” time will even allow students instead of simply looking at a market need and cused have great value and importance in our class- nology curriculum. Now, you’ll find fewer devices meant to collaborate more and to simply drop by to show their devising an entrepreneurial solution, students will be rooms. But our Innovation Curriculum is more than strictly for word processing. The silos students used to sit friends what they are working on in the dLab. challenged to create a product that meets a social this and that is paramount in today’s world. Whether in are gone. Technology today means using lots of tools, impact need in the real world. students are in the dLab with Ms. Roper, or she is with being in open space, and working collaboratively. Sewing Into the Shark Tank them in their classroom, our program is designed to machines, micro-computers, fabrication tools, and art sup- For example, a group might look into a problem like bring students more than content knowledge. In our You might be familiar with Shark Tank, a popular network plies are just a few of the things you’ll find students using overpopulation, and work on an individualized level to vision, we include moral character in the intentional television show. If you’re not, you can ask a Riverbend in the new Riverbend Design Lab (dLab). “We have robots create a response. They might look at the ways over- design and evaluation of student work. Going through student to tell you all about it – or at least to tell you and things like that too,” says Melissa Roper, Riverbend’s population affects a country like India, and how they an interactive learning process takes persistence and about our version of the show! What you’ll hear about is new Innovation Coordinator, “but what we are doing push- could redesign over-crowded communities to make grit. Those performance characteristics, along with something that has become a cornerstone of our Innova- es the school’s passion-based learning to a new edge.” them more sustainable – and more livable for people morals like empathy and compassion, are crucial for tion Curriculum, for students in their first year of Middle there. They will meet with a panel of philanthropists, success beyond Riverbend. Indeed, the dLab is groundbreaking for a Montessori School. In their nine class meetings, students worked in not investors, to make their case for funding. With school like Riverbend. The new space and curriculum groups to design a product, research the market, build this experience, our students aren’t just learning - being developed and implemented places us on the fore a prototype, and develop their pitch. Then, we brought about creating a product. They are learning to make a front of learning. Over the past year, we have developed a in our panel of “sharks” to decide who would receive an difference. schedule that allows students to spend more time working investment. on projects in the dLab, and this year, we are working to integrate our new Innovation Curriculum with academics happening in the classroom. Ms. Roper will be working with teachers and visiting classes in

With a start-up program like this one and a new dedicated position, Check out the it is common to face a lot of challenges. Luckily, I can tell you, I have Design Lab at: been so impressed by the collaboration and support that I have dlabriverbend.org encountered with the Riverbend faculty. There is an agility here that makes it exciting to grow our program even further.

Melissa Roper, Innovation Coordinator Annual Fund

they are choosing a school that cares about Sweet success Reaching for new stars Hearts for giving Annual Fund Parent Participation this. We have built an important foundation on It’s exciting when students get their parents It is no secret that the co-chairs of Riverbend’s 2015-2016 Parents of Riverbend students understand that tuition which to grow our commitment. Development Committee made a push to increase partici- assistance can make all the difference for a family. Many engaged in what’s going on at school, but when 2014 pation with our Annual Fund Reach for the Stars campaign. of us have been fortunate to be beneficiaries of excellent Meeting our goals for the Annual Fund helps us students donate their own money, it’s a perfect 44% Certainly it is big news that we raised $160,000 this year, educational experiences, so we know that while curiosity to fully fund our budget, but exceeding those display of the great community we are building. $30k more than our original goal. Thank you! and a love of learning are priceless, the cost of high-quali- goals enables us to bring even better resources This year, students heard more about River- 2015 62% ty education is significant. to our students. This year, we were able to bend’s plans for the future, and some even took In the 2015-2016 school year, we truly saw the communi- provide additional teaching support in the matters into their own hands, operating a lem- 2016 ty’s commitment to Riverbend’s Annual Fund and the Like our independent school peers, Riverbend relies on the 90% classrooms. We were able to give our teacher’s onade stand in support of the Annual Fund. We results were amazing. Parent participation reached 90% Annual Fund to help bridge the gap between operational even larger bonuses. Our Children’s House all want to see things like a new Upper School and we had a fabulous ice cream party to celebrate. expenses and tuition. By giving a bit more when we are Faculty & Staff Participation 100% playground was expanded with the addition come to fruition, and appreciate these students Beyond the fun of tasting our favorite flavors with the able, parent-donors make a Riverbend education possible of an Outlast Play System. A three-octave set who have set quite an example for us all. kids, we know this means we can reach our goal of for more children. The Riverbend community has stepped of English handbells was added to our music 100% involvement. up in the past year, contributing at new levels, allowing us program, and a new 3-D printer is on its way to Also, this spring we received a donation from to increase the capabilities of our Financial Aid program Max Allen, a 2015 graduate, now a sophomore When we reach our goal of Annual Fund giving from each our dLab. and keep tuition increases to a minimum so that more at Natick High School. Thank you Max! River- family, we will truly match the dedication of our faculty 2015-2016 Annual Fund Ambassadors students have access to a Riverbend education. From making a Riverbend education available bend is beginning to grow our alumni network, and staff. We are grateful for all they bring to us each day to more students, to providing the resources to and we hope Max will join us in spreading the Co-Chairs: James McElligott, David Young and we are eager to see what Riverbend can accomplish Ensuring that our school is comprised of students and allow those students to reach their fullest poten- word about staying connected and in the posi- when we harness the power of true collaboration. faculty with diverse backgrounds is a critical piece of our Toddler: tial, the Riverbend School truly is the sum of our tive feelings of giving back! Vincent & Alexis Montemaggiore mission, and families that choose Riverbend know that parts. Thank you for making each part possible. Primary: Scott & Sarah Wilson

Kindergarten: John & Laura Owen, Ashley & Linda Shih

Lower Elementary: Pat & Kristin Loranger, Howard Heppelmann

Upper Elementary: Mike & Leigh Niskanen, Unity is strength...where there Kevin & Ildi Nielsen

Middle School: Amy Harris is teamwork and collaboration, Faculty & Staff: Kathy Clark, Karen Riccardi

Past Parents: Andrea Proctor wonderful things can be achieved. Grandparents: Dan & Dana Finn

Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Financial Aid awards year over year Raising our paddles for financial aid Operating Budget (unaudited results)

$500,000 Revenue

The 2015-2016 school year was transformational for our Actual Budgeted $400,000 Financial Aid program, with our strengthened commitment FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 to ensuring that more children have access to the learning Gross Tuition $3,640,531 $4,156,717 $4,711,475 $300,000 experiences offered at Riverbend. Your generosity to the Annual Fund and especially your enthusiasm for supporting Less Assistance $208,033 $255,151 $539,855 $200,000 Financial Aid at the Swing into Spring Gala & Auction has Net Tuition $3,432,498 $3,901,566 $4,171,620 made it possible for us to offer more assistance. The event Other Operating Income $82,517 $31,269 $14,587 $100,000 brought in more than $150,000, with Raise the Paddle for Financial Aid raising more than $50,000. Total Revenue $3,515,015 $3,932,835 $4,186,207

2015 2016 2017 Because of you, we were able to double the amount of aid Expenses offered for this year. Thank you. And thank you for helping to sustain this into the future. Salaries $2,082,305 $2,269,832 $2,564,083 Benefits $598,455 $760,155 $671,879

Building $558,979 $574,103 $592,220

Program $169,816 $213,579 $281,013

Other $239,468 $346,360 $365,014

Operating Income - $134,008 - $231,194 - $288,002

Operating Gap Per Student - $728 - $1,174 - $1,359

The Board has worked hard this year to make more financial aid available to more students. The result is a commitment to fund more Contributions to Riverbend Total: than double the financial aid offered next year. So not only will more July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 $355,128 kids be able to receive a Riverbend education, but families will be Annual Fund $160,666 better financially supported than before. We now have the ability Gala & Auction $164,880 in some circumstances to offer financial aid that covers an entire Other Donations $7,082 tuition. This is a great step towards a Financial Aid program that not Capital $22,500 Contributions only leads the pack among our competitive schools, but also reaf- firms our commitment to the values that Riverbend holds.

James McElligott and Dave Young Annual Fund Donor List by Program

Toddler Program Chris and Lauren Devaux Bill Poisson and Pamela Cokin Pre-LE Miles and Lisa Arnone Douglas and Kendra Epstein Joe Pompei and Doug and Shannon Drenick Kendall and Alyssa Brook * Daniel and Katie Fink Amanda Phillips David and Yen Pantano Sam Chi and Julie Li * Willie Guo and Fan Du Tony and Andrea Proctor * Joseph Pompei and Jeffrey and Daria Cho Pete and Maria Handrinos * Venkateshwar Reddy and Amanda Phillips Carla DeCosta Dan and Katie Fink Jay and Jamie Haverty Eric and Kristen Pritchett * Mark and Leah Robinson Andrew and Elizabeth Gallinaro Jonas and Kathy Hellgren Tony and Andrea Proctor * Alan Rosen and Abigail Posner * Vincent and Howard and April Heppelmann Ronald and Bonnie Roalsen Jonathan and Alexis Montemaggiore John and Tara Hourihan Michael and Claudina Stevenson Melissa Rutherford * Giovanni Morant and Jeffrey Hugo and Heather Zindle Scott and Sarah Wilson Evelyn Kelsey * Ugyen and Meghan Sass William and Christine Kendall Hongbo Yang and Xiaoren Chen Matthew Morris and Matt and Christine Schuldt * Charles Kreiman and Susheela Subbarao Ashley and Linda Shih Lower Elementary Heather Vinci * Robert Murray and Daniel and Alexis Singh * Craig and Sarah Adams Morgan Lackenbauer and Holly Malin Murray Miles and Lisa Arnone Morgen Peck Jonathan and Kristen Speary Demetrios and Anthony and Athena Barkett Adam Gusman and Liz Lapon Mark and Elizabeth Speyer Christina Papageorgiou Craig Brody and Guillermo and Kim Leiva * Joe and Katie Terino Blake and Melissa Roper Jacqueline Maushart Wayzen and Lauren Lin Micheal Tirozzi and Donors John and Jennifer Schaeffer Luiz and Evelyn Camargo Deinse Camera Jose and Hattie Llavina Christopher Tullmann and Dennis Dean and Primary Program David and Alison Malm Paige Teller Carla Molina-Dean Sureel and Harshita Bhurat Scott and Mona Marimow Mills Wang and Gina Guo Chris and Lauren Devaux Jonathan and Sarah Bracken * Sabre and Donna Mayhugh Brett and Odetta Webster Doug and Shannon Drenick Craig Brody and James and Lindsey McElligott * Thomas and Katherine Evans Jacqueline Maushart Jib and Beth Wilkinson Tom and Adriana McLaughlin * Patricio and Christina Feder * Kendall and Alyssa Brook * Scott and Sarah Wilson Troy and Shawnnee Miranda Rick Felty and Dorie Cameron David and Denys Caplan Steven and Shannon Xu Craig and Charlene Oliver Daniel and Dana Finn * Xuan Chi and Zhongxin Li * John and Laura Owen * Michael and Suzanne Fisher * John Chisholm and David and Yen Pantano Cydney Hodder Neal Glick and Lisa Hack Demetrios and Jeffrey and Daria Cho Jordan and Deb Hall * Christina Papageorgiou Bill Chou and Estelle Lin Steve and Susannah Hann * Seth and Christi-Anne Plough Brian and Helena Delgado Robert and Jennifer Henley *

Howard and April Heppelmann Upper Elementary Matthew Davis and Faculty & Staff Pasquale and Consiglia Puleo * Riverbend Star ($10,000+) Kirk and Laurie Davis * Bill Chou and Estelle Lin Jim Hartman and Miles and Lisa Arnone Michele Pittman Rob and Kate Battaglia * Michael Radin and Morgan Lackenbauer and Matthew Davis and Michele Brian and Helena Delgado Karen Flathers * Eric and Eunice Chapon * Jessica Duplessie Fadia Brangwynne * Debra Daniels * Morgen Peck Pittman Douglas and Kendra Epstein Emeka and Allian Iffih Matthew Davis and Steve and Jayme Faberman Lene Castro * Dianne Reid * Pat and Kristin Loranger * Matt DeSutter and Donna Paglia Steve and Jayme Faberman Greg and Annika Imbrie Michele Pittman John and Jade Hargrave * Kathy Clark Karen and Mark Riccardi * James and Lindsey McElligott * Jordan and Deb Hall * Daniel and Katie Fink Charles Kreiman and Jessica Duplessie Jim Hartman and Alan Cohen * Blake and Melissa Roper Tony and Andrea Proctor * Pete and Maria Handrinos * Steven and Renee Finn Heather Vinci * Karen Flathers * John and Jade Hargrave * Timothy Dalia Nancy Salaway and Matt & Christine Schuldt * John and Jade Hargrave * Willie Guo and Fan Du Adam Gusman and Liz Lapon Douglas Jacobs and Diane Fronduto * Emeka and Allian Iffih Thomas and Kerry Evans Dave Young and Jim Hartman and Howard and April Heppelmann Guillermo and Kim Leiva * Tilia Klebenov Jacobs Robert and Lynn Shevory * Michelle Mayer * Karen Flathers * Scott and Heather Kelly Patricio and Christina Feder * Greg and Annika Imbrie Jose and Hattie Llavina Woosung and Soomyung Kim * Tina Spargo Emeka and Allian Iffih Ganesan Koyalmanam and Janey Fryer Platinum ($5,000 - $9,999) Diane Marguerite Pat and Kristin Loranger * Rajaswari Subramianiam Roy Lurie and Jim and Donna Strouse Roy Lurie and Marybeth Rettger * Janet Gelcich Chris and Lauren Devaux Scott and Mona Marimow Paul and Ocllo Mason Michael and Elissa McGinty Sarah Sundstrom * Marybeth Rettger * Diane Marguerite Steve and Susannah Hann * Vincent and Sabre and Donna Mayhugh Michael and Elissa McGinty Matt and Felicia Murphy * Joe and Katie Terino James Merullo and Amy Harris * Valeriu and Anna Harea Alexis Montemaggiore Nahas Sherif James Merullo and Amy Harris * Eric and Kristen Pritchett * Nahas Sherif Kevin and Ildiko Nielsen Emily Wasser Kevin and Ildiko Nielsen Nancy Salaway and Lauren Hawkes Demetrios and Paul and Trudy Newman * Leigh and Michael Niskanen Dave Wilkins and Mark and Leah Robinson Diane Fronduto * Bob Heller John and Laura Owen * Christina Papageorgiou Daniel and Jennifer Nissi * Demetrios and Mary Velasquez * Jonathan and Melissa Ruther- Jim and Donna Strouse Michele Howell * Joe and Katie Terino Karen and Mark Riccardi * Christina Papageorgiou Melanie Wilson * ford * Demetrios and John Rowe and Chris and Laura Suraci * Woosung and Soomyung Kim * Gold ($2,500 - $4,999) Ugyen and Meghan Sass Christina Papageorgiou Pasquale and Graziella Puleo * Dennis and Karin Woessner Julia Dichiaro-Rowe * Steve and Krista Vanourny Charles Kreiman and Eric and Kristen Pritchett * Karen and Mark Riccardi * Daniel and Dana Finn * John and Jennifer Schaeffer Heather Vinci * Alumni or Past Students Jib and Beth Wilkinson Dennis and Karin Woessner * Jeffrey Hugo and Heather Zindle Ashley and Linda Shih Tony and Andrea Proctor * Eric Sun and Jessie Lu Dennis and Karin Woessner * Dave Young and Suruchi Lal Max Allen (’15) Kevin and Emily Redmond Hui and Xuepeng Sun * Michael and Elissa McGinty Daniel and Alexis Singh * Michelle Mayer * Adam Gusman and Liz Lapon Steven and Shannon Xu John Rowe and Joe and Katie Terino Alumni or Past Parents Leigh and Michael Niskanen Norma Stoltman Angela Latona Matching Organizations Julia Dichiaro-Rowe * Mills Wang and Gina Guo Grandparents David and Julie Baker * Joseph Pompei and Chris and Laura Suraci * Brian and Michele McKenna * Amanda Phillips Adage Capital Management Jim and Shana Salzano Dave Young and Steven and Renee Finn Matthew Brown and Eva Stahl * Brett and Odetta Webster Tom and Adriana McLaughlin * Robert and Lynn Shevory * Michelle Mayer * John and Ida Greenlee Matt DeSutter and Donna Paglia Jim and Shana Salzano Scott and Sarah Wilson Citizens Bank Troy and Shawnnee Miranda Fidelity Hui and Xuepeng Sun * Sarah Kim Allen and Lisa Downey * Silver ($1,000 - $2,499) Middle School Julie Miranda-Ahern Bronze ($500 - $999) Joe and Katie Terino Mike and Marianne McElligott Anthony and Robin Godine Ford Foundation Chris and Ellen Banthin Miles and Lisa Arnone David and Julie Baker * Giovanni Morant and James McElligott and Mills Wang and Gina Guo Myran Postava-Davignon Michael Radin and Craig Brody and Jacqueline Robert and Nikkola Carmichael Evelyn Kelsey * Kendall and Alyssa Brook * David Young Annual Fund Jib and Beth Wilkinson Norma Stoltman Debra Daniels * Maushart David and Lisa Cohen Jean Ormaza Matthew Brown and Eva Stahl * Matching Program Karen Shlenker Eric and Eunice Chapon * Kirk and Laurie Davis * Amy Ostroff Luiz and Evelyn Camargo Jeffrey and Daria Cho Herica Paixao * Robert and Nikkola Carmichael

* Indicates 3 years or more of giving to Riverbend School Annual Fund. Every effort has been made to be accurate in this Annual Report. Please report any errors or omissions to the Outreach Office. Gala & Auction Donor Lists Capital Campaign Donors I am so impressed by the outcomes of A special Thank You to all our Riverbend is grateful to the Jay and Jamie Haverty Herica and Itamar Paixao Emily Wasser In September 2014, our first Riverbend students. When Isaac first auction helpers and volunteers: following individuals and busi- Michele Howell Yen Tran and David Pantano David Wilkins students entered the newly nesses who made our auction a built Children’s House. We are Andrea Proctor Patrick and Susan Hurley Christina Papageorgiou Sarah Wilson started at the school, I watched the Decor, Venue and Entertainment success by donating, participat- grateful to all who helped in that ing and bidding generously. Greg and Annika Imbrie Joe Pompei Dennis and Karin Woessner endeavor, particularly our Capital Middle Schoolers -- the kids who had Karin Woessner Doug and Tilia Jacobs Eric and Kristen Pritchett David Young and Campaign donors. Added to our All Things Related to Teachers - grown up at Riverbend -- and I was Individuals: Michelle Mayer list of Capital Campaign donors Projects, Outings and Wish List Artemis Joukowsky Tony and Andrea Proctor David and Julie Baker in 2015-2016 include: struck by how confident, self-assured, Boards JR and Candace Kasser Pasquale Puleo Businesses: Pete and Maria Handrinos James and Lindsey McElligott Katie Terino Scott and Heather Kelly Kevin and Emily Redmond Allegro Music School and comfortable they seemed. Whether Video and Marketing Kathleen Battaglia Eric & Kristen Pritchett William and Christine Kendall Mark and Karen Riccardi David Feakes, Personal Family they were interacting with younger Craig Brody and Matt and Christine Schuldt Lynn Shevory Paul Gaynor and Karen Ketterer Matt and Jessica Ristuccia Lawyer, The Parents Estate Live Auction Slideshow Jacqueline Maushart Peter and Jacqueline Segall children, or talking to large groups of Soomyung Kim Mark and Leah Robinson Planning Law Firm, PC Riverbend Faculty and Staff Dave and Denys Caplan Joe and Katie Terino Michelle Kozin Kirsten Root Dover Parks and Recreation adults, they seemed comfortable in For all your support! Bob and Nikkola Carmichael Dave and Michelle Young Suruchi Lal Blake and Melissa Roper Heritage Restaurant their own skin. Daria Cho Lene Castro Liz Lapon John Rowe and Jeremy and Lisa Sewell, Gift In Kind Donors Laurie Davis Eric and Eunice Chapon Julia Dichiaro-Rowe Chef Owners of Row 34 Angela Latona Craig Brody and At the same time, they seemed utterly Julsey Flavelle Jeffrey and Daria Cho J-Style Shawn Laughlin Jonathan and Jacqueline Maushart Janey Fryer Tim and Joan Dalia Melissa Rutherford Papageorgiou Dental Associates themselves, expressing their own Kimberly Leiva Michael and Bev Loynd Deb Hall Kirk and Laurie Davis Nancy Salaway Zeta Fencing individuality. The Montessori environ- Lauren and Wayzen Lin Dave and Michelle Young, Maria Handrinos Lauren and Chris Devaux Ugyen and Meghan Sass Pat and Kristin Loranger Dimitri and Christina ment allowed their unique talents and Gus Laughlin Steven Duplessie John and Jennifer Schaeffer Papageorgiou James and Lindsey McElligott personalities to flourish. I said, “That’s Kim Leiva Douglas and Kendra Epstein Karen Schlenker James and Lindsey McElligott, Michele McKenna Lauren Lin Shannon Farrington Matt and Christine Schuldt Dave and Michelle Young what I want for my kids.” Now that Julie and Mr. Miranda-Ahern Matt Murphy Daniel and Katie Fink Lynn and Bob Shevory Issac Hargrave & family Shawnnee Miranda Isaac has graduated, I can say that he Leigh Niskanen Daniel and Dana Finn Ashley and Linda Shih Giovanni Morant Class Gift 2016: Thank you to our graduates has all those qualities and more, largely Amy Ostroff Mary Jane Fryer Daniel and Alexis Singh Matt Murphy through the great experience he had at Christina Papageorgiou Susannah Hann Tina and Ed Spargo Kevin and Ildi Nielson Kristen Pritchett John and Jade Hargrave Claudina and Michael Stevenson Riverbend. Leigh Niskanen Emily Redmond Anna Harea Jim and Donna Strouse Erin O’Boyle Melissa Roper Amy Harris Sarah Sundstrom John Hargrave, current parent Jean Ormaza Christine Schuldt James Hartman and Chris and Laura Suraci Karen Flathers Amy Ostroff Michelle Young Joe and Katie Terino John and Laura Owen

Every effort has been made to be accurate in this Annual Report. Please report any errors or omissions to the Outreach Office. EXECUTIVE LETTER: PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board of Directors

Dear Friends and Family of Riverbend, feel for our school. Without all these things, we would not The Riverbend School is a non-profit educational insti- 2015-2016 Board of Directors be in the position we are in today. We also expanded on tution governed by its Board of Directors. Directors are Looking back on the 2015-2016 school year, I am Tony Proctor, President our previous goal of supporting our teachers with another selected from the school community and are typically confident in concluding that it was a great year thanks Jim Hartman, Vice President generous compensation increase as well as giving them parents of current or former students. Each Director’s term to all the efforts of our tremendously talented and is a period of three years. The primary responsibilities of James McElligott, Treasurer additional support in the classroom. generous community – well-deserved are thanks to the Board are to safeguard the financial stability of the Jade Hargrave, Secretary faculty, staff, and parents who all realize that the “care I am so grateful to all of you for making our Swing Into school, to set the strategic direction of the school and to Dave Baker and feeding” of our students is our most important Spring Gala, including the Raise the Paddle portion, such a evaluate the performance of the Head of School. Eunice Chapon Daniel Finn mission. All of our efforts translate into the amazing success. Because of everyone’s generosity, the Board was The Executive Committee of the Board consists of Eric Pritchett achievements of our kids. comfortable expanding the financial aid program for all its officers, which are the President, the Treasurer, the John Rowe families (staff and non-staff) to allow for awards up to Any review of last year would be incomplete without Secretary, and the Vice President. The two major Matthew Schuldt 100% of need. This is a new level of opportunity for any acknowledging the sadness we felt when learning that purposes of the committee are ongoing in nature: to Chris Suraci child, regardless of financial means, to benefit from our handle urgent board matters on behalf of the Board, Karen Riccardi, the only Head of School Riverbend has David Young Montessori education. Additionally, I am very proud that and to consider highly confidential or delicate school ever known, was moving far away. The Riverbend board our community was able to exceed an ambitious Annual matters as they arise. created a process that literally reached across the country Fund goal and to increase family participation to an and across oceans to find a new leader as we also amazing 90%. And to the faculty and staff who prepared to say farewell to Karen. We were so fortunate to participated at 100% participation: an enormous thank find a great new leader, Dr. Christine Price, who is already you for leading the way! building on all the momentum that Karen helped create. Karen was an integral part of helping Dr. Price get up and You’ve read of so many impressive outcomes in the pages running, and we thank her for that and all that she did for of this annual report. From the Class of 2016 to a new us through the years. As Board President, I am grateful to Innovation Curriculum, all of our success is possible Goals Outcomes have been able to work with Karen in her last year, and for through the dedication and drive of our teachers, the opportunity to work with Dr. Price in the months administrators, staff, and volunteers, combined with the • Successful Head of School search and transition • Comprehensive Head of School search and hiring process ahead. I can attest that the Board did an excellent job in generosity of our supporters. We never forget that all of us yielding candidates of the highest qualifications selecting our new Head, as Christine is someone who working together allows our students to flourish and • Continue the Year of the Teacher initiative to enhance continues to impress me with each new interaction. develop into the leaders of the future. the teacher career experience • Strategic compensation improvements towards retaining The Board made it a special goal last year to increase Sincerely and with thanks, and attracting the best talent enrollment across the campus and the results are • Strive to build robust admissions waiting lists across • Established expanded teaching support including extraordinary. With full classrooms at nearly every level, all levels of the school consulting services and the addition of another Toddler classroom in an underutilized space in the Children’s House, Riverbend’s • Explore improved space utilization of the Tony Proctor • Record level of Kindergartners stayed for 1st grade, enrollment has reached its highest yet. I would like to Children’s House and program expansion Board President with full classes throughout the school thank the administration for working toward this goal, the teachers for creating such a fantastic atmosphere for • New Toddler classroom was added, and kids, and our parents for spreading the pride that they Summer Programs were expanded 2015-2016 Board Committees

Head of School Search Committee Teacher Experience Committee Governance Committee

The Search Committee was an ad-hoc committee charged Technology Committee The Teacher Experience Committee is responsible for The Governance Committee helps the Board carry out its with leading the search for Riverbend’s new Head of evaluating, benchmarking versus peer schools, and further function related to healthy development and operation of The Technology Committee is responsible for working School. Over the past year, their responsibilities includ- improving the teaching experience at the school. During the board, its governing documents, procedures, commit- with the administration to develop and implement the ed: development of a candidate profile which defined the 2015-2016 school year, the committee administered tees and task forces, and recruitment and performance of school’s technology strategy as it pertains to both the characteristics, experience, expertise and other desirable a comprehensive teacher survey, analyzed the data and board members. IT infrastructure as well as the student facing tools and qualifications in a successful candidate; identification and recommended improvements. Additionally, the commit- materials. In the past year, the Technology Committee has Accomplishments in the past year include review of the vetting of potential candidates; and recommendation of tee, for the first time, presented the results to teachers, completed modernization of network infrastructure to in- Corporation’s governing documents and the creation of a finalist candidate(s) for consideration by the Board and highlighting areas of strength and those needing improve- crease performance and stability, implemented full-time IT plan to update and improve them. The committee also de- Riverbend community. ment. The committee also helped Riverbend implement support for students, staff, and teachers, and implement- veloped a roster to track individual member tenure, along a new bonus program, which provides better long-term The Head of School Search committee made final ed 1-1 devices for students in grades 4-8. The Committee with collective skills and talents. consistency for teachers and reduces the frequency with recommendations to the Board regarding the hiring of also supported the inaugural year of the Riverbend Design which the school asks parents for monetary support. Members: Eric Pritchett (chair), Jim Hartman, Tony Proctor, a new Head of School. Additionally, this committee was Lab. For the 2016-2017 school year, the Board has asked the James McElligott, Dan Finn, Eunice Chapon responsible for identification and recruitment of Advisory Members: John Rowe and Dave Baker (co-chairs), Katie committee to study teacher compensation at peer schools Committee members, and guided the development of a Terino, Melissa Roper, Dave Wilkins, Deborah Daniels in the area. Transition Committee to provide support for during the Finance Committee transition and first year of the new Head of School’s term. Members: Matt Schuldt (chair), Chris Suraci, Lynn Shevory, Development Committee Melanie Wilson, Karen Riccardi The Finance Committee is responsible for having a thor- Members: Jade Hargrave and Jim Hartman (co-chairs), The Development Committee is responsible for oversee- ough understanding of Riverbend’s financial situation, as- Tony Proctor, James McElligott, Dave Young, Matt Schuldt, ing the various fundraising initiatives for Riverbend, includ- sessing the financial impacts of strategic Board decisions, Dan Finn ing the Annual Fund, auctions, and special campaigns. Building Committee and alerting the Board to any threats to Riverbend’s continued financial health. The Committee serves this mission In the 2015-2016 academic year, work of the Development The Building Committee consists of Board members and through periodic review of the current year’s budget and Transition Committee Committee significantly increased the parent participation others with experience in the building and development by forecasting revenues and expenditures to assist in the rate and dollars raised for the Annual Fund. The creation industry. The major responsibility of the committee is In the 2015-2016 school year, the role of the Transition planning of the next fiscal year’s budget. During the 2015- of Annual Fund Ambassadors and outreach to other to manage and develop the properties associated with Committee was to assist the new Head of School, Dr. 2016 academic year, the Committee assisted the Board groups, such as grandparents, past parents and alumni, Riverbend School. Christine Price, with her transition to Riverbend and orga- in creating a better understanding of how resources are helped improve awareness of the Annual Fund. nize a send-off for the departing Head of School, Karen Over the past year, the Building Committee worked on allocated throughout the school, and conducted analysis Riccardi. The Committee has also increased communication about long-term strategies for the tavern building and began to of the financial implications of expanding Financial Aid. Riverbend’s financial picture and assisted with improving consider development options for the future site of the Activities included a transition retreat with Christine, the Members: James McElligott (chair), Tony Proctor, the financial aid program to be more competitive with peer upper elementary/middle school in conjunction with the Board of Directors, and search consultants Educational Matt Schuldt, Chris Suraci, Debra Daniels, Donna Strouse schools. Head of School. Directions, and a farewell event for departing Head of School Karen Riccardi. The committee also worked with Members: James McElligott (chair), Dave Young, Deb Hall, Members: Chris Suraci (chair) the Board of Directors and other school community mem- Kim Leiva, Kristen Pritchett, Katie Terino, Kathy Clark bers to provide our new head with knowledge and insight to aid in her transition.

Members: Dave Young (chair), Tony Proctor, James McElligott, Dave Baker, Jim Hartman Reaching out from Auburn Street BEYOND RIVERBEND Parent Association High school was a big change for me. My While the 2015-2016 school year brought fabulous hap- So much of what makes Riverbend truly special is the penings on campus, it also brought the creation of a new school is so much bigger than Riverbend and community and there is no doubt that this is because of full-time administrative position, the Director of Outreach. the parents. Parents care a whole lot about their kids, but As part of her responsibilities in this new role, Katie Terino there’s no way that the teachers can keep up also about our school as a whole. From volunteering time looks forward to spearheading Riverbend’s efforts to bring with each student individually. The self-ad- to supporting the Annual Fund, parents are invaluable. incoming parents, alumni, grandparents, former parents, Thanks for all you do! and more into our active school community. vocacy skills I learned at Riverbend prepared PALC (Parents Association Leadership Council) Upper School Room Parents As part of this strategic initiative, the way we communi- me to succeed in class and have helped me cate with our many community members is evolving. Our get to know my teachers. I also learned to PA Co-President Deb Hall Lower El - Sundstrom weekly newsletter is diverging into two communications -- PA Co-President Kim Leiva Kristen Pritchett a weekly newsletter called Currents for our current parents pursue my interests. The encouragement I got Treasurer Melissa Rutherford Emily Redmond with important day-to-day information, and a monthly Secretary Alexis Singh Lower El - Harea newsletter called Around the Bend containing school news at Riverbend helped me discover things about Enrichment Committee: Julia Rowe, Dana Finn and information about events for our greater community Dana Finn, April Heppelmann myself so I knew what I wanted to do in high Kirsten Root members. Look for information on our website to join our Around the Bend mailing list. school. Children’s House Room Parents Lower Elementary - Cohen Jennifer Nissi Mrs. Terino is also excited to create a Young Alumni TUPELO Eloise Baker, Class of 2015 Katie Terino Association for alumni within ten years of graduation from Demetra Georgakopoulos Riverbend School. She would love to hear from you if you Melissa Roper Upper Elementary would like to be involved. Email her at [email protected]. Leigh Niskanen OAK Ildiko Nielsen Lauren Lin April Hepplemann Middle School Mary Beth Rettger ELM Laurie Davis Abigail Posner Lindsey McElligott Community Events Sarah Bracken Class Potlucks Fall Fest/Natick Pantry Food Drive MAPLE Energy Gymnastics Outing Are you a graduate of Riverbend School? Harshita Bhurat Holiday Party Maria Handrinos Text RVBS to 22828 to join our mailing list Family Skating Party BIRCH Teacher Appreciation Luncheon and get periodic news about the school, as Daria Cho Enrichment Events Offered Melissa Rutherford well as information about opportunities David Coffin HICKORY Beezelbubs to connect with fellow alumni or attend Andrea Proctor Tanglewood Marionettes Riverbend School events. Kristen Pritchett Voici Angelica Improv Boston Tumble Bus Author Visit- Emily Redmond 6 AUBURN STREET, SOUTH NATICK, MA 01760 www.riverbendschool.org