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BACODA Calendar2010 - The Post Oak School
the post oak school annual report Today I heard from a Post Oak parent who told me about his almost-ten-year-old daughter: lyssa has been taking swimming lessons since she was five years old. At the beginning of the summer she set a goal to swim an uninterrupted mile at the lap pool. Last Saturday she did it: one mile plus one lap. She was an instant celebrity among the adult swimmers — many of whom are unable to match her accomplishment. One person, who has been a teacher, principal and superintendent at a local ISD, asked me which school Alyssa attends. When I said Post Oak (Montessori) School, her response was, ‘Those Montessori children are our future, our hope. They always do more.’ With this lady’s experience, she should know! Montessori children are incredible and this experience further confirms it. Thank you and your staff for all you do.— Mario and Janet 2010 Post Oak Fund The Leadership Circle Donors who generously contributed gifts of and above to the Post Oak Fund are members of The Post Oak Fund Leadership Circle. integrating school and home. As its name suggests, this program is designed to help parents in their integration of school and home by combining useful techniques and engagement styles which complement the school’s work in the individual classrooms. This program was initiated by Post Oak parent, Paula Mey, who wanted to learn more about practicing Montessori and then spread that knowledge to other parents. “They always do more” — out of sheer exuberance; the joy of accomplishment; the satisfaction that comes from setting a challenging goal and reaching it, or exceeding it. Who set the goal of swimming a mile? Alyssa herself. And why did she swim one lap more than a mile? She was working to please herself and no one else. In the classroom we often see students complete projects whose scope is well beyond what any reasonable teacher would dare assign. Montessori kids always do more. Why did this Post Oak couple, and the public school administrator credit Montessori education for its contribution to Alyssa’s achievement? After all, Post Oak does not have a swim team. Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse Beth and Frank Apollo Laura and Matthew Baird Jamie and James Broach Kim and Michael Callahan Sherry and Lewis Chandler Gina Li and Leon Chen Anne Singleton and Jack Douglas Laurie and Leland Fondren Abbe and Adam Forman Eva and Enrique Gasca Raka and Jay Gohel Windi and David Grimes Martha and Mike Grimes Colleen and Rudy Haddad Vicki and Bob Harvey Rennae and Joe Henry Carol and John Howenstine Jeanne-Mey Sun and Tom Janssens Jane Greenberg and Gregory Kaplan Ashley and Robert Leder Ann and Kelvin Lee Vivian and Kenneth Lee Erica and Benjy Levit Renée and Michael Locklar Kathy and John Long Lucinda and Javier Loya Gina and Carl Luna D'arcy and Robert Madden Christine and Louis Messina Tara and Alex Neblett Katie and Bob Orr Melissa Coleman and Robert Pascoe Stephanie and William Perkins Anh Nguyen and Victor Phan Marilyn Wilson and Robert Rasor Alicia Kowalchuk and Benjamin Saldaña Daniela and Manolo Sanchez Farrell and Stuart Saunders Jenee and Nick Stefanakis Erin and Tom Stus The Wawro/Gray Family Vallette and Russell Windham Constance and Jeffrey Woodman Kim and Chuck Yates Anita and Alan Ying Michelle and Ken Zagorski Contributors Sushila and Durga Agrawal Shonali and Rakesh Agrawal Mohammed Alamin Maria and Saleh Al-Shaikh Stephanie and Phil Arnett Amy Tian and Benjamin Bai Teri and Thomas Bair Charlie Barker Susan and Walker Beavers Jeannine and David Bergt Aidan Berkman Sara and Brian Binau Laurel and Tim Blando Beverly Bontrager Pam and Bill Boyar The decision to add a third Upper Elementary class was finalized. Construction for this class started in the summer of . Jennifer and Christian Brenckmann Cliona Rooney and Malcolm Brenner Debra Broussard Courtney and Bill Bucy Erin and J. Brett Busby Nataya and Johnny Carter Jennifer and Cliff Chavis Deepa Poduval and Rajesh Chelapurath Laura and Martin Citardi Jennifer and Todd Colter Audra French and Arnold Colunga Cindy Comfort Melissa and Felix Cordero The Cortes Family Karla and Travis Crabtree Jane and Bill Curtis Jodie and Laith Daik Maday and Jay Dargan Kelly and Garth Davis Kelly and James Davis Jeff Davis Robyn Davis Lissa and Robert Debes Susan and Marc Dellamea Michele and Richard Deutsch Sangeeta Cheema and Karam Dhillon Carolyn Dorros Sandra Fogiel and Stuart Dow Cathy and Paul Duke Monica and Derek Dunaway Lisa and W. Christian Eddleman Monica and Charles Eskridge Analitza and Justin Factor Taha and Tahir Faruqui Bentley B. Fondren Christa Filak and Martin Fraske Dolley Levan and Duncan Frearson Amy and Blair Garrou Tanya and Jerry Gee Cathy and Tim Goff Hannah and Leonard Golub Sonia and Richard Gras Jessica and Vean Gregg Annette and Roger Gregory Sowmini and Ravi Gudimetla Mary Ann and Victor Guerrero Leashanne and James Guo Sophia Banu and Muzammil Hanif Sanjiv and Sandhya Harpavat Jennifer Harrison Kristin and Joey Hayles Stephanie and Ben Hertzog Rochelle Tafolla and Richard Hess Tracey and David Hilfman Maureen and Douglas Hirsch Amelia Ng and Tam Ho Anh Doan and Doanh Hoang Munira and Zahir Janmohamed The Jimenez Family Seita and James Jongebloed Catherine and Andrew Kaldis Josie and Jonathan Kaplow The Kapusta Family Cynthia DeLaney and Stephan Kinsella Amy and Lloyd Kirchner Alyson and Andrew Koval Vasanthi and Ramanan Krishnamoorti Marian Ladner and Yvonne Almazan Claire Langston Jamie and Andrew Lee Amy and James Lee Laurie and Doron Levin The way we learn shapes who we become. Alyssa set this goal for herself, as a benchmark to work toward, as a way to extend her skills. It was not a test imposed by her coach or her parents. Recent research findings demonstrate that this distinction affects both motivation and the quality of performance. Focusing on improving knowledge and performance is very different than proving competency to others (teachers, coaches, parents). Research Matters, journal of The Institute of Education, recently reported that “students who focused too heavily on performance ironically performed less well academically, thought less critically, and had a harder time overcoming failure.” “Montessori children always do more.” Physical fitness coach, Andrea Dilger, was hired to cover the increased number of PF classes. Bearkats successfully participated against other independent schools in various competitions during volleyball, cross-country, and basketball seasons. When we work hand-in-hand with parents, supporting each other’s efforts, implementing Dr. Montessori’s insights in the education of children, we see such personal characteristics emerge. We observe children who challenge themselves; who do more. About now you may be asking, “What about Post Oak? After all, this is an annual report.” All-time high student retention rates over the past several years have led us to open a new Lower Elementary classroom (2008) and a new Upper Elementary classroom (2010) in order to accommodate increased enrollment. Bubba Levy Sheryl Levy Yan and Haiyang Li Amy and Alan Lindsey Nancy and Erik Littlejohn Mary and Christopher Livingstone Karen and Charles Lu Michelle and Thomas Lu Cindy and Andrew Lubetkin Sheung Wong and Gary Luk Beatriz and Mark Maney Jenny and André Marshall Stacey and Mark Martin Victoria Newnham Matthews Elise McClain Tanya Bennett and David McConkey Sara Jurney and Todd Mensing Paula and Mark Mey Jessica and Philipp Meyer Pat and Bill Mitchell Sara Mitchell Melissa and Michael Mithoff Nandita Gupta and Vikas Mittal Rishma and Akbar Mohamed Rachel and John Moody Cinda and Brian Moye Michelle and Mike Munn Jenny and Ed Murphy Alana Kennedy-Nasser and Dean Nasser Sanjay Nayyar Kavitha Neelapu Raina and Jonathan Newsome Dinh Lam and Brian Nguyen Jacklyn Nguyen Phuong and Sun Nguyen Maria Luisa Noce Zaira and Roberto Noce Susan Hardwick-Smith and Kevin O’Gorman Meredith O'Meara Heather and Brenden O'Neill Renee Parker Jaana Porra and Michael Parks Callie and Steve Paul Lisa and Patrick Phelps Kelly and Anthony Policastro Lana Rigsby and John Powell Hillery Hugg and Gregory Press Surabhi and Jarrath Presse Kimberly and Cristopher Proler Elizabeth and Adam Pulaski Joy Pulaski Kim and Randy Randolph Karen and Ken Redding Lisa and John Reed Deanna and Glenn Reitman Sabrina Reynolds Shelly and Bill Richter Cynthia Page and Fabian Rodriguez Robin and Marshall Rosenberg Heidi and Bryan Rosenstrauch Jennifer Norten and Mark Routbort Manju and Manish Rungta Sherri and Gary Sagarnaga Suzan and Jeremy Samuels Elizabeth and Mark Santikos Mona and Sanjeev Sawhney Shealynn and Paul Schank Kate and Greg Scheinman Sherri and Charles Schugart Jacqualin and Jeff Seely Zeenath and Arjun Selvakumar The new Professional Growth Plan was launched to identify and enrich faculty professional growth, which encouraged teachers to raise the bar in their personal and professional goals. Jian and Mike Short Andrea and Jeff Sills John and Tina Sims Carmen and Todd Smith Valerie and Michael Sonsino Asha and Gaurav Sood Simran and Manish Sood The Speed Family Mary and Garland Stephens Jennifer Stern Susana and Juan Stern Megan and Eric Stidman Julie and Jason Styles Bridget and John Styles Aimee and Greg Taylor Nikayla and Aaron Thomas Jennifer and Sam Touchet Susan Granger Tyler and Seth Tyler Julia and Terry Vine Khanhuyen and Huy Vinh Molly and Coert Voorhees Catherine and Hoang Quan Vu Karen and Jason Walker Connie and John Wallace Whitney and Marc Walsh Geraldine and Louis Waters Ellen and Mark Weinstein Susan and Wayne Whitney Denise Wilhite Rocio Diaz and Francisco Zorrilla Employees Daniel Anastacio Nazario Anastacio Mirna Andrade-Salgado and José Salgado Alma Armendariz Diana Ayala Tamara Basham Vivian Blum Ruth Cañas Millie Chavez Andrea Dilger Asenet Garcia Lilia M. Garza Luiza Grandchamp Shekkola Gray Barbara Hacker Cynthia W. Harris Debbie and Todd Henderson Julian Hicks Christine Karnabe Orly Kluk Christina Kopanidis-Cantu and Jorge Cantu Alma Lloyd Joseph L. Lockett Deidre Lodrig Lupe Lopez Robin Lunsford Kimberly Magill Cristopher Mejia Manuel Mejia Marvin Mejia Darwin D. Matusek Shannon Neufeld Debbie Nickerson Joshua Noah Emily Hansen Diana Onofre Patricia Onofre Julie Parraguirre Norma Paulin Last October, the board of trustees solicited parent input as a part of its strategic planning process and heard strong support for a Post Oak High School. By May, the board and administration committed to this course of action and by June, we hired the founding director of the High School. Post Oak is able to commit to this visionary step because long-term preparation has paved the way. Over the past fifteen years, the board, administration and faculty have worked to strengthen the school’s financial position, academic program, and organizational leadership. The school, like the children, sets ambitious goals for itself, and as each goal is realized, we set the bar higher still. These are inspiring times at Post Oak. — , ‒ Financial Report The financial stability of The Post Oak School continued to improve during the 2009 –2010 school year. Our audited financial statements for the 2008 –2009 school year resulted in an Jenna Pel Christine Peterson Maya and Errol Pinto Celia Rodriguez Jessica P. Samano Jeff Schneider Francesca Shoemaker B.R. Simon Erin Smith Mirani Smith Hifa Sobhani Heather Spell Herlinda (Nina) Strane Phylis R. Tomlinson Susan Tracy Mark E. Tucker Meena Valliappan Jessica Wagner Miriam Winton increase in net assets of $835,237 . The unaudited results for the 2009 –2010 school year show an increase in net assets for all funds of $604,406 . The School experienced stable Foundations resulted in reaching a long term goal of a combined cash/property maintenance reserve D. Kent & Linda C. Anderson Foundation Houston Endowment Inc. Mithoff Family Charitable Foundation The Oshman Foundation of 20 percent of operating expenses or over $1,000,000 . The School was also able to Corporations transfer $53,200 to our Endowment Fund as called for in our Endowment policy. terest rates. The fixed income is invested very conservatively and generated a positive Chevron Matching Gift Program ConocoPhillips Company Empties4Cash Goldman Sachs H.E.B. Grocery Company Kinder Morgan Foundation Lands' End Merrill Lynch MW Design Group Persys Medical Pipescape International, Inc. Rilco Manufacturing Co., Inc. Safeway Inc. return of just over 2 percent for the year. A recovery in the equity markets resulted in the Gifts to Endowment enrollment moving from an ending enrollment of 387 in 2008 –2009 to 389 in 2009 –2010 . Our successful annual campaign as well as careful stewardship of the School’s assets The investment policy of The Post Oak School Endowment directs a long-term in vest ment approach that does not include disbursements until the endowment exceeds $1 million. Therefore, 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 , 2010 was a challenge for fixed income because of low in- equity accounts averaging a 14.5 percent gain for the year. To put this in perspective, the S&P 500 Composite Total return gained 14.4 percent and MSCI EAFE foreign index gained 6.4 percent for the year ended June 30 , 2010 . The combined portfolio returned 12.3 percent for the year, resulting in an investment gain of $76,267 for the year ended June 30 , 2010 . As markets around the world continue to improve, the Endowment’s portfolio will continue to improve. The School continues to remodel and repurpose spaces within the building and we have completed a number of major projects this year. Our most ambitious project was the remodeling of the library into a new Upper Elementary classroom and the renovation of the atrium space to accommodate our library. We also completed the third phase of our building coating and painting project, renovated portions of the east and west pod kitchens, and created an office space for our new high school director. Behind the scenes we had two large repair projects as we replaced and repaired a large section of our tile roof as well as replaced one of our chiller compressors that went out unexpectedly. The School’s continued fiscal discipline as well as the generosity of our annual fund donors allowed us to make all of these improvements and repairs without an additional capital campaign. The Fondren Foundation Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro Patricia and William Mitchell POPA Dinner Underwriters Shonali and Rakesh Agrawal Zahra and Mohammed Alamin Beth and Frank Apollo Laura and Matthew Baird Jeannine and David Bergt Laurel and Tim Blando Pam and Bill Boyar Laura and Martin Citardi Melissa Coleman and Robert Pascoe Melissa and Felix Cordero Karla and Travis Crabtree Jane and Bill Curtis Maday and Jay Dargan Kelly and Garth Davis Robyn Davis Lissa and Robert Debes Susan and Marc Dellamea Cathy and Paul Duke Lisa and W. Christian Eddleman Bentley B. Fondren Abbe and Adam Forman Jane Greenberg and Gregory Kaplan Jessica and Vean Gregg Annette and Roger Gregory Leashanne and James Guo Revenue Tuition based Revenues Other Tuition and Fees Other Income Annual giving Gala Giving All other Giving (Net) Total Revenue .% .% .% .% % .% % .% .% .% .% .% ,, , , , ,, % ,, , ,, , , , — , ,, Expenses Salaries and Benefits: Financial Aid: Other Program Expense: Plant Expenses: General Administration: Total Expenses: Increase in Net Assets: Our successful annual campaign as well as careful stewardship of the School’s assets resulted in reaching a long term goal of a combined cash/ property maintenance reserve of percent of operating expenses or over ,,. The following is an abbreviated version of the unaudited results for ‒ : Friends of the Library Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse Chick-fil-A Mary Ann and Victor Guerrero Melanie Harrell Amelia Ng and Tam Ho Janet and Mario Kapusta Amy and Lloyd Kirchner Christina Kopanidis-Cantu and Jorge Cantu Zaira and Roberto Noce Erin and Thomas Stus Teo Tono Book Fair Contributors Zahra and Mohammed Alamin Teri and Thomas Bair Laura and Matthew Baird Diana and Juan Balderas Rita Barker Petrini Tamara and William Basham Tanya Bennett and David McConkey Jeannine and David Bergt Sara and Brian Binau Laurel and Tim Blando Jennifer and W. Christian Brenckmann Jamie and James Broach Nataya and Johnny Carter Sherry and Lewis Chandler Sangeeta Cheema and Karam Dhillon Jennifer and Todd Colter The Post Oak Community Shares In 2009 –2010 , the normal current of Post Oak’s August-to-May school year was interspersed with a stream of additional activities: community events, volunteering, fund drives, focus groups, lectures, Bearkats, parent presentations, and even an astronaut’s adventures. One event after another was successfully presented by our parent association, POPA . Chaired by the talented and hardworking duo of Melissa Cordero and Erin Stus, POPA brought the community together for festivities such as the POPA Dinner, Field Day, Book Fair, Grandparents’ Days, and a spring lecture with Astronaut Scott Parazynski. Volunteers continued to raise the bar this year as Post Oak Fund Drive chairs Kim and Chuck Yates and their team of Class Captains surpassed all previous annual fund records. Passing a goal is exciting, but so is seeing the tangible results of a successful campaign. Post Oak Fund dollars were used in many ways, including space renovations for a new Upper Elementary classroom and replacing an air conditioning chiller which stopped working during the hot summer months. Fundraising was also undertaken by our spirited students, who felt compelled to act as they watched the earthquake devastation in news stories from Haiti and Chile. Seven separate efforts, including bake sales, art sales, and supply drives, were planned and efficiently executed by groups from Lower Elementary through Middle School. It was indeed a full year. Parents, grandparents, friends, and the whole Post Oak community worked hard to add meaningful experiences, educational moments, fun, and a strengthened unity of purpose to our Montessori environment. For this effort, for the support of the school and the children who receive the benefits, thank you. Post Oak Elementar y students used their phenomenal talents to bring the children’s opera, Pearl, to life. Students auditioned, rehearsed vocals, practiced choreography, built an underwater kingdom, and learned first-hand the com plexity and joy of producing a full children’s opera. Rennae and Joseph Henry Tracey and David Hilfman Anh and Doanh Hoang Carol and John Howenstine Jeanne-Mey Sun and Tom Janssens Janet and Mario Kapusta Alicia Kowalchuk and Benjamin Saldaña Ann and Kelvin Lee Vivian and Kenneth Lee Amy and Alan Lindsey Nancy and Erik Littlejohn Renée and Michael Locklar Kathy and John Long Gina and Carl Luna Elise McClain Tanya Bennett and David McConkey Christine and Louis Messina Rachel and John Moody Debbie Nickerson Zaira and Roberto Noce Heather and Brenden O'Neill Catherine and Robert Orr Stephanie and William Perkins Lana Rigsby and John Powell Kimberly and Cristopher Proler Lisa and John Reed Heidi and Bryan Rosenstrauch Daniela and Manolo Sanchez Farrell and Stuart Saunders Mona and Sanjeev Sawhney Shealynn and Paul Schank Sherri and Charles Schugart Erin and Tom Stus Karen and Aaron Swerdlin Aimee and Greg Taylor Nikayla and Aaron Thomas Molly and Coert Voorhees Karen and Jason Walker Whitney and Marc Walsh Vallette and Russell Windham Michelle and Kenneth Zagorski Our Accomplished Alumni Tucked in with all the plans and activities for the year was a forward look to the 2013 – 2014 school year, when Post Oak will celebrate its 50 th anniversary. An anniversary com- mittee convened and plans are in the works to appropriately celebrate this milestone. And what of those students who have populated the halls during the past 47 years? Post Oak’s alumni are a talented and inspiring bunch. At the POPA Dinner, alums John Sallans (class of ’ 02 ) and Becky Bereswill (class of ’ 05 ) shared their Montessori perspective and its application to their lives with current Post Oak parents. Our graduates remain part of the Post Oak community. Often they come back to visit with their teachers, or to talk about their Montessori experiences. A Montessori education prepares its graduates for a successful life. Here are a few alumni updates that exemplify how their experiences have shaped the people they have become. Class of Joshua Brenner attends St. John’s School. He volunteered at the Houston Zoo this summer. is attending Episcopal High School and enjoyed a trip to Sweden during the summer. Hailey Heck Class of had an internship this summer at a small medical firm called Vivante. Currently he is the junior class president at St. John’s school. Tom Harvey Class of Jayme Edwards graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School in Illinois and received an , cheerleading scholarship to Baylor University. attends University of Notre Dame and has entered their Honors Program. Michael Harvey Jamie McDonald was a Camp Ozark counselor this summer. She is attending Clemson University. Class of is a rising sophomore at Southern Methodist University. She received the title of “Most Valuable Member” Allison Bereswill Melissa and Felix Cordero Lili and Jorge Cortes Karla and Travis Crabtree Jane and Bill Curtis Maday and Jay Dargan Robyn Davis Susan and Marc Dellamea Prarthana Durgam Lisa and W. Christian Eddleman Monica and Charles Eskridge Analitza and Justin Factor Bentley B. Fondren Abbe and Adam Forman Christa Filak and Martin Fraske Tanya and Jerry Gee Hannah and Leonard Golub Sonia and Richard Gras Jessica and Vean Gregg Annette and Roger Gregory Windi and David Grimes Leashanne and James Guo Barbara Hacker Colleen and Rudy Haddad Kristin and Joey Hayles Rennae and Joseph Henry Maureen and Douglas Hirsch Anh and Doanh Hoang Carol and John Howenstine Munira and Zahir Janmohamed Claudia Rojas-Jimenez and Carlos Jimenez Seita and James Jongebloed Catherine and Andrew Kaldis Jane Greenberg and Gregory Kaplan Alyson and Andrew Koval Vasanthi and Ramanan Krishnamoorti Ashley and Robert Leder Ann and Kelvin Lee Erica and Benjy Levit Yan and Haiyang Li Amy and Alan Lindsey Renée and Michael Locklar Michelle and Thomas Lu Cindy and Andrew Lubetkin Sheung Wong and Gary Luk Beatriz and Mark Maney Jenny and André Marshall Stacey and Mark Martin John and Lori Martinez Elise McClain Paula and Mark Mey Melissa and Michael Mithoff Nandita Gupta and Vikas Mittal Michelle and Michael Munn Alana Kennedy-Nasser and Dean Nasser Kavitha and Sattva Neelapu Susan Hardwick-Smith and Kevin O'Gorman Heather and Brenden O'Neill Catherine and Robert Orr Jaana Porra and Michael Parks Julie Parraguirre Melissa Coleman and Robert Pascoe Stephanie and William Perkins Anh Nguyen and Victor Phan Lisa and Patrick Phelps Becky and Wayne Pivec Deepa and Rajesh Chelapurath Chelsie and Ricardo Ramos Kim and Randy Randolph Lisa and John Reed Cynthia Page and Fabian Rodriguez of her sorority. She has also been accepted to a fashion program at Oxford in the United Kingdom. lives near Detroit, Michigan, and is attending University of Michigan while she trains as a pairs skater in a facility with skaters from around the world. She is also picking up the Russian language. Rebecca Bereswill Stephanie Styles is in the Musical Theatre program at University of Michigan. She also played the part of Shelley Parker in Bat Boy: The Musical with the Generations Theatre Company. Class of is in her junior year at The University of Texas at Austin. Her major is biomedical engineering. Kelsey Caton Will Duin is a graduate of Episcopal High School, and attends The Citadel–The Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston. His major is business administration. participated in the Texas Music Festival at University of Houston this summer, and played the drums in the Generations Theatre Company production of Bat Boy: The Musical. Matt McDonald is in her junior year at The University of Texas at Austin and is a design major. This program only accepts students per year. She also earned a scholarship. Chistina Moser is in her junior year at Southwestern University, majoring in environmental studies. She had an internship with Houston Zoo over the summer. Whitney Moore is a graduate of Bellaire High School, and attends Boston University as a graphic design and drawing major. She enjoys singing in an a cappella group. She spent a year abroad, studying in Germany. This summer she was a lifeguard at the Jewish Community Center of Houston. Bethany and her mother also traveled to England and Scotland for a choir tour. Bethany Sharp Class of Sam Boyar attends The University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences. This summer, he participated in a six-week field study with research in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho, mostly camping out in remote areas. He has received academic scholarships and is a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Last year, he was selected to be a “Silver Spur,” a fraternity at UT that takes care of Bevo the longhorn, the school mascot. Nicholas Wallace is working full time on Bill White’s gubernatorial campaign. attends London School of Economics and Political Science. Kellen Burke Lindsey Moore attends Southwestern University and was accepted to New York summer conservatory for play writing. Last year, she spent a semester in London. Class of Sam Geer graduated in December from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, earning a B.A. in Film Production. He lives and works in Los Angeles, both on major television and film productions such as Terrence Malick’s forthcoming The Tree of Life as well as on music videos, corporate projects and short films. Sam has written a feature-length screenplay for an independent film that he hopes to finance and make within the next few years. graduated with honors from the communications program at The University of Texas at Austin and is working for ESPN in sports broadcasting. Nicholas Hetherington graduated this spring from Davidson College with a B.A. in theatre, and a minor in Spanish. He received the Rawley Turner Award for “Outstanding Male Performance” for his portrayal of Jack in Leading Ladies. This past summer, he played the title role in Bat Boy: The Musical, with Generations Theatre Company. He attends the Professional Actor Training Program at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to begin earning his MFA in acting. Joshua Tobin is working on the set of a film in Los Angeles. He will graduate in December from Brooks Institute, and has been doing freelance work producing films, television shows, and music videos. He enjoys life in Los Angeles. He has pitched features to independent investors, studios and film festivals, including The Four-Faced Liar. Jonathan Ward Class of graduated with a B.B.A. in business honors from the McCombs School of Business and a B.S. in biology/ neurobiology both from the from University of Texas at Austin. He attends medical school at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. This past summer he traveled to Morocco. Travis Caton Amelinda Melanson graduated from Texas A&M University in and is a packaging engineer for Frito Lay in Dallas where she modifies machines. This summer she visited Belize to go scuba diving and traveled to Saigon and Cambodia. Suzan and Jeremy Samuels Daniela and Manolo Sanchez Elizabeth and Mark Santikos Mona and Sanjeev Sawhney Shealynn and Paul Schank Kate and Greg Scheinman Jacqualin and Jeff Seely Zeenath and Arjun Selvakumar B.R. Simon Asha and Gaurav Sood Simran and Manish Sood Anne and Alan Speed Jenee and Nick Stefanakis Mary and Garland Stephens Jennifer Stern Megan and Eric Stidman Erin and Thomas Stus Julie and Jason Styles Karen and Aaron Swerdlin Nikayla and Aaron Thomas Amy Tian and Benjamin Bai Susan GrangerTyler and Seth Tyler Julia and Terry Vine Khanhuyen and Huy Vinh Molly and Coert Voorhees Jessica Wagner Whitney and Marc Walsh Constance and Jeffrey Woodman Anita and Alan Ying Gifts-In-Kind Asset Management Advisors Laura and Matthew Baird Barnes & Noble Laura and Martin Citardi Melissa and Felix Cordero Tanya and Jerry Gee Raka and Jay Gohel Hannah and Leonard Golub Jane Greenberg and Gregory Kaplan H.E.B. Grocery Company Barbara Hacker Catherine and Andrew Kaldis Renée and Michael Locklar Stephanie McDonald PostNet Lana Rigsby and John Powell Rigsby Hull B.R. Simon Special Projects The Trammell Foundation graduated from Tulane University magna cum laude with a major in cell biology. His work was named “best thesis” and he was named “second most valuable allaround student.” Next year he is pursuing a masters degree in biology. Adam Podet Class of is an MBA candidate at the University of Houston (expected ). He is interested in city design, and has been since his days at Post Oak. Justin Boyar Class of is keeping busy with her acting career. She is currently playing the role of “Cecily” in The Importance of Being Earnest with the Ark Theatre Company in Los Angeles. Caroline Sharp Class of is in her last year as a Level trauma resident at Vanderbilt Medical Center. She was chosen for a staff teaching award out of residents. She looks back fondly on her Montessori education. Allison Dryden graduated from the University of Houston in with a degree in accounting / finance and is an accountant. Lyndsay married in , and has a threeyear-old and a new baby born in August. Lyndsay Kian Class of became engaged last November, and is currently a dentist at Dental Smiles. He graduated from University of Texas Dental Branch in . Darryl DaVera Class of was married in Rome to Monica Posoli, who taught at The Post Oak School. He is a full time luthier, and his business can be found at www.marchione.com. His daughter, Isabella, was born in . Stephen Marchione Other Alumni attended Post Oak for three years in Primary, and now her daughter has started Primary classes this year with the same teacher: Barbara Hacker. Her brother, Gabriel Aguilar is now a junior at Millsaps College. He attended Primary for two years (Bill Zajic’s class). Victoria Aguilar Post Oak alumni can be found all over the world. If you have an email address or a way to help us re-establish the Post Oak connection, please contact Christina Kopanidis-Cantu at -- or by email at christinacantu@postoakschool.org. The Post Oak School Community 2009– 2010 Trustees Bucky Allshouse Frank Apollo, Treasurer Matthew Baird Melissa Coleman Stuart Dow Adam Forman Windi Grimes Bob Harvey, Chair John Howenstine Zahir Janmohamed Andrew Kaldis Renée Locklar John Long, President Bev Bontrager Manuel Sanchez Marilyn Wilson, Secretary Russell Windham Trustees Emeriti Walker Beavers Pam Boyar Leland Fondren Melanie Gray Pat Mitchell Jenny Murphy John Wallace Post Oak Parents Association POPA Chairs ( ‒ ) Melissa Cordero Erin Stus POPA Dinner Chairs Beth Apollo Shealynn Schank Field Day Chairs Amy and Lloyd Kirchner Book Fair Chairs Cynthia Page Rodriguez Suzan Samuels Opera Chairs Munira Janmohamed Claudia Rojas-Jimenez Maya Pinto Laura Baird Michelle Lu Yearbook Chairs Jian Short Erin Stus Melissa Cordero Erin Smith Jennifer Chavis Seita Jongebloed 2009– 2010 Room Parents Tamara Basham Carol Howenstine Karen Walker Susan Tracy Ashley Leder Laurel Blando Jessica Wagner Chelsie Ramos Barbara Hacker Amy Garrou Miriam Winton Ann Lee Renée Locklar Emily Hansen Jenny Marshall Sonia Einstein Alma Lloyd Gina Luna Sandra Fogiel Orly Kluk Teri Bair 2009– 2010 Post Oak Fund Joseph Lockett Elise McClain Jian Short Post Oak Fund Chairs Kim and Chuck Yates Deidre Lodrig Julia Vine Liliana Walji Class Captains Kathy Long Susan Whitney Jessica Gregg Barbara Hacker Shonali Agrawal Middle School Eva Gasca Debbie Nickerson Windi Grimes Abbe Forman Julie Parraguirre Amy Kirchner Vivian Lee Errol Pinto Claudia Rojas-Jimenez Munira Janmohamed Tamara Basham Rishma Mohamed Emily Hansen Jeanne-Mey Sun Tom Janssens Orly Kluk Alan Ying Deidre Lodrig Stacey Martin Joseph Lockett Rennae Henry Kathy Long Abbe Forman Middle School Bev Bontrager Heather O’Neill Barbara Hacker, Primary Teacher Norma Paulin, Assistant Erin Smith Cathy Duke Emily Hansen, Primary Teacher Ruth Cañas, Assistant Debbie Nickerson Katie Orr Julie Parraguirre Lori Martinez Errol Pinto Lissa and Bob Debes Maya Pinto Catherine Kaldis Susan Tracy Valerie Sonsino Jessica Wagner Chelsie and Rick Ramos Miriam Winton Ann and Kelvin Lee Board John Long Employees Vivian Blum Luiza Grandchamp Lead Teachers and Assistants Infant Community Department Deidre Lodrig, Half-Day Infant Community Teacher Diana Ayala, Assistant Susan Tracy, Half-Day Infant Community Teacher Cynthia Harris, Assistant Jessica Wagner, Full-Day Infant Community Teacher Elizabeth DiCesare, Assistant Lilia Garza, Assistant Diana Onofre, Assistant Primary Department Tamara Basham, Primary Teacher Celia Rodriguez, Assistant Erin Smith, Primary Teacher Alma Armendariz, Assistant Julie Parraguirre, Primary Teacher Nina Strane, Assistant Miriam Winton, Primary Teacher Christine Karnabe, Assistant Alma Lloyd, Primary Home Environment Teacher Millie Chavez, Assistant Meena Valliappan, Assistant Elementary Department Orly Kluk, Lower Elementary Teacher Hifa Sobhani, Assistant Kathy Long, Lower Elementary Teacher Audie Alcorn, Assistant/Intern Debbie Nickerson, Lower Elementary Teacher Lupe Lopez, Assistant Maya Pinto, Lower Elementary Teacher Heather Spell, Assistant Joseph Lockett, Upper Elementary Teacher Kimberly Magill, Assistant Errol Pinto, Upper Elementary Teacher Jessica Samano, Assistant Middle School Shekkola Gray, Middle School Mathematics Teacher Julian Hicks, Middle School Science Teacher Joshua Noah, Middle School Humanities Teacher Upper School After-Care Asenet Garcia, After-Care Director Jenna Pel, After-Care Assistant Specialists Andrea Dilger, Physical Fitness Specialist Luiza Grandchamp, Art Specialist Patricia Onofre, Spanish Specialist B.R. Simon, Librarian Phylis Tomlinson, School Counselor Mark Tucker, Physical Fitness Specialist and Bearkats Coach Jamie Ward, Full-Time Substitute Teacher Administration Mirna Andrade-Salgado, Technology Director Vivian Blum, Admission Director Debbie Henderson, Office Manager Christina Kopanidis-Cantu, Development Director John Long, Head of School Robin Lunsford, Finance & Facilities Director Shannon Neufeld, Communication Coordinator Christine Peterson, Business Office/HR Specialist Jeff Schneider, Upper School Director Francesca Shoemaker, Receptionist Mirani Smith, Lower School Director Support Staff Darwin Matusek, Building Engineer Manuel Mejia, Maintenance Director Daniel Anastacio, Custodian Nazario Anastacio, Custodian Raul Jiminez, Custodian Christopher Mejia, Custodian Marvin Mejia, Custodian Juan Ramon, Custodian Post Oak School Matriculation High School Admissions During Post Oak School graduates were admitted to the following highly recognized college preparatory schools: Awty International School Cypress Woods High School Episcopal High School* St. Agnes Academy* The John Cooper School* St. Thomas High School The Emery/Weiner School Woods High School* *Schools chosen to attend College Admissions Post Oak alumni populate top colleges and universities throughout the state, the nation, and abroad. Post Oak graduates have been admitted to the following colleges: American University Art Institute of Boston Art Institute of Chicago Art Institute of Houston Auburn University Baylor University Boston University Brooks Institute Brown University California College of the Arts Clemson University Colorado College Cranbrook Academy of Art Davidson College Drexel University Eckerd College Elon University Emory University Evergreen State College Fashion Institute of Technology Fordham University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Goucher College Hampshire College Indiana University Ithaca College Louisiana State University Loyola University – New Orleans Millsaps College New York University Oberlin College Rhodes College Rice University Rollins College San Diego State University San Francisco Conservatory of Music Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design Sewanee: The University of the South Skidmore College Smith College Southern Methodist University Southwestern University Stanford University St. Edwards University Syracuse University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Texas Christian University (Honors) The Citadel Trinity University Tulane University University of Arizona University of California – Los Angeles University of California – San Diego University of California – Santa Barbara University of Colorado University of Georgia University of Houston University of Houston (Honors) University of Kansas University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of North Carolina– Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame (Honors) University of Oklahoma University of the Pacific University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of Southern California – School of Cinematic Arts University of Texas – Austin University of Texas – Austin, Plan II University of Texas – Business Honors University of Texas – San Antonio University of Texas – Tyler University of Tulsa University of Vermont University of Virginia – Richmond U.S. Naval Academy Vanderbilt University West Point Wesleyan University 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. Recognizing our donors is a high priority for The Post Oak School. We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of our honor rolls, but it is possible for errors to occur. If you wish to report an error or omission, please contact Christina Kopanidis-Cantu at -- or by email at christinacantu@postoak school.org. Thank you. , : -- : -- .. , : -- : -- ..
