doc2011 Annual Report - The Post Oak School
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2011 Annual Report - The Post Oak School
the post oak school annual repor t “I have learned to dig deeper and be what some people may call stubborn. I like to call it ‘persistent.’ Because of this, a lot of doors have been opened for me, and I have developed into a curious young lady.” That was fourteen year old Emily Paul speaking last May. Each eighth-grade student gives a valedictory speech, looking back at their Post Oak experiences and the impact Post Oak has made on them, while looking forward to what lies ahead. Anna Arnett spoke of Post Oak’s academic excellence, identifying specific skills she mastered, “From learning to and write, to learning geometry and algebra,” while her classmate, Benjamin Brenner, said he acquired executive functioning skills and character traits: “time-management, self-reliance, and self-motivation.” read > With tho u g h tf u l o r g a n iz a tio n a n d guidance from teachers, conducted an excellent . Wel l - resea rch ed and in teresting projects were presen ted by stu den ts with a sense of ownership a n d en th u sia sm . A f u n a n d infor mative evening wa s en j oyed by a l l wh o a tten ded. Amy Pascoe thanked Post Oak for, “Teaching me to ask the question ‘Why’.” Daniel Brenner expanded on this idea: “Montessori teaches students to understand concepts, to know why things are the way they are. It focuses less on memorization of facts and more on logical induction in order to learn things. Because of this, I have acquired a deeper understanding of all I have learned at Post Oak. It has provided me with the fundamentals of how to understand things, how to figure things out, and how to overcome obstacles I meet throughout my life.” Megan Routbort also spoke of perseverance and optimism, character traits that contribute to emotional intelligence. “Post Oak taught me to never give up; no matter how frustrating the road ahead looks, problems can be solved with a little ingenuity.” > Ea ch wa s a ccepted to h is/ h er . Mo re th a n percen t o f g ra du a tes were pl a ced in to g eo m etr y. Al l g ra du a tes pl a ced in to l evel Spa n ish . Mo st g ra du a tes wil l ta ke h o n o r s l evel En g l ish a s a f resh m a n . Through independent and collaborative work in the classroom over many years, Post Oak graduates develop the skills required of leaders and entrepreneurs. This includes a healthy dose of reality while embracing our interdependence. Brian Henderson said,“Post Oak has taught me the importance of asking for help, how not to underestimate a project’s size, and the importance of little things.” > Increased emphasis on at the resulted in extra time given to those classes for PF and added equipment specific to the needs of the Primar y-age child. To complement this perspective, Nora O’Neill celebrated the novel and risk-taking side of innovation. “Post Oak has inspired me to seek new The independence I have learned taught me to make my own choices. It has taught me to want to do new things and to learn new things.” adventures. To the conversation about leadership skills and character development, Thomas Rasor added a comment about personal integrity. “The most important qualities that I have developed from my time at The Post Oak School are leadership, independence, and flexibility. I have been able to grow my strengths and practice my skills inside and outside of school. Being able to be yourself 24 hours a day, even with your teachers, is unique.” These statements from last year’s eighth grade class create not only a portrait of a Post Oak graduate, but also a portrait of the school itself. Consider a final comment from Devina Schneider, “I am leaving Post Oak with many exciting, happy memories, and a mind that will always be yearning for knowledge.” > Post Oa k co n tin u es to iden tif y and sponsor candidates fo r th e . Post Oak sponsored Sim ra n So o d wh o received h er diploma in May. A ssista n ts Ja m ie Wa rd a n d An ita Ta j received sponsorships to ta ke th e tra in in g co u r se beginning in the su m m er a n d f a l l o f . These are the kinds of young people who will enter The Post Oak High School when its doors open in the fall of 2012. During the past year trustees and administration have been hard at work to make that new division of Post Oak a reality. Everywhere we have gone in the museum district, the concept of a high school offering partnerships with museums has gained immediate traction with the leaders of those cultural institutions. Wait until they encounter our students, enthusiastic and insightful young people such as those quoted here. Post Oak students have developed strong academic skills, and more significantly, the character traits and leadership skills to prepare them for an extraordinary high school experience. They will be prepared to contribute to an amazing school. — John Long, Head of School > For students at the , the world really will be their classroom. T h e sch o o l , to b e l o ca ted o n Au trey Street, wil l b e th e f ir st h ig h sch o o l l o ca ted in th e h ea r t o f . Heartfelt Thanks Successful and entertaining events led by hardworking and talented volunteers filled the school’s calendar this year. The list in the back of the report catalogs the event chairs who worked tirelessly throughout the year. They created a warm welcome at the POPA Dinner, an assortment of fun new activities at Field Day, the magnificent World’s Fair at the Book Fair, and a glorious performance at the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Our Biennial Gala, Dancing Across Cultures, was chaired by Post Oak parent Annette Gregory. The event broke all previous fundraising records and was a smashing success despite the ice storm that blew in the night before. We offer heartfelt thanks to each and every volunteer who gave time and talent, and to all donors who supported these efforts and in doing so supported the life of the school. A word of thanks to Melissa Cordero and Erin Stus who, as chairs of the Parent Association for the past two years, have had a hand in every event. They’ve creatively solved problems and brought new ideas to life, and their unyielding support for Post Oak has made them true ambassadors of the school. Erin additionally took on the creation of this year’s yearbook with a superb result. Melissa and Erin are both extraordinary people and the school is a better place because of their work. There are a handful of individuals who have gone above and beyond in the volunteer work they have done this year for Post Oak. Their names do not appear as event chairs or in any program for recognition. They have worked behind the scenes in benefit to the school. We recognize their efforts with special thanks. Robert (Bob) Harvey. Bob’s countless hours as board chair working on Post Oak’s path forward has strengthened this institution and has brought excitement for our future. His bold leadership and approachable kindness make him one-of-a-kind. Lana Rigsby. Lana makes Post Oak look good. Her design team at Rigsby Hull, has had a hand in our publications and specifically on our website, recently creating the Montessori gallery pages; beautiful, elegant, and meaningful work. Vikas Mittal. His marketing expertise has provided valuable insight into understanding the way we present ourselves and the way we communicate. We keep trying to get better, and Vikas’ work is helping us on this journey. Lynne Mathre. As a former parent she knows the school well, and her keen guidance as our financial advisor has helped the endowment remain strong even during economically challenging times. The 2011 Post Oak Fund Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro Lori Ann and Michael Foertsch Vallette and Russell Windham Bentley Fondren Donors who generously con- Kim and Chuck Yates Rachel and Wayne Franklin tributed gifts of $2500 and Anita and Alan Ying Christa Filak and Martin Fraske Dolley Levan and above to The Post Oak Fund are members of The Post Oak Fund Leadership Circle. Generous Support Meghan and Casey Freeman Duncan Frearson Sushila and Durga Agrawal Amy and Blair Garrou Shonali and Rakesh Agrawal Eva and Enrique Gasca Anonymous Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse Cathy and Tim Goff Beth and Frank Apollo Nancy and John Almon Hannah and Leonard Golub Sara and Brian Binau Stephanie and Phil Arnett Cynthia and Ashok Gowda Beverly Bontrager Teri and Thomas Bair Annette and Roger Gregory Kimberly and Michael Callahan Susan and Walker Beavers Lenna and Jeff Groudan Gina Li and Leon Chen Jeannine and David Bergt Sowmini and Ravi Gudimetla Anne Singleton and Pam and Bill Boyar Leashanne and James Guo Jessica and Ben Braun Colleen and Rudy Haddad Jennifer and Christian Sophia Banu and Jack Douglas Laurie and Leland Fondren Abbe and Adam Forman Tanya and Jerry Gee Raka and Jay Gohel Brenckmann Cliona Rooney and Malcolm Brenner Muzammil Hanif Sanjiv and Sandhya Harpavat Kristin and Joey Hayles Janice and Barrett Green Jamie and James Broach Stephanie and Ben Hertzog Jessica and Vean Gregg Courtney and Bill Bucy Claudia and David Hertzog Windi and David Grimes Erin and Brett Busby David Hilfman Vicki and Robert Harvey Nataya and Johnny Carter Maureen and Douglas Hirsch Rennae and Joe Henry Elizabeth and Walter Cassidy Anh and Doanh Hoang Kelly and Blake Hill Deepa and Rajesh Chelapurath Bianca and Greg Holland Carol and John Howenstine Laura and Martin Citardi Claudia Rojas-Jimenez and Jeanne-Mey Sun and Jennifer and Todd Colter Tom Janssens Jane Greenberg and Audra French and Arnold Colunga Carlos Jimenez Catherine and Andrew Kaldis Bessie Kaldis Melissa and Felix Cordero Birgit Kamps Janet and Mario Kapusta Rebecca Cornwell Josie and Jonathan Kaplow Hallie and Eugene Kim Lili and Jorge Cortes Cynthia DeLaney and Amy and Lloyd Kirchner Karla and Travis Crabtree Vivian and Kenneth Lee Jodie and Laith Daik Lili and Hans Kirchner Renée and Michael Locklar Maday and Jay Dargan Alyson and Andrew Koval Kathy and John Long Kelly and Garth Davis Vasanthi and Ramanan Lucinda and Javier Loya Kelly and James Davis D'arcy and Robert Madden Robyn Davis Dinh Lam Jenny and André Marshall Lissa and Bobby Debes Claire Langston Melissa and Michael Mithoff Susan and Marc Dellamea Beth and Matt Lavine Nandita Gupta and Vikas Mittal Maneesha Sharma and Ashley and Robert Leder Gregory Kaplan Tara and Alex Neblett Melissa Coleman and Robert Pascoe Manoj Devashish Sangeeta Cheema and Karam Dhillon Stephan Kinsella Krishnamoorti Jamie and Andrew Lee Amy and James Lee Ann and Kelvin Lee Anh Nguyen and Victor Phan Sandra Fogiel and Stuart Dow Laurie and Doron Levin Marilyn Wilson and Monica and Derek Dunaway Bubba Levy Prarthana Durgam Yan and Haiyang Li Andrea and Anthony Russo Kya and Russell Eddington Amy and Alan Lindsey Alicia Kowalchuk and Lisa and W. Christian Mary and Christopher Robert Rasor Benjamin Saldaña Eddleman Livingstone Daniela and Manolo Sanchez JoAnne and Charles Eskridge Dawn and Peter Lorenz Farrell and Stuart Saunders Monica and Charles Eskridge Karen and Charles Lu Sherri and Charles Schugart Richard Evans Michelle and Thomas Lu Jenee and Nick Stefanakis Analitza and Justin Factor Cindy and Andrew Lubetkin Whitney and Marc Walsh Karen and Stephan Farber Rosa Wong and Gary Luk Gina and Carl Luna Deanna and Glenn Reitman Erin Smith Stacey and Mark Martin Sabrina Reynolds Nazario Anastacio Mirani Smith John and Lori Martinez Shelly and Bill Richter Alma Armendariz Hifa Sobhani Victoria Matthews Heidi and Bryan Rosenstrauch Diana Ayala Nina Strane Elise McClain Jennifer Norten and Marisol Benner Anita Taj Vivian and Henry Blum Matthew Thompson Manju and Manish Rungta Yolanda Bucio Phylis Tomlinson Karen and Jim McConkey Sherri and Gary Sagarnaga Ruth Cañas Mark Tucker Muriel and Marcel Meicler Suzan and Jeremy Samuels Christina Kopanidis-Cantu Jamie Ward Michele Meicler Kara and Dax Sanders Sara Jurney and Elizabeth and Mark Santikos Millie Chavez Tanya Bennett and David McConkey Mark Routbort and Jorge Cantu Miriam Winton Mona and Sanjeev Sawhney Dinah Chetrit Paula and Mark Mey Shealynn and Paul Schank Sandra DeLeon D. Kent and Linda C. Jessica and Philipp Meyer Kate and Greg Scheinman Raul Diaz Bernadette Verzosa and Jacqualin and Jeff Seely Elizabeth DiCesare Houston Endowment Inc. Todd Mensing Anderson Foundation Zeenath and Arjun Selvakumar Andrea Dilger Mithoff Family Foundation Pat and Bill Mitchell Jian and Mike Short Asenet Garcia The Oshman Foundation Sonia Einstein and Ofer Molad Tina and John Sims Lilia Garza The Rochlis Family Foundation Sharon and George Moudry Nina and Stephen Skinner Maria Garza Cinda and Brian Moye Carmen Garcia-Smith and Luiza Grandchamp Shekkola Gray Anadarko Len Cannon Mintz Michelle and Michael Munn Todd Smith Jenny and Edwin Murphy Valerie and Michael Sonsino Barbara Hacker Bank of America Alana Kennedy-Nasser and Asha and Gaurav Sood Debbie and Todd Henderson BHP Billiton Simran and Manish Sood Christine Karnabe Boss and Hughes Anne and Alan Speed Orly and Yoel Kluk Bouquelle Cleaners Mary and Garland Stephens Deidre Lodrig Chevron Kavitha and Sattva Neelapu Erin and Thomas Stus Lupe Lopez ConocoPhillips Company Jacklyn Nguyen Julie and Jason Styles Kimberly Magill Engineered Procurement Phuong and Sun Nguyen Laverne and John Styles Kelly McNamara Wendy and Meir O'Hanna Aimee and Greg Taylor Christoper Mejia JPMorgan Chase Foundation Heather and Brenden O'Neill Nikayla and Aaron Thomas Manuel Mejia Kinder Morgan Teresa Onofre Jennifer and Sam Touchet Marvin Mejia Lands' End Katie and Bob Orr Susan GrangerTyler and Sarah and James Moudry Pipescape International, Inc. Diana Muñiz Rilco Manufacturing Co., Inc. Dean Nasser Shailaja Menon and Sanjay Nayyar Tahia and Shoyab Panchbhaya Seth Tyler Solutions Inc. Meredith and Mark Parenti Natalia and Angel Urreta Shannon and Paul Neufeld Safeway Inc. Jenny Mohr and Karen and Raul Valdez Debbie Nickerson The Tasting Room 1 Ltd. Aparajitha and Amit Verma Joshua Noah The Williams Companies Inc. Renee Parker Julia and Terry Vine Emily Hansen and Jaana Porra and Michael Parks Khanhuyen and Huy Vinh Nadia and Nader Parviz Molly and Coert Voorhees Diana and Albert Onofre Callie and Stephen Paul Catherine Than and Patricia Onofre Matthew Parker Patrick O'Heron The 2011 Biennial Gala: Dancing Across Cultures Julie Parraguirre Lisa and Patrick Phelps Liliana and Shabir Walji Norma Paulin Ray C. Fish Foundation Jacqueline and Robert Phillpott Connie and John Wallace Jenna Pel Kelly and Anthony Policastro Gerry and Lou Waters Christine Peterson - Jennifer Pon Ellen and Mark Weinstein Maya and Errol Pinto Bev Bontrager, Lana Rigsby and John Powell Connie and Jeff Woodman Kathryn Radecker Carol and John Howenstine Hillery Hugg and Michelle and Kenneth Zagorski Laura Roark Jenny and André Marshall Allison and Gustavo Zapata Celia Rodriguez Lisa and John Reed Jocelyn and Paul Pua John J. Zelis Mirna Andrade-Salgado and Erin and Tom Stus Elizabeth and Adam Pulaski Rocio Diaz and Francisco Stephanie and Bill Perkins Gregory Press Joy Pulaski Joyce and Danny Rafati Kim and Randy Randolph Hoang Quan Vu Zorrilla Jennifer and Fernando Zumbado Lino Salgado Jessica Samano Shonali Jacob and Jeff Schneider Partow and Farhad Ravandi Donna Scott Karen and Ken Redding Francesca Shoemaker Lisa and John Reed B.R. Simon Gerry and Lou Waters Abbe and Adam Forman Jamie and Andrew Lee Other Donations POPA Dinner Underwriters Amy and Blair Garrou Vivian and Kenneth Lee Jennifer and Christian Shonali and Rakesh Agrawal Windi and David Grimes Daniela and Manolo Sanchez Kara and Dax Sanders Whitney and Marc Walsh Erin and Brett Busby Laura and Martin Citardi Farrell and Stuart Saunders Rocio Diaz and Francisco Christina Kopanidis-Cantu Melissa and Felix Cordero Vallette and Russell Windham The Gray/Wawro Family Zorrilla Laurie and Doron Levin Sonia Einstein and Ofer Molad Kate and Greg Scheinman Beth and Frank Apollo Valerie and Michael Sonsino Courtney and Bill Bucy Jennifer and Fernando Zumbado Brenckmann and Jorge Cantu Complete Women’s Care Beth and Frank Apollo Lili and Jorge Cortes Maday and Jay Dargan Center (Susan Hardwick- Robyn Davis Smith and Sara Jurney) Anne Singleton and Dinah Chetrit and Rich Levy Jack Douglas in honor of Melanie Gray Lisa and Christian Eddleman and Mark Wawro Kathleen Padden and Jennifer and Todd Colter Claudia and David Hertzog Melissa and Felix Cordero Stephanie and Ben Hertzog Kelly and Blake Hill Robyn Davis Abbe and Adam Forman Dawn and Peter Lorenz Bernadette Verzosa and Rennae and Joe Henry Tanya and Jerry Gee Anh Doan and Doanh Hoang Jessica and Vean Gregg Tanya and Jerry Gee Annette and Roger Gregory Mary Ann and Victor Guerrero Windi and David Grimes The Kapusta Family Leashanne and James Guo The Lindsey Family Rennae and Joe Henry Karen and Charles Lu Kelly and Blake Hill Pat and Bill Mitchell Anh and Doanh Hoang Katie and Bob Orr Bianca and Greg Holland Drs. Alicia Kowalchuk and Carol and John Howenstine Jian and Mike Short Julie and Jason Styles Kim and Mike Callahan Jeanne-Mey Sun and Tom Janssens Ann and Kelvin Lee Shelly and Bill Richter Len Cannon Mintz Jenny Mohr and Matthew Parker Nikayla and Aaron Thomas D’arcy and Robert Madden Stephanie and Bill Perkins Mary and Garland Stephens Proler Steel International Melissa Coleman and Sherri and Charles Schugart Rob Pascoe Anita and Alan Ying Lisa and Christian Eddleman Annette and Roger Gregory Benjamin Saldaña Phylis Tomlinson Karen and Raul Valdez Complete Women’s Care Connie and John Wallace Center (Susan Hardwick- Richard Evans Jeanne-Mey Sun and Tom Janssens Jane Greenberg and Gregory Kaplan Janet and Mario Kapusta Live Auction Purchasers Amy and Lloyd Kirchner The Douglas Family Anonymous Beth and Matt Lavine Janice and Barrett Green Courtney and Bill Bucy Amy and James Lee Andrea and Anthony Russo Vicki and Bob Harvey Lissa and Bobby Debes Ann and Kelvin Lee Jenee and Nick Stefanakis Kristin and Joey Hayles Anne Singleton and Vivian and Kenneth Lee Paula and Mark Mey Suzan and Jeremy Samuels The Salners Family Foundation Smith and Sara Jurney) The Kapusta Family Jack Douglas Renee and Michael Locklar Amy, Lloyd and Luke Kirchner Annette and Roger Gregory Kathy and John Long Drs. Alicia Kowalchuk and Stephanie and Ben Hertzog Victoria Matthews Maureen and Douglas Hirsch Elise McClain Wendy and Meir O’Hanna Catherine and Andrew Kaldis Bernadette Verzosa and Erin and Brett Busby Katie and Bob Orr Janet and Mario Kapusta Nataya and Johnny Carter PM Realty Amy and Lloyd Kirchner Debbie Nickerson Monica and Charles Eskridge The Samuels Family Foundation Lucinda and Javier Loya Heather and Brenden O'Neill Melissa and Michael Mithoff Meredith and Mark Parenti Alana Kennedy-Nasser and Nadia and Nader Parviz Shonali and Rakesh Agrawal Benjamin Saldaña Rochelle Tafolla and Richard Hess Jacqualin and Jeff Seely Amy and Jim Lee Lucinda and Javier Loya Jessica and Philipp Meyer Melissa and Michael Mithoff Sangeeta Cheema and Jodie and Laith Daik Dean Nasser Len Cannon Mintz Stephanie and Bill Perkins Kelly and James D. Davis Heather and Brendan O’Neill Anh Nguyen and Victor Phan Bianca and Greg Holland Melissa Coleman and Karen and Ken Redding Vasanthi and Ramanan Krishnamoorti Renée and Michael Locklar Kathy and John Long Rob Pascoe Lisa and John Reed Stephanie and Bill Perkins Heidi and Bryan Rosenstrauch Kimberly and Cristopher Andrea and Anthony Russo Proler Alicia Kowalchuk and Meredith and Mark Parenti Daniela and Manolo Sanchez Cindy and Stephan Kinsella Callie and Steve Paul Jenee and Nick Stefanakis Daniela and Manolo Sanchez Lana Rigsby and John Powell Aparajitha and Amit Verma Allison Wawro Farrell and Stuart Saunders Julia and Terry Vine Molly and Coert Voorhees Kim and Chuck Yates Catherine Than and Quan Vu Karam Dhillon Benjamin Saldaña Mona and Sanjeev Sawhney Gifts to Endowment Aldona and Damon Spiegel Pat and Bill Mitchell Jenee and Nick Stefanakis Erin and Thomas Stus Lisa and Christian Eddleman Wendy and Meir O'Hanna Gifts in Kind Julie and Jason Styles Monica and Charles Eskridge Heather and Brenden O'Neill Asset Management Advisors Nikayla and Aaron Thomas Analitza and Justin Factor Teresa Onofre Kelly and James Davis Aparajitha and Amit Verma Karen and Stephan Farber Katie and Bob Orr Hannah and Leonard Golub Julia and Terry Vine Bentley Fondren Tahia and Shoyab Panchbhaya Max Movers Catherine Than and Abbe and Adam Forman Jenny Mohr and PostNet Hoang Quan Vu Rachel and Wayne Franklin Matthew Parker Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro Tanya and Jerry Gee Nadia and Nader Parviz Kim and Chuck Yates Hannah and Leonard Golub Melissa Coleman and Rocio Diaz and Francisco Cynthia and Ashok Gowda Rigsby Hull Kim and Chuck Yates Shekkola Gray Stephanie and Bill Perkins The first gift for The Post Oak High School Jessica and Vean Gregg Lisa and Patrick Phelps Windi and David Grimes Annette and Roger Gregory Jennifer Pon in memory of Bobby Sue Windi and David Grimes Kimberly and Cristopher Proler Smith Cohn Friends of the Library Leashanne and James Guo Joyce and Danny Rafati Barnes & Noble Colleen and Rudy Haddad Kim and Randy Randolph * * * * * Chick-fil-A Sophia Banu and Karen and Ken Redding Recognizing our donors is a high Lisa and John Reed priority for The Post Oak School. Zorrilla Jennifer and Fernando Zumbado Janice and Barrett Green Muzammil Hanif Robert Pascoe Mary Ann and Victor Guerrero Kristin and Joey Hayles Shelly and Bill Richter We have made every effort to Melanie Harrell Rennae and Joe Henry Heidi and Bryan Rosenstrauch ensure the accuracy of our honor Amelia Ng and Tam Ho Maureen and Douglas Hirsch Andrea and Anthony Russo rolls, but it is possible for errors Anh and Doanh Hoang Sherri and Gary Sagarnaga to occur. If you wish to report an Book Fair Contributors Bianca and Greg Holland Alicia Kowalchuk and error or omission, please contact Shonali and Rakesh Agrawal Claudia Rojas-Jimenez and Roy Alexander Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse Nancy and John Almon Stephanie and Phil Arnett Tamara and William Basham Carlos Jimenez Jane Greenberg and Gregory Kaplan Benjamin Saldaña Suzan and Jeremy Samuels christinacantu @ postoakschool.org. Kara and Dax Sanders Thank you. Cynthia DeLaney and Farrell and Stuart Saunders Stephan Kinsella Mona and Sanjeev Sawhney Amy and Lloyd Kirchner Kate and Greg Scheinman Sara and Brian Binau Bhushan Kukkalli Shonali Jacob and Jessica and Ben Braun Jamie and Andrew Lee Jennifer and Christian Vivian and Kenneth Lee Jian and Mike Short Yan and Haiyang Li Carmen Garcia-Smith and Jeff Schneider Jamie and James Broach Renée and Michael Locklar Kimberly and Michael Dawn and Peter Lorenz Valerie and Michael Sonsino Michelle and Thomas Lu Aldona and Damon Spiegel Cindy and Andrew Lubetkin Jenee and Nick Stefanakis Rosa Wong and Gary Luk Mary and Garland Stephens Nataya and Johnny Carter D'arcy and Robert Madden Erin and Thomas Stus Sherry and Lewis Chandler Jenny and André Marshall Julie and Jason Styles Jennifer and Clifton Chavis Stacey and Mark Martin Aimee and Greg Taylor Deepa and Rajesh John and Lori Martinez Nikayla and Aaron Thomas Victoria Matthews Susan GrangerTyler and Callahan Christina Kopanidis-Cantu and Jorge Cantu Chelapurath Jennifer and Todd Colter Alan McClain Cindy Comfort Tanya Bennett and Melissa and Felix Cordero David McConkey Todd Smith Seth Tyler Natalia and Angel Urreta Aparajitha and Amit Verma Lili and Jorge Cortes Kelly McNamara Molly and Coert Voorhees Karla and Travis Crabtree Paula and Mark Mey Whitney and Marc Walsh Jodie and Laith Daik Melissa and Michael Mithoff Kim and Chuck Yates Robyn Davis Nandita Gupta and Anita and Alan Ying Lissa and Bobby Debes Sangeeta Cheema and Karam Dhillon Zarafsheen and Imran Dossani Kya and Russell Eddington Vikas Mittal Sarah and James Moudry Tara and Alex Neblett Kavitha and Sattva Neelapu Susan Hardwick-Smith and Kevin O'Gorman -- or by email at Daniela and Manolo Sanchez Jeannine and David Bergt Brenckmann Christina Kopanidis-Cantu at Michelle and Kenneth Zagorski Allison and Gustavo Zapata 2010–2011 Financial Report The Post Oak School continues to be financially stable and strong. Our audited financial statements for the 2009–2010 school year resulted in an increase in net assets of $471,241; unaudited results for 2010–2011 show an increase of $578,191. Enrollment increased from 389 in 2009–2010 to 397 in 2010–2011. Successful fundraising for both the annual fund and Gala combined with increased enrollment and careful stewardship of the School’s assets resulted in growth of our combined cash/property maintenance reserve to 21 percent of operating expenses or $1,163,667. The School was also able to transfer $30,500 to our Endowment Fund. The School’s Endowment policy allows disbursements once the endowment exceeds $1 million average balance for three years. The current asset allocation target is 20 percent cash and fixed income, and 80 percent equities to maximize long-term returns. More than 80 percent of the portfolio is invested in low cost institutional asset class mutual funds managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors. The year ended June 30, 2011 was a challenge for fixed income because of low interest rates. The fixed income is invested very conservatively and generated a positive return of just under 2 percent for the year. Continued recovery in the equity markets resulted in the equity accounts averaging a 33 percent gain for the year. To put this in perspective, both the S&P 500 Composite Total Return and MSCI EAFE foreign index gained just over 30 percent year ended June 30, 2011. The combined portfolio returned 27.2 percent for the year, resulting in a gain of $232,375 for the one year ended June 30, 2011. Plans for long-term programming needs and for our new high school move forward. This year we hired a high school director and completed marketing and development work. The School’s continued fiscal discipline has allowed us to continue our work on these projects without an additional capital campaign. Income Statement Operating Fund Temporary Restricted Endowment ‒ Total Tuition Based Revenues Other Tuition and Fees Other Income (Loss) Annual Giving Gala Revenue All Other Giving (Net) ,, Total Revenue — — — — , , , , Net Assets Released from Restriction Total Revenue ,, , , , , , ,, ,, , , , ,, — — , — — — , ( ,) ( ,) ,, , , , , , ,, — — , ,, — — — — — ,, , , , ,, Salaries and Benefits Financial Aid Other Program Expense Plant Expenses General Administration ,, Total Expenses Increase in Net Assets Consolidated Balance Sheet , General Fund — ( ,) Transfers In/Out — — — — — — — , ( ,) , Temporary Restricted ,, — Endowment , ‒ Total Total Cash and Investments Net Student Receivables Other Pledges and Receivables Net Prepaid Expenses and Other Deposits Interfund Receivables ,, , , , , — — — — , ,, — , — , ,, , , , , Total Current Assets ,, , ,, ,, Land Property, Plant and Equipment ,, ,, — — — — ,, ,, ,, Total Fixed Assets — — ,, ,, , ,, ,, Accounts Payable Accrued Salaries and Benefits Deferred Income Interfund Payables Other Accrued Expenses , , , , , — — — — — — — — , — , , , , , Total Liabilities ,, — , ,, Net Assets Unrestricted Net Assets – Cash Reserve Board Restricted Net Assets – Temp Restricted Net Assets – Endowment ,, — — ,, Total Liabilities and Fund Balance Total Assets ( ,,) — , — — — ,, , ( ,,) — — ,, ,, , ,, ,, Alumni Update Our graduates remain part of the Post Oak community. Many return to volunteer in a classroom, or work in the front office as summer assistants. Often they come back to visit with teachers, or to talk about their Montessori experiences at our annual Alumni Night. They always remember the community that nurtured them, and are willing to talk about how those early experiences at Post Oak shaped the people they have become. Class of 1981 Stephen Marchione is the owner of Marchione Guitars. He became a full time luthier in 1989. Montessori education “made me the artist and business man that I am now.” Class of 1991 Jessica Wagner, an alum and former Post Oak teacher, is getting married in the spring and is teaching first grade at The Fay School. Class of 1995 Masoud Darvishi is an attorney in the Houston area. Class of 1996 Allison Dryden recently completed her residency at Vanderbilt Medical Center and is an ER doctor. She is married to a musician who travels around the world and they have an infant daughter. Rahim Kurji is attending the Wharton School pursuing his MBA. He just completed five years working for the Clinton Foundation in India and South Africa, working on AIDS projects and recently on alternative energy. Class of 1997 Philip Storey completed three years at John Hopkins Medical School after leaving Vanderbilt Medical Center. Prior to that he completed a year of study in Australia during which he obtained his Masters in World Health. He has also studied in China. Philip currently lives in a remote village in Tanzania. Class of 1998 After working for UBS in New York for four years, Rehman Kurji is a student at Pepperdine University in its MBA program. Ellen White completed her education at Austin Theater Alliance in 2006. She is continuing her studies at Circle in the Square Theatre School. Off-Broadway plays as well as many other acting projects allow Ellen to continue to build her rapport with the performance industry and she hopes to start a family once her career is established. Class of 2001 Lauren Fondren has started a job as a Foreign Service Officer at the State Department. Kristy Eddington attends Western State University College of Law. Class of 2002 Sam Geer lives and works in Los Angeles pursuing a career in the film industry. Sam worked on The Tree of Life, which premiered in May of 2011 at the Cannes Film Festival and was awarded the Palme d'Or for feature films. Sam also recently worked on the film, Beginners, which was released in June of 2011. Ben Jawdat is in graduate studies at the University of Houston. He completed his undergraduate degree at Emory University in 2010 with a major in physics. Josh Tobin graduated from Davidson College. He is working toward his Masters of Fine Arts in the professional actor training program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This past summer he performed with the Chautauqua Theatre Conservatory in New York. Class of 2003 Lindsey Moore graduated with honors from Southwestern in May 2011 with a degree in English. She plans to stay in Houston while embarking on a career as a writer. Brittany Fondren graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Southwestern University. She works at Texas Inter-Faith where she is developing a group that will publicize the company and help Texas provide more complete communities for its residents. Laura McClure is continuing studies at University of Colorado and plans to graduate in the spring of 2012. Sam Boyar had a paid summer internship with Plains Exploration Co. He plans to pursue an MBA, but would like to work as a geologist for a few years first. Class of 2004 Jennie Kamin is studying at Tulane University and will graduate in 2012. She is a political science and communications major. This past fall she studied in London. Christina Moser is currently a student at The University of Texas in Austin. She spent half of her 2011 summer break traveling in Italy, visiting Rome, Venice, Florence, and more. Bethany Sharp is an undergrad working toward her BA in graphic design at Boston University. This past summer, she took animation classes at New York University. Class of 2005 Allison Bereswill is a junior at Southern Methodist University studying accounting at the Cox School of Business. She served four years on the honor counsel board at Episcopal High School and is serving her third year as an officer at SMU. She is serving her second year as an intern at The George Bush Presidential Center. Rebecca Bereswill is a sophomore at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She practices figure skating intensely for six hours a day to build her skills. Rebecca aims to become a part of the U.S. Olympics team. Stephanie Styles has won several awards for her performances in music theatre. She is attending the University of Michigan. Lara Brenner studies biology at Carleton College. She aspires to become a veterinarian. This past summer, Lara had an internship with a wildlife rehabilitation coalition. Class of 2006 Michael Harvey is an honor student at The University of Notre Dame. He studies economics as well as political science. Michael was an intern at United Way for the summer. Class of 2008 Alexi Beaver is a senior at St. John's School. She plans to travel to Costa Rica with her school, where she will tutor young students. Jeffrey Davis, a senior at Episcopal High School, received the Rensselaer Medal, a scholarship awarded for academic achievement in mathematics and science. Tom Harvey is in his senior year and is the vice head prefect at St. John's School. This summer he interned for the Ellen Cohen campaign. Now in his senior year at Episcopal High School, Nikhil Schneider is very interested in movie making. He has earned awards for Most Promising Movie Maker, and Most Outstanding Screenwriter. He is also interested in environmental science, runs on the cross country and track teams, and worked backstage on a few on-stage productions. During his sophomore year, he also rode the MS 150 with his sisters, Devina and Jahnavi (2011), and dad, Elementary Director Jeff Schneider. Class of 2009 Joshua Brenner is a junior at St. John’s School in Houston. Upon graduation, Natalie Wade moved to Tucson to attend St. Gregory College Preparatory High School, where she is a junior this year. She says, “Post Oak School was such a great experience for me and really shaped the relationship I have with school and learning.” She looks forward to going to school each day and to learning new things, as well as traveling to Kenya with her high school this year to help teach children. Class of 2011 Benjamin Brenner is attending Carnegie Vanguard High School. Daniel Brenner is attending St. John’s School. Other Alumni Vanessa Friedemann is a freshman at Stanford University. Will Geer is a sophomore at the University of Southern California. He is in the inaugural class of the Popular Music Program at the USC Thornton School of Music. Mary Elizabeth Harvey is in her freshman year at St. Johns School. Both Aziza and Azam Janmohamed received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence in 2011. They left The Post Oak School last year and moved to Pakistan where they attend Karachi American School. Aziza achieved outstanding student for the eighth grade, and participated in a community service trip to Galapagos Island. Azam was selected to speak at his Elementary graduation because of his academic qualification. He attended the Cowboys football camp in Dallas and is trying to introduce American football at his new school. Pooja Salhotra completed Houston Chronicle’s four week summer fundamentals of journalism program and was listed by them as a “Future Headliner,” crediting her journalistic maturity. Pooja received the news quiz plaque for being an outstanding student. When at Post Oak, she was in Barbara Hacker's Primary classroom. Elizabeth Sills attended Post Oak for four years before her family moved to San Antonio in early 2010. She is currently in the third grade and spends five days a week ice skating and competes at the pre-preliminary level. Elizabeth supplements ice skating training with classes in ballet and modern dance. Alison Wong is living in Houston and works as an attorney/trial consultant. Her child will start at Post Oak this year. 2010–2011 Trustees Luiza Grandchamp Frank Apollo Elizabeth Santikos Bev Bontrager Melissa Coleman Stuart Dow Jeannine Bergt Amy and Lloyd Kirchner Adam Forman Emily Hansen Tamara Basham Windi Grimes Sonia Einstein Alicia Kowalchuk Bob Harvey, chair Jamie Lee Benjamin Saldaña Orly Kluk Barbara Hacker Rennae Henry Ann Lee Renée Locklar Deidre Lodrig Emily Hansen John Long, president Meghan Freeman Tanya Gee Kathy Long Orly Kluk Heather O’Neill Stephan Kinsella John Howenstine Post Oak School Community Barbara Hacker The Post Oak Fund 2010–2011 Chairs Andrew Kaldis Lloyd Kirchner Vikas Mittal Manolo Sanchez Marilyn Wilson Russell Windham Jessica Gregg Middle School Walker Beavers Pam Boyar Leland Fondren Jian Short Sarah Moudry Kara Sanders Melanie Gray Debbie Nickerson Pat Mitchell Elise McClain Jenny Murphy John Wallace Julie Parraguirre Vivian Lee POPA Chairs Errol Pinto Melissa Cordero Tanya Gee Erin Stus Cinda Moye POPA Dinner Chairs Tanya Gee Julia Vine Maya Pinto Karen Redding Phoebe Yeager Cynthia Alonso Field Day Chairs Teri Bair Amy Garrou Book Fair Chairs Beth Cassidy Laura Roark Laurie Levin Jennifer Touchet Deidre Lodrig Rochelle Tafolla Kathy Long Dinh Lam Middle School Bev Bontrager Sarah Moudry Shonali Agrawal Debbie Nickerson Annie Singleton Julie Parraguirre Daniela Sanchez Errol Pinto Lewis & Sherry Chandler Maya Pinto Liz Pulaski Phoebe Yeager Aimee Taylor Laura Roark Beth Apollo Jennifer Chavis Erin Smith Jessica Gregg Leashanne Guo Erin Smith Gerry Waters Gina Luna Hifa Sobhani Hifa Sobhani Lisa Reed Shonali Agrawal Cinco de Mayo Ann Lee Elise McClain Miriam Winton Miriam Winton 2011 Biennial Gala Michelle Lu Mary Stephens Annette Gregory, Chair Valerie Sonsino 2010–2011 Room Parents Tamara Basham Kim Yates Dinah Chetrit Aimee Taylor Board John Long Employees Shekkola Gray Faculty and Staff Norma Paulin, Before-School Assistant (7:00–8:15 am) Half-Day Infant Community (ages 14 months – 3 years) Deidre Lodrig, Lead Teacher Diana Ayala, Classroom Assistant Sarah Moudry, Lead Teacher Yolanda Bucio, Classroom Assistant Full-Day Infant Community (ages 14 months – 3 years) Phoebe Yeager, Lead Teacher Elizabeth DiCesare, Classroom Assistant Lilia Garza, Classroom Assistant Diana Onofre, Classroom Assistant Primary Department (ages 3 – 6 years) Tamara Basham, Lead Teacher Celia Rodriguez, Classroom Assistant Barbara Hacker, Lead Teacher Norma Paulin, Classroom Assistant Emily Hansen, Lead Teacher Ruth Cañas, Classroom Assistant Julie Parraguirre, Lead Teacher Nina Strane, Classroom Assistant Erin Smith, Lead Teacher Alma Armendariz, Classroom Assistant life of Post Oak parent, wife, and friend, Tracey Hilfman. Phylis Tomlinson, Counselor Tracey’s work as a room parent, Lower Elementary Mark Tucker, Athletics her constant willingness to (grades 1– 3) School Assistant (7:00–8:15 am) Marisol Benner, Classroom Assistant Millie Chavez, Classroom Assistant Director & Bearkats Coach Orly Kluk, Lead Teacher Jamie Ward , Classroom Assistant Kathy Long, Lead Teacher Melanie Koehn, Classroom Assistant Maya Pinto, Lead Teacher Anita Taj, Classroom Assistant Hifa Sobhani , Lower Elementary Teacher Lupe Lopez, Classroom Assistant Upper Elementary (grades 4– 6) Debbie Nickerson, Lead Teacher Sandra DeLeon, Classroom Assistant Errol Pinto, Lead Teacher Jessica Samano, Classroom Assistant Laura Roark, Lead Teacher Kimberly Magill, Classroom Assistant Middle School (grades 7 – 8) Shekkola Gray, Middle School Coordinator & Mathematics Teacher Kelly McNamara, Science Teacher Joshua Noah, Humanities Teacher Asenet Garcia, Upper School Alma Armendariz, Before- We celebrate the wonderful B.R. Simon, Librarian Christine Karnabe, Classroom Dinah Chetrit, Lead Teacher In Memory Before- & After-Care Primary Home Environment Specialist Donna Scott, Music Teacher Miriam Winton, Lead Teacher Assistant Patricia Onofre, Spanish good humor and positive energy was an inspiration to Mirna Andrade-Salgado, those who knew her. We were Technology Director Vivian Blum, Admission Director Debbie Henderson, Office Manager Christina Kopanidis-Cantu, Development Director John Long, Head of School Robin Lunsford, Director of Finance and Facilities James Moudry, Middle School & High School Director Shannon Neufeld/Elaine Schweizer, Communications Coordinator Christine Peterson, Business Office /HR Specialist Jeff Schneider, Elementary Director Francesca Shoemaker, Receptionist Mirani Smith, Early Childhood Director Matt Thompson, Facilities Manager Mark Tucker, After-School Enrichment Program (ASEP) director Miriam Winton, Summer School Director Manuel Mejia, Maintenance Director Daniel Anastacio, Custodian After-Care Director Nazario Anastacio, Custodian Jenna Pel, Upper School Christopher Mejia, Custodian After-Care Assistant Andrea Dilger, Physical Fitness Specialist & Bearkats Coach/ Meg O’Connell Luiza Grandchamp, Art Specialist Diana Muniz, Art Specialist volunteer, and her unending Marvin Mejia, Custodian blessed to have her in our community and we miss her dearly. Elon University University of Georgia Evergreen State College University of Houston During 2011 Post Oak School Fashion Institute of Technology University of Houston graduates were admitted to the Fordham University following highly recognized Georgetown University University of Indiana college preparatory schools: Georgia Tech University of Kansas Goucher College University of Massachusetts — Awty International School Bellaire High School Carnegie Vanguard High Alumni Outcomes School (CVHS)* Duchesne Academy Emery/Weiner School Episcopal High School* High School for the Performing and Visual Arts* Incarnate Word Academy The Kinkaid School* St. Agnes Academy* St. John’s School* St. Pius X St. Thomas High School Xavier Educational Academy* * Denotes school attending Ithaca College University of Miami Lone Star Community College University of Michigan Louisiana State University University of Mississippi Loyola Marymount University of North Carolina Loyola University, New Orleans University of Notre Dame Millsaps College University of Oklahoma New York University University of the Pacific Notre Dame University University of South Carolina (Honors) top colleges and universities University of Southern California Oberlin College Rhodes College University of Southern California — School of Rice University Cinematic Arts Rollins College San Diego State University University of Texas — Austin San Francisco Conservatory University of Texas — Austin, Plan II of Music University of Texas — Business Honors Savannah College of Art and Design Post Oak alumni populate Amherst Hampshire College Sarah Lawrence College College Admissions (Honors) University of Texas — San Antonio Sewanee — The University of the South University of Texas — Tyler throughout the state, the Skidmore College University of Tulsa nation, and abroad. In 2011, Smith College University of Vermont all but one 2007 middle school Southern Methodist University University of Virginia — graduates were accepted to Southwestern University their college of first choice. Stanford University U.S. Naval Academy Post Oak college acceptances St. Edwards University Vanderbilt University over the past eight years St. John’s College West Point include: Syracuse University Wesleyan University American University Art Institute of Boston Art Institute of Chicago Art Institute of Houston Auburn University Austin College Baylor University Boston University Brooks Institute of Photography Brown University California College of the Arts Carnegie Mellon University Clemson University College of Charleston Colorado College Colorado School of Mines Cranbrook Academy of Art Drexel University Eckerd College Richmond Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Texas Christian University (Honors) The Citadel Trinity University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Arkansas University of Arizona University of California — Los Angeles University of California — San Diego University of California — Santa Barbara University of California — Santa Clara University of Colorado — Boulder . Photography by Terry Vine and Erin Stus. High School Admissions Mission Statement The mission of The Post Oak School, as an accredited Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) school, is to provide a superior Montessori environment and dynamic learning experiences which are designed according to the developmental characteristics and needs of children; to guide and nurture each child — intellectually, socially, and emotionally. , . .
