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FAREWELL, SALLY!
A FINAL MESSAGE Dear Parents and Friends of Montgomery School,
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s I begin a new chapter in my career, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this very special community and for the many meaningful relationships I’ve created and will treasure going forward. From the moment I stepped onto the campus in 2010 as a prospective parent, I felt the Montgomery Magic — th excitement and sheer joy of children learning; the deep connections between students, faculty and families; the emphasis on academic challenge infused with character education. Immediately, my husband and I knew that Montgomery was where we wanted to send our son. As a Head of School candidate four years later, the positive energy was palpable. Remarkably, the magical feeling that greeted me as a prospective parent carried over after I was installed as Head of School. I’m deeply grateful to have worked with a dedicated Montgomery faculty and staff, colleagues in education who live the motto of our School so authentically. We could not have succeeded in so many of our endeavors without the commitment of the administrative team, the Board of Trustees, and the unwavering support of our parents and community. Most of all, I have cherished the daily opportunity to connect with the talented and engaged students entrusted to our care. Together, we’ve accomplished a great deal in the past six years. We celebrated the School’s Centennial and completed a community-based Strategic Plan, A Bold Move Forward, which culminated in our Excellence within Reach initiative. In conjunction with our happy observance of our Centennial, we engaged anew with many alumni, parents and friends, and we made a commitment to secure Montgomery’s short-term and longterm futures with the enrollment growth created by the Excellence within Reach plan. As a School and community, we have made significant accomplishments in the past six years. We secured reaccreditation from the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. We grew the Annual Fund. We enhanced our 3 curriculum and implemented a faculty evaluation system. We also improved our digital presence through our outreach and social media. For these past six years, the work was always energizing and challenging, and our diligent efforts on behalf of this wonderful School leave it in a better position than it was when we began. The School is in great hands with its next leader, Tom McManus. I have enjoyed partnering with him as part of this transition. I will always keep Veritas, Pietas, Caritas in my heart. It has truly been an honor to serve as your Head of School, and I wish you all the best in the bright future that lies ahead for Montgomery School.
Sally Keidel, P ‘20, ‘23 Departing Head of School
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Memories 2019 – 2021 4
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HONORING OUR DONORS
MONTGOMERY SCHOOL IS SO GRATEFUL to the following individuals who made leadership gifts, restricted giving and annual fund donations during the 2019-2020 fiscal year. We could not do this without your generosity and continued support.
Mr. David Faragher
Dr. and Mrs. Darrell Henze
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kaplan
Mr. Larry Feiner
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hersh
Ms. Lindsay Kaplan
Mrs. Courtney C. Felker
Mr. Myrl Hersh
Kathy Gagnon Real Estate Group
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Fendrick
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Herzog
Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Keidel III
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ferraro
Mr. and Mrs. J. Bennett Hill, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. David J. Kelly
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ferraro
Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Hoishik
Keybank
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Ferris
Ms. Ann Bevan Hollos
Ms. Patricia Kirkner
Flying Colors Fine Artists
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hoover
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Kley
Four D Electric, Inc.
Mr. J. William Hornsey ‘83 &
Ms. Judy Knauer
Mr. and Mrs. Saeed Franklin
Mr. Kenneth Knauer
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Friz
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hornsey
Ms. Kim Knauer
Mr. Alexander Geary
Mr. Joseph Hutcheson
Mr. Mark A. Hauck and
Dr. Laura L. Szymanski Hornsey
Mr. Sven Adler & Ms. Janine Portner
Mr. Benjamin Capps and
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Dahm
Mr. Daniel Geary
Mr. DJ Benarieb and Ms. Nebila Ighemat
Mr. R. Christopher Almy ‘63
Mr. and Mrs. James Dale
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Geary
Dr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Ilaria
Mr. Jacob Kratz
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ayers
Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Carpenter
Mr. and Mrs. Brad A. Daniels
Mr. William Geary
Jane and Arthur Bratton Charitable
Mrs. Elizabeth Dahme Krick ‘67
Mr. and Mrs. James Baggio
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carr
Mr. and Mrs. Dominic D. Dattilo
Mr. and Mrs. G. Grant Geiger ‘02
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bala
Catherwood Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Delp
Ms. Ava Gessl
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jaworski
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lamb
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Balay
Ms. Cianna R. Chirillo
Mr. Joseph Dempsey and Ms. Julia Pierce
Mr. and Mrs. Doug Gessl
Ms. Payton E. Jobson
Mr. and Mrs. David Lange
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Batson, C.P.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Chirillo
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Diaz
Mr. Frederick L. Gessl
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Johnson
Dr. Jerry Lee and Ms. Amy Chang
Mr. and Mrs. John T. Baumeister
Ms. Millena V. L. Chirillo ‘17
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Diaz
Mr. Paul Gilbert and Mrs. Susan
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Johnston
Mr. and Mrs. Zachary G. Lehman
Mr. and Mrs. William Y. Beckey
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Choi
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. DiFrancesco, Jr.
Braithwaite-Gilbert
JP Mascaro and Sons
Colonel and Mrs. Jeffrey Lipson
Bentley Systems
Mr. John Ciarrochi & Ms. Colleen Whalen
Mr. David Dinges
GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Julian
Mr. Steven D. Lisk
Mr. William Bierlin
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Classon
Ms. Olivia J. DiRodio
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Goggins
Mr. and Mrs. Damien Blair
Mr. and Mrs. James Clay
DNB First
Ms. Grace W. Goggins
Mr. and Mrs. Justin Bond
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cocco
Mr. and Mrs. Shane Dooley
Mr. and Mrs. Colin Golding
Ms. Martha Bonder
Mr. Chad Collingwood &
Mr. and Mrs. George E. Dry
Ms. Abigail M. Goldsmith
Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Bower
Mr. and Mrs. D. Barrie Duffield
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Goldsmith
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Brassington
Mr. and Mrs. John Collins
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Dugan
Golf Chance Auction
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Brennan
Mr. Doug Collison
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Dugan
Golf Charity Hole
Mr. Stanley Bright, III
Ms. Richelle Colucci-Nunn
Mr. and Mrs. Louis R. Eaglehouse
Mr. Christopher A. Gorycki Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Brown
Mr. Paul Conroy
Ms. Alexandra K. Edwards
Ms. Taylor A. S. Gorycki ‘09
Mr. A. Scott Bullitt ‘65
Mrs. Taryn Conroy
Mr. James Eilberg
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Graf
Mr. and Mrs. K. Eric Bullivant
Mr. Michael Henderson and
Mr. and Mrs. Seth Eilberg
Mrs. W. Perry Gresh
Mr. and Mrs. Chad Byers
Mr. Timothy L. Eisenhauer
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Griffin
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander F. Cabot
Ms. Katherine G. Cornish ‘04
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Ettorre
Mr. and Mrs. Jared R. Hamilton
Dr. Catherine F. Cabot
Mr. Mark G. Cornish
Mr. and Mrs. James Evans
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Heathcote
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Canan
Ms. Sherri M. Cornish
Exelon Corporation
Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Henry
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Mrs. McGuire-Capps
Dr. Therese Collingwood
Ms. Cathy Copley-Henderson
Remainder Annuity Trust
Mrs. Jennifer Knauss-Hauck
Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Kurland
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HONORING OUR DONORS Mr. and Mrs. Marlon Long
Mr. Ryan Naylor
Mr. Paulsson Rajarigam and
Ms. Jasmin Lopez
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Neafcy, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Lundmark
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin R. Neilson
Mr. Richard Rewalt Rakestraw ‘64
Mrs. Susanna Macciocca
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nelson
Mr. and Mrs. Naresh Ramdas
Madeira Oil Company, Inc
Mr. and Mrs. Rickey F. Norris
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Raphael
Ms. Chase T. Markee
Mr. and Mrs. David Nyman
Dr. and Mrs. Sunil Rege
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Markee
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. O’Boyle
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. Rohrbaugh
Ms. Yardley B. Markee
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence M. O’Donnell, Esq.
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald B. Rorer
Ms. Susan M. Marotta
Mr. Joseph L. Oakes
Mr. Jonathan B. Rorer
Marsh and McLellan Cos.
Ms. Kaitlyn A. Oakes
Ms. Kathleen M. Rosati
Ms. Grace E. Marsters
Ms. Michele F. Oakes
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rose
Mrs. Victoria Masciandaro
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Oddo
Mr. Samuel Rose
Mr. and Mrs. Marty Matika
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Oeschger
Ms. Sofia G. Rose
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Mazza
Mr. Jeffrey Ormsby
Mr. and Mrs. David C. Rosenberg
Ms. Rita McCafferty
Mr. Jose M. Orozco and Mr. Jeff M. Denton
Ms. Morreen Rukin
Mr. and Mrs. James McConnel
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Owens
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Sabocsik
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey McLaughlin
Dr. David W. Oxtoby ‘64
Dr. Vipul Saini & Dr. Sweta Shah-Saini
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McManus
Dr. Margaret J. Oxtoby ‘68
Salvatore M Cutrona Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Medico
The Reverend Thomas C. Oxtoby ‘63
Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Sammis
Merck Partnership for Giving
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Paulus
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Schelhorn
Metz Culinary Management
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Penn
Ms. Nikki Schilling
Ms. Cathy McGeever
Mrs. Susannah W. Perkinson
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schoeninger
Mr. Craig Miller and Ms. Janice Chang
Philadelphia Contributionship
Mr. O’Neill Scott and
Mr. and Mrs. David Miller
Mr. Miles Mitchell
Ms. Arlene Pine
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Seeley
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Monestere, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald O. Pook
Mr. Crawford J. Seeley
Montgomery School Community
Mr. Ryan J. Poorman ‘15
Semperon Corporation
Association
Ms. Ashlyn R. Porter
Mr. and Ms. Brian Serbin
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Moore
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Porter
Mr. and Mrs. Chad M. Shandler
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Moreira
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Precious
Mr. Donald Sharples and
Ms. Pamela B. Morgan
Mr. Joseph A. Procopio
Mr. and Mrs. Barry J. Mulzet
Quaker City Foundation
Ms. Lynda Sheets
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Murphy
Mr. Nicolas J. Quintana
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Sheldrick
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Insurance Company
Ms. Sarah Anderson-Rajarigam
Mrs. Robin E. Shellhamer
The Mutual Fire Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Premal P. Vora
Dr. and Mrs. Jay W. Siegfried
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Tomko
W. Percy Simpson Trust under Will #6
Mr. George Sillup
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Tompkins
Dr. and Mrs. Neal S. Walker
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Sillup
Mr. Cary Toner
Mr. Alan C. Walter and Ms. Joan E. Bevans
Mr. and Mrs. Troy D. Sisum
Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Trachtman
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Walton
Dr. Bradley and Dr. Amy Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Tracy
Ms. Alexandra M. Weber
Ms. Diane Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Tudor
Mr. Dean E. Weisgold, Esq.
Mr. Rodman W. Smith
Ms. Alyson Turley
Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Whaley
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Steinberg
Valley Forge Trout Unlimited
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Wilburn
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua B. Stewart ‘92
Mr. Andrew Lerman and
Mr. William Wisneski and
Mr. and Mrs. James Stinger
Mr. Josh Stoltzfus
Velicept Therapeutics, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Woodward, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Stoops
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Veno
Mr. and Mrs. Leon Woolford
Mr. Jonathan Summers
Mr. and Mrs. David M. Vertigan
Mr. Aidan Woolley
Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Thayer, IV
Ms. Nicole M. Vertigan
Mr. Richard Oh & Ms. In Young Yu
The Charter Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Vessey
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Ziegler E
Ms. Julia M. van Roden ‘74
Dr. Manisha Shendge
Ms. Tiffany McDonald Scott
Dr. Kristin Sharples
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CHALLENGES OF VIRTUAL LEARNING
THE PIVOT TO REMOTE WHILE REMAINING ENGAGED
IN MID-MARCH 2020 NOBODY KNEW,
or anticipated, that the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year would quickly pivot to being remote and all-virtual. It was our hope our students and their families would remain healthy and safe during this trying time. In the beginning of transitioning to remote learning, we saw the strength of our community — as it’s at the heart of all we do as a Montgomery academic community. Our amazing teachers continued to provide their students with an outstanding education and prepare their young learners to go out in the world and be of service to others.
students, and families alike, used these circumstances to learn and to grow. Our teachers continued to amaze us each day, as they still do now! They have the students’ best interests at the forefront of all they do. In doing so, the students transitioned well to remote learning. Our school theme for the 2019-2020 year was Belonging. Regardless of the time that has separated students and parents from the Montgomery School campus, they remained an integral part of the Monty Family.
We’re incredibly grateful for all the folks in our community who were working the front lines, tirelessly devoted to keeping us all safe and healthy and caring for the sick. We are in awe of their service and sacrifice.
We were lucky enough to still have celebrations, too! We had our Annual Benefit, Greek & Roman Day and the School Musical online. Was this how it’s always done? Of course not, but with the perseverance and support of this extraordinary community, we all came together to get creative and celebrate milestones with one another, just from a distance.
We know at the beginning of this transition, it was very challenging, as it was for our future graduates as well. Yet, we also knew that Montgomery students and alumni have the resilience and ability to persevere through demanding times. There is no doubt that many of the
Our community is inspiring and resilient, and the culmination of the 2020 school year truly proved how remarkable our students, faculty, staff and families are! We’re eternally grateful to everyone for doing his or her part and coming together when we needed each other most. E
Montgomery students and alumni have the resilience and ability to persevere through demanding times. There is no doubt that many of the students, and families alike, used these circumstances to learn and to grow. 10 10
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WELCOME TOM!
spirit of outreach and caring the School is known for,” he said. “Montgomery shouldn’t be a well-kept secret. It is a welcoming school —open and diverse. Anyone can cross the creek to visit us and find out what’s happening. Colleges can use our campus as a laboratory to produce knowledge. Let’s serve our local community and provide excellence and access.”
TOM MCMANUS APPOINTED
HEAD OF SCHOOL IT TOOK MORE THAN 900 HOURS for Montgomery School’s Search Committee to screen dozens of applicants and conduct in-depth interviews with each finalist before Mr. McManus was unanimously selected as the next Head of School, which became effective on July 1, 2020. In describing why Tom McManus was chosen, the Board of Trustees’ Chair wrote to the Montgomery community: “Tom is a seasoned academic leader who is passionate about his philosophy and beliefs. He possesses a love of children and has a deep appreciation for the distinctive environment that Montgomery has created and sustained. He also brings creative insight and a high energy level for leading Montgomery School into its next chapter.” Mr. McManus stated, “It takes real intentionality and commitment to live the mission and be able to walk on a campus and feel like School administrators are pursuing this goal. It is evident when you are there. The children literally jump out of their chairs to describe the subject matter they are currently studying. They are children of character; confident leaders in their own learning; and learning to understand the world around them and ways to care for it. They reflect the adults who create those conditions, and the intentionality the teachers provide.” Having worked in education for more than 25 years at five independent secondary schools as well as at the college level, Mr. McManus knows of what he speaks. Before coming to Montgomery, he helped establish the Revolution School in Philadelphia and, as its CEO and Head of Mission, was instrumental to the school’s launch. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he
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RIGHT FROM THE START
As a School committed to the growth of students in PreK through 8th grade, Montgomery appreciates the singular opportunity to start a child’s education off right—right from the start. Mr. McManus understands that some parents may question the necessity of affording an exceptional elementary and middle school experience for their children.
became a Senior Regional Director of Admissions at University of Pennslyvania and earned his master’s degree in private school leadership from Columbia University, Teachers College. Volunteer work administering school accreditations then took Mr. McManus to schools in Guam and Japan, while he worked as a high school principal in Hawaii. He and his wife now live in Delaware County with their four children – a toddler, one in high school, and two in college.
PARTNER TO THE PARENTS
A wellspring of knowledge and ideas, Mr. McManus speaks passionately about his new role and how fortunate he feels to be part of such an amazing school. “When I found Montgomery, I knew this is where I want to be,” he said. “A great school is like a partner in our parenting; it reflects what we believe in and helps guide our kids through childhood and prepares them for the next step.” One of Mr. McManus’ core philosophies is: “All children have a unique voice and an important voice. Early on, they express who they are and what they are about. Getting behind that uniqueness, I think, is part of a school’s job.” His second core philosophy: “All children can learn. When children encounter challenges, it’s not about a deficiency, the focus is finding their strengths and ways to approach a problem in new ways.”
INNOVATIVE TEACHING
Pleased with the extremely cohesive and talented faculty at Montgomery, Mr. McManus said he will
support the innovative work the teachers are achieving in their classrooms and help it grow by breaking the walls and unleashing the teachers to learn from each other. “The best learning and the best practices are often happening next door. I ask teachers: ‘What are your passions? Why are you here?’ I want to open those conversations so teachers feel safe trying something new and seeing how it changes the students. Talking about the great work they’re doing elevates teaching.”
To explain the importance of investing early in a child’s educational experience, he metaphorically uses the horizon and shore to put the concern into perspective. “So often, we consider the transition to college as the horizon,” he said. The horizon becomes the focus, even though it is nearly impossible for young people to envision it or to understand the purpose of their education. “Actually, the shore [referring to PreK through 8th grade] and where you launch the boat from is so much more important. Once young people can pilot their own craft, they will faithfully steer into a future of meaning and purpose.” E
Along with the teachers, the campus itself is an incredible resource for learning, noted Mr. McManus, who embraces the concept of place-based learning in which students can step outside their classroom, express wonder about the environment, and ask questions. He gives the example of how Montgomery students can study global climate change at their desks, but it becomes more tangible when they can walk outdoors and see Pickering Creek. “It’s something they can touch, ask about, and measure for themselves,” he said. “That opportunity is really unique.” Mr. McManus also intends to help Montgomery connect more with the surrounding community by supporting local businesses and inviting people to visit. “I want to see Montgomery students and adults further extend the
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Memories 2019 – 2021 14
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HONORING OUR DONORS
MONTGOMERY SCHOOL IS SO GRATEFUL to the following individuals who made leadership gifts, restricted giving and annual fund donations during the 2020-2021 fiscal year. We could not do this without your generosity and continued support. Mr. and Mrs. James Baggio
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Delp
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Goas
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bala
Dr. and Mrs. Vipul Devas
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Goldsmith
Mr. Steven E. Bayles
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. DiFrancesco, Jr.
Mr. Juan Goleniowski and
Mr. and Mrs. William Y. Beckey
Mr. and Mrs. Niall Doherty
Ms. Maria Berger
Mr. and Mrs. D. Barrie Duffield
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Graf
Ms. Tarin Bickford
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Dugan
Mr. and Mrs. John Halladay
Mr. and Mrs. Damien Blair
Mr. and Mrs. Louis R. Eaglehouse
Hankin Foundation
Mr. A. Scott Bullitt ‘65
Ms. Alexandra K. Edwards
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hersh
Mr. and Mrs. K. Eric Bullivant
Dr. and Mrs. Christopher W. Edwards
Mr. Myrl Hersh
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bullivant
Mr. James Eilberg
Mr. and Mrs. Tony Herzog
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander F. Cabot
Mr. and Mrs. Seth Eilberg
Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Hoishik
Dr. Catherine F. Cabot
Mr. Timothy L. Eisenhauer
Ms. Ann Bevan Hollos
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Canan
Mr. and Mrs. Hector Escobar
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hoover
Catherwood Foundation
Ms. Joann Falciani
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hornsey
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Christiansen
Ms. Courtney C. Felker
Mr. Joseph Hutcheson
Ms. Anastasia C. Classon
Mr. and Mrs. William Fenner
Mr. DJ Benarieb and Ms. Nebila Ighemat
Ms. Margaret M. Classon
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ferraro
Jane and Arthur Bratton Charitable
Mr. and Mrs. James Clay
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Mr. John K. Clement
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Flanagan
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Julian
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cocco
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Friz
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kaplan
Ms. Katharine H. J. Conklin ‘14
Ms. Patricia G. Gardiner
Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Keidel III
Mrs. Taryn Conroy
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Geary
Mr. and Mrs. David J. Kelly
Ms. Katherine G. Cornish ‘04
Mr. and Mrs. Doug Gessl
Keybank
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Dahm
Mr. Paul Gilbert and
Ms. Patricia Kirkner
Mr. and Mrs. James Dale
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Kley
Mr. and Mrs. Dominic D. Dattilo
Mr. and Mrs. Rory Glenn
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Mrs. Susan Braithwaite-Gilbert
Mrs. Victoria Elizalde
Remainder Annuity Trust
Ms. Kim Knauer
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HONORING OUR DONORS
Mr. Mark A. Hauck and
Montgomery School Community
Dr. Vipul Saini and Dr. Sweta Shah-Saini
Association
Mr. Andreas Schad
Mr. Jacob Kratz
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Moreira
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Schelhorn
Mrs. Elizabeth Dahme Krick ‘67
Mr. and Mrs. R. Kirk Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Schraegle
Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Kunsch
Mr. and Mrs. Barry J. Mulzet
Mr. O’Neill Scott and
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lamb
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin R. Neilson
Lands’ End, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Rickey F. Norris
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Seeley
Ms. Janis Lange
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. O’Boyle
Mr. and Mrs. Chad M. Shandler
Dr. Jerry Lee and Mrs. Amy Chang
Mr. and Mrs. John Odike
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Sheldrick
Mr. and Mrs. Zachary G. Lehman
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Oeschger
Ms. Robin E. Shellhamer
Mr. Steven D. Lisk
Mr. Jeffrey Ormsby
Mr. and Mrs. Kristopher Short
Ms. Carolyn Lloyd and Dr. Rebecca Wolf
Dr. David W. Oxtoby ‘64
Mr. George Sillup
Mr. and Mrs. Marlon Long
The Reverend Thomas C. Oxtoby ‘63
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Sillup
Mr. and Mrs. Zack Luminella
Mrs. Susannah W. Perkinson
Mr. and Mrs. Troy D. Sisum
Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Lundmark
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Philips
Ms. Diane Smith
Ms. Susanna Macciocca
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Pizonka
Mr. and Mrs. Langhorne B. Smith ‘50
Madeira Oil Company, Inc
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pizonka
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Speakman
Mr. Matthew Manning
PJM Interconnection
Ms. Audrey Stackhouse
Ms. Stephanie Ponte
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua B. Stewart ‘92
Ms. Chase T. Markee
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Porter
Mr. Jonathan Summers
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Markee
Quaker City Foundation
The Mutual Fire Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Susan M. Marotta
Mr. Nicolas J. Quintana
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Tomko
Ms. Victoria Masciandaro
Mr. Paulsson Rajarigam and
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Tracy
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Mazza
Mr. and Mrs. James McConnel
Mr. Richard Rewalt Rakestraw ‘64
Mr. and Mrs. C. Dean McGowan
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Raphael
The Vanguard Group, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey McLaughlin
Dr. and Mrs. Sunil Rege
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Veno
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McManus
Mr. Jonathan B. Rorer
Mr. and Mrs. Adam J. Veverka
Meridian Bank
Mr. William Rowan and Ms. Kathy Fishel
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Walton
Ms. Emily Messer
Mr. James Ruggieri and
Mr. Dean E. Weisgold, Esq.
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Miceli
Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Whaley
Mr. and Mrs. Chip Mills
Ms. Morreen Rukin
Mrs. Jennifer Knauss-Hauck
and Ms. Nicole Boscia
Ms. Sarah Anderson-Rajarigam
Ms. Nancy Hornback
Ms. Tiffany McDonald Scott
Mr. Andrew Lerman and Ms. Julia M. van Roden ‘74
Mr. Richard Oh and Ms. In Young Yu E
The Reverend Elsa H. Mintz
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STUDYING SCIENCE IN ACTION
THE POWER OF OUTDOOR LEARNING
MAXIMIZED AT MONTGOMERY SCHOOL “Tell me and I will forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.” – Confucius
I
magine going to school each day where a bucolic, 60-acre campus is the classroom, steeping in lessons from biology, chemistry, zoology, and math to poetry and mindfulness. At Montgomery School in Chester Springs, a sprawling campus opens up the walls of every classroom. Learning takes place through lessons in Pickering Creek, 0bserving plants and wildlife in the meadow, and working in the School garden. Students spend time outdoors often and with purpose, affording them hands-on science lessons and a deep appreciation for nature. Although outdoor learning has been a tradition at Montgomery, the School is proudly stepping into new and exciting initiatives that will markedly enhance each student’s educational experience.
An independent day school serving boys and girls in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, Montgomery’s mission involves developing each student through academics, fine and performing arts, and athletics in an enriching and cultural environment, with an emphasis on integrity, respect, responsibility,and service to others. The campus was created with the objective of students spending quality time outdoors, with environmental sustainability at the forefront of their curriculum. Lower School students regularly engage in nature walks through the property and the creek, observing and learning about plants and wildlife. Boots are actually required classroom necessities! Middle School students have raised trout in the classroom and released them into the creek each spring, after testing the pH of the
“Over the past year, COVID-19 has awakened our perception of the power of the outdoors. Through this lens, we are able to see the importance of getting outside — not simply as a risk mitigation strategy. We recognize, now more than ever, that nature has the potential to improve our health and well-being. The COVID situation has forced many educators to prove this belief to be true.” – Montgomery Head of School Tom McManus. 20
Reprinted with permission by Chester County Life magazine, May/June 2021 edition. Article by Julia Krumenacker.
“Our School has become a well-kept secret, but I would like to open our beautiful doors up to the community so we can share these gifts.” – Montgomery Head of School Tom McManus.
water throughout the year. The School’s organic garden is maintained by members of the School community, and the harvested produce has been used in the school’s family-style lunch program or donated to a local food pantry. Montgomery students come to appreciate their natural surroundings, learn to study science in action, and reap the many health benefits of spending time in nature. “Over the past year, COVID-19 has awakened our perception of the power of the outdoors. Through this lens, we are able to see the importance of getting outside — not simply as a risk mitigation strategy. We recognize, now more than ever, that nature has the potential to improve our health and well-being,” noted Head of School Tom McManus. “The COVID situation has forced many educators to prove this belief to be true,” Tom expanded.
“Here at Montgomery School, we really can take a literature project, a social studies lesson,or a science experiment outside throughout all four seasons. We have a large number of different environmental features here, and we are very excited to introduce several new projects that will enhance our ability to fully utilize our campus as a learning tool.” A recent addition to campus is a beautiful creek overlook, allowing students to effortlessly enter Pickering Creek. Here is where they go to obtain water samples, conduct pH and nitrate testing, and perform their annual trout release as they learn about the ecosystem in science class. Many plants have been introduced to the area that will encourage pollination, attract butterflies, and promote new habitats for the students to observe, providing a great extension of environmental science and biology experienced in and along the creek.
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intentional use of the outside campus,” noted Wendy. “We will not simply integrate the outdoors; we will be engaging in the learning outside, as a deliberate part of our curriculum. I don’t think there’s any substitute for learning by doing. This approach will take all of the concepts students are learning in the classroom and make the experiences so much more authentic. “Most importantly, these new campus enhancements will emphasize conservation and stewardship,” Wendy said. “Our students will have a true connection with the environment and understand why conservation is so important. Additionally, they will genuinely be able to relate it to science, as it will be so much more relevant and meaningful when they are actually engaged in the projects, rather than learning about the subject matter from inside the classroom.”
One of Montgomery’s aspirations is to construct a comprehensive pavilion and greenhouse next to the School’s existing garden, to serve as an outdoor science laboratory and workshop. “The pavilion would make a perfect outdoor classroom for learning about ecosystems in earth science, habitats and animals in biology, and many other topics from plants and food to healthy eating,” explained science teacher Wendy Sheldrick (pictured above). “Obviously, the space would lend itself to the sciences, but every teacher would have access to utilize it to enhance his or her teaching,” Wendy added. “If you are working on poetry about birds, building sculptures in art, or performing measurements in math, what better way to deepen the learning than to be outside?”
Another project in the making is the development of beehives on campus. With the help of a beekeeping expert, students will directly observe the bee life cycle in action and the chemistry of honey and also understand the job of bees and their importance to the environment. The meadow will be planted with bee-pollinating flowers, with a live feed to the school website. Students will gain a firsthand understanding of how to care for bees, while also learning about the importance of protecting them. To incorporate these projects and make the most of its outdoor space, Montgomery School paired with GeoVentures Programming and Services, a group that
assists communities and schools in utilizing space to inspire connections with nature. “When Tom McManus and I discussed Montgomery’s goals to enhance its outdoor space, we realized this campus is full of rare ecological diversity,” stated Wendy Furry, Head of Outdoor Learning at GeoVentures. “It is a treasure, a hidden gem in the community, and we have to optimize it. I see a lot of schools adding outdoor classwork, but Montgomery is able to boost so many different types of learning due to its true connection with nature, from science to poetry to journaling to simply teaching kids the value of quiet and stillness. As soon as you go outside, the potential for interactive learning increases. It ties what you’re learning to an immediate application, creating deeper knowledge. The science behind this initiative is a mile deep. Numerous studies show there are many other enormous and unexpected benefits of kids spending time in nature, from less illness to improved emotional well-being.” “We are very excited about all the directions we can go with the amplification of our outdoor curriculum,” said Tom, who eventually wants to expand into the community with opportunities for teacher education and conferences, community and family events, weekend programs, and adult learning, as well as to create walking trails lined with birdhouses open to the public.
the fact that although our students wear uniforms, they are covered in grass stains and mud,” he said with a laugh. “They get dirty, and simply love it.” E
“Our School has become a well-kept secret, but Iwould like to open our beautiful doors up to the community so we can share these gifts, “Tom said. “One of the aspects I cherished most when I first came to Montgomery was
At Montgomery, we seize every opportunity to take learning outdoors! As soon
Montgtomery School’s future plans also include a new greenhouse building, which will provide the space and light to heighten learning that evolves from the School’s outdoor garden. This structure would enable students to carry out long-term labs, grow seedlings, and engage in hydroponic growing and photosynthesis experiments.
as you step outside, the potential for interactive learning increases. It ties
“We are designing a spiraling, skills-based outdoor education curriculum, which will incorporate regular
become a magnet for explorers, big and small, who are drawn to its beauty.
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what our students are learning to an immediate application, creating deeper knowledge. We also recognize, now more than ever, that nature has the potential to improve health and well-being. Our new Creek Classroom has already
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2021 GREEK & ROMAN GAMES
A CLASSIC SCHOOL
TRADITION ENDURES
O
n a perfectly sunny morning on May 21, 2021, the excitement filled the air! Tee shirts were donned, faces were painted, and teams were ready for the much-anticipated Greek & Roman Games. The cheers were loud and plentiful on the fields at Montgomery. Eighth grade families came and cheered on the students from the Greek and Roman sidelines. We felt so fortunate to have them on campus to celebrate this fun, long-standing School tradition. With the many competitions, including baton team races, hurdle races, the chariot and the infamous tug of war, the score was extremely close. The excitement was palpable, and it was truly the perfect day. This year’s winner — with a score of 13-12— was the Greeks! The day wrapped up with the traditional eighth grade creek jump. What a wonderful day all around for Montgomery School, and its tradition of Greek & Roman Games!
In the Ancient Greek and Roman games, the prizes for the victors were olive leaf wreaths or crowns.
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COMMENCEMENT 2021
CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2021
B
right and early on a Friday morning in early June, Montgomery’s campus was full of excitement from not only the eighth grade students about to graduate, but from their families and friends as well. Faculty, staff, families and friends gathered in Bell Hall to witness the 8th Grade Graduation of 26 wonderful students. Harris Manganiello, a Montgomery graduate, was the Graduation speaker. He discussed his schooling and a lesson he learned his senior year of high school. He said, “I implore you to challenge yourself and branch out as you go forward. And what better way to explore new passions than by saying Yes?” He then explained by sharing this advice: “Any chance for a new adventure or story. Say yes. The pandemic has shown all of us how quickly and drastically life can change. And as things start to return to normal, and there are more and more chances to do new things, say yes.” It was an excellent speech that flowed into the presentation of diplomas to the proud young adults who graduated from Montgomery School and will surely go off and do marvelous things in their high school careers and beyond. It was such a celebration for all of the Montgomery School community! After the ceremony, families and friends gathered outside and many photographs were taken as the final memories for eighth-students on the Monty campus were unfolding. It was a lovely celebration for all who were present. Congratulations class of 2021!
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2021 GRESH MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC
THE DAY WAS...
PERFECT TO A TEE! Montgomery School was very excited to have our Gresh Memorial Golf Classic in person this year! On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, more than 70 golfers showed up bright and early at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve for a great day on the course! The weather was perfect and all who attended enjoyed a day of golf, lunch, cocktails and dinner outside on the spacious patio. The raffle, prizes and silent auction items were a huge hit. It was such a great day to be together! This event would not have been possible without the Golf Committee, led by current parents and Board Members Paul Gilbert and Jason Johnson and Alumni and Board Member Grant Geiger. Montgomery School is grateful to the sponsors that made this great day possible.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
CLOSEST TO THE PIN
Madeira Oil
The Kathy Gagnon Team
19TH HOLE SPONSOR
HOLE SPONSORS
The Gilbert Family
Exactly IT Hershey Road Campground
LUNCH SPONSOR EIR Healthcare
Merit Service Solutions Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution Color Guard Plastrac
GOLF BALL SPONSOR Diplomat Demolition
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PMARR Victory Bank
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Thank You!
We are eternally grateful for the amazing support of this marvelous Montgomery School community through this incredible period of challenge and growth! We could not have made it through the last two years without the unyielding support and dedication of the Faculty and Staff, Holiday Concert December 9, 2021
the families, the friends and the resilient and inspiring students. Thanks to you, the best is yet to come!
Friday Night Lights Basketball Games
January 14, 2022
Middle School Musical March 3–5, 2022
TH A NK YOU FOR A LL YOU DO!
32nd–Annual Benefit April 23, 2022 Design-For-A-Difference Project & Lettering Day May 5, 2022 GrandFriends’ Day May 6, 2022 Greek & Roman Games May 20, 2022 Spring Concert May 26, 2022 Commencement June 11, 2022 30
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1141 Kimberton Rd. • Chester Springs, PA 19425 610.827.7222 MontgomerySchool.org