THE MSB DISTINCTION:
RESPECT KINDNESS RESPONSIBILITY GRATITUDE
The Montessori School of the Berkshires 2023-2024 Annual Report reflects on the previous year, highlighting and honoring students, parents, guardians, grandparents, teaching faculty, staff, board members, alumni, friends, supporters, and businesses in our collective community who, by giving their attention, time, and resources, make our work possible. With the help of individual community members, the school is able to prepare our students for lifelong learning with curiosity and joy.
Thank you for joining us on this connected journey that allows us to help our students discover how they can best contribute to our community, culture, and world. Thank you for celebrating the individuality of each family, classroom, and student.
The Montessori School of the Berkshires is pleased to share our 2023-2024 academic-year annual report with the community.
We are grateful for your involvement and generosity.
This report is a publication of The Montessori School of the Berkshires. It recognizes gifts received between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible. If your name has been omitted or listed incorrectly, please accept our apologies.
LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL: A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE & VISION
As I reflect on another transformative year at The Montessori School of the Berkshires, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our generous donors, dedicated parents, inspiring alumni, and the entire school community. Your unwavering support continues to sustain and uplift our mission of educating and inspiring the next generation of compassionate leaders.
Celebrating Our Achievements
This year has been a testament to what we can achieve together. From expanding our Land Stewardship program to witnessing our students’ personal growth and achievements, the sense of joy and progress within our community has been extraordinary. Initiatives like Land Stewardship programs have flourished thanks to your involvement, and we are deeply proud of our faculty, whose dedication ensures that our students thrive academically and personally.
The Power of Your Support
Because of your generosity, we have continued to support our innovative educational programs. These advancements have made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of our students and faculty, reinforcing the transformative power of a Montessori education.
Commitment to Our Mission
At the core of our school is an unwavering commitment to fostering independence, creativity, and a love of learning. Your contributions fuel this mission, allowing us to nurture academic excellence and the values and skills that will empower our students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Looking Ahead
As we envision the future, our programs and continued emphasis on innovation and community building will ensure that MSB remains a beacon of educational excellence. Your continued support will be essential in bringing these dreams to fruition.
An Invitation to Stay Connected
I encourage you to remain engaged with our vibrant community by attending events, volunteering your time, or contributing to our upcoming campaigns. Together, we can continue to build a strong foundation for generations of learners to come.
Thank You
Thank you for your belief in our vision and your commitment to our shared journey. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate community. Together, we are shaping a brighter future, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish in the year ahead.
Warmly, Todd Covert Co-Founder, Head of School
The Montessori School of the Berkshires
STAFF FACULTY &
ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT TEAM
Christophe Pichard
Jackie Kelly-Olson
Jamie Gray
Jeanette Maguire
Kehr Davis
Lorraine Shaw
Mark Losardo
Meagan Ledendecker
Todd Covert
TEACHING STAFF & CLASSROOM SUPPORT
Alyssa Taikowski
Amanda Johnston
Aylen Dominguez
Becca Peters
Cathy Fisch
Dana Harrison
Henry Frentzel
Joey Chernila
Justin Wehry
Karen Hayes
Kim Sinopoli
Leia Bibiloni
Thank you, Leia, for 10 great years!
Marissa Mestre
Meagan Ledendecker
Mike Murray
Najwa Squailia
Patrick Nininger
Vicky Sideropoulos
LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Dear MSB Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity during this year’s fundraising efforts. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, your contributions have made a profound difference in our school’s ability to thrive. Together, we are creating a community where students flourish both academically and personally.
This year, we are proud to share a significant milestone: thanks to your support, all lead guides at MSB are now Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) trained, ensuring an authentic Montessori experience in every classroom. This investment in excellence is already making a positive impact, equipping our students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
In financial stewardship, we remain committed to full transparency. This year, we raised $90,000 to support The Montessori School of the Berkshires. Every dollar is being used responsibly to further our mission of delivering exceptional education and enriching programs.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities before us. In the coming year, we plan to host inspiring speakers, community events, and programs designed to bring us closer together while bolstering our fundraising efforts. These initiatives will help sustain and grow the programs that make Montessori education so impactful.
Achieving these ambitious goals depends on your continued partnership. Your involvement—whether by attending events, volunteering your time, or supporting our fundraising initiatives—is essential to our success. Together, we can build on this year’s accomplishments and reach even greater heights. Thank you again for your trust, generosity, and belief in our mission. We are eager to continue this important work with you by our side, and we look forward to all we will achieve together in the coming year.
Warm regards,
Simon Holzapfel Chair of the Board of Trustees
The Montessori School of the Berkshires
THE LEGACY OF CARTER WHITE
I first met Carter White 14 years ago, and our early conversations revolved around education, Montessori, and politics. Carter’s passion for Montessori stemmed from his daughter’s early education in a Montessori school, a philosophy he firmly believed in. When MSB was a young school, Carter joined the Board of Trustees, bringing invaluable leadership and strategic insight, particularly in governance and financial systems.
As vice chair and later board chair, Carter guided us through significant growth, including navigating the challenges of the pandemic. His passion for sustainability inspired us to explore new paths, culminating in plans for an endowment. Even after stepping down as board chair, Carter remained treasurer, mentoring me through sustainability initiatives over conversations and puzzles.
Carter passed away on April 22, 2024, leaving an enduring legacy as a mentor and champion of Montessori education. In his honor, we are proud to establish the Carter White Endowment for Sustainability and Stewardship, ensuring his vision for education and sustainability continues to inspire future generations.
If inspired by Carter’s legacy, we invite you to support this endeavor. Contributions will advance projects aligned with his passion for education and sustainability. For more information or to contribute, please contact Jackie at jackie@berkshiremontessori.org or me. Together, we can nurture Carter’s vision and sustain MSB’s future.
MSB Trustees from left to right: Simon Holzapfel, Meagan Ledendecker, Melissa DeLollo, Todd Covert, Peter Metz, Church Davis, Zack McCain. Missing from the photo are Cara Davis and Jamie Hicks-Furgang.
2023-2024 FUN FACTS
Through the Land Stewardship Program, the students produced & sold:
60 hanging baskets 115 bulbs for planting
45 bottles of maple syrup
The students cared for and learned from 38 classroom animal friends:
2 turtles
13 snails
2 gerbils
1 rabbit
1 corn snake 2 geckos
Support for Berkshire Montessori was tremendous:
$20,000 was raised at the MSB annual gala
$34,000 was donated to the MSB annual fund
$91,901 was raised in total for MSB
2 guinea pigs
17 fish
223 volunteer hours in support of MSB and the students
Fun was had by all throughout the year:
70% of families participated in events hosted by the Family Community
3 overnight outings were had by AE and elementary students
182 hours were spent at outdoor learning and activities
3 students were able to dunk Todd in the dunk tank during Field Day
TEACHER TRAINING
Amanda, Toddler Community
AMI training gave me a detailed background in Montessori theory. It provided the “why” to the way I run the classroom which is vital when creating limits for toddlers. Once I understood the reasoning behind our pedagogy I was better able to hold boundaries and create structure. The training also gave me a much more thorough understanding of the child from zero to three and the many areas of development that are happening simultaneously during this time of life.
The work that children do from the ages ofzero to three is foundational to the development of their identity. Each moment is being absorbed, and the environment we create is wiring the norms and perspectives with which the child will view the world around them.
Marissa, Children’s House
AMI training has strengthened my ability to embrace my role as a Montessori Guide, helping me become more attuned to each child’s individual strengths, interests, and developmental needs. Through AMI training, I have improved my ability to cultivate a learning environment where children grow into curious, self-reliant, compassionate, and capable individuals. By the end of the course, I felt a renewed sense of confidence in my ability to honor each child’s unique developmental journey and recognize the subtle, intrinsic motivation that drives their learning.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the training has been the opportunity to engage with a supportive community of peers. The shared insights, discussions, and relationships within this community have greatly enriched my professional growth. Ultimately, AMI training has transformed the way I approach being a Montessori Guide, enabling me to facilitate meaningful learning experiences that inspire leadership, encourage spontaneous exploration, and foster creative selfexpression in every child.
Henry, Adolescent Experience
My biggest takeaways from training are how different the adolescent is from the elementary student, in their needs and characteristics. The adolescent needs to be social, they are wired for it. Traditional environments that stifle the adolescent's ability to be loud, expressive, and social are harmful to their development. There is also a re-focus on practical work in the adolescent plane, as compared to the intellectual work of the elementary student. When an adolescent asks why, they are asking why it matters for them, in their lives, in their context. We have been doing the work this year of bringing practical work back into focus in the adolescent program, with a class business, chickens, and land stewardship.
2023-2024 ANNUAL FUND
This year, thanks to the generosity of our community, The Montessori School of the Berkshires received $90,000 in support. These contributions were instrumental in advancing two key initiatives that are central to our mission: AMI training for three lead guides and Individualized Tuition, which ensures that an MSB education remains accessible to every family seeking a Montessori experience for their children. We can also proudly say that 100% of our lead guides are AMI-trained.
Members of the MSB community supported the school in a variety of meaningful ways. Their commitment shone through, from donating to the Annual Fund to purchasing and sponsoring tickets for the Carnival Gala and participating in the silent auction. Many donors chose to give through multiple avenues, amplifying their impact.
Every gift, regardless of size, is vital in enriching the educational experience we provide. We are profoundly grateful to each donor for their confidence in our mission and their dedication to supporting The Montessori School of the Berkshires through their philanthropy. Your generosity fuels our efforts to nurture and inspire our students, and we are honored to partner with you in this important work.
Ralph Shaw
The Myrin Institute
The Ruth and Peter Metz Family Foundation
PIONEERS
Anonymous (2)
($2,500–$4,999)
($2,500–$4,999)
The Fusick Family
Robert Brainin & Nicola Kean, in honor of Ellie Brainin
ADVENTURERS ($1,500–$2,499)
Anonymous
Daniel Mintz & Andrea Winter
The Inn at Stockbridge
TRAILBLAZERS ($1,000–$1,499)
Anonymous
Jayson Messenger & Neha Das
CULTIVATORS
($500–$999)
Anonymous (3)
Amy, Joseph, Dorothy & Zadie
Bob & Elizabeth Fusick
Bryn Davis & Craig McDowell
Cara Davis
Catherine & Matthew Chester
Church Davis
David & Tammy Valicenti
Ralph, Avi, Hudson, Lorraine & Stacy Shaw, in memory of Elba Shaw, beloved Nana to
Avi & Hudson
Roxanne Gawthrop
Sean & Alana Harte
Seth Pitman & Julia Thomas
Simon Holzapfel
The Moriarty Family
FORESTERS
($250–$499)
Anonymous (4)
Anonymous, in honor of the school
Anonymous, in Honor of Kali’s Family
Abigail Noble & Paulo Caserta, in honor of all
the amazing guides & faculty at MSB
Anita Gellella
Balance Rock Investment Group
Berkshire Fence Company
Blue Point Design
Cindy and David Berger
D Penna General Contracting
Daniel Proskin & Alicia Stevenson
David Eisenberg & Terri Flynn
James & Cassidy Kendall
Janet & John Krygowski
Kirsten Gellella & Simon Cole
Lee Bank
Melissa & Tim DeLollo
ROAM a Xtina Parks Gallery
Starr W. Snead
Steve O’Donnell
Taylor Goller & Corey Baldwin
The Patel Family
Ulrike Kolb, in honor of Adalia
PATHFINDERS
($125–$249)
Anonymous (2)
Anonymous, in honor of Maeve, Orla, & their
time at MSB
Daniel Whitehead
Ewa Jancewicz & Michelle Hazzard Artioli
Jackie Kelly-Olson
Jennifer & Steven Fenig
Joe & Jan Peters
Joseph Poulson & Isadora Wolfe, in memory of
Carter White
Kate Payne & Jay Santangelo
Kathy Plungis
Kelly & Thomas Minahan
Maeve O’Dea
Marc Maurino
Maura Clancy
Melisa & Edward Krzysztof
Natalia Collins
Susan Kean
Tableaux Wealth, in honor of Vicky
Sideropoulos
Veronica & Chris Johnston
TENDER ROOTS (up to $124)
Alyssa Taikowski
Anonymous (5)
Anonymous, in honor of 100% participation
Anonymous, in gratitude for Jamie Lord’s
experience at the school
Anonymous, in honor of Annie & Finn Kendall
Anonymous, in honor of Piper Miller
Anniya Sumpter
Audrey Kelly
Aylen Dominguez
Ben & Lilly Piemont
Christine Gunther
Dana Harrison
Ellen Rose & Geoffrey Cunningham
Erin & Tony Williams
Greyson Murray
Jamie Gray & Brennan King
Jamie, Zac, & Callahan Carpenter
Joey Maloney
Kehr Davis, in honor of Aurora & Oscar
Laurie May
Noah Meyerowitz
Pizzeria Boema
Sara J. Burke
Savannah Randall
Shaan & Justin Taylor
The Peters-Meighan Family
Theodora Baldwin Goller
Vicky Sideropoulos
Winter Covendecker
CARNIVAL
We are filled with gratitude for everyone who made our annual spring fundraising event, the Carnival Gala, a spectacular success! To all who attended, sponsored, and dedicated their time and energy to planning this special evening—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and sponsors, the Carnival Gala on June 1, raised over $20,000 in support of MSB’s Tuition Assistance and Teacher Development funds. Your contributions directly strengthen our community, ensuring access to Montessori education and empowering our teachers to continue their impactful work.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without each of you. Your support truly makes a difference, and we are so thankful to have you as part of the MSB family!
Special thanks to our gala committee, Ashley LaVelle, Heather Fusick, Melisa Krzyzstof, Mike Schroth, Molly Merrihew, Nicola Kean, Leisl Moriarty, Liza Murray, Lorraine Shaw, Peter Metz (BoT), Jamie Hicks-Furgang (BoT), Simon Holzapfel (BoT, Chair).
OUR LAND STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
Our Land Stewardship program is a specialized component within the Montessori educational framework. It is designed to connect students with the natural environment and teach them the principles of environmental stewardship. This program is often integrated into Montessori schools’ broader curriculum and aligns with the Montessori philosophy of experiential learning, respect for nature, and fostering a sense of responsibility.
Practical life skills such as planting, harvesting, and the life cycle of plants and animals
Sustainability and conservation highlighting the impact of human activities on the environment
Community involvment helping foster a sense of belonging and contributing to a community
Observation and reflection helping to develop a deeper connection with their environment
Integration with the core curriculum and subjects such as biology, geography, and mathematics
Goals of the program such as fostering environmental awerness, encouraging responsibility, promoting sustainability, and building community
Key Elements of the Land Stewardship Program
MSB FAMILY COMMUNITY
This year, the MSB Family Community flourished, marked by an extraordinary number of volunteer hours, a variety of engaging events, enthusiastic participation, improved communication, and meaningful discussions about making our community even more welcoming and supportive.
Under the leadership of lead liaison Liza Murray, and with the dedication of classroom liaisons Alison Quiñones, Amy Taylor, Gwen Miller, Isadora Wolfe, Jay Santangelo, Leisl Moriarty, Lorraine Shaw, Melisa Krzyzstof, Molly Lyon, and Sean Johnson, the Family Community reached inspiring new heights.
Volunteer Contributions
In the 2023–2024 school year, parents, guardians, grandparents, and caregivers made invaluable contributions, volunteering their time and energy to a wide range of activities. They supported the Fall and Winter Fests at MSB, assisted with school photo day, and helped during Field Day and field trips. Volunteers also played crucial roles in events like the Elementary Shakespeare play and the Montessori Carnival Gala.
Parents and caregivers enriched the community by hosting after-school clubs like Board Game Building, Break Dance, and Chess. They supported Children’s House enrichment programs with activities such as apple sauce canning, turtle care, and music sessions.
Memorable Community Events
The Family Community came together to organize and host cherished gatherings, including the Fall Community Potluck, Trunk or Treat, Elementary Game and Pizza Night, the Toddler Community and Children’s House Pancake Breakfast, and an unforgettable Teacher Appreciation Week. During this special week, teachers and staff were treated to made-toorder lattes, delicious food, flowers, heartfelt cards, and more—a gesture that left the entire team feeling deeply appreciated.
Building Bonds Beyond Campus
Beyond school events, families extended the spirit of community by organizing impromptu playdates at local playgrounds and parks. A particularly heartwarming example of the community’s dedication was when families rallied together to support those in need of help with transportation to and from school.
A Year of Triumph
The primary mission of the MSB Family Community is to nurture a culture of inclusivity, kindness, and gratitude. This past year, the community exemplified these values and more. It was, without a doubt, a triumphant year filled with connection and care—a true testament to the power of coming together.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the incredible volunteers who make everything we do possible. Your dedication, time, and energy are the foundation of our success. From helping in classrooms to organizing events, your efforts enrich our community in countless ways.
Thank you for sharing your talents and passion with us. Your contributions truly make a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. Together, we’re creating something extraordinary!
FAMILY COMMUNITY LEADERS
Lorraine Shaw
Liza Murray
SKI & BOARD PROGRAM
Aurel de St André
Jay Santangelo
Kirsten Gellella
Katie Maloney
Mark Maloney
Steve Fenig
Scott Smith
SCHOOL PHOTO COORDINATION
Jessica Cunningham
Leisl Moriarty
Nicola Kean
APPLES
Calvin Rodman
Emily Melchior
PIZZA & GAME NIGHT
Alison Quiñones Johnson
Jay Santangelo
Smitha Piedilato
Jennifer Daniels
Isadora Wolfe
Lorraine Shaw
Mike Schroth
Jagruti Patel
Liza Murray
Kabir Patel
iin Purwanti
Molly Lyon
GALA COMMITTEE
Simon Holzapfel
Melisa Krzyzstof
Heather Fusick
Ashley LaVelle
Mike Schroth
Nicola Kean
Jamie Hicks-Furgang
Molly Merrihew
Lorraine Shaw
Leisl Moriarty
Liza Murray
Peter Metz
AE GUEST INSTRUCTORS
Michael Schroth
Isadora Wolfe
SOCIAL MEDIA HELPERS
Stephanie O’Hara
Jamie Carpenter
Jay Santangelo
Zac Carpenter
Lorraine Shaw
Gwen Miller
Amy Taylor
RECESS HELPER Scott Smith
CLASSROOM LIAISONS
Alison Quiñones Johnson
Sean Quiñones Johnson
Melisa Krzyzstof
Jay Santangelo
Isadora Wolfe
Leisl Moriarty
Amy Method Gwen Miller
Molly Lyon
BOOKS
Liza Murray
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
Andres Ramirez
Sean Johnson
Joe Poulson
Steve Fenig
Scott Smith
Neha Das
HOLIDAY MARKET
Alison Quiñones Johnson
Magdalena Lipinska
Jessica Cunningham
Catherine Chester
Nora Carvalho
Loren Nazarov
VIDEOS
George Cox iin Purwanti
CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS
Ian Fitzgibbon-Bizel
Molly de St André
Aurel de St André
Jay Santangelo
Loren Nazarov
Abigail Noble
Paulo Noble
Kate Payne
WAFFLE BREAKFAST
Theodora Baldwin Goller
Katarina Samora
Carrie Ramirez
Leisl Moriarty
Page Houser
Liza Murray
Seth Pitman
Dennise Garcia Sevilla
Jessica Cunningham
Phoenix Haynes
Arielle Wolinsky
Loren Nazarov
Isadora Wolfe
Mike Scroth
TRUNK OR TREAT
Katarina Samora
Sarah Martinelli
Jay Santangelo
Loren Nazarov
Meghan Smith
Abigail Noble
Mike Schroth
Gwen Miller
Liza Murray Amy Taylor
Dennise Garcia Sevilla
Amanda Johnston
Stephanie O’Hara
Molly Merrihew
Ben Merrihew
Paige Houser
Hannah Beal
Tom Minahan
iin Purwanti
Terri Flynn
WELCOME PICNIC
Adalia Daniels Kolb
Stephanie O’Hara
Jennifer Daniels
David Waterman
Orion Davidoff
Michael Schroth
Arielle Wolinsky
Isadora Wolfe
Lorraine Shaw
Leisl Moriarty
Joe Poulson
Gwen Miller
Liza Murray
Neil Davis
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Jon Kara Shields
Scott Smith
Stacy Shaw
FIELD DAY
Field Day is an annual event full of outdoor fun for all the students.
LAST DAY
After commencement, we have a community picnic, followed by an ice cream social. The tradition is, with the first taste of ice cream, the student moves up to the next level. Congratulations all!
