Annual Report 2023-2024 by Instituto Nueva Escuela

AnnualReportForaTransforming educationof excellence Year2023-2024

Instituto Nueva Escuela

For a Trasnforming education of Excelence

Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Tracing the road of Transformation

Just as the sandpaper letters on Montessori materials guide children to discover the world of writing through touch, our efforts have paved a firm path in public education in Puerto Rico. Every step we take with the schools is like the path our fingers take over those letters: a concrete, meaningful, and transformative experience.

This report reflects more than numbers; it is tangible proof of the reach we have built together for public Montessori education. Every student who flourishes, every teacher who grows stronger, and every community that endures and grows is evidence that the transformation is felt, experienced, and leaves a mark.

Let us continue marking and building the path together.

Message from:

2023-2024 Witnesses of Transformation Jennyffer Otero Arroyo Ana M. García Blanco

Dear community:

The 2023-2024 school year has witnessed how the transformative power of Montessori education continues to flourish in the public schools we serve. Through the dedicated work of teachers, families, and students, we have created spaces where every child and young person can develop their unique potential.

Our commitment to quality public education is strengthened by seeing students develop into independent learners, critical thinkers, and responsive members of their community. This year's achievements are measured not only in numbers, but in the daily moments of discovery and learning, in the smiles they see when they grasp a new concept, and in the personal growth of each student.

Looking ahead, we will continue working to make public Montessori education accessible to all families, building bridges between communities, and cultivating a future where every student has the opportunity to shine.

Thank you for being part of this shared history and vision.

Jennyffer Otero Arroyo Executive Director

Ana M. García Blanco Founder

Mission

Acompañar, capacitar y servir a las comunidades en Puerto Rico a través de la educación pública Montessori para el desarrollo de seres preparados que contribuyan al bien común.

Vision

Estar en 100 comunidades escolares de Puerto Rico que ofrezcan una educación pública Montessori de excelencia.

Values

Amor - Fe - Paz - Verdad - Libertad - Justicia

School transformation

model

Reach 2023-2024

After several decades of accompanying school communities, Instituto Nueva Escuela’s (INE) reach reflects the advancement of a community movement of social transformation.

Academic Program

Annabel Martínez Rivera Message from:

Let us be intentional

Let us be intentional. That is the invitation we have embraced. Every academic year, we use a word that guides and moves us in our work as an Academic Program. From the beginning of the year, the word intentionality resonated in our hearts, and we are carrying it as a banner.

Without a doubt, this 2023-2024 academic year began with intention, with a sense of purpose and collective unity. Also, with an excessive love for the task, for the Montessori public school, and for serving our country. My celebrations are always for you: the adult learners, interns, and INE’s faculty; I observe and value your commitment.

Annabel Martínez Rivera Academic Program Director

Montessori training courses

Montessori at service of the communities

Initiatives and Achievements 2023-2024

The Academic Program (AP) seeks to train guides, assistants, and directors in the Montessori philosophy and methodology to serve the children and youth of Puerto Rico. INE offers courses for Montessori Guide Certification at all educational levels: Infants/Toddlers, Early Childhood, Elementary I, Elementary II, Secondary I, and School Management. It also offers the Assistant Course and the Introductory Course to Montessori Philosophy for support staff in public Montessori schools.

68 teachers in internships

3 assistants courses

66 teachers received their certification from the American Montesori Society

85 participants served during the sumer

adult learners addmitted in 2024

These achievements, in addition to the re-accreditation of Secondary I and the continued agreement with the Education Faculty at University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, reflect our commitment to strengthening and expanding the Montessori educational model to achieve school by school, a better Puerto Rico.

Montessori training courses

School & Community Transformation

Message from:

Karla Orriols Rivera

This year, 2023-2024, gave us the opportunity to delve deeper into the transformation model: Shared Governance, Families, and Montessori. This model has been fundamental in all our efforts, decisions, and collaborations. Today, we celebrate the results of our collective work. We deeply appreciate the efforts of each teacher, assistant, principal, and family to provide Puerto Rican children and youth with new horizons and possibilities. We celebrate the opportunity to walk together and share a common vision. This year inspired us to continue strengthening ourselves as a community and setting new goals.

Karla Orriols Rivera School & Community Transformation Director

Circle reunion between guides from Aibonito and Coamo

The New Montessori Community Schools

The New Montessori Community Schools is a community integration project based on the pillars of School Transformation: Shared Governance, Montessori, and Families. During the 2023-2024 school year, the program's School Community Transformation Facilitators developed various participatory strategies that integrated the school and geographic community into our School Transformation Model.

Thanks to the program's initiatives, 15 public Montessori schools received support in establishing a plan that strengthened the school through the practice of shared governance and collective work, the integration and participation of families in the school, and the search for partners to address needs for the benefit of children, youth, and the community.

Among the activities carried out were:

+30 partnerships to address the academic, socio-emotional, and infrastructure needs of schools.

+5 student usher meetings to encourage their leadership and participation in the school setting.

+10

family committee meetings to support school operations and strengthen the relationship between the school and families.

+10 volunteer activities with families and the community.

The program served the following schools:

1. Adrienne Serrano, Vieques

2. Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, Lajas

3. Antonio Paoli, Vega Alta

4. Concepción Pérez Hernández, Ciales

5. Delia Dávila de Cabán, Toa Baja

6. Ernestina Bracero Pérez, Toa Baja

7. Guillermo Riefkhol, Patillas

8. Inocencio Cintrón Zayas, Barranquitas

field trips with students integrating Montessori learning in a natural and practical setting.

+55

family workshops about Montessori education.

9. Jaime C. Rodríguez, Yabucoa

10. Jesús T. Piñero, Caguas

11. Prof.a Juana Rosario Carrero, Aguada

12. Juana Sánchez, Juncos

13. Juanita Rivera Albert, Vieques

14. Luis Muñoz Rivera II, Guaynabo

15. Manuela Santiago Collazo, Vieques.

Enraizando

Enraizando Program, formerly known as Sembrando Regresamos (We're Returning Planting), promotes environmental awareness in public Montessori schools through the development of vegetable gardens, butterfly farms, pollinator gardens, and visits to natural spaces or agroecological farms. This initiative is a collaboration between the INE and Para la Naturaleza, which began in 2018 with six schools and now supports 21 school communities. It is a project that has transformed over the years to adapt to the needs of the times. For example, during the pandemic, the project reached families through the delivery of kits for developing home gardens, accompanied by virtual workshops for participants and families. This adaptation to change demonstrates the resilience and commitment to environmental initiatives of these school communities.

In the 2023-2024 school year, the project focused on rehabilitating these planting spaces through the maintenance, reinforcement, or replacement of green infrastructure. These rehabilitations, based on the experiences of previous years, allowed teachers to meet and, in some cases, exceed their expectations for this school year. Additionally, environmental and agroecological specialists were provided to offer consulting, advice, and demonstration and practical workshops to the school community. Frequent visits allowed for specific recommendations on everyday situations, such as how to identify and address pest problems. Most of these mentors are farmers who work on agroecological farms and bring their experiences in planning, developing, and managing these spaces to the schools. Other mentors work on the topic of pollinators and butterfly breeding and supported the development of pollinator gardens and the management of school butterfly farms.

21 schools served

13 specialist accompanied 15 school communities

16 municipalities

1,083 participating students

542

students from 13 schools participated in excursions to natural areas of Para La Naturaleza, agroecological farms or educational spaces

25 participating guides

97% of family satisfaction with the project

Santiago Iglesias Pantín school garden

Casa Familiar

An action plan for happiness

Since 2016, the INE (National Institute of Statistics and Census) has supported children, youth, and their families throughout their parenting journeys, fostering an agenda of peace, nonviolence, and teamwork to achieve social transformation in communities through the Casa Familiar (CF) program. The CF in school communities is a community center where families gather to share their parenting work with other parents and/or caregivers, specialized professionals, and members of the school community. It is a place of peace and tranquility that inspires confidence so that children, youth, and their families can receive psychosocial services and freely share their stories.

Throughout the year, CF supported families through various services such as recreational activities, alternative therapies, support groups, and psychological services. Two educational campaigns were offered throughout the year, impacting students, parents, and guardians, and the school community. The first was held in October 2023 on Mental Health, and the second in April 2024 on Child Abuse Prevention. A total of 2,304 recreational activities were offered to 447 participants, and 1,943 alternative therapies were offered to 435 students. Families also benefited from 54 support group sessions, attended by a total of 301 parents and guardians. In addition, 2,793 individual psychological interventions were offered to 284 participants, and 1,523 family psychological interventions were offered to 136 families. In addition, workshops were offered on various topics such as mental health, natural disasters, academic support, health, and more, with a total attendance of 165 families.

General information 2023-2024

2,793 individual psychological interventions

1,523 family psychological interventions

Volunteer Program

An opportunity to serve

The Volunteer Program invites people to be part of Puerto Rico's school transformation by volunteering in public Montessori schools.

This year, volunteer activities in public Montessori schools focused on promoting reading and art as elements of learning, transformation, and academic quality. Additionally, volunteers carried out activities to beautify green and common areas in the schools through planting, maintaining school gardens, and improving recreational spaces. Volunteers offered support at events and in administrative areas. They also offered their time and skills in workshops and recreational experiences to our collective and the school communities.

448 volunteers

2,479 hours of volunteer service

78 volunteering activities

47 school communities reached

For INE, volunteers are an extended arm that reinforces our educational and social mission and vision.

Volunteers from Banco Popular de Puerto Rico at Susana Rivera School, Coamo

Introductory Workshops on School Transformation

An initiative to educate about the School Transformation Model

The School Transformation Model proposed by INE as a framework for a Montessori public school operates under three elements: Families, Shared Governance, and Montessori Pedagogy.

The workshops allow participants from the school communities to learn about and practice these elements and their structures, such as the history of the Montessori Public Schools Project, participation and governance structures, and aspects of healthy coexistence. This is intended to promote the philosophical and practical foundations that facilitate transformation and academic and social success in the school.

During the year, 10 school communities participated in the workshops.

10 school communities

16+ attendees per workshop session

School Transformation workshop

César Ostolaza Santiago Message from: Evaluation & Research Unit

At the Evaluation and Research Unit (ERU), we have worked to ensure that our practices are supported by solid data, rigorous assessments, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. Through our research, we have been able to measure the academic and socio-emotional development of our students, as well as the strengthening of school communities that adopt this model.

This year's findings reflect significant gains in student achievement, a greater sense of belonging in schools, and increased family engagement. We have also identified areas of opportunity that will allow us to continue refining our strategies and adapting to the needs of each community.

None of this would be possible without the effort and dedication of our educators, administrators, families, and collaborators. Their commitment to Montessori education in the public system is the driving force behind our mission.

We look to the future with enthusiasm, convinced that every step we take brings us closer to a more equitable public education, student-centered and grounded in respect for the holistic development of every child.

César Ostolaza Santiago Evaluation and Research Unit Director

Data at the service of communities

Evaluation and Research Unit is dedicated to the analysis and monitoring of INE’s programs and projects. Through data collection, studies, and evaluations, the ERU measures the reach of Montessori education in Puerto Rico and provides key information to strengthen the implementation of the School Transformation Model. Its work allows for the optimization of strategies, the identification of areas for growth, and the demonstration of achievements in the organization and in public Montessori schools, thus ensuring quality education for the country's children and youth.

During the year, we supported the various programs and projects that comprise INE in evaluation design, data collection and analysis, and report preparation. In addition to collaborating on the periodic evaluations of these programs, we used a discussion methodology to report on the experiences and challenges of Montessori Curriculum Implementation Assistants in Puerto Rico's public schools.

The unit also participated in a research project funded by the National Science Foundation to explore which sociodemographic variables are related to food insecurity in Puerto Rico. The findings were shared at the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) conference in Nebraska, USA, where César Ostolaza participated on behalf of INE, along with fellow researchers from Johns Hopkins and George Washington Universities.

International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity conference

Amarilis Martínez Cruz Message from: Administration & Human Resources

This year, 2023-2024, has been a period of great goals and, above all, significant organizational achievements, which would not have been possible without commitment and teamwork. Each milestone achieved reflects the effort and passion with which each member of the team carries out their work.

Working with various allies and collaborators, we have managed to optimize processes, strengthen operations, and exceed expectations. This is the result of a shared vision to successfully advance toward the established objectives.

I express my sincere gratitude to each member of the team for their dedication and professionalism.

Let us continue working together to build an even more promising future that improves the service and support we provide to school communities.

Amarilis Martínez Cruz Administration and Human Resources Director Team Orientation 2023-2024

Committed administration

At INE, we are committed to efficiency. Responsible and conscientious management of its resources enables the organization to meet its objectives and serve its communities with care and dedication. Administration and Human Resources (AHR) is dedicated to maximizing available resources so that service to the communities is consistent with our mission, vision, and values.

During the year, we continued to focus on developing the driving force that makes tangible service possible: human capital. Throughout the year, INE’s team participated in activities to strengthen our cohesion and teamwork. Additionally, staff members working at the central offices and those directly serving in the public Montessori schools were hired and trained.

AHR is committed to the well-being of the team. As a result of the year, the staff retention rate reached 90%. By January 2024, 98% of the Montessori Curriculum Implementation Assistants were employed and providing excellent service to the school communities.

Our commitment to efficiency remains strong and moves forward into the future with hope to support communities in their transformation process.

INE’s collective at Alejandro Tapia y Rivera School

Message from: Development & Communications

Sheila Cruz Martínez

Achieving sustainability requires focus, commitment, and transparency. Over time, INE has achieved these elements that motivate its partners to invest in the work of transforming education on our island. Having the trust of our investors fills us with joy and motivation. The Development and Communications (DC) team will continue pursuing excellence to strengthen our organization.

I am very satisfied with the work done by the organization and office team. Our sense of responsibility and transparency, along with our collective work methodology, have been the fundamental pillars that allow us to feel successful today in the results of our work. This report summarizes the efforts to achieve the growth and development of our mission in the communities of Puerto Rico. It reflects the trust of the friends of the Public Montessori Project, our collaborators, partners, and donors. Thanks to their continued support, thousands of children, young people, and their families have access to a transformative and excellent educational model.

Development & Communications Director

Montessori Fest 2024

Sheila Cruz Martínez

Sustainability & visibility

The Development and Communications (DC) area is constantly growing. It should be, as it is the office that supports and works for the organization's sustainability. During the 2023-2024 financial year, DC carried out several significant projects that began to chart the path to diversifying funding sources to support our operations and services to communities.

The team was able to define the Sustainability Framework, a fundraising and acquisition model that frames the office's work. Furthermore, the implementation of fundraising campaigns on important platforms such as Global Giving, as well as the increase in individual, corporate, and multi-year donors, are part of the methodology implemented for the organization's development.

192 individual donnors

472 corporate donors, foundations and event sponsors

All fundraising initiatives led by DC totaled over $9 million, which translated into direct service to communities through our Montessori training programs and services, socio-emotional support for families, and environmental and volunteer projects.

Fundraising through proposals, events, fundraising campaigns, and direct relationships with donors and partners is closely linked to Communications. Creating content for social media, documenting the history and achievements of the organization and the Montessori Public Schools project in Puerto Rico through photos, videos, and interviews, as well as maintaining relationships with the press, communities, and partners were part of the initiatives carried out throughout the year. Through these initiatives, the organization increased its positioning and visibility.

Message from: Finance Office

Carmen Ríos Ríos

Through this report, in which we celebrate our achievements and reflect on the challenges that have strengthened us throughout this year, we have witnessed significant progress in our efforts to contribute to the social transformation of Puerto Rico.

Thanks to the generosity of our collaborators, allies, and donors, and the efficient management of our resources, we have been able to maintain the financial sustainability that allows us to continue fulfilling our mission of offering school communities tools that foster the development of well-educated individuals capable of contributing to the common good.

I am deeply proud of the transparency and accountability with which we have managed the organization's funds. We are committed to continuing to be a model of integrity and effectiveness, always working to ensure that our resources are used strategically and efficiently to advance our mission.

I am grateful for the continued support of everyone involved in this collective effort. Together, we can ensure that more Puerto Rican school communities benefit from public Montessori education and thus contribute to building a more equitable and future-ready society.

Carmen Ríos Ríos Finance Office

Ethics & fiscal responsibility

The Finance Office is dedicated to ensuring fiscal transparency as a fundamental pillar for strengthening the organization and the Montessori Public Schools project. Through ethical and responsible management, we prioritize the efficient allocation of financial resources, ensuring that the majority of funds are allocated directly to services in the school communities.

During the year, our income and expenses were managed with the commitment to serving the school communities. Funding came from a variety of sources: 80% from government grants, 20% from foundations, individual and corporate donors, among others. This distribution allowed us to maximize the impact on the education and well-being of the families we serve.

programs and other contributions

contributions from businesses, individuals, and foundations

state and federal contributions

We celebrate all our donors and allies

Thank you for being part of the social and educational transformation of Puerto Rico.

Creating community

Montessori Fest 2024, INE’s 15 anniversary

Montessori Fest is a celebration of the collective achievements of the Montessori Public Schools Project. The first edition of the Montessori Fest was held on May 6, 2023, with over 5,000 people in attendance at the Gran Parque Agroturístico in Dorado. This event sparked the desire to meet again next year.

Thus, the next edition began to take shape, with the intention of celebrating INE's 15-year history. It took place on March 2, 2024, at the Parque Central de los Niños in Bayamón.

The Montessori Fest 2024 15th Edition was filled with incredible moments of joy and excitement. It featured a large number of activities for all ages. There was also a refreshing musical offering, as well as wonderful performances by the participating Montessori public schools. As in previous years, we had the participation of renowned local chefs, representatives from the project's schools, and in celebration of the INE's 15th anniversary, the "Around the Sun" ceremony was held.

This event brought together more than 7,000 people. There were artistic performances, including musical acts, storytelling, and audience interaction. The event featured Hermes Croatto, Lee Conmigo, characters from Atención Atención, Los Mocosos, El Trotamundo, and Sie7e. Additionally, 58 school communities were present during the festival, representing their respective schools in different ways, such as artistic performances and exhibitions of their lifelines.

For those attending the event, there was a wide range of spaces to satisfy their interests beyond what happened on stage. With the participation of 25 organizations, there were talks on a variety of topics, tree distribution, educational activities, games, and workshops for all ages. Event attendees expressed their satisfaction with the event at the close of the day, urging the organizers to continue with events like this one.

Among the activities available, a collaboration with the Community Architecture Workshop at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, included a space that invited people to experience the history of INE and the project through photographs, starting with the first public Montessori school. The event also featured local entrepreneurs presenting a variety of items, including children's books, handmade accessories, books, plants, soaps, and more.

In the words of the event participants:

“It was a pleasure to be in that magical space connecting with such wonderful families!”

Reach

7,668 people registered

297 social media publications

Collaborators

Featured news

The highlights of our 2023-2024 school year range from the beginning of the dream of a place of our own to the result of rethinking our work methods.

Our Headquarters

In August 2023, we received ownership of the building that has housed us for more than 15 years from Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. The iconic building of the former Banco Popular branch in Río Piedras now belongs to the INE. Our dream is for the first floor of the building to house our adult learners so they can have a better educational and learning experience, while the second floor will serve as workspaces for the different areas of the organization. The dream of a larger teacher's home is close to becoming a reality.

Collective Work

This year, we held several collective meetings in which we analyzed the country's current situation and how it is reflected in the Montessori Public Schools Project. These collaborative spaces reaffirm our commitment to excellence and the values that guide our service to school communities. They also pave the way for guiding the organization toward a shared vision.

Throughout the process, we reaffirmed the importance of our shared governance model, which has been key to generating new ways of organizing, decision-making, and collaborating. These spaces have allowed us to continue advancing toward the common good and social and educational transformation.

Our Executive Director, Founder, and members of the Board of Directors, along with Mr. Richard Carrión, Ms. Beatriz Polhamus, and Mr. Eduardo Negrón of BBPR.

Practical exercises encouraged creativity and decision-making

The leadership team met several times during the year to evaluate the achievement of the organization's objectives

Our history in photos