News & Events

January 29, 2024

Dear Athena Supporter, 

It’s time to kick off preparations for Casino Night, Athena’s annual fundraising gala. This year’s Casino Night is scheduled for Saturday, April 6th, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Athena, with live music by Colombian Funk band Superfonicos, catered dinner by Masa y Mas, an open bar, casino games by Casino Knights, and an online auction. 

As an organization now serving 200 families and employing a team of 47, we are on a journey to transform our school to be more accessible, equitable, affirming and inclusive for all of its students, staff, and families. Athena is committed to antiracist, anti bias education for all members of our community. Although we have made strides in our journey, we know there is no finish line, only evolution. We are excited to join hands with you, our community, to meet our goals of creating and sustaining a culture of belonging rooted in equity and inclusivity. We are dedicated to bringing forth the best in ourselves through ongoing learning and action.

In support of these goals, we have hired Embracing Equity, a non-profit organization, that helps schools build equitable communities through holistic professional development. They are poised to guide us in a two-year training program that includes both individual and group audits, education, coaching, support, and guidance through the following channels: 
  • Leadership Residency for a full calendar year
  • Anti-Racism Five-Course Training Cohort for All Staff
  • Monthly Identity Affinity Spaces for All Staff
  • Community Workshop for Athena Families 

We are so grateful that we have such a generous and supportive community who is in alignment with our mission and vision for making the world a better place through the education of the young child through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Our hope is that those of you who are able to help will check out the online Donation Form and RSVP Form, and help us raise money in one or more of the following ways: 
  • Donate an item or service to our online silent auction (see Donation Form)
  • Buy tickets for you and your friends (or sponsor a teacher!) to Casino Night on April 6th (via RSVP)
  • Donate an item in kind, such as beverages for the bar (see Donation Form)
  • Make a financial donation in the form of a check or Venmo to @Athena-Montessori
  • Help solicit donations for the auction and participate as a bidder (share a link to this letter)
  • Sponsor a casino game table–limited availability! (see Donation Form) 

I am grateful for your continued and unwavering support over the years, and I am so excited to gather in community with you in April, with our dancin’ shoes on! 

Warmly,
Lisl Friday, Founder




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THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 CASINO NIGHT DONORS!
Carmen Ucelay & Rob Bell
Charlene & Todd Dipaola
Mr. Drew (P3)
Erin & Briggs Thompson 
Ms. Janey (Garden Fairy)
Ms. Jenn (P6)
JoAnna McCreary

Julius Bankston
Koichiro & Miyabi Honda 
Lacey Gordon
Ms. Laila (P2)
Lily & Jason Hooks
Ms. Lisa (P4)

Margaret Galton
Marissa & Steve Brown
Mary Onkar Ryan
Ms. Morgan (T1)
Ms. Nicole (P5)
Stacey & John Mayes
Taylor & Zach Abrams
Ms. Tess (P1)

& everyone who volunteered, attended the event, or purchased a ticket for one of our teachers!

Athena Montessori Academy

“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my son’s education. The loving guides at Athena taught him so much more than reading and writing– he’s learned how to take care of himself and those around him while navigating the social community of his classroom. I feel these life skills will serve him well as he graduates and enters first grade in the fall!”
- Rebecca O’Hara (Child now attending Eanes Elementary)