PLURALISTIC SCHOOL ONE
Fall 2016
Welcome Back! 2015–16 Report on Philanthropy
In This Issue: PAGE 1
Head’s Column PAGES 2–5
Traditions Old and New PAGE 6 – 8
Pluralistic Connections PAGES 9 –12
2016 Graduates PAGE 13
2015–16 Report on Philanthropy BACK COVER
Who’s New… Save the Date
The Periscope Volume 26, Number 3 Editors: Amanda Perla Deirdre Gainor Designer: David Mellen Design PS1 Pluralistic School 1225 Broadway Santa Monica CA 90404 (310) 394-1313 (310) 395-1093 fax To learn more about our school, visit our website: www.psone.org
Great efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of this philanthropy report. If there is any error or omission, please accept our apologies and contact Deirdre Gainor, Advancement Director at deirdre@psone.org so that future reports and permanent records reflect all gifts correctly.
PS1 Pluralistic School Head's Column
STA RT We’ve just begun our 46th year! What started out as an idea in stability, attract the most talent and be able to collaborate with the 1971 has blossomed into a well-respected, mature, successful most people. But it’s hard work.” institution that has never compromised on its mission. We have a Of course it’s hard work. That work needs to be the foundation caring community, a well-run organization, a beautiful campus, of all schooling in the United States. I am convinced that this smart committed and dedicated teachers, a staff that works palpable emphasis throughout a young person’s schooling is incredibly hard and makes it look oh so easy, parents who back up essential to bring about a more just, equitable society in which their financial support with astonishing volunteer efforts, and a everyone can feel that they are contributing members. From student body of 230 students who know they are valued and who kindergarten through high school, children spend 14,000 hours spread joy, learn well, and offer support to their fellow students in school. Schools are the most prominent institution in our counat every turn. Systems are in place to keep our school and our try capable of fostering social relationships and demonstrating principles strong for many years to come. Change happens not care for one another on a daily basis. because it is foisted upon us but rather because it is desirable, The time has come to bring pluralism to education, not merely helpful, and forward thinking. We stay stable because we never as an ideal, not as an afterthought, not as a commitment in word veer from our center. only, but rather as a quintessential part of our daily practice. Our Who could ask for anything more? I can and we can. A new national motto is E Pluribus Unum; similarly, the PS1 Vision Stategroup of children and their families came in for their first day ment is Celebrate the Many; Build One. By creating a national beneath bubbles cascading down from our balconies amidst the movement to bring education to a place where the central focus is sounds of our 100+ year old school bell. Each year is truly a new on pluralism in education, we accomplish two things: a. we make beginning, building upon the firm foundation we have formed the world a better place; and b. we bring our work and our mission with painstaking care. A rededication and a re-commitment are and our school into a position of greater prominence. required every year. The problem solving that goes on in intricate Too far-fetched? Too idealistic. Too unreal. I don’t see it that detail every day about individual way. The most highly praised as well as groups of children national system of education in between partnerships, within the world today is in Finland. clusters, among the whole It has not always been this way. faculty, and with administrators Key idealists have transformed and faculty is truly remarkable. Finnish education. And their Honoring each child in delibersystem, approach, and goals ate ways is really the only way. are strikingly similar to ours There are no short cuts. at PS1. I wanted to know When our teachers came how they are making it work back a week in advance of their nation-wide despite changes students, our new Assistant in political leadership. I spent From kindergarten through high school, children spend 14,000 Head for Teaching and Learning time there this summer. I got hours in school. Schools are the most prominent institution in our Nancy Harding (nancyh@psone. to speak with educational country capable of fostering social relationships and demonstrating org) and I set up presentations, leaders both within and outcare for one another on a daily basis. discussion groups, and workside the government, with shops for teachers and staff on subjects ranging from school safety social reformers and innovators, with administrators and teachers to skilled observation of children. There’s always something new and students entrenched in the system and key players in making and different to address. change. I wrote in advance about our school and my questions We are in an election year. While it is important for a non-profit about how one gains traction to transform a system. That’s how corporation to not advocate for a particular candidate, and essenI got to meet key people. My questions piqued their curiosity. tial to education and our commitment to a free flow of ideas for A bond is forming between us. us not to proselytize young children, I am also convinced that the We are doing something special here. It’s time we let others in current atmosphere in our country legitimizing expressions of on our secret. I am presenting at at least two national conferences hate, bigotry, prejudice, and intolerance runs counter to the very in the coming months. One is at the ERB Conference (yes, that ERB!) principles upon which our school was organized and for which it in October. And the other is at the NAIS (National Association of stands. So I have charged our school community to redouble our Independent Schools) Conference in March. efforts to emphasize that which unites us as a people, to cherish There are great things happening in many schools at all levels and support the differences that exist among us, to work to assure and with many teachers, researchers, and professors across the that everyone in our school community feels valued, and to catch country. What’s lacking is a unifying theme to give reform efforts every child doing something right. traction to make lasting change. I feel that by gathering together Two New York Times columnists have recently added their voices under the umbrella of pluralism, we can be the next Finland! We to this discussion. Nicholas Kristof wrote that “the weave of our can lead that charge! Collectively, we have 14,000 hours to do our national fabric unravels” as we seem to be “tear(ing) away the work with every child in our country. To borrow someone else’s veneer of civility and betray(ing) our national motto of ‘e pluribus phrase, that’s what it will take to make America great again! unum.’“ Separately, Thomas Friedman wrote: “Indeed, in my view, the countries that nurture pluralism the best will be the ones that thrive the most in the 21st century. They will have the most political –Joel Pelcyger, Head of School
14,000
FINISH
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First Day of School
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Make New Friends Day
“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” –Denis Waitley
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Summer Professional Development Highlights
Each summer (and throughout the year) faculty members embark on a journey of exploration, sharpening teaching skills through professional development — attending and presenting at workshops and conferences around the country. The faculty culture at PS1 is enriched by this continual growth and desire to learn. By devoting their time to professional development, our teachers also demonstrate their passion for continuous learning to students, helping students see that there are always new pathways to discover and new strategies to undertake.
Chris Kuzina
Mia Chartrand
Over this summer, I attended an NSTA conference in Denver, Colorado to elevate my teaching practice and my future STEAM studio practice. I participated in Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) chats reflecting on the reasoning and thinking children need to exhibit in our classrooms, whittled down books and websites to read, created contacts with other educators, and participated in an insightful forum and expo seeking to develop coherent STEAM strategies.
In August I was happy to attend the Design and Maker Colloquium to learn about the benefits of guiding students to tinker and create with the use of the school’s maker space. It was great to work in groups with other teachers, and to be reminded of how powerful it is to persist together to solve problems. I can see how making something for an audience, or to solve a bigger problem, becomes a very validating, motivating, and confidence-building experience for all who participate. I am looking forward to being able to draw upon students’ passions to come up with projects that will also provide them with opportunities to problem solve with their classmates.
*Chris also attended the Designer and Maker Colloquium 2016 at Windward School this summer.
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Gina Jang
Holly Swope
At the end of June, I traveled to Teachers College at Columbia University in New York to attend a week long Writers’ Workshop Summer Institute. As an advanced participant, I was able to choose specific areas of focus for teaching writing skills based on our students’ needs. I am especially excited to implement lessons that integrate word study skills into the creative writing process in hopes that students will take ownership and pride in their writing efforts. The wealth of information and inspiration from the institute has invigorated me to create lessons that truly inspire emerging writers.
I spent a week at Teachers College Reading and Writing Project’s (TCRWP) annual summer writing institute at Columbia University in New York City. It was a whirlwind week full of opportunities to connect with fellow first and second grade teaching colleagues from around the country, working to hone the craft of teaching writing through practice/feedback sessions and gathering information such as exciting new books that can be used to inspire kids’ writing in the classroom. As a teacher who was trained to use the Writers’ Workshop method developed by the Project’s founder, Lucy Calkins, I found that this week was a fantastic way to revisit many aspects of the teaching of writing as well as inspiration and camaraderie. I met a teacher from Michigan (!) with whom I plan to communicate over the school year about what we learned and how these lessons/ concepts are being used in our classrooms.
Billy Huynh I had an enriching experience at the Design and Maker Colloquium at Windward School. It gave me a better understanding on how to equip my students to thrive in the 21st Century; specifically, how to connect and reach the kinesthetic learners in the classroom. The level of engagement, group cooperation, and problem solving skills were on full display during the two days. I am excited to use some of the tips and takeaways from the Colloquium and apply them to this year’s Physics Unit.
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Summer Professional Development Highlights
In Search of a Good Book? Reading is one of life’s great pleasures and an important element of the PS1 program and curriculum. Not surprisingly, reading is equally significant to the PS1 faculty. Each summer, faculty members choose a summer reading book as a means of broadening their horizons of knowledge and experience. Once teachers return in August, reading groups gather together to share their reflections on each of the books. This summer’s book choices are displayed below—have you read any of these selections? Write in to share your thoughts!
Jennine Rodriguez
The World Beyond Your Head: On Becoming an Individual in an Age of Distraction, a book by Matthew Crawford
Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain, a book by Maryanne Wolf
Creative Confidence, a book by David M. Kelley and Tom Kelley
I attended the Summer Institute for Educators at the Greater Good Science Center, an affiliate of U.C. Berkeley. The GGSC retreat gives education professionals from all over the world the opportunity to dive into the science and practice of social and emotional well-being in order to better understand how to cultivate this well-being within themselves and their students. The language of compassion, empathy, mindfulness, social justice, equity, citizenship etc. all seemed to ring true for me, having 18 years as a progressive educator, 12 of them at a pluralistic school which also holds these values as cornerstones to its mission. *Jennine also attended the Designer and Maker Colloquium 2016 at Windward School this summer.
Americanah, a novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Best American Essays 2015, edited by Ariel Levy
The Language Police: How Pressure Groups Restrict What Students Learn, a textbook by Diane Ravitch
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Bonnie Koo
Jayme Pohl
Carol van Heerden
This summer, I had the opportunity to learn, teach, collaborate, and reflect alongside hundreds of fellow educators from around the world during the Reading Institute at Teachers College in New York City. On my first day, a facilitator said something that resonated with me. She said, “Young children fall in love with books on their parents’ laps.” This statement brought back my childhood memories of reading together as a family. I remember my romance with books and stories beginning with my mom and brother. Every night before bed, my mom would read my brother and me Korean fairy tales where I would lose myself in a world of mythical princes and princesses, and my brother’s fantasies of good and evil spirits were satisfied. We became closer in these moments as we bonded through stories that my mother also fell in love with as a little girl while sitting in my grandmother’s lap. My week at TC was an important reminder that reading is not just about decoding print, building fluency and comprehension, but about bringing people together through a shared experience. Building community as we fall in love with books and stories is what I hope every child gets to experience throughout their years at PS1. As I think about the year ahead, I am most excited about coming together through the storybook adventures we will go on — laughing, crying and cheering with one another along the way.
Early in the summer, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop at Lindamood Bell’s headquarters in beautiful San Luis Obispo. In two packed days, I was introduced to the “Seeing Stars” program. This phonics/ visual imagery approach offers educators another set of tools for helping readers to acquire decoding skills, and to broaden sight word knowledge. I am excited to have a deeper box of instructional tools as I enter a school year rich with literacy learning possibilities.
My two days at the Windward Design and Maker Colloquium were filled with food for thought, both practical and philosophical. As a new teacher to PS1, and someone who is interested in both 21st Century skills and some old-world ones, I was excited to learn how to mix sewing, programing, and LED technology! I also found inspiration in a presentation on engaging students in cooperative research and analysis of historical primary source documents that led to digital presentations using several interesting tech tools. Students can pursue a line of interest, and showcase their new knowledge and thought-provoking ideas using infographics along with traditional writing. Multiple presenters showed how to fuse empathetic Design Thinking, problem solving, tinkering, prototyping, entrepreneurial skills, sales pitches, and data analysis to come up with marketable products that have the potential to make the world a better place. From what I know of PS1 students, they will love some of the new hands-on skills we’ll be bringing into our classrooms!
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Jen Lui In August, I returned to the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project’s summer institute at Columbia University, this time focusing on the teaching of reading. I worked alongside other teachers, administrators, literacy coaches, authors and reading specialists as they considered the things that really matter in developing life-long readers. The week was spent exploring not only concrete teaching strategies, but also deeper philosophical underpinnings of the work we do in Readers’ Workshop — from “reclaiming the pleasure in reading” to thinking about engagement below the surface level. I am excited to return to the classroom and help my students develop the strong reading lives that that can come when you get to think deeply and talk with others about the things you read.
Louise Everett This summer, I was fortunate to attend the Autry Teacher Academy, an intensive seven-day program designed to show educators best ways to approach the teaching of history. The emphasis was on the use of essential questions, primary and secondary sources, and experiential learning (such as project-based and object-based learning), as well as learning new ways to integrate history with other core subjects. A major part of the course was to design a historical unit of study to teach in the fall. Our small group of teachers was treated to previews of upcoming exhibits and taken on private tours of the museum. It was an inspiration to work with so many dedicated teachers and museum staff members, and I’m excited to start making history come alive for my new students beginning in September.
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Summer Professional Development Highlights
Lucia Alcantara-Chibane While watching Kristina Schuman, our Learning Specialist, work with PS1 students, my interest grew in some of her methods. After researching and learning first-hand about one of her trainings, Orton Gillingham, I decided to apply for OG summer professional development. OG is a multi-sensory approach to teaching the fundamentals of reading and writing. The program delves deep into teaching teachers more about phonemes, graphemes, syllabication and spelling, empowering us to pass this knowledge on to students in a systematic way. A strength of the program is its ability to be used for whole class instruction, small groups and/or one on one. Part of what I love about working at PS1 is that teachers are encouraged to learn from a multitude of programs and theories in order to grow our ‘tool box’. In turn we become better able to support the many ways our students learn.
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The Grad Speeches are a PS1 Rite of Passage. Each year, each grad stands in front of parents, teachers, and fellow students to address the crowd, and deliver his or her words of wisdom. Here are excerpts from their speeches… Milo Chamberlin, Wildwood The elements of the fire keep it thriving — it lives off of wood and air. It’s the foundation that was built in my years at PS1. This blaze has fueled my education over the course of my school years at PS1, a roaring flame I have built with my friends and teachers. I am proud of who I am and all that I have learned at this wonderful school. PS1 has helped define me. Angus Ebeling, Windward Similar to a tree’s roots, our class came to PS1 with different contributions to fortify the structure of the tree. Then for the next seven years we created bonds with each other, worked together, and made the trunk. The tree grows and flourishes with all of its separate components working together to create this living structure… We have blossomed into our true selves thanks to this magical, wonderful place called PS1. Amanda Emtiaz, Brentwood Youngers was like the “Wizard of Oz” for me, mysterious and fun. And there was a moment of awe when I saw the jungle gym as if it was the Emerald City. With so many unfamiliar faces, I walked into the classroom looking at everybody like they were flying monkeys. But my teachers, Bonnie and Jennine, were my two Glindas, kind and always there when I needed them. Teala Fishman, Windward When my years at PS1 were approaching an end, the weather turned a bit more extreme. Assignments became a bit harder and the homework load increased from an hour a week to sometimes an hour a day. Although it was challenging and I thought my tree would fall over at times, I stuck strong with my friends and my teachers helped me survive the harsh climate. Once the gust had passed, the sun shone and my branches filled with leaves and acorns of knowledge. I always remembered that when the wind struck, it just made my tree stronger. Troy Freed, Brentwood [This whole year] has been my favorite year/moment because we got to be the leaders of the school many times with chances to set up events and run them like movie night, or the bake sale. Also we got to go on the Graduate Trip… There were lots of activities that might have been the first time for people, like maybe tomahawk throwing, or archery, or doing the ropes course. Maybe there was someone who was afraid of heights but they climbed up a pole that was thirty feet high and walked across a tightrope (with a harness, of course). I was proud of them.
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Julia Gerolmo, Crossroads We were little when we started our journey at PS1, we were just hatching from our eggs, we were all a little scared, and we felt small... We were starting to feel independent and admired how the Olders were. I remember always playing handball with the older girls at recess. I felt included, happy, and proud, and I learned that that is how I should treat others and that when I was an Older, I would be like that too. Samantha Gerolmo, Crossroads These past two years in Olders, I have seen my little world on the playground grow and expand. I started off as a tiny Younger, seeing the monkey bars, and slide, as a massive obstacle and then seeing it as a way of life, and finally, seeing it as my world. I was seeing the slides as the place I learned how to just let go and feel the cool breeze and the monkey bars as the area I learned strength, patience, and how to hang loose and find peacefulness. I think of the fun, laughter, and smiles overflowing from all of these memories. Ted Greenberg, Brentwood Before I knew it, I signed a free agent deal with the Olders, the best team in all of football. In 5th grade, the amount of admiration I had for each and every one of the 6th graders was truly unexplainable. I learned so much from them. Yet in the blink of an eye, I became a 6th grader. I made it my duty to serve and protect each and every Younger on the campus of PS1. Max Haimes, Lincoln Middle School My time at PS1 has been one that I will always remember and cherish. I have had an abundance of great teachers and friends, all of them helping me throughout my PS1 life. They have helped me grow and mature as a person and a student. PS1 has given me lots of confidence to be myself, and to be confident in my work. Marcus Hevesy-Rodriguez, Wildwood Here I am now standing on the stage for the last time at PS1. I would like to thank all the teachers, administrators and my friends for pushing me to do things that I couldn’t do before. Every class I’ve been in, my teachers and friends would help guide me to that next level. If I were struggling with something, my teachers would always be right around the corner to help me. PS1 has made me smarter, stronger, more confident, and a better person. PS1 is my home. Thank you.
2016 Graduating Class Izzy Hyman, Harvard-Westlake During my experience here, I have learned so many valuable lessons that not all students get to enjoy and I will carry these experiences throughout my life… From Youngers to Olders, every single teacher has taught me something that I hadn’t known before. I have learned to play every sport, to sew, to shade and bring out my true personality on a piece of paper. I have had the privilege to play any instrument of my choice. I am proud to say I have learned how to do all this before the age of twelve at PS1.
Eli Kaplan-Packer, Crossroads In fifth grade, I saw that I could employ a new skill. A power, stronger than the Force. It was called leadership. I was using that power! Soon enough, I was using it in PE, music, and even a class my friends and I did after school called the Star Wars Club. Leadership was a big part of my PS1 growth.
2016 Grad Leaf Quote:
“A memory lasts forever, never does it die. True friends stay together, and never say goodbye.” -Unknown Roxy Kortleven, Wildwood PS1 creates such a positive environment! The only negative thing about this school is that is has to come to an end so soon. One of the scariest things ahead is not knowing what my new school is going to be like; I only know it won’t be quite the same as it has been for the past seven years.
Toby Lahman, Windward Friends can help you in almost any situation. All it takes to make a friend in Youngers is to simply ask. So in about two weeks I was friends with my entire class. Usually in fifth and sixth grade making friends depends on what clothes you wear and what sports you play, but not at PS1. PS1 has created a special environment which allows and encourages completely different students to be friends.
Finn Leeves Coben, Manzanita Jennine and Bonnie were my teachers in my first year at PS1. It was a time where I learned to count by 5s and 10s and write fiction stories about funny characters. I published my first story about Scrap the squirrel and Scrappet his sister. It made my classmates smile. After that a boy came up to me and said, “You write the best funny stories.” This moment really made me feel comfortable at my new school. Theo Marx, Polytechnic PS1 isn’t just a school; it’s an introduction to everything. Every day I spent here I learned something new. Everything feels like it is molded for just you and not one day at PS1 have I felt scared or sad. Challenges are what help me learn, and without them I wouldn’t know how to solve problems. PS1 gave me challenges in the form of assignments and trying new things like memorizing lines for our production of Hamlet. When I solve them I uncover a new skill. Jonah Perttula, Windward In Olders I gained responsibility. I learned to take care of myself and others around me. One recent event really taught me responsibility. On our grad trip to Lake Cachuma, all the boys stayed in their own cabin at night and we had no teachers instructing us. But because we have all been through the Clusters at PS1 and developed our own tools, we did not have any trouble taking care of ourselves. Hailey Reyna, Windward Although I know that we are all going separate ways, I will always keep you all in my own car of life. And as it rides through my different adventures, I will remember everything this school has taught me, all the writing and math lessons, but most importantly the life lessons this school has given me. For all that this school has taught me all I have to say is thank you. Charlotte Siegel, Windward I have had incredible experiences that have made my time very memorable. Field trips to class pets, atoms to the Odyssey, two teachers to four, the dust bowl to the gold rush, and from being part of a small advisory to feeling connected to a big group of friends, I have had the time of my life. I have developed great relationships with everyone. At the end of this year it feels like I could write a biography for every single one of the graduates.
Dylan Tatum, Crossroads As my years come to an end at PS1, that doesn’t mean learning is done, it doesn’t mean I’m done. I have learned a quantity of knowledge at PS1 — not just academics, but social skills, and having the courage to talk to whomever I want, whenever I want. Learning the alphabet can only get you so far, but having friends can get you through anything. Remy Teitelbaum, Brentwood Lastly, I am on the verge of the end of my map, Olders. I got the opportunity to learn about ancient civilizations, hot air balloons, and what I treasured most, the amazing opportunity to collaborate with classmates that I did not get to work with often. Everybody’s ideas were different and unique and special in their own ways. Soon enough I was very close friends with everyone in my grade. My life would not be the same without them, the high and low moments with them. There are no words to describe how tight my bonds with them still are. I honestly would not be myself without them. I will always be grateful for my PS1 education. It provided me with the legend to my personal map. Luke Trunnell, Windward PS1 is a special school, unlike any other. PS1 has helped each of the 24 graduates learn and grow not only as students but also as good friends and human beings. Throughout the seven years that I have been at PS1, I have built extremely strong bonds with all of my classmates. The ties that hold us all together will never be broken. Ava Vincent, Lindero Canyon Walking in through the blue gates for her seventh year Filled with excitement she did not shed a tear Knowing the drill what the Olders do Knowing each step every student goes through This year was amazing she studied ancient civilizations Such as Inca and China and their cool recreations She studied Greece and performed her knowledge all night Dressed up like gods and goddesses all in white Stella Vincent, Lindero Canyon [This year] I learned about the human body, ancient civilizations, and I DISSECTED A COW EYE!! At the end of the year I went on an amazing grad trip. All of the grads went to Camp Whittier and played many fun games, jumped off a telephone pole, showed our talents and cried our eyes out.
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Alumni Class Notes by Year Find your graduation class representatives listed below and send them your updates, news & announcements! Our Director of Admissions, Beth Kemp, will collect them throughout the year for future editions of Periscope. We would love to hear from you! You can also email Beth directly at beth@psone.org 1971-1994: Please email beth@psone.org if you’d like to volunteer as a grad rep for these years Class of 1995: Brian Roth, Briroth@gmail.com Class of 1996: Cody Dashiell-Earp, codyde@gmail.com Heston Liebowitz, heston@hestonliebowitz.com Class of 1997: Brianna Dollinger, bfdollinger@gmail.com Zachary Brock, zbrock@gmail.com Class of 1998: Nora Frankel, nora.frankel@gmail.com Zachary Meredith, zachmeredith@gmail.com Class of 1999: Beryl Liebowitz, beryl.liebowitz@gmail.com Isabella Lebovitz, Isabella.lebovitz@gmail.com Harley Wertheimer, harleyjusticew@gmail.com Class of 2000: Michael Larson, michaelkentlarson@gmail.com Erica Everage, Erica.v.everage@gmail.com Gina Rockenwagner, gina@poppyandpima.com Jake Faulkner, jbfaulkner@gmail.com Class of 2001: Devin Carli Singer, devincarli@gmail.com Kylie Clark, kylie.d.clark@gmail.com James Weinberger, james.m.weinberger@gmail.com Alex Marshi, alexandermarshi@gmail.com Sam Alper, alper.sam@gmail.com Class of 2002: Hayley Lloyd, hayley.d.lloyd@gmail.com Brad Thompson-Moreland, bradleytm@gmail.com Molly Wertheimer, mollyrosew@gmail.com Class of 2003: Rosie Achorn-Rubenstein, SRAR1290@sbcglobal.net Michelle Cortrite, mcortrite@gmail.com; James Larson, thatjameslarson@gmail.com Class of 2004: Lindsay Rapkin, lindsrap@aol.com Griffin Harris, saucemang@gmail.com Alex Hartung, abhartung@gmail.com Elijah Tilghman-Eddings Class of 2005: Elle Brosh, epbrosh@gmail.com Lili Cohen, oldbritishman@gmail.com Sam Mindel, samuel.mindel@gmail.com Natalie Swain; Class of 2006: Gabe Schuman, febesons@yahoo.com Wade Clement, wade01@aol.com Gina Segall, ginasegall@yahoo.com Class of 2007: Ariel Fenster, naturalist.child@gmail.com Emma Laurent, esl2@st-andrews.ac.uk Leslie Dinkin, leslied1017@aol.com Morgan Pantuck, mpantuck@gmail.com Class of 2008: Zak Fenster; Louly Maya, loulymaya@aol.com Hero Stevenson, hero.b.stevenson@gmail.com Class of 2009: Kalia Bornstein, Kalia@bornarch.com Nicki Shapiro, Caligirl81297@gmail.com Jake Mindel, jakemindel@gmail.com Marie Line, Mariejline@yahoo.com Class of 2010: Asa Germann, asa.germann@gmail.com Veronica Crow, misscrow98@gmail.com Rudy Frayre, rudyfrayre@yahoo.com Kelly Riopelle, Kerio311@gmail.com Class of 2011: Amanda Reymer Rod Henley, rhenley123@gmail.com Olivia Bornstein, oliviajordan99@gmail.com Dylan Vecchione, Dylan@vecchione.com Class of 2012: Matthew Tovar, dkm3tov@gmail.com Sadie Abraham, sadiejean@me.com; Lukas Mitchell; Camille Riopelle, catlover131@gmail.com Class of 2013: Melina Waldman, mwaldman2019@bwscampus.com Sage Brand Wolf, sbrand-wolf19@archer.org Farid Adibi, farid@adibi.me Zachary Leete, pelicanmouth@verizon.net Katie Raphaelson, kraphaelson2019@bwscampus.com Class of 2014: Isobel Mosley-Brown, Isobellola@gmail.com Maggie Marks, maggiemarks@icloud.com Jackson Garland, jackcatnip@gmail.com Delaney Michaelson, del.m@hotmail.com Class of 2015: Emily Lippman, emily@thelippmans.com Dylan Santana, Dbestsantana@yahoo.com Charlie Kortleven, charliekortleven@yahoo.com Jay Jay Venegas, JayJayvenegas@gmail.com Class of 2016: Angus Ebeling, aceebeling@gmail.com Teala Fishman, tealafish@gmail.com Ted Greenberg, tedpatriots@icloud.com Izzy Hyman, izzybizzybee04@icloud.com
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Congratulations! Class of 2010 Colleges and Universities
Gavin Abraham > Paul Revere > Pali High > Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Makai Andrews > Wildwood > Pacifica Christian HS > Interlochen Arts Acad. > Ithaca College Cruz Avendano Dreyfuss > Palms Middle School > Midland > Centre College Alana Blake Champion > Wildwood > The New School Veronica Crow > Harvard-Westlake > Scripps College Jake Dante > Campbell Hall > unreported Rudy Frayre > Crossroads > University of Redlands Asa Germann > New West Charter > ArĂŞte > Santa Monica College Brendan Goldberg > Wildwood > Ojai Valley School > Emory University Tia Greenfield-Crossroads > Bard College William Line > Windward > Swarthmore College Coltrane Marcus > Brentwood > Middlebury College Evan Pakshong > New West Charter > College of William & Mary Alex Pantuck > Crossroads > Tufts University Matthew Reiner > Windward > Yale University Kelly Riopelle > Harvard-Westlake > Cornell University Alissa Rodriguez > Magnolia Science Acad. > Pacifica Christian HS > Hamilton HS > CSN Lucy Schwartzman > Windward > SAMO > Univ. of Colorado Boulder Camille Stedman > Wildwood > Santa Monica College Will Tobey > Brentwood > Johns Hopkins University Ian Watts > Harvard-Westlake > University of Michigan Reanna Wauer > Archer > Yale University James Werner > Crossroads > Vassar College Wyatt Winfrey > Graduating 2017
Abbie Perttula Retires After forty three years of inspiring, challenging and teaching students at PS1 Pluralistic School, Abbie Perttula announced her retirement. Our students celebrated her in song and gave her a bonsai oak tree to make sure she had something to care for that would remind her of them. We held a Fiesta on campus and invited alumni and current families to peruse the archival books and revisit their years at PS1. Then all alumni students under 21 were invited to an ice cream social in the Studio where Abbie has been making magic happen for the last two years.
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Message from our Board Chair
Hello, my name is Kerri Speck and I am writing to express how proud I am to begin my tenure as Chair of the Board of Directors of PS1. I am proud because I am passionate about PS1; I am passionate about both the education it provides my children and the message that our school communicates to our community (and beyond). A fundamental tenet of the PS1 philosophy is that we honor the innate intelligence of each student. The world would be a better place if everyone started out life in a school where this philosophy was embraced. One of my favorite things about PS1 is that I know I am not alone in my love of the school. I am a part of a generous and vibrant community of like-minded people who want the best for our children. To understand this, just look at the hundreds of names appearing in this Annual Report! These are names we have listed, in deep gratitude, to acknowledge each of you who have given so much to make PS1 the best place that it can be. Parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents and others have given generously – and often – to our fundraisers. In addition, many of you have lent your time, energy and talent to solidify our community, whether by serving on Board committees that help strengthen the foundation of our school, or by volunteering both in and out of the classroom, or by participating in outreach efforts that ensure that others beyond our four walls learn of our reputation and our educational philosophy. As Board chair, I am in awe of the power and support of our community; and as both Board chair and a current parent, I am incredibly grateful for it. With your continued support, the Board will continue its role as stewards for future generations of students at PS1. We begin the year welcoming three new members to the Board of Directors, Matthew Hayutin, Victor Liu, and Greg Walker. I value the commitment that each member makes, and I know that our school will be a better place because of the efforts made by both our new and current members.
2015–16 PS1 Board Committees: Administration and Finance Committee Gareth Asten Damien McCann Darren Peers, Chair Joel Pelcyger Josh Perttula KristieAnne Reed Eric Reid Jeff Reyna Glenn Rosen Maggie Rosenfeld Jason Schwarz Steve Trilling Advancement Committee Billie Fischer Deirdre Gainor Beth Kemp Lizzie Murray Kerri Speck, Chair Building and Grounds Committee Stephen Abronson Jesse Aldana Marwan Al-Sayad Eric Britton Joel Pelcyger Abbie Perttula Charles Rollins Ed Rogers Billy Rose Glenn Rosen Maggie Rosenfeld Bradley Shimada Pandro Sokolow Mike Tatum, Chair
Communications and Marketing Committee Barbi Appelquist Meredith Blake, Chair Cindy Fitzgerald Matthew Hayutin Nicole Haimes Beth Kemp Priya Nambiar Amanda Perla Kimberly Perttula Jeanette Rahill Jessica Reid Devin Sellers Ann Singhakowinta Sue Stich Rachel Witenstein Standards and Search Committee Gareth Asten Joel Pelcyger Anna Tran Reyna Maggie Rosenfeld Matt Schwab, Chair Strategic Vision Committee Gareth Asten Jared Carney Caskey Ebeling Mark Emtiaz, Chair Alexa Fischer Joel Pelcyger Kimberly Perttula Steve Trilling
Thank you again for your support!
Our Board Committees, chaired by Board Members and enhanced by talented volunteers, work to enrich and strengthen our community.
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My daughter, Makai, PS1 Class of 2010, came home from her first week of work at a local summer camp with a question that got me to thinking…. “Mom, wasn’t the fact that PS1 gives kids a chance to connect with older and younger kids a big factor in your choosing PS1 for my elementary school?” She was correct; this is one of the major reasons that we chose PS1. Both Makai’s father and I were from a large family and as parents of an only child, we were concerned that our daughter would not have the experiences that come along with having older and younger siblings. And then we heard Joel speak about concentric circles of experience…. We were sold. Makai thrived in an environment of mixed ages as she discovered and befriended children of different backgrounds and family experiences, all with a commonality that allowed her to develop in ways we could never have predicted in pre-school. Lucky for me there were many other reasons to love PS1 such that I never left when Makai graduated! Tina Andrews, PS1 Development Manager Mother of Makai Andrews (Class of 2010)
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2015–16 PS1 Board Members
Just as our school has grown in the last forty-five years so has our board, but not just in size, in stature as well. Our board members bring a wealth of expertise in support of the long term well-being of this institution. Their commitment, time, effort, generosity, and dedication continues to ensure PS1’s present and future are in good hands.
2015–16 PS1 Board Members:
New Board Members…
Victor Liu is an investor at Causeway Capital where he conducts research on companies internationally. Causeway’s clients include corporations, pension plans, and sovereign wealth funds. Previously, he worked at FPA (international investing), Merrill Lynch (investment banking), and McKinsey & Company (management consulting). Victor met his wife, Amy, in Taiwan while studying abroad on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. Amy (wife, mother, and entrepreneur) and Victor are the proud parents of three: Logan Liu, Ellie Liu, and Charlotte Liu. Victor graduated from Pomona College in Claremont, California.
Gareth Asten Meredith Blake Jeff Dinkin, Chair Emeritus Mark Emtiaz Billie Fischer Lizzie Murray Priya Nambiar Darren Peers Joel Pelcyger, Head of School Abbie Perttula Kimberly Perttula Anna Tran Reyna, Board Vice-Chair Glenn Rosen
Matthew Hayutin is an educational therapist and the founder of Hayutin & Associates, an educational company in Santa Monica specializing in tutoring, educational therapy, test prep, and independent study programs. He is also a partner at Insight Collective in Pasadena. After studying at the University of Pennsylvania, Matthew earned his B.A. from Occidental College in English and Comparative Literary Studies and his M.Ed. from Pepperdine University. In addition to serving on the PS1 board, Matthew sits on the Parents Guild Executive Board and edits Parent POP. Matthew lives in Santa Monica with his wife Lizette, an attorney, and their two children, Bianca and Luca, both PS1 students.
Maggie Rosenfeld, Director of Finance and Operations Matt Schwab, Board Chair Maria Smith Kerri Speck Mike Tatum
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Greg Walker is a television writer and producer living in Santa Monica. Greg has written and executive produced over two hundred hours of television, as well as consulting on several shows. Previous to serving on the Board at PS1, Greg served for seven years on the Board for Street Poets, Inc., an L.A.-based organization using poetry, spoken word, and hip hop recording as a gang intervention tool. Greg grew up in the Bay Area, where he attended U.C. Berkeley and graduated with a Liberal Arts degree, after also spending a year abroad studying film in Paris at the Sorbonne. Greg and wife Michelle Ashford have two sons; Ben (Olders), and Sam (Class of 2015) who now attends the Brentwood School. Greg also serves on the Annual Fund Committee at PS1.
I think it is a testament to PS1 the way joy and ownership is incorporated into each child’s learning. The children are part of a team. They’re invested in creating their education. They are all working toward a common, mutually beneficial goal. When Esme tells me about her day, it’s always in the context of her team. What THEY are working on. How everyone is contributing. Esme thrives when she feels as if she’s part of something, when she’s a relevant contributing partner. At PS1, it starts in the classroom and extends to the greater community. It’s not just about affiliation, it’s about having an important part to play, kind of like a family. Of course, we’ve been fortunate to have amazing teachers whom Esme has bonded with. It’s so important to have adults (other than family members) to look up to. And there’s a great deal of comfort in knowing that most of the adults in the school know and acknowledge your child. Nicole Cavazos, Mother of Esme Roberts (Class of 2019)
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Greetings From the Advancement Office!
Welcome back to our 46th year. At the close of last year our graduates spoke so eloquently at graduation about their elementary school years and how they had been shaped by the traditions, their teachers, their classmates and the environment that allowed them to continue to uncover their true selves. Every year we have mixed feelings watching our grads step toward their new challenges and adventures in middle school. After spending seven years with these amazing children, it is hard to imagine the school day without their presence. Knowing they will be back in the fall for our Grad/Alumni Party helps us with the loss. Then the new school year begins and we discover the magic in our new students and deepen our connection with the ones we already know and love, and the cycle begins anew. Our job in Advancement is to create the connections in our community to ensure it is a learning, thriving environment for everyone. We are also charged with making sure the school has the finances to fully support the innovative programs and attract the highest caliber of teachers and we do that with two major fundraisers each year. Last year, the advancement team and the parent volunteers who work on the Annual Fund Committee, were nervous. We had decided to shorten the Annual Fund Campaign to five weeks because we wanted time to advance the connections among our families, our faculty and our staff, but we weren’t sure we could be successful. Thanks to the tremendous support of everyone in our community we reached 100% participation and broke our fundraising record. The money raised went straight into the year’s budget to support our extensive operations and we celebrated with a huge party for everyone. “Cocktails and Creativity” was exactly the kind of event we wanted to create — fun, music, great food, and activities led by our talented faculty. In the spring, our annual Fundraising Gala produced by our Parents Guild was one of the best parties we have ever had — live music, great company, wonderful items to bid on thanks to the incredible efforts of all the volunteers. It is hard to imagine having more fun than we did last year at Havana Nights, but the creativity of our parent volunteers is always astounding and we look forward to a fabulous evening this spring. This report is full of names, people who have given time and expertise and resources to support PS1 Pluralistic School. We love the opportunities our work affords us to get to know you, to work with you, and play with you, and your children. We thank you for your tremendous support and look forward to this coming year. – Deirdre Gainor 18
PS1’s Advancement Team: Amanda Perla, Director of Communications & Marketing; Beth Kemp, Director of Admissions & Alumni Relations; Deirdre Gainor, Director of Advancement; Tina Andrews, Development Manager
2015–16 Contributions:
Annual Fund ................................. $555,444.00 Parents Guild Events: Auction
$160,921.00
Party Book
$42,100.00
Book Fair, Scrip, Itty Bitty Art Sale, Mini Mall
$14,445.00
Parents Guild Total ..................... $217,438.00 Grad Gift ............................................. $4,377.00 Abbie STEAM Fund ....................... $35,000.00 Total ................................................. $812,287.00
Traveling this summer with Owen (Bridge) and Charlotte (class of 2014) it was easy to see the indelible stamp of PS1 on their characters. Used to having younger kids around them in class, they employed the same empathic inclusion tactics when hanging with kids from other countries who struggled with English. It would have been easy to ignore the foreign kids, and get on with having fun by themselves. But both of them did their best to bring the shy Danish children into the group, making a huge effort to include them, engage with them and ultimately form a bond. I watched with admiration as they communicated using the universal “International Charades,� a hilarious performance where they attempted to use a mix of sign language and mime to make themselves understood to each other. It is a lot easier to explain chicken soup is the menu than it is tomato soup. Kevin Smith, Father of Owen (Class of 2021) and Charlotte (Class of 2014)
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Finance and Development
The financial position of PS1 is very strong and the Board, with the help of the Administration and Finance committee, works to ensure that PS1 and its philosophy will exist for many years to come.
Income:
Expenses:
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We chose PS1 Pluralistic School for our boys many years ago (long before I worked here). It offered something educationally that we did not find at any other school. They learned poetry starting in kindergarten; they built a real mission while studying California history; they learned about circuses and created a performing circus in the classroom; so much fun while learning academic skills at the same time. PS1 was a place where my children expanded their horizons, tried new things and developed a love of learning. I chose to work here fifteen years ago because I love the PS1 Community.... my colleagues, the families and the children. I feel I am doing something positive in the world by working with and for children. I care about the sustainability and future of PS1. I want to ensure that PS1 is here for my grandchildren’s children. Maggie Rosenfeld, Director of Finance and Operations Mother of Andrew (Class of 1994) and Daniel (Class of 1997)
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PS1 Annual Fund Participation
In Lizzie Murray’s second year as Chair of the Annual Fund Committee she worked closely with Kerri Speck, Chair of the Advancement Committee, to craft our five week annual fund. Her creativity made every detail of the campaign sizzle. She elevated the campaign and with the support of our annual fund committee, PS1 had its best year ever.
2015–16 Annual Fund Committee Mark Emtiaz Deirdre Gainor Matthew Hayutin Victor Liu David Michaelson Lizzie Murray Joel Pelcyger Kimberly Perttula Jeanette Rahill KristieAnne Reed Jessica Reid Matt Schwab Jason Schwarz Maria Smith Tracy Sokolow Maggie Sherman Kerri Speck Kim Tinsley Greg Walker Deirdre Wallace
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PS1 Board Members Michelle and Gareth Asten The Blake/Langer Family Marci and Jeff Dinkin Mark Emtiaz and Elizabeth Freitas Billie and Steven Fischer Paul Marks and Kerri Speck Lizzie and John Murray Priya and Sanjay Nambiar Darren and Kelly Peers Ellie and Joel Pelcyger Abbie and Howard Perttula Kimberly and Josh Perttula Jeff Reyna and Anna Tran Glenn and Hilary Rosen Maggie and Mort Rosenfeld Pamela and Matt Schwab Maria and Kevin Smith Jenny and Mike Tatum Wendi and Stephen Trilling
Current Parents Beth and Stephen Abronson Carol and Robin Acutt Christina Aguilera Jesse Aldana and Rachel Harris Marwan Al-Sayed and Mies Grybaitis Eduardo Alvarez and Olga Cueva Farhad Ashofteh and Gazelle Javadi Michelle and Gareth Asten Shane Barach and Jenny Daly Ken Baum and Julie Cantor Eric Beale and Jennifer Kalish Chris Beck and Jane Shing Wang Kelly and Stephen Bickle The Blake-Langer Family Rikki and Michael Bogen Kurt and Marné Boulware Jordan Bratman Tracy and Adam Bromwich Philip Bruno and Rachel Witenstein Anthony Byrnes and Anne Burke Marilyn and Chris Cazun Scott Chamberlin and Stephanie Barish Lucia and Soufiane Chibane Marshall Coben and Jane Leeves Kirstina and Michael Collins Michelle and Jamie Court
Karen and Ryan Craig Raymond De Felitta and Sherry Brennan Maria and Stefano De Lorenzo The Ebeling Family Mark Emtiaz and Elizabeth Freitas Caroline and Marcos Escalante Jaime and Don Estes David Fishman and Lara Sachs Roger Fishman and Courtney Thorne-Smith Cindy and Jon Fitzgerald Derek Flonnoy and Michelle Todd-Flonnoy Michelle and Eric Freed Zack Freedman and Heather Singleton Richard Gabriel and Kay Seymour-Gabriel Jonathan Gardner and Barbi Appelquist Lee Gardner and Lily Ng Gary Garland and Beth Holden-Garland Ona Gauthier Olga and Roman Gelfand Chris Gerolmo John K. Goodman Julia Kanesawa Goodman Gilbert Granados and Jyoti Puvvula Cameron Gray and Ramaa Mosley-Gray Gaby and Rob Greenberg Jeff and Marcie Greene Tamara and Andrew Gross Michelle and Erik Gustavson Humphrey Gyde and Cielo Cerezo Nicole and Ted Haimes Nadene and Jeff Haines Sky Hansen and Sharon Stanley Phil Hayes and Holly Swope Matthew Hayutin and Lizette Sanchez-Hayutin Scott Hevesy and Jennine Rodriguez Randolf Hillebrand and Stefanie Gelinas Reina and Rich Holtzman Mark Hyatt and Malerie Marder Jonathan Hyman and Susan Hoffman-Hyman Jimmy Jellinek and Emily Ann Christine and Larry Jenkins Angelia and Jann Johnson Igor Jukanovic and Jennifer Penton Loren Kaplan and Scott Packer Maura and Lewis Kay Jenni Kayne and Richard Ehrlich Jeremiah Knight and Britt Johansson Anna and Richard Korngute Stephanie and Gustav Koven Alexander Kruglov and Alia Zaharudin Lori and Scott Lahman Alexa Fischer and Robert LaPorta Dara Lasky Phillip Leslie and Christina Mills Richard Levine and Reagan Feeney Maya and Matt Lieberman Tally and Andrew Lippman Amy and Victor Liu Jacklyn and David Louie Jennifer Lui and Christian Carter Paul Marks and Kerri Speck Alexandra and Peter Marx Natalie McAdams Lorraine and Damien McCann Christina and Mac McGary Daphne and Devon McNairy Stavros Merjos and Honor Fraser Tom Meyer and Lindsey Hay Linda and David Michaelson Laura and Chris Miller Lizzie and John Murray Priya and Sanjay Nambiar Heather and David Nevell Kevin Newman and Amy Weimer Neda and Ivan Nikkhoo
Dan Offner and Mayumi Ijiri Amber and Olubusayo Ojuri Pedro Ortega Shannon and Michael Parry Darren and Kelly Peers Kimberly and Josh Perttula Lisa and Tavi Perttula Allen Pomianek and Sitara Cave Janine Poreba and Paul Lieberstein Jeanette and Bernard Rahill The Reed-Goldstein Family Jessica and Eric Reid Tim Reuben and Stephanie Blum-Reuben Jeff Reyna and Anna Tran Dan Roberts and Nicole Cavazos Bill Robins and Mia Rue Robins Jeremy Rogers and Ann Singhakowinta Johanna and Edward Rogers Billy Rose Glenn and Hilary Rosen Lisa and John Rushing Mavette and Habib Salo Maricela and Victor Santana David Schumacher and Yvonne Hsieh Camilla and Ron Schur Pamela and Matt Schwab Jessica and Jason Schwarz Robert Schwentke and Jennifer Howard Devin Sellers Reid Shane and Laura Berland-Shane Kaveh Sharif and Shima Madani Maggie and Jon Sherman Rochelle and Ian Siegel Linda and Ronald Sittler Maria and Kevin Smith Frances and Frank Smiley David Sobie and Emily O’Brien Tracy and Pandro Sokolow Charles Song and Sunny Lee DeAnn and Rhazes Spell Annie Spong Sue Stich Mark Stratton and Susie Schroer Andre Stringer and Tracy Chandler Jennifer Sumner Jenny and Mike Tatum Raeleen Taylor-Brandy Mark Teichman and Nayla Ammar Cindy and George Teitelbaum Nathalie and Daniel Thuresson Kimberly and Jeffrey Tinsley Tracy and Chris Tragos Omar Torrez and Masha Tsiklauri Wendi and Stephen Trilling Chris Trunnell and Megan Kissinger Jennifer and Spencer Tyler Stacia Vinar James Vincent and Marie Noorbergen Peri and Christian Vincent Greg Walker and Michelle Ashford Deirdre Wallace and Jared Carney Sean Weber-Small and Cara Kleinhaut Joanne and AJ Weidhaas Manuel Weiskopf and Evelyn Lanner Elisabeth and Marty Weiss Selene and Brad Wilk Ian Williams and Tessa Blake Chrissy and Antoine Wilson Ken Wimer and Heidi Hendrix Emily and Peter Yu
Alumni Families The Abraham Family Jonathan Allen Tina Andrews Raymond Bakaitis Rachel Bank David Blattel and Cathy Tauber Deborah and Andrew Bogen
Christine and Rob Burchuk Evelyn Cazun Jo and Fred Chandler Marci and Jeff Dinkin Laurie and Rudy Ekstein Tammy and Jeff Ellis Marybeth Fama Lauren and Austin Fite Carol Frayre and Family Deirdre Gainor Richard Gerwitz and Susan Baskin LiAnne Hall and Family Buzz Harris Hugh Harrison and Ann Haskins Andrea and Scott Holtzman Beryle Jackson Paula and Fred Kuhns Lois Lambert Robert Levine and Gili Meerovitch Kathleen Lewis Blake McCormick Zoe Mooser Jodi and Allan Pantuck Abbie and Howard Perttula Steve Reymer and Christy Full Maggie and Mort Rosenfeld Eva Salamanca Gail and Roger Samuel Aletta Schaap Phil and Madeline Schwarzman Laurie and Michael Seplow Abbe and Brent Shapiro Bria and Evan Silbert Mindy Staley Phil and Maria Starr Sam Surloff and Joanne Van Emburgh Amber Valletta Andrea and Maurizio Vecchione Diane Waingrow and Sam Gasster Liz and John Waldman Maria and Jeffrey Wauer Sharon and Alan Wertheimer Susan L. Williams
Faculty And Staff Tina Andrews The Bennett Family Jim Bowers Evelyn Cazun Lucia and Soufiane Chibane Aurora Culpo Louise Everett Lauren and Austin Fite Holly Frazier Deirdre Gainor Christina and David Garcia Brad “bg� Gilbert Nancy Goglia Ashley Guillem LiAnne Hall and Family Wendell Hamick Phil Hayes and Holly Swope Billy Huynh Gina Jang Nicolina Karlsson-Horelick Beth and Chris Kemp Bonnie Koo Chris Kuzina Daniel Larson Jennifer Lui and Christian Carter Debbie Martinez Kitaka Mixon Pedro Ortega Ellie and Joel Pelcyger Amanda Perla Abbie and Howard Perttula Jayme Pohl Glenetta Pope Preethi Raghu
Rigo Ramos Kasia Roca Jennine Rodriguez and family Maggie and Mort Rosenfeld David Salamanca Eva Salamanca Bradley Shimada Jesse Sprung Mindy Staley Nina Tepper Danielle Valadez Liz and John Waldman
Grandparents and Special Friends Anonymous Mittie and Troy Arnold Grandparents of Jasmine Weiss Richard Baum & Karen Vaughan Grandparents of Eze Baum Deborah and Andrew Bogen Grandparents of Kamden Bogen Sandi (Didi) Cantor Grandparent of Eze Baum Bart and Juanita Carter Grandparents of Kekoa Lui-Carter Katharine Dreyfuss Grandparent of Cruz and Lila Avendano Dreyfuss Caroleen Feeney In honor of Frank, Samantha and Julia Gerolmo Valerie Field Friend of PS1 Billie and Steven Fischer Grandparents of Ian and Elio LaPorta Tom and Sally Freed Grandparents of Jade and Troy Freed Nancy and Gary Freedman Grandparents of Finn and Zadie Freedman Phil and Phyllis Gainsborough Grandparents of Violet and Calvin Murray Judith C. and H. Paul Gardner Grandparents of Samantha Gardner Julian M. Goldstein Grandparent of Joe and Max Trilling Aline and Jack Goodman Grandparents of Sean Goodman Stephanie and Marc Hayutin Grandparents of Bianca and Luca Hayutin Anita Hoffman Grandparent of Isabelle and Alex Hyman David L. Hoffman Grandparent of Isabelle and Alex Hyman Sandra Holt Grandparent of Mattea and Davio Linda and Mel Holtzman Grandparents of Ronan Holtzman Mary Howard Grandparent of Konrad and Theo Howard Valerie and Allen Hyman Grandparents of Isabelle and Alex Hyman JoAnn and Charlie Kaplan Grandparents of Eli Kaplan-Packer Suzanne and Ric Kayne Grandparents of Tanner Ehrlich Phyllis G. Knight Grandparent of Oliver Knight Elizabeth and Gustav Koven Family of Gus and Benji Koven Barbara B. Luchs In honor of Billie and Steven Fischer
L. J. Lupis Grandparent of Henry Craig Bonnie Marlowe Grandparent of Noah and Toby Lahman Penny and Baker McAdams Grandparents of Baker Rollins Kathleen and Robert Mulholland Friends of Tanner Goldstein Carol and Eugene Pantuck Grandparents of Morgan and Alex Pantuck Ellie and Joel Pelcyger Grandparents of Isabella and Finn Leeves Coben Abbie and Howard Perttula Grandparents of Jonah, Lucas, Anna, Mia and Allie Perttula Tom and Marilyn Rasmussen Grandparents of Orion Collins Bev and John Rogers Grandparents of Mary and Audrey Rogers Joyce and George Sachs Grandparents of Olivia and Teala Fishman Young and Bishara Salo Grandparents of Mila Salo Gail and Roger Samuel Grandparents of Frankie Samuel Paul and Connie Schorr Grandparents of Henry Craig Kenneth and Barbara Seplow Grandparents of Rachel and Danny Seplow Joyce and Michael Simmons Grandparents of Sierra Abronson Sharon Simpson Grandparent of Violet and Calvin Murray Maya and George Trilling Grandparents of Joe and Max Trilling Georgi Tsiklauri and Marina Serednitskaia Grandparents of Alejandra Torrez Nancy R. Waldman Grandparent of Louis and Melina Waldman Gwen and Peter Wall Grandparents of Elijah Kay Ida and Fred Williams Grandparents of Cheval and Ciahna McNairy
Matching and Organizational Gifts Angeleno Group LLC Apple Inc. The Boeing Company Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation DIRECTV Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund French American Charitable Trust Good Life Organics Google Inc. Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors Foundation Lakeshore Learning Lois Lambert Gallery Ric & Suzanne Kayne Foundation Sempra Energy Foundation Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. Strauss Foundation T Heritage Art Gallery Weingart Foundation
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Parents Guild
Itty Bitty Art Sale
Talented, innovative, fun loving, hardworking are the beginning of a long list of words needed to describe the PS1 Parents Guild. We know we have the most amazing children here and as they say, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. We thank our Executive Board and all our Committee Chairs for another fabulous year of creating opportunities for all parents to be involved.
PS1 is a small school that generates a lot of art, tiny but mighty art!. Itty Bitty Art Sale gives us all an opportunity to buy, to solicit, and to appreciate.
Executive Board 2015–16
Parents Guild Committee Chairs
Loren Kaplan, Coordinator
Auction Cara Kleinhaut Lily Ng Stacia Vinar
Carol Acutt Nicole Cavazos Scott Chamberlin Cindy Fitzgerald Christine Jenkins Matthew Hayutin Priya Nambiar Lily Ng
Book Fair Yvonne Hsieh Kelly Peers Lizette Sanchez-Hayutin Rochelle Siegel Coffees on the Green Nicole Cavazos Michelle Gustavson
Maricela Santana Kay Seymour-Gabriel Rochelle Siegel Kim Tinsley
Community Service Emily Ann Rikki Bogen Gaby Greenberg Susan Hoffman-Hyman Dishversity Natalie McAdams Devin Sellers Kim Tinsley Family Festival Carol Acutt, Philip Bruno Ed Rogers Mike Tatum Farm to School Jessica Schwarz First Day Coffee Christine Jenkins Halloween Fruit Priya Nambiar Maricela Santana Devin Sellers Hot Lunch Jessica Schwarz Jenny Tatum Itty Bitty Art Sale Mark Hyatt Christina Mills Library Maya Lieberman Jyoti Puvvula Heather Singleton
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New Parent Coffee Nicole Cavazos Michelle Gustavson New Parent Liaison Lily Ng One from the Heart Cindy Fitzgerald Kerri Speck Parent POP John Murray Party Book Michelle Asten Jen Howard Maggie Sherman Room Parent Coordinator Cindy Fitzgerald School Spirit Maya Lieberman Scrip Yvonne Hsieh and Lizette Sanchez-Hayutin Staff Appreciation Cindy Fitzgerald Kimberly Perttula Staff Assistance Christine Jenkins Susie Schroer Staff Birthdays Rikki Bogen Evelyn Lanner Staff Gift Program Priya Nambiar Rochelle Siegel Yearbook Alexandra Marx
Book Fair
Party Book
The Book Fair brings the world of adventure, knowledge, and humor; concealed between the cover of books, right onto campus for everyone to explore.
Our Party Book hosts are as creative as their children. Thank you for devising so many ways to play, to connect, to laugh, to get to know each other.
Party Book Hosts: Beth and Stephen Abronson Christina Aguilera and Matt Rutler Jesse Aldana Michelle and Gareth Asten Shane Barach and Jenny Daly Chris Beck and Jane Wang (3) Rikki and Michael Bogen Tracy and Adam Bromwich Jared Carney and Deirdre Wallace (2) Karen and Ryan Craig Cindy and Jon Fitzgerald Zack Freedman and Heather Singleton Jonathan Gardner and Barbi Appelquist Marcie and Jeff Greene Len Goldstein and KristieAnne Reed (2) Tamara and Andrew Gross Nadene and Jeff Haines Phil Hayes and Holly Swope Reina and Rich Holtzman Mark Hyatt and Malerie Marder Christine and Larry Jenkins Lori and Scott Lahman Maya and Matt Lieberman Amy and Victor Liu Paul Marks and Kerri Speck Lizzie and John Murray (2) Priya and Sanjay Nambiar Heather and David Nevell Kelly and Darren Peers Kimberly and Josh Perttula Jessica and Eric Reid
Dan Roberts and Nicole Cavazos Johanna and Ed Rogers (2) Amy Rose (2) Lisa and John Rushing Mavette and Habib Salo David Schumacher and Yvonne Hsieh (3) Camila and Ron Schur (2) Jessica and Jason Schwarz Robert Schwentke and Jennifer Howard (2) Devin Sellers Maggie and Jon Sherman Rochelle and Ian Siegel Maria and Kevin Smith Annie Spong Mark Stratton and Susie Schroer Cindy and George Teitelbaum Wendi and Stephen Trilling Greg Walker and Michelle Ashford (2) Sean Weber-Small and Cara Kleinhaut Manuel Weiskopf and Evelyn Lanner Ian Williams and Tessa Blake
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mercury Mailing Systems Inc.
1225 Broadway Santa Monica CA 90404
UPCOMING: Save the Date:
September 28
State of the School/ Class Curriculum Meetings (Youngers and Bridge), 6:15pm
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State of the School/ Class Curriculum Meetings (Middles and Olders), 6:15pm
30
Sibling Admissions Applications Due
30
Memoir Club, 10:00am
February 1st at 6:30pm
October 3
School Holiday
6
School Tour, 8:45am
7
Professional Development Day
12
School Holiday
14
Coffee on the Green, 8:30am
17
PS Serves, 3:30pm
20
School Tour, 8:45am
21
Coffee on the Green, 8:30am
21
Memoir Club, 10:00am
24–28
Richard Louv, best-selling author and Founder of the Children & Nature Network will be speaking to PS1 parents and friends on Wednesday, February 1st at 6:30pm (MPR). Richard’s best-selling books have helped launch an international movement to connect children and their families to nature. Join us! RSVP to amanda@psone.org.
Parent Conferences
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Coffee on the Green, 8:30am
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Halloween Parade, 2:00pm *Remember to check the online calendars for the most up-to-date information about school events
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Who’s New… Left to right: Mia Chartrand, Middles Teacher Ceili Grinnell, Aftercare Teacher Esther Watkins, Executive Assistant Virginia Seaman, Music Specialist Nancy Harding, Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning Genevieve Mow, Child Development Specialist Carol van Heerden, Olders Teacher
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