Annual Report 23-24

RICHMOND MONTESSORI SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT a look back at the 2023-2024 school year

Dear RMS Friends and Families, The 2023-2024 academic year began with a normalcy we all welcomed, having been through a disruptive pandemic. This was the year when the Board of Trustees focused on developing a new five-year strategic plan and upcoming infrastructure improvements. But in early January 2024, I announced that our beloved Head of School of nine years would be departing at the end of the school year.

This news surprised us all and quickly ushered us into a transition that, for many, was unsettling. We questioned what the future held for us, our children, and our families. Some even wondered whether RMS would continue to be the same school they had grown to cherish, the same community they loved. I privately lamented that this wasn’t quite what I had signed up for when I became the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Thokozeni Lipato, Board of Trustees Chair

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But then I was reminded of an inspiring fact: Richmond Montessori School was founded in 1965, eleven years before I was born. Think of all the changes. After the announcement, my fellow trustees rolled up their sleeves, and we embarked on preparing for the upcoming year with an interim Head of School and took initial steps to begin a Head of School search.

The Board of Trustees also had conversations with the RMS community to help us create the new five-year strategic plan.

Parents, teachers, and staff spoke openly about our successes and shortcomings; we spoke about our hopes and concerns.

Along the way, the enduring spirit of our school community was evident.

Teachers and staff work tirelessly. Our parents, grandparents, and friends give generously. And our students shine: in the Montessori Enrichment ballet recital, dressed up (or down) for Mystery History, while confidently speaking about their expert projects or showing off their moves during the School Dance, and at the end of the year when we celebrated the hard work and perseverance of our 8th graders.

Teachers and staff work tirelessly. Our parents, grandparents, and friends give generously. And our students shine.

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

VISION RMS will become a beacon of excellence, positively impacting the broader Richmond community and influencing the field of Montessori education.

VALUES Community Character Authenticity Respect Excellence

To Our Partners in Purpose Thank you for your generous support and partnership over the 2023-2024 school year. What a delight to see our campus teeming with activity and excitement, as so many gathered on campus to celebrate community with events such as Harvestfest, Grandparents and Great Friends Day, our annual Talent Show, Spring Concert, Graduation, and more. Especially meaningful this year was the return of Winterfest, a cherished event, that brought staff, students, families, alumni, and special friends back to campus.

These times of community highlight the joyful culture of RMS. I feel a great sense of energy and excitement as we start the 20242025 school year. At RMS, children can grow in an environment tailored to their developmental needs, follow their academic passions, and develop leadership skills and character traits that will serve them for life. We are fortunate for the foresight of Dr. Maria Montessori and her deep belief in the transformative power of global education to contribute to peace, justice, and equity on a global scale, and we remain resolute in our commitment to Montessori education as preparation for life.

At RMS, children can grow in an environment tailored to their developmental needs, follow their academic passions, and develop leadership skills and character traits that will serve them for life.

Our annual report highlights the generous contributions of alumni, parents, grandparents, staff, friends, foundations, and businesses through gifts and services. We are grateful for the countless individuals who offer their time, resources, and passion, shaping our school into a premier Montessori school and a leader in Montessori education. Each gift, regardless of its size, plays a vital role in upholding the school's commitment to delivering an unparalleled education experience for our students and strengthening our community.

Thank you for your partnership with us.

Kimberly Waite, Ed. D., Interim Head of School

Developing Global Citizens Our View on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Richmond Montessori School recognizes the Montessori Method as an educational philosophy rooted in the desire for respect, equity, and justice, and we commit to the challenging work of ensuring that we abide by these principles as a school community. This commitment leads us to view diversity and inclusion not as a goal but rather as a starting point on a path to excellence.

Having a diverse and inclusive community allows us to intentionally teach students to value and learn from their differences and to conduct the work that we know will lead to the lasting peace Dr. Montessori envisioned. It enables our staff and leadership to bring a multitude of perspectives and experiences to solve any challenges we face in the future. And it helps us make a broader and more complete impact on the world around us.

2023-24 Adminstration & Teaching Teams ADMINISTRATION

Gráinne Murray, Head of School Kimberly Waite, Assistant Head of School Tracy Wilburn, Director of Finance and Operations Chris Carlisle, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Cathleen Stepp, Director of Development Danielle Hines, Director of Marketing and Communications Kristin Giacco, Director of Early Childhood Education Bree Linton, Director of Elementary Education Cassidy Houston, Director of Middle School Shanthi Wickramasinghe, Director of Montessori Enrichment Ali Condon, Interim Director of Montessori Enrichment Nilay Patel, Director of Athletics Mykaella Rhame, Admissions Associate Chris Campbell, Facilities Manager Nimila Banerjee, Registrar Jim Astrove, School Counselor Tammy Point, Englishe White, School Nurse Amanda Berdeen, IT Manager Carolyn Holhouser, South Administrative Assistant Kathy Hieber, South Administrative Assistant Leslie Stanley, North Administrative Assistant Joey Graziano, Facilities Services Technician

Lead

Assistant

Abby Baracat

Becca Rosas

Lavell Brown, Jill Floyd

Jill Floyd, Sally Lan, Becky Aydelotte

Jessica Richards

Margarita Gutierrez, Shealyn Milesh

Kathleen Williams

Janessa Hackney, Madalyn Nuckols

Lead

Assistant

Meredith Bailey

Kasey Johnson

Morina Fafunwa, Debra Hess

Meagan Shawron

Mita Gupta

Ravinder Kaur

Kim Sutton

Emily Smart

Jaime Terranova

Ali Condon

Lead

Assistant

Marshie Boswell

Pamela Jacob

Shannon Ciucci

Molly Nolan

Sudipa Mitra

Eliza Taft

Stacy O’Shea

Ronni Hillard, Caitlin Roberts

TODDLER

PRIMARY

LOWER ELEMENTARY

“The instructions of the teacher consist then merely in a hint, a touch—enough to give a start to the child. The rest develops of itself.”

Dr. Maria Montessori

Lead

Assistant

Kinsey Buhrman

Weezie McInnis

Brigid Bartels

Art

Kalyn Gerrity

Maria Lopez

Lili Boyd, Jennifer Dendtler

Library

Meghan Pearce

Della Jareb, Lindsey Spadora

Page Brookshier

Health and Physical Education

Janet Deyo

Technology

Jeff Hughes

Floating Substitute

Claire Leake

Floating Substitute

Maria Lopez

Upper Elementary Spanish

Tamara Nicely

Music

Nelly Tapia

EC & Lower Elementary Spanish

UPPER ELEMENTARY

Lead

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cassidy Houston

Director of Middle School/Math

Melanie Ruggieri

Middle School Spanish, Model U.N.

Mary Simpson

Humanities, World Language

Peter Turkaly

Middle School STEM

MONTESSORI ENRICHMENT Aspen DeRosas Jade Escobar Ronnie Hillard Molly Nolan Pooja Sinha Morgan Steele Lilly Sutton

SPECIALTY FACULTY

2023-24 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2023-24 RMS Board & Committees Advancement Committee

Thokozeni Lipato, Chair Kari-Lou Frank, Vice Chair P2 Sandhu, Treasurer Christen Courville, Secretary Ryan Browning

Martha Callaghan, Chair Joyce Callaghan Dara Gocheski Danielle Hines Matt Johnson Cathleen Stepp Rocco Tricarico

Sydney Cook

Committee on Trustees

Martha Callaghan

Kari Lou Frank, Chair Christen Courville Thokozeni Lipato Gráinne Murray Cathleen Stepp Rocco Tricarico

Sonny Gupta Peter Henderer Cherice Jackson

Strategic Planning Committee

Physical + Campus Infrastructure Committee

Peter Henderer, Chair Christen Courville Matt Johnson Gráinne Murray Rocco Tricarico Kim Waite

Ryan Browning, Chair Chris Campbell Kyle Hoffman Daniil Kleyman Tracy Wilburn

Head Support + Evaluation Committee

Finance Committee

Peter Henderer, Chair Sonny Gupta Thokozeni Lipato Gráinne Murray Tom J. Shield

Matt Johnson

DEI Committee

Ian Menear Gráinne Murray Allison Talibi Rocco Tricario

P2 Sandhu, Chair Cherice Jackson Bill Lane Brie Starke Tracy Wilburn Kim Waite

Thank you to our Board and Committees for their incredible dedication to our school. Their service is a clear reflection of the commitment they feel for our school community.

Dian Adams, Co-Chair Sydney Cook, Co-Chair Kathleen Bobbio-Ladak Chris Carlisle Danielle Hines Gráinne Murray Mykaeilla Rhame Allison Talibi Shanthi Wickramasinghe

Our Strategic Plan 2024 - 2029 The Strategic Plan Committee began its work in the fall of 2023 by reviewing the outcomes of the previous plan and exploring new directions to advance the mission and vision of RMS. Through the winter and spring of 2024, the committee gathered over 693 responses and identified 285 priorities through community imagination and listening sessions. With an 80% overlap in these priorities, we could confidently shape a plan that truly reflects our shared vision. The 2024-2029 Strategic Plan is our collective plan, and we look forward to sharing more details with our community this fall.

Everyone’s participation is welcomed as we focus on these six key pillars over the next five years.

ELEVATE EVERY VOICE

RMS understands the Montessori Method is an educational philosophy rooted in interconnectedness, mutual respect, a global view, and a compassionate community. We commit to the evolving work of abiding by these principles as a school community.

IGNITE EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

RMS will provide a rich learning environment that gives our students the experiences and tools necessary to thrive in their future lives and a working environment that will empower teachers and staff to deliver an exceptional Montessori education.

CONTINUE STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY SPIRIT

SET THE MONTESSORI STANDARD

BUILD ON FINANCIAL WELLNESS

REFINE INSPIRING SPACES

RMS culture will deeply embody the Montessori ethos so that every member of the community shares a common sense of belonging, purpose, and joy.

RMS will remain financially sound and sustainable so that the school serves its current and future students and families with fidelity to our mission.

RMS will be a thought leader in the field of Montessori Education while building awareness in the greater Richmond community about our Montessori pedagogy.

RMS will develop campus infrastructure to serve the needs of our growing student and faculty populations by providing purposeful spaces to facilitate indoor and outdoor learning.

As I reflect back on the 2023-2024 school year, and all that the RMPA accomplished to further our community building mission, I have so much gratitude and find myself in awe of the efforts put forth by so many parents and caregivers, teachers, and staff members.

While the RMPA leadership team put tremendous effort into this past school year, there is no way just nine people could pull together everything the RMPA accomplished, that took the force of our entire community. From greeting children in the morning carpool to chairing committees and hosting events, there are so many volunteers who showed up to give their time, talents, ideas, and energy. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the RMPA and our RMS community this year!

The successes and accomplishments of the 20232024 school year should leave us very eager to see what 2024-2025 will bring for RMS and the RMPA.

Michele Mulloy RMPA President

2023-2024 RMPA EVENTS

CELEBRATING OUR RMPA

OCTOBER Parent Socials FeedMore Food Drive HarvestFest NOVEMBER RMS Book Fair DECEMBER RMS Holiday Gift for Faculty & Staff

JANUARY Family Night at Surge Adventure Park FEBRUARY Winterfest Volunteering APRIL RMPA supports CSSC in Senior Game Days at Elance MAY Spring Picnic Teacher Appreciation

RMPA BOARD

Michele Mulloy, President Jodie Strum, Vice President Julia Dye, Treasurer Melissa Watson, Secretary RMPA DIRECTORS

Apple Chan

COMMITTEE CHAIRS & OTHER VOLUNTEERS Sara Roan

Volunteer Coordination Chair

Dave and Megan Inman

Fall Book Fair & Staff Holiday Gifts Co-Chair

Jess Coburn

HarvestFest Chair

EA Ritter

Family Jump Night Chair

Misha Mason

Spring Community Service Chair

Jessica Proffitt

Spring Picnic Committee Chair

Jodie Strum

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week Chair

Alina Hussain Whitney O’Connor Jessica Proffitt

RMPA Room Parents

Angela Zanders

Last year, every lead teacher at Richmond Montessori had the support of a dedicated room parent, thanks to the RMPA! We extend our heartfelt thanks to parents who helped within each classroom and provided support to our teachers.

Whitney Altizer

Amina Hamza

Lynsey Bates Elizabeth Baker

Margaret Hodges Amber Imboden

Catie Beard Apple Chan

Gabriella Kaszala Kamisha Mason Teresa Mealha Salgado

Jessica Coburn Jennifer Dendtler Julia Dye The FeedMore Food Drive

Vivian Mitchell Michele Mulloy

Whitney O'Connor Jessica Proffitt Kendra Rai Heather Russell Jodie Strum Catherine Turlington Elizabeth Ward

Greatest Comebacks Thank you for your incredible support over the past year! The impact of COVID-19 has been significant on our sports program, but we’ve dedicated the last 8 years to developing a quality program tailored to our small school’s unique needs. Although we had a significant break due to the pandemic, our efforts have led to tremendous success in both basketball and soccer, with multiple independent school championships to our name.

Nilay Patel Athletic Director

In 2024, our middle school boys basketball team went 13-0, winning the Mid Metro Basketball League tournament. In 2020, right before our break, both the boys and girls basketball teams won their tournament, as well as our varsity soccer team finishing in first place.

Despite being a smaller independent school, our student body is passionate about athletics. Last year marked our return to team sports, and while we experienced success in both basketball and soccer, we have allowed our student body to have new opportunities to show off their abilities and grow their confidence in new programs, including running and lacrosse.

Our newly developed cross country program showed strong participation and results at local meets. Teachers and staff have also joined our coaching team, providing athletic clinics that deliver valuable opportunities for young people to build confidence, face adversity, and, most importantly, explore various options for their growth and development.

This is ideal as RMS continues to grow and focus on providing more opportunities to current and incoming families. Although winning is a bonus, the value of athletics is much more than that. Your contributions to the school will allow these goals to be pursued and accomplished and for athletic programs to take a key role in the growth of the school and students alike.

‘19-’20 Girls Varsity Basketball Champions ‘19-’20 Boys Varsity Basketball Champions ‘19-’20 Fall Varsity Soccer 1st Place ‘23-’24 Boys Varsity Basketball Champions

The Impact of Your Annual Fund Support TRANSFORMING RMS The RMS Annual Fund is the driving force behind our school’s growth and potential. Last year, we were grateful to receive contributions ranging from $1.00 to $22,000.00. Every gift is significant and meaningful; therefore, our annual report celebrates your actions as an RMS donor.

Lifelong Friends have supported the RMS Annual Fund for a decade or more Newest Friends made their first gift in the 2023-2024 school year Steadfast Supporters have given for at least three consecutive years Donors who are Walking With Us made multiple gifts in 2023-2024 And finally, our full donor roll call recognizes each and every individual, foundation, and organization that supported the RMS Annual Fund during the 2023-2024 school year.

RMS prioritizes fiscal responsibility, adhering to Independent School Management guidelines to ensure key expenses are covered by tuition and fees. This financial strategy allows the Annual Fund to truly enhance our school. Through tuition assistance, we open doors to more students; investing in professional development reflects our commitment to our faculty and staff; and enriching on-campus experiences broaden our students' horizons. Additionally, your support makes campus improvements possible—like this year’s refurbishment of the Lynn C. Humphreys Performing Arts Center.

Cathleen Stepp, Director of Development While we strive for accuracy, mistakes can happen. If you notice an error, please reach out so that we can make a correction to our digital version. cstepp@richmont.org

Investing in People Nelly Tapia, Primary and Lower Elementary Spanish Teacher

“I have been with RMS for 17 years. Every year presents new challenges that contribute to my professional growth at RMS. I thank RMS for the financial and academic support that has helped me achieve my Masters degree; a degree that has bettered my performance in class. I express my enormous gratitude to RMS and am forever thankful.”

“Mi nombre es Nelly Tapia, Maestra de Español de primaria y elementaria con aproximadamente 17 años laborando en RMS, cada año a sido para mi un reto y parte de mi crecimiento profesional se lo debo a RMS por la ayuda económica que me ha brindado para continuar mis estudios de Maestría, estudios que me permiten mejorar mi desempeño en el aula escolar, expreso mi enorme gratitud a la institución RMS por toda la ayuda.”

Sally Lan, Assistant Primary Teacher

“It's been a magical journey since I joined RMS in 2019. Seeing the children grow and thrive in the beautifully prepared environment every day makes my heart full. Fortunately, through the sponsor of RMS community, I got the opportunity to be an adult learner this summer. The training is intellectually stimulating and structured in a way that strengthens and supports my best self. “

自 2019 年加入 RMS 以来，我的工作和生活便是一段神奇 的旅程。每天看到孩子们在精心准备的环境中成长和茁壮 成长，让我感到心满意足。更幸运的是，通过 RMS 的支 持和赞助，我有机会在今年夏天接受蒙台梭利教师资格证 培训。希望通过系统培训之后，更好的自我将可以引领孩 子们不断学习与发展。

Your Gift, Their Future LIFELONG FRIENDS Jim and Ann Astrove* Nimila and Soumitra Banerjee* Jeanne Bluford* Page and Todd Brookshier* Alan and Leemore Burke Chris Campbell* Tara Casey and Alan Dow Claudio and Monika Colmignoli Larry and Tricia Constantine Ryan and Christen Courville Peter Coutlakis and Wei-Ming Hsu Rob and Susan Davenport Kelly del Campo Merricks and Jason Merricks Hugh and Lucy Boyd Edmunds Kristin and Tony Giacco* Mita and Ash Gupta* Peter and Armistead Henderer Norma Keeping Bill and Kristi Lane Claire Leake and Augusto Silva* Bree and Christopher Linton* The Massey Foundation Sudipa and Deb Mitra* Gráinne Murray* Maureen and Mark Nay Maureen Neal *2023-2024 RMS Faculty/Staff

NEWEST FRIENDS Stacy and Tom O'Shea* Peter and Kay Quagliano Falcon and Nicole Rankins Lisa Rowh and Aaron Graham* Chris and Debra Saneda Kim Sutton* Nelly Tapia* Jean and Jim Vencl Tracy Wilburn* Kathleen and Bill Williams* David Williamson and Lee Scott Mary Ann Wright

A heartfelt thank you to those who have supported the RMS Annual Fund for over ten years. Your enduring dedication shapes the future of our school.

Cathleen and Eric Stepp* Becky Aydelotte* Brigid Bartels* Brian and Jen Strife Peter and Susan Bondy Bryan Whitfield Ali Condon* Sydney Cook Ann Craig We are thrilled that you Jill and Benjamin Floyd* chose to make a gift to Kevin and Peggy Healy the RMS Annual Fund.

Debra and Joshua Hess* We welcome you as Gretchen Huebner friends of RMS and Matt Johnson Joshua and Brittany Judge celebrate your Ravinder Kaur* investment in our Twyla Kitts school. Many thanks!

Dennis and Cassandra Lacey Seth Li and Julia Yu The Micawber Foundation Barb Mory Freddie and Marilyn Nicholas Yong and Hae Won Pak Mykaella I. Rhame* Ann Ritter Laurie Russell Pooja Sinha and Arpan Srivastava* Jud and Leslie Skinker Gilbert and Dolores Snow Leslie and Chris Stanley*

Reaching New Heights STEADFAST SUPPORTERS Our gratitude goes out to the friends of RMS who have given to the Annual Fund for three or more consecutive years. Your commitment allows us to plan for the future of RMS.

Jim and Ann Astrove* Nimila and Soumitra Banerjee* Jeanne Bluford* Jim and Jen Broyhill Kerry Burke Brian and Martha Callaghan Tom and Joyce Callaghan Chris Campbell* Chris and Dante Carlisle* Carreras Jewelers Tara Casey and Alan Dow Shannon and Adrian Ciucci* Perry and Jessica Coburn Bruce and Annie Coffey Ryan and Christen Courville Peter Coutlakis and Wei-Ming Hsu Shane and Kelly Crockett Rob and Susan Davenport Kelly del Campo Merricks and Jason Merricks Jim and Carmela DePasquale Jeremy and Janet Deyo* Rob and Mary Deyo Troy and Julia Dye Lael Edmonds* Andrew and Mosca Flint

Chris Grab and Kari Lou Frank Ernie and Betsy Gates Mita and Ash Gupta* Peter and Armistead Henderer Cassidy Houston and Katia Hoskins* Mark and Brigitte Hundley Amzi and Cherice Jackson Jerome James Nick and Daya Johnson Sandra Karison Daniil and Dinah Kleyman Sally Lan and C.J. Arms* Bill and Kristi Lane Claire Leake and Augusto Silva* Bree and Christopher Linton* Thokozeni Lipato and Jori Carter The Massey Foundation Mary Maxwell Chris and Alison McCabe* Danny and Shealyn Milesh* Sudipa and Deb Mitra* Gráinne Murray* Maureen and Mark Nay Maureen Neal

Tamara and Elvin Nicely* Rob and Whitney O'Connor Stacy and Tom O'Shea* Janice Parsons Sunny and Bijal Patel Connie Phillips-Jones Sujatha Ramamurthy Falcon and Nicole Rankins Kevin and Krissie Rothermel P2 and Henna Sandhu Chris and Debra Saneda Arlene Schuchner Rob and Lee Sprague Jodie Strum Kim Sutton* Nelly Tapia* TowneBank Rocco Tricarico and Megan Kehoe Tricarico Peter Turkaly and Kim Panzarella* Kim and Jon Waite* Josh and Melissa Watson Tracy Wilburn* Kathleen and Bill Williams* Mary Ann Wright

WALKING WITH US George and Michelle Bains Jeanne Bluford* Ryan and Amanda Browning Brian and Martha Callaghan Tom and Joyce Callaghan John Campbell Chris and Dante Carlisle* Tara Casey and Alan Dow Bruce and Annie Coffey Lawrence and Patricia Constantine Ryan and Christen Courville Shane and Kelly Crockett Kelly del Campo Merricks and Jason Merricks Marie DeLong James and Carmela DePasquale Rob and Mary Deyo Stephen Dubuque Troy and Julia Dye Andrew and Mosca Flint Jill and Benjamin Floyd* Bill and Judy Gerrity Kristin and Anthony Giacco* Ash and Mita Gupta* Debra and Joshua Hess* Carolyn Holshouser* Jerome James Nicholas and Daya Johnson

Joshua and Brittany Judge Norma Keeping Dennis and Cassandra Lacey Bree and Christopher Linton* Alison and Christopher McCabe* Gráinne Murray* Maureen Neal Tamara and Elvin Nicely* Janice Parsons Gilbert and Dolores Snow Cathleen and Eric Stepp* James Tricarico and Megan Kehoe Tricarico Peter Turkaly and Kim Panzarella* Kim and Jon Waite*

Thank you to the RMS supporters that have made multiple or recurring contributions last year. Your gifts create a significant cumulative impact.

“We celebrate our learning in our world community, United by our knowledge, We’re Richmond Montessori.

We focus on discovery, Patience is the key, We grow by helping others, We’re Richmond Montessori.”

“These two stanzas of the Richmond Montessori School Song were written by me based on writings of Gráinne Murray, Head of School. At the time of writing, I was the Primary and Middle School music teacher. During my seven years at RMS, I witnessed the true values of the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori.

After my retirement, I chose, and continue to choose, to be actively involved in the school. Because I witness such positive growth of the students, I have made the decision to include a legacy gift to RMS in my estate planning. I challenge you to consider doing the same to enable lives to be influenced for years to come. AND…don’t forget the Annual Fund for immediate impact!”

JEANNE BLUFORD, FIRST RMS PLANNED GIVING DONOR

Honoring Our 2023-2024 Donors Chuck and Ali Alexander Craig and Lori Anderson Jim and Ann Astrove* Corey August and Chloe Rice Becky Aydelotte* George and Michelle Bains Nimila and Soumitra Banerjee* Brigid Bartels* Gary and Debbie Bartle Amanda and Gary Berdeen* Zac Bir and Amber Smirnow Jeanne Bluford* Peter and Susan Bondy Marshie and Brandon Boswell* Page and Todd Brookshier* Ryan and Amanda Browning Jim and Jen Broyhill Kinsey and Benjamin Buhrman* Alan and Leemore Burke Kerry Burke Brian and Martha Callaghan Tom and Joyce Callaghan Chris Campbell* Chris and Dante Carlisle* Chris and Emily Carmichael Maria Casey Mike Casey and Mary Beth Ramsey Tara Casey and Alan Dow

Shannon and Adrian Ciucci* David and Dorothy Clarke Jeanne Coburn Perry and Jessica Coburn Bruce and Annie Coffey Ali Condon and Jared Krikorian* Larry and Tricia Constantine Sydney Cook Ryan and Christen Courville Peter Coutlakis and Wei-Ming Hsu Ann Craig Shane and Kelly Crockett Rob and Susan Davenport Kelly del Campo Merricks and Jason Merricks Marie DeLong Jim and Carmela DePasquale Janet and Jeremy Deyo* Rob and Mary Deyo Steve Dubuque Troy and Julia Dye Lael Edmonds* Mosca and Andrew Flint Jill and Benjamin Floyd* Kari-Lou Frank and Chris Grab Ernie and Betsy Gates Bill and Judy Gerrity Kalyn Gerrity* Kristin and Tony Giacco*

Shirley Graham Joey Graziano* Mita and Ash Gupta* Sonny Gupta and Harshna Patel-Gupta Hon and Kim Hahn Timothy Hamilton and Heather Russell Sharon and David Harless Peggy and Kevin Healy Debra and Joshua Hess* Kathy and Eric Hieber* Larry and Margaret Hodges Carolyn Holshouser* Cassidy Houston and Katia Hoskins* Gretchen Huebner Mark and Brigitte Hundley Cherice and Amzi Jackson Pam and Subin Jacob Jerome James Matt Johnson Nick and Daya Johnson Joshua and Brittany Judge Steven Kanjo and Kieu Hoang Ravinder Kaur and Hardeep Singh* Sandra Karison Norma Keeping Twyla Kitts Daniil and Dinah Kleyman

Your gifts are supporting tuition accessibility by offering financial assistance to 39 students this year!

Dennis and Cassandra Lacey Sally Lan and C. J. Arms* Bill and Kristi Lane Ruth Lavine Claire Leake and Augusto Silva* Seth Li and Julia Yu Bree and Christopher Linton* Thokozeni Lipato and Jori Carter Bill Lloyd and Brenda Hagg Maria Lopez and Santiago Pinto* Denise Mathew Mary Maxwell

To all of our donors from the 2023-2024 school year, thank you! Your contributions enrich RMS and help unlock our school’s full potential.

Many, many thanks for choosing to invest in the RMS Annual Fund.

Alison and Chris McCabe* Shealyn and Danny Milesh* Sudipa and Deb Mitra* Barb Mory Gráinne Murray* Maureen and Mark Nay Maureen Neal Tamara and Elvin Nicely* Freddie and Marilyn Nicholas Boyan and Andrea Nikolov Rob and Whitney O'Connor William Oliver and Kate Jennings Stacy and Tom O'Shea* Yong Pak and Hae Won Janice Parsons Sunny and Bijal Patel Derek Pei and Shu Chen Connie Phillips-Jones Ethan Puryear and E. A. Ritter Kay and Peter Quagliano Sujatha Ramamurthy Melanie and Walter Ruggieri Neder* Laurie Russell P2 and Henna Sandhu

Debra and Chris Saneda Larry and Emily Scarborough Arlene Schuchner Pooja Sinha and Arpan Srivastava* Leslie and Jud Skinker Gilbert and Dolores Snow John Spain and Susan Kennedy Spain Rob and Lee Sprague Leslie and Chris Stanley* Cathleen and Eric Stepp* Linda Stewart and Harry Gregori* Andrew and Diane Stokes Brian and Jen Strife Jodie Strum Kim Sutton* Lilly Sutton* Azi and Allison Talibi Nelly Tapia* Rocco Tricarico and Megan Kehoe Tricarico Peter Turkaly and Kim Panzarella* Jean and Jim Vencl Kim and Jon Waite* Colin Warren and Dara Gocheski Josh and Melissa Watson Bryan Whitfield

In-Kind Gifts Non-monetary donations can also provide tangible experiences for students and teachers, allowing us to foster an enriching educational space.

Carreras Jewelers Jim and Carmela DePasquale Daya and Nick Johnson Yasi and Sam Moshiri Eric and Diana Sund

Dr. Matthew Austin Dennis and Cassandra Lacey

Gráinne Murray Sujatha Ramamurthy

Leona Chavez Rob and Lee Sprague

Parham Neal-Pishko Maureen Neal

Mita Gupta Jim and Carmela DePasquale

Lena Steidel David and Dorothy Clarke

William Henderer '22 Peter and Armistead Henderer

Wyatt Strum Jim and Carmela DePasquale

Lauren Hodges Larry and Margaret Hodges

Will Toms Marie DeLong

Audrey Hunter and Acadia Courville Christen and Ryan Courville

Lauren Wright Mary Ann Wright

Mitzi and Julius Knox Ruth Lavine

Made in Memory of...

Carol C. Alexander Chuck and Ali Alexander

Millie S. James Jerome James

Kenna Bartle Gretchen Huebner Debbie and Gary Bartle Barb Mory

Marjorie Reidel Alan and Leemore Burke

TRIBUTE GIFTS

Made in Honor of...

Earned Revenue: Fiscal Year 2023-2024

Operating Revenue

Tuition: 85.5% Ext. Care, Extracurricular, Summer Camp: 12.3% Interest Income: 1.7%

Operating Expenses

Faculty/Staff Benefits and Salary: 75% General Operations: 18% Educational Programs: 5% Capital Expenses: 2%

Contributed Revenue Annual Fund Allocations

2023-2024 Annual Giving Allocations

RMS expresses its deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the Annual Fund.

Our allocated funds to be utilized for the 2024-2025 school year total $202,000.00.

Your gifts add value to our school.

Campus Improvements: 67% Tuition Assistance: 17% Professional Development: 14% Student Enrichment: 2%

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 FACULTY SUPPORT Capital Facility Endowment Established in 2012 through a major gift from RMS grandparent Ben Humphreys, Sr., this fund helps with the upkeep of our facilities.

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 staff and faculty.

Mila Manic 2023-2024 Endowment Recipient

Martha Mabey Endowment for the Arts 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 scholarship for a graduating Middle School student pursuing the arts and allocates about 5% annually to the RMS Visiting Scholars program’s arts component.

Mila Manic began her time with RMS in the 7th grade during 2023, and graduated this past June. An experienced harpist, Mila has performed as an honored guest for both the Serbian Embassy and the GreenSpring International Academy of Music. She enjoys rock-climbing, singing, reading, and drama. This fall, Mila will attend the Glen Allen Center for Education & Human Development, where she will continue her education, while also exploring her creative passions.

Congratulations, and good luck, Mila!

CONGRATULATIONS 2024 GRADUATES As you graduate from RMS and embark on the next chapter of your educational journey, know that you carry with you the skills, knowledge, and confidence cultivated through years of hard work and curiosity. Never stop seeking to learn.

Mila Manic

Glen Allen Center for Education & Human Development

Dorie Baker

Finn Meadows

Saint Gertrude School

The Steward School

Chase Browning

Brinda Mitra

Glen Allen Center for Education & Human Development

Isla Buchanan

Saint Gertrude School

Trinity Episcopal School

Luca Ruggieri

Hanover High School, ACA

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