Dolphin Dispatch
Past, Present & Future: Celebrating 35 Years Edition
Nita Hurley & Meghan Devlin CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF
Welcome
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Families,
It is with great pride and deep gratitude that I welcome you to this special 35th anniversary edition of our school magazine. This milestone offers us a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey that has brought our community to where it stands today
Over the past three and a half decades, our school has grown not only in size, but in spirit, ambition, and impact. Generations of students, teachers, families, and friends have contributed to building a community rooted in learning, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence We honor the visionaries who established this school, the dedicated educators who have shaped its path, and the students whose energy and curiosity continue to give it life
As we look back, we celebrate achievements both big and small academic successes, artistic triumphs, athletic accomplishments, and above all, the lasting friendships and values that define our identity But anniversaries are not only about honoring the past; they are also about envisioning the future
Looking ahead, we remain committed to preparing our students for a world of change and possibility Innovation, resilience, creativity, and compassion will guide the next chapter of our story With the strength of our history as our foundation, we embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie before us
Thank you to everyone past and present who has made these 35 years remarkable Together, we will continue to open minds and hearts, ensuring that the next 35 years are even brighter.
Enjoy the magazine!
Sincerely,
Petra Obritzberger
Board of Trustees
As we celebrate The Discovery School’s 35th anniversary, the Board of Trustees is proud to share important updates on the progress of our Strategic Plan 2023–2028. Guided by our mission and strengthened by community input, we remain focused on advancing initiatives that ensure our students continue to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and inspiring environment
From high school exploration to new partnerships, from strengthened safety to campus enhancements, the momentum of the Strategic Plan is clear As we honor our first 35 years, we are deeply grateful to all who support our mission.
Together, we are building not just for today, but for the generations of Discovery students yet to come
The Board of Trustees
Board Functions
Develop Discovery’s long-term Strategic Plan Lead Committee Work
Review and assess the educational mission of the school on an ongoing basis
Select, support, and review the Head of School
Approve the school's annual budget and financial plan
er Christamtsis Board Chair
Helen Pajcic Nicholson Board Chair
Hampton Graham Treasurer
Bob Stewart Secretary
Freddie Williams
Josh Ashby
Laura Alrutz
David Doward
Jessica Wynne Class of ‘ 94
Katie Hammill
Stategic Plan Update 2023-2028
Overview
With guidance from our mission and the invaluable input of our community, the Board of Trustees is pleased to provide an update on where we are in this important journey Together, we are advancing initiatives that strengthen our programs, nurture our students, and ensure Discovery continues to be a place where every child can learn, grow, and thrive
Goals
and Objectives
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & PROGRAM GROWTH
Curriculum and Gradeband Alignment: Our Toddler–Middle School vertical curriculum is taking shape, ensuring a seamless progression of learning
Middle School Growth: A Board–Faculty committee is guiding enhancements that elevate student leadership, voice, and high school readiness
Wellbeing: The Four Pillars of Wellbeing are embedded into student life, fostering balance, resilience, and healthy habits.
HIGH SCHOOL EXPANSION EXPLORATION
Partnering with Independent School Management (ISM) to study feasibility
Input gathered from families, faculty, and students through surveys & listening sessions.
Feasibility study underway; results to be shared soon
CAMPUS SAFETY & ENHANCEMENTS
New perimeter fencing installed for a secure “locked-in” campus
Phase 2 of the Master Plan is launching:
Playground and recreation upgrades
Athletic Turf Field
ENRICHING STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Partnership with OCEARCH for hands-on marine research & conservation learning, including opportunities for live shark tracking and real-world science engagement.
Expanding athletics: Middle School athletic league participation to support teamwork, wellness & school spirit
Team Discovery 2025-26
Administration
Petra Obritzberger ⎜Head of School
Jill Nason ⎜Director of Finance & HR
Nita Hurley ⎜Co-Director of Admissions, Marketing & Communications
Meghan Devlin ⎜ Co-Director of Admissions, Marketing & Communications
Mary Waldroff ⎜ Director of Philanthropy
Shane Remenda ⎜Director of Facilities, Health & Safety
Trevis Nelson ⎜ Dean of Students
Chad Bishop ⎜Athletic Director
Hannah Rose ⎜Business Office Coordinator
Jasmine Ramos ⎜ Aftercare Coordinator
Mariya Stephenson ⎜Social Media & Public Relations Coordinator
Stacy Derleth ⎜Librarian & Webmaster
Academic Coordinators & Student Experience
Heather Oulton Rousseau ⎜ Director of Upper School & High School Advisor
Cat Blakelock ⎜Director of Lower School
Erica Wright ⎜ Elementary Coordinator
Laura Bayer ⎜Curriculum Coordinator
Lauren Meredith ⎜UE Lead Teacher & IB PYP Coordinator
Trevis Nelson ⎜Dean of Students
Liz Colavecchio ⎜ Lead Teacher & Primary Program Coordinator
Robin Thomas ⎜ Lead Teacher & Curriculum Coordinator
Christine Tocco ⎜Lead Teacher & Curriculum Coordinator
Naomi Kaplan ⎜Learning Specialist
Ellen Baughman ⎜School Counselor
Aftercare & Substitute Team
Odemaris Alfonso-Sierra
Jenny Caceres
Jessica Michael
Wendy Morton
Abigail Roberts
Lisa Rodriguez
Olivia Roorbach
Alyssa Sheck
Isida Skarço
Kristie Starnieri
Anna Tocco
Carol Young
Enrichment Team
Maria Fournier-Bernal ⎜Spanish
Chad Bishop ⎜Athletic Director, P.E. Teacher & Coach
Marie Carpenter ⎜Ecodiscovery & STEM
Stacy Derleth ⎜Librarian
Yoko Lafferty ⎜ Japanese
Ana Paz ⎜Art
Adam Rohrer ⎜Music
Will Smith ⎜Director of Innovation & STEM
Chantal Windham ⎜Spanish & World Language Coordinator
Andreina Zubizarreta ⎜Spanish
Toddler Team
Ashley Rowe ⎜Lead Teacher
Nicole Peters ⎜Lead Teacher
Lindsay Townsend ⎜Lead Teacher
Christine Tocco ⎜Lead Teacher
Anna Tocco ⎜Associate Teacher
Steven Beck ⎜Associate Teacher
Lisa Rodriguez ⎜Associate Teacher
Jessica Michael ⎜Associate Teacher
Cali Nix ⎜Associate Teacher
Odemaris Alfonso-Sierra ⎜Associate Teacher
Linda Phelps ⎜Toddler Mentor
Primary Team
Lilli Bramley ⎜Lead Teacher
Liz Colavecchio ⎜Lead Teacher
Kelly Gallagher ⎜Lead Teacher
Rachel Greisinger ⎜Lead Teacher
Robin Thomas ⎜Lead Teacher
Cathy Langdon ⎜Associate Teacher
Isida Skarco ⎜Associate Teacher
Susan Tsai ⎜Associate Teacher
Megan Varnadore ⎜Associate Teacher
RaeAnne Wesley ⎜Associate Teacher
Kelsey Swartout ⎜Team Associate Teacher
Stacey Berman-Woodward ⎜Team Associate Teacher
Elementary Team
Lauren Dobson ⎜FE Lead Teacher
Ashly Isaacs ⎜FE Lead Teacher
Sara LoSchiavo ⎜FE Lead Teacher
Sarah Mackey ⎜ FE Lead Teacher
Annie Payton ⎜ FE Lead Teacher
Lori Price ⎜FE Lead Teacher
Casey Blumenthal ⎜ LE Lead Teacher
Cara Baxter-Downs ⎜LE Lead Teacher
Caroline Lebet ⎜LE Lead Teacher
Kate Normington ⎜LE Lead Teacher
Lindsay Strohecker ⎜ LE Lead Teacher
Maggie Venn ⎜LE Lead Teacher
Emily Harezlak ⎜UE Lead Teacher
Amba Kone ⎜UE Lead Teacher
Lauren Meredith ⎜UE Lead Teacher
Kim Strong ⎜UE Lead Teacher
Middle School
Ingrid Bowler ⎜Literature, Global Perspectives & Wellness
Heather Oulton Rousseau ⎜Wellness
Deborah Robbins ⎜Mathematics
Will Smith ⎜Big History Project & STEM
Kim Strong ⎜Comprehensive Science Teacher
Chantal Windham ⎜Spanish
Asked & Answered
Dr Carolyn Lane, Co-Founder of The Discovery School
04
01
IntroduceyourselfandtellusalittlebitaboutyourhistorywithDiscovery.
My name is Carolyn Lane, and I arrived at the beach in 1986 when my children were three (Brittany) & one (Austin) I studied biochemistry in college and earned a PhD in Pharmacology (doing basic research) in graduate school at the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by a postdoc at the University of Florida As there were no research opportunities available in the Jacksonville area at the time, I chose to raise my children as my primary vocation at that time; a fascinating experiment, as all parents can attest Soon, I was deeply interested in how to educate young children. I was familiar with Montessori education when the first Montessori program (Tides) opened for a single primary class (ages 3-6), and I transferred my daughter After she graduated (first class of 5 students) and entered first grade at a local public school, I knew her time in an enriched environment had ended With the support of the parents, all equally discouraged by their educational choices…Sandy Becker (one of the first teachers) and I audaciously and naively decided to START our own school to continue their Montessori education! What any parent would do, right?!
02
Whatwastheoriginalvisionfortheschool?
ThevisionwastoestablishaMontessori-principledschoolfocusedonchild-centricandmanipulative learningthatwouldbepredicatedonrespectforthechildren,fortheteachers,andtheenvironment.The ideawasfortheschooltobearesourceforthechildren,parentsandthecommunity Thegoalofeducation ispeace MariaMontessori
03
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself on the first day?
That’s a tricky one, there was so much preparation to open a school from space to rent, materials (endless laminating), government documents (501(c)(3) Incorporation), business licenses, enrollment, payroll, report cards, teacher training just the surface of requirements BUT the advice I would give myself would be confidence that it would work out
Using only one word, how would you define The Discovery School?
Not possible…but some words would be “ a peaceful place for real engagement/learning and discovery by the child”
05What is your favorite Discovery memory of tradition?
Everything we did was new, but we did try to create traditions, including Historical Halloween (dress as a person from history); family May Day (complete with Maypole dance); field trips (to take the learning outdoors); birthday celebrations (walking around the sun, i e , a candle); Holiday Program (singing and acting).
What impact do you hope the school will continue to have on its students and the community?
My fervent hope is that Discovery students become respectful, peaceful adults who are curious lifelong learners and problem-solvers who enrich our community
How has the school stayed true to its original mission over the years?
The approach of teachers modeling respect, kindness, joy and patience with the children continues to be evident throughout the program. The fundamental Montessori environment from Toddler through Primary deeply roots the students for the IB experience in the elementary years
Whatareyoumostproudofwhenyoulookattheschooltoday?
Iamsoproudofthecommitmentoftheparents,families,teachers,board members,administrators,andcommunityadvocateswho,eachintheirtime, haveworkedhardtocarryforward,sustain,andupholdouruniqueandenriched learningcenter Inaddition,Iamimmenselygratefulthatmygrandsons,Logan andBennettHimmelberger,canbepartofTheDiscoverySchoolexperience.
Whatisonethingyouhopetheschoolneverchanges?
Theforemostcommitmenttothechildandhis/herneeds.
Wheredoyouseetheschoolinthenext35years?
TheDiscoverycommunitywillprovidedirectionasitalwayshas Theschoolwasincorporatedasanonprofitentity,whichis,bydefinition,apubliccharity Nooneownstheschool Itwillalwaysreflecttheneeds ofthecurrentcropofstudents,parents,teachers,andadministrators.Onlythededicationofthateverevolvinggroupwillensurethattheschoolremainsstrongandvibranttofulfillitsmission
Asked & Answered
Leah Hudson, Co-Founder of The Discovery School
01
IntroduceyourselfandtellusalittlebitaboutyourhistorywithDiscovery.
My name is Leah Hudson, and I have three daughters who all grew up with Discovery: Mackenzie, Whitney, and Danielle. In my professional life, I was partner in an export business which supplied refined vegetable oil to countries in need through the US Food for Peace Program I fell in love with Montessori at the school Mackenzie attended in New Orleans, and both Whitney and Danielle attended Montessori Tides in Jacksonville Beach for their primary years It was where I met Carolyn and learned of her efforts to start a Montessori Lower Elementary program (1st-3rd grade) She invited me to join the board when Discovery was located at the Ribault Garden Club I eagerly agreed, with the express purpose of building a school that was bigger than the personalities involved, and strong enough to have a life of its own.
As Discovery grew – adding the Toddler Program, then the Primary Program – I purchased property for the school and its growing needs Our first building was on 6th Avenue North, in Jacksonville Beach, followed by its current location on Shetter Avenue We placed a portable on the Shetter Avenue property and soon began building the beautiful classrooms you see today The rest, as they say, is history.
Discovery has been a special place for me and four generations of my family My father, Coy Holaway, enjoyed volunteering his time seeing to the maintenance of the early buildings, and he became everyone ’ s grandfather through his service to Discovery
Whitney and Danielle attended Discovery Montessori School at our 6th Avenue campus, and Danielle also attended the Shetter Avenue campus, where the school is today. While Mackenzie was always one year ahead of Discovery’s programs, she returned to Jacksonville after college and became an assistant in Ms Dotty’s primary classroom (now P4, which her son Pete attended years later)
We consider it a great privilege that our family has been so closely connected to the school and helped create the foundation for the strong Montessori environment and community still enjoyed to this day 02
Whatwastheoriginalvisionoftheschool?
The original vision was to provide a quality Montessori Lower Elementary environment for our children and others completing Montessori Tides, creating the opportunity for them to continue their Montessori education. Our community and vision quickly grew, and we added the Toddler Program (with Ms. Linda), followed by our own Primary Program, and a dedicated staff (including Ms Cathy) to help bring it to life
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself on the first day?
I’m not sure I would advocate going back in time. Had we known in advance how much it was going to take to grow a successful Montessori community, it might have been too daunting for any of us In this case, dedication and naiveté served us well We all knew that together, we were going to do anything it took to make sure Discovery would thrive and succeed 03
Using only one word, how would you define The Discovery School?
No single word could come close to adequately describing the school The heartfelt respect and caring guidance each child receives every day make Discovery an extraordinary learning environment
05
What is your favorite Discovery memory or tradition?
There are many to choose from, but my favorite was always May Day It was a spring celebration that the school held to give back to the parents, in appreciation of all their support throughout the year The children worked together to weave the Maypole, and the event was complete with Renaissance minstrels in full costume strolling the grounds, playing beautiful period music
What impact do you hope the school will continue to have on the students and the community?
It is my hope that Discovery continues to inspire children to grow into adults who love learning for learning’s sake, who are critical thinkers and peaceful problem solvers who respect themselves, others, and the world we share
How has the school stayed true to its original mission over the years?
The school has maintained the highest level of respect for the children, and always strives to make every day a journey of “Discovery” for each individual child
What are you most proud of when you look at the school today?
Seeing the children thrive (my grandson Pete included) and witnessing the ever-growing community of parents, teachers, and administrators flourish makes all the effort in the beginning worthwhile
What is one thing you hope the school never changes?
I hope Discovery keeps its strong Montessori foundation and remains dedicated to providing a quality, child-centered education, rooted in peace, that respects children, their families, and all who help make the classrooms the magical places of learning they are
Where do you see the school in the next 35 years?
I see a mature, thriving campus, with exceptional staff, educating children who will be the compassionate, capable leaders of their communities and beyond. I hope Discovery continues this tradition for generations to come. 10
THE DISCOVERY SCHOOL:
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
by: Dr Carolyn Lane, Founder
Montessori education was introduced to Jacksonville Beach by Kathy Graham, who founded Montessori Tides in 1986 She converted a small home into a school Seeing an ad and already familiar with Montessori education, I transferred my then 3-year-old daughter, Brittany She joined the inaugural class and thrived in the warm embrace of the respectful space, rich with manipulative materials There wasn’t a day that she and, later, her brother Austin did not want to go to school I began to read extensively about Maria Montessori and her technique of childcentric learning
Transitioning to public school for first grade, Brittany‘s experience was antithetical to Montessori: huge reading groups, children at their desks, no materials, not even plants to watch grow, limited time at “centers”, and endless worksheets (“ditto death”). Halfway through the year, the parents of the first class from Tides convened to discuss how they were feeling about their elementary choices, and the response was uniformly uninspired However, we did feel inspired to research options
We piled into a van (the SUV of the 80s) and traveled north to see a Montessori-based elementary classroom at the Amelia Island Montessori School We were mesmerized watching busy and focused students do challenging work, advanced math, language, geography, etc Amelia Island’s program was about 10 years old and founded by parents if “they” could create such a vibrant school, so could WE!
So, how does one go about starting a Montessori school? Well, believe it or not, we bought a large format book, while not entitled “Montessori School for Dummies,” it was comprehensive and outlined all facets of getting going The adage that “if we’d known how challenging it would be, we wouldn’t have done it” might have applied after the first years However, we were naive enough to believe that committed smart moms were capable of creating a brand-new school from scratch
This was the winter of 1990 and to have the program up and running for the fall semester there was LOTS to do The number one priority was to identify resolute parents motivated to send their students, and in fact, all 11 of the first graduates of Tides signed on. Sandy Becker and I sat poolside as our supervised children played and wrote the incorporation for Discovery Montessori School as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ( to take taxdeductible gifts) organization This exercise required quite a bit of optimistic guesswork, answering questions like “How many students will be enrolled in Year 3?”. We looked at each other and negotiated a seemingly reasonable number, i e , we guessed! One thing we were certain of, though, was that Discovery would be a non-profit entity, and as such, it would not belong to anyone except the students, parents, teachers, and the community.
Okay, hey we need trained teachers! Sandy Becker, who previously taught Latin at Episcopal High School, and Vicky Sizer, my daughter’s Suzuki violin instructor, agreed to pay for and attend Montessori primary teacher education training and to teach that fall as self-directed interns (Montessori elementary education did not exist in NE Florida) Okay, checked that box, now where to host our nascent program?
We inexpensively rented and renovated a less-thanideal space in a narrow rectangular building behind the Ribault Garden Club in Jacksonville Beach. We needed Montessori materials We bought a lot in bulk from a school that was going out of business in New Orleans We purchased a used 2-foot-wide black laminator and spent many days creating and laminating materials. For years, the laminator was essentially my dining table centerpiece!
How did we fund the start-up of a school?… We borrowed limited money from ourselves and our families, and charged all students a $3,000 tuition
While Sandy and Vicky were hard at work learning how to be Montessori teachers (Sandy said it was harder than any course in college), I was relegated to figuring out the endless administrative requirements from payroll & tax forms to newsletters & report cards, plus MORE
What to name our school? When you consider traditional education, what is the largest piece of furniture in the classroom? Who is considered the source of learning? It’s the teacher’s desk and the teacher is thought to convey knowledge to “ young children, or little sponges that soak up information?” Maria Montessori, the first woman to earn a medical degree in Italy around 1900, turned this age-old thinking upside down She proclaimed that every child is born with an insatiable desire to understand how the world works It is the role of the teacher (she called them directors) to set before the child a path of knowledge acquisition The child would be shown materials in a prepared environment to allow her to “discover” how the world works. Thus our school would become a place where DISCOVERY takes place!
Eventually, Leah Hudson joined our 3-person board of directors She generously provided boundless energy and financial dedication, which for years allowed Discovery to expand and grow. She purchased a small home at 3rd Street N and 3rd Avenue N in Jacksonville Beach to convert into a licensed school This included expensive renovations to meet all government requirements, including handicap access, etc. I can readily picture Leah and, especially, her father, Coy Holaway, along with others, laboring to make the house a real school We had space now and added the first Montessori toddler classroom in north Florida, led by the incomparable Peggy Nolan Acquiring educational credentials was a primary goal, and the school passed all certifications to be affiliated and later certified with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Florida Kindergarten Council
I guess we never doubted that our small group of thoughtful, committed parents could change our world but in retrospect, it seems rather amazing that we launched Discovery School in the fall of 1990 with 11 students, 2 teachers, 1 unpaid administrator, and countless volunteer hours by dedicated supporters!
Special memories of these years included the May Day family celebration with laurelwreathed children dancing around the Maypole and field trips to Little Talbot Island Park
Discovery continued to expand and attract parents dedicated to an educational system based on respect for each other, respect for the teachers, and respect for the materials Maria Montessori postulated that such an environment would yield respectful, caring adults. We outgrew our little “school house” and once again, Leah Hudson provided an avenue of growth by purchasing 2 lots at the corner of 15th Street and Shetter Ave The property between Beach Blvd and Shetter Ave housed a large trailer park
Leah presciently realized that when the trailers would be gone, any such land east of the Intracoastal Waterway at the beach would be prohibitively expensive She was right, and Discovery now had the anchor property that would house our incredible educational village at the beach Funny our first building was a classroom trailer!
Leah and I are incredibly proud of our contributions to creating Discovery and are honored that the school resides on the Hudson-Lane campus! It brings us immeasurable joy that currently our grandsons, Logan & Bennett Himmelberger, and Pete Robinson are the next generation in our families to attend Discovery
Discovery has grown over 35 years from its humble beginnings, adding new buildings and properties one by one. This growth was possible with the support of many altruistic parents, grandparents, and friends giving their time and treasure to build a lasting school for our children and our community I deeply applaud and recognize the countless dedicated teachers, administrators, and board members who have, each in their time, committed to keeping our shared dream alive and allowing it to thrive into the years ahead When everyone finds their way to contribute to the program, it becomes stronger. Most important of all, however, will always be OUR STUDENTS, past, present, and future, whose lives are enriched by their Discovery experience!
PLANTING THE SEEDS OF INDEPENDENCE: OUR MONTESSORI TODDLER PROGRAM
by: Cat Blakelock, Lower School Director
When most people think of early childhood education, they picture a colorful classroom filled with blocks, picture books, and finger paints While these are important parts of any toddler’s world, a Montessori toddler program goes deeper planting the seeds for independence and a love of learning.
A Foundation for Life
Dr Maria Montessori believed that the first three years of life are crucial During this time, a child’s brain is growing faster than at any other stage They are absorbing everything around them language, behavior, routines, and developing their sense of independence.
In our Toddler environments, children aren’t just playing they’re engaging in meaningful, purposeful work You might see a child carefully pouring water from a pitcher, helping to sweep the floor, or putting on their own shoes. These everyday tasks help toddlers develop motor skills, concentration, and a sense of independence
As a school, we embrace this natural period of development by creating a space that supports a toddler’s need to explore, move, and do things for themselves
How Toddlers Learn in a Montessori Classroom
Everything in a Montessori toddler classroom is designed to meet the unique developmental needs of children aged 18 months to 3 years It’s a calm, orderly space where children can move freely and choose their own activities.
Key features include:
Freedom within limits: Children choose work that interests them, developing independence and focus.
Practical life skills: Tasks like sweeping, dressing, or preparing snacks teach responsibility and coordination
Language development: Rich conversations, songs, and stories build vocabulary and communication skills.
Movement and order: Children can move their bodies and explore, while routines help them feel secure
Respectful guidance: Teachers observe closely and support each child’s development at their own pace.
A Look Back in Time
Maria Montessori opened her Casa de Bambini or “Children’s House” in 1907 in Rome. The Discovery School’s Toddler Program began in 1992. While these two milestones are 85 years apart, our Toddler program embraces the philosophy and experiential learning opportunities developed by Dr Montessori over 120 years ago Our Toddler Lead teachers undergo extensive training through the American Montessori Society to deeply understand the developmental needs of students. We are fortunate to have a member of the Toddler team who has been with the program for over 30 years! She provides a wealth of practical knowledge and historical context that helps the Toddler team stay true to who we are as a school. Additionally, we love seeing our alumni returning to our campus as parents. This generational support of our school and our mission is incredible!
Seeing Toddlers Differently
In a world that often underestimates toddlers, Montessori shows us what young children are truly capable of when given trust, structure, and freedom It teaches us to slow down, observe, and support When we give toddlers meaningful work, a peaceful environment, and loving guidance, we ’ re not just preparing them for school we ’ re helping them become confident, curious, and compassionate individuals. We are thrilled to be a part of your child’s lifelong journey of learning
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ON THE HORIZON
by Erica Wright, Elementary Program Coordinato
As Discovery celebrates 35 years of inspiring young minds, we continue to honor our tradition of taking learning beyond the classroom walls Experiential learning has always been at the heart of our mission, and this year our Foundational Elementary (FE) and Lower Elementary (LE) students will take part in experiences that connect directly to their International Baccalaureate (IB) units while creating memories that last a lifetime
For our FE students, the year began with an exploration of the Guana Preserve, Where we are in Place and Time to life. Students observed Florida’s ecosystems up close, discovering the ways animals adapt to their surroundings and the responsibility we share in protecting our natural environment Later this semester, they’ll step into the magic of The Nutcracker, aligned with their unit, How We Express Ourselves. Beyond the beauty of the performance, students will enjoy a special Q&A session with the performers, offering a rare opportunity to see the artistry of storytelling through dance, music, and costume design
Our LE students are preparing for equally exciting opportunities One highlight will be swimming with manatees, an unforgettable experience tied to the IB unit Where We Are in Place and Time Students will reflect on the manatees’ significance in Florida’s history and ecosystem while gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation.
LE will also bring economics to life through a classroom economy unit connected to How We Organize Ourselves Students will interview for jobs, work in their roles, earn money, and then make thoughtful choices to invest, spend, or save based on their goals This immersive experience not only develops financial literacy but also fosters responsibility, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
As we look to the future, these experiences remind us of what has always made Discovery special For 35 years, we have nurtured curiosity, built meaningful connections between learning and the world, and equipped our students to become compassionate, confident, and engaged global citizens. The journey continues and it’s brighter than ever
FROM CURIOSITY TO ACTION: YOUR CHILD'S JOURNEY TO THE IB PYP EXHIBITION
by: Lauren Meredith, Upper Elementary lead Teacher PYP Coordinator
Every spring, the Upper Elementary students host an event where they get to let their passions shine as they inspire change. This event is called the PYP Exhibition. It is the culminating experience of their journey through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), a program that nurtures inquiry, collaboration, and global-mindedness By the time students reach this milestone, they have developed a wide range of skills that allow them to take on complex challenges, explore meaningful questions, and share their learning with the community
The Exhibition is not just another project It is a chance for students to become leaders of their own learning. They identify issues that matter to them, conduct deep research, interview experts, and analyze different perspectives They brainstorm creative solutions and communicate their findings through digital media, written reports, artwork, and oral presentations. In doing so, they demonstrate not only what they know but also who they are becoming as thoughtful, responsible citizens of the world
This past spring, our PYP Exhibition was a powerful reminder of how young people can inspire change when they are trusted with responsibility Students chose topics that reflected both their personal interests and their desire to make a difference Some groups tackled pressing global issues, such as the urgency of climate change and its impact on coastal ecosystems
Others turned their attention inward, exploring how to nurture self-esteem and confidence in teenagers or how to support the mental wellness of our police force, who often serve under great stress Still others focused on mental well-being for all, recognizing that health is not only physical but emotional One group even looked to the past, studying prehistoric creatures to understand how history can inform our view of today’s changing world
Each year, what stands out most about Exhibition is the ownership students feel over their work The PYP Exhibition is entirely student-driven: they select their topics, design their lines of inquiry, and determine the best ways to share their discoveries Teachers and mentors guided them along the way, but the students led the charge. They learn to balance independence with teamwork, to listen respectfully to one another’s perspectives, and to navigate challenges with resilience
The process itself is just as meaningful as the final event. In the months leading up to the Exhibition presentations, the Upper Elementary classroom buzzed with energy Students debated solutions, revised presentations, and rehearsed speeches They reached out to local experts for interviews and crafted surveys to gather data Many of them discovered talents they didn’t know they had whether it was public speaking, digital design, or artistic expression They also faced moments of frustration when things didn’t go as planned, but those challenges became opportunities to practice perseverance and problem-solving
When the Exhibition presentation days finally arrived, the atmosphere was electric Each booth was a reflection of weeks of research and collaboration Visitors listened to students speak passionately about their topics, viewed multimedia, and asked thoughtful questions. The pride in the students’ faces was unmistakable They weren’t just presenting information; they were inspiring change
Through the IB PYP Exhibition, our Upper Elementary students show us that the future is bright They are learning how to ask big questions, how to seek out truth with integrity, and how to work with others to build solutions These are the very skills our world needs. If this is what they can accomplish in elementary school, we can only imagine the impact they will have as they continue their educational journeys
AJOURNEYOFDISCOVERY
by: Amba Kone, Upper Elementary Lead Teacher
Last year ’ s Upper Elementary adventure to Savannah, Georgia was truly unforgettable the perfect blend of history, culture, learning, and fun From the moment we set foot in the historic city, students were immersed in its unique character. We strolled through Savannah’s meticulously manicured squares, pausing to learn about the city’s founders and the rich stories that shaped its past History felt alive all around us, but there was still plenty of room for joy and play. Forsyth Park quickly became a favorite stop, where students let go of all abandon and played freely under the sprawling oaks.
No trip to Savannah would be complete without a sweet treat, and River Street delivered Students delighted in sampling Byrd’s Famous Cookies and gummy bears as big as their heads, as they took in the sights of the bustling waterfront
Our explorations also transported us back in time, as we spent a day stepping into the shoes of Civil War soldiers gaining perspective on what daily life was like during one of the most pivotal eras of American history
One of the most memorable challenges of the trip was climbing what felt like a thousand steps to the top of the lighthouse Once we made it, the breathtaking i f h i d li i d d h h
Fletcher Wright ‘28, and Gavin Buccilli ‘ 27 take in the Savannah Coast after the Dolphin sight-seeing tour
Evenings were filled with just as much excitement After enjoying a fine dinner spread, the energy soared when Mr Trevi l d h onto the dance floor The Electric became the highlight of the night, and smiles spreading across the ro joined in Another highlight came cruise, where the sight of baby dol in the waves made the evening tru
The entire experience was a tapest history and learning woven tog community, and joy Memories we every turn, and the trip continues
Upper Elementary Students learning how Savannah’s seaports shaped its history
CELEBRATING OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP
WITH OCEARCH
The Discovery School officially set sail on a new era of environmental learning this past May with the announcement of a partnership with OCEARCH, the world-renowned organization dedicated to shark research and ocean conservation The news was shared at a special assembly where the school community came together to celebrate this milestone moment
This collaboration gives students from Foundational Elementary through Middle School direct connections to authentic science and conservation work. Each trimester, classroom teachers will weave OCEARCH-related lessons into their International Baccalaureate (IB) units, while STEM faculty will extend the learning with supplementary activities Together, these lessons will place environmental stewardship and marine science at the center of student inquiry
The highlight of the event was not only making the partnership official, but also unveiling the longterm vision: reconnecting students to an environmental focus by linking their studies to cutting-edge conservation At one point during the announcement, cheers erupted as students watched the OCEARCH shark tracker light up with pings from sharks across the Atlantic, giving them a glimpse of the research they’ll be learning from in the classroom
Field trips to OCEARCH’s vessel and headquarters are in the works, bringing marine science out of the textbook and into a lived experience In addition, the school is planning student action initiatives, encouraging children to make a real difference, whether through fundraising efforts or by making sustainable choices at home to reduce microplastics and ocean pollution
These opportunities highlight The Discovery School’s ongoing commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary education that not only prepares students for academic success but also nurtures environmental awareness and global responsibility
For Discovery School students, this partnership is more than an exciting addition to the curriculum It represents a pathway into the world of science, showing them how curiosity, research, and action can converge to protect our planet. Some may be inspired to pursue careers in STEM or marine biology, while others will carry forward the broader lesson of global citizenship, recognizing their role in safeguarding the natural world
As the cheers from the assembly fade, the impact of the announcement is just beginning to ripple outward By linking the classroom to the open seas, The Discovery School and OCEARCH are ensuring that students not only learn about the challenges facing our oceans but also become part of the solution.
Follow along as we track our adopted shark, Contender. Meet Contender, the ultimate ocean warrior! This powerful white shark was tagged on January 17, 2025, off the FL/GA coast, about 45 miles offshore At 13 8 feet long and weighing an estimated 1,653 lbs, Contender is a mature male now contributing to OCEARCH’s mission of shark research and ocean conservation.
CLASS OF 2025
Ashley Christamtsis ⎸ Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Emma Evans ⎸ St Johns Country Day
Isabella Evans ⎸ St Johns Country Day
Lyla Frisch ⎸ Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Zach Getchell ⎸ Ponte Vedra High School
Lara Goodrich ⎸ Ponte Vedra High School
Tristan Norman ⎸ Bishop Kenney High School
Lea Peraza ⎸ Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Mia Sorresso ⎸ Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
Rowin Wright ⎸ St Augustine High School
The Graduating Class of 2025 marked a celebratory moment for our Middle School Program, as it was the first time we were able to host the graduation on campus. As the graduates enter their next chapter, the Discovery School community extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for their future endeavors
Ashley Christamtsis Joined Discovery in 2014
Lyla Frisch Joined Discovery in 2013
Lara Goodrich Joined Discovery in 2012
"What I Believe" by the Class of 2025
Ashley Christamtsis, Emma Evans, Isabella Evans, Lyla Frisch, Lara Goodrich, Zachary Getchell, Tristan Norman, Lea Peraza, Mia Sorresso, Rowin Wright
“I believe in equality for everyone, especially when equality has seemingly become extinct
I believe in treating people with kindness and that good put into the world will eventually come back to you.
I believe in long days of fishing – family by my side, sun over the horizon
I believe that socks disappearing in the laundry is simply science, we will never understand.
I believe friends are the family we choose
I believe in looking at both sides of every story, like two sides of a single coin
I believe in honesty.
I believe Easter was far superior, however, when we thought the Easter Bunny actually existed
I believe government can bring people together – but politics is like a raging river with two sides and no bridge
I believe peace is a tapestry woven by hope
I believe music can bond people, lyrics forging connections through shared feelings and experiences
I believe every day is a chance to have a good day
I believe in the beauty of nature and that climate change is real
I believe autumn is the best season: when the air is golden, and the trees are sunset orange.
I believe Christmas decor should be put up during December –and Santa’s elves should demand better working conditions
I believe in stargazing: Dark nights, Soft blankets, Crickets chirping
I believe in the power of a quiet night, how it holds silence that amplifies voices not normally heard
I believe we should listen to those voices, and when they cry out, declaring a need for change, we must listen… and we must act.
I believe hot dogs are not sandwiches, Pluto is a planet, and cereal is not soup
I believe in differences coming together and listening before judging
I believe unrealistic beauty standards are just a sad excuse to hate
I believe late-night talks with friends are the best form of therapy
I believe in second chances
I believe we are not alone – and no one should be
I believe in education and the importance of lifelong learning
I believe change is inevitable.
I believe the actions we take today can impact our future
I believe people can be better than they are, do more than they do, and accomplish more than they know I believe growing up is weird, scary, exciting, messy and kind of beautiful
I believe that no one really has it all figured out, and that’s okay
CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES
The Kindergarten Bridging Ceremony for our students honored students who completed our Primary Program and are moving to our Foundational Elementary Program The Bridging Ceremony is part of a Montessori tradition that symbolizes passing through to the next level of their learning and growth cycle. The sweet ceremony included a small bridge for each child to walk over, followed by the students taking turns, marking what they would miss and what they were looking forward to
Supporting our Mission: Spring Soirée
This past spring, we had the distinct pleasure of gathering for a special evening dedicated to celebrating our incredible Leadership Level donors Their annual commitment is a powerful force, directly enriching the student experience in countless ways The evening was a wonderful opportunity to express our profound gratitude and to highlight the meaningful impact of their generosity on our community
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR A GRANT FROM The Chartrand Foundation
Supporting our Mission: September Social
The event was the perfect way to kick off the new school year by bringing our adult community together in a fun and festive environment We are excited about the year ahead and can't wait to continue strengthening the bonds within our school community
PTO Leadership Team
President: Brittany Lane
Vice President: Kathy Sella
Secretary: Bree Williams
Communications: Mackenzie Robinson
Social Media & Community Outreach: Margaux Nissen-Gray
PTO SPOTLIGHT
The Discovery School PTO is a dynamic group of parents who volunteer their time to create joyful experiences that connect and grow our wonderful community. Our PTO has a leadership team that is there to guide and support, but at Discovery, each and every parent/caregiver is automatically a member of the PTO and plays an essential role in helping it thrive
Our PTO’s goal is to strengthen and enrich our school community by involving families from all grade levels - from our Toddler classes through Middle School This year, we have added parent liaisons from all the grades to cultivate better communication and ensure that we have a clear and cohesive network, working collaboratively to serve our vibrant community
Attendance at PTO meetings is growing exponentially year on year The PTO meetings occur every other month on Tuesday mornings in the Peter & Jennifer Sleiman Building Atrium Coffee & treats are provided, as well as time to socialize before the meetings begin at 9:00 am It’s the perfect time to meet fellow parents, find out what’s coming up, and learn more about how you can make a difference
The Dolphin Social Club was launched this year to harness the spirit of the Discovery School in a variety of social settings - ranging from our bustling coffee mornings on Wednesdays after drop off at Le Petit Paris, to our inaugural Moms’ Night Out at Buddha Thai Bistro and the first Dads’ Night Out at Mayport Brewing Company The first Wednesday of every month, the Dolphin Social Club meets for a walk, giving parents the opportunity to exercise while meeting new and old friends. Stay tuned for upcoming walks, yoga classes, and many more fun evenings together
Highlights of the year include a plethora of wellloved events:
Our Mid-Summer Playdate was a great way to reconnect with old friends and welcome our new families to the community! Fall Festival (Oct 18, 3:00-6:00 pm) transforms our familiar school campus into an autumnal paradise, with treats, games, and crafts for kids and adults of all ages Around the World (April 18) showcases the diverse range of heritages and cultures of our Discovery School families This event grows each year, boasting booths from over 20 countries, with food, entertainment, and activities for the whole family to enjoy This winter, we’ll come together for Family Night at Deck the Chairs (Dec 12), Movie Morning (Jan 24), a Lower Grades Dance (Feb 6), and an Upper School Outing (Feb 12)!
All of these events require volunteers! Whatever your skillset - whether it’s crafting or cleaning, purchasing items from a wish list or hosting a booth - we welcome one and all to participate for whatever amount of time you can commit to All PTO events are powered by parents like you, and your support is greatly appreciated.
Ensuring that the Discovery School staff receive the gratitude they deserve is one of the most important roles of the PTO A coffee truck is on campus every month, providing them beverages and delicious baked goods. During Teacher Appreciation Week, we have the opportunity to honor the hard work of our teachers and thank them for their dedication to giving our kids the very best learning environment and support
Come and celebrate our amazing community at all the events hosted by the PTO! And please join us either for a coffee, a walk, or an upcoming gathering If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to sign up to volunteer please email PTO@thediscoveryschool.org
Discovery Fund 2024-25 Annual Report
Together,theDiscoveryCommunityraised$285,210duringthe2024-25schoolyear!
Thisincredibleachievementwasmadepossiblebyyoursupport Yourgiftsensuredtheschoolwasabletomeet100%operationalfunding
The 1990 Society of Sustainers
Leinesa and Kenneth Adams
The Albus Family
Anonymous
The Ashby Family
The Barlow Family
Nancy & Gary Chartrand
Pete Christamtsis & Katie Hammill
The Cronin Family
Megan & Matt Del Pizzo
DrJames E Freidenstein & Jennifer
Freidenstein
Meredith & Mark Frisch
KT & Jeff Gallagher
Tamara & Shaun Getchell
Cheree & Hampton Graham
Judi & Paul Greisinger
Caitlin & Ryan Greene
Tim & Jeanne Hammill
The Haizlip Family
The Hipsher Family
The Kan Family
Dominique & Dawan Landry
Blair & James Landry
Dr Carolyn Lane
Hilary & Jared Libman
Jiening Liu & Jackie Liuliu Zhang
Helen & Marvin Nicholson
Beth & Paul Posluszny
Jessica & Jeffrey Salazar
Chelsea & Nick Sandifer
Muserref & Necdet Senhart
Brooke & Bill Slater
Peter & Jennifer Sleiman
Mariya & Justin Stephenson
Nicole & Bob Stewart
Kate & Ken Underwood
Bree & Freddie Williams
The Wynne Family
Thank you to our sponsors for the 2024-25 school year
DISCOVERY FUND 2024-25 DONORS
INNOVATORS
Gifts of $10,000 or more
Meredith&MarkFrisch
Cheree&HamptonGraham
Judi&PaulGreisinger
TheKanFamily
Helen&MarvinNicholson
Jessica&JeffreySalazar
Jessica&ChrisWynne
PEACEMAKERS
GIFTS OF $5,000 TO $9,999
Nancy&GaryChartrand
KT&JeffGallagher
Tamara&ShaunGetchell
Caitlin&RyanGreene
Jeanne&TimHammill
Beth&PaulPosluszny
Chelsea&NickSandifer
Kate&KenUnderwood
EXPLORERS
GIFTS OF $2,500 TO $4,999
TheAlbusFamily
TheAshbyFamily
TheBarlowFamily
PeteChristamtsis&KatieHammill
TheHaizlipFamily
Dominique&DawanLandry
Blair&JamesLandry
Hilary&JaredLibman
Brooke&BillSlater
Mariya&JustinStephenson
Nicole&BobStewart
JieningLiu&JackieLiuliuZhang
LEADERS
GIFTS OF $1,200 TO $2,499
Irina&DavidAdams
LeinesaandKennethAdams
TheAlrutzFamily
TheCroninFamily
Megan&MattDelPizzo
Beate&AndrewDormeshian
Dr DavidDoward
TheElli-BorghettiFamily
MaryBaer&ThomasFiorentino
Jessica&JustinFredericks
Jennifer&Dr JamesFreidenstein
Dr CarolynLane
Sofia&JimLennie
Kelsey&MatthewMileski
Petra&GeraldObritzberger
Muserref&NecdetSenhart
Kate&MattService
Amy&LucaTurci
Bree&FreddieWilliams*
*MatchinggiftfromJohnson&Johnson
RISK TAKERS
GIFTS OF $1,000 TO $1,199
Amruta&EmmitteGriggs
KentHuyser
Scott&JoshTayloe
INQUIRERS
GIFTS OF $500 TO $999
DecktheChairs
KathleenFitzgerald
NatalieKenning
TheNissenGrayFamily
Shannon& JosephMontaldo
Emma&TimothyDee
DISCOVERY FUND
2024-25 DONORS
THINKERS
GIFTS OF $250 TO $499
Rebecca&KirklandClarkson
Nicole&EricGoodman
CindyHarris
BrittanyLane&Adam
Himmelberger
TheHurleyFamily
JPMorganChase
Cathy&MikeLangdon
JillNason
HeatherOultonRousseau
Stephanie&DavidPennington
KatelynGray-Salman&Salam
Salman
Suzanne&RussellTriplett
COMMUNICATORS
GIFTS UP TO $249
OdemarisAlfonso
Whitney&StevenBaume
EllenBaughman
CaraBaxter-Downs
Kim&GeneBednarek
ChadBishop&SarahSchneider
CatBlakelock
IngridBowler
LilliBramley
Sara&MathewBrennan
MarieCarpenter
LizColavecchio
Stacy&ZackeryDerleth
Meghan&MattDevlin
Lauren&MatthewDobson
Laura&KyleFallgatter
My-ShyelleaFleming
MariaFournier-Bernal
KellyGallagher
Gail&BerneyGandy
TheGonzalezFamily
EmilyHarezlak
CourtneyIkeda
AshlyIsaacs
RaianiKendrick
AmbaKone
YokoLafferty
CarolineLebet
JuanCarlosLeoniMoreno&Andreina
ZubizarretaOrtega
SaraLoSchiavo
SarahMackey
TheMeredithFamily
TrevisNelson
Amanda&JeffNewman
CarmenNix
AnniePayton
AnaPaz
NicolePeters
Linda&RobertPhelps
LoriPrice
MadisonPruski-Long
TheRamosFamily
ShaneRemenda
BaileyRichards
DeborahRobbins
LisaRodriguez
AdamRohrer
MoraymaRoldan
Hannah,Austin,&ColterRose
Ashley&JoshuaRowe
KatarinaKozarova&KenShuyama
IsidaSkarço
WillSmith
KimStrong
LindsayStrohecker
ChristineTocco
Lindsay&RobertTownsend
SusanTsai
MeganVarnadore
ChantalWindham
ElizabethandJordanWinings
TannerWood
EricaWright
Upcoming Events
October 18, 2025: PTO Fall Festival
NOVEMBER 10, 2025: PARENT-TEACHER & STUDENT -LED CONFERENCES
December 5,2025: Theater Performance at UNF
December 12, 2025: PTO Deck the Chairs Family Night
December 22, 2025-January 2, 2026: Winter Break
January 6, 2026: Classes Resume
January 19, 2026: MLK Jr, No School
January 24, 2026: PTO Movie Morning
JANUARY 26-JANUARY 30, 2026: SPIRIT WEEK
March 16-20, 2026: Spring Break
April 9-16, 2026: Middle School Trip to Costa Rica
