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PINES MONTESSORI SCHOOL
K I N G W O O D T E X A S
A n n u a l
Apprec iat ion
Re p o r t
A n n u a l
Apprec iat ionApprec iat ionApprec iat ion
Re p o r t
Pines Montessori
School prepares
children for life through
learning experiences
based on authentic
Montessori principles
and practices. 2014 — 2015 2014 — 2015
F ro m t h e B oa rd of Tr u s te e s Jeff Choyce
Dear Families and Friends,
The Board of Trustees offers the 2014-2015 Annual
Appreciation Report of Pines Montessori School as a way to
keep you informed of how we utilize our resources to plan and
prepare for our future. We are guided by our commitment to
Montessori principles and practices, and also by the mission
and vision of our school.
The Board’s commitment to building a foundation for growth,
realizing the vision of a school that offers state of the art
facilities, and maintaining our amazing professional staff continues. In the past
year, our school has accomplished so much, including:
A growing infant community with a waiting list
Lower elementary that is growing and improving
A new Upper Elementary Classroom
~ With your support, the vision is being realized! ~
“Growth is not merely a harmonious increase in size,
but a transformation.” - Maria Montessori.
Our work is not complete. The Board of Trustees needs your talents, effort, and
enthusiasm to complete the vision. Leadership and support opportunities are
available through participation on the Board or on a Board committee.
Opportunities include:
Legal advice, Advertising, Development/Community Relations,
IT/Communications, Finance, Human resources
The possibilities are endless. Contact me if you are interested at
board@pinesmontessori.com.
I challenge you to show your support for our amazing school through your
talents, service, or financial support. With the dedicated effort of our parents,
staff and our community, we can realize this vision and fulfill the hopes and
dreams or our children.
In my final year as the President of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank all of
you for your support and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Choyce
President, Pines Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
Jeff Choyce, Chair
Joe Dunleavy, Finance
Member-at-Large
Connie Chandler
Yvonne Catala
Administrative Team
Head of School
Patricia Sobelman
Finance, CPA
Joy Fields
Facilities
Libby Egan
Communications & Media
Sabrina Padgett
Enrollment
Wendy Stephens
Christine Rock
Tab
le o
f C
on
ten
ts 2
4
6
8
From the Board of
Trustees
From the Finance
Committee
From the Head of
School
Facilities
2
3
Pines Montessori School Facts...
112 Families with
enrolled
students.
38 Years as a
school -
Established in
1977.
7 Teachers are at
10 plus years of
employment.
7 Years is the
average tenure
of a staff
member at
Pines.
1/2 Of Upper and
Middle School
students have
been enrolled at
Pines between
5-8 years.
10+ years faculty
Hina Patel—18
Maria Nicholls—16
Maria Spinnato—16
Adriana Anderson—13
Jessica Aylesworth—13
Kahkashan Sohail—13
Libby Egan—10
F ro m t h e F i n a n c e C o m m i t te e
4
Joe Dunleavy
The Finance Committee welcomes input from Pines Community on this annual report or any other financial
matters to ensure that we are being responsive to the Fundamental Values and Beliefs of Pines.
The Bylaws of Pines require the Treasurer to carry out the mandates of the Board of Trustees and to oversee the financial affairs of the school. In this regard, the Treasurer is responsible to work with the Head of School to:
monitor the school's financial accounts and records;
report financial information to the Board;
direct the preparation of the annual audit; and
assist with the annual budgeting process.
These responsibilities are carried out under the umbrella of two overarching financial goals: i) to achieve
financial stability; and ii) to secure the long term growth of Pines. The economics of Pines are reasonably
straightforward. Our operating costs are comprised primarily of fixed costs and our revenues are highly
correlated to our enrollment. Thus, as our enrollment increases or decreases, our revenues should increase or
decrease, correspondingly. However, our operating costs are less likely to move in correlation with enrollment.
Thus, we need to carefully monitor enrollment in order to ensure we will cover the costs of operating Pines.
During the 2014 fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2014, our financial metrics, as noted in the accompanying
table, remained consistent with the prior fiscal year. Additionally, the results of our 2014 financial statement
audit indicate sound financial policies and fairly stated results of operations and financial condition. This
combination of consistency and robustness of financial performance have helped to solidify our financial
stability. With regard to securing the long-term growth of Pines, Administration of Pines undertook two
significant projects in fiscal 2014:
the refinancing of our long-term debt; and
the construction of a new upper elementary building.
The refinancing of our debt provides Pines more security related to interest rates and future cash out flows than
allowed under the terms of previously existing indebtedness. The receipt, and now opening, of a new
upper elementary classroom provides Pines with additional enrollment opportunities and greater flexibility
related to facility usage and available programming.
Our Head of School, Patty Sobelman, Chief Financial Officer, Joy Fields, and Head of Facilities, Libby Egan,
have the appreciation and thanks of the Finance Committee and Board for their hard work this past fiscal year
and their commitment to Pines.
Looking ahead, we currently have about 160 students enrolled at Pines. This enrollment is up from 150
students at this time last year. As Pines grows, our need for additional infrastructure and support also grows.
To meet this need, the Finance Committee proposed, and the Board approved, the creation of a new
administrative position to ease the increased work load resulting from this growth. Additionally, the Board
currently is soliciting feedback and assistance with the development of a plan to meet the future maintenance
and infrastructure requirements of Pines. Your input and active participation to create Pines of tomorrow is
greatly appreciated. Finally, Administration currently is preparing the budget for the 2015 – 2016 academic
year. Consistent with prior years, the Finance Committee will consider this budget after taking into account
our goals of financial stability and sustainable growth.
Did you know?
Many families double their
donations to Pines Montessori School
by applying to matching funds
through their employers.
Box Tops for Education—
With this year’s earnings, we
have purchased a large brew
coffee pot and a sewing
machine for our campus.
Play in the Park Bake
Sales—Money raised
enabled Upper Elementary to
donate over $480.00 to St.
Jude’s Research Hospital and
helped Middle School on their
Adventure Trip to Heifer
Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas.
Grant Awarded—Pines was
awarded $125.00 from the
Bring Back the Monarchs to
Texas Grant. 5
Pines is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational institution. The school’s operational
financial expenses are covered through tuition revenues, while major capital
budget projects are typically funded through fund raising, donor
contributions and other initiatives. The Board of Trustees and the Finance
Committee, along with the school’s administration, prepare a budget that is operationally
balanced. This is then approved by the Board. Federal Tax ID Number is 74-296448
2012—2013 Income 2012—2013 Expense
Income Expense
Recently, I had the pleasure of presenting a lesson to our Robotics
team. This year our team represents four Upper Elementary
students, one Middle School student and a Lower El junior team
member. The 2014 theme for the First Lego League Robotics
competition is Learning, a perfect fit for Montessori
students. I began my presentation with a very simple question,
“How many teachers are in your classroom?” When our Middle
School student said, “One”, I turned my head slightly and looked at
her to which she changed her answer quickly to, “Seven!” I turned to the
Upper El students who figured out where I was going with this line of
questioning and said, “Seventeen!”
Montessori students recognize that they are teachers as well. Every
person should consider him or herself a teacher. The popular
phrase Life Long Learner is only half of the equation. Learning is
valuable, but teaching your knowledge to someone else multiplies that
experience. As educators and as parents, we must also be open to
learning from these young teachers. Their insight and passion is
inspiring! We all have a lot to learn as well as a lot to teach!
Best Wishes,
6
F ro m t h e H e a d of S c h o o l Patty Sobelman
Polski-Texas?
Over the past 4 years, our school has developed a very close
relationship with the Montessori schools in Poland. This
collaboration began over ten years ago when my family lived in
Toronto, Canada. I had the distinct pleasure of developing a
friendship with a passionate Montessori teacher, Joanna Maghen. Her dream was to return to her
home country of Poland and bring back to life the Montessori schools that were thriving before
World War II. During the years of communist rule, both during and following the war, Montessori
all but faded away. In 1989 Poland emerged as an independent country once again. Since this time
the country has flourished and now, with the founding of the Polski Instytut Montessori,
Montessori teacher training is taking place in Poland and neighboring countries and more and
more schools are opening. With great excitement, Pines Montessori School will host 10 Montessori
teachers from Poland this December 1st-10th. During this time, our guests will observe our school,
and other Montessori schools throughout Houston. We are so very honored that they have chosen
to visit us and we look forward to learning from our Montessori colleagues.
Alumni Note
Our graduate, Sheillagh
O’Brien, received the C.V.I.
Scholar award, that
recognizes the efforts of
exceptional incoming
students who have excelled
academically in middle
school, to Incarnate Word
Academy in Houston.
Faculty Training &
Professional
Development
In March, Eleven of our
teachers attended the
American Montessori
Society conference in Dallas, TX. The
conference featured keynotes by Montessori
leaders and famous promoters, such as Temple
Grandin PhD, John Chattin-McNichols PhD,
Andrew Solomon PhD, and Rob Evans EdD.
Our teachers attended workshops on every-
thing from Cosmic Curriculum to Sensorial and
Practical Life Extensions. With renewed minds
and fresh perspective, the teachers returned to
share their training experiences. The
opportunity for Pines to send these
representatives was made possible with
donations from the 22nd Annual Gala. Thank
you for investing in your teachers!
NAEYC
2014-2015 school year will be busy as we prepare for
our upcoming NAEYC (National Association for the
Education of Young Children) re-accreditation visit.
Thank you to all the parents this past summer who
returned your surveys as we gather our documentation
to continue our 20th year as an accredited school for
children birth through age 6. Pines Montessori continues
to be the only NAEYC accredited school in our area.
Building the Pink Tower
Pines played an important role in
supporting the Building the Pink
Tower documentary being produced right now. This film
will reimagine schools and learning through the lens of
Montessori education. In a climate of concern and criticism
about schools, Building the Pink Tower will remind us of
what we want in education: eager learning, creative
thinking, and collaborative work. The film will change the
debate about education by showing how the 100-year-old
Montessori method nurtures the imagination of children
and lays a solid foundation for their success in life. Visit
their website Buildingthepinktower.org to find out more.
New This Year
Earth Connections—this school year began
our new afternoon exploration of the
environment.
Spring Sing—Lower El began this new event,
now a new tradition.
Ecofair & Kleenwood—Partnering with
Kingwood Chamber of Commerce, Pines held
our first ever EcoFair event after Kingwood’s
Kleenwood community cleanup.
Family Dance & Picnic—Many families came
out to dance on the Gazebo, under the stars,
and enjoy a picnic dinner.
International Peace Day—Peace is an
important part of the Montessori curriculum.
We celebrated this special day by sharing
displays of works and giving demonstrations
of peace lessons to other classes and to
attending parents.
Community Speaker Events
Pines, along with LoneStar College Kingwood, began a
Community Education Speaker Event. These informative
talks focus on child development and are open to the
community. Our first speaker was the National Bestselling
Author and International Speaker, Barbara Coloroso. Ms.
Coloroso spoke about her book, The Bully, the Bullied, and
the Bystander. We continued the series by inviting
Dr. Andrew Cutler to speak about The ADD Brain. Dr.
Cutler has been a Principal Investigator on over 400
psychiatric and medical clinical trials. He has also been
published in numerous scientific and medical journals.
7
PERGOLA
The summer months were very busy ones here at Pines. One of
the big projects that was finally completed was that of our
Infant Playground Pergola. This has been something we have
been planning for since we opened our Infant Community.
Thanks to the funds from our 2014 Gala, the project was
completed this past summer. Don Arnold of Don Arnold’s
Landscape Architects created the structure out of cedar. This
was no small task to do, during the hot summer months. Don
has been a wonderful friend of Pines and continues to be a
familiar face around campus, working with us on many of our
grounds projects.
We are always grateful for the generous support of our Pines
families with our projects around the school grounds. We look
forward to continuing to add small structures to enhance, not
only the Infants’ outside environment, but other areas as well.
Be sure to be on the lookout for the changes and additions, as
well as little hands and feet enjoying the space!
PEACE GARDEN
We hope that everyone has had the
opportunity to enjoy the new additions to our
Peace Garden. We received delivery of our
beautiful benches over the summer months,
and what a wonderful space it has created to
enjoy. Our Lower Elementary students have
been able to use the space for reading. Moms
and Dads have been given a quiet spot to await
their children at the end of the school day. We
have even spotted a teacher or two taking a
quick break! We invite everyone to take
advantage of our Peaceful space.
As you sit and enjoy the surroundings, please notice all the new bricks that have been added over the past
few months. As an on-going fundraiser, bricks and tiles will continue to be available for families to
purchase throughout the year. If you are interested in getting your own, please contact the office. We have
order forms available at school, or, if you would prefer, order forms can be emailed
to you directly.
It’s a great way to pay tribute to those closest to you, while supporting Pines all at
the same time! Order forms are online on the Giving tab of PinesMontessori.com.
Fa c i l i t i e s
8
QUAD
When we began thinking of the possibility for growth here at
Pines, we never imagined what an involved journey it would turn
out to be. We maneuvered through the ins and outs from site
plans to construction and everything in between. We have
learned how the process of receiving a City of Houston
Building Permit can be long and frustrating. But we have
learned a tremendous amount from so many
professionals who have taken the time to teach us. We
have discovered that perseverance, attention to detail,
and slow and steady will win the race!
When our new building arrived, it was a sight to behold as
we watched the workmen slowly, carefully move the
pieces into place. But the moment that made the entire
journey worthwhile, was the day we were able to bring
the children out, open the door and let them look inside.
To see the joy in their faces and know that every frustra-
tion was worth it made the end result that much sweeter.
We are blessed to have the ability to utilize every inch of
our campus as a learning environment. With the addition of this
new space, we can see the potential that awaits as we look
forward to the future.
With the hours and hours of time that were spent in the process
of gaining this new beautiful space, we know that we are
prepared to put the hard work into the growth of our school.
Thanks goes out to our families for their patience and support, as
well as to all those who helped in the process, from the truck
drivers to the engineers and everyone in between!
A N e w B u i l d i n g
Start to
Finish!
Ribbon Cutting 9
4th Annual Snowball Run
Corporate Sponsors
Brite Success, LLC
BRW Architects
Crossfit 1836
The Dietrich Family
Fish Tales Kingwood
Hallmark Technologies
Johnny’s Pizzeria
Minuteman Press
The Mudpie Company
Northshore Medical Supply
Pines Board of Directors
Richey Insurance Agency
South Coast Terminals
Talos Energy LLC
Twice the Ice
Family Sponsors
Ali Athar & Fariha Ashan
Angela & Shahid Mahmood
Babette Bourgeois & Jamie Lavigne
Bo & Catherine Hall
Brian & Nanette Baker
Charles & Stacey Higginbotham
Clinton & Jennifer Richey
Connie Chandler
Dale Lutz
Dave & Jennifer Bohner
Don & Courtney Pearce
Glenda Borne
Jeff & Christina Nieland
Jeff & Regina Choyce
Jim & Sarah Berry
Joan Schnepp
Joe & Karen Wadsworth
Joe & Nora Dunleavy
John Arthur
Len Kluft & Yvonne Catala
Margaret Fraissinet
Meredith Sharp
Paul & Schura Normand
Phillip & Kathleen Goerner
Stephan & Sara Perry
Steve & Tammy Dietrich
Theresa Head
Tim & Christy Duncan
Planning Committee
Angela Mahmood
Catherine Hall
Jennifer Bohner
Kathleen Goerner
Linda Harris
Tammy Dietrich
Tina Thibodeaux
This family fun event for adults and children, from the Kingwood and surrounding
communities, could not be produced without the support of so many individuals.
Volunteers, family and corporate sponsors, running groups, advertisers, Bear Branch
community, and the runners, all make this event a success. Close to $10,000 was raised
and will be put to use maintaining the play structures and adding some wonderful new
signage for our Infinity Science Park.
10
Giving Fund
Brian & Nannette Baker
Equip TX
Gary & Christina Spears
Jim & Sarah Berry
Joyce Webb
Justin & Jennifer Matthews
Kevin & Kim Murphy
Kelly & Patty Borders
Mark & Valerie Wanner
Ryan & Lindi Kudlacek
Stacy & Charles Higginbotham
Tim & Christy Duncan
Save the Date…
6th Annual Snowball Run
Saturday, December 5, 2015
@ 9:00 am
Visit PinesMontessori.com/Events for more information
*We hope every donor has been included on these pages, but if you were inadvertently left off the list, please know how much you are appreciated.
Thank you to all the participants of the Gala
Committee; the amazing team of decorators,
coordinators, and volunteers that made this
year’s Gala a night to remember. It could not
have been done with out your help!
11
A Big Thank You! Adams Tea Shop Allegro School of Music Amaryllis Floral Design Antonio Armstrong Atascocita Dental, Dr. Gary White Baby’s 1st Furniture Becker Vinyards Beau & Catherine Hall Ben and Susan Awalt Bill’s Cafe Bone Spirits Central Market Christian Brothers Car Care Clinton & Jennifer Richey Conservatory Day Spa Cordua Restaurants Crossfit 1836 David and Jennifer Bohner David Hyde Denise Cowan Photography Don Knight Dosey Doe Doug & Carol Greve Dr. George & Melody Nunez Dynamic Cheer Eastex Rentals Emily Hall (doTerra oils) Fireheart Photography Gold’s Gym Golf Advantage School Greenling.com Hope Sarver The Houston Zoo Huntington Learning Center Jamberry Nail Design Jeff and Catherine Waters Jeff and Regina Choyce Joan Schnepp & Theresa Head Joe Goerner Joe and Karen Wadsworth Joy Fields Kimberly Rehmeyer (Bidinger) Kingwood Country Club Kingwood Skin Essentials La Toretta Lake Resort & Spa Lassiter Graphic Architecture Len Kluft & Yvonne Catala Libby Egan Lone Star College Magnolia Hotel Mann Eye Clinic—Dr. Amanda Hunt
Maria Pham Mathnasium Matt and Kathleen Veley Mike Stock & Dr. Jennifer Browning Minuteman Press The Mud Pie Company The Nail Spot Nhan Nguyen Photography Pirates Cove Car Wash Rebecca & Bud Hall Rebecca Steinberger Redneck Country Club Rick and Patty Sobelman Rowland Ballards Sacred Emotions Photography Scott and Joy Fields Shine on Tanning Showbiz Cinemas Silverlight Photography Skeeters Mesquite Grill South Texas Flyboard Spectrum of Hope Steve & Tammy Dietrich Steve Sobelman Theresa Head Tim & Christy Duncan Timeless Barn Walden Country Club Wildcatter Ranch Which Wich Zachary’s Cajun Café
Gala Underwriters
Monarch
Beau & Catherine Hall
Joan Schnepp & Theresa Head
Monarch
Jeff & Christina Nieland
Steve & Tammy Dietrich
Texan Crescent
Dr. George & Melody Nunez
Jeff & Regina Choyce
Michael & Amanda Snowden
Paul & Schura Normand
Tim & Christy Duncan
Miami Blue
David & Jennifer Bohner
Mike Stock & Dr. Jennifer Browning
Pros Revenue
Advertisers
Fireheart Photography
Gap Plumbing
George Poe Band
Maegan Simmons with Scentsy
Minute Man Press Humble
Night Light Pediatric Urgent Care
Richey Insurance
Spectrum of Hope
23rd Annual Spring Gala “Flora & Fauna”
Pines Montessori School
3535 Cedar Knolls Drive
Kingwood, Texas 77339
(281) 358-8933
PinesMontessori.com
c o n n e c t w i t h u s
PinesMontessori.com
Pines.My-PTA.org
Facebook.com/PinesMontessoriSchool
Pinterest.com/PinesMontessori
Twitter.com/PinesMontessori
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