Biscuit's Bulletin Winter 2023

BISCUIT'SBULLETIN

SAINT ANNE'S DAY SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWSLETTER

2023

WELCOME TO THE NETWORK

Saint Anne's Day School is a special place, but we don't need to tell you that. Nestled on the corner of Moores Mill Road and Northside Parkway, the Day School has served Atlanta families for over 50 years and has started many students on their academic journeys in that time.

With this quarterly bulletin, we hope to offer a glimpse into the current goings-on, what we're planning for the future, and provide a platform through which our alumni can reconnect with one another.

Welcome to the Saint Anne's Alumni Network!

Saint Anne's first preschool class, 1966

SAINTANNE'SATAGLANCE

2022-2023

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

TheDaySchoolencouragesfamiliesto become involved in their child's school experiences:

27CommitteeChairVolunteers

13RoomParentVolunteers

90%ofparentsvolunteeratleast onceintheirchild'sclassroom

FAST FACTS

Founded in 1966

Reggio Emilia Approach

163 Day School children (ages 12 months to 5 years old)

31 After School students (K-5th grade)

31 Full-Time Educators

10 Part-Time and/or Contracted Educators

Average class size of 12 students with 2 full-time educators

THE DAY SCHOOL CURRENTLY SERVES 130 FAMILIES AND OF THOSE FAMILIES ...

31 families have at least 2 children attending the Day School this year

37 students have a sibling who previously attended the Day School

10 students have a parent who attended the Day School

What'sNewattheDaySchool

NEW DIRECTOR, NEW DIRECTIONS

In July 2021, the Day School welcomed a new director, Rhonda Mitchell. Mrs. Mitchell came to Saint Anne's after more than a decade at Trinity School.Underherleadership,theDaySchoolhas hosted exciting professional development opportunitiesforeducatorsandpilotednewafter care programming for students, including after schoolspecialsclassesthatbeganthissemester.

RETHINKING, RESTRUCTURING

In response to the growing demand for childcare, the Day School began offering a 5Day Twos option and a third 5-Day Threes class for the 2022-23 school year--both of which filled quickly and maintained a waitlist Additionally, the Day School has expanded its after school Enrichment Programs to include specials classes These classes are driven by our own educators' interests and will vary with each session This session's specials are ballet, STEM, and cooking classes.

"Saint Anne's is such a warm and inviting community. I love that we are a school that uniquely responds to the needs of young families. This is a place where children and adults learn, grow, and form lifelong friendships.

My goal is to ensure that we have the knowledge, resources, and structures necessary to continue being an inspiration for young children and those that love them for another 50-plus years."

- Rhonda Mitchell

"WhenCovid'sOver..."

A new Saint Anne’s tradition began this year! From our transitional kindergarten class, the Bridge Room, children contributed flower drawings to this year’s school t-shirt, inspired by a work from one of their rising Kindergartner peers Please enjoy the full story behind the 2022-23 shirt design:

While the past couple pandemic years have certainly presented their challenges, your children continue to find the joy in the most unexpected of places

Longtime Classroom Educator turned Naturalist and Gardener, Carol Waggener, shares this beautiful moment from a Pre-K child: “Andrew and I sat down together and talked about our garden and our work together planting flowers this year The topic of Covid has been on his mind. His words, “when Covid’s over,” became a poem filled with his thoughts about the possibilities.”

AnnualFundCampaign2022-2023

Dear Saint Anne's Community,

Saint Anne's Day School and Enrichment Programs continues to be a magical learning community dedicated to young children and growing families. For more than 56 years, we have worked to develop confident, caring, and capable students who go on to the best private and public schools in Atlanta, and most importantly, go on to be compassionate community members beyond that The 2022-23 school year has been one of renewal and reconnection thanks to the dedication of the staff, parents, and friends of the school

A leader in innovative teaching practices, Saint Anne's was the first school in the Atlanta area to adopt the world-renowned Reggio Emilia Approach in 1994. Still deeply inspired by the approach but also informed by evidence-based best practices in early childhood education, the Day School embraces a modern interpretation of the Reggio approach. We aspire to facilitate the development of key foundational skills and concepts children need by engaging their innate curiosities We choose not to choose between practices that see children as capable and those that build those capabilities. We do both.

In 2022 we invested in the school's infrastructure - the people, spaces, and systems - that will best equip us to serve children and families. We welcomed several new educators and staff who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the school and are committed to growth To support that growth, we have engaged in professional development with specialists in areas such as language development and early literacy, social-emotional development, and creating inclusive classrooms for neurodiverse learners. We are using new software and creating systems that will allow us to reconnect with alumni, grandparents, and the many friends of the Day School. And we made updates to the facilities, including the reopening of the beautiful tree house in the Outdoor Classroom, new playground equipment, and an enhanced security system

Saint Anne's after-school program for elementary school students continues to be a muchloved and much-needed resource for the community. In addition to the extended day care made available to support dual-working Day School families, our school serves as a home away from home for K-5 children in the afternoons. It is open to all but attended primarily by Morris Brandon Elementary School students Every day, our staff provides a hearty snack, homework help, and a comfortable environment for approximately 30 Morris Brandon children This warm environment is a top choice for former Day School families and Saint Anne's Church members and is vital during the dire childcare shortage parents are facing.

Through the support of current and former families and friends of the Saint Anne's community, the Day School has been a critical member of the early care and learning landscape for more than half a century

We invite you to learn more about what's going on at the Day School and to support our work. You can find us on Instagram @stannesdayschool or Facebook (@saintannesdayschool). We are grateful for any time, talent, and treasure you are willing to share. Contact us at school@saintannesdayschool.com if you'd like to volunteer. We'd love to have you. You can also make a donation to the Annual Fund to help us continue and even grow our contribution to the families and communities we serve Scan the QR code or go to www.saintannesdayschool.com/support-saint-annes.

Thank you for all you continue to do to make Saint Anne's Day School and Enrichment Program the extraordinary place it is.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Mitchell Director

SaintAnne'sScholarshipFunds

Judy Eckardt Scholarship Fund

Judy dedicated her life to making a better world for children. She was an inspiring teacher who used her many talents to create a thirst for learning in all of her students. Judy loved life and instinctively knew how to help others see the joy of learning new things. She touched every teacher, parent, and child who called her friend and/or teacher.

The treasured memory of Judy Eckardt lives through the Judy Eckhardt Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Ryan Grand Scholarship Fund

Ryan Grand (12/6/1989 - 11/15/2011) enrolled at Saint Anne's Day School in 2000 when he was 6 months old and continued through his Pre-K year. He loved his time at Saint Anne's so much he continued to come back to the school during his high school and college years to work as a Summer Camp counselor Some of his closest and earliest friendships were established at Saint Anne's and continued throughout his life. Because of his strong connection with the Day School, Ryan's family and friends established the Ryan Grand Scholarship fund.

Martha Isler Memorial Fund

Martha loved children and had a passion for teaching. She had a Master's Degree in Elementary Education and taught at various elementary schools around Atlanta before coming to Saint Anne's as a teacher. She was a gifted educator and had several students who stayed in touch with her into their adulthoods.

Martha's daughter, Maggie Isler Killgore attended Saint Anne's as a child and her four children have also attended, with her youngest currently enrolled. Martha was a very active grandmother and could be seen weekly at Saint Anne's, bringing her grandchildren to school or picking them up in the carpool line.

Because of her deep affection for Saint Anne's Day School, her family and friends created the Martha Isler memorial fund. Martha died on July 22, 2021.

Edith M. Smith Memorial Fund

Edith was a much loved teacher of the Twos and Threes at Saint Anne's Day School for 41 years. She was an outstanding storyteller and could capture the hearts and minds of all ages with her stories. She was a member of Saint Anne's Church and an active participant in the school's Chapel services. Often she was approached by her now adult students with fond memories of their time at the Day School Edith's 3 children and 4 grandchildren were all alumni and gave many hours of volunteer service to the school.

Edith Smith died on December 5, 2018.

SaintAnne'sSupporters

2022-2023 Annual Fund Donors

The Barker Family

The Batcheller Family

Kristin Baynes

Kathy Bennett

The Benoit Family

Sarah Buchly

The Burdette Family

Alina Buzea Yusufji

April Chalmers

The Childress Family

Elaine Christopher

Tonya Cole

Angie Cook

Sarah Cook

Loreen Costa

Chetta Davis

Olivia Dillon

Susan & Malcolm Duncan

Allison East

The Engram Family

Elizabeth Ferguson

Lindsey Glass

The Griffith Family

The Gump Family

Charlotte Hassett

Denevia Hicks

The Hirsekorn Family

Yuri Huntsberry-Morton

Danielle Hutlas

Annie Jamison

Mary Kibler

The Killgore Family

Georgia Wimberly Pierce Memorial Scholarship

Larmore Family Foundation

Katie Lebel

The Leach Family

The Loyd Family

Maddox Family Private Foundation

Sephonia Milford

The Miles-Davidson Family

Charlotte Mills

Rhonda Mitchell

Emma Moore

Laura Mullins

Jennifer Nestor-Cardwell

The O'Rouke Family

Jenny Rogers

The Rollins Family

Tena Sarabia

The Scott Family

Greg & Eileen Seitz

Faye Sisk

Melissa Sebel

Kathleen Slovis

The Tarbet Family

Mzia Tevdoradze

Yeme Thomas

The Thompson Family

The Truist Foundation

Kristin Watts

Shantate Watkins

Alexandra Weldon

The Whitney Family

Angela Wilhoit

In 2007, when Georgia was almost three years old, she passed away while vacationing with her family. The families and friends of the Pierce family created the Georgia Pierce Memorial Scholarship fund in her honor. Since 2008, the funds raised annually for the scholarship are allocated toward the total amount of financialaiddistributedeachyear.

2022-2023 Pierce Scholarship Donors

Rebie Bland

Ashley Brantley

Ashton Bozard

Susannah Hubbell

Cami Hutchinson

Suzette Laney

Maryanne Martin

Troy McCormick

Paige Merrill

Daisy Miller

Eleanor Morrison

Elizabeth & Roger

O'Connell

Natalie Scott

Chelsea Sneed

Marcy Swan

April Tegler

Katherine Todd

Traci Waite

Elizabeth Zadig

Photo:ChildreninGeorgia'sMemorialGarden

HonoringOurEducators

In late May 2022, the Day School celebrated the retirement of educators Betsy Brandes (21 years of service), Monica Murray (32 years of service), and Diane Tully (48 years of service). These three women devoted over a century's worth of service to the Saint Anne's community, and we are forever grateful for their dedication The love and care each of them put into their roles as teachers is invaluable and has helped shape who we are as a school today. Friends and family from near and far gathered to honor these women as they closed this chapter of their lives.

ACelebrationfortheAges

In early May, members of the Saint Anne's community gathered to celebrate the Day School's former director, Kristin Watts, and her five years with the school. The Day School honored Kristin's tenure by planting and dedicating a Gingko tree on the school's playground Kristin and her daughter, Colby '19, traveled from their new home in Chattanooga, TN to spend the afternoon of dedication with friends and former colleagues.

Above from left, Betsy Brandes, Monica Murray, Diane Tully

(Bottom left) Retirement gift, a personalized wooden chair for each retiree. (Top left) Monica Murray.

(Above left) Saint Anne's Director of 36 years Janet Reinertsen with former educator Made Cook. (Above right) Former educator Carol Waggener and Betsy Brandes (Top right) Summer Camp Coordinator Sarah Buchly toasting Diane Tully. (Right) Current educator Mzia Tevdoradze and former teacher Allison Steely.

OLIVIA DILLON

Class of 2004

Alumni Spotlight

Olivia began her journey at the Day School as an infant in the Butterfly Room nearly three decades ago. After completing her All Stars kindergarten year, she went on to graduate from Atlanta's Pace Academy and the University of Alabama.

While at Alabama, she earned her degree in Human Development with a focus on Early Childhood. She returned to the Day School as an educator in August 2021.

Q&A

Q: What is your favorite memory from your time as a Saint Anne's student?

A: My favorite memory is working in the Paper Factory with Mrs. Green. I also loved going up to odd carpool and seeing my grandfather pick me up on occasion.

Q: How do you think the Day School prepared you for the rest of your education?

A: I know that the Day School changed the way I viewed learning. With the Reggio approach I found learning to be exciting and felt that curiosity grow as I got older. The threads that are typically followed in the classrooms led me to have my own threads throughout my schooling.

Q: What is the best part of your work day?

A: The best part of my work day is right in the middle, the "10 hour" I call it. Usually in this hour I hear the most entertaining conversations, see the joy of learning, and become closer in my individual student relationships

Q: Are you still in touch with anyone from your class?

A:Yes! I am in touch with many from my last year here at the Day School. Louise Hatcher, Julia Robison, Julian Alexander, and Davis Woodruff I am sure there are more I am forgetting!

Olivia working with her students in the River Room Pre-K class she shares with co-teacher April Chalmers.

"The Day School [is] a home, a safe place, a warm environment, and a place that fosters strong relationships."

Olivia, top left, and her classmates in the All Stars Kindergarten class of 2004

SaintAnne'sThroughtheYears

If you would like to share any photos or life updates with the Day School, please email alumni@saintannesdayschool.com.

UpcomingEvents

Each spring, the Parents of Preschoolers (POPs) organization hosts the school's biggest fundraiser of the year, the Spring Soirée and Auction and as part of the Saint Anne's community, you are invited! This year's theme is "Latin Nights" and is sure to be a fantastic evening of music, dancing, and more. The event will be held in Parish Hall at Saint Anne's Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 29 from 7:00-10:00pm.

Saturday,April29,2023 Saturday,April29,2023 Saturday,April29,2023

7:00-10:00pm 7:00-10:00pm 7:00-10:00pm

Even if you are unable to attend, you are able to participate in the event through a sponsorship, auction item donation, or you can simply participate virtually in the auction itself. If you are interested, please visit 2023Soiree.givesmart.com or contact alumni@saintannesdayschool.com.

SummerCamp2023

The Day School will continue to offer five weeks of summer camp this year. Children ages 2-7 years old are eligible to attend Registration opens February 17.

If you or someone you know are interested in working as a camp counselor this summer, email Summer Camp Coordinator Sarah Buchly: sbuchly@saintannesdayschool.com

SaintAnne'sDaySchool& SaintAnne'sDaySchool& POPspresents POPspresents

WhoisBiscuit?

Since 2006, Biscuit the Horse has resided in the Day School lobby, greeting all who pass by. Biscuit began as a way to pursue a class's interest in creating a rideable horse. The Saint Anne's community subsequently came together to design and build the horse together, with the children voting to name it Biscuit. Nearly two decades later, Biscuit continues to bring joy to the children and adults who come through the Day School. In recent years, Biscuit has become the school's unofficial mascot and is now the namesake of this publication.