2011 CMS Graduates

Jared and Adam are going to Meridian World School.
Raaya, Rishi and Carmen are going to Austin Montessori School.
Sammi is going to Gateway Charter School.

Raaya Alim
It was a good day for CMS when Raaya and her dad and sister got lost and “happened” upon CMS…she had been in a Montessori school before they moved and her parents had been looking for a good Montessori school! Raaya entered Veena Rao’s lower elementary classroom and quickly fit right in. She also has become a leader by being capable and kind, with a good sense of humor, and that’s hard to beat.

Jared Duff
Jared came to us from another Montessori school also, entering into John’s class. He loves sports and his baseball cap, but he also knows how to work hard. Jared is probably the most polite student I’ve ever met. When he stops what he is doing and greets you, asking how you are doing, you get the wonderful feeling he actually cares.

Rishi Salem
Rishi also came to us from another Montessori school, entering Allie Posada’s class in lower elementary. He made the most amazing map of the United States I’ve ever seen a student create. From his own initiative, he mapped out the US territories and showed when they entered the Union, with a system of color-coding, which he was able to explain to me clearly and very patiently. I’m so happy he’ll be attending the Austin Montessori Middle school next year!

Sammi Fahnestock
I knew Sammi first as Zoe’s sister, because Zoe was in my primary class. Then I knew her as 1/2 of “SammiandCaitlin”. THEN I saw her as a wonderful student in her own right! She is the only graduate this year to have been in a CMS primary class. I think Yvonne Solorio was her Guide…. Sammi is a student with creative ideas and a very positive outlook. I’ve loved seeing her wonderful smile!

Carmen Urban
Carment Urban came to Lower Elementary class from a Montessori school in Dallas, I think. She joined Rishi in Allie Posada’s class. Even back then, she was writing plays and stories in every spare minute. When Allie’s class decided to perform one of Carmen’s plays as their end-of-the year play, it was a GREAT decision. There were plenty of parts and lots of action. I’m thinking Carmen may have also directed it! Carmen is often quiet and studious, but has a sweet sense of humor. I hope she keeps writing!

Adam Burkhalter
Adam came to us from a Montessori school in Houston. His younger brother came to CMS first, and then Adam followed for Upper Elementary. My first knowledge of Adam was when he joined the CMS summer program that my son, Jesse, was in charge of. Adam was a big favorite of his. I remember Adam creating a large paper vacuum cleaner that was pretty impressive!…. I hope he continues to be inventive!