Annual Report
2023-2024
Head of School Brian Cogswell
As we wrap up the 2023-24 school year at South Coast Montessori, I am filled with gratitude for the community we have created here at the school. This was a year of stability and growth for us at SCM. It was a huge relief to have had a year without a pandemic, forest fires, mudslides, or any other dramatic forces outside of our control While each day brings new challenges for all of us, I no longer take for granted the moments of stability and calm throughout the year. Our Elementary program continues to grow and flourish and our Primary classes are both full and impacted to the point we are considering adding a 3rd classroom in the coming years.
We are incredibly appreciative of the efforts of our Fun & Fundraising Committee and the SCM community at large in raising funds for the school This year we raised over $88,000, a new annual record for us! Our Move-a-thon, in particular, was the best one yet. These funds allowed us to invest more in our programs and the school, building a better future for our students and the community. Next year we look forward to bringing back our Spring Gala! It hasn't just been about fundraising, though, as the F&F team hosted many exciting social and community-building events throughout the year. If you haven't attended in the past, I highly recommend that you do so in the coming year!
I am grateful for the strength and engagement of our families in this community, for our hardworking and creative guides, and for our amazing staff. I am excited for the year to come and to continue to offer a safe and stimulating educational environment for our children!
In gratitude,
Brian Cogswell Founder, Head of School
South
Coast Montessori
South Coast Montessori
Our Mission
South Coast Montessori fosters collaboration, community, and peace, and provides experiences that promote curiosity, inquiry, and engagement We are dedicated to meeting each student's physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs Our classrooms are designed to best meet these needs to develop the full potential of each of our students.
Our Teachers
Our teachers strive to provide a supportive and individualized environment where the child is free to develop and learn at their own pace. Our child-centered approach has been proven to create confident, independent children who develop a lifetime love of learning.
Teachers and assistants are trained to interact with children based on knowledge of the direct influence of positive relationships on brain/mind/personality development. Developing close relationships with families, and consistent daily communication is a priority.
Our Students
Our students are global citizens. World geography is taught beginning at a young age and children learn about traditions from a wide range of cultures. We take the time to teach skills like conflict resolution and can help children work through social dynamics as they arise We believe that peace and kindness are the base of any quality education, and a foundation that is necessary for the progress of humanity
Upon stepping into a Montessori classroom, one immediately sees the difference in our environments. We value natural materials and prefer natural lighting Living things (both plants and animals) are present, as are low shelves that allow children to easily access their work There are areas for children to work in a group or alone, and on the floor or in a chair Materials are of high quality, inspiring the children who use them to make their work beautiful
From the President
Board of Directors
I am honored to serve as the Board President at South Coast Montessori From the beginning of our school's journey, I've had the privilege of seeing my two children flourish through the Infant to Primary programs.
This annual report is intended to provide transparency into our school’s financial operations, and recognize the amazing teachers and staff that make South Coast Montessori a welcoming place for our children to learn and thrive
To ensure the financial stability of South Coast Montessori, we rely in part on generous contributions from parents, alumni, and friends across the Santa Barbara community. These donations allow us to close gaps in our operating expenses so that we can provide the exceptional educational experience that your children deserve.
The board and I are immensely proud of our school's journey, and we are genuinely excited about the road ahead. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, and thank you for entrusting us with the education and care of your children
To any current or prospective SCM families reviewing this report, the board welcomes your questions and suggestions Together, we can ensure the continued success and prosperity of South Coast Montessori for many years to come!
Michael McLernon Board President
South Coast Montessori
Board of Directors
2023-2024
The South Coast Montessori Board of Directors exists to advance the school's mission by providing counsel and advice. The Board is ultimately responsible for all financial, legal, strategic planning and policy issues.
Michael McLernon President
Rick Drake Vice President
Bailey Miller Treasurer
Autumn McFarland Secretary
Leah Shannon Member At Large
IN THE COMMUNITY
“When the child goes out, it is the world itself that offers itself to them. Let us take the child out to show them real things instead of making objects which represent ideas and closing them up in cupboards.”
-Maria Montessori
2324
Grants and Fundraising 2023-2024
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors whose generous contributions have greatly supported our fundraising efforts. Whether through The Giving Campaign, Book Fairs, or the Move-A-Thon, your kindness has made a significant impact on our mission and community. Thank you for your unwavering support!
$10,000+
Anonymous Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
Audacious Foundation & First 5
Children's Resource & Referral
$2,500 - $4,999
Juliet & Alex Edgcomb
Tricia & Bailey Miller
Santa Barbara County Education Office
$1,500 - $2,499
Ariana & Chris Arcenas-Utley
Kim & Ricky Bates
Jennifer & Ed Buenviaje
MiYoung & Brian Cogswell
Jennifer & Court Fleming
Montgomery Family Trust
Sandra Soria & Jenaro Rios
$500 - $1,400
American Riviera Bank
Julie & Nick Brown
Adrienne & Deepak Budwani
Aegean Chan & Mark Burnett
California Dermatology Group
Chaucer's Books
Erin & Kai Cogswell
Steffanie Colgate & Clay
Bougher
Rachel Crandell & Kinji Leslie
Elizabeth Fleming
Jessie & Elias Isaacson
Adrienne Lee & Billy Ko
Erin Baird & Ben Mckean
Jessica & Michael McLernon
Jillian & David Melin
Kalli & Nick Merlo
Chloe Milligan & Micah Pueschel
Laura & Rhett Putnam
Stephanie & Daniel Ochoa
Pacific Wealth Management Group
Itzayana Penaloza & Luis Zuniga
Super Cucas Restaurants
Summer & Jeremy Tillman
Tu Tran & Casey Baviera
Ashley & David Whitaker
$250 - $499
Brittany Bailey
Ashley & Andrew Bolling
Alice & Mark Britton
Michelle Christiansen & James Hooshman
Jenny & David Chu
Jeanette & Chris Cotter
Rebecca Farmer
Yamelle Gastelum & Erick Ulloa
Marilyn Johnson
Yvette Lopez & Genaro Ramirez
Katy & Jon Magnani
Autumn & Shane McFarland
Diana & Alcides Oropeza
Tara & Rodrigo Rengifo
Nina & Matthew Rybak
Casey Baron & Michael Saad
Madeleine Saxe & Spencer Quigley
Marie & Jordan Winssinger
$1 - $249
Jessica Bensley & Dylan Jones
Charlotte & Peter Bradley
Michelle & Miguel Chavez
Kailin & Kelli Collins
Caitlin & Christopher Cunningham
Sharon Tepper & Jon Cutler
Chelsea & Chris Dato
Amy & Justin DeBorba
Nicole De La Loza Rivera & Brett Stone-Gross
Rick Drake
$1 - $249 Continued
Sylvia & Yaroslav Filipov
Jean Gong & Kurt Lipson
Melissa Honig & Rich Greifner
Jennifer Kam & Andy Merolla
Lindsay's Little Bakery
Whitney & Justin Melnick
Valerie Moreno & Arturo Barragan
Lauren & Ehren Rauch
Kelly Rodriguez & Jon Apilado
Hilary & Daniel Seigle
Allison & Jason Slauenwhite
Evelyn Rodriguez-Mesa & Aristotles Stavrinaky
Shelly Su & Micah Brachman
Anna & Luke Theogarajan
Spencer Turnball & Pearson McGee
Rosie Zamora & Julio Montepeque
Teachers and Staff
Meaghan Yolles Spanish Language Instructor
Nanette Patterson Elementary Instructional Assistant
Yvette Lopez Infant Program Teacher
Rosie Zamora Toddler Program Teacher
Corina Morales Toddler Program Teacher
Itzayana Penaloza Infant Program Teacher
Carolina Castillo Elementary Program Directress
Leah Shannon Founder Primary Program Directress
Claudia Sykes Primary Program Directress
Brian Cogswell Founder Head of School
Lisa Schaeffer Founder Administrator
Chelsea Frei Marketing & Communication Specialist
Teachers and Staff
Brenda Gonzalez Primary Program Assistant
Daniela Hernandez Primary Program Assistant
Annie Brown Primary Program Aftercare
Katrina Ostrander Primay Program Aftercare
Lisa Chrynko Primary Program Aftercare
Brenda Castro Toddler Program Assistant
Valerie Moreno Toddler Porgram Assistant
Emily Guzman Toddler Program Assistant
Ana Moscaira Infant Program Assistant
Raven Condron Infant Program Assistant
Yamelle Gastelum Infant Program Assistant Rubén Maintenance and Janitorial
