St. Catherine's Montessori Annual Report 2013-2014

St. Catherine’s Montessori OUR ANNUAL JOURNEY

OUR MISSION

As a Catholic Montessori school, St. Catherine’s is dedicated to an educational experience which awakens in our students the awareness of their gifts and responsibilities as individuals in relationship with Jesus Christ and as stewards of the global community.

“ It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”

—ERNEST HEMINGWAY

St. Catherine’s Montessori BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nathaniel Martinez President

Sr. Adrian Dover, OP Vice President

Bob Lunn Treasurer

Alison Jefferies Secretary

Sr. Julie Greig, OP

Sr. Mary Magdalen Hanel, OP

David Marks

Greg Marino Ex-Officio

Sr. Edna Ann Hebert, OP Ex-Officio; Emeritus

St. Catherine’s Montessori ADMINISTRATION

Susan Tracy Head of School

Laurie Farris Admissions Director

Dione Gaspar Business Director

Violet Perez Advancement Director

THE JOURNEY

Bringing Wisdom to Light

Where did we come from? How did we get here? We understand where we are by understanding our past. Reflecting on the 2013-2014 school year gives evidence of the strong foundation laid 47 years ago. Sr. Edna Ann, OP and Sr. Shirley, OP+ carried their strong Dominican heritage while creating the framework of St. Catherine’s, infusing it with the spirit that influences us each day.

The strength of the Dominican pillars come to us from St. Dominic in the 13th century when he established the Order of Preachers (OP). The Dominican pillars of study, prayer, community and preaching guide us today and unite with the Montessori approach to education, aiding in the development of character in our children as they go through the process of self-construction.

Our St. Catherine’s legacy is rich, steadfastly providing a solid touchstone for our journey forward. Through our Strategic Plan, created by a broad range of stakeholders, we have defined a strategy for future action that furthers our values as a Catholic, Montessori and environmentally conscious school.

We continue our journey grounded by our Dominican roots, driven by our mission, guided by our Strategic Plan, and supported by our many current and alumni families who embrace the spirit of the St. Catherine’s community. Our combined efforts help guide students to become responsible and faithful citizens who actively participate in the transformation of society through community service, environmental stewardship, and as activists for social justice.

It is a gift to be part of this community and an honor to be among those called to service of “ Bringing Wisdom to Light ”. Many thanks to all those who continue to invest in the future of St. Catherine’s Montessori as we travel this journey together!

Blessings,

Susan Tracy Head of School St. Catherine’s Montessori

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Annual Report

St. Catherine’s is more than a place of learning. It is a place of self-discovery and wonderment. For nearly 50 years, the faculty and staff of St. Catherine’s have sought to provide an environment that awakens in our students their gifts and responsibilities as individuals in relationship with Jesus Christ and the global community. This is our Mission and it is at the heart of the work we do as the Board of Directors. In approaching our 50th anniversary, we have sought to honor the vision created by our school’s foundresses, Sister Edna Ann, OP and Sister Shirley Owens, OP+ to continue to build upon their legacy. We have made many strides in executing our Strategic Plan in areas such as Advancement, Parent Education, Student Retention, and Building Expansion.

There are so many people that contribute to St. Catherine’s being an excellent institution. I especially want to thank the parents without whose presence and involvement, as Sister Shirley used to say, St. Catherine’s would not exist. Their belief in the school’s mission is one of the primary reasons for our increased retention, which was the basis for our need to expand.

We all have opportunities in various organizations to volunteer our time, talents, and skills which are worthy of our consideration, but I can say without a doubt that my involvement with St. Catherine’s and witness of its spirit through serving on the Board has made me a better person. As you read this I hope you too will discover and appreciate the beauty and richness that is

UNRESTRICTED REVENUE

Tuition: 82%

Registration & Fees: 9%

Annual Giving: 5%

Other: 4%

EXPENSES

Salaries & Bene ts: 69%

Depreciation: 7%

Curriculum & Class Activities: 6%

Other Expenses: 5%

Buildings & Grounds: 5%

Utilities: 3%

Technology: 1%

Insurance: 2%

Interest: 1%

Professional Development: 1%

BUILDING ON The Legacy

ST. CATHERINE’S MONTESSORI CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

ST. CATHERINE’S MONTESSORI CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

“ Building on the Legacy ” defines the St. Catherine’s Montessori campus expansion project, aimed at addressing our growing community’s most urgent needs. Identified through the Strategic Planning process and approved by the Board of Directors, the capital campaign was launched in May 2014 with a silent fundraising phase. The goal is to raise the required funding and break ground for the project by June 2017. Deborah and Rock Gremillion and Kristina and Roy Devereux co-chair the Capital Campaign Steering Committee, comprised of both current and alumni parents. We are grateful to the families who believe in the mission of the school and who have worked diligently to move St. Catherine’s to the next exciting phase in its 48-year journey.

COMMITTEE

Roy and Kristina Devereux (Co-chairs)

Rock and Deborah Gremillion (Co-chairs)

Malcolm and Kristin Cogan

Randy and Cathy Crath

Andrew and Janella Gee

Jonathan Godfrey and Ana Treviño-Godfrey

Steve and Jennifer Grace

David Marks and Mary Grimord

Lorenzo Cohen and Alison Jefferies

Antonio and Larissa La Matta

Bob and Pat Lunn

Jamie and Shannon Mann

Greg and Rachel Marino

Nathaniel and Elizabeth Martinez

David and Eileen Meinert

Mike and Lynne Morris

Matt and Kim Pacetti

Kenneth and Gretchen Penny

Chan and Mary Tysor

David and Sandra Wager

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Johnny and Mary Beth Arcidiacono

Diane Cain

Paul and Karen Davis

Michael and Carla Deavers

Tom and Gina Fulkerson

Harry Gee, Jr.

Kevin and Krista Kirton

Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, S. J.

Barron Lozano

Juan and Sandra Mangini

Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P.

Glynn and Jean Roberts

Cliff and Michelle Shedd

Steve Stelzer

Rev. Kevin Storey, C.S.B.

LIST OF DONORS

from May 2014 to June 30, 2014

WISDOM TO LIGHT SOCIETY:

$100,000 - $249,999

Cathy and Randy Crath

Kristina and Roy Devereux

Deborah and Rock Gremillion

Pat and Bob Lunn

Shannon and Jamie Mann

TIMBERSIDE CIRCLE: $25,000 - $49,999

Rachel and Greg Marino

Mary Grimord and David Marks

GOLDEN BEADS PATRON:

$10,000 - $24,999

Anonymous

PINK TOWER PATRON: $5,000 - $9,999

Larissa and Tony La Matta

Eileen and David Meinert

Lynne and Mike Morris

Mary and Robert Chan Tysor

OWL CLUB: Under $5,000

Dominican Sisters

Gretchen and Ken Penny

ST. CATHERINE’S MONTESSORI Annual Fund 2013-2014

The Annual Fund is a yearly initiative, and it is the foundation of all fundraising done at St. Catherine’s because it touches every member of our community. The Annual Fund bridges the gap between tuition income and the total operating expenses of the school each year. St. Catherine’s strives to keep tuition costs reasonable because it is a core value that has been in existence since the school’s inception and continues on today. Given this commitment, we have relied on our community to sustain a level of excellence and support the mission of the school by giving to the Annual Fund each year.

With the support and generosity of our entire community in 2013-2014, a record $176,388 was raised with 92% participation from our current parents . We are grateful to the following families and friends of St. Catherine’s:

Chairs

Deborah & Rock Gremillion

generous giving

Thank you to the generosity of all our donors listed below:

Classroom Representatives

Faculty & Staff: Ly Thompson

Toddler

(Claire Yabraian): Sean and Simone Maher

Primary

(Cynthia Blessman): John Yanosik and Mayra Perez

(Janice Jeys): David and Sara Flores

(Katherine Parker): Matt and Kim Pacetti

(Renee Smith): Robert and Kristin Shedd

Lower Elementary

(Jacinta Edussuriya): Miguel Contreras and Maria Fajardo

(Tim Snow): Chris Palamountain

(Ly Thomson): Matthew and Mary Lehto

Upper Elementary

(Maggie Dobbins): Brett and Michelle Perkison

(Amanda Halbach): Antonio & Larissa La Matta

Adolescent Community

(Kathy Hijazi, Frank Hoang, Grant Hughes-Baldwin, Teresa Onofre, Audrey Speicher):

Juan and Sandra Mangini

GUARDIANS OF LIGHT: $5,000 +

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Mr. James Cogan and Mrs. Hadley Cogan

Mr. Charles Crisp and Mrs. Karyn Crisp

EOG Resources, Inc.

GDF Suez Energy North America, Inc.

Mr. Rock Gremillion and Mrs. Deborah Gremillion

Mr. Umberto La Matta and Mrs. Tina La Matta

Linbeck Family Charitable Trust

Mr. Robert Lunn and Mrs. Patricia Lunn

Mr. Robert Wilson and Mrs. Cynthia Wilson

FOUNDERS’ CIRCLE: $2,500 - $4,999

Chevron HumanKind

Exxon Mobil Foundation

Rev. Gregory Han and Dr. Holly Crisp-Han

Mr. Antonio La Matta and Mrs. Larissa La Matta

Mr. Christopher Lewis and Mrs. Sarah Lewis

Mr. Jamie Mann and Mrs. Shannon Mann

Mr. Eric Rodriguez and Mrs. Melody Rodriguez

Mr. Tyler Smith and Mrs. Andrea Stewart

Texas Instruments Foundation

Mr. Robert Chan Tysor and Mrs. Mary Tysor

ST. CATHERINE’S OF SIENA SOCIETY:

$1,500 - $2,499

Mr. Randy Crath and Mrs. Catherine Crath

Mr. E. Scot Dixon and Mrs. Cristina Dixon

Mr. Tom Fulkerson and Mrs. Gina Fulkerson

Mr. David Hamilton and Mrs. Mary Hamilton

Mr. Timothy Harvey and Dr. Sarah Harvey

Mr. Justin Homfeld and Mrs. Julie McLarry

Mr. Jeremy Jones and Mrs. Christina Jones

Mr. Wade Koteras and Mrs. Ivy Koteras

Dr. Fernando Levaro and Mrs. Bernadette Levaro

Mr. Sean Maher and Mrs. Simone Maher

Mr. Don McAdams and Mrs. Anne McAdams

Mr. Matthew Morris (‘00)

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Clifford E. Shedd and Ms. C. Michelle Miller

Dr. Elaine Wendt

VERITAS: $1,000 - $1,499

AIG

BP Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Lorenzo Cohen and Ms. Alison Jefferies

Mr. Daniel F. Crowder and Mrs. Heather Crowder

Mr. Carlos de Aldecoa and Mrs. Maria de Aldecoa

EDF Trading Limited

Dr. Jerry Estep and Mrs. Priscila Estep

Dr. David Flores and Dr. Sara Flores

Mr. Jeffrey Gaspar and Mrs. Dione Gaspar

Mr. Peter Hays and Mrs. Kathleen Hays

Mr. Christopher Jordan and Mrs. Megan Jordan

Mr. Harry Mach and Mrs. Cora Sue Mach

Dr. Oscar Mangini and Mrs. Maria Mangini

Mr. David Marks and Mrs. Mary Grimord

Dr. Erik Maus and Mrs. Miriam Bracamonte-Maus

Mr. David Meinert and Mrs. Eileen Meinert

Mr. Michael Morris and Mrs. Lynne Morris

Mr. John Novak and Mrs. Leisa Novak

Dr. Richard Ou and Mrs. Sophia Ou

Mr. Matthew Pacetti and Mrs. Kimberly Pacetti

Mr. Bill Palamountain and Mrs. Paula Palamountain

Mrs. Violet Perez and Mr. Robert Perez

Mr. Kenneth Sax and Dr. Patricia Sax

Mr. Craig Scherschel and Mrs. Sarah Scherschel

Mr. Robert Smith and Ms. Shea Palamountain

Dr. David M. Spencer and Dr. Zsofia Intody

Dr. John Stewart and Mrs. Alexandra Stewart

Dr. Phong Tang and Mrs. Monica Tang

TORCHBEARERS: $100 - $999

Dr. Carl Allen and Dr. Hillary Boswell

Mr. Jean-Pierre Baizan and Dr. Caroline Baizan

Mr. Gabriel Baizan and Mrs. Maria Baizan

Mr. Stewart A. Baker and Mrs. Julia Baker

Baker Hughes Foundation

Mr. David Baron and Mrs. Darcey Baron

Mr. Francesco Beltrami and Mrs. Chiara Beltrami

BP America, Inc. (Fabric of America Fund)

Mr. Edward Brantley and Mrs. Alicia Brantley

Mr. Eduardo Brito and Mrs. Raquel Rendon-Brito

Dr. Jason Buchanan and Dr. Katherine Buchanan

Mr. Bradley H. Burke and Mrs. Kellye Burke

Mr. Carlos Fowler and Mrs. Kae Fowler

Mr. Luis Camacho and Mrs. Maria Acosta

Mr. Guillermo Canizales and Ms. Elizabeth Detweiler

Mr. Anthony Chavez and Mrs. Paulette Chavez

Mr. Gregston Chu and Ms. Hiroko Tanaka

Mr. Malcolm Cogan and Mrs. Kristin Cogan

Mr. Miguel Contreras and Mrs. Maria Fajardo

Mr. Juan Creixell and Mrs. Carmen Creixell

Mr. Robert Croyle and Mrs. Jessica Croyle

Dr. Michael Deavers and Mrs. Carla Deavers

Mr. Bernard Dems and Mrs. Patty Thessen-Dems

Mr. Roy Devereux and Mrs. Kristina Baizan Devereux

Ms. Maggie Dobbins

Dominican Sisters of Houston

Mr. Mark Dykes and Mrs. Keri Dykes

Mr. Edwin Rodriguez and Mrs. Tonya Rodriguez

Mr. Russell Eddington and Ms. Kya Keinen

Mr. Anthony Farris and Mrs. Laurie Farris

Mr. Gregory Filippov and Mrs. Carly Filippov

Ms. Kathleen Fowler

Mr. Andrew Harry Gee and Mrs. Janella del Mundo Gee

Mr. Aziz A. Gilani and Dr. Sania Rahim Gilani

Mr. Jonathan Godfrey and Mrs. Ana Trevino-Godfrey

Mr. Alenay Gonzalez and Mrs. Yaneth Martell-Gonzalez

Mr. Steve Grace and Mrs. Jennifer Grace

Mr. H. Stephen Grace

Mr. Jeff Groudan and Mrs. Lenna Groudan

Ms. Monica Guidry

Mr. David Haberman and Mrs. Mary Ann Haberman

Mr. Ed Hanel and Dr. Ida Orengo

Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund

Ms. Glenna M. Hazeltine

Mr. Robert Hazeltine-Shedd and Mrs. Kristin Zipple-Shedd

Mr. Adrian Hernandez and Dr. Rosecler Marmentini

Mr. David Hertzog and Mrs. Claudia Hertzog

Mr. Gary Hickok and Ms. Monica Tschen

Mr. Mahmoud Hijazi and Mrs. Kathy Hijazi

Mr. Frank Hoang

Mr. Eric Jan and Mrs. Eva Chang

Mr. Frederick Johnson and Mrs. Suzanne Johnson

Ms. Birgit Kamps

Kinder Morgan Foundation

Mr. Lenny Rodriguez and Mrs. Martha Ruiz

Mr. Rodrigo Lance and Mrs. Gabriela Coronado

Mr. Marshall Law and Mrs. Melissa Law

Mr. Matthew Lehto and Mrs. Mary Lehto

Dr. Teil Lew and Dr. Van Truong

Mr. Michael Liga and Ms. Angela Ortega

Mr. Dennis Alan Lindsey and Mrs. Amy Lindsey

Mr. David Lopez and Mrs. Melissa Lopez

Mr. Josh Lowry and Mrs. Shannon Lowry

Mr. Michael Fowler and Mrs. Cynthia Fowler

Mr. Juan Mangini and Mrs. Sandra Mangini

Mr. Greg Marino and Mrs. Rachel Marino

Mr. Nathaniel Martinez and Mrs. Elizabeth Martinez

Mr. Hugh McIntosh

Mr. James Meyn and Ms. Wendy Wight

Mr. Jon Moody and Mrs. Cynthia Blessman

Mr. Bruce Moses and Mrs. Lisa Moses

Dr. Nathan Fowler and Mrs. Angela Fowler

Mr. Frank Napoleon and Mrs. Patty Napoleon

Mr. Paul Nguyen and Mrs. Kylie Nguyen

Mr. Gabriel Nguyen and Mrs. Basankoz Nguyen

Mr. Ed Nove and Mrs. Andrea Nove

Mr. Nuri A. Nuri and Dr. Lois Ramondetta

Ms. Teresa Onofre

Dr. Silvia Orengo-Nania

Dr. Thomas Osborne Jr. and Mrs. Mollie Osborne

Mr. Roberto Pacini and Ms. Alejandra Creixell

Ms. Chris Palamountain

Mr. Trey Palmer and Mrs. Teresa Palmer

Dr. W. Brett Perkison and Mrs. Michelle Perkison

Mr. Giao Phan and Mrs. Gwen Phan

Mr. Donald J. Reid, Jr. and Mrs. Martha E. Reid

Mr. Don Reid and Mrs. Joanna Reid

Ms. Isabel Resendez

Mr. Ebon Robinson and Mrs. Lynne Robinson

Mr. Austin Rodriguez (‘14)

Mr. Eric Rowe and Mrs. Negar Rowe

Mr. Matthew Salo and Mrs. Gabriela Salo

Mr. Frank Scheibner and Mrs. Ranae Scheibner

Mr. Christian Schutz and Mrs. Leslie Schutz

Mr. Adrian Segovia and Mrs. Edith Napoleon-Segovia

Mr. Koushik Sen and Mrs. Jennifer Sen

Ms. Maria Katherine Sevilla

Mr. Paul Simpson and Mrs. Kathy Simpson

Mr. William B. Sing and Mrs. Doris Sing

Mr. Benjamin Smith and Mrs. Anna Smith

Mr. Alexander Somers, Jr. and Mrs. Marilyn Somers

Mr. Alexander Somers and Mrs. Nancy Somers

Mr. Mark Streeter and Ms. Anne Phan

Ms. Theresa Strong

Mr. Alan Svoboda and Mrs. Margaret Svoboda

Dr. Eric Tait and Dr. Claudine Johnson

Mr. Peter Thompson and Mrs. Nancy Thompson

Mr. Brooke Thompson

Mr. Anthony Tigner and Dr. Desiree Tigner

Mr. Dave Tollar and Mrs. Carrie Tollar

Ms. Susan Tracy

Mr. Travis Twardowski and Mrs. Kelley Twardowski

Mr. Nathan Uitenbroek and Mrs. Jennifer Uitenbroek

Mr. Craig Vinson and Mrs. Michelle Vinson

Mr. David Wager and Mrs. Sandra Wager

Mr. Barron Wallace and Mrs. Lisa Wallace

Mr. Darrin Ward and Mrs. Jackie Ward

Mr. Daniel M. Watkins and Mrs. Marcella Watkins

Mr. Charles Wheatley

Mr. Roger White and Mrs. Suzanne White

Mr. John Wicks and Mrs. Cathleen Wicks

Mr. John Yanosik and Dr. Mayra Perez

Mr. Mario Yearwood and Ms. Victoria Mata

Dr. Noe Zamora and Mrs. Bernadette Zamora

FRIENDS: up to $99

Mr. Roberto Alsina and Mrs. Kathleen H. Alsina

Mr. Ronald Bagby-Grose and Rev. Burton Bagby-Grose

Mr. Bradley Bath and Dr. Catherine Devine

Mr. Jeff Blackman and Mrs. Emily Blackman

Ms. Belia Castro

Dr. Christine Chavez

Ms. Millie Chavez

Ms. Maria Diaz

Mr. Angelo Directo and Mrs. Caroline Directo

Mr. John Eckelkamp

Ms. Jacinta Edussuriya

Mr. Reginald Fontno and Mrs. Cynthia Fontno

Ms. Kelly Fulkerson

Mr. Alfredo Galeas and Mrs. Ilse Galeas

Mr. John Galfione and Dr. Kylie Galfione

Mr. Ben Galvan

Ms. Chelsea Grear

Ms. Hannah Griggs

Ms. Amanda Halbach

Sr. Mary Magdalen Hanel, OP

Mr. Jeff Hayden and Mrs. Caren Hayden

Mrs. Angela Henry

Mrs. Maria Hernandez

Mr. Thomas Heyward and Mrs. Julianna Heyward

Mr. Warren Holleman and Mrs. Marsha Holleman

Mr. Grant Hughes-Baldwin

Ms. Janice Jeys

Mr. Matthew Johnson and Ms. Shawna Johnson

Mr. Joseph Ledet

Mr. Eric Lerch and Mrs. Courtney Lerch

Mr. Michael Lewis and Ms. Melissa Meingast

Mr. Nick MacMillan and Mrs. Carol MacMillan

Ms. Ashley Melchor

Mr. Michael Monks

Ms. Rose Ann Morello

Mr. Benjamin Mull and Mrs. Heather Kendall

Mr. John Murphy and Mrs. Millie Chen-Murphy

Ms. Jocelyn Ochoa

Mr. Stephen Parker and Mrs. Katherine Parker

Mr. Roger Pokluda and Mrs. Carmen Pokluda

Mr. Ryan Smith and Mrs. Renee Smith

Mr. Marco Ramirez and Mrs. Tina Ramirez

Ms. Nancy Rose

Ms. Annie Sallans

Mr. David Sanchez and Mrs. Lu Ann Sanchez

Ms. Cathy Santos and Mr. Mark Santos

Mrs. Lynn Schmidt and Mr. Mark Schmidt

Mr. Tim Snow and Mrs. Mindy Snow

Ms. Audrey Speicher

Mr. Wietse ter Veld and Ms. Nira Sarlak

Ms. Ly Thompson

Ms. Chelsea Willingham

Mr. Andrew Wilson and Mrs. Suzanna Wilson

Mr. John Paul Yabraian and Mrs. Claire Yabraian

Conversations

SUPPORTING TUITION ASSISTANCE

The 2014 inaugural fundraising event “ Great Conversations ” brought the St. Catherine’s community together in compassionate and generous support of this legacy established by our foundresses. Over 140 guests were in attendance at Rice University’s Cohen House for a wonderful evening of lively dinner conversation, raising $52,882 for tuition assistance. St. Catherine’s Montessori strives to keep tuition reasonable and offers financial assistance to those families who need support. Keeping our community open to families of varying backgrounds is a core value that has been in existence since the school’s inception.

We thank the following families and corporations who helped make this event possible:

Alumni Parents of St. Catherine’s

Malcolm and Kristin Cogan

Randy and Cathy Crath

Charles and Karyn Crisp

EOG Resources

Gregory and Carly Filippov

Friends of St. Catherine’s

The Fulkerson Family

Jonathan and Ana Treviño-Godfrey

Rock and Deborah Gremillion

Pablo Lozano and Martha Laird

Sarah and Christopher Lewis

Jamie and Shannon Mann

Ken and Gretchen Penny

Donald and Martha Reid

Eric and Melody Rodriguez

Alex and Marilyn Somers

Craig and Michelle Vinson

PLANNING FOR THE Journey Ahead

THE STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

THE STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Strategic Planning Committee considers the direction and scope of St. Catherine’s Montessori’s long-term vision. The committee’s process includes reviewing and clarifying the school’s vision, assessing progress, and setting new goals for the future. The most recent and ongoing focus has been updating the Strategic Plan, which now covers the period 2013-2018. The committee has transitioned from a one-year strategic planning process to a five-year process, as the Plan contains many significant long-term initiatives, including the capital campaign. Additionally, the committee was asked in the fall of 2014 to do a “cold eyes” review of the implementation steps for the Plan and returned a proposed Strategic Implementation Plan to the Administration and Board.

The Strategic Planning Committee meets on an as-needed basis. In order to capture the global voice of our community, the committee is comprised of a combination of parents, guides, administrators, and board members.

“St. Catherine’s has planned for and has many significant initiatives underway to both grow and improve the school over time.”

John Novak Chair Strategic Planning Committee

Laying the Groundwork FOR THE JOURNEY

ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

This was a year infused with energy, excitement, and creativity as we planned and set goals for the future of St. Catherine’s Montessori. The Advancement Committee, comprised of a cross section of our community, identified and recommended key initiatives aimed at supporting the Strategic Plan and advancing the school to the next phase of its 48-year journey.

Some of the driving factors behind the Advancement Committee’s work included: (1) a growing student population and strong retention beyond the Primary years, (2) a need to cultivate and expand our donor base to support growth, (3) an increased need to strengthen communication across all areas of the school.

Highlights of the 2013-2014 year include:

• Establishing the essential components required to launch the capital campaign for the school expansion project, “Building on the Legacy.” A steering committee and advisory board are in place, and the silent phase of the campaign was initiated in May 2014. The campaign is divided into two phases with a goal of raising $5.275M to begin Phase I of the project by June 2017.

• Exceeding the Annual Fund goal by achieving 92% parent participation, the highest in the school’s history. Increased support from alumni, alumni families, grandparents, board, faculty, staff, and corporate matching gifts contributed to this outcome.

• Supporting the school’s tuition assistance program with a new community event, “Great Conversations,” modeled after the University of Houston Honors College fundraiser. The event, held in April 2014, exceeded its financial goals and underscored our community’s commitment to supporting tuition assistance.

• Defining the key elements required to support effective communication across all areas of our community. Bringing on a Communications Director to coordinate and facilitate our communication plan.

We particularly wish to thank the parents and alumni parents, faculty, staff, and administration who have worked tirelessly to support the school’s success. It is a tribute to their love of the school and to the strong bond which binds us together as a community.

“The community of St. Catherine’s has embraced the idea of advancing the mission of our school with their time, talent, and treasure. I am thrilled to be a part of such a vibrant, caring, and dedicated community. It is a true joy to be a part of such a dynamic group, and I am honored to share the effort with them. The continued good work of all will prepare a solid foundation for future families!”

Melissa Lopez Chair Advancement Committee

Sustaining THE JOURNEY

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee works to maximize the value of the school’s dollars in covering operating expenses, managing funds generated in the capital campaign, balancing scholarship and endowment growth, and paying down debt. The committee is chaired by Bob Lunn, whose youngest child graduated from St. Catherine’s seven years ago. As our audited financials illustrate, St. Catherine’s is a financially well-run organization. St. Catherine’s culture has always been to run a cash flow-driven budget that allows for the infrastructure required for the growth and needs of our students and staff. We continue to strengthen this culture even with the growth of our facilities and services.

“I wish to thank you, the St. Catherine’s community, for what you do, financially as well as in supporting the community with your time and services, to enable St. Catherine’s to offer an excellent program at as low a cost as it does.”

Bob Lunn Chair Finance Committee and Treasurer of the Board of Directors

Preparing the Environment FOR THE JOURNEY

THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE

The Building and Grounds Committee meets monthly to support the Board of Directors and the Head of School in long-term planning and development of the St. Catherine’s facilities, infrastructure, and 10.4 acre grounds. The committee is comprised of the Head of School, the Facilities Manager, a board member, guides, and parent volunteers. The scope of the committee’s activities includes planning, developing, executing, reviewing, integrating, maintaining, supporting, and organizing a wide variety of facilities and grounds matters.

The committee’s most recent and ongoing focus has been the selection and implementation of software to facilitate and track maintenance and preventative maintenance issues. Additionally, the committee investigated a variety of options for relocation of the after-care program. A collaborative effort with Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Program has given St. Catherine’s the opportunity to work on finding environmentally sound solutions to controlling ants on the 10.4 campus with a two year study being conducted by A&M and the school’s facilities management.

“St. Catherine’s facilities and grounds are first class and contribute significantly to enhancing the educational experience of our children.”

Bob Croyle Chair Buildings and Grounds Committee

THE JOURNEY TO Our Future BUILDING COMMITTEE

St. Catherine’s Montessori has a history of growth and development dating back to its first days in 1966. Through the vision of our foundresses, Sr. Edna Ann Hebert, OP and Sr. Shirley Owen,OP+, and the support of many families and friends over the years, we have built a long-term home on the campus at 9821 Timberside. In designing the Timberside campus, it was recognized that expansion might be necessary to support increased retention over the years. It is a community goal to accommodate all students who wish to advance to the next level and all existing students’ siblings.

Since moving into the Timberside campus in 2006, parents, staff, guides, alumni, and friends of the community have been working to evaluate future building and grounds needs as our mission expands. Over the years, our community has continued to grow through increased retention in the Elementary programs. This has resulted in the need for two additional elementary classrooms. There are additional needs to accommodate programs such as after-care, art, band, and parent-toddler classes, as well as for administrative and storage spaces.

In support of the Strategic Plan, a team was formed for Concept Development in 2011, which produced a report in 2012 outlining the future needs of the school. The next step was to form an Ad Hoc Building Committee to conduct a search for an architect and contractor to guide us through the process. The committee consists of a creative and collaborative team of guides, staff, parents, alumni, and parents who are working with Jackson & Ryan Architects and Linbeck. In the last 18 months, the committee has completed Schematic Design and is now ready to begin Design Development and Construction Design for Phase I of the expansion. When these design phases are complete, the campus will be ready for construction.

Along the way the Building Committee has worked to meet the interim needs of the community. This has included temporarily converting the library to an elementary classroom, modifying two of the existing elementary classrooms, and making improvements to the Primary Courtyard.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey over the years. We look forward to breaking ground on this exciting project and continuing to build the legacy of St. Catherine’s Montessori.”

Greg Marino Chair Building Committee

Fundraising Efforts

THE STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

We are grateful for the tireless support St. Catherine’s parent volunteers contribute each year to make our school exceptional. Giving back to St. Catherine’s has been a long-standing tradition and is deeply woven in the school’s culture. With support from our families, these fundraisers helped the Parent Service Organization, library, athletics and special projects.

Collectively, $41,257.64 was raised in 2013-2014 in support of the following:

Square 1 Art, Rebate Programs, Magazine Drive, Scholastics

Book Fair

Steps for Students

Sociables

IN GRATITUDE

Thank you.

St. Catherine’s families have been at the core of the school’s success and longevity since its founding in 1966. Many of our alumni families, whose children have completed their education at St. Catherine’s, continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the mission of the school by serving as volunteers. Their continued dedication is a testament to what St. Catherine’s has meant to their children and families, and clearly illustrates that philanthropy is deeply embedded in our school’s culture. We stand in gratitude for all our alumni parents. We are blessed for the beautiful school they have given us and for all they do each day to advance the mission of St. Catherine’s.

In the words of our late foundress, Sr. Shirley Owens, OP+ :

“The parents support the school because they have seen our program, and they like it. Without the parents, St. Catherine’s Montessori would not be.”

– May 1984