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Pines Montessori School
est. 1977
Pines Montessori School
est. 1977
2016 – 2017
Annual Appreciation Report
3535 Cedar Knolls Drive • Kingwood, Texas 77339 • www.pinesmontessori.com
Educating for Life
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 2
To Pines Families & Friends
It was just May 2016 when at the Potluck
Progress Meeting we shared plans and dreams for
the future of Pines with friends and families. A
vision board and presentation was displayed that
showed projected designs for the upcoming
remodel. We could only imagine what would
come of the construction that was to take place
last summer. Sure, we had sketch drawings and
diagrams, but they could not even begin to capture
the beauty and function of what was to come of
the construction rubble.
As the Pines administration & teaching staff, we can certainly tell you what a
pleasure it has been to see these dreams come to reality. It was clear we had the
support of our Pines families and friends, as we asked you to endure the summer of
construction, and you did, with such patience! We are pleased to be a part of fulfilling
the Pines mission for your children. We feel the changes to our campus will better
exemplify the beauty of an authentic Montessori environment where children are
encouraged to experience the world around them.
This Annual Appreciation report allows us a chance to reflect on milestones and to
review accomplishments of the 2016-2017 school year. It is an opportunity to offer
gratitude to those who supported Pines through talents, dedication, service, and
contributions. The beautiful outcome of our construction could not have been realized
without the families and friends of Pines Montessori School. The generous giving to
programs and fundraisers such as the Pines Annual fund, Snowball Run & Spring Gala
help to establish financial security, allowing us to make our vision a reality.
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 3
2016—2017 Board of Trustees
Connie Chandler, President Owner, Minuteman Press Humble
Pam McNair, Treasurer Vice President & Commercial Loan Officer, MINT National Bank Kingwood
Kathleen Goerner, Secretary HISD Coordinator of Secondary Science
Robert Remkes, Member at Large President & CEO, RTS LLC
Valerie Sutherland, Member at Large Sales Manager, Drilling & Completion, Aegis Chemical Solutions
George Foreman, Member at Large Director of Public Relations, Foreman Digital LLC
Jonathan Randolph, Member at Large Attorney, Owner, The Randolph Law Firm
Administration
Patty Sobelman, Head of School
Libby Egan, Facilities
Joy Fields, Finance
Sabrina Padgett, Communications
Wendy Stephens, Front Office
Christine Rock, Front Office
Deb Francis, Front Office
5+ Years at Pines
Cindy Conyers Julie Davila Ashley Fancy Joy Fields Deb Francis Catherine Hall Humaira John Hope Sarver
10+ Years at Pines Maria Spinnato—19 Tazeen Kahn—11 Adriana Anderson—18 Patty Sobelman—11 Jessica Aylesworth—16 Anna Brinson—10 Kahkashan Sohail—16 Jena Murski—10 Libby Egan—13 Sabrina Padgett—10 Diana Delgado—13 Wendy Stephens—10
21 Years at Pines
Hina Patel
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 4
Finances & Giving Pines Educational Assistance Corporation, A Non-Profit 501(c)3
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 5
Giving Matters
Pines relies on a combination of tuition and fundraising to support our daily operations
and the education of every student. We work hard to connect each family and
supporter with the giving opportunity that works for them. As a vital part of our Montessori
community, your gifts are an investment in our students. Each gift matters and helps us with
fulfilling our mission to provide an authentic Montessori education. Donations made may be
tax deductible and are used for added support in some of the following ways: Upkeep and pur-
chase of educational resources for our classrooms, professional development opportunities for
our teachers, tuition assistance, improvements to our facility, and more! Gift contributions
are accepted year round and can be made as one time, or regularly scheduled donations.
Some community-minded employers may match your contribution, making your gift twice
as valuable to us! Your employer, or your spouse’s, may offer dollar-for-dollar, or even double,
or triple, the amount of your initial donation—at no cost, and little paperwork to you! Ask
your human resources office for more information.
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
Just a Few of Houston’s Matching Gift Companies
American General
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
Apache Corporation
Baker Hughes Foundation
Bank of America Corporation
Bechtel Group, Inc.
BHP Billiton Petroleum
BMC Industries Inc.
BP Global
Charles Schwab
Chevron/Texaco
Citicorp/Citibank N.A.
Coca-Cola Industries
ConocoPhillips
Cooper Industries, Inc.
Duke Energy Corporation
Dynegy, Inc.
El Paso Energy Foundation
Entergy Power Group
EOG Resources
ExxonMobil
FMC Foundation
Hewlett-Packard/Compaq
Insperity
J.P. Morgan Chase
Kellogg Brown & Root/
Halliburton
Kinder Morgan
Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.
Price Waterhouse Coopers
Shell Oil Company
Wells Fargo & Co
Pines received matching gifts from
Shell Oil Company in 2016.
Thank you, Foreman Family, for your generous gift donations.
Thank you, Kofron Family, for your matching corporate gift donations.
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 6
6th Annual Snowball Run Sponsors
Gold
K Austin & Associates
Silver
Northshore Medical Supply
Talos Energy LLC
Mudpie & Co.
The McGehee Family
Bronze
Panera Bread
HEB
Bahama Bucks
Ready Refresh
Angel’s Moonwalks
Lake Houston Pediatric Dentistry
Richey Insurance Agency
The Stein Family
Corporate Snow Angels
Alspaugh’s
Richards Orthodonics
Chez Nous French Restaurant
Probody Boot Camp
Johnny’s Pizza
Thank you to the
amazing volunteers
that helped with the 6th Annual
Snowball Run! Proceeds from the
Run directly benefit our Infinity
Science Park.
If your name has been omitted from our appreciation report, please accept our apologies and know that we appreciate you!
Corporate and Family Sponsorships are Available!
Find out more at PinesMontessori.com/Events
Dec. 3rd, 2016
9:00—11:00 AM Chip Timed, USATF Sanctioned Greenbelt Course,
Kids Activities, Cash Prizes, DJ, Costume Contest, Rock Wall,
Fun for the whole family!
Registration at thedriven.net
Family Snow Angels
Perry Family
Barber Family
Hall Family
Steinberger Family
Baker Family
Nieland Family
McGehee Family
Sarner Family
Hammond/Williams Family
Kofron Family
Benlaziz Family
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 7
Globetrotters
Bruce & Lavina Kofron
Nico & Theresa Robison
Adventurers
K Austin & Associates
Philip & Kathleen Goerner
Voyagers
Jeff & Christina Nieland
Wanda Kimbrell
Sightseers
Latoya Doyle
Gordon & Elizabeth Sullivan
Teacher Table
The Kofron Family—Bruce, Lavina & Halleli Kofron
Ad Sponsors
Night Light Pediatrics
Amegy Bank of Texas
K Austin & Associates
Luiz Pizzamiglio, Red Door Realty
Shelancia Daniel, Creativity Shell
Francie Stonestreet, Fireheart Photography
Christy Duncan, Mudpie & Co.
Sabrina Padgett, George Poe Band
Hope Sarver, S&F Designs
Jasmine Franks, Artavia’s Place
Postal Annex
Donors
Alspaugh’s Ace Hardware
Amanda Pitts
AMC Theaters
Ashley Logan
Becky Bollom
Brad & Fleur Bruna
Brewingz
Bruce & Lavina Kofron
Camp Gladiator
Carol McTee Roach
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Catherine & Beau Hall
Chelsea’s Deli
Christine Rock
Christy Duncan
Circuit Fitness LLC
Clubhouse Playcare
Courtney McGrew
Crosby Massage Center
Disneyland Resorts
Dogs Day Inn
Donna Guerra
Dunkin’ Donuts
Emily McGehee
Fur Babies Dog Wash
Gap Plumbing
Gigi’s Cupcakes Kingwood
Grape Creek Winery
Healthiest You
Hina Patel
Hoffman Haus
Hope Sarver
Houston Astros
Houston Children’s Museum
Houston Dynamos
Humaira John
Humble Family Skate Center
Incredible Pizza Company Conroe
James Avery Jewelry
Jasmine Hebert
Javier Osornio
Jena Murski
Jennifer Pullen
Jennika’s—A Bazaar Place
Jessica Aylesworth
Joan Forehand
Joy Fields
Karen Wadsworth
Kids Stir
25th Annual Gala Sponsors & Donors
To the countless volunteers that offered ideas, talents, hard work and
support and those that donated and gathered items to auction,
this huge fundraising effort couldn’t have been done without you!
Thank you!
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 8
25th Annual Gala Sponsors & Donors
Kingwood Alspaugh’s Sterling Events
Kingwood Country Club
Kingwood Courtyard by Marriott
Kiwi Carpet Cleaning
La Cantera Hill Country Resort
Libby Egan
Liz Valdez
Lone Star College Kingwood
Mandy Schiel
Marcela Martinez
Massage Heights
Medieval Times Dallas
Mike & Hope Sarver
Mudpie & Associates
Nails by Emily
Nannette Baker
Nothing Bundt Cakes
On the Park
Outback Steakhouse
Papa Murphy’s
Patrizia Kelin Boschetti
Pierre’s Pet Grooming
Pump It Up!
Rebecca Hall
Rebecca Steinburger
Rob Rosenbaum
Russo’s New York Pizzeria
S & F Designs
Sacred Emotions Photography
Samira Howard
San Antonio Zoo
Savvas Greek Cuisine
School of Rock
Sharky’s Waterfront Grill
Shelancia Daniel
Shura Normand
Silpada
Smashburger
Spec’s Liquor
Stacey’s Dance Studio
Tazeen Kahn
The Guerra Family
The Hall Family
The Howard Family
The Kofron Family
The Nunez Family
The Padgett Family
The Pullen Family
The Sobelman Family
The Stein Family
Toni Metroyer Salons at the Loft
VaVa Bloom
Warren’s Southern Gardens
Wholesome Bites
Will Williams & Kim Hammond
The Wine Tasting Room
Youniquely Yours
Zachary’s Cajun Café
Zoe’s Kitchen
the
May 6, 2017 6 o’clock at Kingwood Country Club
Garden of Dreams
26th Annual Spring Gala
Garden of Dreams
May 6, 2017 6 o’clock at Kingwood Country Club
If your name has been omitted from our appreciation report, please accept our apologies and know that we appreciate you!
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 9
Thanks goes to the Foreman family who made
a donation of a passenger van for Pines to use for
school tips. This like-new bus was gifted to us at
the end of the school year. Some of our Lower
Elementary students were able to ride on it to
Camp Allen for their trip last May. Our close
Pines friend and business associate, Mr. Don
Arnold drove them as he holds a Commercial
Drivers License. The bus does require a driver
with a CDL on hand. We are on the lookout to
find the perfect candidate. Thanks for your help in the interim, Don!
As part of our front office remodel, the staff
lounge also received a makeover. Teachers and
staff have been enjoying the new larger space
furnished with tables and chairs from Ikea, a
larger kitchen area and a new refrigerator. The
beautiful stainless fridge was generously donated
by the Guzman family. Another thank you must
go to Kenny Robinson and his associates, for
moving the refrigerator. Not once, but twice they
came to help move and install this beautiful, but
heavy piece.
A New Passenger Van
A New Lounge Refrigerator
You Gave, Just Because You Could!
40 Stories for 40 Years
Our 2017-2018 school year will be Pines 40th Anniversary Year. In
honor of this celebratory year, we will be working on a project to gather
40 stories over our 40 years as a school. We will have opportunities for
alumni and families of Pines to report, write and video personal
experience stories while attending, or after graduating from, our school.
You will begin seeing Ms. Sabrina out with her video camera at upcoming
Pines events. Have you known Pines from way back when? Were you a Pines student, and now
are bringing your child? Have you had your older student at Pines since they were very
little? Would you share your story with us? Contact Ms. Sabrina at
[email protected] for more information.
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 10
The Big Make Over
The summer of 2016 began our Pines Building 1
make over. Plans that were merely dreams came to a
reality. In order to fulfill the need for a better
Montessori flow in primary rooms, the old “pod” style
bathrooms and hallways were removed. New
bathrooms were built and rooms were opened up.
With walls removed, these classrooms are now open from windows on the east side to the west
side. Natural daylight, more space, a soft green paint color and more customized storage make
these spaces much more functional for both the students and teachers.
Toddler classrooms were remodeled and expanded to three rooms. A dream design for our
Infant & Toddler teaching team was to bring bathrooms into the classroom. Having the
bathrooms in the classrooms allows autonomy during this important developmental phase for
the child, and offers toileting as a point of focus. Diapering takes place behind the privacy of the
shortened walls, while also allowing teachers the ability to monitor the classroom at the same
time.
Walls were removed in Lower Elementary to allow for more
class space. What was once the Middle School room was divided
into part Lower Elementary addition, and what will expand our
kitchen at a building phase to come in the near future.
Not only did they gain additional space, but there were two new
additions to the teaching team. Mr. David & Ms. Cindy are proud
to be working with Ms. Hope Sarver and Ms. Alexandra Leon as
interns. These two ladies, along with Ms. Ashley Fancy from Upper
Elementary, will finish interning this year and then attend more
classes at Houston Montessori Center over the summer of 2017 to become Elementary Certified
teachers.
Over the summer, the portable that was being used as our Studios space, was remodeled to
become the Middle School classroom. The interior space
was brightened with a coat of light paint over new sheet-
rock, new carpet and new flooring was also installed. Upon
first seeing the room, many students commented how nice
it was that new windows had also been installed. This was
the project stamp of approval as there were no windows
added, the room just felt that much brighter. Fitting the
model for Pines classrooms, the space is now airy, bright
and open.
Growth
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 11
The Snowball Run funds improvements and updates to our
backyard, Infinity Science Park. Students from the 2016 Pines
running club chose, from a selection of approved structures, an
item to be purchased with Snowball Run funds. The group
picked the Spinami Whirl (seen in the back of the photo on the
left). It was ordered as soon as the race was over in early
December. The spinner arrived and was installed before the
end of the year. The run group was extremely proud to share
this accomplishment with other students, and to have ownership in this addition to their
playground, Infinity Science Park.
Other playground structures were added, such as the “friendly” green crocodile that has a
home in the infant playground. The babies love climbing
on his back, warmed from the sun. Toddlers received a
balance beam and a Sit-n-Spin structure to enjoy.
In addition to the Spinami, the Elementary students
enjoy a Funnel Ball Pole that was installed.
Around the Grounds
September 2016 is forever marked in Pines history as the
month that we closed on the building next door. This newest
addition to the Pines campus will be undergoing some
transformations with Middle School students in mind. The
building has been gutted and made into large, open, industrial
style spaces. New bathrooms, kitchenette and private study areas
are being designed. The large open spaces will be ideal for this
student group. They will start the 2017-2018 school year off here.
A walkway has been created that bridges our campus to this new
building. It couldn’t be more perfect that you can
look out Lower’s door, and join up with the back of
the Upper and Lower pathways to jaunt off to this
addition. This back side of the building is equipped
with shaded picnic tables and access to the main
playground for this age group. Students from MS
and Upper, that will make up this class, have all
excitedly been a part of the demolition and planning
phases. Go Pines Middle School!
Our Newest Addition—The Building Next Door
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 12
As an associate of the American Montessori Society and members of the International
Montessori Council, Pines Montessori School seeks to foster competent, responsible,
adaptive citizens who are life-long learners and problem solvers.
Pines Perspectives
Alumnus, Emily Sobelman Travels to Poland to Speak
Most Likely to Succeed
It was a real honor to bring the documentary film, Most Likely to
Succeed, to Pines. The viewing took place at Lone Star College,
Kingwood and was well attended by Pines parents, staff, friends,
fellow traditional and Montessori educators. The film is an engaging
look at how big-picture issues can be intimately explored through
human confessionals. The film’s subjects are contemplative and
provide an honest assessment of their role in a system that might
need an overhaul to survive. As the school system was designed in
1893, the film ponders the idea that it may need at least an update to
meet the current needs of students and society.
Invited by the Polski Instytut Montessori,
Emily Sobelman gave her presentation
“Przygotowanie do życia/ Prepared for Life” at
the VI Międzynarodowa Konferencja Montessori,
held in Warsaw Poland in April 2016. Speaking
before 300 conference attendees from all over
Poland and many other European nations. Emily
chronicled her school journey having attended a
Montessori school from age 2 until her
graduation from a
Montessori High School
in May.
Montessori schools in Poland are continuing to grow to have
Upper Elementary and Middle Schools. Emily was the first Montessori
High School graduate that attendees had ever met! Emily attended
Pines from grade 3 through grade 8 and is now a freshman at the Uni-
versity of Alabama studying engineering.
~ Emily was Pines first Middle School graduate student and is the
daughter of Pines Head of School, Ms. Patty, and Rick Sobelman.
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 13
Since moving into the role of our Earth Connections
teacher at the start of the year, Ms. Humaira has been
working with toddler through elementary aged
students. Her work with them includes studying the
plant and creature life here on our campus. With
Earth Connections, Pines students cultivate plants,
foods and herbs, and study earth sciences and the
nature of all living things around our school. Along
with improvement projects to current beds, Ms. Humaira plans to further develop the Pines
landscape by adding cactus, lavender and herb gardens, very soon. Her classes hope to provide
more fruits, vegetables and herbs for Chef Liz to work with in the kitchen. These students are
learning a variety of skills and having a ton of fun in the process. Children typically like to try
foods they grow and are proud to be able to offer these “fruits” of their labors to others. Being
able to come to the table and say “I grew that” can be a real boost to a child’s self esteem.
Earth Connections with Ms. Humaira
Chef Liz Plans to Serve it Up!
Not only is it a self esteem builder for children to grow the food, but it is
equally important for them to taste it, and sometimes get to cook it. Our
school Chef, Liz, helps with this part of the cycle of connecting with the earth.
Helping with planning and preparing of the snack, serving up lunch from the
Healthy Lunch Box, and helping Elementary students in the
lunchroom are among the things Chef Liz does in a day.
A new feature at Pines this year is that parents can drop off
fruit or other healthy snack option on birthday celebration days.
Chef Liz prepares it for the celebration snack for the entire class.
Her beautiful preparations are a special treat for the birthday
child and arranged in inviting ways. Sign up to bring a healthy
birthday treat at the Pines Parent Page.
Working with Ms. Humaira to harvest the Pines garden
bounties, and to make sure they are used to the best purpose, hasn’t proved a
challenge for Chef. Of recent, our lime bush has been offering an abundance
of juicy limes. Ms. Humaira has worked with her students in Earth
Connections to pick these, wash them, and deliver them to Chef. Parents,
guests, students and all have enjoyed treats such as refreshing lime and berry infused water as
of late. Once our kitchen remodel is finished, Liz plans to work at preparing meals in-house for
the students lunches.
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 14
Have you noticed the named bricks in our Peace Garden? Those
bricks are available to purchase as a way to commemorate your child’s
and/or your family’s time spent at our school. Say thank you to your
teachers, offer a memorable quote, build a memorial spot for a loved
one. The bricks are $100 and tiles are $1000. Contact Ms. Libby for
more information, [email protected].
You make us smile! We have 40 friends and families that
have set us up as their AmazonSmile Foundation charitable
organization. This foundation donates .5% of the original
purchase price from your eligible purchases and sends Pines a
check. Think .5% doesn’t sound like a lot? Thanks to the families
already using the web address Smile.Amazon.com for Amazon
home or business purchases, Pines earned $521.93 from Aug
2015 to Aug. 2016. If you haven’t signed up yet, just add Pines Montessori School as your
charity of choice, preferably before you start your Holiday shopping :)
Do we want your Box Tops? Yes, please! If you purchase any of
the hundreds of products with a Box Tops for Education logo,
clip or tear them off the packages, collect them in a small
container or baggie, send them in with your student to us, then we
earn 10¢ for each one. Last year we collected about 1,000 tops.
In the past, we have used our money from these to purchase items
to use around our school. Our large coffee pot and school sewing machine are examples.
Continued Support
We appreciate all that our families do for us, and every little bit counts!
Families contributed $866 in total for the year,
through the Randall’s Good Neighbor Program.
Join this program to contribute to Pines as you
regularly shop for groceries. To participate just
link your Remarkable Randall’s card to the Pines
eligible charity account number, #512. You can
do this easily by visiting the Randall’s courtesy desk.
2016—2017 Pines Montessori School Annual Appreciation Report | 15
Support Pines in this fun way and show your student some
love at the same time, with Pines Birthday Marquee. Pines will
add a Happy Birthday wish to the front marquee for a nominal
$25.00 donation. Just email the front office with two weeks
advance notice to participate. The fee can be added to your
account.
Upper Elementary and Middle School students
take turns preparing and selling baked goods at
Play in the Park events. These playdates take place
on the second Friday of every month of the school
year. Your support to these sales raised $635 for
Upper Elementary and $579 for Middle School last
year alone. Every treat purchased, every penny of
change donated, went towards special projects and
planned trips. These sales allow for real world ex-
perience and lessons for the students. They plan,
promote, often bake for, manage, and sell the items. Group meetings are often held at the
beginning of the school year to decide for what projects the monies will be earmarked.
Students research the cost of desired items or trips to set goals for earnings. Middle School stu-
dents, if caught up on the current work load, often use the kitchen, and the help of Chef Liz, to
bake goodies to sell.
Looking for Pines logoed spirit items? Shirts and hoodies in adult and child
sizes are available for sale at the Pines Parent page. Items come in a small
variety of colors and varied sizes.
You can find out more about these ways to support Pines on our Website,
www.PinesMontessori.com or our Parent Page, Pines.my-pta.org.
Another way to show support for Pines is through sharing of your photos. If
you attended a Pines event, have taken a cute picture on our campus, or have a
talent for photos, we could use your pictures. You can share them with
Ms. Sabrina at [email protected], through email or drop box.
Pines also has a SmugMug account that you may upload to,
pinesphotos.smugmug.com.
When a child is given a little leeway, he will at once shout, “I want to do it!” But in our
schools, which have an environment adapted to children’s needs, they say,
“Help me to do it alone.” And these words reveal their inner needs.
~Maria Montessori
Pines Montessor i School prepares
ch i ldren for l i fe through learn ing
exper iences based on authent ic
Montessor i pr inc ip les and pract ices .
Established 1977
Pines Montessori School
3535 Cedar Knolls Drive
Kingwood, TX 77339
(281) 358-8933