News & Updates
News & Updates
The 2022–2023 Annual Report from The School in Rose Valley opens with a heartfelt reflection on the school’s progressive educational philosophy, where children learn not only from teachers and peers but from the very environment around them. Rooted in the rich history of Rose Valley Borough—a haven for artists and craftsmen—the school celebrates its own approaching centennial alongside the borough’s 100th anniversary. Highlights include deepening collaborations with local institutions like the Hedgerow Theater and Rose Valley Museum, and an inspiring, hands-on project funded by an anonymous alumnus: the construction of a traditional Mongolian ger, alongside a custom-built 800-square-foot wooden structure to house the school library, blending practical space solutions with cultural learning opportunities.
Beyond curricular innovations, the report shines a spotlight on the community’s unwavering support. The SRV Fund section honors Leadership, Rotzel, Rawson, and Apple Core Circle donors whose gifts fuel everything from expanded theater programming to faculty development. Social events such as Give & Groove and the Leadership and Orchard Society Brunch not only raise crucial funds but also strengthen the bonds between students, families, alumni, and neighbors. With heartfelt thanks to hundreds of volunteers and Educational Improvement Tax Credit donors, the school underscores that its continued growth and vibrancy are powered by collective generosity and shared commitment to nurturing curious, connected global citizens
It is often said in progressive education that the adult in the classroom and the other children are the first and second teachers—and, importantly, the environment is the third teacher. Children explore their surroundings and formulate questions and meaning. Educators and parents should carefully focus on crafting a rich learning environment. I’ve been thinking about how the history of an area can add another dimension to how we work and learn. Rose Valley Borough represents a unique chapter in American history: it was founded as a haven for artists and craftsmen. Local families established a school for their children that reflected their community’s values. We’re fortunate to have strong, mutually beneficial relationships with the Borough and its key institutions, such as the Hedgerow Theater and the Rose Valley Museum. I was thrilled when our oldest group performed their play at Hedgerow this year! Rose Valley Borough recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and the School is approaching its own centennial. As we look toward this milestone, we want to continue tapping into the collective spirit of Rose Valley while expanding our relationships with Media and Chester—and beyond—so students can develop broader perspectives and see themselves as part of a larger global community.
With support from an anonymous alumnus donor, we’re undertaking an exciting project: building a Mongolian ger! Rising enrollment at SRV over the past few years has been thrilling, but it’s also presented space challenges. We temporarily repurposed the library for the Middle Circle and now wish to restore it as a dedicated meeting space. The new ger will be nearly 800 square feet to house all our library books, providing a wonderful spot for children to read, reflect, and play. Because it needs to withstand the elements, our ger will be constructed of wood with a metal roof. To help students understand the significance of these portable structures in the lives of nomadic peoples in Mongolia and elsewhere, we are also purchasing a traditional ger, which—together with some alumni families—children will assemble themselves. It’s a joy to belong to a community that values creative solutions and places children’s experiences and their environment at the center of all we do. Caring for our beautiful campus—our third teacher—is essential, and these projects would not be possible without our generous donors. Last year, from adding theater programming and expanding the garden to funding faculty attendance at the NAIS People of Color Conference, the SRV community consistently provided the support that allows us to do our best for our students.
With appreciation,
Rod Stanton
Head of School
The School in Rose Valley
The members of The Orchard Society have included The School in Rose Valley in their estate plans. We are immeasurably grateful to these members, whose commitment to The School in Rose Valley helps to secure the future of our beloved School.
This spring, SRV celebrated Leadership Donors and members of our bequest society, The Orchard Society, at a brunch in the Grace Rotzel Center. Leadership donors and Orchard Society members provide a critical foundation to sustain SRV’s programs and operations year after year and help us plan for a bright future. We are grateful to donors at all levels for their meaningful gifts to SRV. We count on each and every one of you for your generous support. We were thrilled to present the In Partnership Award to John and Eileen Baker. John & Eileen, parents of three alumni, have been loyal donors to the school and fixtures in our cherished annual traditions. You may recognize John from his place by the apple press on Apple Day or in the “wax kitchen” for candle making week.
We had a ball at Give & Groove in May, dancing to the sounds of the Bickel Brothers featuring SRV Alum Gusten Rudolph, lounging under the Yellowwood tree in full bloom, bidding on gorgeous student art, and dining with old and new friends. Thank you to the amazing event committee, our generous sponsors, and every person who attended and helped to make the event special. Thank you to our generous event sponsors: Fiddle Sponsors Nancy Pancko & Javier Sanz Moliner Narda Quigley & Sarah Wahlberg Dani & Derek Stefanik Jessica & Todd Strine Cello Sponsors Anonymous Diggs & Dwell ModKaf Thriving Families, LLC Vencer Insurance & Risk Bass Sponsor Katie & Ian Rubin
Family involvement is what makes SRV magic! Thank you to every single person who helped with the Book Swap, Candle Making, May Fair, Putter Days, specials lunches, and Winter Festival. Thanks to class parents, Strategic Planning Committee members, reunion volunteers, and PCO members. You make The School in Rose Valley special. Thank you to our community partners at The Hedgerow Theater and the Rose Valley Museum for their generous support that enhances our programming. This year students enjoyed a performance at Hedgerow and were proud to perform their Oldest Group play on the professional stage. We were grateful to the museum for our second annual museum field trip for Kindergarten and for welcoming our alumni for their reunion event.
We are deeply grateful to our Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donors. Through this effort, some amazing supporters have generated many hundreds of thousands of tuition assistance dollars for eligible SRV students. By enrolling, PA taxpayers can direct 100% of their state taxes to SRV. It takes just a few strokes of the pen, but the impact for our school and our students is incalculable. Our goal is to enroll every eligible supporter in this program! If you want to learn more, reach out to Carrie Miluski at 610-566-1088 or email her at carrie@theschoolinrosevalley.org.
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