From Ideas to Innovation
Mark Day School’s Annual Report 2016-2017
“From ideas to innovation, we have experienced tremendous achivements this year that contribute to the growth and development of all Mark Day students.� JOE HARVEY
room to read, discover, collaborate, explore, create, research, and more. As transformative as the new spaces will be, they are also a symbol of something much deeper—the professional development and day-to-day classroom work that teachers do here at Mark Day. Innovation runs deep here.
FROM THE HEAD One of the joys of fishing is its greatest puzzle: trying to figure out, from clues visible on the surface, what is happening beneath the water. Part ecology, part hydrodynamics, part intuition, reading the water helps you to understand a bit more about the fish’s world. The intellectual challenge of it is fun— especially when you are catching fish. Reading the water applies to understanding Mark Day School, too. If you have driven on Trellis Drive past campus recently, the new Learning Commons and Creativity Lab stand out. These incredible new learning spaces will give students and teachers
Thoughtful innovation takes the form of brain science informing mathematics teaching and learning, as you will read in Mr. Lyons’ piece on developing a growth mindset in Mark Day students. It informs our approach to social and emotional literacy (SEL), which not only leads to a stronger community, but actually increases students’ academic performance by giving them tools to navigate adversity, manage their own emotions, and work effectively on their own and with others. Thoughtful innovation applies also to one of the features of the new campus project - the creativity lab. Before we began building a design and making space—in fact, before we ever began talking with architects—we started with people and program. While at her graduate program at Harvard, Assistant Head and Director of Educational Design and Innovation, Ms. Nishihara carved out time to learn at MIT’s Media Lab. It was from the Media Lab that she brought back—in 2001—the foundations of our current design and making effort. Since then,
we have been committed to the ways in which hands-on learning across the disciplines leads to deeper and more durable learning in our students. Thoughtful innovation would not thrive here without our remarkable community—and without the generous philanthropy that affects every single child and every single teacher at Mark Day School. The pages that follow highlight some of the work that our amazing students are up to, and the myriad ways that our faculty innovate to ensure that our students are ready for the world that they occupy and will shape. None of it could happen without the commitment of our remarkable community. Thank you to everyone who stretched and participated in the True Blue Annual Fund, the We Create campaign, and the Spring Fundraiser, Seas the Day, and to those who gave of themselves in any way to make this school a better one.
Sincerely,
Joe Harvey Head of School
Mark Day School discovers and nurtures what is finest in each child in a vibrant, inclusive learning community. Innovative and full of heart, Mark Day School strives to develop well-rounded critical thinkers in a challenging program that fosters academic excellence and responsible world citizenship. MARK DAY MISSION
From the first day of school to the last, we’re here TOGETHER
WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED The 2016-17 school year was marked by exciting changes as well as continued work that aligns with our Strategic Plan. We believe that when we expect students to rise to the challenge, they achieve great success. The same is true for the faculty, staff, and administration at Mark Day. We expect that our curriculum, from short activities to weeks-long Project Based Learning (PBL) projects, will prepare our students for success in and beyond an academic setting. And we expect that every year will bring more professional development, expanded programs, refined teaching strategies, and recurring academic and community traditions that make us who we are.
EXPANDING THE SUSTAINBILITY OF OUR CAMPUS At Mark Day School, environmental stability is an everyday practice by our whole community. We are commited to reusing, recycling, composting, and learning how to take care of our planet. This year, we added solar panels and bioswales to further increase the sustainability of our campus.
382 005 130 016 SOLAR PANELS INSTALLED ON THREE BUILDINGS ACROSS CAMPUS
BIOSWALES BUILT ON CAMPUS TO HELP KEEP MARIN’S WATERSHEDS CLEAN
POUNDS OF PRODUCE HARVESTED IN THE MARK DAY SCHOOL ORGANIC GARDEN
COMPOST BINS POSTED AROUND CAMPUS TO HELP REDUCE OUR WASTE
GROWING OUR RECIPROCAL PARTNERSHIPS Kliptown Youth Program
Beijing # 2 Experimental Primary School
Pan-American eSibonisweni School
In 2016-17, we were thrilled to host delegations from two of our partner schools - Beijing #2 Experimental Primary School (Er Xiao) and Pan-American School. Thando Bezana served as our Artist-in-Residence for the second year, helping with our production of The Lion King Jr.
$50,319.04 RAISED BY GENEROUS FAMILIES
THROUGH
EVENTS
AND
SCHOOL FUNDRAIS-
ERS AND DONATED TO OUR PARTNER
ORGANIZATIONS
IN SOUTH AFRICA, INCLUDING KYP, ESIBONISWENI, AND EPOP.
DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY OF READERS
17,000 7,195 1,818 0050
TOTAL BOOKS IN THE MARK DAY SCHOOL COLLECTION
BOOKS CHECKED OUT BY STUDENTS IN GRADES K-8 BOOKS CHECKED OUT BY 2ND GRADERS ALONE CUMULATIVE HOURS 4TH-6TH GRADERS SPENT IN BOOK CLUBS
Joe Harvey has often remarked on the wonderful sight of Mark Day students walking into campus in the morning with a book in their hands. Despite the absence of a physical library during the 201617 school year, Mark Day students continued to check out books, study literature, and seek out Interim Library Specialist Beth McMurphy. We are proud to soon open our new Learning Commons to give our readers a true place where they can immerse themselves in stories.
PURSUING LIFELONG LEARNING Mark Day School is a community of learners—including faculty, staff, and administration. During the 2016-17 school year, we were hard at work studying the latest research in education, reevaluating curricular programs, and honing strategies for a successful education. We are grateful for this opportunity, and take full advantage throughout the year.
9,620 745 037 HOURS FACULTY WORKED ON CURRICULUM
TOTAL HOURS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MEETINGS TO HONE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
EVERYONE TEACHES; EVERYONE LEARNS
BUILDING CUTTING-EDGE LEARNING SPACES Tremendous progress was made on the new Learning Commons, Creativity Lab, quad and amphitheater, and we are excited to unveil them later this fall. While we’ve missed entering campus through our beloved breezeway, we are looking forward to appreciating the experience on a greater level when we can do so again. The numbers relating to construction are an astounding reminder of the hard work that has gone into the building’s creation, and we thank everyone who played a role.
014 020 092 685 BIONIC POLYMER SEATING CUBES FOR THE LEARNING COMMONS
MAKITA CORDLESS DRIVER DRILL SETS FOR THE CREATIVITY LAB
LED LIGHTS IN THE GREEN SCREEN STUDIO IN THE DIGITAL MEDIA LAB
LINEAR FEET OF BOOKSHELVES IN THE LEARNING COMMONS
OUR FACULTY THANK YOU At Mark Day School, we are a learning community. Our faculty greatly appreciate the opportunity to expand their professional development and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom. On behalf of our entire faculty and staff—thank you! “I appreciate the opportunity to continually develop as a teacher. The workshops I’m able to attend provide and our ‘in-house’ professional developments sessions. Some of my favorites include ‘Differentiated Instruction’ by Deborah Burns, ‘Executive Function’ by Sarah Ward, ‘Project Based Learning’ by the Buck Foundation, and ‘Assessment’ by teachers from The Blake School. These learning moments always provide greater insight into how we can better reach our students and help them grow as lifelong learners. They reinforce the idea we are fostering in our students--that learning doesn’t stop beyond school. ” --AJ Cheong, 6th Grade Support Teacher “As a faculty member, I feel fully supported in pursuing my professional goals and exploring new areas so I can best support our students and offer dynamic projects and instruction. Last year, I attended the PBL Institute and was inspired to create a Spanish-based project on the Paralympic athletes. I also attended Stanford University’s workshops on 21st-century assessment in the World Language classroom, which has inspired me to revisit my assessment and grading practices. As the needs of students change over time, I’m delighted by the challenge of learning to grow with them. I’m so grateful for the professional development opportunities both on and off campus, and for the donations that make this possible.” --Tracy Caton, Spanish Teacher “As a teacher at Mark Day School, I love that my desire to grow professionally is supported, both administratively and financially. Being able to attend conferences and trainings helps keep me inspired, connected to the larger community, and exposed to the latest research. Last year, I was able to attend three events--a LifeLab Science in the Garden training through UCSC’s Center for Agroecology, the Maker Ed conference, and Stanford’s FabLearn conference. These were all fantastic learning and sharing experiences for me, and I’m so grateful for the donations that helped make it possible for me to participate.” --David St. Martin, Tinkerer-in-Residence & Garden Teacher “So many things make Mark Day School special and unique. One is the opportunity to learn and grow that is encouraged and supported for both children and adults on campus. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to work with renowned educators like Sarah Ward, Jo Boaler, and Lucy Calkins. Working with the Buck Institute, Facing History, and Responsive Classroom has enhanced my teaching practices so I’m able to nurture the finest in each individual student. I am truly grateful for all the contributions to the True Blue Annual Fund that have made these opportunities possible.” --Cathy Sedlock, 2nd Grade Teacher
“Because of donations set aside for professional development, I have unlimited opportunities to stay abreast of innovative approaches to teaching and stay inspired.� DANA KIRK, 6TH GRADE TEACHER
LEARNING & THE BRAIN BY NORM LYONS, MATH SPECIALIST
In February 2017, Math Specialist Norm Lyons attended the Learning and the Brain Conference in San Francisco to understand how brain research can help teachers better educate students. In the below article, he talks about what he learned and how it will help him create an effective learning experience. Each year, we seek to continually advance our curriculum. My time in the classroom is like a learning lab: on an ongoing basis, I evaluate student responses to new teaching strategies and incorporate the strategies that “work” into my program (while tweaking or rejecting the ones that don’t “work”) and, thereby, improve the overall effectiveness of the program.
Tony Wagner, Expert In Residence at Harvard University’s new Innovation Lab, says, “The world cares about what you can do with what you know, not just what you know.” In this spirit, our school’s own Open Lab was created in 2013 as a place where students can tinker, build, and probe their curiosities.
In February of this year, I attended the “Learning and the Brain Conference” in San Francisco to gain a scientific understanding of how students learn most effectively. The stated objective of this conference is to explore what the learning sciences say about effective instruction and feedback.
This form of learning is not limited just to the Open Lab. In math class, for example, students are often involved with hands-on, real-world experiments and projects designed to encourage them to ask questions that foster deep engagement with the concepts and, thereby, tap into their natural curiosity about how math, analytic thinking, and data analysis can be used to model and/or solve relatively complex problems or phenomena (research shows that learning guided by curiosity is much longer-lasting!). An example of such a math project being driven somewhat by student inquisitiveness is the current two-year study that will continue to be conducted by 8th graders this school year regarding screen time usage of students across our school. My colleague and I wanted to give our students as much leeway as possible to control the project development and execution process associated with this study, and essentially drive the project’s direction. Because students had almost full control over the project (with minimal, but necessary, guidance from my colleague and me), their engagement level was quite high as they addressed the project’s driving question, identified variables, and began to collect data. (They will collect more data and then analyze this data throughout the course of this current school year.)
In a session covering the science of effective learning, experts discussed specific, research-based strategies that boost student performance. For example, it’s been proven that class size has a minor influence on student performance, while peer-to-peer teaching has a major influence. Additionally, when it comes to long-term retention, practices such as summarization, mnemonics, and highlighting text are less effective study strategies than practice tests. When students repeat what they’ve learned over time (taking multiple practice tests), they are more likely to absorb and be able to apply later on the concepts they are trying to master. Further, distributed practice - i.e., spreading out the study of the same content across a relatively long period of time - has been shown to be an extremely effective learning strategy for students, and is a practice that I use in my classes. When students solve different types of math problems during an assignment and repeat this practice over and over across an extended period of time, their overall understanding of and ability to make connections across the concepts that they’re trying to master is significantly enhanced. Another facet of brain research touches on creating a learning environment designed for real engagement. We must ask: how can we, as educators, create opportunities to inspire curiosity and challenge students to solve difficult problems?
Understanding how the brain optimally absorbs, assimilates, and retains information helps me apply more effective teaching methods to my overall math program. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be able to attend conferences like this one, and I am looking forward to continuing my professional development throughout my years at Mark Day School.
GIFT SUMMARY 2016-17**: $1,053,521
FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE Thank you, generous donors and supporters. Your 2016-17 gifts fueled change, growth, and a passion for learning in 380 children. The True Blue Fund, chaired by Rob Blechman, Eileen Sheldon, and Melissa Silvers raised over $720,000. Through your gifts, you supported talented teachers, student experiences such as outdoor ed trips, and a strong, differentiated academic program. As the costs of instruction rise, gifts become even more essential. Donations to We Create have exceeded all expectations. To date, $6.1 million toward the $6.5 million goal has been committed, representing 94% of the campaign. We are on the cusp of completing construction on the innovative new learning spaces, an achievement possible thanks to your extraordinary generosity. The Parents’ Association donated $143,000 in unrestricted money to the school through the Seas the Day auction, Friends & Fairways Golf Tournament, and more. In addition, $92,000 was raised through the spring fundraiser’s Fund-a-Need for agile furniture and cutting edge equipment for the Learning Commons and Creativity Lab. Thank you for your investment. We look forward to sharing more with you as Mark Day School children explore, learn, and grow this school year. With great appreciation,
True Blue Fund.......................................................................$724,875 Special Gifts...............................................................................$47,960 Chess Program...............................................................$350 Drama Program.............................................................$200 Library.............................................................................$224 Professional Development.......................................$26,250 South African Partnerships......................................$20,936 Parents’ Association................................................................$143,361 Fund-a-Need..............................................................................$92,000 Endowment...............................................................................$45,325 Damon Kerby Fund for Financial Aid (Restricted)........................................$21,375 Eighth Grade Endowment (Restricted)..........................................$21,450 Endowment for Indexed Tuition (Restricted).........$2,500 **Reflects cash contributions and pledge payments received during fiscal year outside of the We Create capital campaign.
ENDOWMENT* M.V. Williams (Restricted).................................................$1,804,623 Faculty Salaries (Restricted).................................................$519,861 Financial Aid (Restricted).....................................................$564,007 Damon Kerby Financial Aid (Restricted)...........................$880,755 Making Waves (Restricted)...................................................$249,787 Eighth Grade Fund (Restricted)............................................$298,434 Behnke/Luria Family Endowment (Restricted)....................$97,172 Professional Development (Restricted).................................$51,577 Margaret B. MacArthur Endowment Fund for Financial Aid...........................................................................$20,385 Funding for Indexed Tuition (Unrestricted).....................$3,213,981 Faculty Salaries (Unrestricted).............................................$373,020 TOTAL........................................................................$8,073,602 *Endowment balances reflect all money collected and earnings from investments.
Wendy Levine ‘89
FINANCIAL FIGURES
REVENUES Indexed Tuition and Fees.......................$11,768,624
Indexed Tuition and Fees (89%)
1
Operating Fundraising...............................$903,936
Operating Fundraising (7%)
Interest, Transfers, Operating Reserves, Gifts...........................$288,809
Interest, transfers, operating reserves, gifts (2%)
Student Activity Fees..................................$279,155 Transportation...............................................$42,005
Student Activity Fees (2%)
TOTAL..............................................$13,282,529
Transportation (0.3%)
Instructional (4%)
EXPENSES Salaries and Benefits.................................$8,016,092 Instructional.................................................$568,545 2
Funding for Indexed Tuition..................$1,848,477
Funding for Indexed Tuition (15%)
Salaries and Benefits (63%)
Insurance, Fees, Debt...................................$243,618
Insurance, Fees and Debt (2%)
Capital Expenditures....................................$154,000 3
Plant and Maintenance..............................$1,157,333
Capital Expenditures (1%)
Administration..............................................$475,705 Student and Auxiliary...................................$191,270
Plant and Maintenance (9%)
TOTAL................................................$12,655,0
Administration (4%) Student and Auxiliary (2%)
NOTES 1. True Blue Fund.........................$720,650 Parents’ Association.................$143,361 Other Gifts..................................$39,925 $903,936
2. M.V. Williams & Others...........$213,747 Indexed Tuition and Fees........$1,634,730 $1,848,477
3. Includes PPRRSM Includes Transportation
From kindergarten to eighth grade, we SUPPORT each other
“Mark Day School has taught me the importance of kindness, gratitude, and compassion, along with the joy of curiosity and learning. Using these values, I believe we are well prepared to live by the words, ‘You must be the change you wish to see in the world.’” AIDAN ASHE ‘17
TRUE BLUE FUND Gifts to the True Blue Fund comprise an essential portion of Mark Day School’s budget each year. These unrestricted contributions that come from parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends of the school are put to use right away to provide much of what makes Mark Day School special—hands-on learning, dedicated faculty, and a focus on four key literacies: Social and Emotional Literacy, Cross-Cultural Literacy, Ecological Literacy, and Media and Information Literacy. Thank you to the 93 percent of current families who donated to the 2016-17 True Blue Fund. Benefactors’ Circle ($25,000+) Hadley Mullin ‘88 and Dan Kalafatas Kara and Charles Roell, Jr. Shalu and Hersh Saluja Partners’ Circle ($15,000 to $24,999) Melissa and Rick Silvers Eighth Pillar ($10,000 to $14,999) Anonymous (2) Jennifer and Bard Chrisman Sonya Danne and Chris Danne Mary Walsh-Gorski and Steve Gorski* Kira and Bradley J. Haas Fund Sophia and Robert Hee Angela and JT Herman Lauren and Jeffrey Osher Wendy and Carl Reichardt Eileen and Christopher Sheldon Shawna and Peter Supino Waneska and Chris Torto Mr. and Mrs. Denis Twomey The Winiarski Family Leadership Circle ($7,500 to $9,999) Ramesh and Julian Allen Genevieve and Andrew Biggs Kristin and Andrew Dickinson Jennifer and James Dutro Frank and Lois Noonan* Aimee Foreman and Kevin Vosen Dana Oliver and Adam Wolfson* Founders’ Circle ($5,000 to $7,499) Anonymous
Kara Ornstein and David Anderman Kyle and Margot Biehle Nicolle Henneuse and Peter Billington Nurite Regev and Robert Blechman Gigi and Rick Condos Pamela and Bryce Emo Sarah and Nils Erdmann Cynthia and Doug Erickson* Reetika and Sajot Grewal Katherine and Otto Halboth Erin and Brian Hansen* Kate and Chris Hobbs Meghen and Ken Kurtzig Tracy and Jaison Layney Carol and Doug Lee Donna and David Lorsch Kristine and Craig Maretzki McConnell Family Foundation Bibi and Eric Moore Stephanie and Sam Parker Kirsten and Steve Polsky Dayna and Eric Quanbeck Anna and Jonathan Rothbart Houda and Ray Silcock Marney and Christopher Solle Lori and Steve Wong Jennifer and Eddie Zalayet Sponsors’ Circle ($3,100 to $4,999) Anonymous Jasmine and Walter Bachtiger Lindsay and Tony Bartsh Deena and Jeff Bellman Tina and Steven Betz Joann and Scot Brew Lori and John Butler Courtney and Shale Butler The Chattha Family Tonya and Bryan Crapo
*Represents donors who have supported the True Blue Fund for 10 or more years +Represents donors who have supported the True Blue Fund for 15 or more years
Lucy and Anton Dawson The Dewane Family* Fabiana and Robert Duque-Ribeiro Megan and John Esrey Beth and Adam Fliss Kathryn Freeman Bill Freeman Rachel and Jamie Freundlich Marcy Charap Ginsburg ‘85 and Don Ginsburg Doris Stoermer and Kevin Gorski Tiffany and Ed Greenfield Veronica and Robert Harris Joseph M. Harvey and Amanda Cashman Harvey Nancy and Michael Hutchinson Harriet and Thomas Kostic Geoff Lakritz ‘85 Heather and Mark Marsella Aramie and Kevin McDonald Jennifer and Dan Mello Ritu and Alex Metzger Nilou and Nader Nadershahi Cathy and Scott Parkes Ellen Hufbaur and Jack Resneck Ashley Beech and Michael Tatum Marimar Torres Dr. Ilkcan Cokgor and Ismail Haluk Ulubay Kim Weiss* Victoria Peet and Steven Zimmerman Challenge Circle ($1,000 to $3,099) Anonymous (2) Heather Zehren Albinson and Tim Albinson Ananya and Sudip Banerjee* Sharina and Jay Belani Mary Clare Bly ‘87 and Colin Bly Joan and Nick Boodrookas+ Wendy and Patrick Broderick+ Melinda and Jesse Bromberg
Ann S. Buckner Liz and Doug Chiang* Brooke and Matt Conway Michelle and Stephen Cotton Julia Croom Heather Kessinger and Jon Eberly Augustine and Dominique Elissiry Michelle and Jodi Goodman Tracy and Jon Harding Maureen Wilson-Hwang and Boon Hwang LiShan Sung and Peter Ibershof Melinah Zohrabian and Jeffrey Katz Lynne Miyamoto and Andrew Kawahara Deana Morrow Kay ‘92 and Nicholas Kay Mary Ann and Andrew Kayser Janet and Damon Kerby+ Vira and David Klinetobe Nancy and Scott Larson Brenda and Don MacLean+ Diana Maier ‘84 and Ethan Kaplan in honor of Melanie Maier, loving wife and grandma Melanie and Peter Maier Sara von Schilling and William Martin Stacy and Mark Nelson* Steph and Phil Owen Shawndra Parise ‘90 and Keith Breinlinger Lisa and David Parker Jennifer and Franklin Parlamis Quynh and Russell Pearson Anne Wara and Jason Perko Mr. and Mrs. James E. Phoenix Terry and Chris Powers* Mylinh Huynh and Desmond Raitt Ellen Lee and Lou Romano Andrea and Semi Salmi+ Lisa and Marc Sebastian Yasmin-Dina Narielvala and Nathan Senini Wenqian Dou and Xunyang Shen Liz and Roger Silloway Kristen and Robert Sperling Susan and Jeffrey Spurr Rachel and Jeff Street Mandy and Scott Tachiki Daniella and Andrew Tress Kearsley Higgins and Todd Vaziri Trellis Circle ($500 to $999) Anonymous (2)
The Bacciocco Family+ Monica and Pablo Bizjack ‘82+ in memory of Ray Bizjack Sara Schwartz and Kenneth Blum* Vicki and John Box Ann and Paul Brenner+ Monica Rosenberg and Michael Brook Annette Brown Stephanie and Ethan Dornhelm Theresa and George Eisenberg+ Roni and Ira M. Elegant Jill Witty and Graham Evarts Tatiana and Bjorn Fruchtman Anna Semenova and Hayk Grigoryan Robbie and Phil Gutierrez Nancy and Don Henn Nanette and Donald Henneuse Stefanie and Andrew Hetherington Christy and Andrew Hinkelman Nhatle and Scott Johnston Emily and Bill Johnstone Melenie Keeffe Ursula and Richard Klier Kovler Family Foundation* Lisa Der Legge and William Legge Darrah and Matt MacLean ‘86 Roberta Ann and Dale W. Miller+ Cindy and Craig Morris Swati and Aditya Mukerji Heidi and Kevin Noonan* Anne and Jeffrey Pearl Sue and Bob Peisert Stacey and Mitch Rabin Katherine and Gustavo Rincon Ellyn Santos Rosa and Denis Savage Rita Schaulat Susie Shapira Molly and Stuart Silloway Mr. and Mrs. Shaugn Stanley in memory of Marcus Cooper Jesse and Mark Strassman* Ann and Steve Sutro ‘83* Diane and Bill Wara Bobbie and Bruce Weiss Dayna West Kathryn Jordan Whittley and Anthony Whittley Michelle and Wayne Wolfe Wenhui Gao and Jun Wu Blue and Gold Circle (up to $499) Anonymous (10) Elizabeth Adams ‘01
Lyn and Jim Adams Nick Allen The Almengor Family Jackie Bango* Jennifer Banks The Barad Family+ Lisa Becker and Tom Schmidt+ Krista Bendinelli* Linda Wong and Joseph Benga Carol and Ken Biehle Victoria and Brad Billington Gloria and Elliott Birnberg Anna Bischoff ‘04 in honor of Diane Bredt Vinesa Blackwell Sharon and Ted Block+ Jacquie and Tom Bly Sandy and Dennis Bohm+ Elizabeth Bonzell Alex Boodrookas ‘02 Diane Boodrookas ‘06 Trenton Boorman ‘03 Cheryl and Kevin Bower Chris Broderick ‘06 John Broderick ‘10 Malini and Colin Brown Carol and Joe Brum Avvy Mar and Michael Budwig Kristina and Scott Buer Mary Buttaro Shawna Callahan Amy Carlson McConnell Dr. Annette Perry-Carrera and Frank Carrera* Marco Castillo ‘14 Natalia Castillo ‘16 Tracy Caton and Howard Cummings* Atashi Chakravarty and Jon Janzen in honor of Renee Janzen Emily Chang ‘92 Joyce Chen Helen Kennedy and Adrian Cheong Courtney and Jack Coghlan Geneva and Jack Conway+ Donna and Dick Creighton Sue Crowther Kim Danforth Barbara and Richard Danne Cathy and Jim Delano Sally DePiro Georgette and Emerson Dickman Risa and Lewis Dimm Alex Dobbs Elle and Joseph Doerr Marilyn and Richard Dornhelm
Sandy and Dick Drew Iwona and Keith Dunne Mrs. Jane A. Eiseman Rebecca and Adam Elegant Dana and Jerry Evans Katy and Tim Evans Marisa and Peter Evers Robin and Duncan Fallat Ronnie and William Feldman Yolanda Ferguson Brian Ferris ‘82 Marion Fitch Connell Diana and Timothy Fitzpatrick+ Mark Fong Ia Forrester+ Eleanor and Duncan Fraser Pierce Freeman ‘10 Cathleen and William Freeman Jane and Ray Fukui Sydney and Richard Funamura Claire Galla ‘14 Tracy and Len Galla Taylor Galla ‘10 Patricia and Ernesto Garcia Eva Geisse ‘09 Jennifer Geisse ‘03 Lisa and John Geisse Sarah Geisse ‘05 Kelly Giddings Karen Gilchrist Gaelle and Brian Gordon Lisa Gordon Lawrence T. Gorski Megan and Jed Greene Tamara and Tatian Greenleaf Adrienne Low and Robin Grindley in honor of Bjorn Low-Grindley Kristina Kristen and Andrew Grossman Katherine Gutierrez ‘16 Dr. Joseph and Semira Habis Theresa Hall and Jeffrey Palladini Ann Hamon Teri and Brian Hauswirth Rita Hayes Lisa Hayle Vickie Hecht and Michael Morris Charlotte Hee ‘16 Melissa and Alan Hereford Ardyce and Don Herman Jennifer Hewett Susan and CJ Hickey Melisa and David Hickman Sarah and Richard Hoffman Joseph Hohl
Francesca Danek-Hohne and Timothy Hohne Julia Huo-Kuramoto and Ben Kuramoto Chris Jannes and Deborah Hamon Danielle Javadi Olivia and Alfredo Jiménez Kay and Lee Johnson Chris Johnston ‘02 Lara Johnston ‘04 Marina Juarez de Silva Joy and John Kabage Nancy and Michael Kaplan Fay and Ron Kelly Michelle Clark and Ji-Hoon Kim June Mee and Steven Kim Sandra Lamke and Jerome Kirkpatrick Bonnie and Lee Kirkpatrick Karen Klier and James Leventhal* Tina King and Dutch Knapp* Johanna and Jim La Fleur Derek M. Lawson ‘01 Drew A. Lawson ‘03 Kristan Ruona and Yuen Lee Minna Leigh Sophia Leswing ‘13 Kari and Tom Levine* Wendy Morris Levine ‘89 and Marc Levine* Kylee Lin ‘05* Barbara and Wood Lockhart+ Daisy Lookinland ‘14 Frank Lookinland ‘16 Jami Coulter and Jon Lotter Rhona and Richard Lovett* Elissa Lozier+ Chisoo and Norm Lyons* Christine and Jim Maguire* Amy Leung and Alan Mainwaring Angela Espinal de Fernandez and Felipe Martinez Ellen McLaughlin* Beth and Matt McMurphy ‘95 Kate Merrill Florence and Victor Meyers in honor of the McDonald family Beth Michaelsen Sharyn Mitchell Denise and Bill Moore Jennifer Shaw Navarrete and Richard Navarrete+ Jessica Ngo ‘01 Bonnie Nishihara and Chad Forrester ‘86+ Carolyn Carrere and Philip Nittenberg
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2016-2017 Shalu Saluja, President David Anderman Sharina Belani Trent Boorman ‘03, Alumni Representative Amie Dewane Louisa Ransom Gloger ‘92 Alexander Fraser Phil Gutierrez Joe Harvey, Head of School Robert Hee, Vice Chair JT Herman, Treasurer Dan Kalafatas, Assistant Treasurer Andrew Kawahara Tom Levine Michelle Mulkey Deborah Pannell, Faculty Trustee Stephanie Parker, PA President Sam Parker Steve Polsky Terry Powers Carl Reichardt Andrea Salmi, Trustee Emerita Eileen Sheldon Nicole Stanton Ending their terms in 2017 David Anderman Amie Dewane Tom Levine Louisa Ransom Gloger ‘92 Phil Gutierrez Deb Pannell, Faculty Trustee Stephanie Parker, PA President Andrea Salmi, Trustee Emerita Beginning their terms in 2017 Julian Allen Kristin Keeffe, Trustee Emerita Minna Leigh, Faculty Trustee Chris Mazzola Ashley Ransom, PA President
THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSEVERANCE BY CAMILLA ROSSI ‘17 In June, each graduating student stands before our community of families, peers, faculty, and staff to deliver parting words. This Mark Day School tradition culminates years of growth, learning, and building relationships. Students are encouraged to make these speeches personal and unique, giving the audience a sense of their journey at Mark Day. Following is a speech given by Camilla Rossi ‘17 on graduation day, June 16, 2017. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” That was spoken by Harriet Tubman, who was the leader of the Underground Railroad. That quote, for some reason, reminds me of my dad. Except instead of strength, patience, and passion, my dad would say school, good grades, and hard work. Not only has my dad instilled those characteristics in me, but so has the school. The school has turned me into the person that I am today. Mark Day School has taught me what it means to be a courageous, kind, and hard working student. However, the road to success hasn’t always been easy. I have faced struggles that this school has helped me overcome and I’ve been presented with happiness that the school has helped me enjoy. The school has pushed me to be the person that I truly am. But something that I have come to realize over time is that the people around you aren’t the ones who need to spur you on. You need to compel yourself to really get to where you want to be. At the very beginning of this year, I started losing my drive. I didn’t pay much attention in any of my classes, and I stopped turning in work. That was one of the worst mistakes I have made because I had to work really hard to get my grades back up so high schools could see the kind of student that I actually was. I spent countless nights working on assignments, hours and hours of studying. I even came to school on a Monday when we didn’t have school to turn in missing work. I’ve always been a driven student and I wasn’t going to let that fade during my last year. That small feeling of failure and disappointment taught me that no matter how hard things
get, I always need to push forward and be ready for whatever comes next. When I first came to Mark Day School, I was a happy, compassionate, and energetic five-year-old. Now, nine years later, I’m still that same happy, compassionate, and energetic person. I’ve just grown even more. I can gladly say that this school has molded me with its dedicated teachers, welcoming community, and seven pillars of character. Along with the school, my parents pushed me to do well in everything I tried. They’ve always wanted the best for me and I would like to thank them for that, as well as my teachers for pushing me when I didn’t want to persevere and for putting up with my missing assignments.
“The school has turned me into the person that I am today. Mark Day School has taught me what it means to be a courageous, kind, and hard working student.” Now, to my peers, the graduating class of 2017, I congratulate you. From our starting kindergarten class of thirty-six to those sixteen who joined in and became a part of this family, we’ve become a strong group of mathematicians, athletes, and performers. We have developed connections that will last a lifetime. I thank all of you for giving me memories that I will cherish forever and for giving me the most wonderful nine years of my life. Just remember to not be afraid to dream big.
Jong Noh Eileen O’Hare Anne and Dean Ornish Barb Osher Deborah Pannell Lilianna and Anthony Parker Kathryn and Sean ‘90 Peisert The Perlstein Family* Fernanda Pernambuco and Zachary Partin Nancy and Mick Peterson Erica and Christopher Pflueger Kelly and Aaron Pieczonka Kathleen and Che Prasad Judith and Kedar Prasad Laura McCormick and David Pretl Jo Procter Janice Richey and Ashley Ransom Lourdes Razo Erma H. Rech Heidi and Glen Regier* Leigh and Thaddeus Reichley Katie Riley Scott Roche ‘16 Jeniffer and Luis Rossi Martha Aguiar and Alberto Salazar Ava Salmi ‘11 Isabella Salmi ‘09 Otto Salmi ‘11 Julie and Eric Salz
Madeleine Sanchez Wendy and Alan Schaevitz+ Susan and David Schwartz+ Cathy and Evan Sedlock+ Laura and David Shapiro Sophie Shulman ‘02 Leslie and Chris Sigler+ Susan and Joel Sklar+ Roger Smith+ in honor of Abby & Alysa Smith Jennifer Southern David St. Martin Nicole Stanton Luz Maria Strohm Honorable and Mrs. John A. Sutro, Jr. Yoshie and Norman Tachiki Elif Talegon Evelyn Wynne Tauchert+ Ana Tejada Andrea Ferrance and Dara Thompson Barbara Heil and Jon Tolson Rachel and Stephen Tracy* Tori Truss Carolyn Tune Raquel Valdivia Eileen Varin* Ecco Wang Michael P. Ward Jessica Weiss ‘02 Jane and David Williams
Jennifer and Nathan Winslow Aristo Wintersteen ‘16 Cristin Yang Jordan Young ‘02 Barbara Clifton Zarate and Alfredo Zarate Lacy and Lucas Zehner Rebecca Li and David Zeng Corporate Matching Gifts AAA Apple, Inc. ARES Corporation Autodesk, Inc. Bank of the West Chevron Corporation Disney Corporation Equinox Gap, Inc. Google, Inc. Kaiser Permanente KKR Morgan Stanley Paypal, Inc. PG&E Ride the Wave Silicon Valley Bank Sundial Market Research, Inc. ThermoFisher Scientific Wells Fargo Bank
THE EIGHTH PILLAR The members of the Eighth Pillar have given either $100,000 or more to Mark Day School since joining the community or $10,000 in the last year. They are exemplars of the unofficial Eighth Pillar of Mark Day School--philanthropy. Anonymous (5) Ramesh and Julian Allen Kara Ornstein and David Anderman Rona Gomel Ashe and Neil Ashe Toby Atterbury Karena and Jeff Bacciocco The Barad Family Lindsay and Tony Bartsh Joan and Nick Boodrookas Winkie Bresler Tim Brisbois Wendy and Patrick Broderick Jean and Stuart Brown Cameron and Bruce Brugler David, Olivia & Quentin Carrel Helen and Victor Castillo
The Chattha Family Jennifer and Bard Chrisman Sonya Danne and Chris Danne Patricia Callahan and David Dee The Dewane Family Kristin and Andrew Dickinson Gigi and Scott Dixon Kate and Bill Duhamel Judy and Jay Ferguson Diana and Timothy Fitzpatrick Kathryn Freeman Lisa and John Geisse Louisa Ransom Gloger ‘92 and Drew Gloger Sarah and Dirk Godsey Mary Walsh-Gorski and Steve Gorski
Kira George Haas ‘99? and Bradley J. Haas Ginnie and Peter Haas, Jr. Erin and Brian Hansen Veronica and Robert Harris Linda W. Hart and Milledge A. Hart III Sophia and Robert Hee Marje and Tony Helfet Angela and JT Herman Francesca and James Hetfield Maureen Wilson-Hwang and Boon Hwang Valerie and Gregg Jacobs Hadley Mullin ‘88 and Dan Kalafatas Diana Maier ‘84 and Ethan Kaplan Jennifer and John Knoll
FUND-A-NEED Students and teachers have been busy preparing to take full advantage of the new Learning Commons and Creativity Lab that are part of the campus project. At the auction, we gathered together to raise an additional $92,000 to make sure that when the doors open later this year, teachers have the resources—furniture, fixtures, and equipment—they need to help students become better thinkers, designers, and inventors. With the generosity of auction guests, we are able to purchase the following items that were not included in the project:
A pair of ball chairs that will become reading and reflection nooks for students seeking quiet spaces in the Lower Learning Commons. Curved soft seating on casters for the Upper Learning Commons that can be configured campfire-style for activities such as literature circles or in pods for small group activities such as design thinking ideation. Non-porous and waterproof flexible foam seating on casters for the Creativity Lab Think Tank. FrontRow “soundfield systems” for the Lower Learning Commons storytelling corner and the Creativity Think Tank, designed to ensure that every student can hear the librarian or teacher clearly. Increased numbers of tinkering tools, ranging from glue guns that can be used with the Creativity Lab’s ceiling-mounted power cables to sewing machines to additional 3D printers. Unique tables and project display space designed to be reconfigured and to withstand heavy-duty tinkering. A CNC router for fabricating more sophisticated designs in the Creativity Lab workshop.
David LaHorgue Tracy and Jaison Layney Elsa Leung Leswing and Kurt Leswing Yujing Han and David Liu Karen Behnke Luria and Howard Luria Jim Martin Tracy and Andrew Matthes Alison and Michael Mauzé Aramie and Kevin McDonald Betsy and John McKinney Jennifer and Dan Mello Ritu and Alex Metzger Monica and Andrew Midler Gila and John Millar Bibi and Eric Moore Anne and Dean Ornish, M.D.
Lauren and Jeffrey Osher Stephanie and Sam Parker Cathy and Scott Parkes Eda and Joseph Pell Wendy and Carl Reichardt Ellen Hufbaur and Jack Resneck Kara and Charles Roell, Jr. Anna and Jonathan Rothbart Andrea and Semi Salmi Shalu and Hersh Saluja Barbara and Tom Sargent Christine Schantz Eileen and Christopher Sheldon Houda and Ray Silcock Melissa and Rick Silvers Katie Smith and Andrew Spiegel
Shawna and Peter Supino Waneska and Chris Torto Mr. and Mrs. Denis Twomey Kelley and Eric Warner Tracey and Michael Warson Caryn and Noah Weiss Kim Weiss The Winiarski Family Dana Oliver and Adam Wolfson Rene Zakhour Jennifer and Eddie Zalayet
From long-standing traditions to campus renovations, we are HOME
WE CREATE CAMPAIGN Thank you to nearly 250 current families, alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff, and friends for your unparalleled support for We Create: The Campaign for Mark Day School. To date, $6,100,000 has been generously raised, in gifts and pledges, toward the project. It represents the largest fundraising effort in the school’s history. As part of the project, Mark Day enters the world of solar power through installing a solar array on the rooftops of the Lower School, the Science & Arts building, and the Gym during the summer of 2017. These solar panels will provide most of the school’s electrical power needs while enabling the Learning Commons and Creativity Lab project to reach LEED Platinum status, the highest level of environmental sustainability in building design and construction. For more news and updates on progress, please go to www.markdayschool. org/WeCreate. Thank you for helping us to create discovery, connections, community, and “a-ha” moments. $500,000 - $999,999
Anonymous (3) The Dewane Family Gigi and Scott Dixon Linda W. Hart and Milledge A. Hart, III Kara and Charles Roell, Jr.
Nicolle Henneuse and Peter Billington Wendy and Patrick Broderick Robert and Fabiana Duque-Ribeiro Mary Walsh-Gorski and Steve Gorski Meghen and Ken Kurtzig/Arizae Fund Diana Maier ‘84 and Ethan Kaplan & Melanie and Peter Maier Bibi and Eric Moore Anne and Dean Ornish, M.D. Stephanie and Sam Parker Kirsten and Steve Polsky Anna and Jonathan Rothbart Dana Oliver and Adam Wolfson
$100,000 - $249,999
$25,000 - $49,999
Anonymous (3) Ramesh and Julian Allen Kara Anderman and David Anderman Rona Gomel Ashe and Neil Ashe Andrew and Kristin Dickinson The Freeman Family Kira and Bradley J. Haas Fund & Peter E. Haas Jr. Family Fund Sophia and Robert Hee John and Gila Millar The Reichardt Family Melissa and Rick Silvers Louisa and Andrew Gloger, The Woodbury Foundation
The Albinson Family Genevieve and Andrew Biggs Victor and Helen Castillo The Chattha Family Jennifer and Bard Chrisman Gigi and Rick Condos Kate and Chris Hobbs Mary Ann and Andrew Kayser Katie and Jay Kern Tracy and Jaison Layney The Parkes Family The Powers Family Dayna and Eric Quanbeck Kim Weiss
$50,000 - $99,999
$10,000 - $24,999
Anonymous The Bartsh Family
Anonymous Sharina and Jay Belani
Shalu and Hersh Saluja The Torto Family $250,000 - $499,999
Lori and John Butler Jon and Angie Cohen Susan and Alastair Cumming Judy and Jay Ferguson Erin and Brian Hansen Veronica and Robert Harris Amanda Cashman Harvey and Joseph M. Harvey Angela and JT Herman Lynne Miyamoto and Andrew Kawahara Vira and David Klinetobe Kristine and Craig Maretzki Jennifer and Dan Mello Alex and Ritu Metzger Michael and Andrea Morrison Nilou and Nader Nadershahi Lauren and Jeffrey Osher Ellen Hufbaur and Jack Resneck Andrea and Semi Salmi The Silloway Family Mandy and Scott Tachiki Kelley and Eric Warner The Winiarski Family Victoria Peet and Steven Zimmerman Up to $9,999 Anonymous American Express Members Give Jackie Bango The Barad Family Lisa Becker and Tom Schmidt Gail and Bobby Beech Krista Bendinelli
Elizabeth Bonzell Diane Boodrookas ‘06 Joan and Nick Boodrookas Bev and Rolly Boorman Trenton Boorman ‘03 Lauralee Barbaria and Diane Bredt Marilyn and Marvin Brenner Chris Broderick ‘06 John Broderick ‘10 Malini and Colin Brown Ann S. Buckner Avvy Mar and Michael Budwig Alexis Verkozen Bullen ‘01 Wendy Edelen-Cady and Gregg Cady Shawna Callahan Dr. Annette Perry-Carrera and Frank Carrera Atashi Chakravarty and Jon Janzen Linda and Scott Cherry Courtney and Jack Coghlan Geneva and Jack Conway Tonya and Bryan Crapo Lawrence Crapo Sue Crowther Kim Danforth Lucy and Anton Dawson Lori and Chris Deibel Cathy and Jim Delano Micky and Chris Doner Sandy and Dick Drew Dana and Jerry Evans Tim and Katy Evans Marisa and Peter Evers Carol Faulhaber Ronnie and William Feldman Diana and Timothy Fitzpatrick Sally and Thomas Freed Tatiana and Bjorn Fruchtman Diane and David Gabianelli Nancy M. and Gene Gabianelli Michelle Mulkey and Nathaniel Garrett Jennifer and Wayne Getz Kelly Giddings Barbara Gloger Gaelle and Brian Gordon Lawrence T. Gorski Tamara and Tatian Greenleaf Reetika and Sajot Grewal Daniel Grigoryan Katherine Gutierrez ‘16 Phil and Robbie Gutierrez Theresa Hall and Jeffrey Palladini Andrea Hansen Dr. Nancy Haugen
Rita Hayes Vickie Hecht and Michael Morris Marje and Tony Helfet Nancy and Don Henn Stefanie and Andrew Hetherington Susan and CJ Hickey Melisa and David Hickman Mayme and Jay Hubert Karen Jacobsen Chris Jannes and Deborah Hamon Marti Jessen Diane and Andrew Jessup Susan Johnson Chris Johnston ‘02 Lara Johnston ‘04 Joy and John Kabage Ray Karter Deana Morrow Kay ‘92 and Nicholas Kay Kristin and Brian Keeffe Fay and Ron Kelly Dana Kirk Stephanie and Brooks Kirkwood Karen Klier and James Leventhal Ursula and Richard Klier Kathleen Kopp Mullin Carol and Doug Lee Kari and Tom Levine Wendy Morris Levine ‘89 and Marc Levine Rhona and Richard Lovett Elissa Lozier Lennis Lyon Chisoo and Norm Lyons John and Carolyn Madison Christine and Jim Maguire Bonnie Margolin Bill Martin and Sara von Schilling McConnell Family Foundation Ellen McLaughlin Sharyn Mitchell Denise and Bill Moore Cindy and Craig Morris Jessica Ngo ‘01 Bonnie Nishihara and Chad Forrester Cindy and Morris Noble Eileen O’Hare Barb Osher Steph and Phil Owen The Palmateer Family Deborah Pannell Elda and Andrew Parise Lisa and David Parker Pam and Gordon Parker Lilianna and Anthony Parker
Fernanda Pernambuco and Zachary Partin John Pflueger Michael Pincus Mr. David Pretl and Dr. Laura McCormick Janice Richey and Ashley Ransom Leigh and Thaddeus Reichley Carolyn Revelle Kimberley Roberts and Michael Laine Megan Jones and Stephen Rosenbaum Ellen and Alan Rothbart Susan Rothholz Ava Salmi ‘11 Isabella Salmi ‘09 Otto Salmi ‘11 Rosa and Denis Savage Cathy and Evan Sedlock Laura and David Shapiro Wenqian Dou and Xunyang Shen Sophie Shulman ‘02 John Simpson and Christine Makuch-Simpson Marcia and David Sperling Nicole Stanton Luz Maria Strohm Susan and John Touchstone Oanh Tran ‘00 Tori Truss Dr. and Mrs. Albert A. Varner Corro and Marty Walsh Kathryn Jordan Whittley and Anthony Whittley Jennifer and Nathan Winslow Jennifer and Devin Wolfe Lori and Steve Wong Karen Woodall Jennifer and Eddie Zalayet Lacy and Lucas Zehner Rukun and Aixiang Zeng Suzanne L. Zimmerman Corporate Matching Gifts AAA Autodesk, Inc. Black Rock Goldman Sachs McKesson Paypal, Inc. Walmart Wells Fargo Bank
From rock band to tinkering in the Open Lab, we cultivate PASSION
“Our family chose Mark Day for its academic excellence, mission, and core values. Our children had an outstanding K-8 education during their most formative years, and our family gives so others can experience the same. We Believe a strong and robust endowment provides long term financial stability, which is essential for any great school to flourish and grow.� ELSA LEUNG AND KURT LEWSING
ENDOWMENTS, FUNDS, & OTHER GIFTS ENDOWED FUNDS Eighth Grade Endowment Rona Gomel Ashe and Neil Ashe Vinesa Blackwell Shawna Callahan Angie and Jon Cohen Susan and Alastair Cumming Adeline Liu Freedman and Michael Freedman Diane and David Gabianelli Nancy and Don Henn Julie and Vatche Kalfayan Katie and Jay Kern Elizabeth and Devan Nielsen Heidi and Glen Regier Damon Kerby Fund for Indexed Tuition Liz Eisenberg ‘98 Ernesto Garcia ‘08 Dr. Nancy Haugen Joseph Hauswirth ‘05 Patricia Gilbert and Jeremy Norman Lecie and Jack Resneck in honor of Ellen Hufbauer and Jack Resneck Deborah and William Strull The Tally Foundation with Amanda Atterbury Ryan VMD Endowment for Indexed Tuition Ann and Paul Brenner DESIGNATED GIFTS Chess Program Elizabeth and Michael Hodges in honor of Charles Hodges ‘90 Kassia Vote in honor of Kevin Vote ‘90 Drama Program Karen Lawson and Herb Schwartz Library Fund Anonymous Professional Development Linda W. Hart and Milledge A. Hart III
South African Partnerships Donations to the eSiboniweni Girls’ Scholarship Fund, Orphan Food Program (ePop) or Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) Anonymous Heather Zehren Albinson and Tim Albinson Ramesh and Julian Allen Jasmine and Walter Bachtiger Lindsay and Tony Bartsh Lisa Becker and Tom Schmidt Deena and Jeff Bellman Genevieve and Andrew Biggs Vinesa Blackwell Sara Schwartz and Kenneth Blum Shawndra Parise ‘90 and Keith Breinlinger Lori and John Butler Tracy Caton and Howard Cummings Jennifer and Bard Chrisman Elinor MacKinnon and Jonathan Cummins Kristin and Andrew Dickinson Jennifer and James Dutro Heather Kessinger and Jon Eberly Claudia and David Eiseman Pamela and Bryce Emo Katy and Tim Evans Jill Witty and Graham Evarts Robin and Duncan Fallat Tatiana and Bjorn Fruchtman Tamara and Tatian Greenleaf Robbie and Phil Gutierrez Kira and Bradley J. Haas Erin and Brian Hansen Tracy and Jon Harding Veronica and Robert Harris Sophia and Robert Hee Stefanie and Andrew Hetherington Susan and CJ Hickey Janell and Harrison Hobart Kate and Chris Hobbs Maureen Wilson-Hwang and Boon Hwang Deborah and Mark Johnson Emily and Bill Johnstone Julie and Vatche Kalfayan Melinah Zohrabian and Jeffrey Katz Kristin and Brian Keeffe Meghen and Ken Kurtzig Tracy and Jaison Layney
Elsa Leung Leswing and Kurt Leswing Jami Coulter and Jon Lotter Rhona and Richard Lovett Aramie and Kevin McDonald Anna Quintero and Christopher Murdick Anne and Dean Ornish Liza and Cenk Ozkay Cathy and Scott Parkes Kathryn and Sean ‘90 Peisert Erica and Christopher Pflueger Kelly and Aaron Pieczonka Kirsten and Steve Polsky Janice Richey and Ashley Ransom Lourdes Razo Wendy and Carl Reichardt Ellen Hufbaur and Jack Resneck Ellen Lee and Lou Romano Martha Aguiar and Alberto Salazar Susie Shapira Eileen and Christopher Sheldon Kristen and Robert Sperling David St. Martin Kristi and Todd Taaffe Ashley Beech and Michael Tatum Andrea Ferrance and Dara Thompson Waneska and Chris Torto Aimee Foreman and Kevin Vosen Kathryn Jordan Whittley and Anthony Whittley Alison and Duncan Williams Dana Oliver and Adam Wolfson Donna and Barry Young Jordan Young ‘02 Lacy and Lucas Zehner Tobey Hiller and Phillip Ziegler Victoria Peet and Steven Zimmerman GIFTS IN KIND Deena and Jeff Bellman Nurite Regev and Robert Blechman Lucy and Anton Dawson Jose Feito Adrienne Low and Robin Grindley Stefanie and Andrew Hetherington Melisa and David Hickman Sophia and Abner Kingman Johanna and Jim La Fleur Lisa and David Parker Katherine and Gustavo Rincon Liz and Roger Silloway
From morning assembly to academic learning, we are FULL OF HEART
“The Spring Fundraiser put on by the Parents’ Association is a great opportunity to combine philanthropy and fun. After all, there’s no ‘party’ without a PA.” ASHLEY RANSOM, PA PRESIDENT
Don’t miss the next Community Party on March 17, 2018 at Terrapin Crossroads!
SEAS THE DAY Thank you to all who attended, participated, and volunteered at this year’s Spring Fundraiser. You helped raise funds that will cover critical expenses like teacher salaries, professional development, and Indexed Tuition. VOLUNTEERS Chair Kathryn Freeman Baskets Pamela Emo Stacy Nelson Check-In Lindsay and Tony Bartsh Shawna Callahan Kate Hobbs Diana Maier Lynne Miyamoto Stephanie Parker Vicki Peet Eileen Sheldon Event Planning Stephanie Dornhelm Fulfillment Shawna Callahan Sophia Hee Atashi Chakravarty
Raffle Lucy Dawson School Offerings Ashley Ransom Silent Auction Andrew Biggs Genny Biggs Vicki Peet Steve Zimmerman Socials Archana Chattha Sydney Ling Rachel Street Sponsorships Laura Shapiro Jennifer Zalayet Technology Chad Forrester Tatain Greenleaf Ray Karter
Getaways Stephanie Dornhelm
Wine Jennifer Dutro Megan Greene Bibi Moore
Graphics Lori Butler Sophie Shulman
SPONSORS
Inventory Mary Clare Bly Atashi Chakravarty Live Auction Catalog Sophie Shulman Live Auction Presentation Bill Martin Marketing Chris Jannes
Make Some Waves Silicon Valley Bank Roll with the Tide Cartelligent and David and Laura Shapiro Gorton and Schmohl Orthodontics and Walter and Jasmine Bachtiger Chris and Kate Hobbs Hersh and Shalu Saluja Life’s a Beach Andrew and Kristin Dickinson Sam and Stephanie Parker
Payless Storage and Shale and Courtney Butler Chris and Waneska Torto Adam Wolfson and Dana Oliver Surf ’s Up Arbonne Bard and Jennifer Chrisman Megan and John Esrey Robert and Sophia Hee Chris and Eileen Sheldon Ismail H. Ulubay and Ilkcan Cokgor ANGELS Heather Zehren and Tim Albinson Shawndra Parise and Keith Breinlinger Vijay and Archie Chattha Alastair and Susan Cumming Andrew and Kristin Dickinson Steve and Mary Gorski Harrison and Janell Hobart Mark and Deborah Johnson Dan Kalafatas and Hadley Mullin ‘88 Jennifer Mello Dean and Anne Ornish Sarita Patel Charles and Kara Roell Susie Shapira Chris and Eileen Sheldon Adam Wolfson and Dana Oliver FUND-A-NEED Anonymous Kara Ornstein and David Anderman Jasmine and Walter Bachtiger Lindsay and Tony Bartsh Sharina and Jay Belani Kyle and Margot Biehle Genevieve and Andrew Biggs Sara Schwartz and Kenneth Blum Shawndra Parise ‘90 and Keith Breinlinger Shawna Callahan Archana and Vijay Chattha Kristin and Leland Clemons
Kristin and Andrew Dickinson Jennifer and James Dutro Pamela and Bryce Emo Megan and John Esrey Katy and Tim Evans Beth and Adam Fliss Kathryn Freeman Rachel and Jamie Freundlich Michelle Mulkey and Nathaniel Garrett Mary Walsh-Gorski and Steve Gorski Reetika and Sajot Grewl Robbie and Phil Gutierrez Kira George Haas ‘99 and Bradley J. Haas Erin and Brian Hansen Tracy and Jon Harding Veronica and Robert Harris Joseph M. Harvey and Amanda Cashman Harvey Sophia and Robert Hee Christy and Andrew Hinkelman Hadley Mullin ‘88 and Dan Kalafatas Lynne Miyamoto and Andrew Kawahara Michelle Clark and Ji-Hoon Kim Tracy and Jaison Layney Wendy Morris Levine ‘89 and Marc Levine Rhona and Richard Lovett Sara von Schilling and Bill Martin Aramie and Kevin McDonald Bibi and Eric Moore Lauren and Jeffrey Osher Lisa and David Parker Stephanie and Sam Parker Cathy and Scott Parkes Quynh and Russell Pearson Erica and Christopher Pflueger Kelly and Aaron Pieczonka Terry and Chris Powers Laura McCormick and David Pretl Dayna and Eric Quanbeck Stacey and Mitch Rabin Janice Richey and Ashley Ransom Wendy and Carl Reichardt Leigh and Thaddeus Reichley Kara and Charles Roell, Jr. Shalu and Hersh Saluja Susie Shapira Liz and Roger Silloway Melissa and Rick Silvers Kristen and Robert Sperling Rachel and Jeff Street Mandy and Scott Tachiki Waneska and Chris Torto
Kearsley Higgins and Todd Vaziri Alison and Duncan Williams Jennifer and Nathan Winslow Dana Oliver and Adam Wolfson Lacy and Lucas Zehner Victoria Peet and Steven Zimmerman AUCTION DONORS Anonymous (2) Nick Allen Anne Lowengart Interiors Arch Rival Walter and Jasmine Bachtiger Jackie Bango Tony and Lindsay Bartsh Lisa Becker Krista Bendinelli Steven and Tina Betz Margot and Kyle Biehle Cory Birnberg Rob Blechman and Nurite Regev Kenneth Blum and Sara Schwartz Beth Bonzell Scot and Joann Brew Mike Brook and Monica Rosenberg John and Lori Butler Atashi Chakravarty Vijay and Archie Chattha Joyce Chen AJ Cheong and Helen Kennedy Chickpea Photography Studio Bard and Jennifer Chrisman Jack and Courtney Coghlan Geneva Conway Matt and Brooke Conway Steve and Michelle Cotton Jami Coulter and Jon Lotter Bryan and Tonya Crapo Tracy Caton Dasha Custom Cakes Denler Hobart Gardens LLC Andrew and Kristin Dickinson Diesel, A Bookstore Donum Estate Drs. Griffin and Karimian Ben and Max Dutro James and Jennifer Dutro Eduardo’s Bryce and Pamela Emo Nils and Sarah Erdmann Doug and Cynthia Erickson Tim and Katy Evans Ronnie Feldman Yolanda Ferguson
Adam and Beth Fliss Mark Fong Chad Forrester ‘86 and Bonnie Nishihara Alexander and Wendy Fraser Kathryn Freeman Bjorn and Tatiana Fruchtman Nat Garrett and Michelle Mulkey Kelly Giddings Jodi and Michelle Goodman Gaelle Gordon Graham Evarts and Jill Witty Jed and Megan Greene Ed and Tiffany Greenfield Tatian Greenleaf Sajot and Reetika Grewal Hayk Grigoryan and Anna Semenova Robin Grindley and Adrienne Low Bradley and Kira Haas Mark and Victoria Harter Joe Harvey Robert and Sophia Hee Andrew and Stefanie Hetherington David Hickman Chris and Kate Hobbs Tim Hohne and Francesca Danek-Hohne Julia Huo-Kuramoto Boon Hwang and Maureen Wilson-Hwang Matt and Catherine Parker Hyotte Indagare Irvine Marriot Hotel Jeff and Rachel Street Alfredo and Olivia Jimenez Charles Jo Mark and Deborah Johnson Scott and Nhatle Johnson Joy Kabage Ethan Kaplan and Diana Maier ‘84 Deana Morrow Kay ‘92 and Nick Kay Jay and Katie Kern Karen Klier David and Vira Klinetobe Kosta Browne Winery Ken and Meghen Kurtzig Jim and Johanna LaFleur Jaison and Tracy Layney Wendy and Marc Levine Rebecca Li Andrew and Sydney Ling Lindsay Lotter Norm Lyons Craig and Kristine Gonzales Maretzki
Marin Scholastic Chess - Lanette Gordon Mark Day School Board of Trustees Mark Day School Parents’ Association Heather Marsella Bill Martin and Sara von Schilling Mary Small Photography Mac McConnell Kevin and Aramie McDonald Ellen McLaughlin John and Gila Millar Minna Leigh Eric and Bibi Moore Moylan’s Brewery and Restaurant Mark and Stacy Nelson Eileen O’Hare One Medical Group Dean and Anne Ornish Ray Orwig Cenk and Liza Ozkay Taelon Ozkay Deb Pannell Shawndra Parise and Keith Breinlinger David and Lisa Parker Lilah Parker Lilianna Parker
Sam and Stephanie Parker Scott and Cathy Parkes Peacock Gap Golf Club Fernanda Pernambuco Aaron and Kelly Pieczonka Pullman Hotels and Resorts Eric and Dayna Quanbeck Aoife Raitt Ranga Everyday Curry Carl and Wendy Reichardt Thaddeus and Leigh Reichley Renaissance San Diego Hotel Ridge Vineyards Rixos Transportation Charles and Kara Roell Lou Romano Salon Elle San Francisco Zoological Society Ethan Schwartz and Lisa Savage Dave and Kathy Scially Cathy Sedlock Sophie Shulman Leslie Sigler Silbermann’s Ice Cream Roger and Liz Silloway Rick and Melissa Silvers
Christopher and Marney Solle Robert and Kristen Sperling David St. Martin Luzmaria Strohm Style Rescue Scott and Mandy Tachiki The Dailey Method - Novato The Dojo Studio of Martial Arts The Ranch at Live Oak / Malibu and R4.0 The Village at Corte Madera theBoom.com Three Sticks Wines Todd Vaziri and Kearsley Higgins Melissa Villarreal Anthony Whittley and Kathryn Jordan Nathan and Jennifer Winslow Adam Wolfson and Dana Oliver Jun Wu Cristin Yang Donna Young Eddie and Jennifer Zalayet Luke and Lacy Zehner Steven Zimmerman and Vicki Peet
“Volunteering at Mark Day School is an easy way to get to know parents and teachers, get a closer look into the classrooms, and help create great experiences for every student.” LISA SAVAGE
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS We salute the many volunteers who support teaching and learning in every way. The leadership of the fundraising volunteers below supports a culture of giving, allowing philanthropy to thrive and make a significant difference in the lives of Mark Day School students now and for generations to come. TRUE BLUE FUND Parent Co-Chairs Rob Blechman Eileen Sheldon Melissa Silvers Alumni Chairs Ronnie Feldman Norm Lyons Alumni Parent Chairs Roberta and Dale Miller Faculty/Staff Chair Deborah Pannell Grandparent Chairs Bobbie and Bruce Weiss Parent and Trustee Volunteers Julian Allen Margot Biehle Andrew Biggs Rob Blechman Jenny Chrisman Barbara Clifton-Zarate Gigi Condos Bryce Emo Kathryn Freeman Louisa Ransom Gloger ‘92 Phil Gutierrez Sophia Hee Angela Herman JT Herman James Leventhal Amy McConnell Hadley Mullin ‘88 Diana Maier ‘84 Vicki Peet Sean Peisert Steve Polsky Terry Powers Carl Reichardt Peter Supino
Adam Wolfson Jennifer Zayalet
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD
Eighth Grade Endowment Chairs Angie Cohen Diane Gabianelli
Stephanie Parker, President
WE CREATE CAMPAIGN Co-Chairs Terry Powers Shalu Saluja We Create Campaign Steering Committee Ramesh Allen Louisa Ransom Gloger ‘92 Joe Harvey Wendy Morris Levine ‘89 Hadley Mullin ‘88 Carl Reichardt Charles Roell We Create Campaign Alumni Chairs Trent Boorman ‘03 Louisa Ransom Gloger ‘92 We Create Campaign Alumni Parents Chairs Diana and Tim Fitzpatrick Kelley and Eric Warner We Create Campaign Past Trustee Chairs Tim Fitzpatrick Jeanne MacLeamy Andrea Salmi We Create Grandparent Co-Chair Pat Reichardt
Shawna Callahan, Executive Vice President Nancy Henn, Treasurer Chris Jannes, VP Communications/ Information Technology Heather Albinson, Meghen Kurtzig, VP of Events Nicolle Henneuse, Kate Hobbs, VP of Fundraising Vicki Peet, Maria Reyes, VP of Programs Interested in volunteering? Visit the Parents’ Association page at markdayschool.org for more information about events and to sign up.
From incoming students to alumni, we are a COMMUNITY
Global Citizenship Beyond Mark Day BY BENJAMIN BLUM ‘14 Since Ben graduated Mark Day School in 2014, he has been traveling the world applying Mark Day School’s Seven Pillars of Character. His education at Mark Day provided a solid foundation from which he’s built not only his career, but his life passion.
Caring, courage, citizenship, respect, responsibility, honesty, and fairness. Since graduating in 2014, I have had the unique opportunity to apply Mark Day School’s Seven Pillars of Character on a global scale. In the spring of 2016, I received a merit scholarship from the U.S. State Department to study abroad for 10 months in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. I was thrilled to be chosen as a participant in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program, which was enacted by Congress during the aftermath of 9/11. The goal of YES is to cultivate peaceful relationships between countries with significant Muslim populations and the U.S. by building understanding through citizen diplomacy and cultural exchange. Mark Day School’s emphasis on global citizenship played an important role in preparing me for this opportunity. In August of 2016, I packed my bags and boarded a flight to Bosnia, a country I knew very little about at the time. However, my unfamiliarity with the Bosnian culture was short-lived. I jumped headfirst into a new and exciting environment, my days filled with learning a new language, exploring a new city, and getting to know my host family. Being able to see the world through the daily life of my host family opened my eyes to a new culture and way of life - each day was an eye-opening experience. As the excitement of living in a new city faded into daily life, it became apparent how similar the culture of my Bosnian host family was to my own culture. Despite speaking different languages and celebrating different traditions, I realized that we were alike in more ways that we are different. When I first arrived in Bosnia, I was able to connect with my host family through shared interests and beliefs. Moreover, I noticed that we shared common goals and aspirations, and both strived for a better future for not only ourselves, but also for our friends, community, and country. We both also shared common fears and worries for the future. Recognizing these universal values made living in Sarajevo even more meaningful for
me – not only did it expand my worldview, it enabled me to understand how similar we all are, regardless of where we’re from for what we believe in. Most importantly, I realized that the core values I learned at Mark Day are universally shared by people around the world. Currently, I am preparing to depart on another international journey that will enable me to apply the Seven Pillars. I have been selected to represent the United States at the United World College (UWC) in Nagano, Japan, where I will finish high school and earn an International Baccalaureate diploma. UWC is a global education movement made up of 17 schools on four continents that makes education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. Founded during the height of the Cold War, UWC was born out of the belief that if young people from around the world could be educated together, we could prevent future conflicts. UWC schools bring together young people from different nations to act as champions of peace through an education based on shared learning, collaboration and understanding. Today, students from more than 155 countries are nominated to attend UWC schools each year, and I am honored and excited to have been selected to represent the United States at UWC in Japan. As I embark on this new journey, I am confident that the values I learned at Mark Day will help guide me through the inevitable challenges I will confront. From Passport Days to mentor groups, the education I received at Mark Day has been instrumental in preparing me to be a global citizen and to represent my community and our country overseas as a “youth ambassador.” It is my hope that future generations of Mark Day graduates will continue to live by and apply the Seven Pillars of Character to their lives and communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
WHY WE GIVE For the Peisert family, Mark Day School is a family affair. Sue Peisert remembers when she and her husband Bob first learned about Mark Day School in 1982. She explains, “I was instantly drawn to the school when we toured for our son Sean, class of 1990. We knew that it was a great place. Mark Day wasn’t any ordinary school.” During Sean’s years here, his parents saw that the teachers “had such patience and understanding. The children had a wonderful sense of belonging.” A highlight of Sean’s experience is Ray Orwig introducing Sean to chess and Sean becoming part of the “Dream Team” when they won the National Championship in 1990. The students brought back trophies that were almost as tall as they were. Now, Sue and Bob get to experience the school again, only this time as grandparents, through their grandson Lucas, who is in first grade. They see how the school has retained its foundation – where children are curious and ask questions – and how it’s expanded over the years. The kindergarten/8th grade buddy program is another highlight. Sue says, “Seeing the 8th graders hold the hand of the kindergarteners and walk in to assembly and then seeing the reverse on the last day” is so special. “Sean always reached for the stars and we hope Lucas does, too.” Sue and Bob have continued to donate to the school over the years. Sue shares, “We were first generation college graduates, so education was always important to us. We are thrilled to be able to give back to a school that gave our son, and now our grandson, so much. There is such excitement and passion from students and parents and we’re so happy to be part of it.”
LEGACY SOCIETY The Mark Day School Legacy Society recognizes and honors those who have included the school in their estate plans through either their will, trust, retirement or life insurance plans. We invite you to join us as a member and look forward to working with you to ensure that the school’s legacy endures. If you have named the school in your estate plans or would like more information, please contact Wendy Levine, Director of Development, at 415.472.8008. We thank the following Legacy Society members as of XX XX, 2017: Ann and Paul Brenner Toast Coley Bev and Rolly Boorman Janet and Damon Kerby Lek Suvanasarn The following types of commitments qualify you for membership in the Legacy Society: - Including us with a gift in your will or revocable trust; - A life-income gift that names Mark Day School as a remainder beneficiary, such as a charitable remainder trust, or a charitable gift annuity; - A gift or assignment of qualified retirement plan assets, such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b); - A gift of life insurance - As a beneficiary of a bank account, or many other ways that you can participate.
From left to right: Sean Peisert ‘90, his wife Kathryn Peisert, Lucas Peisert ‘24, Sue Peisert, and Bob Peisert
“We are so grateful to Mark Day School families for volunteering their time and philanthropic interest to help students achieve a great education.� WENDY LEVINE
WAYS TO GIVE From donating your time to naming Mark Day School as a beneficiary in your will, there are many ways to give—and all of them are greatly appreciated. No gift is too small. Every hour of time and every dollar matters. The cost of educating each child at Mark Day stretches beyond what is covered by tuition, and we rely on philanthropy from the community to fill that gap. Thank you for helping to give our students an education that will propel them forward beyond their days at Mark Day.
DONATE ONLINE
MAKE A PLEDGE
IN PERSON
Visit markdayschool.org/giving to fill out the online donation form.
Visit markdayschool.org/giving to fill out the online pledge form.
Come to the Development Office and ask for Wendy Levine or Christine Maguire.
VIA SNAIL MAIL
THANK YOU!
Mail a check to Mark Day School, attention Christine Maguire in the Development Office.
AMAZON SMILE & ESCRIP Make purchases at smile.amazon.com and register your debit/credit card with eScrip to donate a percentage of your purchases.
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ATTEND EVENTS
GIFTS IN KIND
PLAN YOUR GIFT
Come to the Spring Fundraiser, Fall into Books, and more to help our school; visit markdayschool.org/events for more info.
We welcome classroom supplies, office equipment, books, and other items related to the educational program.
Name Mark Day School as a beneficiary or partial beneficiary or make a life income gift.
Mark Day School 39 Trellis Drive San Rafael, CA 94903
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