Building the Future - Gladwyne Montessori

GLADWYNE
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Building the Future
Strategic Plan
n
2008–2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Milestones Accomplished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Guiding Principles
Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Strategic Goals
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Resources & Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Thank you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
GLADWYNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL — STRATEGIC PLAN
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Dear Friends of Gladwyne Montessori School,
We are very pleased to present a summary of the 2008–2013 Gladwyne
Montessori School Strategic Plan. This plan will chart the course for our
school over the next five years, identifying and focusing our efforts in
three key areas: Program, Leadership, and Resource and Infrastructure.
The strategic planning process was a revitalizing experience, which
engaged a broad spectrum of the school community at every level.
It asked and answered the questions “Who are we?” and “What would
we like GMS to look like in the next five years?” in ways that involved
and excited the school community.
The resulting document enthusiastically reaffirms our commitment
to the uniqueness and value of a Montessori education; clearly
defining our mission, values and vision. These strategies take the past
into consideration without being constrained by it; expressing our
dedication to being proactive and forward thinking in our approach to
solving problems and leveraging opportunities.
This plan is unifying and transformative, and conveys a strong desire
to hold fast to GMS’ successes while moving into the future with a
compelling vision and actionable steps. Our goals are to:
n Nurture and Support GMS’ Unique Montessori Program
n Build and Sustain Strong and Visionary Leadership
n Augment and Strengthen GMS’ Resources and Infrastructure
The GMS Strategic Plan is a living document, designed to be reviewed
and reconsidered over time, as goals and objectives are achieved.
A comprehensive version of the strategic plan is available on our
website; www.gladwyne.org.
Gladwyne Montessori School has developed and will follow an
implementation plan to insure that these key initiatives are carried out.
Moreover, we expect to actively engage the school community in this
implementation process. It is with your help that we will continue to
provide the very best for GMS students today and into the future.
Sincerely,
Abigail Miller
Head of School
Gladwyne Montessori School
Eric Noll
President, Board of Trustees
Gladwyne Montessori School
GLADWYNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL — STRATEGIC PLAN
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MILESTONES ACCOMPLISHED
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I learn.”
Dr. Maria Montessori
Born in 1870, Maria Montessori was the first woman to graduate from
medical school in Italy. Her unique observations in child development
prompted design of her visionary approach to education, which is
now used in nearly 5,000 schools across the United States and almost
35,000 schools worldwide. After 100 years, the Montessori Method is
as important today as when it began, and Gladwyne Montessori
School celebrated the Centennial Anniversary in 2007 with great
homage to the School’s heritage.
Seven parents founded The Children’s House (Gladwyne Montessori
School as of 1985) four years after the first Montessori school in the
United States opened in Greenwich, Connecticut. It was the fall of
1962 and the School opened its doors to 30 pre-schoolers in a large
rented room in Rosemont.
Over the next two decades, GMS’ program changed dramatically.
The School expanded the curriculum to include an Elementary Unit
for older children, first through third grade. In 1978, the Elementary
Unit was further expanded to include 4th through 6th grades, and the
School initiated La Casa, an after-school program for Primary children.
The Primary Unit was further expanded in the fall of 1980 to include
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the Stepping Stones program for two-year-olds. The 1990s brought
the Parent-Toddler program, the after-school sports program, and
enhanced outdoor education activities.
Much of GMS’ growth over the past 40+ years is reflected in the
changes to its physical campus. Several years after its founding, the
School purchased the abandoned and run-down Merion Square
School. This historic building had started as a six-room schoolhouse
in 1881. The entire building had to be renovated; parents
contributed both time and funds in order to get the building ready
to start classes in the fall of 1968. Throughout its history, GMS
continued to improve its campus. Highlights include:
1988 The kindergym renovation added a stage and
multi-purpose meeting room
1990 The children’s library was expanded and computerized
1996 Interior renovations provided for Parent-Toddler space
and offices
1997 The playground was redesigned into an outdoor
education environment
2002 The Rachel Savett Building was constructed with
property purchased in 1997 to add an art room and three
classrooms for the Elementary students
2004 Purchase of 941 Blackrock Road expanded GMS’
property to four acres
Today, GMS is poised for further physical expansion that will enable
the School to carry out its vision for programmatic enhancements
for the next generation of GMS students.
GLADWYNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL — STRATEGIC PLAN
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
MISSION
Gladwyne Montessori School cultivates self-reliance in
our students through a learning experience guided by
the philosophy of Maria Montessori and informed by
contemporary educational research. We provide a vibrant
and academically stimulating program for two to twelve
year olds that develops curious and confident students
who are well prepared to serve as responsible citizens of
the greater community.
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VALUES
GMS’ beliefs are grounded in Montessori philosophy.
These values not only help guide classroom activity, but
also the School’s future direction.
Academic Excellence
GMS believes that the quest for excellence, specifically academic
excellence, is critical to preparing students for the next level of their
education as well as to sustaining a strong school.
Purposeful Learning
GMS encourages children to learn in a carefully prepared environment,
in mixed age groups, under the guidance of a trained teacher and with
specially designed learning materials. Subsequent learning cycles use
the materials, building on earlier lessons. Similarly, Staff and board
leadership strive for informed and intentional decision-making.
Self Reliance
GMS promotes self-reliance among students so they develop into
confident young adults with the skills to be self-advocates and
independent thinkers. Parents are encouraged to be partners in
their child’s education by understanding Montessori principles and
supporting their child’s journey of discovery.
Respect
GMS treats children with respect and fosters in them respect for
others. Throughout the school community, compassion and
understanding are expected and social harmony is celebrated.
Awareness, both local and global is an underlying value.
Collaboration
At GMS, children learn to cooperate, collaborate, and problem solve
through their participation in group-oriented activities. Faculty,
staff, and parents value this collaborative spirit, which manifests
itself daily throughout the School.
GLADWYNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL — STRATEGIC PLAN
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VISION
The Board, Faculty and Administration have developed a shared
vision for GMS’ future:
Gladwyne Montessori School is “one school.” It has an
integrated curriculum that proudly affirms the uniqueness
and value of a Montessori education. GMS is a multi-age,
united, informed, and loyal community that is hard to leave.
This vision is designed to reflect a commitment to being proactive
and forward thinking in how the School problem solves and takes
advantage of opportunities.
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STRATEGIC GOALS
The Gladwyne Montessori School, with its effective Montessoribased curriculum, nurturing environment, and strong corps of
dedicated and highly trained teachers, has always been recognized
for academic excellence. The school will develop enhanced ways of
meeting the needs of children and families while remaining true to
its philosophies. Based on these strategic goals, GMS will focus on
three key areas over the next several years: Program, Leadership,
and Resource and Infrastructure.
PROGRAM
GMS, with its effective Montessori-based curriculum, nurturing
environment, and strong corps of dedicated and highly trained
teachers, has always been recognized for academic excellence.
Goal
Nurture and Support GMS’ Unique Montessori Program
Objectives
Identify and implement standards of best practice in Montessori
education to build on GMS’ excellent educational program.
Expand program offerings to enrich the existing Montessori
curriculum; meet the expressed interests of families; and take
advantage of new opportunities.
Establish a culture of personal and professional growth to support
and sustain the high caliber of faculty.
GLADWYNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL — STRATEGIC PLAN
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LEADERSHIP
Since its founding, many people have felt passionate about GMS
and eager to volunteer and/or work at the School. The persistence
of talented and committed leaders has enabled the School to
mature and thrive for more than forty years.
Goal
Build and Sustain Strong and Visionary Leadership
Objectives
Identify, recruit, orient and develop trustees to build a Board whose
collective skills are well suited to lead with wisdom and vision.
Engage and inform the school community and the public to
support and sustain healthy enrollment throughout all grades.
Enhance personnel practices and build management support to
ensure continued administrative quality.
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RESOURCES & INFRASTRUCTURE
Gladwyne Montessori School has strong fiscal management, an
engaging fund development program, and a beloved campus.
Goal
Augment and Strengthen GMS’ Resources and Infrastructure
Objectives
Develop and implement a multi-year financial plan to secure GMS’
fiscal health, future sustainability, and resources needed to fund
strategic priorities.
Foster a culture of philanthropy in order to generate greater
resources for the School.
GLADWYNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL — STRATEGIC PLAN
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THANK YOU
We’d like to recognize the following people for serving on Strategic
Planning Committees. We are so very grateful for your time and talent.
Dan Dadourian (BD P)
Amanda Beeler (PTA P)
Francie Baxter (P)
Maggie Barson (BD AP)
Rich Brower (BD P)
Tarah Baiman (P)
Maggie Dougherty (F)
Mike Dyson (S)
Maria Ellis (F)
Mike Furey (FBD AP)
Andy Groover (BD P)
Donna Galvin (BD P)
Kimberly Greer (P)
Gerry Hartnett (F)
Jeanne Holeman (BD P)
Jim Hunter (AP BD)
Libby Herron (F)
Truxtun Hare (BD P)
JoAnne Johns (F)
Pam Johnson (S P)
Jill Kauffman Harker (P)
Lauren Kline (S P)
Isabel Leininger (F)
Stephen Lee (BD P)
Deanna Loughnane (P BD)
Abbie Miller (HOS)
Alicia McGowan (BD P)
Chris Manogue (P)
Hilary Maner (P BD)
Skip Maner (P)
Jeannette Newman (FBD P)
Eric Noll (BD AP)
Cathy Piasecki (BD P)
Corinn Rocker (P)
Ann Schwarz (F)
Cindy Savett (AP FB)
Joey Scornavacchi (AP BD)
Rachel Schwartz (P)
Robyn Stearne (S P)
Wayne Snyder (FBD)
Marilyn Tinari (BD)
Liz Zelov (BD P)
We also acknowledge and thank those who attended the Town Hall
Meeting held March 4, 2008. Many of the comments from that
evening are reflected in this document.
KEY
Italic = Subcommittee Chair
AP = Alumni Parent
BD = Board Member
F = Faculty Member
FBD = Former Board Member
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HOS = Head of School
P = Current Parent
PTA = PTA President
S = Staff Member
The Gladwyne
Montessori School
920 Youngsford Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035
www.gladwyne.org | 610-649-1761