RepoRt on philanthRopy 2011-2012

Table of Contents

About Ross Montessori School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

A Message from the Head of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Financial Summary 2011-2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Annual Fund 2011-2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

New Beginnings Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Program and Operating Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Capital Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Ross' Got Talent Show & Cake Ross Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Ross Family Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

2012-2013 Annual Fund: Transformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

- 3 -

407 Merrill ave. | Carbondale, Co 81623

www.rossmontessori.org | 970.963.7199

ouR Mission

The mission of Ross Montessori School (RMS) is

to provide an atmosphere of academic excellence

and positive discipline through Montessori teaching

methods. We strive for high student achievement and

will create competent, responsible and independent

global citizens who are innovative problem-solvers.

ouR Vis ion foR eduCation

Our vision is to serve the educational needs of the

region by providing an authentic Montessori

education from Primary through 8th grade to all

children regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual

orientation, or socioeconomic background.

Dr. Maria Montessori’s method of education is the

foundation of our vision. This method embraces

diversity and provides students with the framework

they need in order to prosper in multi-cultural

environments. Our “whole child” approach empowers

students to independently discover their own

solutions. The role of the school is to give students the

tools and challenges they require to meet their own

intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs.

We will nurture each student’s unique journey toward

knowledge. Our students learn to appreciate, embrace,

and capture the always surprising and infinite

possibilities of our world.

About Ross Montessori SchoolWe would like to thank the following board

members for their hours of volunteer time and commitment to the leadership of the school.

Ross MontessoRi sChool BoaRd of diReCtoRs 2011-2012Carolyn Fisher, PresidentTami Cassetty, Vice PresidentGregory Mohl, TreasurerAmy Harvey, SecretaryCharlie CookJeff KelleyBrian LeasureKaren PeirsonDon Van DevanderLori Ventimiglia

MaRk Ross MontessoRi foundation 2011-2012Lance Luckett, PresidentRobin Cole, Vice PresidentMegan Cook, TreasurerShelly Sheppick, SecretaryAndrea Waldmann, Development Director

The RMS Report on Philanthropy is published annually by the Development Office of the Mark Ross Montessori Foundation . We endeavor to be as accurate as possible in recognizing the generous support of the greater Ross Montessori School community and deeply apologize for any errors . So that we may accord proper recognition, please let us know if your name has been omitted or listed incorrectly by emailing: andreawaldmann@me .com .

This report contains information about contributions for the 2011-2012 fiscal year (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012) .

- 4 -

the histoRy of Ross MontessoRi sChool

RMS was named after Mark and Kathryn Ross, two highly respected Carbondale educators.

Together, they brought Montessori philosophy to the Roaring Fork Valley. Their love for children

and commitment to both the Montessori Method and the community are qualities that we

continue to honor.

RMS is a free public charter school authorized by the Charter School Institute. We are not part of

the local Roaring Fork School District. We opened our doors in the fall of 2005 and we are held to

all of the same standards as any public school. All of our teachers are highly qualified by the State.

It is our goal to be an excellent academic institution as well as to promote the development of

personal skills, respect for self and others, self-motivation, independence, creativity and a love of

learning.

MaRk Ross MontessoRi foundation

The Mark Ross Montessori Foundation (MRMF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity that exists to

provide financial support to the Ross Montessori School. The foundation oversees and participates

in major fundraising activities, grant writing and individual donor solicitation. MRMF is a separate

entity from the Ross Montessori School Board of Directors and meets quarterly. Foundation

member names and biographies can be found at the RMS website.

Ross faMily assoCiation

The Ross Family Association (RFA) is organized to provide coordinated volunteer efforts for Ross

Montessori School. All family members of students at RMS are considered members of the Ross

Family Association. Parents play an integral role in keeping overall educational operating costs

down by volunteering in classrooms, serving hot lunch and organizing events.

- 5 -

The 2011-2012 school year was exciting and rewarding. In my first year as Head of School for Ross Montessori School, I continue to be impressed by the commitment of our students, faculty, staff and families.

Together with the Board of Directors and the Mark Ross Montessori Foundation, we are committed to achieving the three core goals specified in our Strategic Plan:

1. Acquisition of a New Facility 2. Continued Academic Excellence and Growth 3. Financial and Organizational Sustainability

neW sChool faCil it y

We continued our focus on the Shaping Our Future capital campaign to build a new facility for RMS. Thank you to all the families and friends who showed their support of this very important effort with generous donations. We are all determined to make a new school facility a reality for our excellent education program at Ross Montessori School. We are getting close to accomplishing this goal, and the Development Committee and the Mark Ross Montessori Foundation are continuing their efforts. Please review the detailed description of campaign accomplishments listed in the Capital Campaign section of this Annual Report.

student aChieVeMent

Our students and faculty are the heart of Ross Montessori School. Together they continue to achieve excellent results in both academics and the development of the “whole child” that is at the core or our Montessori program. We are all extremely proud of the 245 students that call RMS their home away from home.

finanCial & oRganizational sustainaBil it y

As a public charter school, the financial issues we face each year are challenging. The funding we receive from the state of Colorado does not cover all the costs associated with our program. In 2011-2012 we received $197,806 in donations from the Ross community through the Annual Fund campaign, New Beginnings Campaign, and Ross’ Got Talent Show fundraiser, as well as directed funds which support a variety of important initiatives such as faculty development and programmatic enhancements.

A Message From the Head Of School

- 6 -

- 7 -

Additionally, the Shaping Our Future capital program raised $129,537 during the 2011-2012 school year, for a total of $327,343 in donations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012.

faMilies

Support from families, both financial and through volunteering, makes so much of what we do at RMS possible while helping to strengthen the sense of community and purpose that is prevalent at our school. Thank you to the Ross Family Association for helping to organize and support the many events that make RMS a special place for all of us. We couldn’t do it without you!

This Report on Philanthropy highlights the commitment of our entire Ross family – parents, grandparents, teachers, staff, alumni and friends. Thanks to all of you for helping ensure the future of our children.

Sincerely Yours,

Sonya Hemmen

Head of School

- 8 -

gifts to the MaRk Ross MontessoRi foundation

Annual Fund $67,188

New Beginnings Fund $92,193

Operating Fund $29,400

Program Fund $3,025

Capital Campaign $129,537

Events $6,000

total $327,343

Financial Summary

Fund development plays a critical role in providing the financial resources to operate the school and to provide many enhancements to the learning environment. The RMS community made total donations in the amount of $ 327,343 for the 2011-2012 school year. (Capital Campaign Funds were held in reserve for our future building project.)

- 9 -

5%

1%

2%

20%

28%

9%

40%

- 10 -

Contributions to the Annual Fund go directly to support Ross Montessori School’s operating budget. Annual Fund gifts underwrite the many tools and activities that support a well-rounded and vibrant education, including Montessori teaching materials, teaching assistants, music and art classes, foreign language instruction, outdoor education, technology, and more. The Annual Fund supports the educational environment in which excellent teaching and learning thrive.

The funding that RMS receives from the State of Colorado does not cover the entire cost of educating our students. Philanthropic giving helps close the gap, providing the School with a margin of excellence that enables us to offer one of the finest elementary educational experiences in the region.

Robin Cole, Shelly Sheppick and Megan Cook led an extraordinary team of volunteers to raise $67,188 for the 2011-2012 Ross Montessori School Annual Fund (104% of goal).

Annual Fund

annual fund leadeRshipShelly Sheppick and Robin Cole

2011-2012 Annual Fund Chairs

Megan Cook

2011-2012 Leadership Circle Chair

Class Captainsprimary ClassesSarah SchlesingerGina BetleyJackie SkoricJulie OldhamRobyn Scott

lower elementary ClassesMark KavaschRobyn HubbardChris ZieglerAdriana Pevec BrownSara BerryKelleigh Condon

upper elementary ClassesLance LuckettLisa ChapmanLori VentimigliaCarolyn WilliamsJanis Leasure

Middle school ClassJenny Ayers

spanish speaking familiesRosana Garcia

gift CategoRies

Sopris Peak .................$5,000+

Prince Creek ................$2,500 - $4,999

Mushroom Rock ........$1,500 - $2,499

Red Hill ........................$1,000 - $1,499

Spring Gulch ...............$500 - $999

Rodeo ...........................$250 - $499

Nature Park .................to $249

- 11 -

sopRis peak ($5,000+)

Alan & Robin ColeCharlie & Megan Cook

pRinCe CReek ($2,500 - $4,999)

AnonymousDavid & Ellen BrooksGiora & Rachel HahnJeff & Kimberly KelleySarah MooreCarlene MurphyLeeLee von Stade & Tito Liotta

MushRooM RoCk($1,500 - $2,499)

Steve & Jennifer AyersMichael & Natalie Carricarte

Red hill ($1,000 - $1,499)

Michael & Tami CassettyElizabeth R. ColeJames & Mildred HicksonStephen & Rebecca LairdBrian & Janis LeasureLance Luckett & Leslie LamontDave & Stephanie MunkFrank Nadell & Margaret MathersCraig & Robyn ScottChris SloanStu Urfrig & Shelly Sheppick

spRing gulCh($500 - $999)

Dave & Gina BetleyShawn & Carrie HaberernDirk & Stacey HaleJay Harrington & Jennifer BabiakScott & Sonya HemmenGregory & Caroline MohlDuane & Lisa RaleighEdgar & Janette RojoChris Sapp & Carolyn FisherTaylor & Cindy SersonRod & Gina Stryker

Annual Fund Contributors

Rodeo ($250 - $499)

AnonymousEric & Sara BerryColin & Lisa ChapmanDaniel & Sabrina FergusonJavier & Laura Gonzalez-BringasLarry & Phoebe GruelKip & Robyn HubbardLee Ingram & Laura SmithDavid Kanzer & Lynn AliyaSusan Lau & Mark KavaschErnie & Barbara Kollar

Jeff & Amanda LeahyOlle & Anne LindgrenMike & Mary LucianoJuan Martinez & Angelina HernandezMike & Martha RoseRobert & Cheryl ScottSmall FamilyGary & Barbara SorensenTripp & Gabriella SutroJerry & Sue UrfrigChris & Andrea WaldmannJohnny & Chris Ziegler

natuRe paRk (to $249)

AnonymousAurelio & Martha AguilarGeorge & Beverly BarkerChris Beebe & Kelleigh CondonDavid & Karen BetleyChristopher & Cynthia BlachlyMary BoucherMichael & Jennifer BouchetMike & Monica BrinsonWatts BrooksSeth Brown & Adriana Pevec BrownYhovani Candela & Maria SalinasJanet CarneyClaudia CraneSuzanne EllerSilas & Rachel ElliottJoseph & Damie ElsenWilliam & Lori GavetteMitch & Denise GianinettiJeff & Christine GodfreadMoses Greengrass & Heather PhillipsScott & Stacy GrimmTimothy & Robyn HarringtonKent & Amy HarveyNeal & Denise HenleyHighLife UnlimitedJohn Hughes & Anita ShermanIronwood GlassworksAaron & Nicole JacksonDouglas KidderKen & Sue KrehbielWilliam & Jennifer Lamont

Stephen & Randall LavelleTim & Elizabeth MalloyCesar Mata & Veronica Tarin-MataMalcolm & Betsy McMichaelDavid & Shannon MeyerMatthew Miller & Erica EppersonSummers MooreAndrew & Katherine NardecchiaNieslanik Horses, LLCKayo & Jennifer OgilbyNelson & Julie OldhamDebbie PatrickEric & Karen PeirsonJohn & Catherine PlacekVictor & Silvia RamosAngelica Ramos LechugaArthur & Jon Nell ReedsJulio Reyes & Myra RamirezArthur & Maureen RothmanTom & Leslie SchramerMichael & Jennifer ShanksIvan & Jacqueline SkoricStarr SneadTibbetts FamilyScott & Steph TimothyAnton & Leslie UhlTroy & Cher VincentMark & Nadia VonderhaarGregory & Carolyn WilliamsJennifer WilliamsJesse & Patty Zucco

- 12 -

The Leadership Giving Circle is a group of donors who have given to the Ross Montessori School Annual Fund 2011-2012 at a level of $1,000 or above. We honor this group and thank them for their generous contributions of nearly $50,000 to this year’s Annual Fund.

ContRiButoRs AnonymousSteve & Jennifer AyersDavid & Ellen BrooksMichael & Natalie CarricarteMichael & Tami CassettyAlan & Robin ColeElizabeth R. ColeCharlie & Megan CookGiora & Rachel HahnJames & Mildred HicksonJeff & Kimberly KelleyStephen & Rebecca LairdBrian & Janis LeasureLance Luckett & Leslie LamontSarah MooreDave & Stephanie MunkCarlene MurphyFrank Nadell & Margaret MathersCraig & Robyn ScottChris SloanStu Urfrig & Shelly SheppickLeeLee von Stade & Tito Liotta

Leadership Giving Circle

- 13 -

Parent Participation

Parent participation in the Annual Fund is an important measure of the success of the campaign. High participation shows the broader community that we believe in our school and strengthens the school’s position when applying for grants, loans and other forms of external funding. We are pleased that parent participation in the 2011-2012 Annual Fund reached 65%. We thank each and every parent for their Annual Fund gift, and strive to reach 100% parent participation with future campaigns.

paRent ContRiButoRsAnonymousAurelio & Martha AguilarSteve & Jennifer AyersChris Beebe & Kelleigh CondonEric & Sara BerryDave & Gina BetleyChristopher & Cynthia BlachlyMary BoucherMichael & Jennifer BouchetMike & Monica BrinsonDavid & Ellen BrooksSeth Brown & Adriana Pevec BrownYhovani Candela & Maria SalinasMichael & Natalie CarricarteMichael & Tami CassettyColin & Lisa ChapmanAlan & Robin ColeCharlie & Megan CookClaudia CraneSilas & Rachel ElliottJoseph & Damie ElsenDaniel & Sabrina FergusonGwen GarcelonWilliam & Lori GavetteMitch & Denise GianinettiJeff & Christine GodfreadJavier & Laura Gonzalez-BringasMoses Greengrass & Heather PhillipsScott & Stacy GrimmLarry & Phoebe GruelShawn & Carrie HaberernGiora & Rachel HahnDirk & Stacey HaleJay Harrington & Jennifer Babiak

Timothy & Robyn HarringtonKent & Amy HarveyScott & Sonya HemmenNeal & Denise HenleyKip & Robyn HubbardJohn Hughes & Anita ShermanLee Ingram & Laura SmithAsha IronwoodAaron & Nicole JacksonDavid Kanzer & Lynn AliyaJeff & Kimberly KelleyDouglas KidderErnie & Barbara KollarKen & Sue KrehbielStephen & Rebecca LairdWilliam & Jennifer LamontStephen & Randall LavelleJeff & Amanda LeahyBrian & Janis LeasureOlle & Anne LindgrenMike & Mary LucianoLance Luckett & Leslie LamontTim & Elizabeth MalloyCesar Mata & Veronica Tarin-MataMalcolm & Betsy McMichaelDavid & Shannon MeyerMatthew Miller & Erica EppersonGregory & Caroline MohlSarah MooreSummers MooreDave & Stephanie MunkFrank Nadell & Margaret MathersAndrew & Katherine NardecchiaMatt & Heather Nieslanik

Kayo & Jennifer OgilbyNelson & Julie OldhamDebbie PatrickEric & Karen PeirsonJohn & Catherine PlacekDuane & Lisa RaleighVictor & Silvia RamosAngelica Ramos LechugaArthur & Jon Nell ReedsJulio Reyes & Myra RamirezEdgar & Janette RojoMike & Martha RoseArthur & Maureen RothmanTom & Leslie SchramerCraig & Robyn ScottTaylor & Cindy SersonMichael & Jennifer ShanksIvan & Jacqueline SkoricChris SloanSmall FamilyRod & Gina StrykerTripp& Gabriella SutroTibbetts FamilyScott & Steph TimothyAnton & Leslie UhlStu Urfrig & Shelly SheppickTroy & Cher VincentLeeLee von Stade & Tito LiottaMark & Nadia VonderhaarChris & Andrea WaldmannGregory & Carolyn WilliamsJennifer WilliamsJohnny & Chris ZieglerJesse & Patty Zucco

- 14 -

We are especially appreciative of gifts from friends and family members. These generous patrons of Ross Montessori School understand the value of our exceptional educational program and the benefit that our students and school bring to the larger community.

gRandpaRents and faMilyAnonymousGeorge & Beverly BarkerDavid & Karen BetleyJanet Carney Elizabeth R. ColeSuzanne EllerJames & Mildred HicksonSusan Lau & Mark KavaschCarlene MurphyRobert & Cheryl ScottGary & Barbara SorensenJerry & Sue Urfrig

aluMni paRentsChris Sapp & Carolyn Fisher

faCult y and staffJeff & Christine GodfreadScott & Sonya HemmenAaron & Nicole JacksonVictor & Silvia RamosJennifer Williams

fRiends of RossStarr Snead, Advancement Connections

Support from Family and Friends

- 15 -

New Beginnings Fund

RMS created the New Beginnings Fund in the spring of 2012 as special addendum to the 2011-2012 Annual Fund. The goal of the New Beginnings Fund was to improve the financial standing of the school and enhance our application for the BEST grant. Generous gifts from members of the Annual Fund Leadership Circle, RMS School Board, Mark Ross Montessori Foundation and Development Committee provided $92,193 in additional donations that went directly to a cash reserve fund to increase the school’s net assets.

We are appreciative of these leaders who stepped up to help ensure the future success of Ross Montessori School.

ContRiButoRs

($10,000+)

Alan & Robin ColeElizabeth R. ColeCharlie & Megan CookCarlene Murphy

($2,500 – $4,999)

David & Ellen BrooksMichael & Tami CassettyLeeLee von Stade & Tito Liotta

($1,500 – $2,499)

Eric & Sara BerryRobert & Tammy MclellandStu Urfrig & Shelly Sheppick

($1,000 – $1,499)

Lance Luckett & Leslie LamontGreg & Caroline MohlJay Harrington & Jennifer BabiakDave & Gina BetleyShawn & Carrie HaberernMark Kavasch & Susan Lau

($500 – $999)

Lee Ingram & Laura SmithEric & Karen PeirsonChris Sapp & Carolyn Fisher

(to $499)

Scott & Sonya Hemmen Brian & Janis LeasureTim & Elizabeth MalloyTripp & Gella SutroChristopher & Andrea Waldmann

- 16 -

Program and Operating Funds

Gifts made in support of school operating expenses and special programs help the school in very specific ways. We are appreciative of these gifts that many times are made when an urgent need arises or when a key program needs funding.

pRogRaM fund ContRiButoRsThe Bessie Minor Charitable Fund, Science Fair 2013Shawn & Carrie Haberern, Art Program

opeRating fund ContRiButoRsAnonymous, Faculty TrainingSteve & Jenny Ayers, Maintenance EquipmentMichael & Natalie Carricarte, Faculty SupportRoaring Fork Rotary Foundation, Study Corrals for Reading and Enhanced Teacher Work Areas

- 17 -

($1,000 – $1,499)

Lance Luckett & Leslie LamontGreg & Caroline MohlJay Harrington & Jennifer BabiakDave & Gina BetleyShawn & Carrie HaberernMark Kavasch & Susan Lau

($500 – $999)

Lee Ingram & Laura SmithEric & Karen PeirsonChris Sapp & Carolyn Fisher

(to $499)

Scott & Sonya Hemmen Brian & Janis LeasureTim & Elizabeth MalloyTripp & Gella SutroChristopher & Andrea Waldmann

- 18 -

A NEW HOME FOR ROSS MONTESSORI

Capital Campaign

shaping ouR futuRe: a neW hoMe foR Ross MontessoRi

Ross Montessori School (RMS) is pursuing funding for the construction of a new school facility because our present location and facilities do not adequately support our outstanding educational program. A new facility will enable us to attract and retain the very best teachers and offer exceptional programming to an even broader population of students.

In 2011, RMS was awarded a BEST grant (Building Excellent Schools Today) from the Colorado Department of Education for $6.6 million with a $5.2 million matching requirement. That extremely high matching requirement was not feasible, and we withdrew from the grant. However, we did raise $129,537 in gifts during the 2011-12 school year which we saved for the campaign.

We applied for a BEST grant again in 2012, and RMS was awarded a grant for $12 million, with a matching requirement of $1 million. Through tremendous generosity from the Ross community and beyond we were able to raise the necessary matching funds, but we were not able to meet the state’s requirements for the land purchase, and did not receive final funding.

(Note: The majority of the matching funds were raised in the 2012-13 school year, and will be listed in next year’s Annual Report. All campaign funds are held in reserve for our future building project.)

RMS has been encouraged by the BEST program directors to apply again for the grant in 2013. We anticipate being awarded the grant and funding, so that we may begin building our new school.

The Shaping Our Future capital campaign began in 2009. Through support from parents, grandparents and community members, RMS raised over $129,537 in the 2011-2012 school year which brought the capital campaign fund balance to a total of $147,281 at the end of June, 2012.

For additional information about the Shaping Our Future capital campaign, and a current list of donors, please visit www.shapingourfutureRMs.com.

- 19 -

ContRiButoRs (July 2009 – June 2012)

($50,000+)

Anonymous Grandparent

($25,000 – $49,999)

Alan & Robin Cole

($10,000 – $24,999)

M. Scott Bromwell, Jr.

($5,000 – $9,999)

Michael & Tami CassettyCharlie & Megan CookLeeLee von Stade & Tito Liotta

($2,500 – $4,999)

AnonymousBarbara Reese

($1,000 – $2,499)

Taylor & Cindy SersonDave & Stephanie MunkRobert H. MurphyChris Sapp & Carolyn FisherRobert & Lynne Serson

(to $999)

Patricia Godwin WillimonBishop Plumbing & HeatingGlen & Susan Harris

- 20 -

Every spring, Ross Montessori School produces a gala event for families and community members. In 2011-2012 it was the Ross’ Got Talent Show. Held at the River Valley Ranch Barn, RMS students showed off their talents from singing & dancing, to poetry and magic acts. A “Cake Ross” raffle and silent auction rounded out the evening and raised $6,000, which was donated to the Shaping Our Future capital campaign.

Thank you to the Ross Family Association, Marcy Kneiper and all our volunteers for coordinating this event. A special thanks to our students who bravely participated and RMS Music & Drama teacher Jennetta Howell for organizing our talent.

Ross’ Got Talent Show & Cake Ross Fundraiser

eVent sponsoRs Stu Urfrig of Alchemy Audio Visual – Donated sound, lighting, stage equipment & technicians Brian Leasure of Destination Holdings – Donated the RVR Barn for the venue

in-kind donoRs to s ilent auCtionAce HardwareAjax Tavern – The Little Nell HotelAspen Music Festival Aspen Skiing CompanyAspen Valley Ski & Snowboard ClubTami Bell Betsy's Barefoot BooksDavid & Sandy BurdenCaribou Club Colorado Educational ConsultingSonya Hemmen Sybill Hill Jennetta HowellIl Poggio RestaurantSummers Moore Sandy's Office SupplyTempranilloViceroy Hotel Snowmass

Ross Family Association

The Ross Family Association (RFA) is a service organization that aims to make the everyday experience at Ross Montessori School as enjoyable, rewarding and enriching as possible for students, faculty and staff through volunteer efforts and parent involvement.

Here is a sampling of the activities that the RFA helped organize in 2011-2012:• Holiday Bake Sale• Ross’ Got Talent Show & Cake Ross• Mountain Fair Cantina• Poinsettia Sale• Book Fairs• Box Tops• Teacher Appreciation Week• Campus Clean-Up

Thank you to all the families who volunteered their time to help our school be the best it can be.

ContRiButoRsMichael & Natalie Carricarte

steeRing CoMMitteeMarcy Kneiper, Events Team LeaderRandall Lavelle, Communications Team LeaderMelissa Lott, Fundraising Team LeaderElizabeth Malloy, Library Team LeaderAndrea Waldmann, Ambassador Team LeaderCarolyn Williams, Campus Enhancement Team Leader

faCult y RepResentatiVesBeth NixBob Montgomery

- 21-

a process that happens every day at Ross Montessori school.

Just like watching nature’s conversion of the caterpillar to magnificent Monarch butterfly, The Ross Montessori School Annual Fund helps make transformation possible.

“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world .”

~ Maria Montessori

2012-2013 Annual Fund Goals• $70,000 in total contributions. Any donation, no matter the amount, is welcome and critical to our success.

• 100% participation from all families of students attending Ross.

How Can I Make My Gift?online: Gifts can be made online through our secure website at www.rossmontessori.org.

Monthly or recurring donation: Consider the convenience of a recurring payment with a monthly or quarterly deduction from your bank account or credit card.

By check or credit card: Download our online contribution form and send in your gift today.

All Annual Fund gifts are fully tax-deductible.

- 22 -

2 0 1 2 • 1 3

AnnuAl F • u • N • d

Ross Montessori school | 407 Merrill avenue | Carbondale, Co 81623 | www.rossmontessori.org | 970.963.7199 Mark Ross Montessori foundation | p.o. Box 521 | Carbondale, Co 81623-0521