Annual Report 24-25

ANNUAL REPORT‌ RICHMOND MONTESSORI SCHOOL

2024-2025

A Note from Beth‌ “‌At Montessori, you’ve learned to treat others like your family, and your classrooms as a home. Those are the seeds for building c‌ommunity.”‌‌ Morgan Smartt, ‘21, RMS alum and 2025 graduation speaker‌

As our alumni and graduation speaker alluded to above, community and citizenship are inherent to the Montessori pedagogy. These “grace and courtesy” lessons (as they are known in Montessori) foster students who know who they are, know how to respectfully advocate for themselves and others, and know how to make a difference.‌‌ In my first visit to RMS, I met with a group of‌ teachers, board members, parents, and employees.‌ Afterward, I wondered if the impressive level of‌ authenticity and compassion I experienced was‌ representative of the school as a whole. As I have‌ come to know RMS, I can attest that there is a deep‌ kindness and unmatched intentionality that define‌ our community, making it incredibly special. Thank‌ you for being an integral part of the RMS magic!‌

We are grateful that our students also learn how to make a difference by watching the adults in our community. RMS parents and friends model how they make our school better, and we are exceptionally grateful! Whether you volunteer in a classroom, help or attend an event, narrate a play, or make a gift – financial or in-kind – you are making a difference.

You are kind, capable, and generous individuals who unite to create the unparalleled community that is RMS. I am honored to be a small piece of it and look forward to the future we will build together!

With gratitude,

Beth Suitor Head of School

I Appreciate What You’ve Made Happen!

Our Lynn C. Humphrey’s Performing Arts Center renovation, made possible by your gifts, created a comfortable experience for our students, families, and visitors, as one of our most utilized community gathering spots on campus.‌‌ Families showed up for our staculty in a big way, dropping off thoughtful notes of appreciation, providing lunch on Staculty Work Days, and stocking us up on break room treats.‌‌ The South Campus break room was transformed into a beautiful and peaceful space where our teachers and assistants can step away and enjoy a few quiet moments in the midst of busy school days.

I am proud and grateful to share that 90% of our staculty made a financial gift to RMS this year; a powerful testament to the belief in the work we can do together.‌‌

Chairman of the Board Message‌ The 2024-2025 academic year at Richmond Montessori School was a busy one. The Head of School Search Committee had already begun its work the previous school year and continued in earnest with Educational Directions who assisted with a nationwide search. While it was always known that this year was going to be a transitional one with an Interim Head of School, the selection of the three finalists made it clear that RMS would be ushered into a new era with a Head of School coming to us from outside our school community.‌ ‌ During this transition, Dr. Kimberly Waite, our Interim Head of School, was a tireless professional. She led her excellent administrative team, helping them to keep focused on the school’s mission despite the uncertainty inherent in a leadership change. Their steadfastness is a testament to Dr. Waite’s strong leadership.‌ This leadership was put to the test later in the year when the school experienced a safety crisis – the first one like it in our school’s sixty-year history.‌‌

Thoko Lipato, left, and alum Morgan Smartt, right, at RMS 2025 graduation.

While the situation prompted a temporary change in our licensing status, the swift response by Dr. Waite and her administrative team quickly restored our license to permanent status. In partnership with Cosecure, a nationally recognized school safety and security consulting firm, a comprehensive assessment of our school was conducted, and within the Board of Trustees, a Safety and Security Advisory Committee was formed to help implement lasting improvements and recommended changes that ensure the safety of our school community.

The first recommendation that was approved by the Board was the installation of a fence along Parham Road, with construction set to completed by the end of August 2025, and further safety and security changes will be announced in the new academic year. Meanwhile, the Head of School Search Committee selected a candidate in November 2024.

In March 2025, Beth Suitor, a Montessori educator and school leader with over 20 years of experience in education, visited our school and met more of our community. She began her tenure in July 2025. The committee’s successful Head of School search marks a new chapter for our school’s journey.

The second half of the school year saw things begin to move forward. We had a successful Spring Fling in March. Our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan was shared with the school-wide community and will serve as the guiding light for Beth Suitor and the Board. The capstone of our school year occurred on May 29th when I was honored to participate in our Middle School graduation.‌‌ During this past school year, as Board chair, I have had the privilege and the pleasure, and yes, sometimes the stress, of having a front-row seat to the running of Richmond Montessori School. The staculty have all persevered during this time, and I can only hope that I have carried out my duties as Board chair half as well as they have as instructors. I am humbled by their commitment to our students, and for the grace and courtesy they exhibit every day.

Thokozeni Lipato,‌ Board of Trustees Chair‌

GUIDED BY PURPOSE, UNITED IN MISSION‌‌ ADMINISTRATION‌

Lead‌

Assistant‌

Jim Astrove, ‌School Counselor‌ Nimila Banerjee, ‌Registrar‌ Grace Belcher,‌South Administrative Assistant‌ Amanda Berdeen, ‌IT Director‌ Chris Campbell,‌Director of Operations & Facilities‌ Chris Carlisle‌,‌Director of Admissions and Enrollment‌ Emily Charreun‌,‌Director of Marketing and Communications‌ Kristin Giacco‌,‌‌Director of Early Childhood Education‌ Joey Graziano,‌Facilities Services Technician‌ Carolyn Holhouser, ‌South Administrative Assistant Cassidy Houston, ‌Director of Middle School‌ Meg Johnson,‌Director of Finance‌ Bree Linton, ‌Director of Elementary Education‌ Kwabena McGaney-Osei, ‌Development Associate‌ Mykaella Rhame,‌Human Resources and Admissions Associate‌ Josh Rinaldi, ‌North Administrative Assistant‌ Lesley Stanley,‌Executive Assistant to the Head of School‌ Cathleen Stepp, ‌Director of Development‌ Kimberly Sutton, ‌Director of Montessori Enrichment‌ Nilay Patel, ‌Director of Athletics‌ Kimberly Waite,‌‌Interim Head of School‌ Englishe White, ‌School Nurse‌

Jill Floyd‌

Becky Aydelotte, Morgan Steele‌

Jessica Richards‌

Margarita Gutierrez, Jenessa Hackney‌

Anna Simpson‌

Madalyn Nuckols‌

Kathleen Williams‌

Theresa Mayo, Aves McKnight‌

Lead‌

Assistant‌

Ali Condon‌

Kasey Johnson‌

Mita Gupta‌

Sally Lan‌

Debra Hess‌

Meagan Shawron‌

Emily Smart‌

Lilly Sutton‌

Jaime Terranova‌

Lakshmi Suresh‌

Lead‌

Assistant‌

Marshie Boswell‌

Pamela Jacob‌

Shannon Ciucci‌

Molly Nolan‌

Sudipa Mitra‌

Eliza Taft‌

Stacy O’Shea‌

Catie Beard‌

TODDLER

PRIMARY

LOWER ELEMENTARY

2024-2025 Adminstration & Teaching Teams Lead‌

Assistant‌

Kinsey Buhrman‌

Weezie McInnis‌

Brigid Bartels‌

Art‌

Kalyn Gerrity‌

Jordan Repoli‌

Page Brookshier‌

Health and Physical Education‌‌

Meghan Pearce‌

Jeff Hughes‌

Keagan Cross‌

Upper Elementary Spanish‌

Jennifer Dendtler‌

Library‌

Lead‌

UPPER ELEMENTARY‌

MIDDLE SCHOOL‌

SPECIALTY STACULTY‌

Cassidy Houston‌

Director of Middle School and Math‌

Janet Deyo‌

Technology‌

Karen Ashworth‌

Humanities‌

Claire Leake‌

Permanent Substitute‌

Jake Rhoads‌

Spanish‌

Madison Lloyd‌

Permanent Substitute‌

Peter Turkaly‌

STEM‌‌

Alison McCabe‌

Permanent Substitute‌

Tamara Nicely‌

Music‌

Nelly Tapia‌

Early Childhood & Lower Elementary Spanish‌

MONTESSORI ENRICHMENT‌ Jackie DeNisco‌ Genesis Garcia Portilla‌ Claire Leake‌ Molly Nolan‌ Pooja Sinha‌ Andres Sinisterra Quinones‌ Morgan Steele‌ Lilly Sutton‌

Richmond Montessori School is a premier Montessori community, inspiring academic excellence and nurturing human potential.

RMS MISSION

With purpose and gratitude, I serve on the Board of Trustees to give back to a school community that positively shaped my child’s education and supported our family with care from P3 to 8‌th‌ grade.‌ I’m committed to helping support RMS’s continued growth and success, ensuring it remains a thriving environment for future generations of students and families.‌ ‌Supporting our community is at the heart of my service, as I believe every child deserves a nu‌rturing and inclusive place to learn and grow.‌

Kari-Lou Frank Trustee, Alumni Parent, Donor

WHY I SERVE

213

100%

Volunteers supported RMS student life in 2024-2025.

of our RMS Board Trustees supported the RMS Annual Fund in 2024-2025.

90% of our RMS staculty supported the RMS Annual Fund in 20242025.

42 Legacy Donors have supported RMS for ten years or more.

Guiding Our Path Forward

2024-25 BOARD OF TRUSTEES‌

Thank you to our leadership committees who ensure the school’s long-term strategy and mission alignment.

DEI Advisory Committee‌

Head of School Search Committee‌

Kari-Lou Frank, Chair‌ Kinsey Buhrman‌ Chris Carlisle‌ Keagan Cross‌ Kwabena McGaney-Osei‌ Weezie McInnis‌ Mykaella Rhame‌ Lisa Rowh‌ Eliza Taft‌ Allison Talibi‌

Gabriella Kaszala, Chair‌ Chris Campbell‌ Kalyn Gerrity‌ Cherice Jackson‌ Thoko Lipato‌ Sudipa Mitra‌ Michele Mulloy Mykaella Rhame‌ Rocco Tricarico‌ Jasmine Turner‌

Committee on Trustees‌

Finance Committee‌

Rocco Tricarico, Chair‌ Kari Lou Frank‌ Thoko Lipato‌ Cathleen Stepp‌ Alison Talibi‌ Kim Waite‌

P2 Sandhu, Chair‌ Cherice Jackson‌ Meg Johnson‌ Paavan Kotini‌ Ed Trageser‌ Kim Waite‌

Head of School Support and Evaluation Committee‌

Physical + Campus‌‌ Infrastructure Committee‌

Safety + Security Advisory Committee

Ryan Browning, Chair‌ Chris Campbell‌ Kyle Hoffman‌ Gabriella Kaszala‌ Daniil Kleyman‌ Chloe Rice‌

Jessica Berdichevsky, Co-Chair‌ Amber Smirnow, Co-Chair‌ Amanda Berdeen‌ Chris Campbell‌ Jill Floyd‌

Advancement Committee‌

Martha Callaghan, Chair‌ Joyce Callaghan‌ Emily Charreun‌ Dara Gocheski‌ Matt Johnson‌ Gabriella Kaszala‌ Claire Leake‌ Kwabena McGaney-Osei‌ Daniel Meekins‌ Clayton Navarre‌ Cathleen Stepp‌

Thoko Lipato, Chair‌ Sonny Gupta‌ Peter Henderer‌ Billy Peebles‌ Kim Waite‌

Thoko Lipato,‌Chair‌‌ Rocco Tricarico,‌Vice Chair‌ P2 Sandhu,‌Treasurer‌ Allison Talibi,‌Secretary‌ Jessica Berdichevsky‌ Ryan Browning‌ Martha Callaghan‌ Kari-Lou Frank‌ Cherice Jackson‌ Chidi Jenkins‌ Matt Johnson‌ Gabriella Kaszala‌ Daniel Meekins‌ Amber Smirnow‌ Jasmine Turner‌

Safety & Security Advisory Committee

Establishing a Lasting Commitment to Community Well-being At the May 2025 meeting, the RMS Board of Trustees unanimously voted to recognize and elevate the work of the Safety & Security Advisory Committee.

Originally formed in response to the November Parham Road incident, the committee demonstrated the importance of having a sustained, mission-aligned approach to safeguarding our community.

As a result, the board approved the creation of a new, standing Safety & Security Advisory Committee. This permanent board committee will focus on fostering a safe and supportive environment for students, families, and staculty by: Identifying school safety considerations from the perspectives of parents, employees, and the broader community Assessing risks and maintaining an evolving risk management backlog Sharing prioritized concerns and recommended strategies with the RMS Board of Trustees This marks an important step in our ongoing commitment to transparency, preparedness, and the collective well-being of everyone at Richmond Montessori School.

CELEBRATING OUR RMPA‌ As this school year draws to a close, so does my four-year journey serving on the RMPA Executive Committee - two years as Vice President, followed by serving as the RMPA President for the 20232024 and 2024-2025 school years. When I first stepped into the RMPA in 2021, the school was just beginning to bring back inperson events after the challenges of COVID. It’s been incredible to witness how far we’ve come since then.

This year was a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together with heart and purpose. Throughout the school year, each RMPA event was a celebration of the dedication and creativity of our committed parent volunteers. These moments not only enriched our children’s experiences but also strengthened the fabric of our school community. As I pass the torch to a new group of RMPA leaders, I do so with deep gratitude and pride in all that we’ve accomplished together. It has been an honor to serve alongside so many thoughtful, generous, and committed families. I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes the RMPA and confident that the spirit of collaboration and community will only continue to grow. Thank you for the opportunity to serve; it’s been one of the great joys of my time at RMS.

Michele Mulloy‌ RMPA President, 2023-2025‌

RMPA BOARD‌

Michele Mulloy - ‌President‌ Misha Mason -‌Vice President‌ Julia Dye - ‌Treasurer‌ Melissa Watson - ‌Secretary‌ RMPA DIRECTORS‌

Alina Hussain‌ Dave Inman‌ Whitney O’Connor‌ Jessica Proffitt‌ Jodie Strum‌

COMMITTEE CHAIRS & OTHER VOLUNTEERS‌ Sara Roan‌

Volunteer Coordination Chair‌‌

Amara Doukas & Devon Tooley‌

HarvestFest‌

Whitney O’Connor‌

Parent Socials‌

Dave Inman‌

Fall Book Fair‌

Don Pearce‌

Family Jump Night‌

Catherine Turlington‌

Spring Picnic‌

Michele Mulloy

Holiday Gifts for Staculty‌

Misha Mason & Michele Mulloy‌

Community Service‌

RMS is a literal family. When it comes to family, one typically does what they can to help them grow, excel, and simply feel loved. That is why I volunteer year after year: out of love and for the growth of our family, RMS.‌

Misha Mason‌ RMS Parent, Donor‌

Lynsey Bates, Danny Fragale, Jodie Strum, V‌ictori‌a Solderitch, Catherine

Staculty Appreciation‌‌

Turlington, and‌ ‌Shannon VanStraten-

WHY I VOLUNTEER

Sundlass‌

2024-2025 RMPA ROOM PARENTS‌ Lynsey Bates‌ Jinah Dacanay‌ Tom & Renee Donnelly‌ Julia Dye‌ Danny Fragale‌ Margaret Hodges‌ Alina Hussain‌

Amber Imboden‌ Dave & Meghan Inman‌ Abby Kocher‌ Misha Mason‌ Emily Mayer‌ Alison McCabe‌ Michele Mulloy‌

Andrea Nikolov‌ Whitney O’Connor‌ Sheri Rodman‌ Morgan Stroud‌ Samantha Wood‌ Angela Zanders‌

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who volunteered in the 2024-2025 school year. Your efforts provided a sense of community for our families, staculty, and students alike.‌‌

A Year of Growth, Grit, and Teamwork‌ This year was a memorable one for RMS athletics!

Our athletes competed at a high level, developed new skills, and welcomed new players, families, and coaches into our program, building momentum and growing as an athletic community.

This year, we hosted Richmond Montessori School’s first-ever Annual Sports Banquet, a major highlight of the year. The evening celebration drew over 100 attendees, including athletes and their families. The event featured guest speakers who shared about the challenges and triumphs of their athletic journeys, while our 2024-2025 student-athletes were honored with awards. Our alumni speaker, James Woodward, Class of 2020, shared how his athletic experience at RMS shaped him into the leader, teammate, and college athlete he is today.

During the 2024–2025 school year, we offered a wide range of programs. Between our team sports and skills clinics, nearly 70 students participated. Not only did their love for the game deepen, but their technique showed tremendous growth as well.

This year also brought valuable teaching moments; lessons in how to win with humility, respond to loss with resilience, and compete with character.

Alongside the growth on the field and court, we also built new relationships and expanded our coaching staculty. We welcomed new coaches to our girls’ soccer and basketball programs while benefiting from the leadership and consistency of our returning veteran coaches.

As the heart of our programs, our coaches serve as true leaders for our student-athletes. Our soccer program was led by Peter Turkalay, Kinsey Buhrman, JoJo McShane, Jaime Terranova, and Brian Callaghan. Our basketball program was guided by myself, Aaron Wood, and Gabriella Kaszala.

Their dedication, passion, and mentorship made a lasting impact on our teams throughout the year.

Nilay Patel‌ Athletic Director‌

Our Special Award winners this year stood out for their leadership, communication, and consistency. They are outstanding representatives of our athletic community and embody the values we strive to instill in all our student-athletes.‌ Varsity Basketball - Simon Larrick‌ Varsity Soccer - Macee Mosely‌ JV Soccer- Landon Chulick‌ Cross Country - Adrien Katchinoff‌

My first year as head coach of the RMS soccer team was a memorable one. Our young RMS team developed into worthy adversaries. Despite being outnumbered and with few subs in most games, this team always fought hard, putting together strings of good plays...Selflessness and self-awareness were the hallmarks of this team. They naturally took up positions where they were most needed, even if it did not always afford them the glory of scoring opportunities.”

Peter Turkaly Varsity Soccer Coach, Middle School STEM

The RMS Annual Fund Works!‌ Creating Meaningful Spaces‌ In the summer leading up to the 2024–2025 school year, the Lynn C. Humphreys Performing Arts Center underwent a thoughtful refurbishment—made possible by contributions to the Annual Fund—transforming it into a more welcoming and dynamic space for performances, parent education workshops, staculty gatherings, student-led presentations, and graduation ceremonies. As a vital connection point between our North and South Campuses, the PAC continues to serve as a central hub for community gatherings throughout the school year.‌

We choose to support the Annual Fund each year because it is a fantastic way to give back to the program that has given so much to our son. Over his 9 years at RMS, so many teachers have helped him in his educational journey, and our hope is that by giving to the Annual Fund, we can in some small way give back to those teachers and help support them in the pivotal role they play in developing such fantastic kids.”

Ryan Browning Trustee, Alumni Parent, Donor

WHY I GIVE

With generous support from the Annual Fund, the South Campus teacher break room was renovated to create a quiet, comfortable space where staculty can take meaningful respite during the school day. Upgraded appliances and improved electrical capacity—especially helpful for cleaning classroom dishes—have been a welcome and practical enhancement for our teachers and assistants.‌

I give to support our teachers and the school.

The Annual Fund helps ensure our teachers have the best training possible, and our kids directly benefit! That’s a win-win.”

Whitney O’Connor RMS Parent, Donor

WHY I GIVE

PANAMANIAN TRADITIONS

KUUMBA DANCE COMPANY

TODDLER FARM DAY

The RMS Annual Fund Works!‌ Student Enrichment and Professional Development‌

Lisa Rowh‌ Reading Specialist (24 - 25)‌

Cassidy Houston,‌‌ Middle School Director (24 - 25)‌

Mykaella Rhame, HR/Admissions Associate (24 - 25)‌

I have experienced so much meaningful professional development during my 12 years at RMS. In 2026, I’ll be embarking on my upper elementary lead teacher training. This is an incredible opportunity for me to step into a new roll at the school, and I’m grateful for the support of the RMS Annual Fund for making it possible.‌

Professional development helps me to support the students and the middle school teaching team. The entire middle school team completed the Positive Discipline Practitioner’s class over the summer with Chip DeLorenzo.

The constructivist-based model allows our team to guide students to get what they need in a way that is respectful of all community members including themselves.‌

Attending the American Montessori Society Conference last year was a valuable opportunity, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it. The workshops, especially focused on admissions and the classroom, helped deepen my understanding of the Montessori philosophy. I had the privilege to contribute as a speaker on a session about DEI, and it was an honor to participate.‌

Your Gifts, Our Community‌‌ It always feels very special to introduce the donor roll call for the year. It is a celebration of the collective generosity of people and organizations who care so much about RMS that we are inspired to make a financial investment in the well-being of our school.

This year, over 300 people and 14 businesses and foundations came together to support the RMS Annual Fund. Thanks to each of you for your gifts and for helping to inspire generosity in others. Our Board Trustees led the way with 100% participation during 2024-2025, and our staculty showed how much they value the RMS Annual Fund with 90% of us making a contribution.

The RMS Annual Fund is key to the health of our school students, teachers, and campuses are all impacted by these contributions. A huge welcome to our first-time donors--we hope will choose to invest in RMS for many years to come. Please be sure to check out our Legacy Circle as well, as these donors have chosen to support our school for 10 or more years. What a testament to the way our school inspires long-term generosity.

As we embark on our 60th year as a school, everyone’s gifts mean so much. So thank you, each of you, our gratitude is immeasurable. Every contribution truly makes a big difference in the life of RMS.

Cathleen Stepp,‌ Director of Development‌

2024 - 25 Annual Report of Donors‌ Todd and Dian Adams‌ Mustafa Ahmed‌ Chuck and Ali Alexander‌ Stephanie Allen‌ Craig and Lori Anderson †‌ Anonymous‌ Karen Ashworth*‌ Jim and Ann Astrove * †‌ Soumitra and Nimila Banerjee* †‌ Brigid Bartels*‌ Debbie and Gary Bartle‌ Catie and Patrick Beard*‌ Grace Belcher*‌ Amanda and Gary Berdeen* †‌ Jessica Berdichevsky‌ Chuck Biddle‌ Jeanne Bluford* †‌ Marshie and Brandon Boswell* †‌ Elizabeth and Scott Boyle‌ Page and Todd Brookshier* †‌ Ryan and Amanda Browning †‌ Christina Bryza and Hwan Hill‌ Maureen Buechner‌ Kinsey and Benjamin Buhrman* †‌ Martha and Brian Callaghan* †‌ Tom and Joyce Callaghan †‌ Kelly del Campo Merricks and Jason Merricks †‌

Chris Campbell* †‌ Chris and Dante Carlisle* †‌ Chris and Emily Carmichael †‌ Tara Casey and Alan Dow †‌ David Cecil‌ Emily Charreun*‌ Aekta and Guarav Chawla‌ Robert and Alison Chesson‌ Adrian and Shannon Ciucci* †‌ Robert and Jeanmarie Ciucci‌ David and Dorothy Clarke †‌ Bruce and Annie Coffey †‌ Ali Condon and Jared Krikorian*‌ Larry and Tricia Constantine †‌ Christen and Ryan Courville †‌ Peter Coutlakis and Wei-Ming Hsu †‌ Kelly and Shane Crockett †‌ Rob and Susan Davenport †‌ Jennifer and Kevin Dendtler*‌ Janet and Jeremy Deyo* †‌ Rob and Mary Deyo †‌ Sabrina Dhillon and Jonathan Bennett‌ Troy and Julia Dye †‌ Lael Edmonds* †‌ Gary Flake‌‌ Mosca and Andrew Flint †‌ Jill Floyd*‌ Kate Flynn‌

* denotes Staculty‌ † denotes giving 3 or more ‌consecutive‌years‌

Kari Lou Frank and Chris Grab †‌ Ernie and Betsy Gates †‌ Mary Kay and David Gates‌ Kalyn Gerrity*‌ Kristin and Tony Giacco* †‌ Richard Gilliam and Jackie Bradley‌ Dara Gocheski and Colin Warner †‌ Joey Graziano* †‌ Anne and Bill Grealis‌ Kara Greenfield and John Burgner‌ Rebecca Gregory*‌ Mita and Ash Gupta* †‌ Jenessa Hackney*‌ Farahnaz Hadaf*‌ Carrie and Ivory Harris‌ Katie Head and Ryan Lodata‌ Peter and Armistead Henderer †‌ Debra and Joshua Hess*‌ Margaret and Larry Hodges †‌ Allyson and Nicholas Holmsteadt*‌ Carolyn Holshouser* †‌ Cassidy Houston and Katia Hoskins* †‌ Katie Houston‌ Gretchen Huebner‌ Jeff Hughes and Savannah Stokes*‌ Cherice and Amzi Jackson †‌ Pam Jacob‌‌ Jerome James †‌

The RMS Annual Fund supports our students through tuition assistance and enriching experiences, our staculty through professional development, and our campuses. We are grateful to all of the 2024 2025 donors. Thank you!

Troy and Chidi Jenkins Matt Johnson Meg and Robert Johnson* Nick and Daya Johnson † Pam Johnson Joshua and Brittany Judge Steven Kanjo and Kieu Hoang † Sandra Karison † Gabriella and Karoly Kaszala Norma Keeping † Twyla Kitts Daniil and Dinah Kleyman † Abby and Craig Kocher Dennis and Cassandra Lacey Sally Lan and CJ Arms* † Claire Leake* † Rachel and Andy Liao

Bree and Christopher Linton* † Thoko Lipato and Jori Carter † Madison Lloyd* Craig and Sky Massey † Denise and Mammen Mathew † Theresa and Scott Mayo* Alison and Chris McCabe* † Kwabena McGaney-Osei* Daniel Meekins Sudipa and Deb Mitra* † Eric and Amanda Morales † Michele and Daniel Mulloy Debra and John Murphy Maureen Nay † Maureen Neal † Tamara and Elvin Nicely* † Molly Nolan* Madalyn Nuckols* Rob and Whitney O'Connor † William Oliver and Kate Jennings † Stacy and Tom O'Shea* † Nilay Patel and Sarah Baber-Patel* Shinik Patel and Morgan Stroud Sunny and Bijal Patel † Meghan and Donald Pearce* Connie Phillips-Jones † Camille Pompeii Vasco Pontinha and Teresa Mealha Salgado Kay and Peter Quagliano †‌ Sujatha Ramamurthy †‌ Falcon and Nicole Rankins †‌

* denotes Staculty‌ † denotes giving 3 or more ‌consecutive ‌years‌

Jordan Repoli*‌ Mykaella Rhame*‌ Becca and Anthony Rhoads‌ Jake Rhoads*‌ Jessica Richards and Jeremy Wustner-Brown*‌ Joshua Rinaldi*‌ Lisa Rowh and Aaron Graham * †‌ ‌ Maryangela and Alan Rubin † Laurie and Richard Russell P2 and Henna Sandhu † Debra and Chris Saneda † Larry and Emily Scarborough Arlene Schuchner † Saumil and Ami Shah Sonam Shah and Rajan Trivedi Jessica Shelton Anna Simpson and Justin Harris* Pooja Sinha and Arpan Srivastava* Emily Smart* Amber Smirnow † Victoria Solderitch and Megan Richardson Steve and Ann Spalding Rob and Lee Sprague † Leslie and Chris Stanley *‌ Cathleen and Eric Stepp*‌‌ Danny and Julia Sterling‌ Brian and Jen Strife‌ Jodie Strum †‌ Wyatt Strum‌ Lakshmi Suresh and Suresh Subramanian*‌

Kim Sutton* † Lilly Sutton* † Allison and Azi Talibi Nelly Tapia* † Sandy Titus Rocco Tricarico and Megan Kehoe Tricarico † Peter Turkaly and Kim Panzarella* † Catherine and Scott Turlington Jasmine Turner and Marcelus Perry Kim and Jon Waite* † Englishe White* Bryan Whitfield Christopher Wieder Tracy Wilburn* † Kathleen and Bill Williams* † David Williamson and Lee Scott Mary Ann Wright †

Massey‌ Foundation‌

The Micawber Foundation‌

McKesson Foundation‌

FIRST TIME FRIENDS‌ Thank you for making your first gift to the RMS Annual Fund this year.

We’re so grateful you’ve chosen to invest in Richmond Montessori School—and we’re happy to welcome you to our donor community!

Mustafa Ahmed Stephanie Allen Karen Ashworth Grace Belcher Chuck Biddle Maureen Buechner Emily Charreun David and Mary Kay Gates Richard Gilliam and Jackie Bradley Anne and Bill Grealis Rebecca Gregory Farahnaz Hadaf Meg and Robert Johnson Pam Johnson Madison Lloyd Theresa and Scott Mayo

Kwabena McGaney-Osei Daniel Meekins Molly Nolan Madalyn Nuckols Shinik Patel and Morgan Stroud Meghan and Donald Pearce Jordan Repoli Jake Rhoads Joshua Rinaldi Meagan Shawron Anna Simpson and Justin Harris Emily Smart Danny and Julia Sterling Jodie Strum Englishe White Christopher Wieder

[The RMS Annual Fund] really helps the school. If people understand that participation is important, then it makes a difference. The more we contribute, the more the students will get.”

Mita Gupta, Teacher since ‘88, Alumni Parent, Donor

WHY I GIVE

In-Kind Gifts‌ In-kind gifts provide meaningful experiences for both students and teachers, helping us cultivate a rich and engaging learning environment.‌

Jim and Ann Astrove‌ Tom and Joyce Callaghan Eryn Cook‌ Mary Driebe‌ Brenda Ellis Creamer Bri Spotts‌ Carreras Jewelers‌ Children's Museum of Richmond‌ Edgar Allen Poe Museum‌ Gates Interiors‌‌ itel‌ Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden‌ Mid-Atlantic Controls Corp.‌ Modlin Center for the Arts‌ Publix‌ Richmond Ballet‌ Richmond Flying Squirrels‌ Richmond Kickers‌ RMPA‌ VMFA‌

LEGACY CIRCLE‌ Legacy Circle donors have supported Richmond Montessori School for at least a decade, demonstrating an enduring commitment to our mission and community.

Jim and Ann Astrove‌ Soumitra and Nimil‌a Banerjee‌ Jeanne Bluford‌ Page and Todd Brookshier‌ Chris Campbell‌ Tara Casey and Alan Dow‌ Larry and Tricia Constantine‌ Christen and Ryan Courville‌ Peter Coutlakis and Wei-Ming Hsu‌ Rob and Susan Davenport‌ Kelly del Campo Merricks and Jason Merricks‌ Lael Edmonds‌ Hugh and Lucy Boyd Edmunds‌ Gary Flake‌ Kristin and Tony Giacco‌ Mita and Ash Gupta‌ Peter and Armistead Henderer‌ Gabriella and Karoly Kaszala‌ Norma Keeping‌ Bill and Kristi Lane‌

Cl‌aire Leake‌ Bree and Christopher Linton‌ Deb and Sudipa Mitra‌ Maureen and Mark Nay‌ Maureen Neal‌ Stacy and Tom O'Shea‌ Kay and Peter Quagliano‌ Falcon and Nicole Rankins‌ Lisa Rowh and Aaron Graham‌ Chris and Debra Saneda‌ Lee Scott and David Williamson‌ Kim Sutton‌ Nelly Tapia‌ Ed Trageser and Sudha Jayaraman‌ Kim and Jon Waite‌ Tracy Wilburn‌ Kathleen and Bill Williams‌ Mary Ann Wright‌

I give to RMS because of the impact it has made on my girls and family.

Beyond the expected reading, writing, and math, it taught critical thinking, compassion and resilience. I believe this foundational school influenced my girls to be who they are today decades later!

Thank you!“

Mary Ann Wright‌ Alumni Parent, Former Trustee, Donor‌

Mary Ann‌‌ Donor, Former Trustee, Former RMS Parent‌ Lauren RMS Alumna ‘02

WHY I GIVE

Emily‌ RMS Alumna ‘05‌

TRIBUTE GIFTS

Made in Honor of...‌ Mita Gupta‌ Debbie and Gary Bartle‌ Larry and Tricia Constantine‌ Christen and Ryan Courville‌ Mary Kay and David Gates‌ Maureen Neal‌ Rob and Whitney O'Connor‌ Jodie Strum‌ Wyatt Strum‌ Mary Ann Wright‌

Nik and Miya Kabadi‌ Mathew and Denise Mammen‌ Gráinne Murray‌ Maureen Neal‌ Uma Raju‌ Sujatha Ramamurthy‌ Johanna Schneck‌ Christen and Ryan Courville‌

William Henderer, '22‌ Peter and Armistead Henderer‌ Lena Steidel‌ David and Dorothy Clarke‌ Aspen Inman‌ Sandra Karison‌ Tracy Wilburn‌ Mary Ann Wright‌ Callie and Murray Johnson‌ Pam Johnson‌

Made in Memory of...‌ Kenna Bartle‌ Debbie and Gary Bartle‌ Gretchen Huebner‌

Millie S. James‌ Jerome James‌ Logan Judge‌ Brittany Judge‌

Spring Fling‌ This year, RMS hosted a new ‘Happy Hour’ version of Spring Fling at Atlas 42. Many thanks to all of the parents, former parents, staculty, and community members who joined us for this adults-only party in support of RMS as well as those who made donations and purchased raffle tickets. It was the funnest FUNdraising -- great food, music, dancing, all kinds of games, and lively conversation.‌‌ Kari Harris*‌ Jim and Ann Astrove‌ Maureen Nay‌ Nimila and Soumitra Banerjee*‌ Hwan Hill‌ Freddie Nicholas‌ Amanda Berdeen‌ Larry and Margaret Hodges*‌ Camille Pompei*‌ Jessica Berdichevsky*‌ Allyson Holmstedt*‌ Vasco Pontinha and Teresa Elizabeth Boyle*‌ Cassidy Houston*‌ Salgado*‌ Evan‌Branosky‌ Chidi Jenkins*‌ Sascha Qian‌ Christina Bryza*‌ Kate Jennings*‌ Mykaella Rhame‌ Kinsey Buhrman‌ Matt Johnson‌ Rebecca Rhoads‌ Martha Ca‌llaghan*‌ Meg Johnson*‌ Meghan Richardson‌ Chris Campbell*‌ Gabriella and Karoly Kaszala*‌ Josh Rinaldi‌ Chris and ‌Dante Carlisle‌ Dinah and Daniil Kleyman‌ Pinki Shah‌ Chris and Emily Carmichael‌ Lynda Leake and Augusto Silva‌ Sonam Shah*‌ Thoko Lipato and Jori Carter*‌ Emma Levin‌ Jessica Shelton*‌ Emily Charreun‌ Andy and Rachel Liao*‌ Amber Smirnow*‌ Aekta Chawla*‌ Bree and Christopher Linton*‌ Victoria Solderitch*‌ Alison and Rob Chesson‌ Misha Mason‌ Leslie and Chris Stanley‌ Kelly and Shane Crockett*‌ Kwabena McGaney-Osei‌ Daniel Sterling‌ Sabrina Dhillon*‌ Weezie McInnis‌ Julia Sterling‌ Kristin and Anthony Giacco*‌ Michele and Daniel Mulloy*‌ Linda Stewart‌ Dara Gocheski*‌ Kara Greenfield and John Burgner*‌ Richmond Montessori School has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the Harry Gregori‌ information contained in this Donor Report. We apologize for any omissions or Rowan Gryder‌ misrepresentations. If you believe we have made an error, please contact Kwabena Mita and Ash Gupta‌ McGaney-Osei, Development Associate, at kmosei@richmont.org, so that we may update our digital version.

Meg Johnson‌

Brian and Jen Strife‌ Kim Sutton‌ Allison Talibi‌ Rocco Tricarico and Meghan Kehoe Tricarico*‌ Peter Turkaly and Kim Panzarella Catherine Turlington*‌ Scott Turlington‌ Kim Waite‌

SF

BoRV A

* denotes participation in Chidi’s Challenge‌

Chidi’s Challenge During Spring Fling, one of our Board members led an impromptu giving challenge.

Chidi Jenkins shared the importance of the RMS Annual Fund’s work in offering tuition assistance to families, professional development for staculty, enriching student experiences, and creating campus improvements. As the DJ spun two tunes, our RMS parents raised over $12,000 in under 10 minutes. Thank you to those who rose to the challenge!

Spring Fling Corporate Sponsors‌ Wishing Woods|‌$1,000.00 sponsorship‌

Friends of RMS|$500.00 sponsorship

Our Best of RVA Raffle prizes were made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you for helping us to create an incrediible raffle that features some of Richmond’s most fun and unique experiences.‌

Earned Revenue: ‌Fiscal Year 2024-2025‌ Tuition: 85%‌

Operating Revenue‌

Ext. Care, Extracurricular, Summer Camp: 13%‌ Interest Income: 2%‌

Staculty Benefits and Salary: 75%‌

Operating Expenses‌

General Operations: 18%‌ Educational Programs: 5%‌ Capital Expenses: 2%‌

Contributed Revenue‌ Annual Fund Allocations‌

Individual gifts to the RMS Annual Fund ranged from $1 to $30,000 during the 2024-2025 school year. These gifts along with the draws on our specified endowments bring a wealth of resources and opportunities to our students and staculty. Thank you!‌‌ A total of $188,100 was allocated to benefit our students through tuition assistance and enriching experiences, our staculty through professional development and our campuses by making intentional improvements. Our collective generosity is already in action and we look forward to sharing the specifics as the year progresses.‌

‌ 024-2025 2 Annual Giving Allocations‌

Tuition Assistance: 52%‌ Campus Improvements: 17%‌ Student Enrichment: 16%‌ Professional Development: 15%‌

Endowment Funds‌ STUDENT SUPPORT‌‌ Della Mae Reese Jefferson Scholarship Fund‌ Founded in 2003 in honor of Della Mae Reese Jefferson, mother of former RMS teacher Felecia Jefferson, this fund supports RMS students with financial need. Inspired by Della Mae's advice to "care about others," Felecia and her siblings made the founding gift.‌ The Wise Family Endowment‌ Established in 2015 through a major gift from RMS parents Marc and Laurel Wise, this endowment supports financial aid for students.‌‌

CAMPUS AND STACULTY SUPPORT‌ Capital Facilities Endowment‌ Established in 2012 with the help of a gift from RMS grandparent Ben Humphreys, Sr., this fund is utilized to support the overall well-being of RMS with am emphasis on capital facilities maintenance.‌‌ Training Educators and More (TEAM) Endowment‌ Established in 2004 through a major gift from RMS parents Jim and Estelle Brodeur, this endowment creates professional development opportunities for RMS staculty.‌

Martha Mabey Endowment for the Art‌ Established in 1996 to honor Dr. Martha Mabey, former three-time Head of School, this endowment supports arts programs for all RMS students. It includes a $500.00 scholarship for a graduating Middle School student pursuing the arts and allocates about 5% annually to RMS Student Enrichment programs with an arts focus.‌

Macee Moseley‌

2024-2025 Martha Mabey Award Recipient‌

As a member of the RMS community for three years, Macee has demonstrated remarkable talent across‌ ‌the arts. As an accomplished violinist, vocalist, World Drumming student, and actress, Macee has performed on stage at RMS countless times. In addition, her gift for writing has earned praise within her poetry and creative narratives. Macee has always been a class leader and role model.‌‌ This fall, Macee will be attending Trinity Epsicopal School, and will continue to explore her gift for writing, creativity, and leadership.‌

Celebrating Our 2025 Graduates‌

Where Real-World Learning Meets Real-World Skills The RMS Middle School experience is the culminataion of the Montessori journey at RMS. Science investigations that include High School level lab reports Four overnight field studies, including the Montessori Model United Nations in New York City Tangible Financial Literacy Curriculum that brings real-world finances to life High School credits can include: Spanish I, Latin I, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II

Left to Right: Macee Moseley, Trinity Episcopal School, Aleeya Rassiwalla, J.R. Tucker International Baccalaureate Program, Leah Frank, Steward School, Uma Raju, Maggie L Walker Governor’s School, Simon Larrick, Trinity Episcopal School, Ryan Rothermel, Douglas S. Freeman High School.

“The children of today will make all the discoveries of tomorrow. All the discoveries of mankind will be known to them and they will improve what has been done and make fresh discoveries. They must make all the improvements in houses, cities, communication, and methods of production that are to be made. The future generation must not only know how to do what we can teach them, they must be able to go a step further.”

DR. MARIA MONTESSORI

Richmond Montessori School‌ 499 North Parham Road‌ Henrico, VA, 23229‌