2023-2024 Annual Report

2023-2024

ANNUAL REPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL: A DREAM FULFILLED

O UR MISSION: We inspire and guide children to love learning, to love one another, and to love the world around them.

O UR VISION: We envision a humane and peaceful society where people of all ages feel reverence and responsibility for all that sustains life on Earth.

O UR STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: M SNV has a responsibility and a role in advocating for a world of love, acceptance, understanding, and inclusion. We empower our community to embrace these values by fostering respectful and compassionate interactions with all people. We aim for our students to embody a profound appreciation and respect for differences and interconnection, and to move forward with a commitment to equity, justice, and inclusion.The MSNV community moves forward with a commitment to equity, justice, diversity and inclusion.

A NOTE ON THE ANNUAL REPORT Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our listing of donors. If you find an error or omission, please contact Kari Cafeo, Head of School at kcafeo@msnv.org or Andreka Johnson, Director of Marketing Communications at ajohnson@msnv.org . All gifts listed in this report are those received between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

CONTENTS

3 Head of School Message

5 The President’s Note

7 Middle School: A Journey Begins

13 2023-2024 Events

17 MSNV Financial Report

18 MSNV Donors

20 Sips and Service Auction

Head of School Message “The chief symptom of adolescence is a state of expectation, a tendency towards creative work and a need for the strengthening of self-confidence."

— Maria Montessori

The start of a new school year always brings a sense of excitement and possibility, but 2023 was truly extraordinary. It marked the moment when a dream decades in the making finally came to life. The launch of the MSNV Middle School program is a monumental milestone in our more than sixty-year history, one that will shape the future of countless students for years to come.

Building on this achievement, our commitment to education soared even higher in the 2023-2024 school year, as we proudly secured reaccreditation from both the American Montessori Society and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. From the launch of our middle school program to the achievement of reaccreditation, and every milestone in between, this year has marked the dawn of a new era, rich with promise and potential.

Our inaugural class of middle school students thrived in their first year — embracing new demands, building strong connections with peers, and achieving academically. Through diverse activities, both in and outside the classroom, they are developing the skills and confidence they

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need to succeed. The middle school curriculum is designed to be both rigorous and enriching, preparing our students for the academic demands of high school and beyond. In the pages ahead, you’ll hear from our middle school faculty and students on what the MSNV middle school experience has meant to them.

This year also marked MSNV’s entry into competitive sports. In the ABC Sports League we competed against other independent schools like Browne Academy, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Green Hedges, Gesher, Alexandria Country Day, Merritt Academy, and Capitol Hill Day School. From cross country and soccer to flag football and basketball, our students exhibited outstanding teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. The sense of camaraderie and school spirit at every game and competition has been truly inspiring.

We also turned our attention towards the stage with the Performing Arts department’s production of Maria Montessori: The Musical. Our Elementary students’ talents were on full display

as they captivated audiences with the story of the life of Maria Montessori. Their performance was truly outstanding, and we were thrilled that the reaccreditation team had an opportunity to see snippets of the musical during their visit. Hats off to our students, Ms. Stacey, and her team for a wonderful performance.

Finally, in late spring we welcomed the accreditation teams from the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and the American Montessori Society to our campuses for reaccreditation. A lot has happened since their last visit in 2018. Over the course of their three-day visit they participated in classroom observations, parent interviews, conversations with faculty, and thoughtful discussions with the Board of Trustees — providing them the opportunity to experience what makes MSNV so special. Their visit was a success, and it would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of our entire community.

Thank you for being an integral part of the MSNV family. Together, we have achieved something truly extraordinary, and together, we will continue to inspire and support our students in their journey of learning and growth.

With warmest regards,

Kari Cafeo Head of School

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MSNV BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The President’s Note As a parent of three children at MSNV, I’ve always found joy in watching my kids grow and thrive within this incredible community, but this past year has been something special. In 2023, we saw the realization of a dream that has been years in the making — the launch of our MSNV Middle School program. This is more than just an expansion of our academic offerings; it represents a new chapter in the life of our school, one that will shape the educational journeys of our students for years to come. Seeing the first class of middle schoolers navigate this 2023-2024 MSNV exciting new phase — with curiosity, resilience, and that unmistakable BOARD OF TRUSTEES MSNV spirit — has been nothing short of inspiring. Going hand in hand Kent Allen with this program expansion, it has also been a joy watching our Alex Attard students form their first athletic teams and compete together as Red Daryn Cambridge Wolves.

Of course, the middle school launch is just one highlight in a year filled with remarkable achievements. We were honored to receive reaccreditation from both the American Montessori Society and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. This reaccreditation reaffirms that we are holding ourselves to the highest standards and providing our students with a rich and meaningful Montessori education. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in our community — from faculty and staff to students and parents. We should all take great pride in this accomplishment.

After a period of change and expansion, the Board now turns its focus to supporting the existing school programming, faculty, staff, and administration, as well as fostering community across the campuses.

The Board hopes to lead in growing a strong relationship between MSNV families and supporting a culture of giving.

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Vice President Allison Carpenter President Nicole Kaeding Treasurer Devon Kuehne Lydia Kyohere Khaleaph Luis Tyler Martinez Frauke Nitschke Shania Pride Christian Tansey Secretary Brent Tweddle

Reflecting on the past year, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. Our children have grown academically, artistically, and athletically in ways that truly embody the spirit of MSNV. As a parent, there’s nothing more heartening than seeing the level of care and commitment that the tireless administration, faculty, and staff put into every aspect of our children’s development.

Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary journey. Together, we are building something remarkable at MSNV, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.

Warm regards,

Allison Carpenter President, MSNV Board of Trustees, 2023-2024

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Middle School: A Journey Begins

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On September 5, 2023, when eight students crossed the threshold of Hillbrook, their steps carried a significance far beyond the start of a new school year — they were creating a path for future middle school students to follow. Their presence marked the fulfillment of a decades-long dream, ushering in a new chapter in the legacy of the Montessori School of Northern Virginia. This would be a transformative experience for MSNV’s first class of middle school students — a year marked by academic rigor, personal growth, and the opportunity to forge a unique identity within the broader MSNV community.

For years, there had been recurring discussions surrounding the idea of a middle school, yet there was always one central challenge — the lack of space. In 2022, the acquisition of the education wing at Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church opened the door to new possibilities. The plan was set: Primary classrooms from the Hillbrook campus would relocate to the new Sleepy Hollow campus, freeing up the much-needed space at Hillbrook for the long-anticipated middle school. A pathway forward was finally in sight. With an idea on logistically how the middle school would work, it was now time to think about how to make the MSNV middle school experience unique and memorable.

“I really want MSNVs Middle School to be one of the top middle schools in the Northern Virginia area in the sense of really living and breathing what our mission and our philosophy are and seeing that carried through them,” Head of School Kari Cafeo said. “I want our kids to continue to be a part of their education, yet be prepared for what's coming next in high school.” For that reason, in the feasibility stage Cafeo and her team met with area high school educators to discuss what areas are lacking in students they see in their classrooms. High school teachers pointed to students’ need for critical thinking, an understanding of who they are as learners, and motivation.

Transitioning into middle school can be an intimidating leap for any student, the ability to have MSNV students remain in a familiar environment during this pivotal time of their adolescence could be a game changer. “In the third plane of development, students are still trying to figure out who they are, who they

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are, who they are as a person, how they fit in the world, how they live in the community. Here, we’re providing that safe, loving environment for them to be who they need to be for seventh and eighth grade as an adolescent and give them the experiences to be able to continue to grow,” Cafeo said. “It's just again, giving them a little bit more time in an environment where they can continue to grow as an individual and then blossom into adolescence beyond middle school going into high school.”

Amanda Waldron is one of the three teachers guiding students through the middle school experience. For her, there are three primary focuses within the program: academic growth, social and emotional development, and independence. “I love middle schoolers because of their curiosity and their courage in middle school,” Waldron said. “They are ready to take on things that they never thought were possible, and seeing that courage in them and how it helps them grow into this young adult is just a beautiful, beautiful thing to witness.”

Here students are navigating their new academic world, which includes homework and grades. This gave Julian, a member of the first middle school class, a little trepidation at the onset of the school year. “I thought seventh grade would be very stressful, with the new idea of homework and more assignments and due dates. I thought it was really scary and that it was going to be this big thing, that was really new and kind of mysterious,” Julian said. “When I got into middle school I realized that the teachers are there not to put work on you or make you feel stressed out, but to help you and guide you through it. It was just really a wholesome experience for me, because I thought it was really scary in sixth grade coming to seventh.”

Gone are the Montessori materials that line the classroom walls in elementary, in their stead are the ever present Montessori philosophies that guide teaching across MSNV’s program levels. The middle school curriculum is project based and question driven. Students start with a unit with a

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big picture idea and then dive into all of the aspects that are needed to answer that big question. “The inquisitive based and project based approach helps them in high school, because they can see the big picture already,” Waldron said. This method of teaching coupled with the academic rigor found throughout their coursework enables students to have an appreciation for what they are learning and why, fueling their confidence and understanding that they can do hard things. “My most memorable moment was probably when I got a really good grade on an assignment that I worked hard on,” Julian said. “It was that moment of relief that I did all my work properly and carefully and got all of my information from the right sources and just did a really good job on it. I was really proud of myself at that moment.”

Learning for MSNV’s middle schoolers extends beyond the classroom. In April they traveled to Savannah, Georgia and Sapelo Island. Having researched the history of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, the six-day trip complemented the seventh grade's thematic approach to United States history.

This trip was an eye-opening experience for the students and one of their most memorable moments of the year. They were eager to witness firsthand the beauty of this region, engage with its rich history, and understand the contemporary challenges faced by the Gullah/Geechee people.

One substantial benefit of the Middle School is its flexibility and ability for students to interact with the outside world. Their creative and physical expression activities often take them off campus where they participate in dance classes, horseback riding, kayaking, and rock climbing . They also spent a week

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delving into career exploration, visiting various businesses and learning what it takes for the business to operate and individuals to work in that industry. It can also be a simple yet meaningful act of preparing and serving meals at Bailey’s Hypothermia Shelter — seeing the immediate impact of their actions on another person’s life.

The middle school experience is also about developing real-world skills, such as financial literacy. Students are tasked with hosting socials throughout the year for Upper Elementary. They have the responsibility of planning, advertising, setting a budget, shopping, and decorating for the event. Through it all, they have to work together to strategize the options that will help them reach their goals.

Our inaugural class has set the tone for future students, demonstrating resilience, leadership, and a thirst for knowledge that will undoubtedly inspire those who follow in their footsteps. They are shaping the legacy of the MSNV Middle School, and in doing so, they are shaping their own futures as well.

Looking ahead, we are excited to see how the program will evolve and how these trailblazing students will continue to grow. As they prepare for the next stage in their educational journey, one thing is certain: the future looks incredibly bright.

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2023-2024 EVENTS

FALL FESTIVAL Set against a stunning backdrop of autumn foliage, MSNV’s Fall Festival came to life on Saturday, October 20, 2023.

Guests enjoyed a charming musical performance by Elementary students, joined the rhythmic energy of Mr. Nate’s drum circle, danced to DJ Peter’s lively beats, indulged in delicious treats from MSNV families, and dove into games and activities hosted by classroom parents. It was a perfect day filled with community spirit, creativity, and the joy of the season!

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2023-2024 EVENTS

FAMILY MUSIC JAMS MSNV welcomed Preprimary and Primary parents to the Sleepy Hollow campus for Family Music Jams. Mr. Nate led students, parents, and teachers in movement, songs, and instruments!

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2023-2024 EVENTS

MARIA MONTESSORI THE MUSICAL Over three magical afternoons, the community room at Sleepy Hollow transformed into a lively theater, drawing the audience back to 19th century Italy with Maria Montessori: The Musical. A highlight of MSNV’s Performing Arts program, the musical reflects the Montessori commitment to whole-child development, offering students a vibrant platform to explore creativity, emotion, and individuality through music, drama, and dance.

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2023-2024 EVENTS

THIRD YEAR PARENT TEAS

Third-year students from all three campuses welcomed loved ones to the Third Year Parent Tea at Sleepy Hollow, treating guests to an afternoon of delicious treats. Students worked closely with teachers to prepare each detail, from the menu to the presentation. Their warm hospitality and thoughtful preparation made for an unforgettable afternoon, with proud loved ones beaming at their gracious young hosts.

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MSNV

FINANCIAL REPORT JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024

REVENUE TOTAL REVENUE

$6,406,493

TUITION & FEES (NET) $5,590,983 EXTENDED DAY $291,916 INVESTMENTS $238,128 SUMMER CAMP $186,580 FUNDRAISING & OTHER $98,886

EXPENSES TOTAL EXPENSES

$6,129,809

INSTRUCTION $4,936,354 ADVANCEMENT $570,460 GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE $236,202 EXTENDED DAY $228,913 SUMMER CAMP $139,692 FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT $18,188

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2023-2024

MSNV DONORS We are happy to recognize the following individuals who made gifts to MSNV this year through the MSNV Fund. Your generosity supports every aspect of our Montessori community so that we may inspire and guide our students to love learning, to love one another, and to love the world around them. Your contributions are helping to produce creative and innovative leaders for tomorrow's world.

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE PRACTICAL LIFE LEADERS (GIFTS OF $6000+) Kara and Kent Allen Anonymous Joedy and Richard Cambridge Allison Carpenter and Nabeel Yousef Sabrina M. Rose-Smith and John Smith III PINK TOWER BUILDERS (GIFTS OF $1200+) Nicole and Jason Kaeding Anna and Jimmy Wuth OUTDOOR NATURE FINDER (GIFTS OF $600+) Lydia and Luke Kyohere Jamie Maldonado and Eric Ubias Sarah and Abhaya Menon Jenny Moore and William Cunningham Carter Shields and Stephen Potter Christine and Christian Tansey GLOBAL PATHFINDER PATRONS (GIFTS OF $300+) Ingrid Fol and Joaquin Diz Amanda Glithero Devon and Adam Kuehne Joanne and Sam Malene Microsoft Gina and Jeffrey Moeller Kristina Moore Atim and Chuma Obidegwu Fatemah Razjouyan and Arvin Eskandarnia Fenil and TJ Shah Maria Swainson and Alex Attard Jennifer and Justin Talley

LOYAL FRIENDS (GIFTS OF $100+) Anonymous Pranoti Asher and Michael Kelley Hedy Bannon Sara and Tristan Bannon Laura Boger and Eric Terpstra Nina and David Breen Kristen Campbell and Lauren Hoeck Jean and Daniel Carr Mindy Chon and Cary Chow Peiliang Cui Ann Ferris and Thorsten Ziegler Sarah Frondreist Alyson Lipsky and Daryn Cambridge Maureen and Brian Love Lydia and Jason Maglathlin Azita Mamdouhi and Khaleaph Luis Julianne Mueller Julie and Dan O'Shea Kristen and Chris Petersen Vidya Ramabadran and Lakshmin Nandagopal David Richard Emily Smith and Eric Crusius Nancy and Mike Smith Ginny and Ed Waller Sherry and Fred Widicus Frances Wilson FRIENDS OF MSNV (Up to $99) MK and Chris Carlson Freya Chen Stephanie Hagopian and Sam Crowley Nathan Heng Camilla Hughart Roberts and George Roberts Elizabeth Kyvig MaryEllen and Tyler Martinez Monika Mellem and Oscar Ganteaume Frauke Nitschke and Steven Dodd Sheridan Roush and Josh White My Tran and Zi Cai

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Celebrating loving one another through service.

AUCTION WINNERS

EVENT PARTNERS

LEAD SPONSORS

MSNV would like to thank everyone who joined us at Sips and Service. We would also like to acknowledge the sponsors and silent auction winners who helped make this event a success.

Thank you for your attendance and for your gracious generosity!

Lydia and Cesar Arana Sara and Tristan Bannon Jacob Breach Allison Carpenter and Nabeel Yousef Stacey and Tyler Cruse Jessica and David Culverhouse Aimee Dawson and Marc Kelly Janig and Dru Heard Maggie Hummel and Addison Orr Sarah Jane Jaffe and Sam Dworkin Andreka Johnson and Omari Jackson Kimberly Jewart Nicole and Jason Kaeding Saraswati Khalsa and Dilraj Sidhu Devon and Adam Kuehne

Maureen and Brian Patrick Love Lydia and Jason Maglathlin Sarah and Abhaya Menon Jenny Moore and William Cunningham Kristina Moore Aubrey Mosley and Katie Musser Kathleen O’Hearn and Jerry Brito Robyn Smyth and Brandt Burgess Katherine Stelzner Jennifer and Justin Talley Christine and Christian Tansey Polina Tymoshenko and Giovanny Giraldo We would also like to thank our anonymous winners. If you identified as anonymous on the auction website, your name is not listed here.

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MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA HILLBROOK

SLEEPY HOLLOW

VALLEYBROOK

6820 Pacific Lane Annandale, VA 22003 Phone | 703.256.9577

3435 Sleepy Hollow Road Falls Church, VA 22044 Phone | 703.559.0101

3433 Rose Lane Falls Church, VA 22042 Phone | 703.992.0255

LEARN MORE | www.msnv.org

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EMAIL US | info@msnv.org

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