New York City
ANNUAL REPORT
2009-10
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
GUGLIELMO MARCONI
L
a Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi is the only school in North America that provides a classical, bilingual education rooted in the Italian and European traditions. It was founded in 1977 by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet the academic needs of Italians living in the New York City area. Thanks to an ever increasing interest from American families, La Scuola has grown into a unique bilingual educational institution, from the Preschool level through Liceo (grades 9-12), reflecting the best features of the Italian and American instruction systems.
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
La Scuola is committed to providing a thorough multicultural education to foster international understanding and openness in order to prepare students to become citizens of the world. The challenging bilingual curriculum, deeply rooted in the European tradition, offers an intensive academic program that encompasses both the Italian and the American cultures and is open to scientific and technological innovations.
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La Scuola d’Italia is legally recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education and chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York as a private, independent co-educational American school. It is also a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools and the Guild of Independent Schools.
Rooted in Tradition
OPEN TO INNOVATION
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAIRMAN
HONORARY PRESIDENT
MEMBERS
Stephen Madsen, Esq. Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore
H.E. Ambassador Alessandro Cortese de Bosis
VICE CHAIRMAN
MEMBER EMERITA
Ambassador Daniele Bodini Chairman, American Continental Properties & Ambassador to the UN for the Republic of San Marino
Stefano Acunto President, CINN Worldwide, Inc.
Matilda Raffa Cuomo Founder & Chairman, Mentoring USA
SECRETARY
EX-OFFICIO
Piera Palazzolo Falzone Senior Vice President Marketing Dale Carnegie Training
Minister Francesco Maria Talò Consul General of Italy Prof. Anna Fiore Headmistress
Joanna Crispi, Esq. Consuelo Di Muccio PTA Representative Fabrizio Ferri Photographer Richard Marotta, Ph.D. Headmaster, Garden School Marco Martella US Representative of Banca d’Italia
Hon. Dominic R. Massaro Justice, Supreme Court of New York Jason DeSena Trennert Managing Partner, Chief Investment Strategist Strategas Research Partners, LLC Francesca Verga, M.D. Prof. Ethyle R. Wolfe VP Emerita, Brooklyn College, CUNY in memoriam Baroness Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò Founder, Casa Italiana ZerilliMarimò New York University
FACULTY AND STAFF
2009-2010
Pia Pedicini Deputy Head of School & Director of Admissions
THE TEACHERS Anna Bartocci Federica Berto Maria A. Cinquemani Salvatore Castronovo Luigi Cavandoli Rosaria Crisafi Andreina Colarullo Evelyn Cheung Myriam Dal Dosso Antonia Di Maggio Rosa Di Maggio Aimee Freedman Felton
Jose Rubiera Chiara Senatore Jeanette Stewart Oriana Stracuzzi Simona Tarchiani Nikos Tzavaras Christina Tobajas Cynthia Ungaro Jillian Waldman
THE ASSISTANT TEACHERS Serafina Ferranti Giovanna Gambino Migena Jonif Rita Grimaldi
THE STAFF Rosanna Cervone Jane Elkoff Joan Faughnan Mary Jones Filomena Lavermicocca Deborah Lazarus Leonora McClernan Paola Migani Adriana Rivas Ismael Ruiz Paola Serrone Astrit Tena
Annual Report 2009-10
Dott.ssa Anna Fiore Headmistress
Augusta Fleischer Mary Giaimo Spiro Gouras Giannalisa Klein Alessandra Montalbano Marisa Lo Magno Petrika Melo Father Victor Muzzin Christine Morga Marta Pettenella Nels Pierce Ilenia Pitti Michael Prater Linda Randolph
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
THE ADMINISTRATION
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PARENT ASSOCIATION (PA)
La Scuola d’Italia warmly thanks the P.A. association for the outstanding program implemented throughout the year. The P.A. not only organized a variety of successful fund raising events, but also helped La Scuola develop new projects, such as the Theater Fund for the Media and Liceo, the Incontri Series, the 96th Street 7th floor renovation project. The renovation included the purchase of new books and furniture for the library as well as beautiful plants for the terrace.
SEPTEMBER: Welcome Breakfast for all families. School Directory co-sponsored with administration Donation - Elementary Facility Renovation OCTOBER: Columbus Day Parade collaboration with administration NOVEMBER: Wine Tasting Fundraiser Pepolino Restaurant
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
DECEMBER: Donation - Incontri Event Holiday Parties Donation Appliances – Elementary Teacher’s Room Donation – Media/Liceo Theater Lights and Microphones
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JANUARY: Parent Fundraising Dinner – Diamond/Petochi Families and Pepolino Restaurant La Scuola Bags/Harvest Sale Fundraiser Donation Video Screen – Media/Liceo
FEBRUARY: Donation – Bruno Munari Workshop Welcome Party – Exchange Students from Liceo Farnesina, Rome Carnevale Parties Donation Carnevale Cakes – Settepani Bakery MARCH: Donation – Cortesi Puppet Show Donation Books – Project Cicero Pampered Chef Fundraiser APRIL: Dad’s Night Out Fundraiser – Tiro a Segno Earth Day Fundraiser Donation – Plants Elementary Terraces Donation - Earth Day Classroom Supplies MAY: Mother’s Day Fundraiser – Delson/Venderbush Home School Uniforms Sale Fundraiser Italian Book Sale Fundraiser Donation – DJ for Media School Dance Donation – Yearbook JUNE: Donation/Creation Parent Association Theater Fund Donation Library – Italian Books
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE NEW PA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR THE 2010-2011 ACADEMIC YEAR President - Patrizia Saglio Del Gatto 3rd Grade 2010-2011 Vice President - Veronika Balakhovsky 8th Grade & 10th Grade 2010-2011 Communications Director - Eleonora Corradi-Marchesi 3rd Grade 2010-2011 & Bevin Trennert 3rd Grade 2010-2011 Treasurer - Teresa Tarillo 2nd Grade 2010-2011
Executive Committee 2009-2010 PRESIDENT Consuelo Di Muccio VICE PRESIDENT Marina Bianchi Graziani COMMUNICATIONS Joanna Delson Venderbush Antonella Fongaro Gallo TREASURER Joanne Sarro Borini
Committees WELCOMING Damaris Niedermann FUNDRAISING PROJECTS Marina Bianchi Graziani DIRECTORY Antonella Fongaro YEARBOOK Consuelo Di Muccio FACILITY COMMITTEE Joanne Delson PROGETTO CICERO AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS Raffaella Sudsataya PARENTS LEAGUE REP Caitlin Macy CULTURAL EVENTS Alessandra Ferri MARKETING David Luna SPORTS Susanna McCance CARNIVAL AND ARTISTIC PROJECTS Lucretia Moroni
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dear Friends
July 17, 2010
OF LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA:
Enclosed is our Annual Report, covering the 2009-2010 school year. This is our annual communication to parents, faculty and friends of La
Scuola d’Italia so that all can see where we are and how we are doing.
As you will see, it has been a good and successful year. Our justgraduated liceo class will attend several fine colleges. Our scuola media has promoted its eighth grade class to liceo, and our lower school divisions (maternal and elementare) are thriving.
A successful school year like this one depends on the efforts of many people, including Preside Fiore and Mrs. Pedicini, our resourceful and hardworking teachers, our dedicated staff, the energetic leaders and members of our Parents Association, our distinguished friends at the Consulate General and other offices of the Government of Italy, and, of course, our beloved students. I hope you will join me in congratulating all of the administration, faculty and staff for a job well done. This brings to them, and to all of you, thanks and gratitude from all the members of the Board of Trustees for all of
Sincerely yours,
Stephen S. Madsen Chairman, on behalf of the Board of Trustees
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
With very best regards,
Annual Report 2009-10
your efforts on behalf of La Scuola d’Italia.
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FROM THE HEADMISTRESS
Dear La Scuola
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
It is with great pleasure that I am proud to share with you this second edition of La Scuola d’Italia Annual Report, which illustrates the richness and variety of activities and projects that we were able to carry out during this outstanding and successful academic year.
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Once again our students, like young ambassadors of the Italian language and culture, have participated in several events implemented in conjunction with the other Italian Government institutions and organizations, such as the Columbus Day Parade, the Week of the Italian Language at the Italian Cultural Institute, the Week of Remembrance at the Consulate General of Italy. They beautifully performed the national Anthems at both the June 2nd National Day celebrations at the Embassy of Italy in Washington D.C. and at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Working together with our committed and dedicated Teachers and Staff, a broad variety of academic project-researches have been undertaken during the course of this year, such as an action research on bilingualism at the preschool level, a research study on the Reggio Emilia preschool model, curriculum revisions at the Elementary and Middle school level according to the Italian “Indicazioni curricolari 2007”. We have also organized two professional days for our Teachers and some workshops, such as the Burattini Cortesi puppetry class, the Bruno Munari
July 27, 2010 FAMILIES, FACULTY, STAFF AND FRIENDS, books workshop, the Reggio Emilia workshop, this latter with the participation of 28 teachers from other New York schools. The Liceo “Progetto Trasversale” on the Ecology of Mind engaged all our High school students in grades 9-12, who prepared thorough projects and papers on this interdisciplinary topic, developing their ability in establishing connections and relationships among concepts and disciplines. The Progetto Trasversale inspired a theatrical performance that was represented by our Liceo students on March 12th at the Gala Benefit Dinner and on May 27th at the End of the Year Media and Liceo show. For the second year in February we hosted the Liceo Farnesina students for ten intense days, full of academic and cultural activities as well as visits to the Italian government institutions. Our 11th and 12th grade students are now looking forward to going to Rome in November 2010 and to see again their friends from the V Liceo who participated in the exchange program last February. Thanks to the help, enthusiasm and support of our wonderful families, we were able to organize the second cultural event for the series “Incontri, “ showcasing Andrea Griminelli and Luca Zingaretti at Industria Superstudio. We are very grateful to Alessandra Ferri and Fabrizio Ferri, who were once again instrumental in the organization of this outstanding event. Our Middle School and Liceo students met at La Scuola several Italian writers and protagonists of today’s Italy, such as Valeria Parrella, Lia Levi, Valerio Manfredi, Davide Rondoni, Daniele Mastrogiacomo, Don Luigi Ciotti. These encounters were organized thanks to the collaboration with other institutions, such as the Italian Cultural Institute, the Centro Primo Levi, Europa Books, Penn Festival. Our Gala Benefit Dinner, thanks to the presence of H.E. Ban Ki-moon and other high dignitaries, has
I am very grateful to our Board Members for their generosity towards la Scuola and its scholarship fund and for identifying and approaching prospective major donors, In particular I am glad to thank and to acknowledge Ambassador Daniele Bodini, our Gala Honoree, who once again has contributed through his Alexander Bodini Foundation to benefit our Middle School and Liceo Division. Thanks to the help and guidance of our Board of Trustees, two important agreements have been signed between la Scuola d’Italia and two prestigious Universities: the first one with the John Cabot University in Rome and the second one with the University for Foreigners of Perugia. I warmly thank our Chairman of the Board Stephen Madsen, Esq, for his enlightened guidance, assistance and constant support throughout the year, and our Vice Chairman of the Board Stephen Acunto, who was instrumental in the agreement with John Cabot University. With deep appreciation, I would like to thank La Scuola Faculty and Staff for their precious and invaluable work of educators. In particular I am pleased to acknowledge our Deputy Headmistress Ms. Pia Pedicini for her indefatigable commitment towards La Scuola and each single family, and our Division Heads for their hard work and their patience and enthusiasm: Maria Cinquemani, Aimee Felton, Augusta Fleischer and Michael Prater.
Indeed, we could not have accomplished anything this year without the dedication and support of our tenacious P.A., Parent Association, along with all the parents who contributed so much throughout the academic year. I would therefore like to extend my deepest thanks to all of them for their ongoing commitment. My commitment for the upcoming academic year – following Ban Ki-moon words – is to“continue making La Scuola D’Italia a center for international awareness and understanding, where our students truly become “the change and the future global world leaders”. I hope that all of you will share my vision and“do your part” to fulfill La Scuola goals.
Anna Fiore Head of School Annual Report 2009-10
H.E. Ban Ki-moon has been so kind to send us his remarks for the Gala, and you will find them in this report. What an unforgettable evening!
All La Scuola main goals have been pursued so far also thanks to the strong collaborative commitment of our Consul General Francesco M. Talò and the Educational Director at the Consulate Dott. Alfio Russo.
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
been the most outstanding and rewarding event of the academic year for all of La Scuola community.
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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
2009-10
Revenues Total School Revenue $4,792,976
ITALIAN GRANT 0.5%
MISC. 0.5%
DONATIONS 7%
TUITION AND FEES: Based on 218 full-year students. DONATIONS (INCLUDING GALA): Net Gala proceeds and other contributions. ITALIAN GOVERNMENT GRANT: € 20,000 at applicable exchange rate.
Tuition & Fees $ $4,390,170
92%
Donations (Including Gala) $341,206
Tuition & Fees
Italian Government Grant $29,366
MISCELLANEOUS: Includes interest and other income.
Miscellaneous $32,234
OTHER SCHOOL EXPENSES 4%
Expenses
RESERVE FUND 1%
SALARIES AND RELATED EXPENSES: Includes salaries and wages, payroll taxes and applicable insurance.
Total Expenses $4,792,976
PHYSICAL PLANT: Includes property insurance, building repairs and maintenance, depreciation, mortgage amortization and mortgage interest.
7%
ADMINISTRATIVE & GENREAL
12% Salaries & Related Expenses $3,103,194 Scholarship-Financial Aid $511,810 Physical Plant $576,004
PHYSICAL PLANT
11% SCHOLARSHIPS FNIANCIAL AID
65% SALARIES & RELATED EXPENSES
ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL: Includes Annex and gym rent, student transportation, professional fees and other administrative expenses.
Administrative $340,979
SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL AID: Includes scholarships, financial aid and sibling discounts.
Other School Expenses $190,261
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
Reserve Fund $70,728
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OTHER SCHOOL EXPENSES: Includes various miscellaneous expenses.
Number of students in each level of instruction: 2009/10
RESERVE FUND: Excess revenue over expenses reserved for future use.
120 Pre-School =55
100
Elementary = 94 Middle School = 31
80
60
40
20 0
High School = 38 Total School Population 232 additional 14 students for limited time
THE ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN
ACADEMIC YEAR 2009 / 2010
Why Donate?
This year at our March 12th Gala Benefit Dinner, we had the immense joy of welcoming as our very special guest H.E. Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who highly acknowledged in his thank you remarks the value and the uniqueness of an international education, like that provided by La Scuola d’Italia, the only Italian/English bilingual and bicultural school in North America. Despite La Scuola’s very affordable tuition fees and thanks to our caring and dedicating faculty and staff, we offer our students a rigorous and innovative curriculum preparing them to be tomorrow’s leaders of this globalized world. To continually improve the overall quality of our institution, it is crucial to have the support of our wonderful families and of all our La Scuola Friends. For the 2009-2010 academic year we set forth five main goals, along with detailed objectives for each one of them. The accomplishment of each is an important step that will serve to enrich this high quality education.
YOUR GIFTS WILL HELP US
ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING GOALS
GOAL 1.
GOAL 4.
Enrich and enhance the quality of our educational offering in all 4 divisions:
Continue enhancing the cultural component of La Scuola by developing cultural projects for the students and for La Scuola families and Friends
1A - Implement and develop the bilingualism project: action-research at the pre-school and project with the University of Perugia for the elementary, Middle and High school. 1B - Improvement of the educational environment: acquisition of new books and multimedia aids, furniture renovations, creation of a language lab, more smartboards for all divisions.
GOAL 2. Recruit new students for the 2010-2011 academic year and increase the school visibility. 2A - Creation of a new La Scuola web site. 2B - Advertisement of La Scuola in publications and media, including Italian and American television programs.
GOAL 3.
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
Promote the financial welfare of La Scuola and enhance our fundraising initiative.
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3A - Creation of two scholarship funds: one for our Middle school students and the other for our Liceo/High school students. 3B - Contribution to Personnel Expenses: to increase the salary of our faculty and staff and create new positions, full time business/plant manager, a part time college counselor for our Liceo students. 3C - Contribution to the Financial Aid Assistance.
4A - The cultural programs for our students have included this year projects such as: the Musical Hansel and Gretel for our Middle school students, the performance “The Ecology of Mind” for our Liceo students, The Burattini Cortesi and the Bruno Munari workshops. 4B - The cultural program for adults includes the Incontri series, with the event that took place on December 11, 2009 with Andrea Griminelli and Luca Zingaretti. 4C - Implementing, for the second year, the Exchange program with the Liceo Farnesina in Rome. 4D - Improvement of the After school program for all grade levels, including different sports activities.
THE ANNUAL FUND
2009-2010
La Scuola d’Italia continues to grow by enriching and enhancing its educational offerings, broadening cultural programming, increasing visibility and strengthening recruitment efforts. Support garnered from the Annual Fund has been instrumental in this growth. Making a gift to the Annual Fund is one of the ways you can help the school reach its full potential.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL First Grade Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Barnum Mr. John D. Filice Mr. and Mrs. Yevgeny Fundler Mr. and Mrs. Guido A. J. Mosca Mr. and Mrs. Marco Novello Ms. Diane Filice Pesce Mr. and Mrs. Giuseppe Tarillo Second Grade Mr. and Mrs. Paolo Del Gatto Mr. and Mrs. W. Eric Egan Drs. Eva and Robert Peracchia Mr. and Mrs. John Sussek Mr. and Mrs. Paolo Del Gatto
Third Grade Mr. and Mrs. Moez Doraid Alessandra Ferri and Fabrizio Ferri Mr. and Mrs. Massimo Gaggi Fourth Grade Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Borini Dr. and Mrs. Edmund A. Debler Mr. and Mrs. Valentino Gallo Drs. Eva and Robert Peracchia Mr. and Mrs. Giovanni Zocche
HIGH SCHOOL Ninth Grade Mr. and Mrs. Yakov Balakhovsky Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bellacosa Tenth Grade Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Curbelo Mr. and Mrs. Stuart GareriGoldenberg Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Rojas Ms. Flaminia Spina-Gleizer
MIDDLE SCHOOL Sixth Grade Mr. and Mrs. Przemyslaw Brogi-Skoskiewicz Seventh Grade Mr. and Mrs. Yakov Balakhovsky Mr. and Mrs. Fausto Bernardini Ms. Kathleen Caronna Alessandra Ferri and Fabrizio Ferri Mr. and Mrs. Massimo Gaggi Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Settepani Eighth Grade Mr. and Mrs. Stephen S. Madsen Mr. and Mrs. Dom Serafini Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Settepani Ms. Marcellina Vialetto
FRIENDS OF LA SCUOLA Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Bourdain Ms. Ginevra CaltagironeGuarducci Mr. Rocco Coluccio Mr. Brunello Cucinelli Ms. Silvia Facchini Mr. and Mrs. Scott Healy Ms. Dorothy E. Nicolosi Mr. and Mrs. Mario Nigro Mrs. Carmela D. O'Connell Mr. and Mrs. Luca Orlandi George M. Pavia, Esq. Mr. Leandro P. Rizzuto, Sr. Ms. Isabella Rossellini Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Sandler Rabbi Malcolm Thomson
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
PRESCHOOL PreK-A Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Borini Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Rizzo Mr. and Mrs. Giovanni Zocche PreK-B Mr. and Mrs. Jorge F. Amato Mr. and Mrs. Cesare Onestini PreK-C Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kasser Kindergarten Mr. and Mrs. Carlo di Florio Mr. and Mrs. Philipp Haemmerle Mr. and Mrs. Stefano Maroni Drs. Nina and Mauro Merolle
Annual Report 2009-10
The 2009 – 2010 Annual Fund campaign raised $82,028 in gifts and pledges. We extend our gratitude to the following friends and families who have supported our Annual Fund campaign this year.
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PRE-K
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
ELEMENTARY
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LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2008-09
MEDIE
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
LICEO
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O
REMEMBERING DR. ETHYLE WOLFE
A NOTE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES n behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am deeply saddened to inform you that our longest-serving Trustee, Dr. Ethyle R. Wolfe, passed away on May 6, 2010. With her late husband, Dr. Coleman Hamilton Benedict, Dr. Wolfe was one of the original founders of La Scuola d’Italia and played an instrumental role in developing its unique bilingual and bicultural curriculum. Dr. Wolfe had served as a Trustee of La Scuola since 1980. She played an active role on the Board until shortly before her death, serving for many years as Chair of the Board’s Academic Committee. Dr. Wolfe was a distinguished academic leader at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, having served that institution as Professor of Classics, Chair of the Classics Department, Vice President for Academic Affairs and, ultimately, Provost. A firm believer in the virtue of classical education, Dr. Wolfe served not only as the keeper of the institutional memory of La Scuola d’Italia, but also as guardian of its educational standards and aspirations as well. We mourn her loss. Stephen S. Madsen,
Board of Trustees
THOUGHTS ON EDUCATION
BY DR. ETHYLE WOLFE
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
As an educator and a classicist who has devoted the last fifty years of my life to the advancement of the liberal arts and humanities in the higher education institutions of America and in public discourse across the nation, the importance of recognizing the crucial relationship between the past and the future and of the critical role of memory and hope in guiding the present would be my message to America at the end of the twentieth century.
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While I was honored by President George Bush in 1990 with a national award for contributions to the humanities, my life-long professional study and teaching of the Classics has convinced me that exposure to the Ancient Greek and Roman authors who shaped the education and ideals of the founding fathers must be kept alive in our schools, as they have been for the past 2500 years. It is essential that the richly diverse citizens of the future, native and naturalized, know the primary source and roots of our society’s intellectual values, art forms, literary genres, social institutions, forms of government, and the ethical and educational concepts of our intellectual ancestors of the classical world, from whom America derives its ideal of freedom. In my view from the bridge spanning the millennia and the persistent crisis and unfocussed drift in education at the end of the century, my only hope is that America’s irrepressible and consistent declaration of commitment to the ideal of liberal education will result in the realization or approximation of that ideal. The restoration of the study of the classics can serve as the anchor for a
renaissance of liberal studies in American education and culture. Since the unexamined curriculum is no more worth teaching than “the unexamined life is worth living,” it is possible in a country that has been responsive in reshaping its perspective in the face of new challenges and rapid technological change to come to consensus one judiciously balanced curriculum without having to jettison or attenuate the classical foundation on which the ground floor of America’s cumulative and composite edifice is constructed. Our history demonstrates that formal schooling in our democratic society has always furnished the unifying counterweight to balance and bridge the cherished differences to be found in a multicultural population like ours. In the last analysis, it is only through the education provided our future citizens that we can best reconcile America’s dual allegiance to a plurastic society and to a common national identity, rooted in a common intellectual heritage and the shared purpose of common ideals, exemplified in our national motto, e pluribus unum. The most hopeful and noblest phenomenon represented by America at the end of the twentieth century is the manifestation of a united goal and committed desire to restore a high quality education for all.
Ethyle R. Wolfe Suggestion for the National Time Capsule November 30, 1999
Once again all our 1-12 grade students along with their teachers and some La Scuola Board members including our Chairman Stephen Madsen, Esq., participated in the most colorful, prestigious and picturesque New York parade: the Columbus Day Parade. This year our 4th-5th graders and middle school students, dressed like young sailors, were able to perform some beautiful songs while showing off on the La Scuola d’Italia float. These songs were inspired by the novel "Le tre Caravelle" by Daniela Morelli and were composed by the musician Anna Caterina Cornacchini, who also conducted our student choir. Our Teachers and P.A. Parents worked together very hard in preparing the banners and students’ costumes, making the Parade another success for La Scuola d’Italia.
Annual Report 2009-10
OCTOBER 12, 2009
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
O
COLUMBUS DAY PARADE
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(G.Balla) Mercury Passing in front of the Sun, G.Balla Dinamismo di un cane al guinzaglio
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA INAUGURATES “FUTURISM AND THE 9TH EDITION OF THE WEEK OF THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE IN THE WORLD” AT THE ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE IN NEW YORK
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n October 19th, our La Scuola students had the privilege to inaugurate the “9th Edition of the Week of the Italian Language” at the Italian Cultural Institute. The Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, Renato Miracco, introduced our students with wonderful words of wisdom. Our 4th and 5th grade students performed the show "The beauty will save the world": a journey in the arts world from the XV century to the present day. Our Middle school and Liceo students presented the outstanding show: "Performing the Futurism", combining together in a very dynamic way visual arts, dance, poetry and music. We were all grateful for the outstanding work done by our teachers in the elementary, middle school and high school who all cooperated for the preparation of the show. Special thanks to the coordinators of the show: Luigi Cavandoli, Cristina Tobajas, Oriana Stracuzzi, Aimee Felton, Giannalisa Klein, Anna Bartocci, Augusta Fleischer, Michael Prater, Rosaria Crisafi, and Nels Pierce.
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Once again this successful event was covered by a RAI International program. (October 21 edition Italia chiama Italia).
LA SCUOLA STUDENTS MEET WITH ITALIAN WRITERS AND CELEBRITIES During the 2009-2010 academic year our Liceo and 8th grade students had the great opportunity of meeting Italian contemporary writers and other important protagonists of today’s Italy. These master classes took place in the school gym and were possible thanks to the strong cooperation with several Italian and New York institutions, such as the Italian Cultural Institute, the Consulate General of Italy-Education Office, the IACE organization, Centro Primo Levi, Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò and the publishing company Europa Books. Each of these events was prepared and planned by the Liceo and Middle school teachers. Prior to the event teachers received the book, in English and Italian versions to be presented by the author and had the opportunity to review it with the students. Italian, History and Latin have been the disciplines most often involved in this work. Here is an overview of the encounters of the year:
November 5th: The Italian Jewish writer Lia Levi met our Liceo students and spoke about the American edition of her last novel The Jewish Husband. (L’Albergo della magnolia). This event was organized thanks to the collaboration with Centro Primo Levi. November 11th: The Liceo students had the pleasure of meeting the Italian Poet Davide Rondoni. Mr. Rondoni discussed with the students the topic what is poetry and what their thoughts were about poetry. At the end the poet Rondoni read some of his poems and promised to come again to visit us and organize a poetry workshop with the Liceo students.
March 25th: The famous Italian ancient History writer, Valerio Manfredi met with Liceo students to present his historical novel The Ides of March. In this encounter the author spoke of the value of the historical classics as well as the fundamental importance of understanding history in order to understand ourselves and our present struggles. The event was organized in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute and Europa Books. April 29th: The Italian writer and journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo invited to New York on the occasion of the PENN World Voice Festival, presented his book Days of Fear (I giorni della paura) to our Liceo students. D. Mastrogiacomo is an international correspondent for the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. On March 5, 2007, Mastrogiacomo was kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan. He was set free after three weeks of captivity. Our Liceo students asked him many questions about the historical origin and roots of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and about the journalist’s three weeks of captivity.
Annual Report 2009-10
October 15th: Don Luigi Ciotti visited our Middle school and Liceo and provided our Liceo students with an outstanding lesson about the fight against mafia and organized crime, democracy and legality, citizenship and solidarity. A renowned priest, Don Ciotti is one of the most important protagonists in Italy and Europe in the ongoing fight against mafia.
December 10th: Middle school and Liceo students met the famous actor Luca Zingaretti, on the occasion of his performance for La Scuola INCONTRI series. Zingaretti spoke about the Italian writer Tomasi di Lampedusa, his masterpiece Il Gattopardo and the short story Lighea that he performed the following day.
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
September 16th: The young writer Valeria Parrella presented her last novel Per Grazia ricevuta on the occasion of its translation into English. The event was organized in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute.
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TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DAYS AND WORKSHOPS
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his year for the first time two professional days were organized for all our la Scuola Teachers.
On Friday, October 16th our first Teacher Professional day took place. Our preschool teachers attended a workshop about bilingualism assessment conducted by Dr. Sara Michael Luna and Dr. Patricia Cooper. The Elementary and Middle school teachers participated in a workshop on the ERB standardized tests. An expert from the ERB bureau shared many insights and ideas about how to incorporate test-taking strategies into the curriculum. Middle School and Liceo teachers attended a session on bilingualism conducted by Professor Roberto Dolci from the University for Foreigners in Perugia. BRUNO MUNARI Workshop On Tuesday, January 26th thanks to the support of our PA who sponsored this workshop, the Kindergarten class was transformed into a small lab. Two experts of the Bruno Munari books, Ms. Ilaria Rodella and Mr. Pietro Corraini (Corraini Editors) had the pleasure of presenting books by this author. Our students enjoyed creating their own book using several different materials. All Bruno Munari books are used in Italy by the best preschools and elementary schools and they are highly recommended for schools following the Reggio Emilia methodology. On Wednesday, February 17th the second Teachers Professional Day took place. For part of the morning some of our teachers participated to a CPR and First Aid session conducted by a Certified EMT, Mr. Sasha Gomez. All Teachers/Staff who participated have been certified by the American Red Cross in First Aid and CPR Training.
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Other teachers worked on the following:
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Preschool Teachers - visited a neighboring Reggio Emilia inspired School; The Brick Church School. Middle School Teachers - worked on "Indicazioni Curricolari 2007" Liceo Teachers - worked on the "Disegno di Legge di Riforma dei Licei" and on topics related to the curriculum design and improvement. Later in the afternoon each division worked on the following: Preschool Division - workshop on Reggio Emilia methodology “The Hundred Languages of Children” with Sarah Michael Luna. Elementary - Curriculum and Report card workshop on "Indicazioni Curricolari 2007" Middle School & Liceo - Workshop with Professor Roberto Dolci from the University for Foreigners in Perugia on the following topic: Assessment of linguistic skills according to the Common European Framework for Language Learners.
AN ENCOUNTER WITH
ANDREA GRIMINELLI E LUCA ZINGARETTI
INCONTRI December 11, 2009 La Scuola d’Italia was proud to organize the second cultural event of the special series called “Incontri” designed to help enhance La Scuola’s visibility and its fundraising efforts throughout the academic year. On December 11, 2009 there were more than 350 guests who attended the encounter with two well known artists, Andrea Griminelli and Luca Zingaretti. The famous flautist Andrea Griminelli entertained La Scuola’s audience with a beautiful “Opera and Cinema” concert of flute and piano music by Verdi, Nino Rota, Morricone and Rossini.
La Scuola d’Italia highly thanked Alessandra Ferri and Fabrizio Ferri for once again providing La Scuola with these outstanding performances and enthralling space at Industria Superstudio and extended heartfelt thanks to our Event Committee Members for organizing this evening.
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Between the performances, the audience had the opportunity to bid on Silent Auction items created by our La Scuola students, and enjoyed delicious refreshments thanks to the generosity of our wonderful parents.
Annual Report 2009-10
Luca Zingaretti gave a dramatic performance of a piece by F. Tomasi di Lampedusa “Lighea”. He was accompanied by composer maestro Germano Mazzocchetti playing the accordion. Both of their performances left the Italian and non-Italian speaking audience members enchanted.
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LA SCUOLA IN THE PRESS
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E
PROGETTO TRASVERSALE
ach year the Liceo faculty organizes “The Progetto Trasversale”, which is an interdisciplinary project on a main topic that is analyzed and developed by different points of view corresponding to different disciplines. The project is divided into two parts: the first presented by the Liceo teachers and the second by the Liceo students who prepare specific papers and presentations related to the main topic. This year’s topic was “The Ecology of Mind” from Gregory Bateson. The two presentations took place on January 29th and March 2nd. The Liceo teachers together with the Head of School further developed this project into a performance that was showcased by the Liceo students at our Gala Benefit Dinner and at the end of the school year on May 27th.
JANUARY 29th Teachers’ Presentation Il Progetto Trasversale Steps to an Ecology of Mind 9th Annual Liceo Conference Prof. A. Fiore: Introductory Remarks: “From Gregory Bateson to Edgar Morin” Prof A. Bartocci: “Gaia: Changing Life on a Changing Earth” Prof. R. Crisafi: “Saving Armony between Art and Nature, Landscape and Architecture” Prof. M. Prater: “The Ecology of a Metaphor” Prof. S.Castronovo: “Ratio” Prof. A. Montalbano: “Inhabiting the Planet, According to Late 20th Century Philosophy” Prof. M. Pettenella: "A che tante facelle?" Italian poets and Writers on Nature” Prof. N. Pierce: “The Personification of Nature in the Visual Arts” MARCH 2nd Students’ Presentation
”Group Mentality” J. Carnesciali, G. Garte, V. Falzone, C.A. Toksu
”Man's Portrayals of Nature” P. Carocci, C. Di Muccio, E. Valentini “The Ecology of Mind” D. Assante, H. Curbelo, A. Gleizer, C. Nealy
”Man's Relationship with Nature” M. Gareri, B. Pantaloni, F. Nordio, G. Nordio ”Society's Role in Nature” J. Falzone, A. Aquino, J. Sagastiverza, A. Barabino, T. Zappia ”Reflections on Technology, Religion, and Art” C. Fox, R. Leon, N. Romero, M. Pirrone Annual Report 2009-10
“The Science of Communication“ F. Fasano, M. Fortunato, L. Martella, M. Perrino
“Organic Architecture” K. Balakhovsky, O. Boccardi, M. Grava, G. Pericotti
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“Evolution of Evolution: Gaia's Revenge” J. Bellacosa, D. Dorneles, S. Iaccarino, R. Rojas Bolivar
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT FROM LA SCUOLA LICEO PARENT
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L
a Scuola d'Italia Liceo students participated in two important events organized by Centro Primo Levi, together with the Consulate General of Italy, NYU Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, The Italian Cultural Institute, i-Italy and other institutions. On January 20th all of our Liceo students went to the John D. Calandra Institute CUNY Graduate Center to see the Film Screening in collaboration with RAI Corporation "50 Italians", a documentary showing how some Italian diplomats and military forces during World War II saved 50,000 Jews, Italian and of other nationalities, from deportation. On January 27th our 8th grade students along with all our Liceo Students participated in the reading ceremony of names of Jews deported from Italy and the Italian territories, that took place at the entrance of the Consulate General of Italy. This ceremony was organized by the Consul General of Italy, Ministro Francesco Maria Talò.
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY AND THE PERSECUTIONS IN ITALY DURING THE FASCIST ERA
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JANUARY 20-27: REMEMBRANCE WEEK
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SECOND YEAR OF THE EXCHANGE PROGRAM
WITH LICEO FARNESINA IN ROME:
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ven if the snow tried to slow down our intense exchange program schedule, this second year experience with the Liceo Farnesina IV A from February 18th to February 28th resulted in a very successful and enjoyable experience for all our Liceo students and guests. We warmly thank all the hosting families: Jazmine Sagastiverza (12th grade), Chiara Nilsson-Salvati (4th grade), Davide Assante (9th grade), James and Veronica Falzone (9th and 12th grades), Seyoum and Bilen Settepani (8th and 9th grades), Miles Gareri Goldenberg (10th grade), Stefano Iaccarino (10th grade), Benton Madsen (8th grade), Angelo Russo (Class of 2009), Margherita Andreani (8th grade), Giancarlo Garte (9th grade), Eleonora, Silvia and Lorenzo Valentini (9th, 8th and 3rd grades), Massimo Perrino (11th grade) and Federico and Gabriele Nordio (11th grade). We also thank the P.A. that organized the Welcome Party on Tuesday, February 23rd for our Exchange students. Special thanks go to Prof. Anna Bartocci and to Mr. and Mrs. Settepani for organizing two exquisite dinners in their homes: the first for teachers and hosting families on Friday, February 26th, the second for all the hosting families, the exchange students and all our Liceo students on Saturday, February 27th. We truly enjoyed the warm atmosphere and the strong feeling of being part of La Scuola Family shared at these dinners.
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Throughout their stay in New York, the Exchange Students from Rome along with our Liceo Students participated in many different educational and recreational activities. Some of the most exciting were the visit to the Consulate General of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute, where the students met the new Director Dr. Riccardo Viale, the United Nations, MOMA, the Museum of Natural History, Ellis Island and the New York Film Academy where the students were able to participate in a master class on Filmmaking.
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presents
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What an unforgettable evening!
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GALA BENEFIT DINNER
"Dear students, you are the change, the future global world leaders. We live in a world which is facing extremely complex challenges and where there is great sufference. We need your HOPE, we need the work of institutions such as your school, we need people who promote dialogue among cultures and the richness of different languages in order to accomplish our mission." With these outstanding words (quoted from the Article of Mr. Gaggi published in the Corriere della Sera) Secretary-General H.E. Ban Ki-moon acknowledged and praised our school at our memorable and unforgettable 2010 Gala Dinner. Thanks to the initiative of Trustee Francesca Verga MD, and the advice of Archbishop Celestino Migliore, H.E. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General to the United Nations and his wife Ban Soon-taek attended our Gala Dinner together with the Assistant of SecretaryGeneral Kim Won-Soo and his wife.
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In the presence of more than 400 guests, H.E. Giulio Maria Terzi di Sant’Agata, Ambassador of Italy to the United States, inaugurated the evening with his welcome remarks.
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We were very pleased to recognize the Alexander Bodini Foundation and its President Ambassador Daniele Bodini and the Guest of Honor Prof. Stefania Giannini, Rector of the University for Foreigners in Perugia. Miss Laura Savini of WLIW 21 was a gracious and engaging Master of Ceremonies.
Our Liceo and 8th grade choir directed by Maestro Petrika Melo sang the National Anthems and the Liceo students performed “The Ecology of Mind”. We are all very proud that La Scuola d'Italia was able to showcase its excellence to the Head of the U.N. and to all the dignitaries and Friends of our school community who attended the Gala. Our gratitude goes to our indefatigable Gala Committee and its President Piera Palazzolo Falzone, who proved once more to be outstanding in the organization of this successful event. Heartfelt thanks also to Mr. Massimo Gaggi, devoted parent of La Scuola and correspondent for the Corriere della Sera, who wrote an excellent article about the Gala published in the March 14th issue of the Corriere.
In April and May, we have important meetings in Washington and here in New York on our efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In May Governments will gather in Uganda to assess and strengthen the work of the International Criminal Court.
I am delighted to be here. Thank you for inviting my wife and me to attend this annual gala.
This year will see crucial elections in Afghanistan and across Africa, including Sudan….
It is also a pleasure to join in paying tribute to the Alexander Bodini Foundation.
The United Nations is on the ground in Iraq, the Middle East and so many other places…
And I am happy to share in celebrating La Scuola D’Italia. I particularly commend the school’s strong commitment to international awareness and understanding.
Promoting dialogue and defending human rights…
It is in that spirit that I thank you for this wonderful gift. I take it as yet another sign of Italy’s close ties with the United Nations. This is an important year for the world Organization. We are holding a summit in September to focus global attention on the Millennium Development Goals. The agreed deadline of 2015 is nearly upon us, yet many countries are not on track. The Summit is meant to take stock, examine what works and what doesn’t, and agree on a plan for a five-year push to accelerate progress. This year we are also continuing to press Government to reach a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on climate change. This is a potentially catastrophic threat for all of us, but especially for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
We have currently deployed 115,000 peacekeepers in 17 operations on 4 continents … We are in some of the toughest, remotest parts of the world, day in and day out but also at times of disaster. I was Chile last weekend, assessing the situation. And I will travel to Haiti on Sunday, to continue our efforts to help the Government build back better. Ladies and Gentlemen, We need you, across this agenda. I know that change is possible. I have seen it in my life, in my country. So please: do your part. Continue making La Scuola D’Italia a centre for international awareness and understanding. Continue your efforts to transform our world, student by student. Thank you. Bank Ki-moon
Corriere Della Sera, March 14, 2010
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It is often said that global problems need global solutions. But we will not find global solutions without global citizens - and that is precisely what your fine school has been producing for many years now.
Feeding 100 million people each day … caring for refugees and displaced people… vaccinating children…
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Your Excellency Archbishop Migliore, Ambassador Terzi, Ambassador Ragaglini, Mr. Madsen, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ms. Fiore, [Principal, La Scuola D’Italia]
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GALA 2010
Revenue Source Advertising Dinner Raffle Donations Auction
Revenue 09 $16,750 $200,800.00 $7,549.00 $24,590.00 $83,885.00
Percentage 5% 60% 7% 7% 37%
DONATIONS 7%
Gala Revenues 10
RAFFLE 7%
ADVERTISING 5%
Total Revenues $333,574.00 Expenses $106,373.16 Net Revenue $227,200.84
Dinner $200,800 Auction $83,885
37%
Raffle $7,926.50 Advertising $16,750
60% Dinner
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Donations $24,590
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Auction
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GALA BENEFIT DINNER
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CORO ANAROMA
O
MARCH 19
n March 19th we were very pleased to host in the gym at 67th Street school Campus the Choir of the Associazione Nazionale Alpini, Rome Chapter. This event was organized in collaboration with the Italian Consulate, Casa Italiana, The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, and The Columbus Citizens Foundation, under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Defense.
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Annual Report 2009-10
Once again, our 8th grade students, along with the first and second Liceo girls sang the National Anthems accompanied by Maestro Petrika Melo, followed by remarks of Consul General Francesco M. Talò. This event turned out to be a wonderful and enjoyable evening!
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AGREEMENT WITH UNIVERSITIES
L
a Scuola d’Italia is pleased to announce that during the academic year 2009-2010 our Board of Trustees approved the following two important agreements with Universities:
Agreement with John Cabot University in Rome
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Annual Report 2009-10
This agreement was finalized thanks to the instrumental help of our Vice Chairman of the Board, Mr. Stephen Acunto. It allows all La Scuola students registering at John Cabot University to receive a 25% discount on the tuition. Moreover, one La Scuola graduate per year will be granted a 50% tuition scholarship.
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Agreement with the University for Foreigners in Perugia In September 2009 we began a very productive collaboration with the Università per Stranieri di Perugia. We have worked with Professor Roberto Dolci who has been assigned at CUNY UniversityCalandra Institute as visiting Professor. This agreement focuses on: • research on bilingualism • the organization of summer courses for our Liceo students as well as intensive bilingualism courses for our teachers and Italian language classes for our English teachers. This agreement was signed on April 9, 2010 by the Head of the school Anna Fiore and the Rector of the University for Foreigners in Perugia Stefania Giannini in the presence of Brunello Cucinelli, a major donor of this University, who was very pleased to commit himself to support also La Scuola d’Italia and who promptly demonstrated his commitment.
UniversitĂ per Stranieri di Perugia Every year approximately 2,500 Italian students and 5,000 foreign students of more than 130 different nationalities enroll and study at the University for Foreigners in Perugia, a unique training dimension in Italy. Born at the beginning of the Twenties of the last century with the objective of teaching the civilization and artistic patrimony of Italy to foreigners, this University has been characterised as a symbol of opening and tolerance and a meeting point for populations of different cultures, now transformed into a real 'laboratory' of intercultural training. Its exclusive identity is currently represented by the specialist vocation of teaching Italian as a second language. Since 1992 this extraordinary experience of internationalisation has been enhanced and completed in terms of teaching, with the introduction of degree courses and specialization and postgraduate degrees for Italian students also. The University for Foreigners Perugia currently offers a very rich and articulated teaching system within the Faculty of Italian Language and Culture: Italian language and culture courses for foreigners, refresher and training courses for teachers of Italian as a second language. Postgraduate degree courses complete the offer. The University for Foreigners Perugia is the oldest and most prestigious Italian institution for issuing certificates of knowledge in Italian as a second language. The Center for Evaluation and Certification Language of the University is responsible for developing and administering the language tests and for issuing the CELI and CIC certifications.
John Cabot University in Rome
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John Cabot University, is an American liberal arts University in the heart of Rome. It was established in 1972 and accredited in 2003 by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education and three of its majors are recognized by the University of Wales, U.K., allowing students to obtain both an American Bachelor of Arts degree and a British Honors degree. JCU has two main campus buildings: the Guarini Campus and the Tiber Campus. The diverse student body coming from over 40 countries and nearly every state across the U.S., is composed of about 800 students, of which 35% are 4-year degreeseeking students and 65% are students from across the United States on their study abroad programs. Italian students who have graduated from Italian Licei represent 28% of the entire student body.
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and
Arlecchino Malato D’amore
BURATTINI CORTESI
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PERFORMANCE AND WORKSHOPS
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On March 29th-31st La Scuola d'Italia organized the BURATTINI CORTESI cultural project in collaboration with Casa Italiana NYU and thanks to the efforts and commitment of one of our Parents, Lucretia Moroni. Special thanks to the PA for contributing to this event. The Cortesi puppets represent the highest level and best of the classic tradition of Italian puppetry. This New York performance was part of “Burattini a Palazzo”, June festival in Bergamo, at Fondazione di Museo di Palazzo Moroni. Special thank s to Comune di Caravaggio, Fondazione Moroni from Bergamo, Banco credito Cooperativo di Caravaggio, Ditta Defendi Formaggi. On March 29th, La Scuola students in grades 2-5 and their teachers attended the performance. Middle school students also attended the show as well as some of our La Scuola Parents. On March 30th our youngest students in grade pre-K - 1st and their teachers attended the performance. A thorough and engaging workshop for the teachers conducted by the Cortesi puppeteers took place in the afternoons of March 29th and 30th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. All teachers from the preschool and elementary divisions attended the 2 day workshop.
PRESCHOOL DIVISION
WORKSHOP ON THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH MAY 28, 2010 During this academic year we have begun work on the Reggio Emilia Approach with the aim of enriching our wonderful bilingual and bicultural pre-school, in a manner comparable to the Italian Reggio Emilia inspired early childhood institutions. All our teachers are very excited and committed towards this great project. On May 28th an important WORKSHOP for early childhood coordinators and teachers took place at La Scuola on the Reggio Emilia Approach in Early Childhood Education. This workshop was conducted by Dr. Lella Gandini who is U.S. Liaison for the Dissemination of the Reggio Emilia Approach. It was a great success and was attended by 28 teachers from other NY Schools (St. David, 92nd Street Y, Philosophy Day School, Marymount and others) and 16 teachers from La Scuola. We are working on planning events with this same group of NY Teachers in order to share experience about this unique and very innovative approach from Reggio Emilia. What are the distinguishing features of the education of young children with regard to theory and practice that have made the Reggio Emilia approach so notable? An examination of the features of this philosophy soon reveals that the educators have been serious readers of John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, David Hawkins, Jerome Bruner, Howard Gardner and other world renowned scientists and philosophers. In fact, Reggio Emilia educators have continued to keep abreast of the latest research in child development and education in other countries. The image of the child. All children have preparedness, potential, curiosity; they have interest in relationship, in constructing their own learning, and in negotiating with everything the environment brings to them. Teachers and children as partners in learning. A strong image of the child has to correspond to a strong image of the teacher. Teachers are considered as learners and researchers. They are supported, valued for their experience and their ideas.
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The role of space: amiable schools. The Reggio Emilia preschools convey many messages, of which the most immediate is: this is a place where adults have thought about the quality and the instructive power of space. The lay-out of physical space fosters encounters, communication, and relationships. (Quotes by Lella Gandini)
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GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OF OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND LICEO STUDENTS! GIOCHI DELLA GIOVENTU` CONI 2010 We are pleased to announce that three of our Middle school students Gea Bozzi, Teodoro Fabri Upton and Matilde Ferri were selected this year by the CONI USA committee to participate in the Italian "Giochi della Gioventu`" that took place in Imperia, Italy, during the week of May 17th. All expenses were paid by CONI. Congratulations to all three students! La Scuola warmly thanks our Physical Education teacher Jose` Rubiera and Cav. Mico Delianova Licastro, representative of CONI USA in New York. for proposing this initiative to La Scuola. PEOPLE TO PEOPLE LEADERSHIP FORUM Thanks to the proposal from the Department of Science at La Scuola d'Italia, Prof. Anna Bartocci, seven of our students were nominated and chosen to participate in the prestigious People to People Leadership Forum, that will take place in Washington D.C. from June 21 to June 26, 2011. The nominated students are: Tommaso Fernando Bernardini, 7th grade (for June 2010 edition); Silvia Valentini, 8th grade; Katia Balakowsky 9th grade; Pietro Carocci, 9th grade; Cherice Nealy 10th grade; Ari Oliver Gleizer 10th grade; Randall Rojas Bolivar, 10th grade. People to People International is an organization founded by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 in his vision for fostering world citizenship. The nomination is based on outstanding scholastic merit, academic achievement and leadership ability. Each year the finest students from more than 95 Countries convene in Washington D.C. for this prestigious summit. Congratulations to our seven students and to the Science teacher Anna Bartocci.
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SOCCER TEAMS!
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Thanks to the enthusiasm of our Gym Teacher and Coach Mr. Jose` Rubiera, our second academic year soccer season involved both the Liceo Team and the Middle School Team. We congratulate our Liceo Soccer Team for their successful games with other New York City schools, in particular we are proud to mention their first victory against the Dwight School.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AND LICEO END OF THE YEAR PERFORMANCES OF MAY 27 La Scuola congratulates our Liceo and Middle school students for once again showing their talent in singing and performing the two wonderful shows presented on May 27:
LICEO “THE ECOLOGY OF MIND”
Liliana Ruth Zimberg MIDDLE SCHOOL “HANSEL & GRETEL – THE MUSICAL”
(2009-2010 TRASVERSALE PROJECT, FROM GREGORY BATESON TO EDGAR MORIN) Special thanks to Anna Caterina Cornacchini, composer and music director Rosaria Crisafi, Liceo Art History teacher and director for both performances, Augusta Fleischer, Middle school coordinator, Michael Prater, Liceo coordinator. The Middle school and Liceo Teachers who implemented these two theatrical projects: Anna Bartocci, Giannalisa Klein, Petrika Melo, Alessandra Montalbano, Marta Pettenella, Nels Pierce, Ilenia Pitti, Chiara Senatore.
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Special thanks also to Lucretia Moroni for her ongoing support with scenery, costumes, lights and sound, to Alessandra Ferri, to all the P.A. Parents who strongly helped in the preparation of the two shows and for providing us with the delicious refreshment.
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America Oggi
JUNE 2ND CELEBRATIONS IN
WASHINGTON D.C. AND IN NEW YORK CITY
W
hat a great success for our two La Scuola choirs!
Our 8th, 9th and 10th grade students together with Angelica Rossi Hawkins from the 5th grade class, accompanied by Maestro Petrika Melo, beautifully performed the National Anthems at the June 2nd National Day celebration at the Embassy of Italy in Washington D.C. H.E. the Ambassador of Italy to the U.S. Giulio Maria Terzi di Sant'Agata warmly welcomed La Scuola d'Italia and congratulated our students for their wonderful performance. RAI international covered the event focusing on our La Scuola choir. Some of our students were interviewed by RAI. The group, accompanied by the teachers Michael Prater, Anna Bartocci, Rosaria Crisafi, Petrika Melo and Head of School Anna Fiore spent two days in Washington D.C. We also congratulate our 5th, 6th and 7th grade students for their wonderful performance in singing the National Anthems on the June 2nd celebration at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. We thank Maestro Marco Ricciotti for conducting our students. Consul General of Italy, Min. Plen. Francesco M. Talò thanked our students for singing so wonderfully.
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Both Ambassador H.E. Giulio Maria Terzi di Sant’Agata and Consul General Francesco Maria Talò wrote us thoughtful thank you letters expressing their appreciation towards our students and gratitude to La Scuola d’Italia.
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Annual Report 2009-10
A LETTER FROM H.E. THE AMBASSADOR OF ITALY TO THE UNITES STATES GIULIO TERZI DI SANT'AGATA
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GRADUATION
JUNE 23 AND JUNE 30, 2010
F
or the second time in La Scuola d’Italia history our 8th grade and 12th grade students were honored with a formal graduation ceremony at the Consulate General of Italy, New York.
On June 23rd after the opening remarks by the Head of School Anna Fiore, the Chairman of the Board Stephen Madsen, and the Director of the Education Office at the Consulate Alfio Russo, Consul General Ministro Francesco M. Talò awarded our 8th grade students the 8th grade Italian Diploma. All Middle school teachers and 8th grade parents were present at this unforgettable ceremony. On June 30th, our 12th grade students after completing their challenging Italian “Maturità” Exam, dressed in cap and gown, received their Diplomas from Consul General Ministro Francesco M. Talò. To congratulate the graduates, special remarks were made by Head of School Anna Fiore, Chairman of the Board Stephen Madsen, Director of the Education Office at the Consulate Alfio Russo, Liceo Coordinator Prof. Michael Prater, and by the Head of the Exam Commission Dr. Eleonora Cammareri. La Scuola warmly thanks Mr. and Mrs. Settepani for providing delicious refreshments for both celebrations.
8th Grade Graduates
12th Grade Graduates
Andreani Margherita
Aquino, Aanandi
Manhattanville College
Boccardi Emanuele
Barabino, Aimone
University of Southern California
Falzone, James
University of Pennsylvania Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program
Sagastiverza, Jazmin
Manhattanville College
Zappia, Tommaso
Università Bocconi, Milano, Italy
Cirelli Simone
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Gian Carlo Duran
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
De Tomassi Tazio
Bianca Serafini
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Benton Madsen Claudia Malpeli Michael Raevsky
Bilen Settepani Jessica Urgo Valentini Silvia
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Annual Report 2009-10
ALUMNI NEWS CORNER
La Scuola Alumni Remember and Reflect “As an American kid born and raised, I never thought I would end up in an Italian School. I spoke and understood, but could not read or write in Italian. When my parents, both working for Italian Companies, learned that a new school was being created for the children of Italians transferred to the US, all I knew was that I had to go to this school! My parents did everything to talk me out of it, but I held my ground. When they relented, it all backfired on me because I ended up at the Italian Cultural Institute for the entire summer learning how to read and write in Italian in order to be ready for the start of the school year on October 3rd. Imagine an 11 year old kid in night class with College bound students!! October 3rd finally came around and I started my days at La Scuola d’Italia. The rest, as they say, is history.”
“I'm ever so grateful to La Scuola d'Italia for giving me a deep and thorough understanding of so many subjects—it truly prepared me for my college work. I attended La Scuola from pre-K through Liceo and I developed excellent study habits and the constant challenge of doing oral Jessica Falzone exams helped build my ability to handle interviews and many other college activities. After attending such an intimate school, I did not know how I would do in large University environment, but I am certain that my La Scuola education was key in my being named SUNY—Binghamton University Exemplary Student of the year in 2009.” Jessica Falzone on her Graduation Day, 2007
Fabrizio Azzolini
“Thanks to La Scuola d’Italia I am able to speak with my family in Italian and maintain my cultural heritage.”
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Roberto Rossellini
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La Scuola Middle School Graduation at the Consulate General of Italy in New York, 1979 Front row: Davide Scarselli, Giuseppe Avena, Fabrizio Azzolini, Daniela Cassale, Marco Vera, Angela Roda, Adriana Cortese De Bosis. Among those in the second row: Stefania Sigillo and Domenico Cavallo. Among those in the last row: Patrick Rona, Enrico Persechino, Floriana Persechino, Preside Alessandro Boselli, Laura Valeri and Nicola Muia.
“La Scuola gave me the tools I needed to pursue careers in both aviation and real estate. I am proud to see my son Daniele carry on the family tradition as he attends elementary school.” Roberto Costanzo
“I am a proud alumnus of La Scuola d'Italia. As a member of the first graduating class, I was especially fortunate to witness the inauguration of this milestone for the Italian and Italian-American communities. La Scuola was instrumental in allowing me to pursue my medical studies in Italy.” Joseph L. Tromba, MD, FACP, FACG
“I remember my days at La Scuola with great fondness. The education I received and the friendships I made laid a strong foundation for my career in medicine. It is an honor for me to serve on the Board of Trustees and give back to the school that gave me so much.” Francesca Verga, MD
La Scuola Alumni, we want to hear from you! Please send in your news, announcements, and photos for publication in an upcoming La Scuola newsletter. Submissions should be sent via regular mail to Leonora McClernan in the Development Office at 12 East 96th Street, New York, NY 10128 or via email to develop@lascuoladitalia.org. Leonora can also be reached by phone at 212.369.4433
La Scuola’s Graduates and their schools of choice over the last decade.
1996/1997 Bellotti, Anthony Cerami, Gianluca Fiorelli, Nicola Fiorelli, Pasquale Gottlieb, Nicholas Marino, Tiziana Mazza, Fulvio
Hunter College, CUNY, NY — Economics Università “La Cattolica,” Milan, Italy — Law New York School of Interior Design, CUNY, NY — Architecture John Jay College, CUNY, NY — Pre-Law University of Florida Università Statale, Rome, Italy — Law New York University, NY — Journalism
1997/1998 Brusciotti, Silvia Canseco, Alexis Gennarini, Maria Malavarca, Oscar
Università “La Sapienza,” Rome, Italy — Natural Science Hunter College, CUNY, NY — Economics and French Rutgers University, NJ — Medieval History Università Statale, Parma, Italy — Literature and Music History
1998/1999 Aliquò, Alessandra Cacchi, Marco Casartelli, Ulisse Gennarini, Stefano Manaigo, Carlotta
Fordham University, NY — Political Science Hofstra University, NY — Political Science Università Statale, Bologna, Italy — Philosophy Allen Hall, London, England — Theology and Philosophy Rhode Island School of Design — Art and Photography
Università Statale, Salerno, Italy — Modern Languages Università Statale, Rome, Italy — Economics Università Statale, Padova, Italy — Biology
2000/2001 Chiarini, Francesco Gennarini, Francesco Lo Gullo, Arturo Lo Gullo, Roberto Mazza, Fabio Spada, Stefano Tonelli, Adriana
Università Statale, Bologna, Italy — Modern Languages Rutgers University, NJ — Fine Arts Università Statale, Pisa, Italy — Chemical Engineering Università Statale, Messina, Italy — Medicine Richmond American International University, London, England — Communication Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — Law
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Ippolito, Arsenio Mascolo, Arcangelo Michele Vezzoli, Greta
Annual Report 2009-10
1999/2000
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2001/2002 Bove, Anna De Leo, Omar Fiorelli, Elizabeth Ippolito, Angelo Marinai, Matilde Michetti, Gabriele Quaranta, Guja Senni, Nicolo Spalten, Valentina
SUNY Purchase, NY — Drama New York University, NY — Business and Economics Manhattanville College, NY — Political Science Università Statale, Salerno, Italy — Modern Languages Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Università Statale, Rome, Italy — DAMS Visual Arts and Music Università Statale, Rome, Italy — DAMS Visual Arts and Music Boston University, Boston, MA — Psychology
2002/2003 Francesconi, Federico Gallo, Alessandro Garretti, Alice
Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — CLEA Business Administration IULM (Libera Università di Lingue e Communicazione), Milan, Italy — Communication and Modern Language
2003/2004 Castronovo, Fadi Conlon, Gabriel Modabber, Venus Gennarini, Giuseppe Luongo, Marco Smith, Hilary C.
Polytechnic Institute, NY Università degli Studi di Bologna, Italy — Political Sciences Università Bocconi, Milano, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Columbia University, NY — School of Engineering Università LUIS, Roma, Italy —Political Sciences Università Statale di Milano, Italy — Mathematics
2004/2005 Gennarini Carmen Padovano Valentina
University of Southern California — Liberal Arts Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy — Business Administration
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Annual Report 2009-10
2006/2007
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Falzone, Jessica Marichal, Mickaela Marinai, Chiara Minoli, Stefano Parodi, Giorgia Richardson, Gemma
Binghamton University, Scholars Program, NY Boston University, Boston, MA SUNY Purchase, NY Universita’ di Roma, Italy Accademia di Belle Arti, Milano, Italy Bristol University, England
2008/2009 Cioci, Anthony Di Muccio, Elio Fortunato, Bruno Iaccarino, Monica Lasalandra, Luca Longobardi, Stefano Rapetti, Chiara Russo, Angelo Shedrinsky, Maria Antonia Tonelli, Renato
Università degli studi di Bologn — Medical School Birmingham University, UK Pace University Fordham University Università degli studi di Roma - La Sapienza Macaulay honors program at CITY College Università degli studi di Roma - La Sapienza Hull University, UK Hunter College, CUNY NY John Cabot in Rome
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS In recognition of their leadership gifts toward scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year:
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT OF:
THE ALEXANDER BODINI FOUNDATION BARONESS MARIUCCIA ZERILLI-MARIMÒ CASA ITALIANA ZERILLI-MARIMÒ AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK AND ACKNOWLEDGE BRUNELLO CUCINELLI For his gift to fund a one month summer program for our Liceo students at the University for Foreigners in Perugia
SPECIAL THANKS TO
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA
Paola Serrone Assistant to the head of the School For her help and support in the organization and creation of the Annual Report Project
Annual Report 2009-10
Eligio Sgaramella Iperdesign, Inc. www.iperdesign.com
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i-Italy.org
The future Italian/American Digital Project
www.i-italy.org | www.i-italy.us
LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA Annual Report
OF OUR CHILDREN DEPENDS ON YOUR SUPPORT TO LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA AND THE WORLD’S FUTURE DEPENDS ON THEM
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New York City
12 East 96th Street, New York N.Y, 10128 www.lascuoladitalia.org phone: (212) 369 3290