News & Events

CASINO NIGHT 2023
January 11, 2023

Dear Athena Supporter, 

We are so excited finally to bring back Athena’s annual Casino Night! Every year since I founded Athena Montessori Academy in 2006, prior to the start of the pandemic, Athena has hosted an annual fundraising event for an initiative that benefits our entire community. This year’s Casino Night is scheduled for April 8th, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Athena, with musical entertainment, catered dinner, a bar, casino tables, and a silent auction. The last time we were able to gather in this way was March of 2020…

So much has changed in our world, our town, and our school since that time, and we have learned many lessons. Not only have we adapted and grown in the ways we take care of each other in light of Covid, but we have also had to adapt to our rapidly-growing city and the varied challenges that brings. While I do not worry that there are specific areas of our campus or protocols that are unsafe, sadly, in these modern times, all schools have to think about safety measures, lockdowns, being able to communicate with all classrooms at the same time, etc. I want to be proactive, rather than reactive, in being prepared should something unexpected happen on our campus.

Our current goals for additional campus safety and security upgrades total around $275,000. We plan to raise these funds initially through fundraising and ongoing through an annual Facilities Fee. We are currently doing research, talking to other schools, vetting companies, and soliciting bids on various projects, including upgraded locking systems, additional perimeter fencing, and additional surveillance. We welcome feedback and suggestions you may have around measures to implement and/or any leads on vendors we could vet. 

Our hope is that those of you in support of our safety and security goals will help us to raise money in one or more of the following ways: 
  • Donate an item or service to our silent auction (click here to do so)
  • Help solicit donations for the auction
  • Purchase auction items for yourself or as gifts
  • Buy tickets for you and your friends (or sponsor a teacher!) to Casino Night on April 8 (click here to RSVP)
  • Donate an item in kind, such as alcoholic beverages for the bar
  • Make a financial donation in the form of a check, Venmo to @Athena-Montessori (or ask Joy to add an amount to your Brightwheel account)
  • Help spread the word for Casino Night!

I am grateful for your continued and unwavering support over the years, and I am so excited to gather in community with you again in April! 

Warmly,
Lisl Friday, Founder


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)