"A Year in Review" High Meadows School Magazine & Annual Report 2023-2024

2023-2024

A Year in Review

HMS Magazine & Annual Report

Contents 1

Message From the Board Chair

2

Message From the Head of School

3

50th Celebration Wrap Up

5

Progressive Education & Ethical Leadership

7

A Birthday Gift to High Meadows A New Building!

9

Coming Together

3

13 Class of 2024 19 Class of 2020 23 Annual Report 12 7

4

10

From the Board Chair Dear High Meadows Community, It has been my honor to serve as Chair of the High Meadows Board of Trustees during this incredible moment in our history. After celebrating the first 50 years of High Meadows School & Camp, I have a heightened appreciation for the founders, leaders, and community who have nurtured, guided, and shaped this place of wonder and joy over time. This is an organization built upon a foundation of the love, intention, and vision of so many incredible individuals.

As a board, our charge is to shepherd the mission and future of High Meadows. As we step from High Meadows’ first half century into the next, our focus is on both the preservation of what has made this place magical and impactful, and on how High Meadows can continue to evolve and grow to meet the needs of both our students and our organization. Our mission and vision are rooted not only in preparing our students and campers to thrive in the world, but also to be change makers and ethical leaders in their post-High Meadows communities. The future will be a brighter place because of their positive impact.

As we peer into this next chapter of High Meadows, we can do so with excitement. The programs and facilities that support the experiences of High Meadows students and campers are well tended, resources are being mindfully and diligently stewarded, and enrollment is strong and made up of enthusiastic families who support our work and purpose. Life is good at High Meadows, and we can’t wait to see what new adventures this next chapter holds.

Cheers to the next 50 years!

Javier Estrella Board Chair

2023 - 2024 Board of Trustees The governing body of High Meadows School is the Board of Trustees. The board is a self-perpetuating group of volunteer parents, past parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends, all committed to setting the course for the school’s long-term success.

The board identifies and studies issues that will impact the school’s future. Through standing committees as well as strategic task forces, it focuses on governance and mission-centered areas of interest. Stewardship of High Meadows’ resources is a primary duty of the board, not the daily function of the school.

We thank the following trustees for their service and dedication to High Meadows School throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

Executive Committee

Members

Javier Estrella, Chair Amy Jewett, Vice Chair Tanya Squire, Treasurer Theresa Robison, Secretary Margaret Lamb, Member at Large Lisa Tilt, Member at Large Lisa Baker, Head of School & Camp

Joe Crowley Derek Deskey Javier Estrella Jody Holden* Amy Jewett Katie Johnson Margaret Lamb *Denotes Lifetime Trustee

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 1

Mital Patel Kate Pearson Zachary Prescott Theresa Robison Tanya Squire Lisa Tilt Brian Waldman

From the Head of School & Camp Dear High Meadows Community, This past year has been the best of the best. It was inspiring to have so many of you back on campus for our various celebrations that marked our 50th Anniversary. Every time I turned around, we were preparing for a new event. And every time we hosted something, people showed up in record numbers! Our 50th Anniversary has provided a unique opportunity to reexamine our roots and founding ideals, to consider our place in the educational landscape today, and to think about the future.

We are fortunate to have founders and early teachers, leaders, and parents who were ahead of their time. Even better, we have had educators, parent partners, board members and alumni who have helped us stay true to essential priorities throughout our history. High Meadows has always placed huge value in childhood and play. We have always prioritized relationships first and have put children at the center of learning. Our focus has been on how children learn and develop over time and through exploration. I am grateful for our rich history and for the joy and wonder that our campus brings to all of us every day!

In many schools today, there is an unreasonable amount of focus on assessment and reporting and not nearly enough time dedicated to the children themselves. Today, as was true in the past, High Meadows actively works against this kind of thinking. Instead, we encourage students to question and explore. We value children’s voices and are truly interested in what and how they think. No two are the same—that’s a part of the magic.

Our intentional approach means that our students emerge as ethical leaders not statistics. There is no High Meadows “mold.” Rather every student takes their individual talents, genuine curiosity, and critical thinking skills beyond our campus. At a time when the world can feel a little fractured and frayed, I am glad to tell you that I am hopeful for the future. Why? Because every day I see our students, teachers, and staff navigate complexity and difference. It is not always easy or smooth, and that’s ok because our students can handle it. They like challenge. They thrive in difference. And…we have fun together.

High Meadows has never been more important or critical to our world. If you are getting this magazine, it means you have been a part of this 50+ year journey. Thank you. We needed you then and we need you now. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

In partnership,

Lisa Baker Head of School & Camp

“At a time when the world can feel a little fractured and frayed, I am glad to tell you that I am hopeful for the future...High Meadows has never been more important or critical to our world.”

2023-2024 School Administration Lisa Baker, Head of School & Camp

Laura Nicholson, Director of Enrollment & Advancement

John Dovic, Director of Camp and Auxiliary Programs

Matt Nuttall, Middle Years & Connections Principal

Michelle Epstein, Executive Assistant to the Head of School

Michael Rhodes, Director of Technology

Lori Kennedy, Lower Years Principal

Rebecca Sandberg, Director of Finance & Operations

Angela Lockard Bogoev, Associate Director of Development & Communication

Danielle Wright, Director of Equity and Justice | PYP Coordinator

Celebrating Fifty Years of High Meadows School & Camp Happy Birthday, High Meadows!!!

During the weekend of November 3-5, 2023, High Meadows celebrated its magical history by hosting five events over three days. Alumni families, former teachers, grandparents, current families, and camp alumni gathered to reconnect and honor fifty glorious years of High Meadows School & Camp.

50th Anniversary Weekend November 3 Welcome

November 4 Reconnect & Celebrate

November 5 Fond Farewell

Alumni Campus Tours &

FiftyFest

Rockin’ Brunch

Gathering FiftyBash HMS&C Friends & Family Welcome Reception

In order to successfully celebrate such a momentous occasion, five committees were formed focusing on Events, Honorary, Constituent Communications, Archive & History, and Projects.

These committees worked over the course of two school years to plan the festivities and were comprised of current parents, alumni parents, alumni, current faculty & staff, and former teachers. The Archive & History committee helped renovate the Caboose on campus into an impressive history archive that is open to tours, and produced a 50th Anniversary Magazine (read here). The Projects Committee planned two community service days in the local Roswell/Sandy Springs Community and a Campus Clean-Up Day right before Anniversary Weekend.

Camp kicked off the celebrations in summer 2022 with a 50th camp reunion and birthday parties each session. In October 2023, High Meadows held its first Honorary Luncheon, welcoming back former employees from all fifty years. In November during anniversary weekend, we were pleased to host many friends and family members with representation from each decade since our founding in 1973.

To commemorate the occasion, we produced a 50th Anniversary Video - watch here - and a publication titled, Looking Back with Jody Holden read here.

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 3

While High Meadows 50th Anniversary Weekend has come and gone, the spirit of connection, friendship, and community remains bolstered on campus thanks to our time with the multitude of guests who joined us to celebrate. We hope you’ll enjoy revisiting your time with us by perusing these Facebook photo albums from each event of the weekend: Alumni Campus Tours & Community Gathering Welcome Reception FiftyFest FiftyBash Rockin’ Brunch We look forward to what the next 50 years of High Meadows School & Camp will bring!

Peeling Back the Layers of Progressive Education & Ethical Leadership at High Meadows You can feel the difference within minutes of visiting a school like High Meadows- the laughter in the air, the deep questions and topics being explored, the student agency, the movement, the vibrant dialogue. Schools like ours are often described or categorized as ‘progressive schools’, but what, exactly, does that mean? In 2023, our Academic Leadership Team set out to define progressive education at High Meadows and to articulate the attributes we hope to foster in our students as ethical leaders.

A task force made up of principals and faculty members was formed to pinpoint the foundational tenets of progressive education at HMS. The group ultimately created what would become known to our faculty and staff as the PEEL Presentation (Progressive Education & Ethical Leadership), which helped illuminate through examples and narratives how these tenants live and breathe on our campus every day. This year, the PEEL work was utilized at everything from faculty trainings to Open House events to help both internal and external audiences understand the value of a High Meadows education. So, what does Progressive Education & Ethical Leadership look like at High Meadows?

Tenets of Progressive Education at HMS Embracing the World HMS embraces the learning opportunity that exists outside the four walls of a classroom. Connecting with experts, the land, and the resources of the larger community allow students to experience the real-world applications of their education.

Hands-On and Inquiry-Driven Learning Students at HMS learn to be an active partner in their education. They construct understanding, by asking questions, investigating, experimenting, receiving feedback and sharing their findings with an audience.

Holistic Approach to Educating Children HMS cares about what kids know, who kids are, and what makes them feel safe, happy, and ready to thrive. The relationships we develop within the community contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals.

Social Justice and Sustainability At HMS, we empower students to take authentic action to bring change to their school community, city, state, and the world.

Transdisciplinary Learning Our approach to teaching and learning connects all of the subject areas in order to connect new knowledge and deeper understanding to real life experiences.

“Progressive education done well takes planning, collaboration, and a commitment to teaching that often takes more time and energy than executing a traditional curriculum. High Meadows teachers are passionate about this work and go above an beyond to create a magical and meaningful learning experience for our students.”

Lori Kennedy Early Years Principal HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 5

Alongside High Meadows’ Mission and Vision, the PEEL definitions serve as a guidepost to our work and culture. A stroll around the High Meadows campus lends many opportunities to observe the embodiment of these tenants.

HMS Ethical Leadership Descriptors Ethical Leaders at High Meadows School are: o

Empathetic people who listen first and act with integrity

o

Upstanders for people and the planet

o

Engaged in active problem-solving

o

o

Advocates for local and global issues

Considerate and curious about other perspective

Ethical Leadership Descriptors

Embracing the World A Walk Around the World: A Nationality Festival showcases what makes our students’ heritage and culture unique. Students learn about and share their meaningful relationships and connections to the past, present, and future.

Hands-On and Inquiry-Driven Learning Being an active participant in learning is what we do best! Emphasis, showcases research skills, critical thinking, and culminates in a final, interactive project shared with the community.

Holistic Approach to Educating Children Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day acknowledges and honors the many relationships in our students’ lives that surround them with support and help them thrive.

Middle Years students demonstrate Ethical Leadership by cooking food to donate to Lost and Found Youth, an Atlanta based nonprofit that works to end homelessness for LGBTQ youth.

Social Justice and Sustainability Chats for Change is a learning opportunity to empower and inspire students to take action in their community. Students discuss the power of being an agent for change.

Transdisciplinary Learning Blast from the Past teaches historical skills including cooking, ropemaking, and plant remedies used by early Americans and Native Americans. Connection to real life experiences creates a deeper understanding of the topic at hand.

“Middle school students are at the ideal developmental stage to take on big questions and challenges, to consider multiple perspectives, and to make connections within and between subject areas. They yearn for deep social interaction and collaboration and have a profound need and desire to engage in active problem solving around real-world issues, all hallmarks of a strong progressive education approach to learning.”

Matt Nuttall Middle Years & Connections Principal

A Birthday Gift to High Meadows - A New Building!

The 50th anniversary of High Meadows provided a chance to celebrate our past and a special time to consider how we invest in the future. Over the past five years, we have dedicated ourselves to clarifying and recommitting to our mission and vision by understanding our roots and exploring the physical land upon which we learn and grow. These efforts, including a comprehensive permaculture study and strategic planning process, have pointed to needs and opportunities that set the stage for something new and exciting. It’s time to gift the High Meadows campus a new facility to serve and inspire future generations of students and campers!

With construction slated to begin in early fall of 2024, the new learning facility on campus will provide a greatly improved and permanent home to our Environmental Education program (with direct access to a new wetland teaching space), add new classroom spaces for our Middle Years students, and offer much-needed flexible community meeting space. In short, the new building provides intentional spaces to do what High Meadows does best: build community and inspire adventurous learning. The High Meadows campus is cherished by all, so finding the right location that was both convenient for use and would have a low impact on the environment was critical. With guidance from the permaculture study, we were able to do just that.

Connections Building

Barnyard

Caboose

Community Center

NEW B UI L DI NG LOCATI ON

Middle Years

The new facility will be a two-story building with three classrooms, a common space, and a community room. It will house our Environmental Sustainability classes on the upper floor and two Middle Years classes on the lower floor. The community room on the upper floor will be for student collaboration and presentations, guest speakers, professional learning, and small community meetings and gatherings.

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 7

Future Wetlands Teaching Space

This new building will enhance High Meadows’ ability to live out our mission and commitment to sustainability and nature-based learning. In addition to providing new spaces to learn, investigate, experiment, connect, and collaborate, the building will have the unique advantage of being situated proximate to a campus wetland area that will be fully utilized by all as an outdoor classroom with direct access to the lower meadows and wooded areas of our campus. It is also an area that will disturb very little in terms of its environmental impact and campus usage.

For Middle Years, the new building will offer outdoor learning spaces with immediate access to classrooms, adaptive classroom spaces to meet the needs of the program, opportunities for long-term projects and transdisciplinary and multi-age experiences utilizing the wetlands, and the common flex-use space. The proximity to the lower meadow and woods will be utilized for mini courses, outdoor living skills, mindfulness activities, and retreats to extend the Middle years program throughout the campus. It will also allow for easy access for outdoor play on the soccer field, basketball court, lower meadow, and gaga pit.

The common areas will allow flexible space for multiage and interdisciplinary projects, group presentations, and room to gather for FAHMS (our parent association), school affinity groups, board meetings, and community educational and outreach programs.

The existing lower Community Center parking lot will provide convenient access to the building with the proximate parking and new EV charging stations.

We are thrilled to be able to make a tangible contribution to the future of High Meadows at this celebratory milestone.

This facility is a clear reflection of both High Meadows’ mission and vision, and we can’t wait to share it with you! We will continue to communicate with the community as the building process begins and will have a page on our new website (slated to launch in mid-August) where you can stay informed and ask questions. We hope you’ll follow along as we make progress on this exciting campus addition!

*All images are draft renderings.

Coming Together

Our Alumni Reunion Dinner welcomed back our alumni for a

McDowell Farm School immersed our 4th & 5th grade students into farm life.

Happy 50th Anniversary to High Meadows School & Camp!

For Day of Action, 2nd & 3rd grade students visited Camellia Place, a senior living community.

Joyful smiles were had by all.

Jekyll Island was a blast for our 6th grade students!

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 9

Welcome to the first day of school!

night of catching up and sharing memories.

The Garden Welcoming Ceremony was an amazing way to celebrate Earth Day 2024!

8th grade students made deeper friendships and lifelong memories in Colorado.

Coming Together

A Walk Around the World: A Nationality Festival showcased the unique heritage and cultures of our students.

Congratulations to our 8th grade graduates! We are so proud of you!

Relationships are at the heart of what we do at High Meadows. Thank you to all who joined us for Grandparents & Special Friends Day.

Our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast honors all our volunteers who make High Meadows a success. We couldn’t do it without you!

Capstone Symposium represents the culmination of our 8th grade students time at High Meadows. What an amazing show of knowledge and confidence!

Exhibition 2024: Preserving Cultural Heritage was a success for our 4th & 5th grade students!

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 11

High Meadows welcomed old and new families to enjoy time together at our Spring Picnic.

4th & 5th grade students made 197 sandwiches for The Sandwich Project to help fight food insecurity.

A shining star at High Meadows, the new tipi welcomed back an old tradition with a new generation.

Our community came together for crafts, facepainting, art, and more for a fun Fall Festival.

HMS Class of 2024 Our 2024 8th grade graduates are heading into their high school experiences not only with a strong academic foundation, but also with the flexibility, perseverance, and sense of humor that was required to navigate middle school. As they prepare for their next chapter in high school, we asked our 2024 graduates to reflect on “What is your favorite thing about High Meadows?” Read on to hear their responses.

Evelyn Alford Walton High School

Mateo Anaya Eton School Mexico

Lucas Begley Roswell High School

Presley Callen Roswell High School

I came to this school for the outdoors and it continues to be my favorite feature.

My favorite thing about High Meadows are my supportive and fun friends.

I love the forest and the meadow because of all the outdoor learning opportunities.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the people and meeting long lasting friends.

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 13

Ethan Caraus Blessed Trinity Catholic High School

Ryan Conley Roswell High School

Rhianna Costa Huller Roswell High School

Jamie Cox Roswell High School

I love how the minute I joined I felt accepted and welcomed.

I love the engaging learning environment which encompasses lots of outdoor learning , nature, and lots of choices.

I like the sense of trust and independence. I also like the teachers who create a fun learning environment.

High Meadows supports each individual student and provides unique activities and experiences like no other.

Zite Davies Northview High School

George Davis The Walker School

Lyla Fitzsimmons Milton High School

Marin Griffeth Roswell High School

I've had fun with friends, enjoyed classes, and going on trips.

My favorite thing is the outdoors. The teachers have been nice, the classes challenging, the animals playful, but it's great to be outside on the meadow everyday.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is learning outside the classroom and getting real world knowledge.

I love how the teachers at High Meadows treat us like individuals.

HMS Class of 2024

Charlie Holoman Roswell High School

Mikayla Horne Roswell High School

Luke Johnson The Mount Vernon School

Bella Lala The Galloway School

The people, friends, and the teachers all mean so much to me.

I love the supportive, kind, and encouraging people.

High Meadows is an amazing place to grow up.

I like how nice all the people and teachers are, the fun events, and all the class trips.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the community and people I've learned and grown with along the way.

Danny Levine The Mount Vernon School

Isabella Manel Lassiter High School

Noemi Mandel Noemi Mandel

Ethan Marini The Walker School

The welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where students can develop their unique individuality, be challenged to think critically, and learn useful life skills.

My favorite part of High Meadows is my friends. I really enjoy laughing with them and eating lunch with them.

My favorite things about High Meadows are my friends, teachers, and staff.

All these people have made me the person I have become.

The most important thing about High Meadows is the unique teaching style that helps boost curiosity.

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 15

Jordan Marini The Walker School

Zara Marraccini Roswell High School

Richa Menon FCS Innovation Academy

Ryan Mohabeer Harrison High School

My favorite thing is the unique curriculum and teaching because it's cool.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the warm, inviting, and friendly atmosphere.

I like the chill teachers, love my friends, and the freedom.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the memories I've made with my friends.

Odin Pardue Roswell High School

Thomas Parker Walton High School

Emery Peng Walton High School

Kyra Phillippi Milton High School

My favorite thing about High Meadows is being in the band. I enjoyed playing and learning two instruments.

What I love the most about High Meadows is the freedom, trust, and independence given to us by our teachers.

I like how we get to be outdoors and we have lots of freedom.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the freedom and trustworthy community.

HMS Class of 2024

Matthew Ramsey FCS Innovation Academy

Sonali Saxena Walton High School

Thomas Schmieta The Walker School

Ashton Sedgley The Mount Vernon School

The community. Everyone is so welcoming and nice and supportive.

My friends, teachers, and animals are my favorite things about High Meadows.

I enjoy hanging out with my friends on the meadow and during lunch.

The campus. It gives me and everyone else an amazing vibe and makes the school a better place.

London Squire North Springs High school

Annina Sturz Lassiter High School

Liam Thadani The Galloway School

Lexi Tilt Roswell High School

My favorite thing about High Meadows is being able to be in a friendly environment with animals and friends around you.

My friends. I have found some of my life long best friends here.

How open and accepting it is.

My favorite part about High Meadows is the experience as a whole including friends, barnyard animals, teachers, learning to play an instrument, and trips.

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 17

James Vroon The Walker School

William Wohlgemuth Milton High School

Shanae Yarber Wheeler High School

Something I love about High Meadows is the people I've met along my journey.

I like that the teachers are chill and they work with you to make sure that you know what your doing.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the community and how nice and welcoming everyone is.

HMS Class of 2020 As High Meadows graduates, you soared through high school with confidence, creativity, determination, and a love of learning. Congratulations on your high school graduation! We heard from a few of the members of the Class of 2020 alumni, "What skills, values, and habits did you learn at High Meadows that you have found beneficial during your high school experience?"

Read on to hear their response.

Evanthia Bilson Blessed Trinity Catholic High School University of Georgia

James Burdette Cambridge High School Kennesaw State University

High Meadows taught me how to build lasting relationships with my peers, teachers, and staff. I learned how to advocate for myself and navigate though my education journey more independently.

It taught me to embrace my creativity and use that to produce my best work. To be myself unapologetically and to treat other people with kindness no matter what the circumstance. To love the Earth and never take a rainy day for granted, to step away from my phone every now and then to be outside and surrounded by nature. But utmost of all, it taught me the power of community, mutual love, and believing in my intelligence.

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 19

Johanna Epstein The Weber School The University of Vermont

Finley Hoffman The Mount Vernon School Wake Forest University

High Meadows taught me how to advocate for myself and build relationships with teachers, which allowed me to be successful in all my classes throughout High School.

How to be an independent learner and how to advocate for myself.

JJ Irwin Lassiter High School University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Riley Jackson Blessed Trinity Play for North Carolina Courage in NWSL

Band was my favorite area and where I made my best friends. I carried that into high school and band allowed me to find connections. Band kids are awesome.

I would not be the same person/student that I am today without the experiences that I had at HMS. I formed relationships that are still important in my life today. I look back with immense gratitude for the joy & passion for life & learning that I developed there. I learned to understand that when striving to achieve a goal, whether in the classroom or in life, failure is not the end, rather a failure is simply an uncompleted success. And most importantly, I learned to find my voice & not fear being different.

HMS Class of 2020

Blake Lowrey Campbell High School IB Northeastern University

Nicole Luong Mt. Bethel Christian Academy University of Georgia

How to collaborate with others and think for myself.

The value of stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks.

Mason Markx Dunwoody High School Florida State University

Siyona Raina Roswell High School Georgia Institute of Technology

To advocate for myself and to seek guidance when I feel it’s necessary.

High Meadows has greatly influenced my ability to be a thinker. In every aspect of my high school experience, I recognized my own ability to think out of the box and look at every problem in a holistic way. My time at High Meadows equipped me to use creativity and imagination even when in a very structured atmosphere.

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 21

Jace Rubenstein North Springs High School University of South Carolina

Kaya Snyder North Springs High School College of Charleston

I learned how to put myself out there and get outside of my comfort zone to succeed.

Going at my own pace can be perfectly acceptable if it would enable me to finish a task more effectively and powerfully. High Meadows has taught me that I am my own person.

Congratulations to the entire HMS Class of 2020!

Libby Tapasak Blessed Trinity Clemson University How to apply math and other knowledge in the real world and in real life situations

Maxwell Allemeier Evanthia Bilson Keela Boyce Kaelin Burdette Reese Burdette Luke Burgess Alexa Carrizales Kayla Clemente Victor Dekeyser Austin Edler Johanna Epstein Eliza Finarelli Benjamin Franks Lyla Gerretzen Niamh Giles Knopp Jack Griffin Finley Hoffman Taryn Hunter Kate Hurd Jackson Irwin Riley Jackson Brenna Jewett Brianna Katz Eden Katz

Kai Keating Erik Knapp Sarah-Neal Knight John Lowrey Nicole Luong Mason Marks Avani Mars Ilan Medwed Kiran Mehta Sharma Aoi Chiara Misawa Cristian Olea Zerelda Pardue Eloise Quigley Siyona Raina Olivia Reeder Jace Rubenstein Cyanne Sharon Eric Sher Kaya Snyder David Strasberg Nora Sweeney Libby Tapasak Natasha Weinberg

2023-2024 Annual Report High Meadows Fund The High Meadows Fund is the school's annual giving campaign that raises critical philanthropic dollars to support the daily operations of the school. Thank you to the following donors whose generous support during the 2023-2024 academic year helped every student at High Meadows School.

Giving Levels: Leadership Society*

Circle of Friends

White Oak

$10,000+

Magnolia

Red Oak

$5,000 to $9,999

Fig

$2,500 to $4,999

Juniper

$1,500 to $2,499

Beech

$10,000 & Above

$1,000 to $1,499

*Those who contribute $1,500 or more are

Persimmon

$500 to $999

recognized in our Leadership Society. Donors

Sycamore

$250 to $499

at this level are invited to special events

Up to $249

throughout the year.

Jared Austin & Amanda Vann Austin Gene & Kristen Atkins Roger Mitchell & Tameka Phillips Steven & Carlyn Romeyn Amit Saxena & Smita Pawar Scott & Grace Shickler

P P P A P A

$5,000-$9,999

Nicole Curran Ken & Donna Hall Jamie & Katie Jaffe Kumar Menon & Rohini Khanduri Ankit & Mital Patel Zachary & Julia Prescott Mark & Dorota Sedgley Jon & Alexis Valera

P, A P P, A P B, P B, P P, A P

$2,500-$4,999

Preston Ashworth & Alissa Abello Michael & Leigh Borda Derek & Barbara Deskey Javier Estrella & Sonia Baez Steven & Tracey Kaplan Dustin & Brooke Logan Rich & Jessica McCraw Kristi Mulchahey-Johnson & Julie Johnson Tyler & Corinne Myers Yash & Shreya Patel Christine Ramsey Peter Ruiz & Hope Brewer Michael & Lisa Tilt

P P B, A B, P P P P P P P P, A P B, P

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 23

Key: B = Board Member/Founder P = Current Parent A = Alumni/Alumni Parent G = Grandparent F = Friends S = Faculty/Staff

$1,500 - $2,499 Anonymous Donor Lisa Baker & Kristi Fielder Steven Barnard & Margaret Lamb Ryan & Sarah Bobbitt Travis & Caroline Carr Joe Crowley & Philip Mack Luke & Erica Davis Dan & Brooke Gray Billy & Whitney Harper Gordie Howe Zain & Rebecca Kaj Steven & Tereza Kros Ryan & Claire McAden Matthew & Lea Riznyk Taylor & Theresa Robison Doug & Rebecca Sandberg Marshall & Kate Sweeney Alan & Jannah Thomas Joby & Jennifer Titus Brian Waldman & Samara Kaufman

S B, A P, A P B P P P P P P, A P P B, P P, S P, A P P P

$250 - $499

$1,000 - $1,499 Russell & Ivory Blanchard Brian & Jo Connerat Ryan & Allison Goodrich Todrick & Carolyne Hilton Steven & Valerie Hong John & Kathleen Hraba Mark & Jennifer Johnson Steven Kucharski & Larissa Michel William & Sarah Lindsey Chris Parker & Mariana Pinango Parker Stefan Schmieta & Dorte Wohmann-Schmieta David Strother Donna Stuhrman Matt & Ginger Summers Anton & Elvira Van Zyl Jeff & Lisa Williams

P P P P P, A P P P P P P, A A G P P S, A

$500 - $999 Anonymous Donors (2) Michael & Hailey Barnett Devin Blankenship & Marie Ouellet Jim & Cathy Bobbitt Charles & Maureen Carithers Ed & Darlene Coyne John & Lauren Damouni Katie Johnson & Kat Shreve Gaurav & Neha Khanna Ryan & Andrea Landers Stanley & Teresa Lin Pepe & Paloma Medina Ben & Kate Pearson Phil & Starr Snead Daron & Julie Vroon Mark & Carrie Warrington-Read Alex & Kat West John Wilson & Dana Jackson

P P G A G P B P P P P B, P F P P, A P A, F

Anonomous Donors (2) Darrick & Suzy Alford P, A Zach & Lindsay Chapkin P Seth Conrad & Indra Contreras Conrad P Eli & Amy Dawson P Michelle Epstein A, S Christen Ericsson-Penfold P Lee & Larisa Gilbert A Greg & Carla Grieves P Jan & Rachel Grindrod P Jody Holden B Jyoti & Shashee Joshi G Jonathan & Katie Kerner P Erik & Jennifer Lingvall P Shelley Maaske S Pete Mahoney & Kate Okenatez-Mahoney P Nick Mees & Carli Blomquist P Kristian Melom & Helen Simrill P Sergio Messias Da Silva & Cecilia Malta Campos P Laura Nicholson P, A, S Rick & Molly Parker P Danny & Mary Phelps P Matt & Erica Sartorio P Lauren & Ashley Sheen P John & Heather Tuskowski P Pat Wolf A, G

Up to $249 Anonymous Donors (7) Mooni Abdus-Salam Lena Ashley Jim & Melissa Begley James & Amy Bigler Angela Bogoev Laura Calvert Duane & Amour Carthy Scott & Erin Conley James & Kendra Cox Endre Cseley & Laurel Frazer Clive Davis & Yvette Cupid Jason & Lauren Dowdy

Thanks to the passionate support of our High Meadows Fund Grade Chairs, we were able to meet our fundraising and participation goals for the 2023-2024 school year.

Their hard work and dedication raised the funds necessary to ensure High Meadows has the resources it needs to “grow. nutrure. thrive” for the children on a daily bases.

High Meadows Fund Grade Chair Committee Leigh Borda, Chair Claire McAden, Pre-K Grade Chair Brian Connerat, Kindergarten Grade Chair Leigh Borda, 1st, 4th/5th & 8th Grade Chair Nicole Curran, 2nd/3rd Grade Chair Teresa Lin, 6th/7th Grade Chair

S S P, S P S S P P P, S P P, A, S P

Michael & Martha Drake Jenifer Friedman Elliott & Maggie Gordon Lori Beth Green Michael & Meredith Griffeth Mark & Reina Grundhoefer Lori Hannan Michael & Allison Hartnett Anna Haworth John Henson & Lanae Savu Ani Hildebrandt Elizabeth and Ty Houston Clarissa Hulett Judd & Sharanne Johns Adam & Holly Kintner Mark & Amanda Koch Suzanne Koneful Ken & Jennifer Kraften Christina Lababidi Anne Lovatt Soren Ludwig Amanda Mackler Jennifer Margolis Vish Mohabeer John Monahan & Lily Moore-Coll Jane Murphy Dominique Newkirk Mike & Amy Oeschger Arely Orta Iris Otley Blake Roberts Corey & Mary Schuman Markee & Tanya Squire Christie Stalvey Jack & Kate Stoessel Kate Stonebraker Sarah Topper Jimmy & Jessie West Donna Wiley Linda Wise Isaac Wolf & Jennifer Larson Rachel Wynn Kelly Yount

B S P, A S P P S P S P S P S P, S P P, A P P, S S S, A P S S P P S, A S P, S S S S P, A, S B, P S P, S S, A S S F S P, A, S S P, S

Matching Gift Companies Some donors are able to increase the value of their donation by utilizing an employee matching gift benefits program at the company where they work.

Thank you to the following companies who provided matching gifts to HMS. Aramark AT&T Cigna Coca-Cola Crum & Forster E.W. Scripps Equifax F5 Networks Genuine Parts Company Goldman Sachs

Marsh & McLennan Microsoft The Home Depot T-Mobile Truist United Health Group Verizon WarnerMedia Westrock

2023-2024 Annual Report Financials Operating Income 78%

Tuition & Fees

16%

Camp & Auxiliary Programs

3%

Contributions

3%

Other

Operating Expenses 61%

Salary & Benefits

11%

Camp & Auxiliary Programs

8%

General & Administrative

7%

Financial Aid

6%

Interest & Depreciation

4%

Buildings & Grounds

3%

Academic Programs

*The 2023-2024 Annual Report is published by the Development Office to express gratitude to those who have generously given to the school during the fiscal year (June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024). Every effort has been made to ensure that each contributor's name is properly listed. Please accept our apology if your name was omitted, listed incorrectly, or misspelled. Please advise us of the error by emailing development@highmeadows.org.

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL | A Year in Review | 2023-2024 25

Georgia GOAL Tax Credit Program The state of Georgia has set aside $100 million for taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state tax liability to provide tuition assistance to students matriculating into independent schools from the public school system. Thank you to those who have participated in the Georgia GOAL Tax Credit Program. Your support makes a positive difference for families within our community, and your contribution will continue to strengthen our school in countless ways. The additional financial aid funding created by the tax credit program frees up High Meadows School’s operating budget for other important initiatives. As a result, every High Meadows School student is positively impacted.

Thank you to our 2023-2024 Tax Year Contributors.

Gene & Kristen Atkins Rex Baker & Megan McRoberts Russell & Ivory Blanchard Eftim & Angela Lockard Bogoev Mark & Tracy Brown Neil & Susannah Campbell Gerald & Cameron Clark Brian & Jo Beth Connerat James & Kendra Cox Edward & Darlene Coyne Luke & Erica Davis John Dovic Michelle Esptein Javier Estrella & Sonia Baez Rory & Jenifer Friedman Drew & Sarah Gibbons Mark & Reina Grundhoefer Ken & Donna Hall Lori Hannan

Todrick & Carolyne Hilton Val & Diana Hoyt Michael & Andrea Ianzito Jamie & Katie Jaffe Brilliant Judd & Sharanne Johns Sam & Marisa Joshi Tom & Janet Junod Lori Kennedy Mark Lackey Dustin & Brooke Logan Craig & Sheri Magram Davina Marraccini Ryan & Claire McAden Jane Murphy Michael & Amy Oeschger Rick & Molly Parker Nick Prince & Melanie Mueller Prince Christine Ramsey Michael & Wendy Rhodes

Gregory Rodriguez Steve & Carlyn Romeyn Karl & Helene Romine Sallie Samuels Doug & Rebecca Sandberg Scott & Catherine Strobeck David & Sarah Topper Jon & Alexis Valera Brian Waldman & Samara Kaufman Isaac Wolf & Jennifer Larson Pat Wolf Danielle Wright Rachel Wynn Kelly Yount Adrianna Zambrano Mark Lackey-REI Scott & Catherine Strobeck

Ted & Pat Wolf Financial Aid Endowment Fund Jennifer Armstrong Barry Levy & Jackie Wolf Sarah Lovatt Pat Wolf

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Email alumni@highmeadows.org to keep us informed.

Our Mission To celebrate and perpetuate each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen.

High Meadows School & Camp 1055 Willeo Road | Roswell, GA 30075 highmeadows.org | 770.993.2940