Annual Report 2013-2014

ANNUAL REPORT 2013–2014

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Renee Rolleri, Chair Matt Goldman, Vice-Chair Eric Huang, Secretary Steve Wilson, Treasurer David Beal Lisa Kaye Erin Isakov David Rock, PhD Jennifer Lamberts Stanton Jen Graffam Wink Lisa Wolman

PURPOSE

Reimagining education for a changing world.

VISION

Communities of creative, joyful, compassionate learners who use courageous and innovative thinking to build a harmonious and sustainable world.

FOUNDING MEMBERS Matt Goldman Renee Rolleri Jennifer Stanton Phil Stanton Chris Wink Jen Wink ADVISORY BOARD Lawrence J. Cohen, PhD

MISSION

To develop and share an inquiry-based approach to education that fosters creativity, promotes academic excellence, nurtures human relationships, and inspires a lifelong passion for learning.

Sam Chaltain Pamela J. Clarke Austin Hearst Ian Kerner H. Sujin Kim Lawrence D. Levien John Maeda, PhD Jennifer McCrea

“Thank you for taking me to a place where I can be creative every day.”

—Isadora, age 10, speaking to her parents

Steven Nelson Sir Ken Robinson, PhD David Rockwell John Rogers Daniel J. Siegel, MD Jeffrey C. Walker

Front and back cover artwork: First Grade B

Table of Contents Letter From the Head of School

1

Letter From the Board Chair

2

Student Projects

4

Conference + Speaker Series

6

2014 Revenue and Expenses

7

Families Association Events

8

Grandfriends Day

10

Annual Fund Giving

11

Spring Fling

14

Field Day

17

Middle School + Capital Campaign

18

Graduation

20

Faculty + Administration

21

Fifth Grade Art

22

Dear Dear Blue School Families and Friends,

“Before Blue School I’d frequently ask myself, ‘Am I doing this right?’ I still ask that question, but now I ask and share thoughts with my extended family: A curated network of amazing Blue School teachers, administrators and friends.”

—Michelle, Parent of Mila, 4

What a year. In August, before we collectively jumped into our work with children, I took a few moments to talk with teachers about a recent study of behaviors during the extreme sport of adventure racing. Adventure racing requires teams of four to be dropped off in an unknown destination, hands them a map, and tells them they have up to 10 days to reach another destination on the map. The key conditions of the race? Teammates must stay within 100 feet of one another at all times, or the group is disqualified. Daniel Wilson, from Harvard’s Project Zero, has studied winners of these events, and found a few key insights: • Winning team members used more conditional language, balancing certainty and doubt. The losing teams used decisive language 70% of the time; the winning teams used conditional language that same amount.

• Winning team members were often found extremely close together, even physically touching, as they plotted next steps.

• Winning team members shared responsibility for the map equally, rather than just one person. The knowledge the group gained that helped them win the race was knowledge of the collective, rather than of the individual.

Last summer, I chose this rather strange concept to illustrate the critical nature of collaboration at Blue School, the centrality of the idea that the combination of our collaborative ownership of the map to get us to our destination, our humility and courage in our work, and our sticktuitiveness, will get us farther than we ever could have traveled on our own.

During last year’s adventure race, we—our community of supporters, our faculty and staff, our families, and of course the children—came so far. Among other incredible accomplishments, we graduated our first class of 5th graders who have moved on to excellent schools across the city, secured a facility for expansion at 233 Water Street, solidified our staffing structure, galvanized our parent community to achieve our highest levels of giving for our Annual Fund, launched and secured the large part of our capital campaign, and even more firmly established our reputation as a NYC school of choice. These accomplishments are because of the choices we share each day to engage, question, and support one another.

As you read through this document, please know how important your participation has been in the past, take credit for our shared successes, and remember how critical that participation remains in our future.

We are so glad you are with us on the journey.

Allison Gaines Pell Head of School

01

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

—Helen Keller

Dear Blue School Community, This was a momentous year for Blue School: We graduated our first class of fifth graders, and we committed to expand into middle school. These are two critical goals that we have been striving for since the school’s inception in 2006–2007.

Each step of the way, we’ve used Blue School’s bold mission and vision to guide every decision.

Community and collaboration were defined as key pillars when we founded Blue School. Establishing Blue School in the educational and economic landscapes today has required courage and dedication from every community member. Your trust and partnership propel us: • The children’s relentless hard work, openness and curiosity to ask big questions and creatively solve these problems inspire us.

• The faculty’s thoughtful planning of an engaging curriculum and commitment to helping each individual child thrive moves us.

• The administrators’ and leaders’ grace and perseverance to use Blue School’s values every day in fulfilling our mission motivates us.

• The families’ care and persistence that Blue School achieves its promise strengthen us.

• The collective action from families and donors, instantly unifying in support when a building opportunity became available, allows us to expand now into middle school!

"Blue School continues to provide my family with a passionate approach to learning and community building that will stay with us forever."

—Peter, parent of Ava Bee, 4 and Miles, 7

We are deeply grateful for the endless efforts and contributions from our community members listed on the pages of this annual report. Because of your belief in us, we are determined more than ever to fulfill Blue School’s vision—for all children. We are thrilled that you are with us on this journey, and we promise to keep it meaningful!

Sincerely,

Renee Rolleri Board Chair and Co-Founder

02

03

Student Projects Completing tasks, projects and other demonstrations of their learning help children at Blue School build self-confidence as well as a sense of responsibility in the community. Within a supportive environment they explore, play, and take small and big risks. With the tools and skills they need, children are given access to a grand exploration of the world, and a way to think through complex problems resulting in creative solutions. Through project work, children actively investigate their interests, discover new ideas and develop their own theories In Kindergarten, the students decided to build a city made out of aluminum cans, which would then be donated at the end of the project to feed hungry New Yorkers. This idea incited inquiry into the concept of mapping, and how to build structures that were stable and safe. A list of what businesses and stores to inlcude sparked ideas about city amenities that exist outside most neighborhoods

04

“It feels really special at Blue School. My heart feels warm inside when I’m at school. I feel really happy here!”

—Siri, age 5 but are still accessible, including a zoo, skating rink and museums.

Explorations in balance, symmetry, building materials and coconstruction came to life in a most magical Can City, complete with sidewalks, a rail system and a riverway.

The fourth grade delved into a deep study of The Odyssey this year, exploring every facet of storytelling around a hero’s journey as well as the day to day life in Greece, including food, clothing, politics and culture. One of the students’ favorite highlights was a visit from graphic novelist, George O’Connor, who was insprired to write books on Olympians and their quests from his own study of Greek myths in fourth grade. Students created giant Odyssey puppets with drama teacher, Drew, and proudly marched them around in a neighborhood parade, dressed in toga’s and singing with music teacher, Anne.

They read excerpts of the story from 37 different versions of the text!

05

Dr. Dan Siegel

Neuroscience

Blue School Revenue 2013–14 Tuition $4,967,856

ology

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Educators Conference Larry Cohen

Parenting

Leadership On November 5, 2013, almost 200 public and private school educators attended Blue School’s second annual Teaching Innovation conference. The theme was “Making/STEAM: unleashing creativity and imagination in schools,” and the workshops focused on tools and practices for integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) David into curriculum. Ainissa Ramirez and Gary Stager were Rock featured speakers, and workshops were led by the Rhode Island School of Design, Beam Center, Construction Kids, The Makery, Pixel Academy and the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS), among others.

5%

Contributions $442,536 Donated Professional Services $437,079

2%

7% 7%

Other $330,924 Special Event Revenue $121,370 (net)

79%

Middle School Capital Campaign— Restricted to 2015–16 $478,007

Education

Blue Notes Speaker Series 2013–14 was the inaugural year for Blue Notes, an ongoing speaker series focused on 21st century education—what it means, what it looks like, and how it’s taking shape at Blue School and other innovative places of teaching and learning.

Parents, educators, nonprofit administrators and other Design attended these events, which featured community members Blue School Advisory Board and Board members Dr. Dan Siegel, David Rock, and Lawrence J. Cohen. The series will continue in spring 2015.

John Maeda 06

Blue School Expenses 2013–14 Program Services $5,751,642 (74.40%) Management & General $1,565,571 (20.25%) Fundraising $413,341 (5.35%) 07

Families Association The Blue School Families Association provides parents with their own organization within Blue School to foster community and support the school in its mission. The 2013–2014 school year was the first year of the Association operating in full capacity, and what a year it was!

Highlights included: the formation of a strong FA Leadership Team, strengthening the class parent infrastructure, improvement of parent communications, creation of an FA website and twitter following, and hosting many of the great events featured on these pages.

FAMILIES ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP: Mark Graham, Co-President Sarah Vincent, Co-President Beth Rogers Barrowcliffe, Vice President, Class Parents Lora Appleton, Vice President, Communications Nele Husman, Vice President, Parent Education Kira Wizner, Treasurer Natasha James, Secretary Jennifer Rapoport / Karla Paola Avila, Volunteer Coordinators

Variety Show The inaugural Blue School Variety Show, Talent Extravaganza!, was inspired by the students of Blue School and became a community-wide production for everyone to enjoy. The performance was an exuberant celebration of many talents, including singing, dancing, tumbling, comedy, and more!

EVENT COMMITTEE: Marina Brolin Feargal Doyle David Fuhrer Mark Graham Nathan Hughes Natasha James

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Maki Kawasaki Jane Keller Andrea Lerner Jason Tang Sarah Vincent

After 2012’s Harvest Fest was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy, 2013’s Festival, Home for the Harvest, was an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and joyous spirit created by our Blue Family after such a blow to our community. We reeled around a live square dance band, enjoyed a delicious, homemade organic lunch, tipped cows, toured the school through an acrostic puzzle, had an intense pie bake off and colored myriad quilt squares. We also raised money for this year’s Festival through the sale of Harvest Fest tees with a quilt logo, which represented our diverse community coming together around a unified commitment to our children.

EVENT COMMITTEE: Susie Lopez, Chairperson Marina Brolin, Printing Andrea Kent, Art Production Zoe Adlersberg, Pie Bake Off Shira Newmark, Student Art Project

Harvest Fest Our 6th Annual Blue School book fair, exclusively curated by parents, brought our school community together to celebrate a love of reading, donating books to classrooms, and picking out gifts for family and friends. The students were visited by Brooklyn-based author, C. Alexander London, who shared highlights of his children’s series. A special thanks to our partners, McNally Jackson, and the incredible committee of parents who brought a true of love of books and learning to this event!

EVENT COMMITTEE: Mo Flinn, Co-chair Kira Wizner, Co-chair Marina Brolin Amanda Leff

Annah Pelin Caedlighe Paolucci Ilaria Woodward

Book Fair 09

2013–2014 Annual Fund

Grandfriends Day

Participating in the Annual Fund is the foundation for partnering with Blue School to fulfill its mission. In 2013–2014, our community broke all previous records in total amount raised and participation levels. Eighty-seven percent of our current parents made contributions to the fund, along with one hundred percent staff and trustees.

Significant support also came from external Blue School enthusiasts, including local small businesses, extended family members, foundations and corporations. We celebrate these achievements with you in deepest gratitude!

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS

On December 6, 2014, grandparents, relatives, and other special friends visited Blue School for the first annual Grandfriends Day. Grandfriends spent the morning experiencing Blue School classrooms with the children before enjoying brunch in the commons where they took part in a community art project.

Zoe Adlersberg Kathy and Steven Alecia Belgies Anan and Lycourgos Tsirakis Kathryn Appleby Johnson and Peter Johnson Lora and JJ Appleton Jeni Ardizzone-West Bruce Arnold Ashleigh Arrell and Andrew Creighton Malene Austin Karla Avila Robredo and Juan Carlos Artigas Angela Badamo and Andrew Burdess Joanna and Thomas Bailey Laura Bailyn and Nicholas Diamand Markus Bannert and Thomas Birer Wenleyen and Adam Barone Hae Won and John Baumann Brandi Beck and Andrew Rosen Marlon Bernard Veronica Bertran and Barry Zucker Ali and Cass Bird Rachel and Nicolas Blewitt Amy Blumberg Cynthia Bogdanovich Carla and Austin Bowker Blakely Braniff Marina Brolin-D’Urso and Gary D’Urso Lee Ann Brown and Anthony Torn Suzanne Brown and Chris Calabia Jennifer Cain Ian Candy Amy Carlson and Syd Butler Jamie and David Caro Nila Castro Kathi Castro and Michael Kudler Catharine Chang and Hooni Kim Michelle Cheuvront Solin Cho and Aart Pieter Schouten Anne Cohen Jill and Serge Cohen

Wendy Cole Livia Corona and David Benjamin Mari Pilar and Pele Cortizo-Burgess Emma and Sean Culbert Ananda and Kai Cutter Gretchen Dean and Eric Fish Molly Degesero Ashley Semrick DesRochers Taye Diggs Molly Dodin Claudia Duarte and Alan Geller Anita Durst and Rick Kariolic Sian Edwards-Beal and David Beal Ellen Ehrenkranz Kate Engelbrecht and Jed Walentas Piglet Evans and Matthew Cavalletto Doris Evans Jonathan Farmer Kate Farrell and Jonathan Fraser Shanon and Nael Farsakh Karla and Matthew Fernandes-Vogel Stacy Fischer and David Schoenberger Izabela and Kevin Frank Nadia and John Gagnier Kathleen Galek and James Lawry Amanda and Nicholas Gelber Luciana and Henrique Gendre Freda Gimpel Jeffrey Goff Jenny Golden and Steven LaMorte Robert Goodman Michelle and Mark Graham Gilbert Grimmet Jr. Sophie and Jan Henrik Gudmundson Yen Ha and Richard Tesler Leslie and Jerry Hanweck Violaine Harris and David Fuhrer Emily Hartzell and Leslie Nuchow Ciara Hedderman

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2013–2014 Annual Fund Cont’d Samantha Hite and Jared Holz Tara Holmes Kate Horton Elsie Hsieh and Joong Choi Ashley and Nathan Hughes Nele Husmann and Thomas Jahn Erin and Michael Isakov Natasha and Michael James Rich Jenkins Kristen Johnson Christine Jones and Dallas Roberts Lorena and Felipe Jordao Heather Jupiter Lisa Kaye Sara and Thomas Kearney Jane Keller David Kelly Anne Kenan and David Perrin Andrea Kent and Matthew Klein Valerie Killen Rebecca Kim and Dwight Yoo Megan Kinney and Martin Gooding Rachel Kirby Elizabeth Krajewski and Jason Colvin Anjali Kumar and Atul Sharma Erika and Benson Kutrieb Sophie Laird Amanda Leff and Michael Burstein Donna Lennard Ana Beatriz Lerario Geller and Robert Geller Andrea Lerner and Sebastiaan Bremer Karen Levenberg Alexandra Levinsohn and Stian Nilsen Sasha Levinson-Bellanca and Todd Bellanca Sivan Lewin Jonah Lichtash Keren Lilu Natalie Lindsey and Bruce Hamann Nancy Lipin and Michael O’Brien Sabrina Little and Bill Swartz Bindu and Vishal Lokre Mariangela Lopez Jacqueline Luxenberg Patricia Lynch Coleen and Paul Maguire Asma Malik Salmon and Kevin Salmon Louisa Marrs and Matthew Dilmaghani Jennifer and Peter Masterson Jeanette and Skip Mattson Paulina and Thomas McDonnell Michele McElfresh-Chou and Herbert Chou Megan McLarney and Daniel Lefcourt Melissa Michalak and Jeremy Wolff Sarah Michelson and Colin Rusch Emily Miller and Daniel Levy Jocelyn Miller and David Shulman Lauren Miller

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Aaron and Ross Millhiser Judy Minor Lauren Monaco Lindsay and Alexander More Nisbett Paul Murillo Bridget Murphy and Kay Vorderwuelbecke Shira Newmark Tanja Norwood and Eric Huang Jennifer Ogg Anna Padgett and Michael Littleton Monica Palma Vidula Pant and Rohyt Belani Mo and Steven Paolini Caedlighe and Christophor Paolucci Julie and Nicholaos Papadopoulos Cristina and Samir Patel Mara Pauker Annah Pelin Marisol and Ethan Penner Drew Petersen Diana Pisani Kimberly Pittman and Robert Saxner Dot Portella Diana and Dan Projansky Amanda Pron Jennifer and Boris Rapoport Maureen Reilly Randi Reinhold Harriet Richards Lisa and David Rock Elizabeth Rogers and Julian Barrowcliffe Renee Rolleri and Matt Goldman Ruth Root and Nicholas Butterworth Rozanne Rosenberg Lisa Rubisch and Ian Kerner Kate and Ken Ruck Patricia Sanguedo and Eric Baker Oskar Saville-Doyle Feargal Doyle Jennifer and Micah Scarpelli Henriette Scherer and Marc LoPresti Gaia Schermerhorn and Blake Rayne Jamie Schissel Chloe Scott-Giry Nancy Simko Jennifer and Phil Stanton Alexandra Starr and Erez Kalir Gloria Starr and Stuart Starr Laura Stein and David Mattson Sarah Teale and Gordon Chaplin Elizabeth Thompson and Tim White Kari Thorstensen and Joel Hinman Juli Tolleson Nycz and Matthew Nycz Robin Tost Kathryn Traynor Roberta Trentin and Sean Murphy Rebecca Trump and John Payne Janaina Tschape

Aimee Van Dyne and Steven Tillem Michelle Vanassa Carrie Vaughn Mariana Vera and Christopher Bren Sarah and John Vincent Kathleen Ward Harvey Ware Emily Weger Sara Weinstein and Emil Martone Paola Weintraub and Nick Gomez Dawn Williams and Marty Fluger Marie Wilson Jody and Seth Wilson Jen and Chris Wink Kira and Jake Wizner Lisa Wolman Rebecca Wood and Josh Tyrangiel Ilaria and Adam Woodward Ann Young and Michael Guerrero Maggie Young Elizabeth Yow and Steven Hicks Samantha and Scott Zinober Karen Zippler and Anthony Ward Ilham Zoughi and Sriram Venkataraman

CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS Allied Partners Management LLC AmazonSmile Artspace Marketplace Durst Organization Goldman Sachs Matching Gifts Program Google Matching Gifts Program JP Morgan Matching Gifts Program Lilah Hilliard Family Foundation Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Moody’s Matching Gifts Program Noz Food Services NY International Children’s Film Festival Shadow Infirmary Productions Spray Foundation

BLUE SCHOOL would like to extend a very special thank you to the Parent Fundraising Committee, who worked in partnership with the Board Development Committee and Development Department to infuse a sense of pride and joy in our fundraising campaigns. Your time, energy and passion are what made these intiatives so successful this year!

PARENT FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE Erin Isakov & Bridget Murphy, Co-Chairs Committee: Angela Badamo Suzanne Brown Nick Diamand Megan Mclarney Mo Paolini

SPECIAL THANKS FOR IN-KIND SERVICES Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP, whose on-going pro bono support has helped make Blue School a reality.

We appreciate everyone who supported the Annual Fund. If we have inadvertently left out a name, please accept our sincerest apologies, and contact our office at jeffg@blueschool.org.

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SPRING FLING SUPPORTERS

Spring Fling: Queen of the Night

On April 10, 2014, parents, faculty, staff and friends celebrated Blue School with an evening at Queen of the Night, the smash hit show directed by Blue School parent, Christine Jones. Guests enjoyed a wholly interactive entertainment experience—a fusion of design, music, theater, circus, dancing, food and drink—while celebrating our community and supporting Blue School. Auctioneer CK Swett returned to headline our live auction and Blue School parent Sunnery James DJ’d our dance party. It was a magical evening and we are thankful to everyone who joined us at the event!

BENEFIT COMMITTEE Christine Jones, Creative Director Erin Isakov, Co-Chair Bridget Murphy, Co-Chair Marina Brolin, Graphic Design Wendy Cole, Online Auction Co-Chair Angela Badamo, Online Auction Co-Chair Nathan Hughes, Event Production Ashley Hughes, Event Production Kate Horton, Website and Social Media Suzanna Brown, Parent Liaison

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Megan McLarney, Parent Liaison Mo Paolini, Parent Liaison Claudia Duarte, Silent Auction Caedlighe Paolucci, Auction Support Blakely Braniff, Director of Development Jeff Goff, Assistant Director of Development Zoe Adlersberg, Photography Special Thanks: Sian Edwards-Beal, Mark Graham, Sarah Vincent, Beth Rogers & Jennifer Rapoport for their time and leadership!

Acqua Zoe Adlersberg All Good Things Belgies Anan and Lycourgos Tsirakis Shannon and Patrick Andersen Lora and JJ Appleton Jeni Ardizzone-West Ark Seafood Bruce Arnold Ashleigh Arrell and Andrew Creighton Malene Austin Angela Badamo and Andrew Burdess Laura Bailyn and Nicholas Diamand Samantha and Malcom Baker Markus Bannert and Thomas Birer Barbalu Jay Barbeau Barnes & Noble Tracy Barry Mario Batali Hae Won and John Baumann Kevin Baxley Brandi Beck and Andrew Rosen Bhoomki Clothing Ali and Cass Bird Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Blue Man Group Las Vegas Blue Man Productions Amy Blumberg Sophie Boesen and Eric Hader Paulette Boudreaux Carla and Austin Bowker Marina Brolin-D’Urso and Gary D’Urso Brooklyn School of Languages Lee Ann Brown and Anthony Torn Suzanne Brown and Chris Calabia Hal Buch Buckminster Fuller Institute c’est beau photo Lisa Cangiolosi Amy Carlson and Syd Butler Jamie and David Caro Carpets by Dilmaghani Kathi Castro and Michael Kudler Joseph Cela Catharine Chang and Hooni Kim Michelle Cheuvront Citywide Cleaning Claudio Christen Clayworld

Jill and Serge Cohen Wendy Cole Competitive Advantage Cowgirl Seahorse Cozy Cuts for Kids Creative Cookie Cross Fire Securities Leigh Crystal Emma and Sean Culbert Ananda and Kai Cutter Dashing Diva Gretchen Dean and Eric Fish Phil Dempsey Kathrynn Diallio Dick’s Cut Rate Hardware Ann and Tom DiMarco DJ Kai Song Sovina Doan and Erez Sabag Molly Dodin Downtown Dance Factory Claudia Duarte and Alan Geller Anita Durst and Rick Kariolic Eagle Street Farms Sian Edwards-Beal and David Beal Dean Eisen Emily Thompson Flowers Wendy Ettinger Kate Farrell and Jonathan Fraser fiftytwo showroom Figue Fine Art Frameworks Martina Finnegan Fire and Building Code Services Stacey Fischer and David Schoenberger Flatbush Farm For Eyes Darryl Fowler Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC Fresh Salt Fulton Market Nadia and John Gagnier Allison Gaines-Pell and Ben Pell Amanda and Nicholas Gelber Emily Generous Dara Genesi Ira Gilbert Gilded Age GK Framing Amber and Harry Gold Ginny Gold Jenny Golden and Steven LaMorte Good Home Company Damon Gorton Michelle and Mark Graham

Graystone Consulting Greenwich Hotel Greenwich Treehouse Sara Gubins and Michael Bijaoui Half Pint Will Hanisch Leslie and Jerry Hanweck Violaine Harris and David Fuhrer Harry Gold Art Emily Hartzell and Leslie Nuchow Heather and Mark Jupiter Nicole Helfant Jessica Hooks Howard Hughes Corporation Ashley and Nathan Hughes Nele Husmann and Thomas Jahn Jonathon Hutt Jennifer Hwang I Beam Construction il Buco Imagine Swimming Inspiration FX Erin and Michael Isakov Natasha and Michael James Jaunt NY Jen Wink Studio Jenny Romanelli Jill Platner Jewelry Kat Johnson and James Yu Christine Jones and Dallas Roberts Jr. Explorers Club Karma Kids Samantha Katz Jen and Jerome Katz Lisa Kaye Lauren Kaye Sara and Thomas Kearney Jane Keller Kenneth Chen Photography Ian Kerner Andrea Kerzner and David McNamara Matthew Kim Michele Kim Rebecca Kim and Dwight Yoo H. Sujin Kim kinder MODERN King Cole Bar & Salon at Regis Hotel Megan Kinney and Martin Gooding Elizabeth Krajewski and Jason Colvin Doutzen Kroes and Sunnery Gorre Kula Yoga Amanda Leff and Michael Burstein Lemon Sky Donna Lennard Ana Beatriz Lerario Geller and Robert Geller Andrea Lerner and Sebastian Bremer

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Larry Levien Alexandra Levinsohn and Stian Nilsen Sabrina Little and Bill Swartz Kristen Lloyd and Guenter Knop Suzanne and Rene Lopez Luggage Forward Lululemon Lisa Lyons Made Fresh Daily Magic Mix Juicery Marina Brolin Design Mark Joseph Steakhouse Mark Jupiter Design Louisa Marrs and Matthew Dilmaghani Jennifer and Peter Masterson Michele McElfresh-Chou and Herbert Chou Jocko Mckean Megan McLarney and Daniel Lefcourt Meg Shops Idina Menzel MHW, Ltd. Melissa Michalak and Jeremy Wolff Emily Miller and Daniel Levy Aaron and Ross Millhiser Miniluu Judy Minor Gerry Miovski Peter Muller Bridget Murphy and Kay Vorderwuelbecke Music For Aardvarks Paula Myers New Victory Theatre Tanja Norwood and Eric Huang NYC Guitar School Tia and William Obering Vidula Pant and Rohyt Belani Caedlighe and Christophor Paolucci Julie and Nicholaos Papadopoulos Sarah Parker Rosse and Charlie Rosse Pasanella & Sons Cristina and Samir Patel Kevin Paul Annah Pelin Pell Overton Architecture Peridance Edmund Piccolino Donna Pike-Smith Kimberlly Pittman and Robert Saxner Ronnie Planalp

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Play On! Studios Stomping Ground Photo Lauren Powell STREB Public Theatre Emily Stromdahl Liana and Geoffrey Quelle Susan Alexandra Qweerk Photography Sandy Tabatznik and Mark Cohen R & R Coffee Taste Buds Rag & Bone Richard Taylor Raizes do Brasil Capoeira TBD Architecture Nancy Randall and Paul Kholodny The Creative Kitchen Jennifer and Boris Rapoport The Samana Project RB Capoeira Elizabeth Thompson and Tim Reading in Preschool White Jim Reichardt Kari Thorstensen and Joel Hinman Richards/Climan, Inc. Tone Academy Rinaldi Pilates Rebecca Trump and John Payne Robofun Janaina Tschape Lisa and David Rock Aimee Van Dyne Dyne And Steven Renee Rolleri and Matt Goldman Tillem Jenny Romanelli Mariana Vera and Christopher Steven Rosandich Bren Anna Roy Sarah and John Vincent Kate and Ken Ruck Will Walter Janet Saetta Warby Parker Juditha Sakinosky Paola Weintraub and Nick Gomez Heidi Saltalamacchia Ari Weiss Patricia Sanguedo and Eric Baker Wendy Muse Greenwood LLM Oskar Saville-Doyle and Westland School Feargal Doyle Westside Pilates Jennifer and Micah Scarpelli Willie Mae Ladies Rock Camp Henriette Scherer LoPresti Jody and Seth Wilson and Marc LoPresti Steve Wilson Gaia Schermerhorn and Jen and Chris Wink Blake Rayne Kira and Jake Wizner Melanie Schnoll-Begun and Joshua Wolfe Richard Begun Lisa Wolman Amy Schreiber Ilaria and Adam Woodward Joshua Schwartz Yigal Azrouel Serput Yoga Shanti Angela Sheen Jihae Youn Walter Shepard Claire Younker Moe Robert Sherman Elizabeth Yow and Steven Hicks John Silberman Samantha and Scott Zinober Steve Simkin Karen Zippler and Tony Ward Norman Sloane Ilham Zoughi and Sriram Smart Sitting Venkataraman Solid Fire Consulting Randi Song and Lars Schlichting Speak Out New York Marilyn Stahl Standard Hotel Jennifer and Phil Stanton Laura Stein and David Mattson Jeremy Sterrit Steven Alan Showroom Susanne and Vernon Steward Blue School alum DJ Kai kicked off our Alice Stock student dance party and silent auction, featuring several Grandfriends who joined us on the dance floor!

Field Day The first Annual Blue School Field Day took place on June 12, 2014.

The entire Blue School community travelled by ferry to Governor’s Island to play games outside and enjoy each other’s company before parting ways for the summer.

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Middle School Expansion + Capital Campaign In the spring of 2014, Blue School announced its expansion into middle school, with plans to welcome the first 6th grade class in the fall of 2015! The decision to expand was a realization of a founding goal to create a more complete, balanced and exuberant approach to education, and extend our unique approach from early childhood through the middle school years. To accommodate the first wave of middle school students, Blue School secured 233 Water Street, the building immediately south and adjacent to our flagship location at 241 Water Street. Renovations to this facility will include the creation of classrooms, science and arts spaces, as well as a rooftop garden and play space.

Making Middle School Capital Campaign: Supporters from our parent body as well as outside donors came together in a huge show of support to fund our expansion into 233 Water Street!

The quiet campaign secured $1.3M towards our $1.5M fundraising goal, which set the stage for launching the public campaign at our Spring Fling event. During our live auction, we raised an additional $110,000 towards the fund! We plan to complete this campaign during the 2014–15 school year as we prepare to welcome our first 6th grade class.

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MAKING MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS: Shannon and Patrick Anderson The Bannert-Birer Family Dancing Tides Foundation The D’Urso Family The Daniel M. and Bente S. Lyons Foundation The Mitchell Family in Memory of Elinor Mitchell

It is with deep gratitude that we thank the many families and individuals who donated generously to the campaign and choose to remain anonymous. Your contributions made a huge impact on Blue School’s ability to commit to this next phase of evolution!

MAKING MIDDLE SCHOOL LIVE AUCTION SUPPORTERS: Belgies Anan and Lycourgos Tsirakis Lora and JJ Appleton Ashleigh Arrell and Andrew Creighton Sian Edwards-Beal and David Beal Melanie Schnoll-Begun and Richard Begun Marina Brolin and Gary D’Urso Sovina Doan and Erez Sabag Dean Eisen Stacy Fischer and David Schoenberger Erin and Michael Isakov Megan Kinney and Martin Gooding Donna Lennard Susie and Rene Lopez

Lisa Lyons Jillian and Pete Muller Bridget Murphy and Kay Vorderwuelbecke Tanja Norwood and Eric Huang Jennifer and Boris Rapoport Lisa & David Rock Renee Rolleri and Matt Goldman Sarah Parker Rosse and Charlie Rosse Doron Sabag Jennifer and Phil Stanton Paola Weintraub and Nick Gomez Lisa Wolman

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Graduation On June 12, Blue School parents, staff and Founders came together to celebrate our first graduating class of fifth graders. The ceremony featured the six graduates reading heartfelt letters to one another and a surprise rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” from the 4th Grade students. Our graduates went on to attend some of the best public and private middle schools in NYC in NYC, and are the inaugural members of our alumni association, Contineo.

“Curiosity is what you need to take action.”

—James, age 10

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BLUE SCHOOL FACULTY

BLUE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Kay Bermudez, 3s Cynthia Bogdanovich, 2nd Grade Jennifer Cain, 3rd Grade Anne Cohen, Music Specialist Molly DeGesero, Kindergarten Val DuVal, Physical Arts Specialist Jonathan Farmer, 1st Grade Gilbert Grimmet, Jr., 3rd Grade Ciara Hedderman, 3s Tara Holmes, 2s Amy Hwang, Music Specialist Rich Jenkins, Kindergarten Kristen Johnson, 3s Heather Jupiter, 4s Valerie Killen, 3s Rachel Kirby, 3s Sophie Laird, 4s Karen Levenberg, 4s Jonah Lichtash, 4s Keren Lilu, 5th Grade Mariangela Lopez, Movement and Dance Specialist Lauren Monaco, Studio Arts Specialist Shira Newmark, Floater Jennifer Ogg, 2s Anna Padgett, 4s Monica Palma, Spanish Teacher Mara Pauker, Kindergarten Drew Petersen, Drama Specialist Diana Pisani, 2nd Grade Amanda Pron, 1st Grade Maureen Reilly, 4th Grade Randi Reinhold, 2nd Grade Rozanne Rosenberg, 2nd Grade Ashley Semrick, 4th Grade Nancy Simko, Kindergarten Rebecca Timmus, 3s Katie Traynor, 4s Carrie Vaughn, Science & Sustainability Emily Weger, 1st Grade Dot Woo, 3rd Grade Maggie Young, 1st Grade

Allison Gaines Pell, Head of School Jeni Ardizzone-West,

Executive Director/Business Development

Bruce Arnold,

Consulting School Psychologist

Marlon Bernard, Interim Director of Finance

Blakely Braniff,

Director of Development

Ian Candy, IT Coordinator Linda Chang, Literacy and Learning Specialist

Molly Dodin, Admissions Playgroup Teacher & Outreach

Jeff Goff,

Assistant Director of Development

Kate Horton,

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Ashley Hughes, Director of Operations David Kelly,

Director of Studies for Lower Grades

Patricia Lynch,

Director of Studies for Upper Grades

Lauren Miller, Administrative Assistant Paul Murillo, Security Harriet Richards,

Child Development Specialist

Moshea Rease, Receptionist Chloe Scott-Giry,

Assistant Director of Admissions

Walter Shepard, Facility Manager Michelle Vanassa, Office Manager Harvey Ware,

Building & Security Supervisor

Dawn Williams, Director of Admissions Maria Zepeda, Receptionist

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