CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI [PDF]

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CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI 2013-2015 ANNUAL REPORT

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CONTENTS Welcome Head of School letter...........................1 President, Board of Trustees letter ....3 Alumni Chiaravalle Recent Graduates.............5 Alumni Feature.....................................7 Educational Insights Feature Article: Technology as Disruptive Innovation in Education.......................9 Class Profiles.......................................12 Financials Financial Report..................................19 Donor Acknowledgements The Campaign for Chiaravalle..........20 Annual Fund 2013-2014.....................25 Annual Benefit Event 2013-14...........28 Fund for Chiaravalle 2014-15.............29 Diversity Endowment.........................32

CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI

WELCOME

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” These words by the Japanese poet Satoro characterize how the collective wisdom, talents and support of our community has ushered Chiaravalle Montessori into a new era of possibilities. We are so grateful and excited by these opportunities. Over the last 7-10 years, Chiaravalle has grown increasingly sophisticated in programming, systems, technology and, with the opening of the North Wing this coming

fall, our physical space. While we continually evolve, we simultaneously reaffirm our Montessori roots to firmly ground and nourish our practices, and support optimal child development. We always consider how we may wisely “follow the child” and “educate the human potential” in the 21st century, taking the most current research into consideration. I like to refer to this thoughtful adaptation as “Modern Montessori.”

As I look to Chiaravalle’s future and the possibilities ahead, I have been working with faculty and staff using three guiding principles to inform our program developments: • Enhancing integrated curriculum studies • Fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, and • Cultivating compassion. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Interdisciplinary studies are, of course, one of the key differentiators of a Montessori education. We want students to have the opportunity to learn meaningfully and deeply with passion, and, as you’ll see through their stories in this Annual Report, this approach is working. With the additional space in the North Wing this coming school year, we aim to further personalize the learning experience by inspiring and guiding students through expanded interdisciplinary studies outside the classroom.   Not only does an interdisciplinary approach help children better understand the world and engage in their learning, but it also creates the optimal framework to develop creative thinking and innovation. As Tony Wagner, Harvard-based author of “Creating Innovators” states, “Montessori schools … have been responsible for producing an inordinately high number of innovators.” Educational Director Clare Heath explores the idea of technology as disruptive innovation in the cornerstone article of this publication.

both compassionate and accomplished. Chiaravalle families are growing compassionate achievers. Together, our community is helping students unfold into the competent, curious, caring and engaged people they are meant to become. Every day presents precious new opportunities for us to guide and respond to their needs and interests. Chiaravalle is honored to share this marvelous journey with you and grateful for the laudable support, generosity and engagement our community shares. Thank you! Warmest wishes,

Where does compassion fit into lifelong success and academics? Critical thinking and problem solving require understanding. I think of compassion as the gravity that holds knowledge together and gives it context. It seems like this would be a given in schools. It is not. According to a recent study by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, “Almost 80 percent of students ranked achievement over caring for others.” Furthermore, these kids believe their parents desire achievement from them over all else. It does not have to be one or the other. Thankfully, Chiaravalle students are given the clear message that you can be Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

Robyn McCloud-Springer Head of School Chiaravalle Montessori

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CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-14 Lucinda Fox, President Sarah Eck-Thompson, Vice President Scott Barton, Treasurer Jes Sherborne, Secretary Kathy Baker Rick Boynton Chris Brandt Margret Duvall Jill Greer Eileen Madden Julie Matthei Shondi Nickell Kristi Piccolo Paul Wright

2014-15 Lucinda Fox, President Jes Sherborne, Vice President Jill Greer, Treasurer Sarah Eck-Thompson, Secretary Kathy Baker Scott Barton Rick Boynton Chris Brandt Margret Duvall Matt Johnson Eileen Madden Shondi Nickell Kristi Piccolo Steve Reed Garry Shumaker Paul Wright

LETTER FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT The 2013-14 school year marked the beginning of a powerful transformation at Chiaravalle Montessori. In the summer prior to the start of school, the Board of Trustees welcomed Robyn McCloudSpringer as our New Head of School. Robyn had long been a part of Chiaravalle, first as an elementary teacher, then Elementary Program Director, then Assistant Head of School for Curriculum. Knowing we were about to embark on our biggest project to date, the creation of a 19,000 square foot addition, we felt sure that Robyn’s leadership and her knowledge of Chiaravalle’s pedagogy, faculty and values would enable us to best shape Chiaravalle’s future. The ‘13-’14 school year was a planning year, a year of envisioning how we could create

space that would reinforce our strong sense of community, allow for more movement and creative projects, demonstrate to the children how we care for the larger environment, enable our students to move about independently, and showcase our performing arts program. Working with our architecture team at Cannon Design and our construction team at Bulley and Andrews, we carefully planned each part of our new space, holding tight to the core of who we are: a place where each child is known, appreciated, and supported in what they need to learn best. We are proud that we are able to pursue LEED Platinum certification for this beautiful, lightfilled new space.

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Just after school ended in June 2014, the old annex containing the gym and community room was demolished as several children and long-time PE teacher Rose Adamczyk looked on, and work began on the geothermal system which will power the new North Wing. Construction continued throughout this last school year, and the children have enjoyed checking the progress each day, peeking through the fence and the windows. The Board, faculty, administration and parent volunteers have contributed many hours to bring this project to fruition, on time and on budget, and to plan new programming for the students when the North Wing opens in the fall. It has been a project that has brought us together, and through all of our work, we have been tremendously inspired by the strong foundation we are working from, and by what is yet to come. At press time, we are on schedule to have the North Wing

completed by the start of school in 2015. We were supported in these efforts by the generosity of our parents, grandparents, and alumni families. Your financial support of our Annual Fund meant that we could offer a record amount of financial assistance to families in need while making good progress on a long-term strategic goal of increasing faculty salaries. We’ve created a more robust Learning Resources department, and maintained high faculty-to-student ratios to make sure we are providing differentiated

instruction to each child. Our community showed tremendous generosity by making multi-year pledges to our Phase II: Transformation Capital Campaign for Chiaravalle, helping fund our North Wing. This annual report acknowledges the donors who have made all of this work possible, including all Annual Fund gifts that came in during both the 2013-14 and 2014-15 fiscal years and all Capital Campaign pledges to date. On behalf of the Board, we thank you for helping us make Chiaravalle even better.

Lucinda Fox President, Board of Trustees

Montessori education encourages independence. In the Toddler program, I have seen basics such as potty training, learning how to feed oneself, putting on a jacket with a cool flip trick. In 3-6, I’ve seen my son grow, from learning to write his name to learning from peers. As a Kinder, he peer teaches others. This independence is also self-motivation to want to do more and learn more, not just in academics, but in many life lessons. Donna Wang Su Parent; Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

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CHIARAVALLE RECENT GRADUATES

2012-2015 Beacon Academy Allison Bernstein, 2015 Jacob Blustein, 2015 Ava Dieden, 2015 Leo Mancini, 2015 Justin Morris, 2015 Anne Raspe, 2014 Maya Muenala Reed, 2014 Ben Senior, 2015 Aidan Thompson, 2015 Evanston Township High School Benjamin Baker-Katz, 2015 Alexandra Balasanov, 2013 Lauren Collins, 2014 Evan Franchere, 2013 Sam Frederickson, 2012 Paige Haden, 2012

Carlin Henikoff, 2015 Fae Kobernik, 2012 Amalia Loiseau, 2014 Jonathan Neuberger, 2013 Celia Nicolson, 2014 Daryus Patel, 2012 Morgan Pierce, 2015 Jakob Reinke, 2013 Brennan Robinson, 2012 Taylor Rosenthal, 2013 Sofia Sant’Anna-Skites, 2013 Grant Seufzer, 2012 Brendan Sorensen, 2012 Nate Tracy-Amoroso, 2013 Hunter Wortmann, 2013 Van Wortmann, 2015 Francis W Parker School Marissa Sanghvi, 2012

Maya Sanghvi, 2014 Chandler Seed, 2012 Latin School of Chicago Olivia Gwilliam, 2013 Madeline Hoffman, 2013 Lincoln Park High School Ruby MacDonald-Bora, 2012 Maine West High School Drew Sztukowski, 2013 New Trier High School Michael Hoxha, 2013 Nicholas Senn High School Julian Avar Campopiano North Shore Country Day Gabrielle Greer, 2014 Phillip Hoffman, 2015

Lily Madden-Neuleib, 2012 Northside College Preparatory High School Colton Ramsdell, 2014 Ella Neurohr, 2014 Roycemore School Charlie Landon, 2013 The Thacher School Thomas “TJ” Gwilliam, 2015 Isabel Ouweleen, 2013 Walter Peyton College Preparatory High School Alicia Maynard, 2012 The Willows Academy Isabella Schmitt, 2013 (Frankfurt, Germany) Katja Burau, 2013

Johnson & Wales University Ellie Sammelbraun, 2008 Kalamazoo College Claire Matthews, 2009 Loyola University Chicago Michelle Frazier, 2007 Northwestern University Katie Christensen, 2011 Noah Rosenthal, 2010 Oakton Community College Ariel Simmons, 2009 Oberlin College and Conservatory Andrew Santiago, 2011 Ohio Wesleyan University Audrey (Darcy) Miller, 2008 Pitzer College Ben Bleier, 2009

Pratt Institute Alexander Berns, 2009 Professional Dancer, Colorado Ballet Molly Klug, 2008 Rhode Island School of Design Gabriel Cohen, 2009 Anya Drozd, 2011 State University of New York-Purchase Keratin Jinakunwiphat, 2008 Williams College William Ouweleen, 2011 University of Colorado-Boulder Matthew Neuberger, 2009 University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign Frank Kurtz, 2009 Kaliroe Pappas, 2011

University of Missouri-Columbia Rose Brown, 2007 University of Oregon Sarah Matthews, 2010 University of San Francisco Kiara Augustin, 2009 University of Southern California Gabriela Santiago, 2009 Western Michigan University Amber Augustin, 2007 Wesleyan University Connor Brennan, 2009 Yale University Adam Birnbaum, 2007 Natalya Sanghvi, 2010 (Mexico City, Mexico) Natalia Salas, 2011

2007-2011 Beloit College Emma Garton, 2008 The College of Wooster Xander Nicolson, 2010 Colorado College Benjamin Garfin, 2010 DePaul University Steven Petchenik, 2007 Natalie Vanderlaan, 2008 Emerson College Sarah Mania, 2009 Georgetown University Bram Ouweleen, 2008 George Washington University Caroline Jevon, 2011 Hobart and William Smith Colleges Jordan Rooth, 2008

We love to hear from Chiaravalle alumni. Please contact Director of Communications Beth Caldwell with any updates or corrections at [email protected]

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ALUMNI FEATURE Chiaravalle recently caught up with Chiaravalle Class of 2006 graduate Simmone Seymour. Simmone: “I graduated eighth grade at Chiaravalle in a class of five students — all girls. That meant we had a lot of one-on-one time with the teachers and our individual interests were factored into the curriculum. My best memories are of working on reports — riveting I know — but we were given the option of presenting our report in whatever way we saw fit so that it would adequately get across the information as well as entertain our peers. For instance, I led my class through a mystery by giving them visual clues and presenting a story in a narrative format to introduce the Watergate Scandal. And once, I brought peanut butter filled celery sticks to class to depict eating marrow from a bone like the animals who predated humans. I was always having so much fun! We sat on ideas longer, let them marinate, and then presented them with our own individual touches. Reflecting

on it now, I realize I remember what I learned in 3rd through 8th grade more vividly than what I learned in high school and college — though those learning experiences are more recent.” Chiaravalle: “After graduating Chiaravalle in 2006, you went on to Northside College Preparatory High School, a highly competitive selective enrollment school in the Chicago Public School district.” SS: “I did very well at Northside and was integrated socially and academically almost immediately. I played three varsity sports: track, cross country, and lacrosse and was involved — probably over-involved — in many organizations: president of prom committee, Model UN, Debate, Junior States of America, Academic Decathlon, and Manager of the Men’s Varsity basketball team. I interned on various political campaigns and volunteered to support campaigns as well.

My time at Chiaravalle instilled in me the constant desire to learn and experience as much as possible and to drive myself forward through that process. I never wait for things to happen to me and if I am interested in something, I take ownership over that and try to learn as much as I can. I really do think that is the result of the Montessori method.” CM: After graduating from Northside, you headed east to Tufts University in Boston, MA. SS: “Graduating high school, I missed my time at Chiaravalle in Evanston. So, I sought a community that was similar to Chiaravalle (and maybe wanted to get far away from home). Tufts was the quintessential Northeast liberal arts experience. It was littered with intellectually curious kids on a trim picture-perfect campus. I loved it immediately. What was important to me was the approach to teaching, how the curriculum was established and the general attitude at the institution, as well as CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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the location. There are fewer “required” courses at Tufts, which meant we did not have to take classes in subjects that we did not like, yet needed a certain number of courses from a few different areas — so we ended up pretty well-rounded. Tufts professors were very, very interested in bettering their teaching methods to make courses more engaging for students, classes were small, and discussion -based. They even had a whole school dedicated to nontraditional classes called the Experimental College, where seniors and graduate students could lead courses. I explored A LOT and learned A LOT—   and maybe changed my ma-

jor three time and added on a couple of minors — but loved the freedom to choose what educational path I wanted to pursue. My own path as a Political Science major and Economics/Communications minor was much different than even the other Political Science majors. Students at Tufts are hyper-motivated and involved and excited and passionate about learning — so I fit right in. Montessori was definitely not a foreign word on that campus. I loved all the opportunities and so I took full advantage. I was elected Vice President for Class Council Freshman year, helped start a campus political group, created a credit-bearing internship program, was very

active with groups at Tufts Hillel, and joined a sorority called Alpha Phi, where I served as the New Member Educator.  I then worked at the school newspaper as an advertising manager where I sold ad space and developed their new business program. I was writing for another online publication at the time, which I consequentially became president of. In that position I organized marketing campaigns, planned a lot of events, and managed the website. I was admitted to the Tufts Writing Fellows program and taught students professional and academic writing until I graduated. Simmone Seymour Chiaravalle Class of 2006 CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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I always was working like two jobs, and not because I had to, because I loved it. I was a research assistant in the Community Health and Sociology Department and interned at a consulting firm, a fashion magazine, and in marketing for a social media site during the school year. I followed whatever I was passionate about and it ended up being a real eclectic mix of things, but I discovered two things I was really passionate about: writing and leadership. 

Tufts University Graduation, 2014

CM: After graduating from Tufts last June, Simmone now works as a Business Analyst at West Monroe Partners in downtown Chicago. SS: I was very scared not to be learning anymore and that I would not like it! I really meticulously chose my job. I did not know —  and still don’t definitely — what I want to do, but I knew that I needed to be constantly learning new things and in an environment where I could be a self-starter. I think I chose the perfect job for myself as a consultant for a mid-sized firm in the loop. I am constantly on new projects and learning about all different industries. Today, for instance, I worked on an assessment of a call center, creating a cohesive brand message for our Life Sciences practice, doing a competitive analysis of an industry, and training for my Salesforce certification. Once I got over all the inconveniences of no longer being in college (bills, no nap time, bills) it was a very smooth transition! When I was in the third grade I had a work plan and various activities sprin-

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

kled throughout the classroom for me to engage with. This gave me the opportunity to work at my own pace, to teach myself, and to be creative with the materials provided me in my free time. This is still how I approach the world today, as a large playground filled with learning opportunities and experiences that I then seek out and make my own.

I like how the teachers will stick with you and they won’t move on to the next person until they really think you’ve really got it. Even if you say, yeah, I’ve got it. Jackson Baker-Katz Student, 4th grade

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TECHNOLOGY AS A DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION IN EDUCATION Clare Heath, Educational Director, Chiaravalle Montessori Two summers ago I participated in a seminar on the future of technology in education at Kellogg School’s Center for Non-Profit Management. Here’s how the course began: two images projected up front, the first a sleek, open, modern classroom, each child with an iPad or laptop in front of him. The desks faced the teacher who was creating images in the air. The second image was of a darkened classroom circa 1950 with a wooden desk for each child nailed to the floor, books lay open and the eyes of children dutifully stared up at the teacher holding a stick to the black board. “Tell me about these images,” our instructor said.

harshly criticizing the second. Did no one else see that these were really the same? “They are nearly identical,” said a voice to my right. It came from the one other Montessori educator in the room. The seminar instructor, a Research Professor in Computer Science, agreed.

This professor argued that technology should not be used as merely a new textbook or tool in traditional education, but should be used to “disrupt” the entire model. He described blended learning models where children spend much of their school day in front of individualized screens, then come together at different times for discussion. He shared the four Over 60 teachers and administrators studied them, ascrib- basic elements of this technological disruption in education ing positive attributes to the first, more modern image, and as time, place, path and pace. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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Disrupting time in education means that every second grader doesn’t have to sit through the same lesson on adjectives on the same day of school. Disrupting place frees up the teacher to move the lesson out of the classroom. By disrupting path, the teacher can follow each child and respond to her needs and interests, and by disrupting pace each student can move through the steps to mastery of concepts at her own speed. Sound familiar? These elements, posited as the future of technology in education, are, of course, the roots of Montessori education. Teachers do not require each child to come to every lesson, they give children time to learn and internalize concepts. Based on age, children have access to places: they explore the room, the library, online resources, other classrooms, and the local community. The path a Montessori child takes and the pace at which she learns is based upon her own needs, interests, and the teacher’s deep knowledge of that child. These directives are over a hundred years old, and shape the child’s experience much more than the introduction of an iPad.. At the core of the argument to use technology as a disruptor is essentially the Montessori philosophy, advocating for less of a one-size-fits-all model and more of a personalized, self-directed approach to learning. Michael Horn, writing for Forbes, states that online learning could, “transform teaching and learning to better serve each individual student within each school by personalizing and humanizing learning – and undo the factory-model assumptions that

dominate our schools and treat uniformly students in the process.” This movement toward reform is not really about technology, it’s about upending the underlying philosophy and practice of teaching in traditional education.

Teachers do not require each child to come to every lesson, they give children time to learn and internalize concepts ... The path a child takes and the pace at which she learns is based upon her needs, interests and the teacher’s deep knowledge of that child. I love the attention that the concept of disruption in education with technology is getting right now, because it is a cry for how vastly different our educational model could be. But educators miss the mark when they simply replace a notebook with an iPad, since they miss the opportunity to shed the confines of time, place, path and pace, allowing instead children to choose their own work, go deeply into a subject that interests them, and practice a concept for as long as it takes to achieve mastery. A philosophy, a practice, that has as its core the fundamental idea that children should be at the center of their own education is what truly could transform schools. Technology should absolutely play a role in that change, but unless the

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philosophy shifts with the implementation of new technology, the changes will be modest. At Chiaravalle, we don’t see technology as a “disruptive innovator” – a force that brings about sweeping fundamental changes, but instead, as a sustaining innovator that allows us to evolve our practices, enhancing the experience for our children without changing the underlying Montessori model that works so beautifully. As Education Director, I see many roles for technology, particularly with the older children, that expand the space of the classroom and help us more fully live our philosophy. Technology in our classrooms allows children greater access to information, and dynamic ways to experience and present that information. I recently observed in one 9-12 classroom where students were talking on cell phones while playing a driving game on the computer. They were able to experience the impact of distracted driving firsthand. Teachers edit While we use technology minimally and thoughtfully at younger ages, we see it’s value and use it with greater frequency and complexity as children grow up here at Chiaravalle.

I like how the teachers at Chiaravalle will help you out to the level that you need it -- even if you probably should know it and you don’t -- they will teach it to you and be helpful until you understand it. Isabel Story Mangum 6th grade and give comments on student work using Google Docs, which the children can access from home or school. Middle School kids create an animated video of the nitrogen cycle, demonstrating that they have mastered the content and can thoughtfully present the material to an audience. While we use technology minimally and thoughtfully at younger ages, we see its value and use it with greater frequency and complexity as children grow up here at Chiaravalle.

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CLASS PROFILES

TODDLER Joe Franchere, Head Teacher When two year olds arrive in the toddler classroom, they have many skills that are just emerging and a drive for independence that will carry them through the challenges of the coming year. The skills that are coming into play the most for them at this time are language development, both expressive and receptive, recognition of themselves and others as social beings, and motor (both large and small) coordination and refinement. Meeting the child’s natural drive for independence and preparing the classroom to be a place where she can work on her various developing skill sets are the responsibility of the toddler teacher. Activities are presented to maximize the child’s interest and so engage him in the work of self-construction. The classroom is a place of child-sized tools and age-appropriate activities; accessibility to what she needs to successfully explore the environment without undue reliance on the teacher; and adequate time to shape her own explorations and follow her own drives and interests. The teacher‘s presence is one of support and guidance. The child leads the way and reveals her own path. This path follows each child’s individual development and so, of course, no child goes through and finishes a toddler program in exactly the same way. But every child, after joining a Montessori classroom community, and experiencing all

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the opportunities for independence, growth, and real social connection that the classroom provides, emerges as a child stronger to some extent in her language and motor skills, and more confident and comfortable in both her role as a social being, and ability to independently explore her world. The child is thereby more ready to face the challenges, some new and some familiar (academic, deeper social complexities, physical growth and change), that she will encounter soon enough as she continues to follow and determine her own development.

EARLY CHILDHOOD (3-6) Nora Gubbins, Head Teacher “We have to help the child to act, will and think for himself. This is the art of serving the spirit, an art which can be practiced to perfection only when working among children.” Dr. Maria Montessori

Dr. Montessori believed in the importance of human potential. The idea that each child carries within him the person he will become is a cornerstone of Montessori philosophy. As Montessori teachers, we believe that each child is unique, and that we have a responsibility to help develop the whole personality of the child, not just the intellect. Our role is to help guide each child so that he may reach his fullest potential, and we do this by creating a thoughtfully prepared, multi-age environment that sparks curiosity and helps the children develop critical social skills and compassion for each other. Children at the ages of 3-6 are becoming more socially aware, and are preparing to work and play in groups. As they use materials together in our classrooms, we continuously stress virtues such as fairness, responsibility, and respect. With the freedom to move around and interact with different children that is allowed in the Montessori classroom, the children learn to support each other as they develop a sense of compassion and empathy.

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The environment we create in the classrooms is designed to encourage children to practice grace and courtesy often, in a number of ways. As teachers, we use role-playing to give the children opportunities to strengthen good manners that are essential to social development. Children practice meeting new people and conducting a polite conversation with new acquaintances. Older students help younger students in everyday actions, such as by presenting a practical life work or helping with a task they have already mastered, like rolling a rug, preparing snack, or observing another at work. The 3-6 Montessori classroom provides an environment that beautifully integrates emphases on intellectual and social growth, and develops the whole person. By their third year in the Early Childhood classroom, Chiaravalle children have developed not just a spark for learning, but also a better understanding of how to relate to and interact with others in the world.

LOWER ELEMENTARY Lauren Cathcart, Head Teacher When I look out into the classroom, I imagine what it must be like to be a child right now. In a world that grows increasingly complex and increasingly busy, with distractions both virtual and real increasing exponentially, I see children with the timeless attributes of childhood—I see their focus, their determina-

tion, and the many thoughtful, peaceful, optimistic ways these children approach their work, friendships and play. I see a classroom where distractions fall away leaving an almost elemental simplicity. In our Montessori philosophy, I see a space where the attributes of childhood are cultivated in such a way that the children will be able to meet the challenges of the greater world, whatever shape it may take. The Conscious Dreamers Children are fearless in their hope and they put that hope into action. In countless ways these beautiful children are the conscious dreamers. They do not distinguish between work and play, but bring their own rich imaginations to both. In our classrooms, they choose their work according to their interests. As

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teachers, we are their guides, responsible for setting up challenging work that stretches their abilities. Through it all, the children never stop appreciating the beauty and complexity of the planet. They are our future writers, environmentalists, politicians, urban planners, and mathematicians.

our future lawyers, judges, humanitarians, journalists, and visionaries. The Decision Makers Every hour of every day our program sews the seeds for young people to make decisions and choices for themselves. The opportunity to exercise independence and self-direction is fundamental to the Montessori philosophy. These important life skills are practiced daily, whether managing personal time during a work, session, choosing meaningful work or deciding how to help a friend. They are our future executives, administrators, leaders, directors, and parents.

The Brave Mistake-Makers I believe that our program creates people who take a chance even if it means being brave enough to fail. Our program allows for mistakes in the making of a person who is learning. “This is a mistake-making place” is on our classroom constitution. I believe our program fosters a place for The Mentors and Sharers the brave. These are our future inventors, These children arrive in our care full of scientists, architects, artists, builders, and love, joy and trust. In our three-year cyentrepreneurs. cle, the children discover how much they The Truth Seekers love to teach what they learn to others. From the fairness they expect on the play- They share themselves authentically, ground to the curiosity with which they en- without fear of judgment. These children gage in the classroom, they are the truth feel accepted and encouraged. Because seekers and fact checkers—enjoying the of this, they can share and give back to process of learning all the while. We honor the community which they love. Not only the developmental stage where children does our program support young learnseek fairness, and we actively engage in ers who seek out challenges. It also propeaceful resolution to conflicts. They are vides a place for them to share their joy of

learning with others. These are our future teachers, professors, psychologists, social workers, wives, husbands, partners, and parents. Time Takers Uninterrupted work time is fundamental to a Montessori education. The children understand that it takes time to do a quality job. They develop an appreciation for time and want to use it to the best of their ability. They are our future.

“In our Montessori philosophy, I see a space where the attributes of childhood are cultivated in such a way that the children will be able to meet the challenges of the greater world, whatever shape it may take.”

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children at the end of the 3-year cycle in Upper El who are compassionate, inquisitive individuals and leaders.

UPPER ELEMENTARY Siobhan Donati, Head Teacher What kind of person does Upper Elementary make, and how do we do it? Maria Montessori said, “It is the child who makes the man, and no man exists who was not made by the child he once was.” To say that Upper Elementary “makes” a certain type of individual would be highly presumptuous of us. We humbly offer the child a prepared environment, rich in possibilities, with a high level of expectation where each child can reach his or her fullest potential. We offer an environment that balances freedoms and responsibility. As a result, we observe

Upper El students explore and demonstrate leadership qualities throughout their Chiaravalle experience. It is especially notable when a fifth year gives a lesson to a fourth year on how to divide by a two-digit divisor using test tubes. Even Fourth years take on a leadership role when teaching another students how to perform a classroom job that he or she has done before, or when he or she respectfully brings an issue to the group. These leadership qualities can also be observed around the Chiaravalle community. Upper El students can be seen leading toddlers in the building from carpool in the mornings, reading with first year reading buddies in the afternoon, and leading sun salutations with Kinders. This leadership is often accompanied by grace, courtesy and patience. Upper El students are compassionate. They enjoy learning about the world around them and how, through action, they can effect change. We offer a variety of service learning opportunities, from bundling diapers for families in need to collecting items for sheltered stray animals. Upper El encourages a culture of helping those in need; anyone can help another. Students are often overheard saying, “I can help you with that!” This is also a time when the students begin to think deeply and are able to discuss larger issues, like what it means to be true to yourself. Upper El students are able to have these discussions while listening to each other and respecting each other’s differences and opinions.

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CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI

My daughter is thriving at Chiaravalle. This is her second year in Molly’s 3-6 classroom and it has been so neat to watch her take on more responsibilities, hear her talk about giving presentations, and see her grow into this sensitive period of language. Montessori education has given her the tools to work independently and to follow her interests. I love that the teachers are constantly observing and helping her in her development. Kate Dugan Parent; PhD Candidate Northwestern University Lastly, Upper El students are inquisitive. They want to know about everything outside of their own, immediate environments. We offer the freedom to research topics of interest, and the

opportunity to present findings to the group. They want to figure the world out for themselves. The Montessori curriculum, especially in math and geometry, does not simply give the child the abstract rules for academic concepts. The children are encouraged to explore, analyze, and synthesize their own rule, and they test those rules in different circumstances. An example of this is learning how to multiply fractions. Teachers show students many equation examples with the materials, guide them to look for patterns, and then leave them to explore. A student once exclaimed, “I am on the cusp of discovery,” just before realizing she had discovered the multiplying fractions rule on her own. Within the Upper El classroom is a wide array of materials at varying levels that the students can discover when they are ready, or ask for a presentation when their interest is peaked.

MIDDLE SCHOOL Theresa Sparlin, Head Teacher What makes a Chiaravalle graduate? After years of deliberate investment and principled Montessori practice, what emerges? Our “portrait of a graduate” is one we hold dear. Middle School students craft their Chiaravalle portrait and the mosaic of our Chiaravalle community each and every day.

A Chiaravalle Middle School student is an enthusiastic, lifelong learner whose academic achievements reflect the best of his or her abilities. Our Middle School students work steadily through their two years setting long and short term goals related to math and language arts, study skills, projects, personal health, and self-reflection goals. Passionately Upper El is a wondrous journey filled focused students collaborate with their with dramatic physical development, peers to conduct science experiments a drive for complete independence, a incorporating multiple intelligence moburgeoning concern for society, and in- dalities into social and natural world creased movement toward abstraction. group presentations. Striving for excel-

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18 ANNUAL REPORT

lence, they advocate for their learning styles and find empowerment through their academic mastery of complicated algebraic equations, geometry proofs, or the document-based persuasive essay. Chiaravalle Middle School graduates are academically prepared to maximize their potential. Socially responsible, a Chiaravalle Middle School student embraces opportunities to reach out to others. Routinely and selflessly middle school commits to cooking and serving food at Hilda’s Place. Middle school students enjoy eating lunch with kinders and pre-schoolers and assisting with social groups, role-playing grace and courtesy for the classroom. Middle school students volunteered at Save our Starving Children, Bernie’s Book Bank, The Talking Farm, Adopt-aBeach, and Growing Power as part of their “urban-Erdkinder” experience. The Chiaravalle Middle Schooler applies service learning experiences to heart and hand. With self-direction and assured competence, a Chiaravalle Middle School student demonstrates the willingness to persevere in the face of obstacles and unfamiliar tasks. Middle schoolers plan, shop and prepare meals and activities at Ronora, our Erdkinder experience, two times a year. Middle Schoolers think globally, contemplate deeply, acting as globally conscious citizens as they participate in Model United Nations. Accomplished, poised and confident, Chiaravalle students are ready to make a difference in the world. In the words of Maria Montessori, “There is in the soul of a child an impenetrable secret that is gradually revealed as it

develops.” A Chiaravalle middle school students/graduates reveal themselves as empowered individuals, self-reflective learners, resulting in a masterpiece of responsible, compassionate people of integrity. I like that the teachers at Chiaravalle can give us freedom with some stuff, but not other stuff, because you have to prove you are responsible to use it. For example, computers in Upper El: You have to be responsible with them to keep the freedom. So I like that we have freedom with some stuff and that we are responsible enough to use it. Matthew Agnew Student, 5th grade

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI

FINANCE REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT FY14 Revenue $4,704,636.82

89.73%

Fees/Other Misc Income/Interest

$126,272.68

2.41%

Fundraising*

$212,142.78

4.05%

Endowment Revenue

$200,000.00

3.81%

Total Revenue

$5,243,052.28

100.00%

Personnel

Tuition

Expenses $3,454,995.75

68.37%

Tuition Assistance

$573,944.30

11.36%

Program

$367,181.32

7.27%

Facility

$246,852.07

4.89%

Debt Service

$204,563.22

4.05%

Other (Insurance, Marketing, Development, Admission, Office)

$205,640.54

4.07%

$5,053,177.20

100.00%

Total Expenses CAPEX Contribution

$100,000.00 $89,875.08

*Fundraising Annual Giving Contributions

$113,843.00

Paddle Raise

$30,000.00

Fundraising, Events

$68,299.78

Fundraising Revenue

$212,142.78

A fully audited financial statement for the 2014-15 fiscal year will be available at www.chiaravalle.org in November 2015

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20 ANNUAL REPORT

THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHIARAVALLE: PHASES I AND II $3,546,227 IN DONATIONS AND PLEDGES AS OF MAY 31, 2015 Thanks to the leadership of our board and the generosity of our community, Chiaravalle has secured a permanent home and fulfilled our dream of a new space designed to support our dynamic programming. This decade-long effort would not be possible without the energy and generosity of many dedicated supporters. We’re grateful to those who have contributed to both phases and who have really stretched to make this dream a reality for Chiaravalle. This listing recognizes all donors who made this incredible transformation possible, starting in 2009 with Phase I: Foundation to purchase our building from the City of Evanston and continuing today with Phase II: Transformation to fund the construction of The North Wing. Phase I: Foundation began in 2009 as a 5-year campaign to purchase and renovate our facility, establish a faculty endowment and strengthen our programming. The campaign raised $1.65 million. This accomplishment laid the foundation for an even stronger future. Phase II: Transformation began in 2014 as a second 5-year effort. Donors to this campaign came together to make The North Wing a reality for Chiaravalle. Fundraising efforts are still underway as construction progresses toward the goal of $2 million. This tremendous support allows Chiaravalle to create a space built on our values and philosophy that facilitates greater learning, lets our community gather and share, fosters creativity and confidence, underscores the connection of mind and body, and respects and invites a connection to nature. Opening in Fall 2015, The North Wing will be complete in time for Chiaravalle’s 50th anniversary year. All gifts to the Campaign for Chiaravalle are unrestricted and will be used for capital, endowment, and programmatic purposes as designated by the school’s Board of Trustees.   Denotes members of The 425 Society which regocnizes donors who have made contributions to both Phase I and Phase II of the Campaign for Chiaravalle.

LEADERSHIP GIFTS $200,000 - $450,000 Joseph Brennan and Leslie Shad 

$100,000 - $199,999 Dennis and Gretchen Eck Susan and Rich Gallun

Lucinda Fox and John Mancini  

Jill and David Greer   Jenn and Scott Gwilliam  

Sharon and John Watrous The Williamson-Johnson Family

Mark Ouweleen and Sarah Harding   The Holmes-Anderson Family  

The Matthei-Schmidt Family   Michael and Angela Quattrocki The Rosenthal Family

Shabnum and Sunil Sanghvi  

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI

$50,000 - $99,999

Jake and Shondi Nickell Alexandra Piper and Jon Seed  

Jes and Leesa Sherborne Matt and Farah Swaim Hiry and Mary Beth West

MAJOR GIFTS $25,000 - $49,999

Larry Anderson, In Memory of Dawn Holt Anderson John and Daphne Cunningham Kent and Liz Dauten Alex and Maria Hoffman Rodrigo and Pam Levy Sean and Kristie O’Neill Jim and Sheila O’Neill

$10,000 - 24,999

Mary Kay Halston and Scott Barton Rick Boynton and Criss Henderson Ronald and Debi Buzil The DeMet/Farriss Family

Fred and Kimberly Rafilson Tonia and Chad Salsbery Sant’Anna-Skites Family Art Thompson and Sarah Eck-Thompson Edwin Wu and Schnabel Samson Anonymous

Our daughter is about to enter college as a selfconfident, poised and eager young scholar, fully curious to discover what the world holds. Plus, her high school teachers have loved how she learns. We attribute all of that, in large part, to her nine years of Montessori education. Mark Drozd Parent; Partner and Executive Creative Director

Gail and Mark Drozd Todd Furney and Mariana Romano The Groothuis Family Rob Hansen and Kristi Piccolo Cindy Hogan

Michael Klearman and Saralyn Sacks Russell Lane and Nina Donnelly Michelle and Shane Larson Eileen Madden Danny and Jen O’Shaughnessy

The Reed-Campbell Family Jeannette and Reid Schar Charles Mangum and Rachel Story The Thomas Family Paul and Melanie Wright

Ellen Salk Nick and Nancy Giampietro Dan Hinkle and Lauren Myers-Hinkle Chris Jones and Gillian Darlow

Brian and Sarah Marshall Eddie and Bonnie Maslana Stephanie Michel Tom and Kathy Romano Kathleen and Karl Scheidt Alex and Nicole Schneider

Bob Sorensen and Yolanda Vanderlaan Sarah Torri and Paul Swinand Nancy Syburg

COMMUNITY GIFTS $5,000 - $9,999

Carlin and Julie Adrianopoli Stephanie and Jay Anderson Will Berndt and Shima Roy Julie Chenevert and Chris Brandt Peter and Stephanie Clemson

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22 ANNUAL REPORT

Frank and Amy Tu Mary Pierson, Laura and Jack Pierson Wadden

$2,500 - $4,999

Katharine Baker and Tilden Katz, In Honor of Karen Laner Ryan and Kristen Bowie Matthew and Melissa Clary Jeff and Kim Cohen Gregg and Heather Collins Matthew and Margret Duvall Gabrielle and Peter Edgerton

$1,000 - $2,499

The Barnett Family Jeff and Kim Bell Patrick and Carrie Charles Tzaras and Sarah Christon Margaret and Michael Cunningham Kristine and Kyr Gaganidze  Caitlin Fitz and Seth Green Anubhav and Mita Goel Zahlman and Susan Greenwood Jeffrey and Catherine Haden

$500 - $999

Chris and Mary Anderson Suzy Avril and Remy Dercksen, In Memory of Charlotte Craig Avril Josh and Erin Barney The Bouleanu Family Don and Marilyn Brocopp

William and Barbara Welke The Wortmann Family

The Zematis Family Thomas and Renee Zipprich

David and Ramona Frederickson Alby and Tracy Gallun Steve and Cara Herman Robert A. and Shirley J. Jones Foundation, On Behalf of the Iseman / Jones Family Charles Adler and Lucy Jeong-Adler

Christopher Jobson and Megan Stielstra Amy and Jason Kaye The Mills-Kuncel Family Allen Rein and Ann Hudson Beth Caldwell and Mario Santiago Jonathan and Jennifer Stern

Art and Judy Thompson Lisa Amoroso and Phillip Tracy Gretchen and Michael Wooldridge Anonymous

Chris and Johanna Hatzopoulos The Ilko Family Sebastian and Blythe Kazmierczak The Lavoie Family Thomas and Cindy Lillig Kenda and Robert Lovecchio Mark and Sarah Marinacci, In Honor of Lucy, Frances, and Elizabeth Marinacci Lou and Brenda Mizel Carol Mullins

The Muriel Family The Nelson Family Avi and Tresa Neurohr The Pappas Family Tom and Jane Pilsbury David Putzel and Anna Nichols Jeff and Beth Scales, In Honor of Molly Williams, Dorothy Schmid, Kathy Noone, and All 3-6 Teachers

Chris Schmidt and Erin Rowell Schmidt Peter and Linda Seed The Senior Family John Sherborne Victoria A. Sherborne Tom Springer and Robyn McCloud-Springer Thomas and Ruth Welsh Tom and Melanie Wendt Bob and Carol Wooldridge

William and Helen Chenevert Matt and Kari Doty The David Graham Foundation The Guo Family, In Honor of Francesca Tappi and Debi Lincoln David and Julie Karnes

Lizzy and Justin Kreindler Karen Laner John Leduc and Laura Litten Allan and Kathleen Lombardo Don Bora and Connie Bickford Ivan Madera and Olya Havell Jide and Uzo Nzelibe

Scott, Keiler, and Xia Roberts Kuan and Donna Su Baris and Esra Tasdelen Evan and Jen Terry Bob and Libby Wolfe Chia and Nan Wu Chae Yi and Amalia Malos

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI

$250 - $499

Amjad and Liz Al-Dajani Eugen and Sofia Burau Alex and Siobhan Donati Rafael Duque and Yael Siman Janet Fox, In Honor of Lucinda Fox

$249 AND BELOW

Rose Adamczyk In Memory of Matthew Adamczyk, Sr. (3) In Memory of Matthew Adamczyk, Jr. Dorothy Schmid and John Agnew The Allmart Family Roberto and Rosana Amato Erik Andersen and Robyn Tanny Oliver Bruce Anderson, In Honor of Sophie and Clare Anderson Cecelia Wallin and Alejandro Añón In Memory of Icelia Archer Ellen Badofsky In Memory of Helen “Honey” Banker The Bennett Family Shenaya Bhote-Siegel Beth Black and Keith Gillette Benjamin Blustein and Virginia Bell Mary Broeckling Alex and Stacey Burke Mary Beth Burns

Al Hennagir and Jen Frost Hennagir Helena Kaltezas George and Marti Lannert Jim Lyons

Dori Mendoza, In Memory of David Mendoza Stanley Parzen and Lynne Raimondo William and Lynn Raspe Rodney and Deidre Robinson

Winfredo and Rosita Samson The Sennott Family Suzanne and Garry Shumaker Theresa Sparlin Mic Yariv, In Honor of Brian, Sarah, Graham, and Ainsley Marshall

Isaias and Yue Chen Cairampoma Todd Clark and Geeta Maker-Clark Geri Cunningham Christine Dunford and Daniel Cunningham Lilly Draganic Clare Heath and Joel Emerick Mark and Frankie Ersfeld Katie and Aaron Fink The Forsman Family Andre and Teresa Fortunska Amanda Foster Joseph Franchere and M. Alison Eisendrath Bob Lew and Marion Franck Rita Geer, In Honor of Matthew Agnew Elise Geiger Laura Granros Merrilyn Gronau John and Joann Hallenbeck Tonya Jennings Jonathan Howells and Lauri Olivier

Paul and Karrie Jeffris N. Joel and Margaret Johnson Carolyn Keats In Honor of Sister Mary Motz In Memory of Joseph Levato Mary Levato Ann Lousin Mindy Mackenzie In Memory of James Springer Stephen Maslana Phillip Maslana Jason Maslana In Memory of Micaela Mendoza Seda and Gokhan Memik Sabahete Metovic The Miceli Family Hillel and Rachel Morris Curt Mueller and Jennifer Stephan In Memory of Robert F. Munson, Sr. and Frances Munson Mark and Nancy Myers Cary Nathenson and Katrin Voelkner

Caroline Nation, In Memory of Ernie and Aaron Frank In Memory of David Nelson Robert and Kathy Noone Kirstin Nordhaus John Okon and Jennifer Giles Mehrtash Olson and Sarah Rogers Randy Palmer and Cindy Fey Shannon LC Cate and CL Cole Angela Burkhart-Pierce, In Memory of Carie Burkhart Felicia Platzke Jose Muenala and Suzanne Reed Michael and Laura Romisher Jacob and Sarah Roth Casey Scherrer John Schmid, In Honor of Matthew Agnew Jane Schmid, In Honor of Matthew Agnew Paul and Patty Seufzer Andria Shyjka and Brett Coolidge Christopher and Danielle Siebert Kate Dugan

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24 ANNUAL REPORT

Lawrence Smith and Rachel Duda Smith Tracey Steffora Dan Stolar and Lauren Cathcart Mark Styslinger and Cynthia Rawson Caitlin Terry

Adrienne Thomas Nick Thomas Stephen and Karen Thompson Citlali Lopez-Ortiz Paul and Emily Tzur Christopher Voight

Andre Walker and Francesca Tappi Chris Wallace and Darcie Price-Wallace Charles Wattles and Rosemary Willey Dale and Karen Weaver

MATCHING GIFT EMPLOYERS AND CORPORATE SPONSORS AbbVie Inc. Employee Giving Campaign Bank of America Matching Gifts Program Chenevert Photography

Goldman Sachs and Co Google Matching Gift Program Greatlakes Architectural Millworks LLC Huron Consulting Group

IBM JC Penney Matching Gift Program Kraft Foods Matching Gift Program MB Financial

GRANTMAKERS

Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

Raymond and Mary Ann Wexler Molly Williams The Witmer Family Diane Wolff-Klammer Carol Zsolnay Anonymous (2)

The Mondelez International Foundation Polk Bros. Foundation Vanguard Charitable

CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI

CHIARAVALLE ANNUAL FUND 2013-2014 Chiaravalle is forever grateful to the families and friends listed on the following pages. Due to this outstanding generosity, the school attracts the best Montessori teachers, offers financial aid to families who need it, and maintains the low student to teacher ratios that ensure every student receives individualized attention. We’re also very appreciative of those parents who contribute time and talent by volunteering at the school. This involvement is part of what makes us who we are, a place for the whole family.

LEADER AND PACESETTER David and Jill Greer**

SUSTAINER Julie Matthei*

BENEFACTOR

Carlin and Julie Adrianopoli Tilden Katz and Kathy Baker* The Barnett Family Jeff and Kim Bell Rick Boynton and Criss Henderson* Joseph Brennan and Leslie Shad** Tzaras and Sarah Christon*

PATRON

Will Berndt and Shima Roy The Blustein/Bell Family Mark and Monique Cashion The Charles Family George DeMet and Tiffany Farriss Margaret M. Eisendrath (G)* Susan and Rich Gallun** The Groothuis Family Xiao Guo and Dan Hao

Jenn and Scott Gwilliam**

Ted Anderson and Megan Holmes-Anderson*

John Mancini and Lucinda Fox**

Jacob and Shondi Nickell

Shabnum and Sunil Sanghvi**

Sarah Schmidt*

The Duvall Family* John and Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Todd Furney and Mariana Romano* Matthew and Annie Harris Stephanie Nash Hart and Paul B. Hart Steve and Cara Herman*

Daniel Hinkle and Lauren Myers-Hinkle Maria and Alex Hoffman** Matthew Johnson and Keri Ambrosio Matt Johnson and Amanda Williamson Shane and Michelle Larson Brian and Sarah Marshall

Sean and Kristie O’Neill** Regina Sant’Anna and Doug Skites Jim Mavros and Maura Shea* Jes and Leesa Sherborne* Charles Mangum and Rachel Story* Matt and Farah Swaim

Robert and Sheila Hanford* Leo and Kristin Henikoff The Lynch Family Jim and Sheila O’Neill Wonyoung Jo and Jinkuen Park Adam and Sue Sabow The Salsbery Family Karl and Kathleen Scheidt Chris and Erin Schmidt

Alex and Nicole Schneider Alden and Kristen Senior Pamela Smith (G)* Jonathan and Jennifer Stern Nancy Syburg** Carolyn Thomas (G) The Tu Family* Tom and Melanie Wendt The Wortmann Family

The Zematis Family* Anonymous (2) Richard and Trish Thomas Art Thompson and Sarah Eck-Thompson* Hiry and Mary Beth West*

Denoting those who consistently support Chiaravalle year after year, as well as grandparents: *5+ Years Consecutive Giving **10+ Years Consecutive Giving (G) Grandparent Donors

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26 ANNUAL REPORT

SPONSOR

Dorothy Schmid and John Agnew* The Al-Dajani Family Roberto and Rosana Amato Chris and Mary Anderson Cecelia Wallin and Alejandro Añón Josh and Erin Barney Jack Bishop and Margot Hodgson Dominic and Ira Boomgarden Ellen Bouleanu* The Chenevert-Brandt Family* Don and Marilyn Brocopp (G) Mary Broeckling Richard and Caroline Bullock Mary Beth Burns Martin Cabrera and Kim Steffen Greta and Andrew Connor* Suzy Avril and Remy Dercksen* Jane Dickie Tim and Amy Ditchman

KEY Pacesetter Leader Sustainer Advocate Benefactor Patron Promoter Sponsor

$10,000   - $23,000 $ 5,000  - $ 9,999 $ 2,500  - $ 4,999 $ 1,500  - $ 2,499 $ 1,100  - $ 1,499 $   500  - $ 1,099 $   250  - $   499 $     1  - $   249

The Donati Family Matt Doty Lilly Draganic Rafael Duque and Yael Siman Peter and Gabi Edgerton The Heath/Emerick Family* Josh Fischman and Polly Clark Seth Green and Caitlin Fitz The Forsman Family Andre and Teresa Fortunska Amanda Foster Scott Foutz and Edie Rubinowitz Joseph Franchere and M. Alison Eisendrath* Elise Geiger Anu and Mita Sanghavi Goel Laura Granros and Francisco Azeredo Zahlman and Susan Greenwood* The Piccolo/Hansen Family* Richard and Jeanne Hay (G) The Hennagir Family Jonathan Howells and Lauri Olivier Ryan and Megan Hunt Brad and Jennifer Ilko Carrie Iseman and Kelly Jones Karrie and Paul Jeffris Charles Adler and Lucy Jeong-Adler Chris Jobson and Megan Stielstra The Jones/Darlow Family Marielle Schmidt

George and Helena Kaltezas** The Khuri Family Ellen King and Michal Yariv Kemper Kirkpatrick and Treacy Greer Lizzy and Justin Kreindler* Janice LacKey Karen Laner** George and Marti Lannert Marti Lannert Jean Marc Lavoie Duritahara and Neelima Lele Mary Levato* Tom Lillig and Cindy Ivanac-Lillig The Lillis Family Kathleen Lombardo* The Ma Family Kyle MacArthur and Allison Maguire Don Bora and Connie Bickford* Bonnie and Ed Maslana** The Dynamite Superman Family The McIntosh-Lombardo Family* Mark and Frankie Ersfeld* The Mills/Kuncel Family Kapil Mishra and Pratikshya Bohra-Mishra John Modelski and Petronela Anica Curt Mueller and Jennifer Stephan* The Muriel Family Andrew and Kristi Naidech

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

David and Jennifer Nelson* John and Lisa Nicolson* Kathy and Bob Noone Michael and Joyce Noser Jamie Olah Mehrtash Olson and Sarah Rogers Constatine and Genevieve Pappas* The Pilsbury Family Felicia Platzke David Putzel and Anna Nichols Laura Wade and Steve Ramsdell* William and Lynn Raspe* Steve Reed and Jessica Campbell Allen Rein and Ann Hudson* Cheryl Beachler and Joe Rizzo Scott and Keiler Roberts Tom and Kathy Romano (G) Michael and Laura Romisher Beth Caldwell and Mario Santiago* Jeff and Beth Scales Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Douglas Sennott John Sherborne (G) Andria Shyjka and Brett Coolidge Julie and David Singer The Sipkin-Chenn Family Lawrence and Rachel Smith Dylan Smith and Deb Tuerkheimer* Theresa Sparlin

CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI

Tom Springer and Robyn McCloud-Springer* Tracey Steffora Suzanne and Henry Stolar (G) Dan Stolar and Lauren Cathcart Mark Styslinger and Cynthia Rawson* Kuan and Donna Su Stephen and Karen Thompson** Phillip and Joyce Ungar The Waldron Family Andre Walker and Francesca Tappi

Chris Wallace and Darcie Price-Wallace Bob and Libby Wolfe* The Wolff-Klammer Family Michael and Gretchen Wooldridge* The Malos-Yi Family Anonymous (3) Paul and Melanie Wright* Ed Wu and Schnabel Samson Harry and Michele Zander* Anonymous

EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFT CONTRIBUTORS Abbott Fund Matching Grant Plan AbbVie IBM Piper Jaffray Polk Bros. Foundation

SUPPORT THE FUND FOR CHIARAVALLE Chiaravalle makes dynamic learning experiences possible by staying committed to what matters: • exceptional faculty • a high ration of teachers to students, plus additional support staff and specialists • tuition assistance programs • a prepared environment that facilitates each child’s learning process • and dynamic programming that sparks curiosity and supports self discovery Tuition revenue doesn’t cover the costs of these commitments, so we rely on the generosity of our community to make up the difference. All gifts to the Fund for Chiaravalle directly support these initiatives, and are fully tax-deductible. Support the Fund for Chiaravalle today by visiting our website, www.chiaravalle.org, and clicking on Donate

Graphic Design for the Annual Report donated by The Brand Box: www.the-brand-box.com

Denoting those who consistently support Chiaravalle year after year, as well as grandparents: *5+ Years Consecutive Giving **10+ Years Consecutive Giving (G) Grandparent Donors

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28 ANNUAL REPORT

ANNUAL BENEFIT EVENT 2013-14 FUND A NEED, SPONSORSHIP, TEACHER TICKET FUND, CLASSROOM RESOURCES The annual Spring Benefit is an important event that builds community and raises much-needed funding to support those things that make Chiaravalle who we are: outstanding faculty, a robust Tuition Assistance Program, dynamic programs and thoughtful learning environments. The 2013-2014 Benefit, “The Last Dance,” was a whimsical Parents’ Prom to send off the old school gymnasium before North Wing construction began. The following lists those donors who contributed charitably to Chiaravalle through the event.

INDIVIDUALS

Rose Adamczyk in Memory of Matt Adamczyk, Jr. Amjad and Liz Al-Dajani Chris and Mary Anderson Tilden Katz and Kathy Baker Josh and Erin Barney Rick Boynton and Criss Henderson Julie Chenevert and Chris Brandt Ronald and Debi Buzil George DeMet and Tiffany Farriss Alex and Siobhan Donati Rafael Duque and Yael Siman Matthew and Margret Duvall Craig and Jenny Forsman Todd Furney and Mariana Romano Richard and Susan Gallun Laura Granros

COMPANIES

Bulley and Andrews, LLC Faegre Baker Daniels

Zahlman and Susan Greenwood David and Jill Greer Becca and Derek Groothuis Jenn and Scott Gwilliam Jeffrey Hansen and Julie Matija Rob Hansen and Kristi Piccolo Paul Hart and Stephanie Nash Hart Leo and Kristin Henikoff Steve and Cara Herman Dan Hinkle and Lauren Myers-Hinkle Alex and Maria Hoffman Cindy Hogan Ryan and Megan Hunt Kyle MacArthur and Allison Maguire Don Bora and Connie Bickford John Mancini and Lucinda Fox

Eddie and Bonnie Maslana Julie Matthei and Sarah Schmidt Bryan Mills and Alexis Kuncel Mike Muriel and Donna Richards Muriel David and Jennifer Nelson Maurice Nelson Jacob and Shondi Nickell Michael and Angela Quattrocki William and Lynn Raspe Steve Reed and Jessica Campbell Peter and Dawn Samaris Shabnum and Sunil Sanghvi Regina Sant’Anna and Doug Skites Beth Caldwell and Mario Santiago Maura Shea and Jim Mavros Jes and Leesa Sherborne Garry and Suzanne Shumaker

Charles Mangum and Rachel Story Nancy Syburg Baris and Esra Tasdelen Dick and Trish Thomas Stephen and Karen Thompson Art Thompson and Sarah Eck-Thompson Frank and Amy Tu Tom and Melanie Wendt Bob and Libby Wolfe Michael and Gretchen Wooldridge Paul and Melanie Wright Ed Wu and Schnabel Samson Scott and Sarah Zematis Zach Zises and Vanessa Filley

First Bank and Trust

The Third Teacher + by Cannon Design

Northern Trust

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI

FUND FOR CHIARAVALLE 2014-15 In 2014-15, Chiaravalle launched a new approach to fundraising with the Fund for Chiaravalle. The school is committed to having exceptional teachers and staff; maintaining a low ratio of students to teachers, specialists and staff; providing tuition assistance Programs to families who need it; and offering dynamic programming in aprepared environment. Staying committed to these values means Chiaravalle’s expenses exceed tuition revenue. The school relies on the generosity of parents to make up the difference. A family’s participation in all annual fundraising activities counts toward this goal. Donors are recognized in the list below by total giving, not necessarily tax-deductible, during the 2014-15 school year through charitable donations, Benefit Event donations and spending, and other fundraising project purchases such as the All School Art Project, Memory Book and Book Bucks.

PACESESTTER

Jill and David Greer** Jenn and Scott Gwilliam**

LEADER

Tilden Katz and Kathy Baker* Joseph Brennan and Leslie Shad** Becca and Derek Groothuis

SUSTAINER

Tzaras and Sarah Christon Ronald and Debi Buzil Gail and Mark Drozd Matthew and Margret Duvall Craig and Jenny Forsman

ADVOCATE

Jessica and Rey Andujar-Redman Rick Boynton and Criss Henderson George DeMet and Tiffany Farriss

KEY Jacob and Shondi Nickell John Mancini and Lucinda Fox**

Sharon and John Watrous

Alex and Maria Hoffman** Matthew Johnson and Amanda Williamson Sarah Schmidt

Charles Mangum and Rachel Story* Art Thompson and Sarah Eck-Thompson*

Todd Furney and Mariana Romano* Richard and Susan Gallun Brad and Jennifer Ilko Mark and Sarah Marinacci

Steve Reed and Jessica Campbell Chad and Tonia Salsbery Shabnum and Sunil Sanghvi Frank and Amy Tu Tom and Melanie Wendt

The Wright Family* Edwin Wu and Schnabel Samson Scott and Sarah Zematis

Kyr and Kris Gaganidze Xiao Guo and Dan Hao Rob Hansen and Kristi Piccolo Matthew and Annie Harris

Leo and Kristin Henikoff Ted Anderson and Megan Holmes-Anderson*

Charles Adler and Lucy Jeong-Adler Michelle and Shane Larson Eileen Madden

Pacesetter Leader Sustainer Advocate Benefactor Patron Promoter Sponsor

$10,000   - $23,000 $ 5,000  - $ 9,999 $ 2,500  - $ 4,999 $ 1,500  - $ 2,499 $ 1,100  - $ 1,499 $   500  - $ 1,099 $   250  - $   499 $     1  - $   249

Denoting those who consistently support Chiaravalle year after year, as well as grandparents: *5+ Years Consecutive Giving **10+ Years Consecutive Giving (G) Grandparent Donors

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30 ANNUAL REPORT

Brian and Sarah Marshall Mike Muriel and Donna Richards Muriel

BENEFACTOR

Jeff and Kim Bell Michael and Amy Boone Julie Chenevert and Chris Brandt Gretchen and Dennis Eck Bryn Wagner Hanson and David Hanson

PATRON

Rose Adamczyk Chris and Mary Anderson The Barnett Family Martin Cabrera and Kim Steffen Patrick and Carrie Charles* Peter and Gabi Edgerton Laura Granros and Francisco Azeredo Jack and Tucker Harris (G) Al Hennagir and Jen Frost Hennagir*

PROMOTER

Dorothy Schmid and John Agnew** Amjad and Liz Al-Dajani John Avril Josh and Erin Barney Richard and Caroline Bullock Susan Avril and Remy Dercksen* Gene and Joan Dieden

Dominic and Stacey Rossi Regina Sant’Anna and Doug Skites

Bill Schick and Julie Bond Jes and Leesa Sherborne Matt and Farah Swaim

Hiry and Mary Beth West Zach Zises and Vanessa Filley

Paul Hart and Stephanie Nash Hart Dan Hinkle and Lauren Myers-Hinkle Amy and Jason Kaye Jim and Sheila O’Neill*

Kristie and Sean O’Neill** Adam and Sue Sabow Karl and Kathleen Scheidt Maura Shea and Jim Mavros Garry and Suzanne Shumaker Sean and Karen Swidler

Nancy Syburg** Dick and Trish Thomas Randy and Emily Wexler Craig and Jill Wortmann* Chae Yi and Amalia Malos Anonymous

Cindy Hogan Chris Jobson and Megan Stielstra Chris Jones and Gillian Darlow Helena Kaltezas** Geoff and Tess McGrath Bryan Mills and Alexis Kuncel David and Jennifer Nelson* Jide and Uzo Nzelibe Constantine and Genevieve Pappas Allen Rein and Ann Hudson*

Robert and Melissa Rooth Peter and Dawn Samaris Beth Caldwell and Mario Santiago* Jeff and Beth Scales Chris Schmidt and Erin Rowell Schmidt Alexandra Piper and Jon Seed Mary and Charles Shea (G) Kuan and Donna Su Evan and Jen Terry

William Wadden and Mary Pierson Matt Martin and Charlotta Weaver John and Fran Wiechart Joshua Kellar and Emily Withrow Robert and Carol Wooldridge Anonymous (2)

Lilly Draganic Seth Green and Caitlin Fitz Joseph Franchere and M. Alison Eisendrath Freimuth Family Anu and Mita Goel Zahlman and Susan Greenwood* Steve and Cara Herman

Ryan and Megan Hunt Ed and Kiera Madden Miller Family Joe Miller and Jill Bowman Stephen and Naomi Schiff Myers Martin and Minya Nance Robert and Kathy Noone

Stanley Parzen and Lynne Raimondo Michael and Angela Quattrocki Michael and Laura Romisher Jacob and Sarah Roth Alex and Nicole Schneider Alden and Kristen Senior Theresa Sparlin

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

CHIARAVALLE MONTESSORI

Tom Springer and Robyn McCloud-Springer*

SPONSOR

Carlin and Julie Adrianopoli Roberto and Rosana Amato Cathy Beck Andrew and Julie Bernstein Benjamin Blustein and Virginia Bell Don Bora and Connie Bickford* Ellen Bouleanu* Ronald and Nancy Brown Alex and Stacey Burke Isaias and Yue Chen Cairampoma George Cheeren and Joyce Kalleekal William and Helen Chenevert Daniel and Catherine Cho Patrick and JoAnn Chowaniec Todd Clark and Geeta Maker-Clark Sabrina Townsend and Nathaniel Clark Jeff and Kim Cohen Greta and Andrew Connor* Alex and Siobhan Donati Sean Duffy and Lidia Wachowska, In Memory of Mary Therese Duffy Rafael Duque and Yael Siman, In Honor of The Teachers at Chiaravalle Clare Heath and Joel Emerick*

Nancy Sterling Jonathan and Jennifer Stern

Keith Wakefield Bob and Libby Wolfe*

Michael and Gretchen Wooldridge

Jean Fera Katie and Aaron Fink Andre and Teresa Fortunska Mark and Frankie Ersfeld Nora Freeman Leonid Greyz and Gillian Muller-Greyz Matt Hallinan and Dana Hancock Robert and Sheila Hanford Karen Hansen Jeffrey Hansen and Julie Matija Rintaro and Eriko Hashizume Jeanne Marie Hay (G) Carrie Iseman and Kelly Jones Paul and Karrie Jeffris Jennifer Jeffris and Douglas Hanrahan, In Memory of James Caldwell Matthew Johnson and Keri Ambrosio Nabil Kahouadji and Sara Carey David and Julie Karnes Kemper Kirkpatrick and Treacy Greer Adam Krakow and Aurora McManus Justin and Lizzy Kreindler* Karen Laner** Eric Lat and Anna Somera Jean Marc Lavoie

Mary Levato* Kathleen and Allen Lombardo* Bob and Kenda Lovecchio Jim Lustig in Honor of David and Zoe Groothuis (G) Kyle MacArthur and Allison Maguire Marder Family Eddie and Bonnie Maslana** Stephen and Jennifer McComb John McDonald and Aude Raymond Sean and Jill McGrath Peter and Susu Meder Gokhan and Seda Memik Brian and Stephanie Miller Carol Mullins Venkata Murali and Padma Ramanathan Mr. and Mrs. Herb Murrath (G) Mark and Nancy Myers Andrew and Kristi Naidech Caroline Nation Caitlin Hibdon Kirstin Nordhaus Joy O’Connell John Greene and Sara O’Mara Jason Pierce Tom and Jane Pilsbury William and Lynn Raspe*

Donald and Nita Reed Michael and Margie Rein (G) Ari Reinfeld and Sara Jacobson Scott and Keiler Roberts Mrunal Salunkhe and Minette Gill Salunkhe Paul and Patty Seufzer Dean and Rene Sheikh Andria Shyjka and Brett Coolidge Becky and DJ Silton Lawrence Smith and Rachel Duda Smith Henry and Suzanne Stolar Dan Stolar and Lauren Cathcart Baris and Esra Tasdelen Nora Taylor Rachel Teuer Stephen and Karen Thompson** Alex Weiner and Dori Rubin Molly Williams Shelley and Mike Witkin in honor of our granddaughter Avery Faith Swidler (G) Diane Wolff-Klammer* Terry Yang Michele Zander Harry Zander Carol Zsolnay

Denoting those who consistently support Chiaravalle year after year, as well as grandparents: *5+ Years Consecutive Giving **10+ Years Consecutive Giving (G) Grandparent Donors

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32 ANNUAL REPORT

CORPORATE SPONSORS AND MATCHING GIFT EMPLOYERS Aon Bulley and Andrews, LLC Cannon Design

Doherty, Giannini, Reitz Construction Inc First Bank and Trust of Evanston Hagerty Consulting

Huron Consulting Group IBM MB Financial Bank Northern Trust Company

DIVERSITY ENDOWMENT FUND

Piper Jaffray West Monroe Partners

The Diversity Endowment Fund enhances the school’s commitment to diversity. Its purpose is to increase the enrollment of under-represented minorities at our school. Interest from the endowment is used to grant supplementary need-based financial assistance to eligible students. 2013-2014 Margaret Eisendrath Clare Heath and Joel Emerick Karen Laner Marti and George Lannert, In Honor of Bonnie Maslana, Juan Zuniga, Diane WolfKlammer, and Dori Mendoza Courtney Lannert, In Honor of Marti Lannert Joe and Kay Madden Robyn McCloud-Springer and Tom Springer, In Honor of The Fourth Floor Nancy Syburg, In Honor of The Administrative Team

2014-2015 Clare Heath and Joel Emerick Allen and Ann Hudson Karen Laner Kerry Lannert Marti Lannert Bonnie and Eddie Maslana, In Honor of Nancy, Beth, Lizzy, Ellen, Robyn, Clare, Libby, Elise, Diane, JZ, Dori, Juan, Marti, Pat, Bessy, Mary, Cindy and Schnabel Robyn McCloud-Springer and Tom Springer Nancy Syburg, In Honor of The Administrative Team

In Memory of James Caldwell Kristin Arwood Clinton Community YMCA Mark and Gail Drozd Cindy Hogan Karen Laner Nancy Syburg Terry Yang Libby Wolfe Anonymous

Chiaravalle Montessori · 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201 · 847.864.2190 · www.chiaravalle.org

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SAVE THE DATE Be one of the first to explore our exciting new spaces. Join us for the grand opening of the North Wing. Tuesday, September 8, 2015 12:00 pm

Chiaravalle is launching a new website this fall, inspired by our new look. More stories. More pictures. Check it all out at www.chiaravalle.org.

Chiaravalle Montessori 425 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60201

S A V E T H E D AT E | J O I N U S

October 2 – 3, 2015