Damariscotta Montessori School
Annual Report for 2011-2012
2011-2012 School Year
“Building a Foundation for Life.”
Letter from the Head of School
“Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater
possibilities of their future.” ~ Maria Montessori
Dear Families, Friends and Alumni,
One hundred years ago, the first female physician in Italy took a job in a mental hospital working with pre-school aged children because she
couldn’t find employment due to her gender. A short time later the children that she worked with, identified as mentally retarded, outscored
their peers in regular schools on national examinations. Without the intention of doing so, Maria Montessori began a revolution in education
that continues today all over the world.
Dr. Montessori’s work began with a simple but profound concept: To carefully observe children and to create a classroom around them that
stimulates curiosity, independence and a love of learning. She found that children learn best by doing, and that children excelled when they
were able to learn at their own pace and through their own discovery. 100 years later, here on the coast of Maine, Damariscotta Montessori
School is carrying out these same child centered principles that are now time tested and are being validated by current research at every turn.
One child at a time we are endeavoring to create a better world.
As many of you know, our school has achieved tremendous growth over the past few years. Since 2001 we have grown from one Primary
classroom serving 26 children to five classrooms serving 110 children from preschool through 8 th grade. . Last year we created the
Community Care Garden for our Primary and Elementary classrooms, completed the work on our second strategic plan, and prepared an
exhaustive self-study for our upcoming accreditation renewal. We also recorded a record year for our Annual Fund, Spring Auction, grant
applications and enrollment. Each of these milestones was accomplished through teamwork and community by our staff, students, parents,
board members and friends of this school.
Because of this incredible support and hard work, DMS is able to offer Montessori education to more children in the area, better serve the
children that are here now. We have been able to enrich our educational programs, purchase educational equipment, offer more and greater
scholarships, keep tuition costs reasonable, improve our facilities and provide competitive compensation to attract and retain high quality
staff members.
Thank you for your support and for making DMS a special place for our children.
Warmest wishes,
Chip DeLorenzo
Head of School
Page 2
Damariscotta Montessori School
Letter from the Board President
Dear DMS Parent, Alumni Parent, Friend or Board Member,
The 2011-2012 school-year had multiple and great milestones. To begin, Damariscotta Montessori
School (DMS) reached 110 students and graduated seven students from its middle school program
Congratulations to All!
These achievements mark a period of stupendous growth for DMS. A Montessori education instills a
love of learning, builds confidence, and provides unique experiences, which add to the richness of our
children’s lives. It accommodates different learning styles and allows children to make the most of
their talents and work productively with their challenges. The outcome is a child that embraces education rather than enduring it!
Paty Matrai, PhD.
President,
Board of Directors
“Free the child’s
potential and you will
transform him in the
world.”
-Maria Montessori
DMS continues its long-term growth with our second Strategic Plan “Deepening Our Commitment”
which was created this past year with participation of staff, parents, and Board members. The first
step is DMS’s re-accreditation process that was started with an exhaustive self-study completed during the 2011-2012 school-year; the process is well on track.
Each year, the Damariscotta Montessori School fundraising efforts help support the maintenance and
growth of our programs and facilities, as well as our scholarship program. As you read through the
annual report you will notice the specific milestones that were made possible by the generous support of our school community! These funds touch every child, every day. Thank you for your
support in making this possible.
Please help us continue this educational legacy. Each year the DMS community exceeds the conservative Annual Fund financial goal set by the Board. This helps us continue to support our school not
only directly, but also by allowing us to compete for grants that require high family participation.
Over 70% of the DMS families contributed to the Annual Fund and over 80% of our families volunteered in school activities: spectacular! Our goal every year is to achieve 100% family participation in the Annual Fund. Donations of any amount are warmly welcome.
A gift that will enrich not only our children’s lives but also the lives of future generations of happy,
fulfilled DMS children, some of whom are already college graduates.
Most grateful,
Patricia Matrai
President, Board of Directors
Board Members 2011 - 2012
President ~ Paty Matrai, PhD, (Sr. Research Scientist, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences)
Treasurer ~ Diana Williams, (Retired Certified Financial Planner)
Secretary ~ Gabrielle Rigaud, (Grants Manager, Natural Resources Council of Maine )
Member ~ Misse Carolyn. (Trainer, Northeast Montessori Institute)
2011-2012 School Year
Page 3
2011-2012 Milestones
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Enrollment reaches 110 for the 2011-2012 school-year
Record breaking scholarship awards of over $70,000
7 students graduate from DMS Middle School
Latin language program is launched in Elementary Classrooms.
DMS Community joined together to raise over $7000 for a DMS family who lost a parent during
the school year.
Received Grants from the Davis Fund for Community Care Gardens
The Community Care Garden is started, giving Elementary and Primary students the opportunity to participate in gardening and developing a culture of giving back to our local community.
Re-accreditation process started with exhaustive self-study completed during the 2011-2012
school-year.
DMS School Timeline
1990 Damariscotta Montessori School founded by Lou Genova in his home with 6 children enrolled.
1992 DMS moves to 508 Main Street and shares building space with Rising Tide co-op.
1996 Rising Tide moves to new location and DMS expands to occupy entire building at 508 Main St.
1996-2001 DMS grows Primary program (ages 3-6; PreK - K). Enrollment: 26-30 children.
2001 Lou Genova retires, Chip DeLorenzo becomes Executive Director. School Enrollment: 26.
2002 DMS opens Elementary program for children ages 6-12 (grades 1-6). School Enrollment: 40
2005 DMS becomes first accredited Montessori school in Maine.
2005 Strategic Plan, “From Vision to Reality” created – includes plans for new building.
2006 DMS moves to new location at 93 Center Street. Enrollment: 54 children.
2009 Major expansion to new campus, doubling square footage. Enrollment: 88 children.
2010 Middle School opened to complete PreK—8th Grade programming. Hoop house and school
gardens started. Enrollment: 102
2011 Strategic Planning process for next 5 years begun. Enrollment: 108.
2012 Began construction/planting of Community Care Gardens via Davis Family Fund Grant
Facts and Figures for 2011-2012
Total Enrollment: 110
Programs:
Primary Classrooms (2),
Lower Elementary Classroom (1)
Upper Elementary Classroom (1)
Middle School Classroom (1)
Board of Directors: 4
Annual Fund Percentage of Participation by DMS Families: 75%
Annual Fund Total Revenue: $10,726
Spring Auction Total Revenue: $15,909
Full-Time Teaching Staff: 8
Restricted Gifts: $13,000
Part-Time Specialists: 6
Volunteerism: 85%
Administrative Staff: 2
Financial Aid Awarded: $70,729
Damariscotta Montessori School: Building a Foundation for Life.
Annual Fund Donors 2011-2012
Supporters (up to $249):
DAMARISCOTTA
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
93 Center Street
Nobleboro, ME 04555
Phone: 207-563-2168
Fax: 207-563-3871
E-mail: [email protected]
www.damariscottamontessori.org
Kim and Mark Andrews
Jen Atkinston & Mike Tatro
Pam Brawn & James Bailey
Casey and Richard Beaudoin
Jessica and Kenny Bickford
Karen Bickmore
Martha and Lloyd Bracy
Lee and Todd Bross
Liz and Jody Corbett
Darryn & Christopher Covel
Jody Corbett & Liz Profetty
Rebecca Farrell
Jim and Jean Farrell
Marcia and Derek DeGeer
Scott Dupuis
Jim and Jean Farrell
Rebecca Farrell
The Fitzpatrick Family
Sheri and Matt Floge
Anne Geisler
Miles Geisler
Mary Dee Grant
Pat and George Greene
Susan Greene
The Hardina Family
Amy and Bill Hinkley
Melissa Foltz & John Hodges
Judith Hunter
Katie and Robert Hunt
Alicia Hunter
Anne and Joshua Jacobs
Samuel and Louisa Kaymen
Jennifer McIvor
Mic and Katie LeBel
Ray and Martha LeBel
Courtney and Whitney lee
Fred and Kerri Lilly
Joe and Janet Maddox
Matthew and Katie Maddox
Lisa and Steven Masters
Patricia Matrai
Arianne and Jeffrey McCool
Sara and John Mitchell
Lucy and Haskell Padgett
Brian Percox/Chloe Cramer
Reba Richardson/Bill Pleucker
Angela and Dana Ripley
Heather and Ken Roberts
Robert Russell and Beth Kaser
Charles Scimone and Carol Krajnik
Sarah and Jo Scordino
Ananda Kaymen and Dolf Shearer
Julie Lamy /R. Stepanauskas
The Tabor Family
Diana Williams
Susie Wharam/Will Wilson
Jessica Yates
Scholars ($250 to $999):
Dana Anderson/Ted Coolidge
Stacy and Al Crocetti
Chip and Sondra DeLorenzo
Arthur and Deb DeLorenzo
Amy Gray and Edward Rochester
Chrys and Melissa Hearth
Samuel/Louise Kaymen
Paty Matrai
Vicki Black and Jean Moon
Jen and Max Ross
Kimberlee & Seth Sweetser
Michael & Kimberley Tolley
Leaders ($1000 or more):
Kjersten and Steve Morrison
Kristen and Josh Allan
Thomas and Nancy Dunlap
Dan and Myla Kelley
Spring Auction Donors 2010-2011
Arthur “Chip” DeLorenzo,
Head of School
About Face
Anchor Inn
Anya Arsenault
Asli Bickford
Barber’s Bunnies
Bayview Gallery
Bellows Family
Bickford Family
Boothbay Country Club
Boothbay Railway Museum
Brawn/Bailey Family
Bross Family
Camden National Bank
Chadwick’s
Clark Family
Chapman Family
Coastal ME Botanical Gardens
Coastal Music Therapy
Coastal Journal
Robert Colburn/Laurie Greene
Coolidge Family
Cupboard Café
Damariscotta River Association
Marcia DeGeer
Denise Flanagan-Piano
DeLorenzo Family
Doughty Family
Cody Drever
Dupuis Family
Eagle’s Nest Classroom
Edgecomb Potters
Fernald’s
Jenessa Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick Catering
Anne Geisler
George Greene
Laurie Greene
Mike Hall
Hammond Lumber
Harborage Inn
Hardy Boat Cruises
Hatchet Cove Farm
The Hearth Family
Herons Nest Classroom
Hilltop Stop
The Hunt Family
Jason Hunter
JHP Custom Cabinetry
Anne Jacobs
Sally Johns
Kidz Closet
Kieve/Wavus
King Eiders Pub
Carol Krajnik
Lee Family
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks
Little Bambinos
Loon’s Nest Classroom
Tyler Lupien/Moose Crossing
Maine Maritime Museum
McCool Family
Mini Me Rentals
Masters Machine Company
Mediterranean Kitchen
Midcoast Dance Studio
Miles Memorial Hospital
John Moon-Black
KJ Morrison
Newcastle Chrysler
Ocean Blue Fitness
Osprey’s Nest
Pine State Distributors/Ross Family
The Playroom
Poryanda Family
Positively Best Friends
The Postal Center
Liz Profetty Pottery
Puffin’s Nest Classroom
R/S Auto Works
Reunion Station
Rising Tide Cooperative Market
Rockland Ford
Round Top Ice Cream
Rushton Family
Sweetser Family
The Scott Family
Spear’s Farmstand
Stackhouse Landscaping
TheThistle Inn
The Tolley Family
The Waldo Theatre
Washburn & Doughty
Watershed School
The Wilson/Wharam Family
YMCA
Yudy’s
Zumba
Auction Committee:
Kim Sweetser, Chairperson
Vicki Black, Anne Geisler, Jen Ross,
Katie Doughty Maddox, Kjersten
Morrison, Casey Beaudoin, Laurie
Green, Kimberley Tolley, Auctioneer: Rosey Gerry and crew
Auction Sponsors in BOLD
DMS Parents Association Department Chairs 2011-2012
Development: Kim Sweetser
Community: Heather Roberts
Volunteerism Pam Brawn
2011-2012 School Year
Financials
2011-2012
INCOME
Tuition and Fees
Fundraising/Annual Giving
TOTAL INCOME
$ 653,336.00
$ 28,046.00
$ 694,382.00
EXPENSES
Salary and Benefits
Program Expenses
Facility
Utilities
Debt Service
Financial Aid
Other Operational
Reserve Increase/ Debt Retirement
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 397,044.00
$ 50,345.00
$ 26,381.00
$ 18,921.00
$ 75,969.00
$ 70,729.00
$ 33,688.00
$ 21,305.00
$ 694,382.00
Tuition and Fees
Fundraising/Annu
al Giving
EXPENSES
Salary and Benefits
Program Expenses
Facility
Utilities
Debt Service