ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
MIDDLEBRIDGE SCHOOLA Place to Belong and Become.
Dear Friends of Middlebridge School,
One of the countless privileges and pleasures of leading a dynamic school in
its early years is that we frequently have the opportunity to report and celebrate
new milestones.
This is one of those moments. In June, we hosted the largest graduating class
in Middlebridge School history. Twenty-one students – 19 undergraduates
and two post-graduate students – proudly walked at the 2014 Commencement
Ceremony, which was well attended by joyful family members and friends. It
was truly a beautiful and meaningful day.
But what makes this historic occasion a significant milestone is this: at our
inception in 2008, our total enrollment was 21 students. We’ve come a long
way in a short period of time.
Enrollment for the 2014-2015 year will grow to 65 students, 10 of whom will
be participating in our newly expanded post-graduate program. This unique
independent living experience is just one element of an exciting program
enrichment plan we will be implementing in the months and years to come.
Demand for a Middlebridge School education has increased every year we’ve
been in existence, and many of you have asked about our hopes and plans for
growth and development of the Middlebridge campus.
As the “start-up” activities and daily demands of our early years have begun to
ease and become more routine, we can now shift our focus to securing the future
of Middlebridge School. We already have one of the most individualized programs
in the country, one that emphasizes students’ strengths and celebrates their
differences. But we can always do more, as parents and as educators, to develop
our students’ passions and talents.
We want to be confident that we are providing the richest and fullest experience
for all students. Which is why we, and the Board of Trustees, have spent much of
the past year developing a Campus Master Plan that clearly emphasizes program
enrichment. In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing the details of our
planning with you.
Middlebridge School’s success is due to your consistent generosity and dedica-
tion. We thank you, as always, for all you do, and we look forward to working
with you to create the most comprehensive and compelling experience for all
past, present, and future Middlebridge students and families.
Respectfully,
John J. Kaufman Mark Pelson
Head of School Board Chairman
A MIDDLEBRIDGE WELCOME
SOCCER FIELD FUNDRAISER
MAKING THE DREAM A REALITY
On the eve of our Commencement Ceremony, and on
behalf of the Class of 2014, John issued a challenge to the
entire Middlebridge community: our students needed
a soccer field, and we needed the help of our families to
make the dream a reality.
Every year, our Seniors and Postgraduates vote on a class
gift-a gift that will serve as a lasting legacy for decades of
Middlebridge students to come. This past spring, students
voted to install soccer goals on the athletic field. After the
success of the MBS Owls basketball team, it was important
to all of our students that the inaugural Owls soccer team
would have a place to practice, even if the entire playing
season would be hosted at rival schools.
At the Senior and Postgraduate Luncheon, students and
their parents upped the ante by raising a little over $11,000
to support excavation, releveling and turf for a regulation
soccer field on the grounds of our very own Hazard Castle.
We are so pleased to share that together, as students, parents
and staff, we raised $48,100 to create a soccer field for the
MBS Owls Soccer team. This year, our students will play on
their own field, and will share their community with the
schools that we host at games. Please join us in recognizing
those listed below for their contributions to Alumni Field.
5
A MIDDLEBRIDGE TRADITION
Since our first Commencement Ceremony in
2009, one of the traditions that have become an
integral part of our school culture is the awarding
of Hawaiian Graduation Leis. Thanks to one of
our founding families, Ed and Janet Chen, and
their daughter, Tara (Class of ’11), the tradition
adds a splash of color and deeper symbolism to
our graduation.
Leis are traditional Hawaiian flower necklaces
given as a sign of welcoming and to show affec-
tion. Leis traditionally express love, reverence,
respect, congratulations, and welcome. Orchid leis,
like those we award at graduation, are given as a
gesture of gratitude. At Middlebridge, we fondly
present our commencement leis to our students
to recognize their departure, and to thank them
for their time at MBS, and to our staff and board
members to recognize their enduring service to
the mission of the school.
Jay & Susan BurnettHeidi BrueningDavid & Debbie DonovanAdam & Rachel Gutow-EllisPatricia JamesSteven & Maria JamesJohn & Laurie KaufmanDan & Shannon LeventhalMarco Investments (Peter & Susan Scotti)
William & Nancy ReidBruce SaffranJohn TraversDianne TudzinStephen & Stacy TurnerMichael & Holly CliggottAmerico & Judith ColalucaAlice DeighanSam & Heather FolgertAdam & Susan GeigerRaymond & Susan GentileMichael & Laurie Grills
Brian & Tanya Hubert Mack & Margery LindseyDonald & Tamra ParsonsAlison PattonMark & Katherine PelsonDavid & Laura RamsdenEllen RoskinMichael RoskinAndrzej & Isabella RozyckiRoger & Elizabeth SipplMark & Patricia TavillCharles & Michelle WhiteAlbert Jr. & Kathleen Bruce
Bruce & Eva Decker Susan ElliottGordon & Pamela GummeltAlex & Cornelia HodoshDonald & Donna KelleherJoseph & Sheila KuzmicGardner & Julie LeeAbelardo & Angelica Merino-JimenezRalph & Barbara PapittoCharles ShafterDominick & Kristina TorescoKenneth & Debra WeitzmanSean Williams
MIDDLEBRIDGE SCHOOL INCOME
Tuition, fees and other 3,520,339.
Annual Fund 258,701.
Capital Campaign 233,015.
Temporarily Restricted 50,600.
TOTAL 4,062,655.
MIDDLEBRIDGE SCHOOL EXPENSES
Salaries and Taxes 2,033,586.
Program Enhancements 351,912.
Interest and Debt service 313,440.
Benefits 191,966.
Buildings and Grounds 102,554.
Insurance 70,971.
Utilities 97,037.
Office and other 69,411.
TOTAL 3,230,877.
63%
11%
10%
6%
3%
3%
2%
2%87%
6%
6%
1%
Because of the vision and commitment of the board of trustees, and the hard
work of the teachers and staff, Middlebridge School has become one of the most
highly-regarded schools for students with learning differences in the country
in a relatively short period of time.
After spending the first several years concentrating on building the school—
hiring the most capable faculty, investing in adaptive technology, and finding
a physical home—the board is now able to move our attention to leveraging our
success and planning the next phase of Middlebridge’ s development.
As the board looks ahead, we will be focused on securing the future of the school
and dedicated to program enrichment. Just as we see what the potential of each of
our students is, we see what the potential of Middlebridge School is, and we look
forward to investing in the best possible educational experience for our students.
In addition to our outstanding academic program and wonderful school commu-
nity, the board is pleased to report that Middlebridge School enters its seventh
year in a position of strong financial health. The board of trustees, and the finance
committee in particular, has provided thoughtful guidance and prudent fiscal
management that has contributed to the financial stability of Middlebridge.
Middlebridge has achieved success because of the generosity and dedication of
our board members, our families, and our supporters. As we have in the past, we
are confident we will be able to continue to count on our school community to
contribute to the Annual Fund and capital projects in the future.
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” —John Dewey
MIDDLEBRIDGE FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
6
$20,000 plus
Tylor & Kimberly Armstrong (Fidelity)Mark & Katherine PelsonAndrew Wallerstein & Mary Sloane
$15,000 plus
Kelly A. SmithTeach A Man To Fish FoundationThe Nulman Foundation
$10,000 plus
Steven & Maria JamesSouthwestern Scrap Materials Co. (Adam & Rachel Gutow-Ellis)Dominick & Kristina Toresco
$5,000 plus
Elizabeth DoerrMichael & Laurie GrillsJacqueline KaufmanAlison PattonBruce Saffran
$2,500 plus
Albert Jr. & Kathleen BruceEdward & Janet ChenMack & Margery Lindsey
The Papitto Foundation (Ralph & Barbara Papitto)Lorraine ParmerPfizer Foundation Matching Gift (Albert & Kathleen Bruce)Sokal Media GroupCharles & Michelle WhiteSean WilliamsAnna Cooke Woodward
$1000 plus
John AmorosaMichael & Lisa CaseyBelton A. & Mary CoppJay & Susan BurnettMichael & Holly CliggottCarmine & Patricia DeMaioTrevor & Leslie EddyFox Rothschild LLPRaymond & Susan GentileAlex & Cornelia HodoshDavid Ives & Pamela BurchDonald & Donna KelleherKozyra & Hartz, LLCJoseph & Sheila KuzmicTerilynn LangsevGardner & Julie LeeWilliam & Nicole LehouritesSteven & Gail LevittRoger Lewis
Amanda MalloryStuart & Sara MeyersThe Mironov GroupMark & Arlene MonteneroThe Murray Family Charitable FoundationPaul & Valerie PresburgerMichael RendineRose T.Y. Chen Charitable TrustAndrzej & Isabella RozyckiSchiller & Pittenger, P.C.Helen C.S. SloaneMark & Patricia TavillJohn & Frances Thorne
Up to $1000
Edward & Lynne AhearnAnna Mary BagleyF. Troy & Gail BarnhartBen Baum ‘14Jamie BruceHeidi BrueningRichard F. CarolanJohn & Barbara ClancyAaron & Gina ColalucaAudrey & Diane ComeauRobert & Patricia ConnerneyJoseph & Ellen Costain
G.G. & Kathleen DavisBruce & Eva DeckerDavid & Deborah DonovanWayne DouglasDrazen Law Group, LLCSteven Dunn & Annmarie BorracciDurkin Cottage RealtySusan ElliottMichael & Annie EllisSam & Heather FolgertAllen Folks & Lorilyn ParmerWilliam & Helena FoulkesGary Frishman & Meredith CurrenRuss GodinMark GoldbergRosaline GranoffBrian & Tanya HubertJake Kaufman & Wendy CiovaccoNeil & Maureen KellyMalcom P. KentRobert KlineSpencer Ives ‘08Anthony & Jeanne KrukowskiJohn & Lisa LaCarteCamilla W. LeeJeffrey & Carol LeventhalRichard & Roanne LichtJohn & Heidi MarottaMark & Sandra McAndrewRichard & Mary McCarthy
Abelardo Merino-Telis & Angelica Jimenez-HernandezPamela MetzgerNorthgate Dental Center (William & Maria Malave)Donald & Tamra ParsonsNancy PricePhilip & Barbara RitchieBarbara PuscasDavid & Laura RamsdenLucy Hodgson RobinsonMichael RoskinJames RothShauna RoweSesler Family FoundationPhyllis SichelRichard F. Smith, Jr.James & Kathleen SoaresRobert StolzmanG. Rebecca TaylerMichael ThompsonVincent TravagliatoEllis L. TudzinStephen & Stacy TurnerRichard VanasseConcetta VolpeKenneth & Debra WeitzmanDiane WhiteheadCharles Yunginger III
ANNUAL FUND 2013-2014
As a nonprofit organization, tuition revenue alone is not sufficient to maintain the programmatic
excellence we all value so highly. Beyond our capital needs, consistent and strong annual giving
provides enrichment to all of our students and helps attract support from philanthropic institutions
and grant giving organizations. Our school’s future success is contingent upon maintaining our
current donor base while also investing in the cultivation of new relationships.
9
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS SINCE INCEPTION
Hazard Tower Society ($200K plus)
Elizabeth Doerr
Mark & Katherine Pelson
Andrew Wallerstein & Mary Sloane
Beech Tree Society ($100K plus)
Edward & Janet Chen
David Ives & Pamela Burch
Victor & Barbara Pelson
van Beuren Charitable Trust
Dogwood Society ($50K plus)
Richard & Terry Albright
Champlin Foundation
David & Deborah Donovan
Adam & Susan Geiger
Steven James & Maria Silva
The Rhode Island Foundation,
Anonymous Fund
Roger & Elizabeth Sippl
Mark & Patricia Tavill
Charles & Michelle White
NEED A NAME! ($25K plus)
The Dorr Foundation
Joseph, Terry & Daniella Rothchild
James & Margaret Wade
Trevor & Leslie Eddy
Terrace Club ($10K plus)
Armstrong Family
Cornelia & Alex Hodosh
Joseph & Sheila Kuzmic
Carol Nulman & The Nulman
Foundation
Bruce Saffran
Archway Society ($5K plus)
Peter & Barbara Benedek
Steven & Joan Graff
B. Michael & Cherie James
Ed & Ann Kania
Mack & Margery Lindsey
Anne & Paul Marcus Family
Foundation
The Rhode Island Foundation
Peter & Susan Scotti
$1000 plus
Albert & Kathleen Bruce
Mike & Lisa Casey
Michael & Laurie Grills
Interstate Electronics Company
Patricia James
Sally Kingsbury & David Oppenheimer
Pfizer Foundation (Albert, Jr. &
Kathleen Bruce Matching Gift)
John & Frances Thorne
Up to $1000
Peter Baum & Naomi Arenberg
Jay & Phyllis Buckley
Richard & Elizabeth Carson
Susan & Dan Custer
G.G. & Kathy Davis
Alice Deighan
Pamela & Michael Donnelly
Susan Elliott
Anne & Michael Ellis
Elliott & Nora Fine
Rosaline Granoff
Greg & Debbie Jenkins
Paula Karp
Robert Kline & Joy Foster
Heidi & John Marotta
Pam Ries Metzger
Doyle & Nancy Perry
Betty Perry
Kathy Perry & Diana Phipps
Chris & Mandi Sadler
Josh Sadler
Abby Wolfson
Eleanor & Joe Zuber
8
Gina & Aaron Colaluca, Sr.
Wayne Douglas
Rachel & Adam Gutow-Ellis
Imai Keller Moore Architects
Maria & Steven James
Julie & Gardner Lee
Margery & Mack Lindsey
Valerie & Paul Presburger
Patty & Mark Tavill
Textron
Elizabeth & Roger Sippl
Kristina & Dominic Toresco
Amy & John Tyree
The Wheeler School
Michelle & Chad White
Sean Williams
IN-KIND DONATIONS
The following businesses, organizations and families generously donated goods,
services and time to Middlebridge School, which in turn, allowed us to apply
additional funds directly to support the programs and services we provide for the
well-being of those whom we serve in our community.
INTERNSHIP PARTNERS
The following businesses and organizations contributed their time and effort to
create volunteer opportunities for Middlebridge students. These experiences help
our students gain practical knowledge in the workplace, build student confidence
and increase their participation in the community. We are so appreciative of our
fantastic Internship Partners.
A Place To Grow
Advanced Auto Body
Chaplin Welding
Clarks Farm
Courthouse Center for the Arts
Critter Hut
Durkin Realty
East Coast Krav Maga
Growing Children of Rhode Island
Habitat for Humanity
Horse Play Animal Rescue
Jonnycake Center
Joyful Learning
Larham Landscaping
Lovesome Images Photography
Matunuck Oyster Farm
Narragansett Elementary School
Narragansett Bikes
Narragansett Parks and Recreation
Department
South Kingstown Public Library
Pets Gone Natural
Ruff Life Animal Center
Smithbridge Stables
South County Chamber
of Commerce
South Kingstown Animal Rescue
Sweet Cakes Bakery
The Purple Door
The Right Click
The Village Inn
The Welcome House
Tuckertown Fire Department
Union Fire District
URI Costume Design Center
URI Go Rhody Computers
URI Marine Life Science
Research Center
URI Theater Department
URI Women’s Basketball
Wakefield Alternative
Food Cooperative
YMCA
11
As we enter the third year in what is now
our home, the historic Hazard Castle, we
recognized that it was time to embrace a
new, and lasting, logo design. We wanted
to choose a logo that would represent
the spirit of our community as well as the
essence of the castle; we wanted a logo
that would be as memorable and
welcoming as our students themselves.
We are so pleased to share our new
logo as part of this year’s Annual Report,
and we hope it will serve as a symbol
of our community for decades to come.
MIDDLEBRIDGE SCHOOL
AN ALUMNUS PERSPECTIVE: SPENCER IVES, CLASS OF ‘10
EXCERPTS FROM SPENCER’S COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
“The world is not like your classes—or mine—it is not a matter of passing or failing,
working towards completion. It is about taking things one day at a time. And you
do not, by any measure, need to have everything figured or planned out.
“To hope, to dream, to imagine, is one thing, one very valuable thing. But life is
vaster than you can possibly imagine. So please, by all means do not crush
yourselves, or the dreams of who you hope to be, by not knowing the route
between Point A and point B.
If there has been one thing that I’ve learned in the recent years of my education,
as well as my personal life, there is so much that can be gained by being open to
new possibilities-new opportunities. It is only when you are not absolutely set
and devoted to one path or idea that you have the freedom to explore what could
end up being the best avenues in life.
The absolute truth of the matter is that the world outside of high school is vast,
and neither you—nor anyone—can tell exactly what you’ll need. But I can tell you,
that in your time here, you have gotten a strong background to help you.
I am not here, in my opinion, to encourage you all to aspire and achieve greatness.
Partly because, in my opinion, you do not need to be told that. Each and every one
of you, I know, is capable of achieving great, great things. You have gained and
rightfully earned the ability to tackle whatever lies ahead of you.
As you celebrate, the only words I have for you are to be open to all the possibilities
you may find, and find what makes you happy.”
The mission of Middlebridge School is to provide
instruction, opportunities, and support for students
with learning differences.
Our community is designed to develop students’
academic abilities, intellectual curiosity, and physical
and social-emotional development.
We strive to create life-long learners with increased
independence and maturity that thrive in the
post-graduate setting of their choice.
Middlebridge School
Staff
Linda AtamianRachel AxelsonJustin BaylesBrianna BienkiewiczDylan BissonnetteJeanne BoldenColin BradyHeidi BrueningSteve CanniciKelley ClancyBrian CreaGeorge CuddyJames DempseyMike DeutschmanKatie FarrishPatti FedericoKatrina FeyerhermAnn FoleyBen FolsomJen FoxElizabeth FurcoloReese HerseyRachael HighamLinda HoganBrent Hopkins
Victoria HopkinsJohn J. KaufmanLaurie KaufmanCarrie KemmettKristen KillileaChris KregerEric LeonardDan LeventhalShannon LeventhalGillian LevyKate LevyCarey McGuireKatie ObryckiNaomi PfohlMarianne RadkeMartha RhodesHarriet RichinsErica SeveyTeylyr TerrioMatt ThadeioKatey TillinghastAndrew VaillantOtto WallersteinRose WhiteMelissa Williams
Middlebridge School
Board of Trustees
Mark PelsonAndrew WallersteinDavid IvesElizabeth DoerrAdam GeigerDavid DonovanSteve JamesAmanda MalloryChad White
ex-officio
John J. Kaufman
333 Ocean Road | Narragansett, Rhode Island | 02882
middlebridgeschool.org
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MIDDLEBRIDGE SCHOOL
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