o circle - Washington Montessori School | An independent ... · Paolucci, Eliza Travelstead I n a simple, ... Carson and Anna. ... Maria littlefield is engaged

BACK: Maxwell Rhodes, Carter Day, Jack Gersten, Sean Dunbar, Jacob Bruck, James Lawlor, Britton Davis, Reilly Mahan, Will Allee THIRD: Kayla Surajnoth, Najla Braddock, Charles DeVos, Nathaniel Ince, Oliver Sanchez, Max Benton-Cook, Philip Valletta, Bella Boljonis, Liana Swarz-Burt SECOND: Lily Thompson, Isabel O’Connell, Najma Braddock, Logan Clew-Bachrach, Laura Davenport, Sarala Grayson-Funk, Aurora Aviles, Kenyon Prenoveau FRONT: Livia Greenberg, Isabel Martin, Zhanara Ray-Tunis, Meghan Spangenberg, Ella Paolucci, Eliza Travelstead

I n a simple, yet touching, gesture at the beginning of gradu-ation, the thirty-two members of the class of 2016 stood

together and applauded their teachers and advisors for their guidance, enthusiasm and dedication. They joined Chair of the Board of Trustees, Bill Dunbar, in thanking them.

“Most importantly, thank you to the teachers, to the staff and to Pat for everything you’ve done for our kids,” Bill said. “You’ve taught them; you’ve coached them; you’ve advised them; and you’ve inspired them. As a parent and as a trustee, I’ll be forever grateful for the work that you do.”

Appreciation for their teachers was a theme continued by

the graduates throughout the ceremony. As is the tradition at WMS graduations, each student took to the stage to either speak or perform.

“WMS has helped me build a vision of who I want to be in the future,” said Max Benton-Cook. “Ever since I was little, the teachers here have supported my creativity and they have helped me legitimately enjoy trying new things and going on new adventures.”

Trying new things emerged as yet another theme. Many graduates talked about appreciating WMS for helping them to push themselves beyond their own expectations.

GRADUATION 2016

continued on page 2

oncirclewashington montessori school newsletter · SUMMER 2016 · vol. 32, no. 2

2 · Washington Montessori School · On Circle · Summer 2016

“The most important thing I’ve learned and accomplished at WMS was to step out of my comfort zone,” said Isabel Martin, who noted, among other things, the recent 8th-grade service trip to New Mexico, where she and her classmates faced and surpassed

many surprising physical and emotional challenges. “During my years at WMS, I have grown a lot.”

“Here I was taught to go out of my comfort zone, take responsibility and be independent,” said Najla Braddock. Her sister Najma said: “I learned to persevere,

to accept any challenges that come my way and to maintain a good character. We’ve encountered different ways to conquer our fears. We were encouraged to walk out of our bubble of safety.”

“I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve

learned how to conquer my fears and how to get through things that scare me,” said Liana Swarz-Burt.

It’s true that teaching students to push their own boundaries is one of the goals of our curriculum—especially in Middle School. Through encouragement to face

challenges head on, develop strategies to master new skills, and learn how to deal with setbacks, our students leave WMS well-prepared to handle the demands of the ever-changing world that awaits them.

“It’s not only a school where you learn about math and science,” said Carter Day. “It’s a school where you are also taught how to be a respectful citizen and an all-around good person who benefits his friends and surroundings. The lessons I learned here will always stick with me, and I will use the knowledge I gained here throughout the rest

of my life. I truly believe that my life here at WMS will never be over. I will always look back to this school and remember how much it did for me and how important it’s been in my life.”

Following the remarks by our graduates, their 6th- and 7th-grade classmates pre-sented them with personally written poems, another WMS tradition; one that illustrates the deep sense of community and friendship felt within the Middle School.

Head of School Pat Werner then ad-dressed the class of 2016. “It’s time to ex-pand your world and we are sure you are ready to go.”

GRADUATION 2016 . continued

class of 2016 high school choices:

Will alleeMillbrook Schoolaurora aviles The GunneryMax Benton-cook Pasadena Waldorf School, CABella Boljonis Los Altos High School, CANajla Braddock Sacred Heart High SchoolNajma Braddock Sacred Heart High SchoolJacob Bruck The Gunnerylogan clew-Bachrach The Taft Schoollaura Davenport Out of Door Academy, FLcarter Day The Hotchkiss School

isabel o’connell Westminster Schoolella Paolucci Westover SchoolKenyon Prenoveau Litchfield High SchoolZhanara Ray-Tunis The GunneryMaxwell Rhodes Kent Schoololiver sanchez Marvelwood SchoolMeghan spangenbergThe Taft SchoolKayla surajnoth Westover Schoolliana swarz-Burt Westover Schoollily Thompson The Taft Schooleliza Travelstead The Taft SchoolPhilip Valletta South Kent School

Britton Davis Berkshire Schoolcharles DeVos The Gunnerysean Dunbar The Taft School

livia greenberg Stratton Mountain Schoolsarala grayson-funkHousatonic Valley High SchoolJack gersten Greater Hartford Academy of the ArtsNathaniel ince The GunneryJames lawlor South Kent SchoolReilly Mahan Canterbury Schoolisabel Martin The Gunnery

“WMS has helped me build a vision of who I want to be in the future... ever since I was little, the teachers here have supported my creativity and they have helped me legitimately enjoy trying new things and going on new adventures.” –Max Cook

Washington Montessori School · On Circle · Summer 2016 · 3

W e are pleased to announce that the tennis courts are finished. As part of our 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign, the four

new tennis courts are part of the WMS Sports Park situated on the north end of campus. The tennis courts offer a breathtaking view of the school and the surrounding area. We invite members of the WMS community to enjoy the tennis courts and have established some guidelines for their use. Please visit washingtonmontessori.org/tenniscourts to read the expectations prior to playing tennis.

Eighth-grader Laura Davenport and her classmates were part of the first team to play on WMS’s new tennis courts. Seventh-grader Augie Delves-Broughton tosses up a serve on the new tennis courts.

TENNIS COURTS


GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS

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1 Maya Woodhall with her grandmother Sally Woodhall. 2 Eliot Wadsworth with his grandfather Eliot Wadsworth. 3 Lily Slepoy with her grandparents Jackie & Manny Silverman. 4 Jack Horgan with his grandparents Leigh & Roger Peet. 5 Emery Baumgartner with her grandmother Nancy Weiner. 6 Hayden Fisher with her grandfather Alan Fisher. 7 Caroline Davis with her grandparents Barbara & David Lilyestrom.


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1983.......................

Kerry Dorton continues to teach Middle School math and science at WMS, but she has also been developing and implementing curriculum for Slooh Classroom, a live space lab for 4th- through 8th-graders.

sara lynn leavenworth is the Director of Admissions at The Gunnery. She admits she loves meeting and interviewing WMS students.

Mara McDonald continues to live in Southbridge, MA where she was recently appointed to the board of the town's art council, Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts and Humanities. She is heading up their first ever membership appeal and has also been showing her photographs there.

1985.......................

Tanya Tolchin visited WMS last year for a quick tour while in the area visiting her sister.

1987.......................

amy habbas continues to live in Manhattan. She spent two weeks this summer in Lake Como, Italy. Among other things, she recently had dinner at Gabe McMackin’s ’90 Brooklyn restaurant The Finch.“It was incredible! Everyone must go,” she raved.

1988.......................

Rachel Davis and her family continue to live in upper Manhattan. Her daughter Zoë is 2.5 years old.

Joanna schindhelm Jones continues to teach primary-age children. She and her sons, Ben and Riley, 14, moved to Denver, Colorado last summer. Over the holidays, Joanna married David Jones, an old and dear friend from her Canterbury days. “We have made a wonderful home here in Littleton along with his two children, Carson and Anna. I am absolutely loving my life!”

1989......................

TJ oneglia and his wife Mary welcomed their third child this year, a daughter named Tess. Tess joins big brother Jack and big sister Lucy.

1990......................

christopher eanes and his wife Kelly Ann Nelson welcomed their second child this summer, a son named Coleman Nelson. He joins big sister, Zaiya, who turned 3 on August 12. Just before that, Christopher and Kelly Ann spent two days working with the WMS Middle School chorus (see photos, page 7).

Josh Kilbourn and his son, Gray, took part in our Parent-Child Program last fall.

1992.......................

cynthia Davis is living and working in Missoula, MT. She and her husband Scott have a 1-year-old daughter named April.

1993.......................

carly Thurlow Rabideau and her husband Jon welcomed their first child this winter, a son named Bodhi Emerson.

1994.......................

christina oneglia Rossi and her husband John welcomed their third child, a daughter named Lyla, this winter. Lyla joins big sister Anna and big brother Jake.

Nell solley and Josh Feil welcomed their second daughter, Livie, on March 30. She joins big sister, Layla. They live in Norwalk, CT. They recently hosted a mini WMS gathering while Miranda Pasch was visiting from Texas with her three little girls. The party included Miranda Pasch Grant with her daughters Hastings, Landry and Olive, Christina Oneglia Rossi with her children Anna, Jake and Lyla and Sarah Graham Needham with her daughters Charlotte and Cate.

ALUMNI NEWS

Josh Kilborne, ’90, and his son Gray. Joanna Schindhelm Jones, ’88, lives in Colorado with her husband David Jones and her two sons Ben and Riley.


1995.......................

caroline Kinsolving just closed a new play at the Shadowland in NY and is starting a Shakespeare Theatre Company in upstate NY. She is also slated to be the lead in a feature film in LA this fall. Her YouTube channel, FOEMS byCK, just reached over 11,000 views worldwide. WMS was thrilled to have Caroline back on our stage this spring when she performed a stage reading with fellow WMS alumni and community members as part of our WMS Presents... series.

galen largay Ryley has a second little boy—Peter, born on April 4.

lindsey Muir Turner is back at WMS on a daily basis. Her son Calvin is a student in Myrna’s Lower School classroom. Lindsey is busy taking photographs under her company name Lindsey Victoria Photography.

1996.......................

sarah Bodley is living and working in Alexandria, VA. She is Operations Manager at Empowered Women International, a program that works to create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for immigrant, refugee, low-income, and at-risk women in the Greater Washington DC Metro Area.

1997........................

Julia Tingley Kivitz’s daughter Eloise, age 3, will be a WMS student beginning in September.

1998.......................

Toby arturi is a senior editor at Carrot Creative, a Brooklyn-based advertising firm owned by Vice Media that

specializes in cutting-edge digital media. He returned to Brooklyn last fall after a number of years living in New Orleans and working on several documentary films, and on various international film editing assignments. When not working, he plays music with friends and is a member of the Kings County Film Society.

1999.......................

liza solley married Kelsey LeBuffe on September 26, 2015 at Holliecroft Farm in Washington.

2000.......................

Betty gilpin and Cosmo Pfeil were married in August.

scotty Ryan is marrying John James Goldbeck in October.

2001.......................

Maria littlefield is engaged and is planning a fall 2017 wedding.

2002 ......................

sam arturi is a chef at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, Vermont, the second-most popular tourist attraction

in that state. He returned to Vermont a year ago after numerous chef and restaurant management jobs in Block Island, Nantucket, Telluride, Friday Harbor and Squaw Valley. When not working he snowboards and hikes the Green Mountains.

2004.......................

liz hawley Dayton was part of the ensemble cast who performed a stage reading of The Big Chill as part of our WMS Presents... series. She continues to teach at The Gunnery. She and her husband Scott are expecting their first child in February.

2005.......................

Josh Johnston was part of the ensemble cast who performed a stage reading of The Big Chill as part of our WMS Presents... series. He also recently performed in An Ideal Husband alongside Michael Urie and Gabriel Ebert, and directed by Tony Nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater Off-Broadway.

2006.......................

Will Talbot taught ceramics for our WMS Summer Camp this year and will be filling in for our art teacher while she’s on maternity leave.

This May, MS Chorus students enjoyed a choral workshop given by Christopher Eanes, ‘90, and his wife Kelly Ann Nelson of the Cincinnati Boychoir. Students were coached on vocal and choral technique and learned several new pieces during their time together. In sectional groups, the girls learned parts to a spiritual Jordan’s Angels and how to shape vowels to further beautify their full, bright tone. Boys worked with Chris to explore the challenges of the changing voice and worked on tenor and baritone part-singing. The morning culminated in an informal concert presentation for UE and MS students and teachers. Kelly Ann also worked with LE students and Matilda in the afternoon.

Liza Solley, ’99, and Kelsey LeBuffe were married last September. Caroline Kinsolving, ’95, as Lurene in Last Gas at Shadowland in NY.


2008.......................

Ben gardner has enlisted in the US Coast Guard. When he’s done with basic training, he hopes to be stationed on the west coast or Hawaii until he attends A School to become a Boatswain’s Mate.

2009.......................

Jane funk is in her senior year at UNH.

harry gilpin is in his senior year at UVM.

cam loomis transferred to SUNY Cobleskill last fall and changed major to Turf Management. He had a great year, playing goalie for the lacrosse team. He especially enjoyed his science courses! Cam spent the summer doing an internship at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA.

Ray Mennin is in his senior year at Princeton where he is a member of the indoor and outdoor track teams. Ray was named 2016 Ivy League Champion in the Men’s 400.

harris owens is currently in school at Belmont University in Nashville, TN with a major in

Music Business and Production. He is also working as a freelance musician/producer and playing shows.

Jake Paron is in his senior year at Colorado College and spent the summer working for sculptor Mark Mennin.

andrew Trevenen finished his junior year at Cornell University, where he spent the fall playing Cornell Sprint Football. Summer was spent interning in New York City, where he had an opportunity to catch up with many of his WMS pals.

2010.......................

caroline hermans continues to attend Carnegie Mellon University. She spent the summer completing an externship with Apple.

sam Neubauer is a junior at Bates College, majoring in English. He spent the summer working as an EMT on Martha’s Vineyard.

2011.......................

colin hay graduated from Kent this year and is headed to Ithaca College this fall.

Phoebe Paron, and her team, Mud for Brains, competed in Tough Mudder New England and raised nearly $20,000 for the Avielle Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent violence and build compassion in communities by fostering brain science research, community engagement, and education.

2012.......................

olivia Binzen graduated from Canterbury where she received the Canterbury Art Legacy Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of advanced art students. She is headed to Sarah Lawrence this fall.

Zoë cameron graduated from the Gunnery and is headed to

Ithaca College in the fall. Zoë was nominated for two Halo Awards this year—one for Best Sound Design and one for Best Incidental or Original Music in a Play for her work on The Gunnery’s production of And Then There Were None. The Halo Awards recognize excellence in high school theater in Connecticut.

Max laufer graduated from high school and is headed to Haverford College in the fall. Along with another classmate, Max was instrumental in starting the high school division of Ideas for Action, a competition from the Wharton School of Business and the World Bank. Ideas for Action asks youth from all over the

ALUMNI NEWS . continued

Will Talbot, ’06, taught ceramics at WMS this summer. Ray Mennin, ’09, was named 2016 Ivy League Champion in the Men’s 400. Max Laufer, ’12.

The children of Nell Solley, ’94, Miranda Pasch, ‘92 , Christina Oneglia Rossi, ‘94 , and Sarah Graham Needham, ’94.


world to submit proposals with their ideas for financing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

lexi long graduated from Taft and received an Athletic Award for earning more than 6 varsity letters throughout high school.

colton loomis graduated from South Kent School, and will be attending Wagner College in the fall. He has been recruited to play lacrosse for Wagner. For the summer, he is once again working in the clubhouse and as a caddie at Bull’s Bridge Golf Club.

gabriella Martinez had an amazing senior year at The Marvelwood School in Kent where she was named Editor of the Yearbook, and voted Most Improved on her soccer team in the fall. She made the High Honor Roll in the Winter, and graduated in May with honors. At Prize Day she was awarded Most Improved in Trigonometry, and was the recipient of the The Rachel Carson Audubon Award for environmental conservation.She received this award in recognition of her work in her Honors Ornithology class,

on the Globally Important Bird Area application, and her drawings of sensitive bird species. Gabriella has been accepted at The Hartford Art School, and was awarded their highest Artistic Merit scholarship. Most recently she received the John Howard Sanden scholarship from Portraits Inc., that is awarded to well-rounded persons who have a passion for learning and a desire to make themselves into the best they can be. Gabriella is spending her summer working, volunteering and banding birds in the woods of Kent with her ornithology teacher Ms. Doss.

Maggie McNeill was inducted into the Cum Laude Society at Taft. She was also awarded the school’s Class of 1981 Award, which recognizes students who during their time at Taft have displayed exceptional personal growth and perseverance.

Joscie Norris graduated from Westover where she completed a research project on native plant biodiversity and an art project with an antique printing press. Joscie was captain of the Outdoor and Rock Climbing teams

and Editor in Chief of the art and poetry magazine, The Lantern. She also recently recieved her 3rd degree black belt and ran a Self Defense Club. Joscie continued to compete in poetry competitions this year and was thrilled to reconnect with Kathy Coe, "who always inspired me to write in Humanities." This summer Josice backpacked 8 4,000-footers in the White Mountains. Joscie is attending the University of Vermont and will study Environmental Science and Studio Arts. "I am so excited for UVM’s Outing club and the Saturday Farmer’s Markets!"

emmarie Toppan graduated magna cum laude with high distinction in arts and distinction in English from Brooks School. She will be attending Gettysburg College.

Nick Valletta graduated from South Kent School where he was awarded the Scholastic Improvement Award. Throughout his time at South Kent, Nick took part in robotics, an afternoon extension of the Applied Technology and STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) class

offerings. He will continue to pursue STEM at the Rochester Institute of Technology where he will begin as a freshman this fall.

2013.......................

alden grayson-funk spent his summer playing on the Lynx lacrosse team, an elite lax program for high school students, and working as a caddie at Bull’s Bridge Golf Club. He is entering his senior year at South Kent where he is a member of the mountain biking, hockey and lacrosse teams.

Emmarie Toppan, ’12, graduated magna cum laude with high distinction in arts and distinction in English from Brooks School. Ben Laufer, ’14. Bella Papov, ’14, received the Roderick Clarke ’46 Award for Academic Excellence at Canterbury’s graduation in May. Gabriella Martinez, ’12, graduated with Honors from Marvelwood School.

Alden Grayson-Funk, ’13, and Colton Loomis, ’12, played lacrosse for South Kent.


liam lawlor is entering his senior year at Forman where he is a member of the ultimate frisbee and soccer teams. He spent the summer doing a film program at NYU.

anna Paolucci is in her senior year at Westover where she has been elected to serve as Day Student Head.

sydney Trevenen finished her junior year at The Taft School after a successful academic and varsity tennis year. She was nominated and selected for the Yale Medical School Discovery to Cure High School Internship program and spent her summer researching cancer at one of Yales biomedical research labs.

2014.......................

Jyne Dunbar was nominated for a Halo Award for her performance in Westover’s Hamet. The Halo Awards recognize excellence in high school theater in Connecticut.

alvin hermans spent the second semester of his sophomore year studying abroad in Demark. He will return to Shepaug this fall for his junior year.

Ben laufer is enjoying his time at Taft where he is focusing on his academic endeavors. He is currently interning with Initiate for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at the Wharton School of UPenn, writing a report on urban farming in Connecticut. He has participated in two environmental leadership programs at Dartmouth and in Costa Rica and plans to study sustainable agriculture in college.

lydia Mahan was chosen to be Third Head of Wests at Westover.

Willa Neubauer is a junior at Hotchkiss. She spent the summer working as a counselor at an art camp.

Bella Papov is a junior at Canterbury where she has been a member of the rowing team. Bella received the Roderick Clarke ’46 Award for Academic Excellence at Canterbury’s graduation in May. This award is given to the student with the highest GPA in the class for the year.

Macy Toppan earned high honors at Taft and has been

chosen to be a monitor at Taft next year. She continues to play the harp and tennis.

2015.......................

Julian aviles, Will Brodhead and sean Douglas, all sophomores at The Gunnery, were inducted into the national Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society, a program with strict eligibility requirements including honor roll grades in non-music courses, high honor roll grades in music courses, as well as community service.

After completing an enjoyable and successful first year of high school at Canterbury, James Birge spent two weeks of his summer vacation with Brady Grustas, ’15, in Greece. James has maintained his close friendships with his fellow WMS alumni, and appreciates that he was well-prepared for high school.

saoirse fischer is now going by her middle name, McCauley. She is transferring to Putney School this year where she will be a sophomore.

Max fossland took 1st Place in Taft’s annual lower mid Macbeth recitation for his

performance of the porter’s speech the morning after Duncan’s death. Max also plays soccer for the school and skis competitively on the school’s racing team.

During his freshman year at Taft, Brady grustas performed in the school’s production of The Laramie Project. His performance earned him a Halo Award nomination for Best Standout Performance in an Ensemble Play. The Halo Awards recognize excellence in high school theater in Connecticut. Brady also earned honors in the school’s annual lower mid Macbeth recitation.

lee Mashburn had a great year at Marvelwood where he received the Biology One Award.

Violet Reid easily transitioned to life in Texas this past year achieving a 4.3 gpa at her Montessori school and IB program. She is dancing in the pre-professional program at Ballet Austin which is one of the USA’s major ballet companies. She is also keeping up with piano lessons (which she began at WMS), singing and writing her own music.

Lee Mashburn, ’15, received the Biology One Award at Marvelwood this year. WMS alumni and members of Westover's class of 2016: Mariah Fortunato, Nellie Funk, Ava Mennin and Joscie Norris. Joscie Norris, '12, backbacked the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine this summer.


olivia BinzenSarah Lawrence CollegeZoë cameronIthaca CollegeJack coyneCarlton Collegemariah FortunatoUCONNnellie FunkSaint Lawrence Universityemily garfinkelNaugatuck Valley Community Collegealex hubbellPennsylvania State Universitymax lauferHaverford Collegelexi longLafayette College

colton loomisWagner Collegeshea mahanBryant Universitygabriella martinezThe Hartford Art Schoolmaggie mcneillGap yearJoscie norrisUniversity of Vermontandrew siemonChamplain CollegerJ susiStonehill Collegeemmarie toppanGettysburg Collegenick VallettaRochester Institute of Technology

WMs is PleaseD To aNNoUNce The college choices of oUR class of 2012.We wish you luck in this next step of your life.

Julian Aviles, ’15, and Julius Chiang-Boeckmann, ’15, sport their high school spirit. Macy Toppan, ’14, played on the Taft tennis team and had the chance to get some pointers from tennis legend Chris Evert. James Birge, ’15, spent two weeks of his summer visiting Greece with fellow WMS classmate Brady Grustas, ’15.

We do our best each year to find out what our alumni are planning for their next steps. Regretfully, we are sometimes unsure of an alum's college plans by time of publication.


T he spring class trips for Middle School students have a long tra-

dition here at WMS, and this year is no exception…or almost no excep-tion. The 8th-grade students have for the past several years traveled to Puerto Rico, and we were expecting to make the same trip this year. Our trips involve students in researching and preparing for their adventure, and we focus on making connections with another culture, doing real work where it is needed, exploring new lands, and working together to sup-port each other in a strange place far away from home.

By January all plans had been made, airplane tickets purchased and contacts established. Unfortu-nately, with the late introduction of the Zika virus in the Caribbean, Pat Werner and the chaperones – Theo, Nora, Melissa, Lauren, Tom and Ad-dison – decided that we had to can-cel the Puerto Rico trip. This left us

with just a few weeks to research and make new arrangements, and so, af-ter a brainstorming session with the 8th-graders, and with some recom-mendations from other Montessori schools, we decided to explore the desert southwest with a trip to New Mexico. With so little time to pre-pare, we all had to be ready to face the unknown.

Based on our requests, our outfit-ter, Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions, prepared a trek that included physical challenges and cultural exchange, as well as environmental and archaeo-logical education. After meeting us at the airport, Cottonwood Gulch loaded the students and the gear and set off on a six-day adventure in the high desert of northwest New Mex-ico. We explored the otherworldly mushroom-rock landscape of Ah-Shi- Sle-Pah, bathed in hot springs in the mountains, camped on the edge of a mesa among huge chunks of petrified

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8TH -GRADE SERVICE TRIP: NEW MEXICO


1 The slot canyon hike gradually becomes more difficult. 2 The group ready to relocate to a new camp site. 3 Navajo Elder, Carrie House, shares stories and information on the Navajo. 4 Sarala Grayson-Funk enters final reflections on the trip in her travel journal. All students recorded their personal experiences in journals throughout the week. 5 The fearless leaders—Theo Grayson, Tom Fahsbender, Lauren Long, Addison Owens, Melissa Hay and Nora Hulton. 6 Exploring Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah. 7 Heading down a steep part of the slot canyon hike.

wood, and experienced nighttime winds and storms that nearly took our tents away. We climbed ancient trails, using footholds chiseled into the stone 500 years ago by the Ana-sazi, high into the red rock cliffs, and then squeezed ourselves down slot canyons so tight we held ourselves up by friction alone. We met Navajo elders, who told us their creation sto-ries and explained how their matri-lineal culture and its traditions sees the world and the creatures in it.

In spite of the many wonderful experiences, the trip was a real chal-lenge for the students and chaperones. Each day we took on a new adventure, and each night we slept in tents or cabins. Although we were in the des-ert, the nights got near freezing while the days were clear and warm. With water scarce, we saved our one shower for the last day of the trip, when we visited the Old Town section of Al-buquerque before heading to the air-port. The students arrived back home tired and hungry, but proud of what they had accomplished, and with a renewed appreciation for their class-mates and friends.

-Tom Fahsbender, Middle School Head Teacher

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FIELD DAY

1 The blue team celebrates their Boot, Scootin’ Boogie win. 2 Laura Davenport and Hayden Fisher earned points for the orange team working on a cooperative game together. 3 Georges DeVos doing the long jump. 4 First- through 4th-years line up at the start for the half-mile race. 5 Layla Copen and Serena Lowy paired up to compete in the three-legged race. 6 Eighth-graders Lily Thompson and Logan Clew-Bachrach lead the orange team in spirit 7 Maeren Hay and McKenna Casey cheer on the green team. 8 Zhanara Ray-Tunis and Meghan Spangenberg 9 Jacob Bruck, Britton Davis, Sean Dunbar and Reilly Mahan lead the pack during the half-mile race.

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F or Field Day, the weather was perfect and the day filled with fun, terrific

sportsmanship, encouragement from all the teams, and exceptional school camaraderie as older students supported younger teammates and teams cheered for each other. Each individual had opportunities to contribute to their team through a variety of running events, long jump, gaga, cooperative games (created by the 8th-graders), Boot, Scootin’ Boogie dance, yoga, and team games and relay. It was wonderful to watch the field of color as students enjoyed a fabulous day with tons of positive energy and smiles. The six color teams supported one another throughout the day in friendly competitions. The final tally of team points showed how well-balanced

the teams were with three teams tying. The day emphasized the importance of our philosophy, with everyone having an opportunity to be part of a larger goal, supporting each other, appreciating what each individual brings, having fun, and winning and losing with grace. It was wonderful to watch older students cheering on younger and younger students receiving high fives and hugs after completing events from older. Another terrific Field Day.

-Theo Grayson, Director of Athletics


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UE SHAKESPEARE PLAYS


1 Jane’s & Kathy’s class performed As You Like It. 2 Cecilia Moisan and Sam Wieder 3 Mark Aguilar, Wyatt Lee and Hugo Vilbois. 4 Graham Ince, Serena Lowy and Juliette Dutton. 5 Sophia Oldakowski, Ana Karpas and Regan Colton. 6 Olivia Mooney, Maureen Previn and Lara Belcher.

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T he Shakespeare plays are a signature part of the Upper Elementary curriculum at WMS. We have been extremely

fortunate for several years to have had the talented Ann Gilpin, parent of WMS Alumni, as the director of these plays.

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1 Aurora’s and Jennifer’s class performed The Winter’s Tale. 2 Edward DeVos and Jonas Veleas. 3 Benjamin Lowy and Maeren Hay. 4 Piper Skilton and Emmy Swan. 5 An ensemble performance of the Boot, Scootin’ Boogie in a modern twist on the Bohemian scene. 6 Ashleen Hay and Jemima Paolucci.

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A s school opened in the fall of 2015, there was still a palpable buzz in

the air from our 50th Anniversary. The celebrations of the prior year brought us closer together as a community, reminded us of where we've come from, and helped prepare us for the future with a $2.5-million capital campaign. With all that positive energy in the air, we set the theme for the 15-16 school year as "Momentum.”

Certainly the most outward change to WMS over the past year has been the construction of a new Sports Park and Lower School playground. Made possible by our generous 50th Anniversary Cam-paign donors, the additions to our campus have been transformative. The playground opened in the fall to the delight of our youngest students, and our tennis team was able to use the new courts for spring practices. The final preparations for the new field are underway.

The campaign also raised a significant amount of money for teacher professional development and financial aid. Those funds will be available to us in the coming year, and their impact will be felt by our stu-dents throughout the school.

As always, our community worked to-gether in many ways throughout the school year to support our school. Parent volun-teers can be seen at every school event and function, supporting the teachers and staff. The annual fund raised close to $217,000, while the auction brought in roughly $117,000 including $28,500 specifically for Technology. Our Polar Plunge raised $27,000 for our WMSCP program. These volunteer and fund raising efforts are criti-cal to our programs and we sincerely thank everyone who contributed their time, tal-ent and money in support of our students.

In all, it was another great year at WMS. Our program continues to offer students an educational experience unmatched in our area and we're forever grateful to everyone who makes that possible.

ANNUAL REPORT


JUly 1, 2015 – JUnE 30, 2016

BoaRD of TRUsTees

Bill Dunbar, Woodbury; ChairMatthew Karpas, Litchfield; Vice ChairDoug Day, Litchfield; TreasurerAlex McNaughton, Bridgewater; SecretaryChrissy Armstrong, New PrestonPeter Becker, WashingtonBarrie Birge, LitchfieldMark Booth, RoxburyRob Copen, WashingtonLiz DeVos, Kent; P.A. Representative, Ex OfficioEmily Fitzhugh, WashingtonAngela Siebrecht, LitchfieldKaryn Sorce, WashingtonJessica Travelstead, LitchfieldDenise Trevenen, WashingtonDavid Wieder, ShermanPat Werner, New Preston; Head of School, Ex OfficioElvira Charles, Salt Lake City, UT; Trustee Emeritus

DeVeloPMeNT coMMiTTee

Jessica Travelstead, ChairChrissy ArmstrongBarrie BirgeDoug Day Liz DeVosBill DunbarLaura MartinTrish O’ReillyAngela SiebrechtPat Werner

aNNUal fUND VolUNTeeRs

Amy Julia BeckerMarc BlairChristine DavenportBarat DelVicarioMiki DuisterhofTal FaginVictoria FosslandAlex InceMiriam LauferLaura NeminskiKrysti RayKatie Ré ScheidtNell Solley ‘94

A MESSAgE fRoM thE ChAiR of thE BoARd of tRUStEES And hEAd of SChool

Bill Dunbar, Chair, Board of Trustees

Pat Werner, Head of School


Jamie SpannhakeHerb SwarzHelena SweetJessica TravelsteadJanice UhlDiana VarlayJami WeinerCaroline Wilcox

gifTs To The WashiNgToN MoNTessoRi aNNUal fUND

FoUnDers$10,000 To $19,999Suzanne & Doug DayPatrick ’82 & Erin DortonGretchen Hachmeister & Randy OrzanoAnonymous (2)

leaDers $5,000 to $9,999

Amy Julia & Peter BeckerJana & Bill DunbarJuliet & John HubbardEmily Dalton & Matthew KarpasSusan & Tom KendallApril & Sandy Neubauer, in honor of Sam ’10 & Willa ’14Coco & Frank SellmanKaryn & Salvatore SorceVicki & Herb SwarzPat & Erhard Werner

BeneFactors $2,500 to $4,999Leslie & Raymond Cappella Connecticut Community Foundation Give LocalAnia & David HubbardMarina Belica & Steven LowyJan & Paul PrenoveauJessica & Jason TravelsteadAnonymous (1)

Patrons $1,500 to $2,499 Elvira Charles Lisa & Andrew Clark Justine Keating & Daniel Colton Judith Friedman Lani & Dale Geurts Karen & Perley Grimes

the WMS leadership circle has been established to honor the donors who have made lifetime cash gifts exceeding $100,000. We would

like to express our utmost gratitude and appreciation for their contributions. Because of their generosity, the vision of our founder Elvira Charles lives on and the children of Washington

Montessori School have flourished.

Ann Barry

virginia & Robert deCourcy

Patrick ’82 & Erin dorton

dick & Susan Saint James Ebersol

Judith & John friedman

Susan & Murray haber

lindell hertberg

Juliet & John hubbard

Shelley & Robert hunt

Susan & tom Kendall

Samantha & ivan lendl

denise & Alex Mcnaughton

Constance Miller

the Mortara family

April Stevens & Sandy neubauer

Cathy & greg oneglia

Ann hertberg & tom Paron

Sally & Seward Ryan

Smart family foundation

Pat & Ed Werner

Anonymous (6)

Janet Janssen & Craig Puffenberger Caroline & Michael Lind Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Mr. & Mrs. James Preston Fourgie & Willie Smith Anonymous (1)

mentors $1,000 to $1,499Dr. & Mrs. Austin AbramsonLily Binns ’95, in memory of Louise ReadBarrie & Chuck BirgeKimberly & Marc BlairJoan BuchananTal Fagin & Robert CopenBarbara & Richard DavisSusan & Michael Eanes, in honor of Isabel Martin '16 Martina & Milos FormanSusan & Murray HaberEllen Barrett & Steve IngleseSheila LargayMandy Risley Gandt ’86 & Emma Risley ’90Katie & Eric ScheidtAngela & Kevin SiebrechtMarci Silverman & Bill Slepoy, in honor of Lily Slepoy, ’20Sue StevensDenise & John TrevenenJane & David Wieder

FrienDs $500 to $999

Christine CowlesChristine & Jim Davenport, in honor of Laura Davenport, Class of 2016Linda Saarnijoki & Rusty DavisThe DeVos FamilyJoline & Gregg DouglasEmily FitzhughTanya & Denis HorganJane & Chuck InceAlex & Brandon InceAlex McNaughtonBola & Brian MooneyKimmi & Duane MorikawaMargaret & Brendan O’Connell

thE WMSleadership circle


Cathy & Greg OnegliaFrancis J. & Louisa J. Oneglia FoundationHilary & Ethan RamKrysti Ray & Marty TunisBeth & Tom RickartBeth & Franz SchoberSusan & Craig SchoonNancy Shilts, in honor of The Martin ChildrenStarr SneadNicholas SolleyJamie & John SpannhakeTerry & Peter SullivanHelena & Zach Sweet

sUPPorters $150 to $499

Suzanne Lefebvre & George BarthCarol Beebe-MestelPatricia BoothBarbara & Alan BravermanJudy & Larry BrownsteinAmanda Carlson & Craig CornellBetsy & Mike DeLucaMargret & Philip Delves-BroughtonRoberta & David DoughertyThe Douglas Family, in honor of Joline ThompsonAmy & Stan DumochDawn & Ron Fiddler, with gratitude from Sam ’13 & Ben Willis ’15Victoria & Toby FosslandJulie Loughran & Brendan FouloisThe Habbas FamilyMary & Erik HawvermaleJane & Paul HinkelTrish O’Reilly & Jim HuffstetlerRoula & Magdi KhalilJulia Tingley Kivitz ’97Miriam & Samuel LauferJoMarie LeifertMrs. George Lindsay, in memory of Louise Lindsay ReadShari & Michael MahanCheryl & Dwayne MalloyJoanne MarquseeEve & Marc MouraLaura & Perry NeminskiLiza & Dan OnegliaMr. & Mrs. Gerald O’Reilly

Michele & Stephen Paduano, in honor of Stephen ’08 & Joseph Paduano ’09Eliza & Mike PaolucciCarol & Vlad PapovSusan & Geoffrey PurdySheila & George RainesWendy & Rick Rhodes, in honor of Nancy BinnsMary Ann & Tom RyanDiana & Philip SavoryPamela & John SiemonLiza SolleyThe Susi FamilyLaura Swarz-Burt & Peter BurtDiane & Peter WilsonChristine & Jason WoodcockJennie Panchy & Matthew WoodhallAnonymous (4)

Boosters UP to $149

Denise & Peter ArturiSusan AverillElizabeth & Gil AvilesJenn & Craig BadgerBriana & Landon BallElizabeth & Benjamin BartlettMaggie & George BartlettJami Weiner & Jason BaumgartnerMelinda & Duncan BelcherRebecca & Ted BentSusie & Jeff BergJoan BernsteinNancy BinnsGussie Binns-Berkey ’02Lisa & Duncan BreeseJoy BrownZoë Cameron ’12Sarah Jane & Michael ChelminskiBetty ClarkSheila Coad-Bernard & Randy BernardClaire & David CopenRebecca & Octavio Couto da SilvaEmily Curtis-Murphy & Matthew YetmanIngrid DavisDebby DeGuireBarat & Joe DelVicario

Andi & Nick DePreterCharles DeVos ’16, in honor of Nancy BinnsMara McDonald DeWitteMichele Ganon & Jim DoneganKerry Dorton ’83Miki Duisterhof & Steven BoljonisChristopher Eanes ’90, in honor of The Eanes & Martin FamiliesLori Fedewa & Peter BrodheadArnon ’09, Emma ’11 & McCauley Fischer ’15Jessica & Jon FletcherAnke FranklinRita & Paul FrenkelLiz & Steve Funk, in honor of Cherry ThurlowIneke & Joseph GheringMimi GillenPriscilla GraysonTheo Grayson & John FunkKara & Stephen GrittiHeather & John GrustasAmy Habbas ’87Ellen HadadJoan HammondElizabeth HandelsmanMeg & Paul HandelsmanNick Hawvermale ’03Colin Hay ’11Anne & Friso HermansJill HirshfeldVanessa Hoppe ’92 & Steve HaskellPatricia & Denis HorganNora HultonChiquita & Kelvin JeffersonSevara Jeleva & Ken Paul, in honor of Kathryn Paul ’08 and in memory of John M. FriedmanLarry & Cuyler JenningsF. Todd Johnson & Michael LaHart, in memory of Vern & Eileen LaHartReagan Colton ’20Laura & Richard LangworthyMary Beth & Niall LawlorJames Lawlor ’16Tom & Kathi LeeLauren & John Long, in honor of WMS Middle School TeachersPat Conroy & Tony Lovotti

Billy Lovotti ’03Carroll & Michael MacDonaldKirsten & Mike MarichChris MartinLaura ’86 & Richard MartinLuke Martin ’18Laura & Burt MashburnJacki Romano & Jack McArdleMelora MennessonAmy & John MoisanElese Smith & Jeremy MontambaultLaura & Mickey MorrisRichard MottleyShelley & John OberwetterMarie O’Brien & George Theisen, in honor of Alex Theisen ’07 & Faith Neubauer ’22Robin & Steve OldakowskiAnn O’ReillyJeremiah O’SheaMarina & Tom OutwaterReese & Vi OwensStephen Paduano ’08Gillian PanchyKathryn Paul ’08, in memory of John M. FriedmanSusan & John PayneLeigh PeetMicky & Joe PrattEthan Pratt ’09Harper Pratt ’11Gillian Desjardins & Fletcher PrevinHitchy RahillyCarol & Larry RandCurtis ReadPiedad SchorStephanie Schor ’11Mia & Dan SedoreKira Siebrecht ’15Beth SimonJill & Mark SkiltonBev SmithNell Solley ’94, in honor of Beth RickartHunter SouthworthPilar DeMann Tillinger & Sebastian Tillinger, in memory of PrinceAyesha Thompson, in honor of Anjavie Thompson ’17Carly Thurlow ’93, in memory of Jevon Thurlow ’90


Sharon Tingley & Ting TingleyAndrew Trevenen ’09Caroline & Mustafa UgurluJanice & Doug UhlSue & Bob UllramCarol & Ray UnderwoodLinda & Gerry VallettaJon VeleasSara & Aaron VidettoIngrid Salcedo & Ulrich VilboisArlyn & John WassermanNancy Weiner, in honor of Blake ’22 & Emery Baumgartner ’24Shannon & Brett WheelerSally WoodhallBill & Tina ZampaglioneSunny & Aaron ZweigAnonymous (1)

in memorY oF larrY mottleYJoanne MarquseeRichard MottleyPat & Erhard Werner

gRaNTs

Connecticut Community Foundation—Priscilla S. Whittemore GrantAnonymous (3)

gifTs To The WashiNgToN MoNTessoRi coMMUNiTY PaRTNeRshiP PRogRaM

Catherine & Bill BachrachAmy Julia & Peter Becker Susan & Michael EanesEmily Dalton & Matthew KarpasSusan & Tom KendallGingerbread House Project WMS PAAnonymous (1)

sPoNsoRs: WMscPP PolaR PlUNge foR PaRTNeRshiP

B&D Controlled Air CorpBlink ProductionsCompass Capital ManagementCopes Waste SolutionsFox Crossing EquestrianThe Hopkins Inn

Joma, Inc.J.R.C. TransportationKarpas StrategiesLakeville InteriorsMacDermid, IncorporatedPreferred Building MaintenanceRational 360Trevenen & CoploffZero Odor

sPoNsoRs: PUPPeTRY fesTiVal

Copes Waste Solutions

sPoNsoRs: WMs PReseNTs…

Jack BlackSalisbury Bank and TrustTrevenen & Coploff

gifTs of gooDs & seRVices

Susan & Sam AverillBeau BaxterElizabeth Hawley Dayton ’04Pilar DeMannLaura Dunn & BaileyJosh Johnston ’05Ann Kearney & Phil DuttonDavid GrasmereCaroline Kinsolving ’95Michael LombardiDorothy LymanHilary RamMarsha ReidJeff SavageCraig SchoonJamie SpannhakeSebastian TillingerCaroline Wilcox UgurluJanice UhlUlrich VilboisKathy WeiserEd WernerJane & David Wieder

gifTs To The 50Th aNNiVeRsaRY caPiTal caMPaigN

Dr. & Mrs. Austin AbramsonMrs. Betty Abramson

Mrs. Ann Fay Barry, in honor of Abigail, Savannah & Jane and in memory of Albert Evans Walker, IIIBarbara & Joseph BartlettAmy Julia & Peter BeckerCarol Beebe-MestelMelinda & Duncan BelcherLaura & Robert BennKimberly & Marc BlairBrown Tufts MontessoriChris & Adam BruckJoanna & Edward CarpenterSarah Jane & Michael ChelminskiJaime Bachrach & Tim ClewJustine Keating & Daniel ColtonRegan Colton ‘20Tal Fagin & Robert CopenChristine & Jim DavenportSuzanne & Doug DayCharles ’16, Edward ’19, & Georges ’22 DeVosBrian Donegan ’02Patrick ’82 & Erin DortonJana & Bill DunbarJyne Dunbar ’14Susan & Michael Eanes, in honor of WMS Teachers, past & presentEmily FitzhughKelly Franklin ’01Judith & Julia ’09 Friedman, in honor of John M. FriedmanLani & Dale GeurtsIneke & Joseph GheringAnn & Jack GilpinChristina & Joseph GorbeckiAli GrimesKaren & Perley GrimesHeather & John GrustasSusan & Murray HaberJessica & Alex HarvillJuliet & John HubbardTrish O’Reilly & Jim HuffstetlerG. Buckley HuffstetlerEmily Dalton & Matthew KarpasSusan & Tom KendallLauren & John LongMarina Belica & Steven LowyDorothy LymanJudith MahanLaura & Burt MashburnJacki Romano & Jack McArdleAlex McNaughton

April & Sandy NeubauerCathy & Greg OnegliaAnn Hertberg & Tom ParonDenise & Peter PaschSusan & John PayneSarah & Phil PaysonMicky & Joe PrattMr. & Mrs. James PrestonSheila & George RainesHilary & Ethan RamWendy & Rick RhodesMartha & Bob SchindhelmThe Sellman FamilyAngela & Kevin SiebrechtBeth SimonThe Skilton FamilyFourgie & Willie SmithStarr SneadVicki & Herb SwarzJessica & Jason Travelstead Heidi Diedrich & Kevin UmehLesley WaldronNancy WarePat & Erhard WernerJane & David WiederMax Wieder ’17WMS Class of 2016WMS P.A.Anonymous (3)

2016 aUcTioN:Light the Path

aUction committeeHeidi Diedrich, Co-ChairBriana Ball, Co-ChairBriana Ball, DesignGillian Desjardins, DesignLani Geurts, AdministratorLaura Neminski, AcquisitionsCoco Sellman, AcquisitionsCherry Thurlow, Operations

acqUisitions teamEllen BarrettSuzanne BlaicherHeidi DiedrichMary Beth LawlorLaura MartinLaura NeminskiCoco SellmanMarci Silverman


Jamie SpannhakeHelena SweetJessica Travelstead

aDVertisingLiz DeVosLani GeurtsChristine GorbeckiLaura Martin

classroom ProJectsLaura Neminski, Coordinator

YccCarmen AbramsonJamie D’Amico

lower schoolJamie SpannhakePilar TillingerChristine Woodcock

lower elementarYKimberly BlairEmily KentKatie Ré Scheidt

UPPer elementarYLauren BoothBetsy Renwick

miDDle schoolSheila Coad-Bernard, Head of Middle School

Data entrYLisa BreeseLaura NeminskiHelena SweetJanice UhlChristine Woodcock

Decorating committeeBriana BallMindy BelcherGillian DesjardinsRobin Oldakowski

graPhic DesignGillian DejardinsBriana BallLani GeurtsJill SkiltonCherry Thurlow

UnDerwitersBarrie & Chuck BirgeMarina Belica & Steven LowyMichael Curry & Angela SkourasChristine & Jim DavenportSuzanne & Doug Day

The DeVos FamilyJoline & Gregg DouglasJudith FriedmanChrissy & Joe GorbeckiHeather & John GrustasSuzanne Lefebvre & Chip BarthAmy & John MoisanBarbara NorrisTrish O’Reilly & James HuffstetlerHiedi Diedrich & Kevin UmehCoco & Frank SellmanHelen Shu & Eliot WadsworthArlyn & John WassermanJane & David Weider

general sUPPortChristine DavenportEllen HadadErik HawvermaleChiquita JeffersonJustine KeatingLaura MartinRobin OldakowskiEllen Willert

oPerationsLisa BreeseDan EvonLaura Neminski

Wendy RhodesCoco SellmanJanice Uhl

sPecial thanksEric Hummel, AuctioneerJaime Bachrach & Tim Clew for generously donating the wine.Gillian Desjardins & Briana Ball for their artistic vision and devotion.Laura Martin, Trish O’Reilly, Jill Skilton, Ellen Hadad, Cherry Thurlow, Erik Hawvermale, and Greg DeRosa for their contributions and time to the auction.Taylor Rental for always tending to the details.Executive Cuisine for delivering another warm meal!New Milford Printing for their immediate turn around.Vivid Events for spectacular lighting and sound.Ulrich Vilbois for his visual and video production expertise.To WMS Teachers and advisors who offered assistance with classroom projects.To Pat who provides her wisdom and thoughtful leadership.

Donors, BiDDers & Patrons oF the aUctionA Better Way Wholesale Autos, NaugatuckCarmen & Evan AbramsonLeslie & Austin AbramsonAfter School Arts Program (ASAP), Washington DepotJena & John AlleeKatherine AlmquistAmeico, New MilfordAmenta/Emma Architects, P.C., HartfordAnonymousAppletree Design Depot, Washington DepotArbor Services of CT, Inc., Washington DepotAspetuck Animal Hospital, New Preston

Montessori moms Katie Ré Scheidt, Kimberly Blair and Margret Delves-Broughton multi-tasked online bidding and socializing during the silent auction. Two-week- old Iris Ball might be the youngest WMS auction guest ever. Parents Briana and Lani are troopers for making it through the evening.

auct

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At the Corner, LitchfieldJennifer & Tyson AverillElizabeth & Gil AvilesBriana & Landon BallBank Street Theater, New MilfordBantam PizzaSuzanne Lefebvre & Chip BarthRebecca Batchie & Paul BucciagliaJason BaumgartnerAmy Julia & Peter BeckerCarol Beebe-MestelMindy & Duncan BelcherRebecca & Ted BentDana BentonBig Johnson’s Guitars & ABC Music School, LitchfieldBike Express, New MilfordBarrie & Chuck BirgeSuzanne & Trip BlaicherKimberly & Marc BlairSammy Blair ’18The Bodhi Tree, LitchfieldMiki Duisterhof & Steven BoljonisLauren & Mark BoothBoston Red Sox; Boston, MAYeonsun Won & Taifa BraddockLisa BreeseBrooks Brothers, New YorkChris & Adam BruckCanterbury School, New MilfordLeslie & Ray CappellaCasa Bacchus, LitchfieldMeghan & Kevin Casey

Monique & Jeff CataldoSarah Cataldo ’18Charym Yoga & Fitness, LitchfieldSarah Jane & Michael ChelminskiValeska ChelminskiAnne ChiangThe Children’s Movement Center, New MilfordLisa & Andrew ClarkJamie Bachrach & Tim ClewLogan Clew-Bachrach ’16Ellie Clifford ’18Sheila Coad-Bermand & Randy BernardJustine Keating & Dan ColtonCompass Capital Management, SouthburyConnecticut Science Center, HartfordConnecticut Sports Arena, New MilfordThe Cookhouse Restaurant, New MilfordTal Fagin & Rob CopenCopes Waste Solutions, OakvilleAmanda Carlson & Craig CornellCounty Wine & Spirits, New PrestonAngela Skouras & Michael CurryErin & Darin D’AmicoJaime & Scott D’AmicoChristine & Jim DavenportDavid Gavin Salon, Kent

Charlotte Davis ’18Karen & Elliott DavisCarter Day ’16Suzanne & Doug DayMargret & Philip Delves-BroughtonAndy & Nick DePreterThe DeVos FamilyDiagnostic Radiology Associates, WaterburyKerry Dorton ’83Patrick ’82 & Erin DortonMichali Lerner & Steve DoubleJoline & Gregg DouglasDragon’s Breath Forge, WolcottJana & Bill DunbarEagle Rock Day Camp, WashingtonSusan & Michael EanesEarth Sports LLC., New PrestonEricson Insurance Advisors, Washington DepotDaniel EvonMia FarrowFife N’ Drum Gift Shop, KentFife ’n Drum Restaurant and Inn, KentThe Finch, BrooklynSunday & Stephen FisherDebi FitzgeraldEmily FitzhughMarie FlamandThe Forman School, LitchfieldFort Hill Farm, New Milford

Julie Loughran & Brendan FouloisFox Crossing Equestrian, MorrisJulia FrankJudith FriedmanSam Funk ’05Gager, Emerson, Rickart, Bower & Scalzo, LLP, BethelGeron Nursing & Respite Care, Inc., New MilfordJoanne & Gregory GerstenLani & Dale GeurtsMatilda GiampietroGifford’s, KentGilded Lily Jewelry, WoodburyAshley & Rick GilesMimi & John GillenValerie GonzalezChrissy & Joe GorbeckiDavid GrasmereGreen Granary, New MilfordKara & Steve GrittiBrady Grustas ’15Coleman Grustas ’18Heather & John GrustasGunn Memorial Library, WashingtonThe Gunnery, WashingtonH.A. Dunne & Co., New MilfordGinny HabbasEllen HadadMary & Erik HawvermaleHeron American Craft Gallery, Kent

Auction team members Janice Uhl, Laura Neminski, Heidi Diedrich and Robin Oldakowski took an ever-so-quick break from the work to smile forthe camera. New Montessori parents Paul Bucciaglia & Rebecca Batchie enjoyed their first WMS auction.


Hickory Stick Bookshop, Washington DepotJustine & Christian HoaglandTanya & Denis HorganCara & Win HotchkissKaren & Scott HouldinHousatonic Trading Co., BantamAnia HubbardIris Hubbard ’18Trish O’Reilly & James HuffstetlerJean Grasmere & Peter HumeHuntington and Hope, Washington DepotLela Ilyinsky ’98Alex & Brandon InceNathaniel Ince ’16Infinity Music Hall & Bistro, NorfolkEllen Barrett & Steve IngleseThe Inn at Kent Falls, KentJack Black, LitchfieldJanet Janssen & Craig PuffenbergerChiquita & Kelvin JeffersonJoe’s Salon & Spa, New MilfordThe Joyful Cup, New PrestonEmily Dalton & Matthew KarpasOlivia Karpas ’18Karpas Strategies, LitchfieldMyrna KenausisKent Coffee & ChocolateKent Greenhouse & GardensKent SchoolKent Wine & Spirit Shop

Kidcity Children’s Museum, MiddletownKidsplay, TorringtonKitchenworks & Gourmet Gifts, LitchfieldJulia Tingley Kivitz ’97Jane & Charles KleinTeri KnipeBud KonheimKramer Portraits, Connecticut, New YorkLake Compounce, BristolLakeville InteriorsMiriam & Sam LauferMary Beth LawlorSara Lynn Leavenworth ’83Susan Lederer TorpeyJoMarie LeifertCindy LeiliSherry & Eric LeitzMolly LevisonLindsey Victoria Photography, LitchfieldLitchfield Athletic ClubLitchfield Hills Farm-Fresh MarketLitchfield Hills Wine MarketLitchfield Historical SocietyLitchfield Jazz CampLitchfield Jazz FestivalLitchfield Tang Soo DoLauren & John LongMarina Belica & Steven LowyLillian LyonLuz & Bill MacArthur

Shari & Mike MahanMahard’s Piano Service, LLC, BethlehemSarah MarshallLaura Martin ’86Marty’s Café, Washington DepotMarvelwood School, KentStacey & Pels MatthewsThe Mayflower Grace, WashingtonJacki Romano & Jack McArdleSue & Ian McLeranRebecca McMackin’91Alex McNaughtonMegan MeanyIsabelle Menozzi & Marc WeisgalKen MerzMeta44, MillertonKirsten Leon & Shane MongarMonster Mini Golf of Danbury, DanburyLaura MontiBola & Brian MooneyJulian Morris, ’18Laura & Mickey MorrisEve & Marc MouraJeanne Moutoussamy-AsheDavid & Mulenga MwanzaLaura & Perry NeminskiApril Stevens & Sandy NeubauerMonica NeumannNew Milford Tennis and Swim ClubNew Morning Market, Woodbury

New York Jets, Florham ParkNew York Red Bulls, HarrisonChrissy Armstrong & Ben NickollNicole Miller, New YorkNine Main Deli, New PrestonNordica Toys, New MilfordBarbara NorrisNutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, TorringtonO & G Industries, TorringtonEmily Buchanan & Brendan O’ConnellRobin & Steve OldakowskiOliphant Design, LitchfieldOliva on Main, BethlehemAnnelise OsborneThe Pantry, Washington DepotEliza & Mike PaolucciElla Paolucci ’16Carol & Vladimir PapovPark Lane Animal Hospital, New MilfordKathleen PeratisPergola Garden & Home, New PrestonPilar’s Mobile Beauty, WashingtonPilobolus, Washington DepotLindsey PolloPratt Nature Center, New MilfordJan & Paul PrenoveauJeremina Prenoveau ’18Gillian Desjardins & Fletcher PrevinPsycho Bunny, New York

Helen Shu wasn’t shy about raising her paddle! Auctioneer Eric Hummel and Suzanne Blaicher kept the live auction fun and fast.


Puddle Mountain Farm, KentSonja Shivpuri & Dalip PuriR. Derwin, LitchfieldHilary & Ethan RamCarol Leskanic & Michael ReganMarsha ReidSilvia Pan & Thomas ReighardMelani ReillySimon Rhodes ’16Wendy & Rick RhodesKaren & James RobinsonRobotics and Beyond, New MilfordChristopher RoddickKathy & Matt RootSalt of the Earth, WoodburyBetsy Renwick & Jorge SanchezGlenn SanchezCourtney Saulnier ’95Katie Ré & Eric ScheidtCoco & Frank SellmanAngela & Kevin SiebrechtThe Silly Sprout, LitchfieldSilvia Castro Massage Therapist, New MilfordJill & Mark SkiltonSkip Barber Racing School, LLC,Marci Silverman & Bill SlepoyFourgie SmithSoccer Extreme, WiltonKaryn & Sal SorceThe Spa at Litchfield Hills, LitchfieldMalie Grasmere & Peter SpangenbergChristopher SpannausJamie & John SpannhakeSpannhake Law, LLC, ShermanAstrid SpinaSportsmen’s, BantamStew Jones Restoration, WinstedKate SuscovichHelena & Zach SweetThe Taunton Press, NewtownKatherine TheisenThorncrest Farm, GoshenThule Group, SeymourCherry ThurlowPilar & Sebastian TillingerPaul TinesThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, New YorkMary Anne & Alex Toppan

Eliza Travelstead ’16Jessica & Jason TravelsteadDenise & John TrevenenTrevenen & Coploff, LLC, Washington DepotTrue Value of BethlehemLindsey ’95 & Nathan TurnerCaroline Wilcox & Mustafa UgurluJanice & Doug UhlHeidi Diedrich & Kevin UmehLinda & Gerry VallettaJon VeleasIngrid Salcedo & Ulrich VilboisVillage Center for the Arts, New MilfordThe Village Restaurant, LitchfieldHelen Shu & Eliot WadsworthWashington Art Association, Washington DepotWashington Food & Liquor, Washington DepotArlyn & John WassermanJami WeinerPat & Erhard WernerWest Street Grill, LitchfieldWestover School, MiddleburyShannon & Brett WheelerWhistling Hawk Studio, BethlehemWhite Horse Country Pub, New PrestonWhite Memorial Conservation Center, LitchfieldJane & David WiederWild Birds Unlimited, BrookfieldEllen & Dimitri WillertWinding Wheel Coffee Bar & Cafe, WoodburyWMSWoodbury ChevroletChristine & Jason WoodcockJennie Panchy & Matt WoddhallKayleigh Woodhouse ’18Jason WrightYale Peabody Museum, New HavenYardApes, Inc., New Milford YMCA Camp Mohawk, LitchfieldTina ZampaglioneZero Odor LLC, Litchfield

The “Heads or Tails” raffle was another success! Congrats to SuzanneLefebvre for beating out all the competition. New WMS mom Malie Grasmere showed off her dancing (and hula-hooping) chops on the dance floor. WMS Dads past and present—Matt Woodhall, Pels Matthews, Steve Funk, Mike Paolucci and Dale Geurtz.

W ashington Montessori School was thrilled to host an amazing ensemble

of WMS community members this spring as part of our annual WMS Presents… series. It was a fantastic evening—a great turnout and a great show! We are grateful to WMS parent Pilar DeMann for producing the show and to our generous and supportive sponsors: Jack Black; Trevenen & Coploff; and Salisbury Bank & Trust.

WMS grandparent, actress and director Dorothy Lyman directed the stage reading of The Big Chill, one of cinema’s most

iconic films that tells the story of a group of former college friends who gather for a weekend reunion after the funeral of one of their own. Dorothy not only directed the reading, but also played the role of Narrator.WMS Alumni Caroline Kinsolving ‘95, Elizabeth Hawley Dayton ‘04, and Josh Johnston ’05 returned to the WMS stage to play the roles of Karen, Chloe and Michael respectively. It was a joy to have them back performing at WMS. WMS parents, Hilary Ram, Jamie Spannhake and Sebastian Tillinger played the roles of

Sarah, Meg and Nick respectively. Actors and WMS friends Beau Baxter and Michael Lombardi played the roles of Harold and Sam. Actor and WMS friend Jeff Savage played the roles of the Minister, Karen’s husband and the State Trooper.

WMS extends our gratitude to all of them for putting in the time to put on a fabulous production for our community. We also thank two of our very own students—8th-graders Will Allee and Oliver Sanchez for working the tech booth during rehearsal and performance.


WMS PRESENTS... THE BIG CHILL

BACK: Michael Lombardi, Beau Baxter, Sebastian Tillinger, Josh Johnston ’05, Jeff Savage FRONT: Caroline Kinsolving ’95, Jamie Spannhake, Hilary Ram, Elizabeth Hawley ’04, Dorothy Lyman

END OF YEAR PARTY


1 The end-of- year party included three water slides, a dunk tank, assorted water games, music, lunch and Italian ice—a fun day for all ages! 2 Middle School student Kaleigh Woodhouse waits for Lower School student Nicholas Huffstetler to make his way down the water slide. 3 Middle School student Max Wieder takes a turn down the little slide with his Lower School pal Louis Cappella.

1

D ue to the great response we received after last

year’s end-of-year party in honor of our 50th anniversary, we did it again! The school community had a great time coming together on the last day of school to enjoy food, water play and Italian ice. WMS would like to thank all the parent volunteers who pitched in to make the day run smoothly and also the alumni volunteers who manned the water activities and ensured the safety of all our students.

2 3

On Circle is published by Washington Montessori School - 860.868.0551 - www.washingtonmontessori.org Editor: Jill Skilton - Designer: Jennifer Gianfagna - Annual Report: Trish O‘Reilly

Washington Montessori School240 Litchfield Turnpike New Preston, CT 06777

Bulk RateNon-Profit Org.

New Milford, CTPermit No. 249

Washington Montessori School requires that its board, staff, teachers, students and their parents do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in administration of the school’s admission policies, educational programs, financial aid program, extra-curricular or any other school-administered programs, or any activities supported by the school.

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the

Mid

dle

Scho

ol s

prin

g ca

mpi

ng tr

ip in

clud

ed a

ch

alle

ngin

g hi

ke a

long

som

e of

the

mos

t sce

nic

parts

of

the

App

alac

hian

Tra

il. M

S stu

dent

s M

ax B

ento

n-C

ook,

Will

Alle

e, Jo

e La

ufer

, Max

Wie

der,

Phili

p Va

lletta

, Oliv

er S

anch

ez, L

aure

n U

hl, I

sabe

l Mar

tin,

Aud

ra R

egan

, Sim

on R

hode

s, L

ucas

Este

rn a

nd L

aure

n U

hl e

njoy

ed th

e tri

p. c

an y

ou fi

gure

out

wha

t's w

rong

w

ith th

is p

ictu

re?

LEFT

: Eig

hth-

grad

er M

ax B

ento

n-C

ook

was

a

stron

g co

mpe

titor

on

the

track

and

a s

olid

le

ader

off

the

track

for t

he W

MS

runn

ing

team

th

is se

ason

. RIG

HT:

Ken

yon

Pren

ovea

u an

d A

shle

en H

ay le

ad th

e pa

ck d

urin

g th

e m

ile a

t a

mee

t aga

inst

Shep

aug

and

Wam

ogo.

o circle - Washington Montessori School | An independent ... · Paolucci, Eliza Travelstead I n a simple, ... Carson and Anna. ... Maria littlefield is engaged

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