The Montessori School of the Berkshires 2011-2012 Annual Report Message from the Chair of the Board
January 2013
Dear Families and Friends of MSB, We are pleased to present our first annual report of The Montessori School of the Berkshires. From its humble beginning seven years ago (see ‘Our Story’ on page 3), our school has become a vital and important member of the Berkshires’ educational landscape. I am confident the following pages more than support that claim. MSB – the dream of Meagan Ledendecker and Todd Covert – has truly become ‘our school’. It has drawn together the talent, commitment and resources of scores of dedicated parents, teachers and staff. A walk down the hallways of MSB is all it takes to feel and understand the extraordinary environment and educational experience they have created for these wonderful children. And our increasingly complex world needs the thinking, creative, compassionate students that MSB and the Montessori philosophy produces . Our parents and our MSB family can be confident that these children will not only perform impressively in their further educational pursuits but will also make extraordinary contributions to whatever community they choose to embrace. A warm thank you goes to all who have contributed financially or in other ways to the current success of MSB. With your help, support and encouragement we are confident in a blessed future for our school and all its students. Churchward Davis Chairman, Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees Churchward Davis, Chair Carter White, Vice-Chair Dana Bixby, Treasurer Meagan Ledendecker, Secretary Rob Akroyd Todd Covert Gloria Freidman Crispin Tresp It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge the following individuals who concluded their service on MSB’s Board of Trustees this past year:
Chris Hieber Cindy Kelly Tom Skakel
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Who We Are The Montessori School of the Berkshires is a non-profit private school dedicated to nurturing the academic and holistic development of children, from toddler age through early adolescence (grade 8). Our mission is to work in the tradition of Dr. Maria Montessori to inspire children to develop independent thinking, self-assurance, inner discipline, and a love of learning in an authentic Montessori environment. Our goal is to help children become well-rounded individuals who are independent thinkers, internally motivated, reflective, self-disciplined, and self-assured. We want each child to enjoy the process of discovery and to genuinely love learning. We model behaviors that encourage children to grow as peacemakers who respect themselves and others, who appreciate differences, who embrace collaboration and cooperation, and who want to help and care for living things. We aim to foster the development of future citizens who have learned how to take responsibility for their actions and care for their world both locally and globally.
Key Montessori Principles Child-Centered Learning The focus of activity in the Montessori setting is on children learning, not teachers teaching. Hands-On Learning Direct contact with real objects of study bring learning concepts to life and allow children to understand them more deeply. Intrinsic Motivation Each child’s own internal motivation is fostered through freedom of choice and independent activities. Cooperation and Collaboration Children are encouraged to work in partnership with others and treat each other with respect and kindness. Focus on Individual Development Children progress at a personal pace and receive individual attention from teachers as they move through each area of learning. Humanity of the Child Montessori education recognizes each child as a full and complete human being, celebrates the unique nature of each child, and supports the development of each child’s individual personality. 2
Global Understanding The Montessori curriculum is international in its heritage and focus, and consciously seeks to promote a global perspective. Service to Others Community service programs within the classroom, school, and beyond help promote the ideas of stewardship and compassion. Adapted from: The Authentic American Montessori School: A Guide to the Self-Study, Evaluation, and Accreditation of American Schools Committed to Montessori Education, by Nancy McCormick and John Stoops, 1992
Our Story The story of The Montessori School of the Berkshires (MSB) started seven years ago when Meagan Ledendecker and Todd Covert had a vision to bring Montessori education to their community. In 2006, a fledgling program opened in a few rooms in the Aspinwell shops on the outskirts of Lenox. In 2009, MSB purchased the property at 21 Patterson Road in Lenox Dale and, with financing from the USDA, built one of the first LEED registered green campuses in the Berkshires. After spring break of 2010, students moved into their new school. Over the years the school has grown to what it is today because our parents and students witnessed the lasting value of their MSB experience and shared their story with others! As we embark on our fifth year as a non-profit and seventh year as an independent school, we are assured of a strong and healthy institution dedicated to the education and development of the whole child. The meaningful, life-changing, foundation-forming lessons learned through a Montessori education at our school are carried forward long after our students leave us and help shape the communities in which our children enter for the rest of their lives.
A Family Story My personal history with the Montessori School of the Berkshires goes back to the beginning—in fact, before the beginning, in a way. Around the summer of 2005, I sat around a fire pit with a few other parents, listening to Todd and Meagan describe their vision for a Montessori school. That night, I heard Meagan promise what education could be: she described a school where the child’s natural proclivities would guide his learning; where a student’s interest would inform his studies, with teachers acting as guides to ensure that a whole education was achieved; a school built on respect and nurturing of a child’s love of learning. Meagan talked of an environment where each child wouldn’t be constrained by the boundaries of class periods, or subjects, or the pace of the slowest students, but instead, would be guided through his studies according to his specific needs, his pace, and his interests, all in a concerted effort to foster a lifelong love of learning. I was sold—then, and I still am now. My daughter, Claudia, is one of the remaining students from that inaugural class in the fall of 2006, her kindergarten year. My son, Theo, began attending as soon as legally possible, a few years later. Everything that Meagan described seven years ago in her backyard while taking notes on a legal pad has come to pass. My children and their friends and classmates love school, and they are thriving as thinkers, artists, writers, and people. To visit the school, or observe a class in action, or to spend some time with a few Montessori students hanging out, is a joy and a revelation—these kids are thinkers, they are compassionate, they are analytical, they are creative, and they are funny. And for that, I credit the education they are getting at The Montessori School of the Berkshires. This school is teaching them not just math and history and science, but how to think, how to reason, how to create, how to design; this school teaches children to be learners and thinkers, not just test takers. I never thought I would send my children to private school; like many of us, I went to public schools, and, I like to think, I turned out “just fine.” I figured my kids would be just fine in public school as well. But once I learned about the Montessori method and Meagan’s vision—and certainly now, after six years at the school— I realized that there was the potential for something for my kids which could be far greater than “just fine,” and I’ve been grateful every day. Marc Maurino 3
Message from the Head of School First of all, thank you for believing that our students and families deserve the finest Montessori education available in the best learning environment. MSB has grown and evolved in many ways over our first six years. It is with extreme gratitude and appreciation that I share some of the highlights of our past year in our first Annual Report. Our enrollment continued to grow despite these challenging economic times. We had the unique pleasure of sending our first graduating class of innovative, creative, individual thinking 8th graders out into the world. This first class of 8th graders completes our whole-school, toddler through 8th grade, Montessori approach to education. This past year, we continued to expand our Parent Education and Parent Group offerings, and introduced our Silent Journey, Next Level nights, and Winter Oasis dinners. These events incorporated a social aspect as well as the chance to deepen the understanding of Montessori education. I had the pleasurable opportunity to flip pancakes at our Children’s House pancake breakfasts. Our Parent Group also introduced after-school enrichment opportunities for our children. MSB is an extraordinary place to be. We value every member of our community. We are grateful to all donors for support of the ongoing and vital fundraising activities of the school, through Annual Fund, Spring Auction, volunteerism, and in-kind gifts. Whether motivated by love of their own children, gratitude for the school’s impact on former students, or appreciation for Montessori today, all donations merit a sincere thank you. Warmly, “Education should no longer be mostly imparting knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentials.” ~Maria Montessori
Todd Covert Head of School
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Our Campus Situated on 40 acres of land in Lenox Dale, Massachusetts, the Montessori School of the Berkshires is one of the first LEED for Schools projects in the Northeast. Nestled among field and forest, MSB’s green campus and LEED registered building allow children to learn about sustainability both within the classroom and out of doors. Children have access to the natural world through garden areas and trails. Dr. Maria Montessori considered this connection to the earth and living things to be an essential part of education.
Building • LEED for Schools Registered – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design • Acoustics – Specially designed wall systems and a quiet HVAC system improve acoustics and create a more productive learning environment for children. • Thermal Comfort – Comfortable indoor temperatures enhance productivity and keep students more alert. • Water efficiency – Low flow sinks and dual flush toilets reduce total water use by as much as 50%. • Materials with locally produced content & recycled content– Buying locally reduces the school’s carbon footprint and supports the local economy. Products have the highest possible recycled content. • Forest Certified Lumber – Lumber and other wood products from wood that has been grown and harvested sustainably. • Daylighting – Solar tubes and large windows allow daylight to stream in, reducing energy costs and improving student concentration and performance. Lightshelves bounce sunlight deep into the room and provide even natural light distribution. • Sunshading – Roof overhangs and other devices shade glass and prevent overheating.
• Air Quality – All paints, adhesives, and materials have low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). • Solar Walls – The sun’s energy pre-heats fresh air for the ventilation system. • Energy Efficient Lighting – Remote sensors, individual controls and task lighting greatly reduce electricity costs and enhance learning conditions.
Site • Central Courtyard – Provides a free-flow between indoor and outdoor learning spaces and deepens students’ connection to the natural world. Includes patios, gardening plots, and class meeting spaces. • Multiple Ecosystems – Campus designed for the diversity that occurs in natural transitions between lawn, open meadow, orchards, gardens, woodlands and wetlands. • Rain garden – Serves as the entry circle centerpiece and provides a natural water runoff solution. • Water Re-Use Cistern – Roof gutters lead into an underground cistern so water can be used for irrigation around the property and in the gardens. • Below ground infiltration of storm water – By design, all storm water is infiltrated back into the ground.
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Enrollment – Growth and Retention When our capacity for students increased, we focused on filling our classrooms. It is just as important, however, to keep a close eye on retention rates. CLASS Toddler Toddler 3 & 4 year olds 3 & 4 year olds 5 year olds (Kindergarten) Lower Elementary Upper Elementary Adolescent Experience TOTAL Retained New
AM/Full Day Five Mornings Five Full Days Five Mornings Five Full Days Five Full Days
2006-2007 NA NA 6 25 6
2007-2008 NA NA 7 30 8
2008-2009 NA NA 5 25 13
2009-2010 NA NA 4 16 11
2010-2011 2 7 5 18 13
2011-2012 2 8 4 23 10
Five Full Days
NA
NA
15
15
22
21
Five Full Days
NA
NA
15
13
22
19
Five Full Days
NA
NA
NA
NA
5
7
37 NA NA
45 -
60 -
60 41 19
89 50 39
94 67 27
Where Our Students Came From in 2011-2012 Massachusetts: Cheshire Dalton Great Barrington Lenox Lee North Adams New Marlborough North Egremont Otis Peru Pittsfield Richmond Sandisfield Sheffield Stockbridge West Stockbridge 6
New York: Craryville New Lebanon
Our bus service transports 15 students living in the South Berkshire County area to and from school on a daily basis.
2011-2012 School Year Administration, Faculty & Staff Todd Covert, Head of School Kehr Davis, Business Manager Meagan Ledendecker, Director of Education Jed Tuchscherer, Facilities Manager Toddler Room Guides: Barbara Pinkerton and Bridgette Moore Children’s House I Guides: Joey Chernila and Rose Bohmann Children’s House II Guides: Patricia Pent and Bonny Flower Elementary Guides: Meagan Ledendecker, Aaron Eliassen, Emmy Bower-Dadak, April Smith Adolescent Guide: Julie Haagenson Specialists: Dana Harrison, Drama; Andrea Goodman, Music; Leigh Minor, Physical Education After School: Bridgette Moore
WARM WELCOME in September April Smith grew up between the north shore of Massachusetts and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and has been living in the mountains of Vermont for several years. For many years, she worked professionally with horses and dogs as a trainer and an instructor to students of all ages, and has worked with children in a unique variety of settings. Before coming to MSB, April developed a Montessori classroom at the Hartford Autism Regional Program. In addition to her Montessori experience, April worked with students who have learning and behavioral challenges, and spends summers in India collaborating on special education development. She helped develop and directs an NGO and special needs school in the Punjab. April holds an Associates Degree in Applied Science, and a B.A. from Goddard College with a focus on socially and ecologically sustainable community, alternative education, and psychology. She earned her Masters in Education in Montessori Integrative Learning in addition to 6-12 (Elementary) Montessori training from Endicott College. Other passions include downhill skiing, coaching and coordinating a Special Olympics alpine race team, poetry, traveling, geocaching, hiking and camping. Jed Tuchscherer was born and raised in Stockbridge, MA. He received an Associate of Science degree in Turf Grass Management. After ten years working on golf courses he made a move to North Carolina to pursue building custom homes. He started his own company, Rattlesnake Mountain Construction. After spending ten years in North Carolina and nearly twenty years away from home he began to make plans to start a family and continue woodworking back in Stockbridge. Jed is enthusiastic about being back in the Berkshires and joining the MSB community.
FOND FAREWELL in June Emmy Bowser-Dadak was an Elementary Guide at MSB for three years. During that time she shared with us her love of cooking, gardening, and exploring nature. Emmy was particularly pleased to be part of a community that holds forth the virtues of being kind and respectful to one another and to our land. Our students benefitted from her knowledge of biology and her passion for environmental stewardship. We wish her all the best as she embarks on a new chapter in her life. 7
School Year Highlights September 2011 AE undertakes the Chimney Corners Outdoor Challenge course.
October 2011 Elementary students start a Great Lesson: The Story of Writing Children’s House field trip to Bartlett Apple Orchard First Family Sharing Day of the year.
December 2011 “The Journey” gives parents a chance to explore the Montessori curriculum Elementary students participate in Berkshire Museum’s Festival of Trees Students entertain Kimball Farms residents with singing April 2012 Jr. Elementary visits Berkshire Museum AE trip to Model UN School Talent Show Parent Group offers an After-School Enrichment Series Toddler trip to Hancock Shaker Village
January 2012 Parent Social & Next Level Night Author Hester Velmans visits Elementary students who are reading her books After-school ski program begins February 2012 Class Pancake Breakfasts CH field trip to Mahaiwe for “Twinkle Twonkle”, an astronomy show Valentine Card Exchange
November 2011 Elementary Historical Dinner Children’s House helps Parent Group prepare our gardens with bulbs School-wide Thanksgiving Meal New swings go in on playground
Auggie and Angus, the gerbils, join the Toddler Room AE CATA service learning trip March 2012 Kindergarten Pinning Ceremony Elem field trip to Mt. Holyoke Robotics Challenge 8
May 2012 May Day celebration Teacher Appreciation Week Sr. Elementary production of Macbeth
June 2012 Elementary Great Brain Fair AE internships Move-Up Day Graduation
Class of 2012: Graduation Highlights The following are excerpts from some of the speeches our students gave at their graduation ceremony. “I would suppose that I had generally the same middle school experience as every other teen in the modern world, right? I started at a new school, made new friends, discovered some values, fell in love (you can say what you like), tried hard to do the right thing, got caught in teen drama, mostly got good grades, searched for (and got nervous about) high school, and now I’m graduating. It’s an average story, right? But I have something more than that. I have friendships that will last my entire life, and experiences that I could get nowhere but at The Montessori School of the Berkshires.” ~ Maddie McCain ‘12 “When I think about it, the biggest lessons I’m taking away are the ones Julie taught me when I was struggling to keep up. Sure I learned the academic material, but what made Montessori special is that I learned something else that isn’t taught in public education: how to listen. In a lot of public schools the teachers don’t even know how to do that. Whether it’s at school or out in the world, being able to listen to yourself and to other people will help in so many ways.” ~ Raven Ross-Kelso ‘12 The Class of 2012: Sara Sprague, Sean Thrasher, Casey Booth-Desnoyers, AE Guide Julie Haagenson, Raven Ross-Kelso, Maddie McCain “I think the most important skills I have learned from Montessori was the Personal World field, and the many skills it teaches. I have always enjoyed the fact that it connects with life. The 7 habits from last year, and the heroic journey from this year, I can confidently say, will help guide myself towards ultimate success in life. That is what I am looking forward to; to use the skills, to apply it in life, and to get to the top of the heroic journey, the road built on music for me. My life will surely be based on the social skills that I have learned, and pushing my comfort zone, until I reach success and absolutely never give up. ” ~ Sean Thrasher ‘12
MSB Parent Group The MSB Parent Group is an integral part of The Montessori School of the Berkshires, fostering a sense of community between our families, the School, and the neighboring public. The Parent Group serves as a focal point for all volunteer activities, including fundraising activities, in support of and in coordination with the Board, classroom guides, Head of School, and staff. We appreciate the thoughtfulness, planning, resources, and effort it took to carry out their mission through the following: Parent Socials End of Year Ice Cream Social Local Goods & Gifts Fundraiser Parent Education Nights & “The Journey” After-School Enrichment Program Class Liaisons & Field Trip Chaperones Staff Appreciation Week End-of-Year School Gift Special thanks to Jen Salinetti for her leadership as Chair of the Parent Group for another year!
The Parent Group compiled photo memory books for graduating eighth grade students. The memory books were given as gifts at the end of the school year.
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Spring Auction: Swingin’ Speakeasy Revival The Montessori School of the Berkshires’ 2012 silent auction fundraiser, “Swingin’ Speakeasy Revival”, was held at Shakespeare & Company’s Bernstein Theatre in Lenox, MA on Saturday, May 19th from 7-10pm. Proceeds benefitted the school’s financial aid fund. Our sincere appreciation to all of the volunteers, underwriters, sponsors and donors who helped make the event a “roaring” success!
Auction Committee:
Sponsors:
Judy Sprague Paula Subklew Jean Pollock Tess Fedell Launa O’Gara Marya LaRoche Bridgette Moore Todd Covert Mary Hannigan Emily Rechnitz Nancy Ringer
White Horse Hill Amenitek, Inc. Starr Snead Special Thanks: David Joseph Shakespeare & Co. Firefly The Lucky Five Band
Volunteers:
Wandering Star Brewery Berkshire Mountain Distillers Your Color Connection Trustees of MSB
Dave & Lori Nadig David Flynn Brian O’Gara Jennifer Travis Mark & Karen Cross Losardo Jeremy Smith
Iverson Studios Jacob’s Pillow Dance Jan Brett John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Judy & Steven Sprague Julie Berriault Kalon Studios Kripalu Leahey Farm Lexi Sprague Lisa Nelson, MD Lyric Stage Company of Boston Marya LaRoche Massachusetts MoCA Montshire Museum of Science Muddy Angel Music Mystic Seaport New Bedford Whaling Museum New England Aquarium New England Patriots Nicolette Enhorning-Picton Norman Rockwell Museum O’Laughlin’s Pharmacy Old Sturbridge Village Optimal Wellness Lifestyle Strategies Oriental Trading Co. Peabody Essex Museum Persnickety Toys Pink Calyx
Plimoth Plantation Project Native Providence Children’s Museum Raphael Lluberes RJ Stohr Diamonds & Fine Jewelry Shakespeare & Co Six Flags New England Ski Butternut Smartworks, Inc. Southwick’s Zoo Stampin’ Up Steve Meyerowitz Story Land Susan Lacombe The Bookstore The Great Exchange The Mount The Preservation Society of Newport County The Well They Might Be Giants Ton Whiteside Tony Israel Trader Joe’s Treehouse USS Constitution Museum Vermont Institute of Natural Science Water Wizz Fun Park Williamstown Theatre Festival Zack McCain III Zoo New England
Underwriters:
Contributors: Amenitek, Inc. American Girl American Textile History Museum Applegate Inn Arcadian Shop Artemesia Atelier Holiday Baba Louie’s Pizza Berkshire Botanical Gardens Berkshire Fabrications Berkshire Functional Fitness Berkshire Lawn and Order Berkshire Museum Berkshire Organics Berkshire Theatre Group Best Buy Billings Farm & Museum Bizen Boston Bruins Boston Duck Tours Boston Red Sox Bra & Girl Broadway Comedy Club Buttonwood Park Zoo Cakewalk Bakery & Café Camp Wagalot Canvas on Demand Carol White Carr Hardware Chase Simmering Cheryl Moore Chez Nous 10
Christmas Tree Shops Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Cynthia LaRoche Dave Nadig DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park Delair, Edwards, & Krol, P.C. DeWitt Spoons & Bowls Disney Theme Parks Dr. Susan Lord Eco-Tarium Emily Dickenson Museum Eric Carle Museum Fastenal F.L. Roberts and Company Firefly Restaurant Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano Gloria Freidman Gourmet Gift Baskets .com Green Mtn Coffee Roasters Guido’s Fresh Marketplace Gymboree H. Cachat Photography Hancock Shaker Village Haven Café & Bakery Higgins Armory Museum Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home Historic Deerfield Hy-Line Cruises Iredale Cosmetics Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
2011-2012 Annual Fund Donors Stephen Alsdorf & Lisa Nelson The Arcadian Shop Cara Barkett Davis Dave Barrett Andrew & Rachel Beckwith Julie Berriault & Tony Sheldon Dana Bixby Rose Bohmann Mary Bowser-Dadak Mr. & Mrs. Austin Brazee Julie Carlo The Catherine Alan Fund Enore & Ursula Ceola Elwynda Chapman Joey & Alana Chernila Leonard Chernila Sandy Cleary Alejandro De Onis & Chase Simmering Aaron Eliassen Bonny Flower Leonard & Gloria Friedman Thomas & Barbara Gaherty John & Cathy Gamberoni Ramesh Gangisetty & Mala Shetty Herbert Gregg & Emma Weiskopf Diego Gutierrez & Terri Zucker Julie Haagenson Anne Harrison Brenda Hebert Chris Hennessey & Giovanna Fessenden Tony Israel & Rebecca DeWitt Warren Ivie Curtis Jones & Liz Greene
Cindy Kelly Mark & Arti Ross Kelso Ben & Marya LaRoche Bob & Govane Lohbauer Kay Lothrop & Tom Sermini Saul & Kehr Maldonado Colin Mathews & Stephanie Iverson Marc Maurino & Dana Harrison Zack McCain III & Wendy Brown Bridgette Moore Sharon & Matthew Mozian Dave & Lori Nadig Chris & Brandee Nelson Northern Building Systems Brian & Launa O’Gara John Paladino & Emily Rechnitz David Ripley & Renee Harvitt Patricia Pent Charlie & Kathy Plungis Peter & Jo Podol Patrick & Jean Pollock Judith Pomerantz & Neel Webber Vlada Rousseff William & Barbara Salinetti Pete & Jen Salinetti Steven & Judy Sprague David Strzepa & Nicolette Enhorning-Picton Karl & Paula Subklew Franck Tessier & Rachel Portnoy David & Isil Thrasher Jen Travis & Nancy Ringer David & Tammy Valicenti Jerry & Virginia Vuolo
Annual Fund Percentage of Participation by MSB Families:
60% Annual Fund Total Revenue:
$11,275
“Building Strong Foundations”
In-Kind Donors and Other Supporters Rob & Wendy Akroyd Rose Bohmann Andrew & Rachel Beckwith Becky Cachat Todd Covert & Meagan Ledendecker Tony & Diana Crea Enore & Ursula Ceola Sheryl Diaja James & Ron James Marc & Julie DiGrigoli David & Heather Flynn John & Cathy Gamberoni
Chris Hennessey & Giovanna Fessenden Kay Lothrop & Tom Sermini Ben & Marya LaRoche Susan Lord Saul & Kehr Maldonado Zack McCain III & Wendy Brown Colin Mathews & Stephanie Iverson Dave & Lori Nadig Brian & Launa O’Gara John Paladino & Emily Rechnitz Judith Pomerantz & Neel Webber
David Ripley & Renee Harvitt Nancy Ringer & Jennifer Travis Pete & Jen Salinetti David Strzepa & Nicolette Enhorning-Picton Morgan & Anne Smith Steven & Judy Sprague Franck Tessier & Rachel Portnoy David & Tammy Valicenti
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Every gift counts.
At The Montessori School of the Berkshires, we proudly celebrate a unique mission inspired by Maria Montessori more than a hundred years ago. Today, this same mission continues to shape the MSB experience for all students - an experience that would be impossible to sustain without donors like you. If you’ve made a donation to MSB recently: On behalf of the students, faculty, and volunteers, thank you very much for your support. Donations to our Annual Fund strengthen the school’s ability to continue to better serve our students. If you would like to make a donation to this year’s Annual Fund: Please send your tax-deductible gift to: The Montessori School of the Berkshires PO Box 422 Lenox Dale, MA 01242 Or donate online through our website at: www.berkshiremontessori.org/annualfund For more information contact: Marya LaRoche, Director of School Advancement (413) 637-3662 x122
P.O. Box 422 21 Patterson Road Lenox Dale, MA 01242 12