As we enter our fifth school year, I cannot help but feel immense awe and gratitude for how far we have come. From the scrappy old bicycle shop Michelle and I first walked into, with rain dripping from the ceiling and collected lovingly in glass jars, to our beloved bungalow where we made so many memories. Now, we move to a larger space we have worked tirelessly to make warm and safe for all. These efforts truly took a village of committed individuals determined to meet all our deadlines.
This summer was a whirlwind of construction, summer camps, and feverish planning for significant transitions amid a sea of changing variables. Despite collective social challenges and global unrest, we remain committed to providing children with a safe haven amidst growing environmental and political uncertainty. I dare say our commitment is fiercer than ever.
It would be remiss of me not to mention what an incredible team we have this year. Last year was the teachers’ year—this year will belong to all of us as I recognize the great talent and dedication of those in our community and newcomers to MOS.
For the first time, we are sustaining an administrative team that works together to solve complex school problems, rather than having those burdens rest on one or two shoulders. Ghamad, Jared, Bri, Sara, and countless others truly rose to the occasion in their new leadership roles.
This is the first year in 11 that I am not starting the year in a classroom. How bittersweet. I am still adjusting, and I imagine that grieving process will ease as I focus on development, teacher and student support, and fundraising.
With Jared handling marketing, operations, and communications, and Ghamad ensuring our school family is safe and compliant, I feel we can truly soar this year. Jennifer will also join us as a mental health specialist as we welcome her child, Clementine, into the fold. Nehemie, an experienced grant writer, will manage our grant portfolio—a first for us.
We are thrilled to announce that all our teachers are returning, and we are welcoming two new teachers, India and Magdalena, to the Allies classroom. Please be sure to show them some love.
Bri is taking on the management of Early Care with guidance from various coaches and mentors, and we welcome Kedra and Tanjane as well. They are incredibly talented educators in their own right.
On the board end, we are excited to see Joel Kanter step into his role as Board Chair, with Dave Howland as Treasurer. They have tirelessly supported me and the school through the summer, and we worked hard to finalize our FY budget. We also bid a fond farewell to founding board members Allegra and Tisha, who have completed their three-year term. I am deeply grateful for their endless support, encouragement, and protection as they ensured the school was well governed. Thank you both for your dedication.
As we begin the year in a new space, we anticipate learning curves and ask for your grace as we all adapt to new processes together. The Morgan Oliver School is a place for growth, and we look forward to growing with all of you.
With excitement and gratitude for this new adventure,
Sanidia Oliver-Stone
she/her/hers
Founder, Head of School
(404) 954-2524
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