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Maine Coast Waldorf School<br />
20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT
Maine Coast Waldorf School 20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT<br />
CONTENTS<br />
THE MISSION<br />
of Maine Coast Waldorf School is to awaken the<br />
highest potential in every student by fostering<br />
clarity of thought, warmth of heart, and strength<br />
of resolve to make a difference in the world.<br />
Our Emergence Post COVID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2<br />
Embracing Each Moment of Strife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3<br />
Waldorf Education is a Form of Social Education ..... 4 - 5<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong> Finances ....................................6<br />
Thoughtful Fiscal Management .......................7<br />
How Philanthropy Supports <strong>MCWS</strong>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7<br />
With Deep Gratitude to our Donors ............... 8 - 10<br />
Philanthropic Stewardship ..........................11<br />
The Beauty of Teaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13<br />
The Rhythms We Establish ...................... 14 - 15<br />
Class of 20<strong>22</strong> Graduation ........................16 -17<br />
Spring for Waldorf Auction & Dance Party. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18<br />
Go Behind the Scenes ..............................19<br />
Alum Notes .......................................20<br />
Moving On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover<br />
MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL<br />
20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 1
Our Emergence Post COVID<br />
A LETTER FROM FREDERICK VEITCH, PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Embracing Each Moment of Strife<br />
A LETTER FROM JOSH LYTLE, CHAIR, COLLEGE OF TEACHERS<br />
The 20<strong>21</strong>-<strong>22</strong> school year was one<br />
of emergence and of laying the<br />
groundwork for a renewed path<br />
of sustainability and growth at Maine<br />
Coast Waldorf School. We began the year<br />
with cautious optimism that we would<br />
slowly, and eventually, regain the sense<br />
of normalcy that we had lost in the early<br />
spring of 2020. Our focus remained on<br />
evolving the COVID-19 blueprint to meet<br />
the diverse challenges we faced across<br />
our community: eligibility for vaccines was<br />
not uniform and new variants and new<br />
policies emerged seemingly every month.<br />
As they had since that fateful spring,<br />
our parents, students, teachers, and<br />
staff remained patient, kind toward one<br />
another, and undeterred in their passion<br />
to make good on our mission while slowly<br />
bringing back those aspects of the closeknit<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong> community that we had lost.<br />
At the beginning of the year, singing in<br />
classrooms and chorus had returned.<br />
As we moved into the winter, class plays<br />
were once again held in Merriconeag<br />
Hall in front of full audiences. By spring,<br />
May Faire, the Pentathlon, and a recordsetting<br />
Spring for Waldorf were back,<br />
capped off by both a fully attended Rose<br />
Ceremony and Graduation at school<br />
year’s end. It was an incredible journey to<br />
get back to where we had been before,<br />
and one that would not have happened<br />
without the perseverance and love of an<br />
entire community supporting and taking<br />
care of one another.<br />
Through this emergence, the Board of<br />
Directors worked tirelessly to address<br />
the economic hardships that these past<br />
three years have created for all who<br />
work for and attend <strong>MCWS</strong>. Higher costs<br />
of living from rent to housing prices as<br />
well as housing shortages, and inflation<br />
have all adversely impacted the ability<br />
to live, work, and send one’s children to<br />
independent private schools like ours.<br />
In addressing these issues head-on,<br />
the Board of Directors held discussion<br />
sessions with our teachers and staff<br />
throughout the year to learn firsthand<br />
what was critical for their support and<br />
sustainability. We also held numerous<br />
meetings to research and evaluate<br />
the salary and benefit structures of<br />
surrounding public and independent<br />
private schools. From this came the<br />
creation and implementation of<br />
a comprehensive overhaul of our<br />
compensation and benefits structure<br />
to ensure that everyone who works at<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong> makes a competitive wage at<br />
or above those at surrounding schools<br />
based on the same levels of educational<br />
background and experience.<br />
This plan phased in over a two-year<br />
period, not only takes into account<br />
inflation but addresses wage gap<br />
inequalities with increased health benefits<br />
to all employees. To balance these efforts,<br />
the Board was also mindful of the impacts<br />
on the costs of families sending their<br />
children to <strong>MCWS</strong>. With modest tuition<br />
increases and the implementation of a<br />
renewed five-year tuition plan, the Board<br />
sought to mediate the need for increased<br />
tuition revenue with the reality that too<br />
significant a tuition increase would be<br />
difficult for many of our families to bear.<br />
The Board’s historical financial prudence<br />
and conservative fiscal policies with a<br />
focus on carefully allocated reserves<br />
from past years’ surpluses allowed us<br />
to balance the budget this year while<br />
rolling out these essential changes to<br />
our benefits structure. With a renewed<br />
focus on the cultivation of a culture of<br />
giving in everything we do over the course<br />
of the 20<strong>22</strong>-23 school year, we remain<br />
enthusiastic and confident that the <strong>MCWS</strong><br />
community will continue its growth out of<br />
the pandemic. With your help, <strong>MCWS</strong> is on<br />
the cusp of incredible times to come.<br />
BOARD OF<br />
DIRECTORS<br />
20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong><br />
Derek Blackburn<br />
Mary Bloch<br />
Frank Chessa<br />
Justin Corcoran<br />
Phoebe Dolan<br />
Kari Guddeck<br />
Lisa Lukis<br />
John Manganello<br />
Jeannie Mattson<br />
Karl Schatz<br />
Frederick Veitch<br />
Dan Walker<br />
Faculty Members:<br />
David Barham<br />
Chloe Dowley<br />
Josh Lytle<br />
Caitlin Pow<br />
Non-Voting Staff<br />
Lyn Baird<br />
Laura Bonarrigo<br />
David Eichler<br />
Lynne Espy<br />
Christopher Kasprak<br />
Jennifer Pochurek<br />
Melissa Watson<br />
At a recent conference, I heard<br />
Douglas Gerwin, one of the<br />
leaders of the Waldorf Education<br />
movement, speak about the concept of<br />
“strife,” which is etymologically related<br />
to “strive,” and even to “stride.” He was<br />
looking for a touchpoint to consider<br />
the current state of contemporary<br />
society and the world, which can often<br />
appear conflict-laden, polarized, and<br />
disheartening. I found these relationships<br />
of meaning quite interesting, particularly<br />
the “stride” relation–the idea of two<br />
opposing movements: of a leg pushing<br />
backward in opposition to the one moving<br />
forward, and that this forward “striving” is<br />
a result of the “strife” between these two<br />
forces of the “stride.” So often, life seems<br />
to thrive out of a series of interactions or<br />
potential contradictions.<br />
In June as this past academic year came<br />
to a close, our faculty came together<br />
for a week-long series of meetings and<br />
professional development, closing out<br />
the old year, laying certain seeds to grow<br />
and develop over the summer. Our first<br />
activity was to review the year, starting<br />
with the most recent events, and then<br />
tracing backward from event to event<br />
(literally, from that very review, into<br />
Graduation, the Rose Ceremony, etc., etc.)<br />
until we arrived back at the fall of 20<strong>21</strong>,<br />
when we had gathered together before<br />
welcoming students.<br />
It was a powerful activity to perform as<br />
an entire faculty: Early Childhood, Lower<br />
School, and High School teachers sat in a<br />
circle, thought collectively back into our<br />
year, and beheld that which we had all<br />
engaged in to create a living experience<br />
for our students, parents, and each other.<br />
There were many events from the year<br />
that were mighty positive, and a number<br />
which were flagged as in need of change<br />
and attention: together, it was the striding<br />
through positive and negative elements<br />
that collectively formed our forward<br />
striving at Maine Coast Waldorf School.<br />
This activity had particular resonance<br />
for me, as it was three years ago that my<br />
family and I arrived at <strong>MCWS</strong>, and COVID<br />
hit that very first spring. As such, this was<br />
the first year that I could see the rhythm<br />
of the year in its entirety, start to finish.<br />
Rhythm is an important part of our work<br />
as Waldorf teachers, and the rhythm of<br />
each school has its own life and flavor,<br />
unique to each location and group of<br />
individuals that comprise their community.<br />
Now, as I write this, it is early July.<br />
According to the Calendar of the Soul,<br />
which lays out a series of meditations that<br />
reflect upon the relationship of the human<br />
being to the turning of the seasons over<br />
the course of the year, summer is the<br />
time when our intellectual powers recede<br />
somewhat, becoming “dormant” in the<br />
face of our physical body and senses,<br />
which have been fully awakened. It is a<br />
way for our inner self to rest and store<br />
up its energy so that when we return in<br />
the fall, for another invigorating year of<br />
striving together, we are ready to meet<br />
both the physical and the intellectual<br />
challenges that await us. Fascinating,<br />
how elements of our being must sleep<br />
in order to expand, how these forces of<br />
conflict, opposition, and struggle are part<br />
of growing and living fully.<br />
Embracing each moment of strife we<br />
encounter in this next school year (and<br />
beyond) serves to move this School<br />
forward and allows us to continue<br />
evolving as a vibrant, flourishing Waldorf<br />
School. I’m hopeful we all keep this in<br />
mind as we strive towards a powerful new<br />
year of possibilities!<br />
COLLEGE<br />
OF TEACHERS<br />
20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong><br />
Josh Lytle<br />
Johanna Flath<br />
Nancy Goldberg<br />
Helen-Ann Ireland<br />
Jeff O’Brien<br />
David Barham<br />
Caitlin Pow<br />
Margaret Samuelson<br />
Cerridwen McQueen<br />
Lauren Kerr<br />
Jill Fox<br />
Lynn Thurrell<br />
Marta Rackmales<br />
Michael Fenderson<br />
Ezra Smith<br />
Chloe Dowley<br />
Lynn Wetterhorn<br />
Melissa Watson<br />
David Eichler<br />
2 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL 20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 3
Waldorf Education is a Form of Social Education<br />
A LETTER FROM DAVID EICHLER, PEDAGOGICAL DIRECTOR<br />
As we have begun the 20<strong>22</strong>-2023 school year I am mindful of how<br />
special Maine Coast Waldorf School is. We are in the process of our<br />
ten-year re-accreditation through the New England Association of<br />
Schools and Colleges (NEASC) which jointly happens with the Association of<br />
Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Waldorf Early Childhood<br />
Association of North America (WECAN). This process, when it is completed in<br />
the spring of 2023, will have spanned two years and brought in voices from<br />
many members of the community—family members, students, alums, faculty,<br />
staff, and members of our Board of Directors. This process is a labor of love<br />
that brings the community together in a monumental task that culminates in<br />
our self-study, in which we take an honest look at where we are going, where<br />
we are thriving, where we are actively focusing our efforts for improvement,<br />
and how we are changing to meet the needs of our ever-evolving community<br />
of students, families, and faculty/staff.<br />
As we move from year-to-year, we have the opportunity to see the ways in<br />
which the children of today present their needs to our school. This in turn<br />
compels us to look for ways to better ourselves as a school to meet those everchanging<br />
needs. Throughout my Waldorf teacher training, we were told that<br />
we, as teachers, needed to be models worthy of emulating for the students.<br />
Not just models worthy of imitations in how we act, but how we think and<br />
in how we relate to one another. In Waldorf-speak we refer to this as being<br />
an upright individual. Others may refer to this quality as genuine integrity.<br />
Whatever you call it, it is the ability for us to be able to stand in front of the<br />
children and model what it is like to be a true human being: it is not only okay<br />
to make mistakes, but more importantly, to learn grace when making mistakes<br />
and practicing acceptance, patience, and compassion for others.<br />
Waldorf education is a form of social<br />
education. At the heart of this is<br />
the awareness that social struggles<br />
happen throughout life, and the best<br />
way to prepare a child to be able to<br />
meet and overcome these struggles<br />
during their lifetime is to provide<br />
them with a solid foundation of<br />
social health. Within our educational<br />
pedagogy, this happens through<br />
learning opportunities in which<br />
our students work with each other<br />
from the earliest classes in our Early<br />
Childhood through their senior<br />
year of High School. While these<br />
experiences are not without some<br />
challenges under the watchful eyes<br />
and compassionate, loving support of<br />
their teachers, they serve to develop<br />
internal capacities within the children<br />
which will help them to face, and<br />
move through, adversity in life. These<br />
capacities which are fostered and<br />
developed over the years include<br />
tolerance, compassion, resilience,<br />
critical thought, and grit.<br />
This is achieved, in part, through<br />
the curriculum and experiences we<br />
bring to our students. Some of these<br />
growth opportunities are provided<br />
through the diversity present in our<br />
student body, their families, and<br />
our faculty/staff. The generosity of<br />
previous donors has given <strong>MCWS</strong><br />
the capacity to welcome students<br />
and families representing greater<br />
financial- and neuro-diversity<br />
which in turn enriches and evolves<br />
our community. In order to best<br />
prepare for necessary innovative and<br />
responsible changes our Waldorf<br />
School must undertake to continue<br />
to meet the needs of the children<br />
of today, we value the assistance<br />
of those in the community with the<br />
means to help close the gap between<br />
what is brought in through tuition<br />
and actual operating costs. In this<br />
way, <strong>MCWS</strong> can be best positioned to<br />
provide a rich education to <strong>MCWS</strong>’s<br />
wonderful students.<br />
As we loosen many COVID-19 related<br />
restrictions, many social scientists<br />
are beginning to recognize the toll<br />
the pandemic has taken on children.<br />
Educators, including those at <strong>MCWS</strong>,<br />
have also seen the effects both in<br />
academics and the social-emotional<br />
realm. We are committed to being<br />
responsive when these issues arise<br />
that are, in part, related to delays<br />
manifested as a result of physical<br />
distancing and the stressors inherent<br />
with learning during an emergency.<br />
During the pandemic, generous<br />
donors made it possible for outdoor<br />
learning to take place. This innovative<br />
pivot allowed our students to<br />
experience some of the highest rates<br />
of in-person learning in the region,<br />
which we now know undoubtedly<br />
improved outcomes for hundreds of<br />
students during this challenging time.<br />
This is just one example of the myriad<br />
ways donors are able to make a<br />
meaningful and immediate difference<br />
for our children and faculty at School.<br />
As we move forward and address the<br />
impacts that COVID-19 has had on<br />
our students over the past two years,<br />
along with the needs that arise out<br />
of our re-accreditation process, your<br />
engagement and generosity will be far<br />
more important than ever.<br />
At the heart of this<br />
is the awareness<br />
that social struggles<br />
happen throughout<br />
life, and the best<br />
way to prepare a<br />
child to be able to<br />
meet and overcome<br />
these struggles<br />
during their lifetime<br />
is to provide<br />
them with a solid<br />
foundation of social<br />
health.<br />
4 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL 20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 5
<strong>MCWS</strong> Finances<br />
A SUSTAINABLE BUDGET, SUPPORTED BY PHILANTHROPY<br />
Thoughtful Fiscal Management and Investing for Our Future<br />
JOHN MANGANELLO, BOARD TREASURER<br />
Financial Summary (Unaudited)<br />
20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> Fiscal School Year: July 1, 20<strong>21</strong> - June 30, 20<strong>22</strong><br />
<strong>Annual</strong> Income Amount % Of<br />
Tuition & Fees $4,668,053 88%<br />
Fundraising $582,452 11%<br />
Additional Program & Misc Income $31,117 1%<br />
Total Income $5,281,6<strong>22</strong> $100%<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> Expenses<br />
Salaries & Benefits $3,486,7<strong>21</strong> 68%<br />
Tiered Tuition $920,383 18%<br />
Programs $93,848 2%<br />
Buildings & Grounds $<strong>21</strong>4,598 4%<br />
Administration $254,517 5%<br />
Debt Service $164,965 3%<br />
Total Expenses $5,135,032 100 %<br />
Net Operating Income (before depreciation) $146,590<br />
Capital Improvements $30,032<br />
Surplus/(Deficit) $116,558<br />
Summary of Fundraising (Reflects funds received & booked July 1, 20<strong>21</strong>- June 30, 20<strong>22</strong>)<br />
Maine Coast Waldorf Fund 20<strong>21</strong>-<strong>22</strong> (<strong>Annual</strong> Appeal) $251,606<br />
Spring for Waldorf <strong>Annual</strong> Auction (Net) $66,681<br />
Tiered Tuition Fund $75,550<br />
Endowment $110,000<br />
Opportunity Fund $75,167<br />
Giving Tree $3,448<br />
Total Giving 20<strong>21</strong>-<strong>22</strong> $582,452<br />
ANNUAL<br />
INCOME<br />
ANNUAL<br />
EXPENSES<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> Income<br />
l Tuition & Fees $4,668,053<br />
l Fundraising $582,452<br />
l Additional Program<br />
& Misc Income $31,117<br />
Total $5,281,6<strong>22</strong><br />
<strong>Annual</strong> Expenses<br />
l Salaries & Benefits $3,486,7<strong>21</strong><br />
l Tuition Assistance $920,383<br />
l Programs $93,848<br />
l Buildings & Grounds $<strong>21</strong>4,598<br />
l Administration $254,517<br />
l Debt Service $164,965<br />
Total $5,135,032<br />
It takes a strong and engaged<br />
community to provide, year after<br />
year, the high-quality Waldorf<br />
education that has been cultivated<br />
since the School’s founding in 1984.<br />
One of the pillars that allows our<br />
community to sustain, and grow, is<br />
the School’s financial health, that<br />
is underpinned by tuition revenue<br />
and the generous giving from the<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong> community. Below are a few<br />
highlights from the 20<strong>21</strong>-<strong>22</strong> financials:<br />
• Tuition and fees make up nearly 80% of the School’s<br />
annual revenue and was flat when compared to the<br />
2020-<strong>21</strong> school year. Increasing enrollment, reducing<br />
student attrition, and also reducing our reliance on<br />
tuition revenue by increasing our Endowment Fund<br />
remain top priorities. A significantly larger endowment<br />
fund is needed to generate annual revenues at least<br />
equivalent to our tiered tuition expenses.<br />
• The tiered tuition expense increased $66K (or 8%) from<br />
the previous year, highlighting the need for this program,<br />
and our commitment to making a Waldorf education<br />
inclusive and accessible. Increasing annual giving to the<br />
Maine Coast Waldorf Fund, the Tiered Tuition Fund, and<br />
the Opportunity Fund, all help make this happen.<br />
• Salaries and benefits increased by $<strong>21</strong>0K (or 6%) from<br />
the previous year, the result of filling vacancies and<br />
annual wage adjustments.<br />
• Our buildings and grounds expense decreased by $260K<br />
(or 45%) from the previous year of extraordinary COVID-<br />
19 related expenses, bringing this budget item closer to<br />
pre-pandemic levels.<br />
• Although not reflected in the accompanying financial<br />
statement or last year’s annual report, the School<br />
recognized the forgiveness of nearly $600K from COVID-<br />
19 related federal loans, such as the Payroll Protection<br />
Program (PPP). This one-time boost to revenue had an<br />
outsized impact on our revenue during the pandemic years.<br />
So much of our collective time, treasure and talent<br />
has been consumed in recent years by navigating the<br />
challenges brought upon by COVID-19. With thoughtful<br />
fiscal management of the School’s financial resources,<br />
we are on solid footing as we collectively turn towards<br />
the future to take on what comes next. Like many other<br />
schools, <strong>MCWS</strong> has been impacted by the nationwide<br />
teacher shortage, which is amplified by the high cost<br />
of living in this area. The Board recognizes that action<br />
must be taken to retain and attract the very best faculty<br />
members whom we entrust to guide our children. To that<br />
end, the board began a process last year to invest in<br />
our future by bolstering our compensation and benefits<br />
package, beginning in the 20<strong>22</strong>-23 fiscal school year.<br />
MAKING A DIFFERENCE<br />
The Giving Tree<br />
The Giving Tree is a way for parents and friends to<br />
purchase “wish list” items to benefit <strong>MCWS</strong> classrooms,<br />
workspaces, and programs.<br />
Every <strong>MCWS</strong> employee can submit wish list items to be<br />
included on the Giving Tree. The items can be something<br />
for the students to work or play with, something for the<br />
office or gathering spaces that makes the space better for<br />
everyone, or something that improves teaching across<br />
grades. Descriptions and prices of the wish list items are<br />
displayed on leaves of the tree. If you would like to purchase<br />
an item, visit the tree, select and remove a leaf, and connect<br />
with the Development Office. The actual ordering of the item<br />
is handled by administrative staff. Once the item is delivered<br />
to <strong>MCWS</strong>, you will be contacted and delivery to the recipient<br />
will be arranged. Remember to check in often, the Giving<br />
Tree will be continuously updated with new items.<br />
Our Goal is to<br />
Make Giving Easy<br />
Mobile and Online Giving help make giving easier.<br />
Easily Transfer QCDs for those over age 70 and a<br />
half from individual IRA accounts.<br />
Stocks, DAFs, and Foundation Gifts to meet your<br />
long-term financial and estate planning needs<br />
Planning for the Future naming <strong>MCWS</strong> as a<br />
beneficiary of a bequest in your Will or trust.<br />
The first step is making the decision to give.<br />
The details can be tailored to meet your goals. Start<br />
the conversation today with the Development Office<br />
at development@mainecoastwalorf.org and visit<br />
mainecoastwaldorf.org/give.<br />
How Philanthropy Supports <strong>MCWS</strong><br />
WITH GRATITUDE FROM LAURA BONARRIGO, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR<br />
The Maine Coast Waldorf Fund, our largest annual<br />
unrestricted fundraising effort, predominately supports<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong>’ faculty salaries and benefits, and student Tiered<br />
Tuition. Each year we ask board members, faculty, staff,<br />
families, and the greater community to participate in this<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> Appeal. In 20<strong>21</strong>-<strong>22</strong>, 263 donors contributed a<br />
total of $251,606 to this essential fund.<br />
The Tiered Tuition Fund is supported through directed<br />
gifts by individuals, businesses, and foundations, and<br />
through the Spring for Waldorf Auction & Dance Party.<br />
During 20<strong>21</strong>-<strong>22</strong> this Fund received $142,731. This<br />
provided tuition support to over 40% of <strong>MCWS</strong> families.<br />
Generous donors established the Opportunity Fund in<br />
the spring of 20<strong>21</strong> to increase diversity and accessibility.<br />
It provides supplemental tuition assistance for a number<br />
of high school families who qualified through TADS<br />
(Tuition Aid Data Services). In 20<strong>21</strong>-<strong>22</strong>, donors contributed<br />
$75,167 in pledged support for <strong>MCWS</strong> students.<br />
The Endowment Fund is supported primarily by larger,<br />
directed, planned gifts and is open to all donors and any<br />
amounts. The Endowment Fund ensures <strong>MCWS</strong>’ future<br />
financial sustainability by providing annual revenue from<br />
investments. Last year The Endowment Fund increased<br />
by over $110,000 thanks to generous philanthropic<br />
donations and an overall favorable stock market.<br />
6 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL 20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 7
With Deep Gratitude<br />
EXPANDING THE REACH OF PHILANTHROPY IN 20<strong>21</strong>-<strong>22</strong><br />
Every donor to our School is essential and every gift is significant. Donors listed in the following categories<br />
made unrestricted and/or restricted gifts to <strong>MCWS</strong> during the 20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> school year in direct cash and<br />
securities. We extend our warmest gratitude to all our generous contributors.<br />
Maine Coast Waldorf Circle ($15,000<br />
- $24,999+)<br />
Anonymous (3)<br />
Lynne & Jay Espy<br />
Sarah and David Hyde<br />
Moser Family Foundation<br />
Leaders Circle ($10,000 - $14,999)<br />
Laura and Ross Emerson<br />
Carleigh & Josh Lowe<br />
Lisa & Kevin Lukis<br />
Heather & Frederick Veitch<br />
Sally Veitch<br />
Partners Circle ($5,000 - $9,999)<br />
Anonymous (1)<br />
Danielle Dignan and Dan Zuiches<br />
Portland Volvo, Bill Waldron<br />
Royal River Natural Foods<br />
Waldorf Circle ($2,500 - $4,999)<br />
Anonymous (4)<br />
David & Trisha* Barton<br />
Christi Berube & Jonathan Huntington<br />
John & Lauren Manganello<br />
Mr. & Mrs. William R. Martens<br />
The Gerrish H. Milliken Foundation<br />
Jennifer & James Pochurek<br />
Stew & Liz Strawbridge<br />
Taproot<br />
Phoebe Whipple<br />
Friends Circle ($1,000 - $2,499)<br />
Anonymous (1)<br />
Appolon New England, Justin Coffin<br />
Leslie Baldridge<br />
Roger Berle & Lesley MacVane<br />
Derek & Stephanie Blackburn<br />
Paul & Mary Bloch<br />
Renee Bourgeois & Brian Eng<br />
Clark Insurance<br />
Henry Cline & Jessica Madore<br />
Heather & Richard Dahlberg<br />
Thomas Delaney and TKS Design<br />
Studio LLC<br />
Jesse Deupree<br />
Freeport Hardware<br />
Donald Grand & Ann Martin Calder<br />
Foundation<br />
Hannaford Brothers<br />
HM Payson, matching gift<br />
Horizon Homes, Kristie Green and<br />
David Milliken<br />
Sarah Day Guzman & Francisco<br />
Guzman<br />
Melissa & Nathan Hoy<br />
Insight Eyecare and Rich Young<br />
Inspire Dental of Maine<br />
Barbara & Peter Guffin<br />
Michelle & Thomas Keleher in honor of<br />
Ruth Burchstead<br />
Jeannie & Kevin Mattson<br />
Irene & George Minich<br />
Jeremy R. Morton MD<br />
Bob & Katy Neveu<br />
Jeff O’Brien<br />
Ben & Sandy Pearson in honor of<br />
Lynne Espy<br />
PepsiCo Foundation, matching gift<br />
Wesley & Jenny Post<br />
Preti-Flaherty Law Firm and Dan<br />
Walker<br />
Katie Pulsifer & Steve Morton<br />
Jeanne Sanders<br />
Jennifer & Leonard Sherwood<br />
Ben & Mariana Tupper<br />
Fred & Linda Veitch<br />
Community Circle (Up to $999)<br />
Anonymous (7)<br />
AmazonSmile.com<br />
Diane & Richard Armstrong<br />
Rebecca Armstrong<br />
Back Cove Financial<br />
Lyn Baird & Bill Seretta<br />
David & Kelly Barham<br />
Henry & Kate Barrett<br />
Peggy & Peter Barrett<br />
Megan & Andrew Barrier<br />
Julie Beane<br />
Elizabeth Berle & Nathaniel Smith<br />
Jim Bly<br />
Angela Bonarrigo<br />
Laura Bonarrigo<br />
Edward Brained & Florence Lusk<br />
Susan Brooks in memory of Grampy<br />
Ward<br />
Emily Bruce<br />
Larry & Susan Bruce<br />
Brad Burnham & Laura Lee<br />
Rose Mary & Brian Burwell<br />
Cornelia Calder & Nate Krenkel<br />
Mary Calder Bush<br />
Elizabeth & Keith Cameron<br />
Robert & Susan Caron<br />
Anna Charlotte<br />
Jennifer & Thomas Charrette<br />
Frank Chessa & Susan Stark<br />
Lee Chisholm<br />
Kathryn & Nicholas Ciarimboli<br />
Sarah Clark & Jeremy Shute<br />
CLYNK<br />
Justin & Briana Coffin<br />
Justin Corcoran & Meghann Donahue<br />
Doug & Eleanor Cowan<br />
Jessica & Stephen Cowan<br />
Brianne & Johnathan Cox<br />
Jeffrey Crowder<br />
Katy & Tom Daly in honor of Heidi &<br />
Evan Pyle<br />
Heidi Davidson<br />
Karen L. Day<br />
Conan Deady & Cynthia Berliner<br />
Lily Deupree<br />
Ann & Larry DeVan<br />
Angie Dierks & Chris Brown<br />
Rebecca & Ethan Dobrow<br />
Emma Dolan<br />
Phoebe Dolan<br />
Carol & David Dowley<br />
Chloe Dowley & Tom Boutureira<br />
Gena & Ian Doyle<br />
David & Monika Eichler<br />
Lauren Eichler<br />
Vic & Ruth Eichler in honor of David &<br />
Monika Eichler<br />
Sylvia & Herbert Einstein<br />
Avner Eisenberg<br />
Martha Eshoo & Keith Dolan<br />
Adele Espy in honor of Lynne Espy<br />
Hannah Espy in honor of Josh Espy<br />
Kristina Färm-Morrill & Manning Morrill<br />
Lauren Farnsworth<br />
Sylvie Fenderson<br />
Belle & Donald Finfer<br />
Betsy Fitzgerald<br />
Jill Fox<br />
M. Fox & T. Shartar in honor of Ruth<br />
Burchstead<br />
Craig Freshley & Carol Nelson<br />
Guardian Life Insurance Company,<br />
matching gift<br />
Alice Gauvin<br />
Craig Giddens<br />
Seth & Margo Goodman<br />
Michelle & Peter Gordon<br />
Shaina Graff in honor of Lynne Espy<br />
Hanna & Chris Graham<br />
John & Penning Graham<br />
Anne & Gordon Grimes<br />
Kari & Bill Guddeck<br />
M. Elie Gundersen<br />
Lars Gundersen<br />
E & R Hale-MacKinnon<br />
Paul Harrison<br />
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care<br />
Foundation Mini-Grant<br />
Jeanine Hathaway in honor of Lynne<br />
Espy<br />
Michelle & Michael Hathaway<br />
Charlie Hayes<br />
Henry & Alicia Heyburn<br />
Sylvia Holland<br />
Tarek Ihaddaden<br />
Helen-Anne Ireland<br />
Barbara Kappelmann<br />
Christopher Kasprak<br />
Barbara & David Kaufman in memory<br />
of Dara Kaufman<br />
Michelle & Aaron Kaufman<br />
Ananda Kaymen & Dolf Shearer<br />
Mary Rackmales<br />
Amy & Brian Kessler<br />
Sara Ellen Kitchen in honor of Georgia<br />
Benn<br />
Anna Korsiak<br />
Morgan Lake Adams & Tim Schneider<br />
Ruairi Lake<br />
Tadhq Lake<br />
Mary LeMaistre<br />
Sara & Shai Levite in honor of Lee<br />
Chisholm<br />
Linzee & Peter<br />
Alan Lyscars in honor of Margaret F.<br />
Cleveland<br />
Jake Lyscars in memory of Margaret<br />
Cleveland<br />
Joshua & Kimberly Lytle<br />
Christie & Joel Mahaffey<br />
Lisa Mainella & Hans Gundersen<br />
Jennifer McLeod-Marenghi & Charlie<br />
Marenghi<br />
Emily Martin<br />
Erin & Marc Matthews<br />
Tom Matthews<br />
Kevin McElroy & Kate Butler<br />
Gayle & Walter McGuire<br />
Betty McLeod<br />
Cerridwen McQueen<br />
Lucas Milliken<br />
Dana & Jess Moore<br />
Rosita Moore & Will Johnston<br />
Willard Morgan & Jennifer Barton<br />
Kevin Morris & Diana Norwood<br />
Mary Beth & Christian Muentener<br />
Misti Munster & Marcel Ouellette<br />
Bruce & Roxanne Murphy in memory<br />
of Fritz Koelln<br />
Sue & John Murphy<br />
Meghan Anderson-Nathanson & Josh<br />
Nathanson<br />
Joseph Newlin<br />
Mitch Newlin<br />
James & Elizabeth Obernesser<br />
Karine Odlin<br />
Sarah Oliver & Scott Carter<br />
PayPal Giving Fund<br />
Barbara Peirson<br />
Suzie Peirson & Paul Ritger<br />
Jack Pierce<br />
Patricia Pochurek<br />
Bill & Kathi Polachek in honor of<br />
Juliette Ciarimboli<br />
Dick & Janet Post<br />
Caitlin Pow<br />
Susan Purcell<br />
Marta & Tom Rackmales<br />
John & Coco Reinhart<br />
Denley Poor-Reynolds and Matthew<br />
Reynolds<br />
Briana Robillard<br />
Nancy & Daniel Roderick<br />
Tom Roeber<br />
Sarah Russell & Joe Reynolds<br />
Pat Sanford<br />
Bruce & Nancy Schatz<br />
Karl Schatz & Margaret Hathaway<br />
Elizabeth Scherer*<br />
David & Sonja Schmanska<br />
Laura Seretta & Tyler Callnan<br />
Shaw’s Give Back Program<br />
Eric & Catharine Shurtleff<br />
Hyam Siegel<br />
Leslie Joy & Miles Simmons<br />
David & Christine Sloan<br />
Debra & Doug Smith<br />
Ezra Smith<br />
Susan Sonntag<br />
Nagesh & Jayashree Sonti<br />
Amanda & Stephen Soule<br />
Adams Staples<br />
Charles O. Staples<br />
Charles & Sara Staples<br />
Michael & Victoria Stefanakos<br />
Tom & Juva* Stefanakos in honor of<br />
Lynne Espy<br />
Katy Stetson<br />
Betta Stothart & Eric Connor<br />
Peter & Laura Strauss<br />
Jeremy Stultz<br />
Nancy Sveden<br />
Maureen Sze<br />
Marta Szücs<br />
Bob & Lynn Thurrell<br />
Ben Tindall<br />
Carlin Tindall<br />
Molly Urich<br />
Sarah & Jim Van Fleet<br />
Kristan Van Hook & Ranjit Sidhu<br />
Gwen Wahlquist<br />
Melisa & Dan Walker<br />
Robert S. Walker, MD<br />
Melissa Watson & Matt Burke<br />
Nan & Ed Welch<br />
Lynn & Markus Wetterhorn<br />
Tom & Jule Whelan<br />
Tom & Susan White<br />
Holly & John Williams<br />
Warren & Ursula Wilmot<br />
Jamie Worster & Douglas Hall<br />
Restricted Gifts for Tiered Tuition<br />
Fund: Spring for Waldorf Business &<br />
Family Sponsorships & Donors<br />
Anonymous (3)<br />
Dana & Eric Anderson<br />
AWSNA & Patrice Maynard<br />
Back Cove Financial<br />
Glen Baldridge<br />
Leslie Baldridge<br />
Kate & Henry Barrett<br />
Charlotte & Max Barus<br />
Christian Beckstein, Lovelab Studio<br />
Bella Luna Toys<br />
Paul & Mary Bloch<br />
Angela Bonarrigo<br />
Laura Bonarrigo<br />
Lila Bossi & Wild Petal Maine<br />
Brunswick Diner<br />
Ruth Burchstead<br />
Susan Bryant Caron Handcrafted<br />
Jewelry<br />
Cedarworks<br />
Chavall<br />
Clark Insurance<br />
Justin Corcoran & Meghann Donahue<br />
Curtis Lawn & Yard Care<br />
Derosier’s Pizza<br />
Desert of Maine<br />
Danielle Dignan & Dan Zuiches<br />
Rebecca & Ethan Dobrow<br />
Natalie & Andrew Durham<br />
East End Wax Company<br />
Ross & Laura Emerson<br />
Lynne & Jay Espy<br />
Foundation Brewing<br />
Freeport Hardware<br />
Freeport Nutrition<br />
Fuzzy Lovies<br />
Garbage to Garden<br />
Gracie’s Garden<br />
Grandpa’s Garden<br />
Gingham<br />
Ian Guzman<br />
Sarah & Francisco Guzman<br />
Margaret Hathaway<br />
Dr. Johanna Hill<br />
Horizon Homes, Kristie Green and<br />
David Milliken<br />
The Hoy Family<br />
Insight Eyecare, Rich Young<br />
Inspire Dental of Maine<br />
Helen-Ann Ireland<br />
Ara Jerahian<br />
Christopher Kasprak<br />
Brian Kessler<br />
Lake & Co<br />
Kevin & Lisa Lukis<br />
Josh & Kimberly Lytle<br />
Maine Coast Waldorf Faculty, Staff, and<br />
Students<br />
Mainly Grains<br />
Malone Commercial Brokers<br />
Lauren & John Manganello<br />
Julie Mattei<br />
Erin & Marc Matthews<br />
Jeannie & Kevin Mattson<br />
MOFGA<br />
Moser Family Foundation<br />
Mother of Purl Yarn Shop<br />
Sarah Oliver & Scott Carter<br />
Palmer & Co Homegoods<br />
Patagonia<br />
HM Payson<br />
Pineland Farms<br />
Pinetree Family Chiropractic<br />
Jennifer & James Pochurek<br />
Portland Pottery, Lisa Bonarrigo &<br />
Christopher Bruni<br />
Portland Volvo, Bill Waldron<br />
The Post Family<br />
Preti-Flaherty Law Firm<br />
Katie Pulsifer & Steve Morton<br />
REVE Cycling Studio<br />
Denley Poor-Reynolds and Matthew<br />
Reynolds<br />
Barbara Richardson<br />
Briana Robillard<br />
Royal River Natural Foods<br />
Scales seafood restaurant<br />
Louise Sheldon<br />
Sherman’s Books<br />
Society Hill Farm<br />
Susan Brown Stoddard & Brooks<br />
Stoddard<br />
Symphony Soap Co<br />
Taproot<br />
Ten Apple Farm<br />
The Met<br />
TKS Design Studio LLC<br />
Tuscan Table<br />
The Veitch Family<br />
Mia Waisman<br />
Dan & Melisa Walker<br />
Kelly Welch<br />
Wolfe’s Neck Center<br />
Woodford Food & Beverage<br />
Jamie Worster<br />
The faculty, staff, College of<br />
Teachers, and Board of Directors<br />
of Maine Coast Waldorf School<br />
appreciate contributions from the<br />
following Maine Coast community<br />
members:<br />
Alum Students<br />
Anonymous (2)<br />
Megan Barrier<br />
Emma Dolan<br />
Phoebe Dolan<br />
Lauren Eichler<br />
Adele Espy<br />
Hannah Espy<br />
Sylvie Fenderson<br />
Alice Gauvin<br />
Hanna Graham<br />
Eli Gundersen<br />
Lars Gundersen<br />
Charlie Hayes<br />
Sylvia Holland<br />
Tarek Ihaddaden<br />
Anna Korsiak<br />
Jake Lyscars<br />
Emily Martin<br />
Lucas Milliken<br />
Joseph Newlin<br />
Mitch Newlin<br />
Jack Pierce<br />
Laura Seretta<br />
Adams Staples<br />
Ben Tindall<br />
Carlin Tindall<br />
Alum Parents, Grandparents &<br />
Friends<br />
Diane & Richard Armstrong<br />
Lyn Baird & Bill Seretta<br />
Peggy & Peter Barrett<br />
David Barton<br />
Roger Berle & Lesley MacVane<br />
Edward Brained & Florence Lusk<br />
Bill & Sue Bristol<br />
Susan Brooks<br />
Larry & Susan Bruce<br />
Sissy & Sandy Buck<br />
Rose Mary & Brian Burwell<br />
Mary Calder Bush<br />
Robert & Susan Caron<br />
Anna Charlotte<br />
Frank Chessa & Susan Stark<br />
Lee Chisholm<br />
Doug & Eleanor Cowan<br />
Paula Craighead & Michael Saucier<br />
Heather & Richard Dahlberg<br />
Kathy & Tom Daly<br />
Heidi Davidson<br />
Karen L. Day<br />
Jesse Deupree<br />
Ann & Larry DeVan<br />
Angie Dierks & Chris Brown<br />
(Donors continued on the next page.)<br />
8 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL<br />
20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 9
With Deep Gratitude (Continued)<br />
Carol & David Dowley<br />
David & Monika Eichler<br />
Vic & Ruth Eichler<br />
Sylvia & Herbert Einstein<br />
Avner Eisenberg<br />
Martha Eshoo & Keith Dolan<br />
Lynne & Jay Espy<br />
Belle & David Finfer<br />
Betsy Fitzgerald<br />
Marty Fox & Thyle Shartar<br />
Craig Freshley & Carol Nelson<br />
Michelle & Peter Gordon<br />
Donald Grand & Ann Martin Calder<br />
Anne & Gordon Grimes<br />
Barbara & Peter Guffin<br />
Jeanine Hathaway<br />
Mollie Heron<br />
Henry & Alicia Heyburn<br />
Melissa & Nathan Hoy<br />
Barbara & David Kaufman<br />
Samuel* & Louisa Kaymen<br />
Mary Rackmales<br />
Amy & Brian Kessler<br />
Sara Ellen Kitchen<br />
Mary LeMaistre<br />
Sara & Shai Levite<br />
Gail Liberty<br />
Linzee & Peter<br />
Donna & Larry Lukis<br />
Alan Lyscars<br />
Lisa Mainella & Hans Gundersen<br />
Mr. & Mrs. William R. Martens<br />
Tom Matthews<br />
Kevin McElroy & Kate Butler<br />
Betty McLeod<br />
George & Irene Minich<br />
Dana & Jess Moore<br />
Rosita Moore & Will Johnston<br />
Kristina Färm-Morrill & Manning Morrill<br />
Jeremy R. Morton, MD<br />
Elizabeth Moser<br />
Dan Morgenstern & Moriah Moser<br />
Sue & John Murphy<br />
Bob & Katy Neveu<br />
Jeff O’Brien<br />
James & Elizabeth Obernesser<br />
Karine Odlin<br />
Ben & Sandy Pearson<br />
Barbara Peirson<br />
Suzie Peirson & Paul Ritger<br />
Patricia Pochurek<br />
Bill & Kathi Polachek<br />
Dick & Janet Post<br />
Katie Pulsifer & Steve Morton<br />
Susan Purcell<br />
Denley Poor-Reynolds and Matthew<br />
Reynolds<br />
Tom Roeber<br />
Margaret & Nord Samuelson<br />
Jeanne Sanders<br />
Pat Sanford<br />
Bruce & Nancy Schatz<br />
Elizabeth Scherer*<br />
David & Sonja Schmanska<br />
Jennifer & Leonard Sherwood<br />
Hyam Siegel<br />
Leslie & Miles Simmons<br />
David & Christine Sloan<br />
Debra Smith<br />
Susan Sonntag<br />
Nagesh & Jayashree Sonti<br />
Charles O. Staples<br />
Michael & Victoria Stefanakos<br />
Tom & Juva* Stefanakos<br />
Peter & Laura Strauss<br />
Nancy Sveden<br />
Maureen Sze<br />
Marta Szücs<br />
Bob & Lynn Thurrell<br />
Fred & Linda Veitch<br />
Sally Veitch<br />
Robert S. Walker, MD<br />
Nan & Ed Welch<br />
Tom & Susan White<br />
Holly & John Williams<br />
Current & Former Faculty & Staff<br />
In addition to furthering the School’s<br />
mission in all that they do, a great many<br />
current and former members of the<br />
faculty and staff of Maine Coast Waldorf<br />
stepped forward to support the Maine<br />
Coast Waldorf Fund, Tiered Tuition,<br />
the Opportunity Fund, and the School’s<br />
Endowment. We greatly appreciate all<br />
they do for our School and community.<br />
Morgan Lake Adams<br />
Dana Anderson<br />
Lyn Baird<br />
David & Kelly Barham<br />
Jim Bly<br />
Laura Bonarrigo<br />
Rose Mary Burwell<br />
Lee Chisholm<br />
Heidi Davidson<br />
Lily Deupree<br />
Chloe Dowley<br />
David & Monika Eichler<br />
Laura & Ross Emerson<br />
Lynne Espy<br />
Lauren Farnsworth<br />
Craig Giddens<br />
Michelle Gordon<br />
Shaina Graff<br />
Hanna Graham<br />
Barbara Guffin<br />
Melissa Hoy<br />
Sarah Hyde<br />
Helen-Ann Ireland<br />
Christopher Kasprak<br />
Ananda Kaymen<br />
Michelle Keleher<br />
Amy & Brian Kessler<br />
Josh Lytle<br />
Lisa Mainella<br />
Jennifer McLeod-Marenghi<br />
Cerridwen McQueen<br />
Jess Moore<br />
Kristina Färm-Morrill<br />
Moriah Moser<br />
Roxanne Murphy<br />
Jeff O’Brien<br />
Sharon Peavey<br />
Suzie Peirson<br />
Jennifer Pochurek<br />
Wesley Post<br />
Caitlin Pow<br />
Marta Rackmales<br />
John & Coco Reinhart<br />
Briana Robillard<br />
Nancy Roderick<br />
Tom Roeber<br />
Margaret Samuelson<br />
David & Christine Sloan<br />
Ezra Smith<br />
Susan Sonntag<br />
Katy Stetson<br />
Susan Brown Stoddard<br />
Bob & Lynn Thurrell<br />
Lisa Trafton<br />
Molly Urich<br />
Sarah Van Fleet<br />
Gwen Wahlquist<br />
Melissa Watson<br />
Lynn Wetterhorn<br />
Ursula Wilmot<br />
Rich Young<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong> Local & Online Businesses<br />
Anonymous (1)<br />
AmazonSmile<br />
Apollon New England<br />
Back Cove Financial<br />
Clark Insurance<br />
CLYNK<br />
Freeport Hardware<br />
Gingham<br />
Guardian Life Insurance Company,<br />
matching gift<br />
Hannaford Brothers<br />
Harvard Business Services, Inc.<br />
HM Payson, matching gift<br />
Horizon Homes<br />
We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible while compiling our lists of donors. If your name has been listed<br />
incorrectly or has been omitted, please reach out to the Development Office @ 207-865-3900 Ext 116.<br />
Legacy Gifts to the<br />
Maine Coast Waldorf Fund<br />
Lynne & Jay Espy<br />
Insight Eyecare<br />
Inspire Dental of Maine<br />
Lake & Co<br />
Portland Volvo<br />
Preti-Flaherty Law Firm<br />
Royal River Natural Foods<br />
Shaw’s Give Back Program<br />
Taproot<br />
TKS Design Studio, LLC<br />
*indicates donor is deceased<br />
Funds, Foundations, and Matching<br />
Gifts<br />
Anonymous (5)<br />
Donald Grand & Ann Martin Calder<br />
Foundation<br />
Harold W. & Mary Louise Shaw<br />
Foundation<br />
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care<br />
Foundation Mini-Grant<br />
Henry Clay Frick Foundation<br />
HM Payson, matching gift<br />
The Gerrish H. Milliken Foundation<br />
Guardian Life Insurance Company,<br />
matching gift<br />
Louise and Samuel Kaymen Gift Fund<br />
Maine Community Foundation<br />
Morgan Stanley Gift Foundation<br />
Moser Family Foundation<br />
PayPal Giving Fund<br />
The PepsiCo Foundation, matching gift<br />
We are deeply touched<br />
and grateful to the Moser<br />
Family Foundation and<br />
their thoughtful and<br />
generous contributions to<br />
Maine Coast’s students.<br />
Over the past two decades the<br />
foundation has championed<br />
every step of the School’s<br />
creation, development, and<br />
sustainability. The foundation’s<br />
passion for educating the whole<br />
“being” continues to make this<br />
education accessible for all<br />
children and has translated<br />
into supporting families and<br />
students, as well as our facilities<br />
and faculty over many years.<br />
Philanthropic Stewardship<br />
A LETTER FROM LAURA BONARRIGO, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR<br />
We are grateful for<br />
all the ways donors<br />
contribute to the School<br />
from cash gifts that<br />
fill immediate funding<br />
needs to major and<br />
planned gifts that will<br />
build our Endowment<br />
and make future<br />
dreams come true.<br />
Joining Maine Coast in the middle<br />
of our academic school year, I<br />
have been so impressed with all I<br />
have learned about the community.<br />
I’ve met parents deeply committed to<br />
Maine Coast and Waldorf education as<br />
they volunteer their time and talents<br />
in a myriad of ways to make sure<br />
the School is vibrant and welcoming.<br />
The faculty and staff are not only<br />
committed to their classrooms and<br />
this unique education, they are<br />
also deeply engaged in the School’s<br />
reaccreditation process, asking<br />
important questions and assessing<br />
where we are as a community and<br />
where change is necessary. And of<br />
course, I’ve been so impressed with<br />
the students; they have showcased<br />
their academic work through song,<br />
dance, theater, sports, and artistry<br />
everywhere I’ve turned.<br />
As the new Development Director, I<br />
have been privy to the most interesting<br />
conversations from every facet of<br />
the community including alums and<br />
major donors. These conversations<br />
also center around where we are<br />
as a community today and where<br />
we want to go next? The questions<br />
and conversations are thoughtful,<br />
important, and promising. There<br />
is much to consider - and much to<br />
celebrate. I am deeply moved by the<br />
thoughtfulness and excitement as we<br />
continue to emerge from COVID-19<br />
and into the next stage of development<br />
for the community at large.<br />
One realization keeps coming up - the<br />
School as an institution is moving<br />
from literally building a campus and<br />
erecting new buildings into a period of<br />
growth that will sustain and shepherd<br />
the School to the next generation.<br />
In order to sustain and nurture this<br />
transition, I ask each and every one<br />
of you to be involved even more. You<br />
may have literally built this School<br />
(and I’ve seen photos of you doing<br />
so!). Now it is time to stop and think<br />
about how you fit into the next stage<br />
of development.<br />
One realization keeps coming<br />
up - the School as an institution<br />
is moving from literally building<br />
a campus and erecting new<br />
buildings into a period of<br />
growth that will sustain and<br />
shepherd the School to the<br />
next generation.<br />
The stewardship of Maine Coast<br />
Waldorf School falls upon everyone in<br />
the community. I invite you to consider<br />
making <strong>MCWS</strong> your number one<br />
philanthropic endeavor. In order to<br />
help move Maine Coast into the next<br />
iteration of its development, we are all<br />
tasked with finding our place and the<br />
ways in which we can ensure that our<br />
School continues to thrive and can live<br />
up to its mission. This School is truly<br />
amazing with its beautiful campus,<br />
buildings, heart-filled education, and<br />
smiling children, so I ask you… where<br />
do we go from here?<br />
DEVELOPMENT<br />
COMMITTEE<br />
20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong><br />
Jeanne Mattson<br />
Justin Corcoran<br />
Justin Coffin<br />
Lisa T. Lukis<br />
Kate Barrett<br />
Heather Veitch<br />
Jennifer Pochurek<br />
10 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL<br />
20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 11
The Beauty of Teaching<br />
A LETTER FROM CAITLIN POW, CO-BRANCH CHAIR, GRADE SCHOOL<br />
In the summer of 2014, just before I was to start teaching my first First<br />
Grade at Maine Coast Waldorf School (then Merriconeag), I remember<br />
telling a friend that I had a sense that I was going to get a large,<br />
rambunctious, and, yes, a rather naughty class for this eight-year journey.<br />
‘Don’t jinx yourself,’ she admonished, but it was too late! The universe and I<br />
were in agreement about what the constellation of the class would be and,<br />
sure enough, as I greeted their very cute faces on the first day of school at the<br />
doorway of the first-grade classroom, I knew my hunch was delightfully true. I<br />
was in for a handful as a new teacher<br />
Now, eight years later, having passed that more mature, but still rambunctious<br />
group of Eighth Graders off to the joys of summer before they begin High<br />
School next fall, I’ve been reflecting on what it meant to me to have the group<br />
of students that I had for eight happy years.<br />
As many new teachers do, I began my first year of teaching with very wellplanned,<br />
precise, and rigid ideas of how each lesson would flow, what<br />
questions I would ask to generate the answers I was looking for to achieve<br />
the learning goals, and how we’d seamlessly segue from one activity to the<br />
next. This all worked marvelously for about a month as the First Graders<br />
showed me their best behavior in their big kid classroom at their big kid<br />
desks, but after that honeymoon phase, they began to do what children do<br />
best: give their teachers honest feedback about how the teaching was going.<br />
The beauty of teaching is that you receive instant feedback on job performance.<br />
If the lesson is boring, pedantic, or confusing, young children will immediately<br />
let you know through their questions, engagement, and behavior. During<br />
those first few years as a new teacher, this boisterous class of students<br />
gave me excellent and instantaneous feedback each and every day as only<br />
The beauty of teaching is that you receive instant feedback on<br />
job performance. If the lesson is boring, pedantic, or confusing,<br />
young children will immediately let you know through their<br />
questions, engagement, and behavior.<br />
children can, forcing me to develop<br />
the flexibility to pivot, switch up the<br />
activities, spend more time on a topic<br />
than I had planned, and sometimes<br />
realize that my entire lesson plan was<br />
really not that good or exciting and<br />
scrap it altogether.<br />
Teachers around the world have this<br />
experience, but unique to the Waldorf<br />
model, I got that feedback from the<br />
same children year after year. This<br />
prolonged model of relationship<br />
allowed me the opportunity to see<br />
how their learning and engagement<br />
changed each year as they aged<br />
while simultaneously allowing me to<br />
fine-tune and hone my teaching as I<br />
learned to read the room, work with<br />
the energy of the students that day,<br />
and meet the interests and strengths<br />
that I was able to witness developing<br />
in my students over years.<br />
I could write a whole novel full of the<br />
adventures, activities, and anecdotes<br />
from the experience of teaching<br />
this class; this group of children and<br />
I summited mountains together,<br />
put on plays, rode the subway,<br />
kayaked, and made outrageous<br />
messes during art projects, had<br />
conversations ranging from hilarious<br />
to serious, worked on endless math<br />
problems, and enjoyed each other’s<br />
company for eight long years. Yes,<br />
they were rambunctious and a little<br />
naughty throughout, but because<br />
I had the privilege of being their<br />
teacher year after year, I also got<br />
to witness them being wise, funny,<br />
kind, compassionate, innovative,<br />
profound, enthusiastic, thoughtful,<br />
and educators themselves as they<br />
truly taught me how to be a teacher.<br />
As I turn my thoughts away from<br />
the graduating Eighth Grade Class<br />
of 20<strong>22</strong> and to the little ones I’ll<br />
be starting over with again this<br />
upcoming fall, I feel well prepared<br />
to begin again. This time, however,<br />
I’m excited to have the hard-earned<br />
experience to allow me to craft even<br />
stronger lessons than my first-yearteaching-self<br />
could have imagined,<br />
while at the same time having the<br />
experience to be ready to toss it out<br />
and pivot when my students show me<br />
that they need something different.<br />
12 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL 20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 13
The Rhythms We Establish<br />
A LETTER FROM LYNN WETTERHORN, EARLY CHILDHOOD FACULTY<br />
The four Early Childhood classes began this year 100% outdoors as we<br />
continued to emphasize the health and safety of our community during<br />
the pandemic. And despite all the stress around us in the world, what<br />
joyful times we had! We played in the mud, ran through the forest, tended to<br />
our chickens and gardens, listened to stories, and participated in Circle Time<br />
songs, verses, and movement journeys. The seasons informed our curriculum,<br />
and festivals marked important milestones where our families joined us.<br />
The Fall Harvest Festival at the beginning of the school year found us gathering<br />
apples from our abundant orchard to press for cider. Magical singing rang out<br />
as we walked with our hand-made lanterns under late-autumn evening skies<br />
for our Lantern Walk. As the winter solstice approached we gathered in the<br />
backfield on a calm evening to walk through our Winter Garden spiral. And<br />
when spring arrived, teachers and children alike danced around the May Pole.<br />
All of our activities take place<br />
from our understanding that<br />
in the first stage of human<br />
development, from birth to age<br />
six or seven, children learn best<br />
through imitation.<br />
As the winter set in, the classes<br />
spent some time indoors each day<br />
but always managed to have time<br />
outdoors except for the occasional<br />
freezing and windy days. Our students<br />
have amazing resilience! They are<br />
hardy, capable, and formed strong<br />
relationships with their teachers and<br />
each other. Their amazing parents<br />
kept them well-dressed for whatever<br />
weather came our way.<br />
All of our activities take place from<br />
our understanding that in the first<br />
stage of human development, from<br />
birth to age six or seven, children<br />
learn best through imitation.<br />
Through circle, free play, story, and<br />
practical work, the children are<br />
offered plentiful opportunities to<br />
develop conceptual foundations of<br />
algebra, geometry, mathematics,<br />
and the physical sciences, as well<br />
as phonics, rich vocabulary, and<br />
rhymes that will serve them well<br />
as they continue their educational<br />
journey through the Grades and<br />
the High School, and will establish<br />
a healthy, balanced foundation<br />
for life. Experiences of cooking,<br />
handwork, clean-up, gardening and<br />
farm work, movement, and outdoor<br />
exploration create opportunities to<br />
count, classify, measure, use abstract<br />
symbols, observe nature and the<br />
seasons, build attention to detail,<br />
and a genuine curiosity for learning<br />
and wonder.<br />
The rhythms we established this<br />
year in our orchards, forests, and<br />
cozy classrooms allowed the children<br />
to follow their natural curiosity– a<br />
freedom that will set them up to<br />
become curious, life-long learners in<br />
an ever-changing world.<br />
14 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL 20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 15
Class of 20<strong>22</strong> Graduation<br />
A REMARKABLE CLASS INSPIRES THE WHOLE COMMUNITY<br />
Maine Coast Waldorf School’s Class of 20<strong>22</strong> graduated on Saturday<br />
afternoon in a beautiful ceremony that featured live music, heartfelt<br />
speeches by every member of the senior class, and the love and warmth<br />
of family and friends in attendance. These fourteen Seniors are ready to<br />
meet the world with courage and enthusiasm.<br />
CLASS OF 20<strong>22</strong><br />
COLLEGE ENROLLMENT<br />
Alfred University<br />
Bishop’s University<br />
Castleton University<br />
Central Maine Community<br />
College<br />
Colby College<br />
Colorado College<br />
Husson University<br />
Santa Clara University<br />
Simmons University<br />
Smith College<br />
University of New<br />
Hampshire<br />
University of Vermont<br />
Vassar College<br />
16 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL 20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 17
Spring for Waldorf<br />
AUCTION & DANCE PARTY<br />
Our Spring for Waldorf, Retro Prom came to life this May, thanks to<br />
the support, participation, collaboration, leadership, and enthusiasm of<br />
all the organizers and volunteers, who worked endless hours to make<br />
this a special evening. Spring for Waldorf symbolizes our commitment to<br />
diversity, equity, and inclusion.<br />
THANK YOU for your participation, passion, and inspiration.<br />
THANK YOU<br />
to our Spring for<br />
Waldorf Committee<br />
Co-Chairs<br />
Dana Anderson &<br />
Lauren Manganello<br />
Members<br />
Nelly Calder<br />
Kate Ciarimboli<br />
Briana Coffin<br />
Laura Emerson<br />
Erin Matthews<br />
Jeannie Mattson<br />
Melisa Walker<br />
Hannah White<br />
Go Behind the Scenes<br />
A LETTER FROM PHOEBE DOLAN ALUM REPRESENTATIVE, BOARD OF<br />
DIRECTORS<br />
After being a Waldorf lifer at two<br />
different Waldorf Schools, I<br />
joined the Maine Coast Waldorf<br />
School Board for two years of service<br />
as an alum representative. It was an<br />
easy choice to join: the School that put<br />
so much care and energy into my life<br />
needed me to come back and offer<br />
perspective on the ways the School<br />
could continue to bring up generations<br />
of inspired and excited students. I was<br />
excited to join!<br />
The education I received<br />
taught me that there should be<br />
a reason and intention in what<br />
we are doing.<br />
Being on the Board was the true<br />
behind-the-scenes experience that<br />
I was hoping for. I jumped into July<br />
2020 learning about, reading through,<br />
and implementing COVID-19 policies<br />
with the rest of the Board and got to<br />
be part of the on-the-ground Schoolwide<br />
decisions each month. I spent a<br />
year on the Climate Action Committee<br />
and some time as well with the DEI<br />
Maine Coast Waldorf School’s<br />
“Add a Zero” Challenge<br />
For every donation of $10 - $100 made by an alum or former student<br />
to the Maine Coast Waldorf Fund by December 31, 20<strong>21</strong>, anonymous<br />
donors added a zero. Gifts of $10 became $100, $50 became $500,<br />
$100 became $1,000. This was an opportunity for our Alums to make<br />
a big impact on the lives of our students and teachers and we are<br />
incredibly grateful.<br />
Committee, which allowed me to see<br />
the care and loving work that goes<br />
into our School and all the pieces that<br />
make us, us!<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong> fundamentally formed me<br />
into the person I am today—a thinker<br />
and doer. I feel that I use all my<br />
Waldorf skills. Everything from my<br />
cross country running technique, to<br />
critical thinking about how to change<br />
systems that don’t work for society, to<br />
water-color painting thank you cards<br />
to funders for the non-profit where I<br />
work. The education I received taught<br />
me that there should be a reason and<br />
intention in what we are doing. If we<br />
can’t find one, then we need to think<br />
critically about why we are doing it.<br />
Being on the Board and being involved<br />
as an alum has been a fantastic,<br />
rewarding, and overall fun experience.<br />
As I end my two years this summer,<br />
I encourage you all to come back to<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong> when you are able and go<br />
behind the scenes as I have!<br />
See you at the Fall Fair!<br />
Phoebe Dolan, Class of 2016<br />
18 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL 20<strong>21</strong>-20<strong>22</strong> ANNUAL REPORT 19
Alum Notes<br />
ALICE GAUVIN<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong> ‘07<br />
LINCOLN SAMUELSON <strong>MCWS</strong> ’15<br />
Lincoln survived Naked and Afraid, season<br />
12, episode 6 A Tangled Web in Texas. The<br />
show can be viewed on DiscoveryGo,<br />
DiscoveryPlus, or any other network that<br />
supports Discovery. Lincoln is living in New<br />
Zealand completing his Masters at the<br />
University of Auckland.<br />
MYAH GARRISON <strong>MCWS</strong> ‘20<br />
Alice, a Grade 8<br />
Alum recently<br />
opened Alice<br />
Gauvin Gallery<br />
on York Street<br />
in Portland,<br />
Maine. She and<br />
her husband<br />
Adrien welcomed<br />
their first child<br />
Leonora in<br />
August.<br />
Myah, currently a student at Bennington<br />
College, is a newly published author. Her<br />
debut book, Igor in Therapy, which was<br />
born the summer before her senior year at<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong>, is available. Myah has also signed a<br />
five-book deal with her publisher, Spuyten<br />
Duyvil Publishing.<br />
NORAJEAN FERRIS <strong>MCWS</strong> ‘10<br />
Norajean is an<br />
accomplished<br />
artist and well<br />
on her way of<br />
making a name for<br />
herself through<br />
her intense, raw,<br />
and unapologetic<br />
pieces that bring<br />
human rights<br />
issues to the forefront. Two of her pieces<br />
On These Pandemic Streets and The Most<br />
Vulnerable were featured in the University<br />
of New Hampshire’s On the Edge exhibit<br />
from January 25 through March 31st, 20<strong>22</strong>.<br />
REBECCA WILDES <strong>MCWS</strong> ‘11<br />
Rebecca went to<br />
college at UMF<br />
and circled back<br />
to Waldorf as<br />
an assistant for<br />
two years before<br />
the pandemic<br />
hit. She learned<br />
the most about<br />
herself through<br />
being a student and teacher at <strong>MCWS</strong>.<br />
With passion for early childhood ed, she<br />
is currently taking classes and furthering<br />
her professional development. This fall, to<br />
help remedy the child care shortage, she<br />
is opening her home for child care. She is<br />
eager to offer families a Waldorf inspired<br />
early infant/toddler experience with loads<br />
of outdoor time and warmth.<br />
NICHOLAS NEVEU <strong>MCWS</strong> ‘18<br />
Nicholas just<br />
graduated from<br />
Loyola Marymount<br />
University with<br />
a degree in Civil<br />
Engineering and<br />
has started a job<br />
with Black and<br />
Veatch as an<br />
engineer in their<br />
water division.<br />
Moving On…<br />
WE GREATLY ACKNOWLEDGE THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED AT MAINE COAST FOR<br />
OVER SEVEN YEARS<br />
LYN BAIRD<br />
As one of the founding parents<br />
of <strong>MCWS</strong>, (with two children<br />
who attended The Merriconeag<br />
School through Grade 8), Lyn<br />
joined the faculty twenty-eight<br />
years ago. Hired initially as<br />
Development Director, then<br />
Admissions Director, then serving<br />
as a combined Development &<br />
Admissions Director, her responsibilities broadened as<br />
the school grew. In 2006, the Board split Development<br />
and Admissions into separate positions, and Lyn became<br />
Admissions Director for EC-Grade twelve. Over her nearly<br />
three decades of service, Lyn worked with hundreds if not<br />
thousands of families as they found their way to <strong>MCWS</strong> at<br />
every age level, helping each family feel connected to the<br />
education, the teachers, and the community. Her warm<br />
and welcoming smile, caring and professional demeanor,<br />
and ability to remember every student and family she<br />
worked with will be her enduring legacy.<br />
DAVID BARHAM<br />
David will join his wife Kelly in<br />
Maryland after fourteen years of<br />
teaching at <strong>MCWS</strong>, the first two in<br />
middle school and the remainder as<br />
a High School Humanities teacher.<br />
He was one of the early members<br />
of the High School faculty, helping<br />
build its reputation as a dynamic<br />
and engaging place of learning. He<br />
has spent the last three years as the High School Chair,<br />
leading the High School through the complexities of the<br />
pandemic. His contributions to the school community<br />
could fill a novel, and we’ll miss his musical skills, creativity,<br />
and the passion he brought to the classroom and<br />
community every day.<br />
KELLY BARHAM<br />
After nine years of teaching in the<br />
Early Childhood Program, the last<br />
seven as a lead teacher, plus serving<br />
as Chair of the Early Childhood<br />
Program, Kelly Barham has decided<br />
to stay in Maryland to be closer to<br />
her granddaughter, Bernadette.<br />
She will continue on in her Waldorf<br />
career, serving as the Faculty Chair<br />
at Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten and Nursery in Silver<br />
Spring, MD. She writes that she has been “honored to have<br />
walked, sung, jumped, and had meals” with the children<br />
who have graced her Bluebell Classroom over the years.<br />
LYNNE ESPY<br />
After twelve-and-a-half years as<br />
<strong>MCWS</strong>’ Development Director<br />
and thirty years as a community<br />
member, Lynne Espy retired<br />
this past December. Lynne’s<br />
contributions to the community<br />
have been immense as a Board<br />
President, Development Director,<br />
parent, and volunteer. She<br />
spearheaded several capital campaigns and joyfully<br />
created a culture of gratitude and philanthropy. She’s<br />
already making the most of her retirement, spending time<br />
outside, exploring new passions, and of course, perfecting<br />
several recipes.<br />
LISA MAINELLA<br />
For many years, the helm of the<br />
lower school office was held by<br />
Lisa Mainella. She balanced so<br />
many logistics that seemed to keep<br />
everything running smoothly. Lisa<br />
was not only organized, timely, and<br />
meticulous in her attention to detail,<br />
but she was also always prepared<br />
to dole out bandaids, kind words, a<br />
joke, or a listening ear to teachers, parents, and students<br />
that paid her office a visit. She fearlessly chaperoned<br />
skiing trips and ropes courses, modeling for students of<br />
all ages how to have fun and be brave in the face of new<br />
challenges. Her warmth in our faculty circle will be missed!<br />
In addition<br />
we thank faculty and staff who have<br />
moved onto other ventures.<br />
Ross Emerson<br />
Kendra Gaarder<br />
Christopher Kasprak<br />
Amy Kessler<br />
Christopher Lee<br />
Jennifer LoRusso<br />
Callie McMaster<br />
Barbara Paschke<br />
Jennifer Pochurek<br />
Delaney Randall<br />
Nowell Stoddard<br />
20 MAINE COAST WALDORF SCHOOL
MAINE COAST<br />
WALDORF SCHOOL<br />
57 Desert Road, Freeport, Maine 04032<br />
NON PROFIT ORG.<br />
U.S. POSTAGE<br />
PAID<br />
Freeport, ME<br />
PERMIT #44<br />
MAINECOASTWALDORF.ORG | development@mainecoastwaldorf.org | (207) 865-3900 Ext.116<br />
Photos by Christopher Kasprak, and by Sharyn Peavey Photography • Design by Charlie Pollock, Badgerhound Design