Fall 2021
Report on Philanthropy 2020–2021
LOOK INSIDE FOR:
Teacher Summer Professional Development
Celebrate the PS1 Class of 2021
I Am PS1: Community Perspectives
In This Issue PAGE 1
Head’s Column PAGE 2
Summer Professional Development PAGES 7
Class of 2021 Graduation Highlights PAGES 13
Report on Philanthropy BACK COVER
50th Anniversary
THE PERISCOPE Volume 31, Number 3 Editors: Amanda Perla Alan Ball Designer: Mary Cay Walp 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
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NEWS FLASH! JOEL PELCYGER IS GRADUATING FROM PS1 IN JUNE 2022! Head's Column They said it couldn’t be done. But I have been told I finally get to be a PS1 graduate after 51 years as a learner at the school. Of course, it is not a foregone conclusion that this will come to pass. There will be final exams to take, a thesis to write, and who knows what other hoops I will be required to pass through before that fateful day in June 2022 when I can walk down the aisle wearing my cap and gown and join the ranks of so many stars who have come before me. To do everything I can to make sure that I get passing grades in all my courses this semester and next, I have ruled out attending any and all social events or even doing anything else that might bring me pleasure that could steer me away from my studies. This is a very high pressured situation to put a young person like me into, but no one ever said that life would be easy. After all, anxiety for students is the norm, isn’t it? (Yes, this paragraph was written with my tongue firmly implanted in my cheek. Read on, please)
It is scenarios like this that brought me to start our school with Ellie back in 1971. It is avoiding the continuing examples that have persisted over the past fifty years that have allowed me to sustain my passion, to make my commitment unalterable, and to make creating and building our institution my life’s work. We are not the only school that exists to protect students from this fate; we are a school that has remained true to its founding mission and vision over all this time (and will continue to do so after I join the ranks of graduates). Articles of Incorporation for a non-profit organization rarely go beyond what is required by the state and Federal governments to secure that non-profit,
tax-exempt status. In our case, we went farther — in 1971 we filed our papers establishing Pluralistic School, Inc. which read in part: The primary purpose for which said corporation is formed is to establish and maintain a school for the education of the people of the community, and is based on the premise that all persons are unique and worthwhile and therefore must be provided with as rich and varied a learning environment as possible to ensure that uniqueness. 1. To accomplish said purpose, the educational program to be utilized by the school shall seek to motivate the learner by developing positive thinking about his identity and role in life and confronting him with the most fundamental question of value and purpose. 2. To focus on the uniqueness of each individual in the learning process, the clear recognition of and support for the inherent and acquired difference of all peoples. 3. To establish a school dedicated and committed to pluralism with the focal point of incorporating and embracing directive, self-initiated and eclectic learning styles, separately and collectively. 4. To establish within the school a microcosm of the heterogeneous society, racially, culturally and economically. 5. To improve the effectiveness of teachers by recognizing their responsibilities in developing curricula that maximize individual differences in learning and teaching styles. 6. To involve parents and other citizens as facilitators in the learning environment for youngsters. 7. To demonstrate to the community at large the validity of a pluralistic approach to education that relates to the achievement of a better understanding and respect for all peoples.
We determined then that school should and would be a joyful experience; that people’s search for meaning and relevance would be fostered; that learning environments would be collaborative; that we wouldn’t give grades; that children would be grouped with others different in culture, heritage, age, and abilities from them; that students would know they were valued; that teachers would balance academics and social-emotional learning woven together in every day’s school experience; and that parents would be very closely involved together with us as partners in building an inclusive community. The PS1 vision of Celebrate the Many; Build One is a very specific practice. The Articles of Incorporation are exactly 50 years old. I trust that all of you reading the above list, at whatever point in time that our paths crossed, recognize these values as the essence, pertinence, and relevance of your experience. Each year we have focused to enact each and every one of those guiding principles, ideas, and thoughts. Singleminded to do our part in creating a different world through bringing out the best in each individual. I point with pride that we have never strayed from that course. It is what we seek, what we promise, and what we deliver. It is a badge that we wear proudly.
—Joel Pelcyger, Head of School
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Summer Professional Development Typically, this is a space where I share all of the Professional Development experiences that our teachers participated in over the summer. Certainly, many teachers participated in professional development. They attended workshops and classes about planning, mathematics, phonics, and more. Notably this summer, our teachers got to spend time with their families. There were many road trips and camping trips. Travel to family far away that we had not seen for more than a year or two and staycations. Time to play with our children and take care of ourselves. As one teacher put it, “time to frolic.” We all needed to frolic this summer! I hope that you did, too. The result of this is a community of teachers who are eager and excited about working with our students and families this year. Nancy Harding, PhD Assistant Head for Teaching & Learning
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Pete Dymock
Virginia Seaman
Middles Teacher
Music Specialist
I participated in Building Fluency Through Playful Collaboration, a CGI based workshop facilitated by Joanna Cervantez of the UCLA Mathematics Project. The essential question of the workshop was, “How do we define fluency?” Playful collaboration was used to solve various story problems, learn about Desmos and choral counting, and play a fun take on the card game “War,” among other activities. Fluency implies that students don’t just understand procedures and tools (formulas, algorithms) but how procedures and tools can be used to think about math conceptually. Students then become skillful in using procedures more flexibly as they take on different problems. We also discussed the value in creating open-ended tasks and questions, the idea that lessons don’t need to be tied up in a nice neat bow (learning can linger), and the power of the question, “How do you know?” My favorite quote from the workshop was: “Powerful questions need powerful pauses.” Joanna was a wonderful facilitator and pushed us to think outside the box. Her sessions were engaging, well-paced, and useful. I feel inspired to approach and teach math more playfully.
This summer I took an intensive guitar course organized by GAMA (Guitar Accessories and Marketing Association). My instructors consisted of a professor of classical guitar from Chicago, a professor of music from George Mason University and a middle and high school music director from Ohio. The course is designed to teach music educators methods and strategies for incorporating guitar and ukulele into the music curriculum. We will be resuming the music program in person this year which provides many new opportunities. In order to adhere to safety measures and protocols, we will be highlighting movement, drama and instruments in the music curriculum. Ukulele will be a focus for Middles and guitar for Olders. I look forward to applying all that I have learned and acquired through this summer’s professional development with our PS1 musicians. *this summer, Virginia also attended a professional development workshop on Teaching Guitar
Melva Thompson Youngers Teacher
I was so excited to participate in the UCLA Launching Writers Workshop course this summer. I was eager and hopeful to discover many exciting tools to improve my teaching abilities. The course content and instructors were very enlightening and beneficial. It helped me understand the importance of the child’s voice during the writing process and gave me creative options to facilitate and guide the students’ expression through storytelling and illustration. During this course, I realized that personal experiences and things of the heart are catalysts for meaningful connections and expression. I grew up learning that it wasn’t appropriate or aesthetically pleasing to mark out words on paper; as a young person, I learned that editing was rewriting my work all over again. This workshop, however, emphasized the importance of continuing the writing process as is. It seemed unusual at first; but,
I realized the importance of learning from mistakes and editing in real-time throughout the course. One of my favorite experiences during the course was engaging in the writing and illustration process as if I were a young child myself. It was refreshing to reflect on my childhood interests, experiences, and things that were (and are still) dear to my heart! I look forward to sharing mentor texts, techniques, and routines I discovered while engaging students in the writing and publishing of their books. Thank you, PS1, for this opportunity to further my abilities as an educator! *this summer, Melva also attended professional development workshops on CGI Math and The Reading & Writing Project.
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Summer Professional Development, continued
LiAnne Hall
Billy Huynh
McKendree Yeager
Madeline Zardoya
Olders Teacher
Bridge Teacher
Bridge Teacher
Olders Teacher
We were able to participate in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) Online Workshop which enhanced our skill sets, enlightened us to new strategies, and inspired us for the upcoming school year. The PYP is an inquirybased, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that builds conceptual understanding with a student-centered approach to education for elementary-aged children. Some of the key elements we considered were the learner profile, international-mindedness, and the role of language. Educators from around the world participated in the workshop which truly made it a global experience. It was so beneficial to connect and learn from colleagues with various backgrounds and experiences. In
addition, we focused on transdisciplinary and concept-driven learning. These are foundational for planning and implementing the curriculum at PS1. We also explored agency, action, and the collaborative planning process, and explored the learning environment. During the workshop, we were both educators and students as we completed assignments, gave feedback to each other, and collaborated on virtual projects. It was an uplifting and enriching experience with global-minded and student-centered educators.
*this summer, LiAnne also attended a professional development workshop on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Science Literacies & Activism
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Bonnie Koo
Kitaka Mixon
Youngers Teacher
Middles Teacher
This summer, I participated in a week-long Orton Gillingham virtual training with the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education. During this week, I worked alongside a trainer and other educators to study the structured and multisensory approach to literacy development for which Orton Gillingham is most well-known. I collaborated with fellow teachers from around the country to develop lesson plans, participated in mock lessons with my small group and worked closely with the trainer to ensure smooth implementation in the classroom. Through this training, I was given the opportunity to reflect on my teaching methods as well as gain the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to better help my students be effective readers, writers and spellers. I am excited to put these new skills to use in the classroom and I am looking forward to seeing how they impact my students’ literacy development for years to come.
I had the privilege of attending the Imaginative Inquiry Institute. It was truly an amazing experience and so much fun! I believe that if the professional development is fun for me, then it will be fun for the kids too. Imaginative inquiry is a teaching and learning approach that brings together community of inquiry, drama for learning, and mantle of the expert. By using imaginative inquiry, one can create exciting and meaningful contexts for learning, which can be used to engage students in challenging and purposeful curriculum activities. It provides opportunities for students to extend their thinking, develop their skills, and broaden their understanding. Teachers can create imaginary contexts for learning that allow them to work in collaboration with the students. Why are they imaginary and not real? Because in imaginary contexts teachers and children can be anyone, at any time, anywhere, doing anything: mountain rescuers in a snow-storm on the side of a mountain, explorers delving into giant strange holes, or archaeologists opening an ancient tomb. The main resources needed for imaginative inquiry are the commitment of an enthusiastic teacher, the energy of a classroom of children and IMAGINATION!
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Class of
2021 Graduation Highlights The Graduation Ceremony is a PS1 rite of passage. Each year, each graduate stands in front of parents, teachers, and fellow students to address the crowd, and Joel prepares an individual honoring of each child. We were so thrilled to host our ceremony under the oak tree again this spring, and it was the first time we were able to welcome parents back onto campus in 15 months! This experience was incredibly moving as the graduates shared their words of wisdom before heading off to middle school. These are excerpts from their speeches. Ricky Aldana > New Roads School My time at PS1 has been all about personal growth. From trying to figure out how to be more calm, decisive, and problem solving to becoming a leader my teachers can depend on. That’s what good schools do. Good schools allow their students to grow and unravel their full-potential. They force students out of their comfort zones, inspire them to take on challenges, and give them the support they need. The teachers don’t just want their students to be good “students” but actually prepared for life. They create the space to have differences of opinion, counter argue, and for one to express their feelings. A good school is and will always be PS1!
Shaya Ashofteh > Paul Revere Middle School I’ve spent more than half of my life at PS1, 58.3 percent to be exact. And that is where most of my memories and friends have come from. All these memories make me who I am. I’ve been to PS1 for eleven thousand hours and throughout that amount of time, Many memories and fantastic moments have occurred. But today I’m moving on, Like a bird flying from its nest. Although I’m leaving, I will never forget PS1 and how it shaped me into who I am today. To me, endings are just the start of new beginnings.
After each child’s name, you will see the name of the middle school that they are currently attending.
Eian Beale > Wildwood School When I started PS1 I was afraid of not making new friends and not being good at reading, writing, and math. I was surprised by the kindness and generosity that the teachers and staff offered which made it easy to feel part of the community and to learn. What was once scary is now fun. For example, I enjoyed the circulatory system project that I did in the 5th grade where we mapped out the veins and organs of the body on a giant canvas, or the space project we did in 6th grade where we made slides on something we were passionate about in space. And while learning something interesting about space I spent time with my friends. It was time well spent making deeper friendships. One of my biggest hopes is that I can retain those friendships for many years to come.
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Class of 2021, continued
Jason Boulware > Paul Revere Middle School
My life at PS1 has been filled with joy and happiness. Even the bad times I had were good. Everything happens for a reason, Everything happens sometimes for no reason. My life at PS1 has been amazing. Life has many twists and turns you can take. Life has many consequences you can experience. Life has many memories that stay with your heart. PS1 makes sure you’re happy. PS1 gives you great memories. PS1 gave ME good memories. PS1, it is hard to leave you. Taj Britton > New Roads School My parents have taught me to persevere when things are hard. And over the past year, especially with online school, perseverance was key to me overcoming many different challenges. I’ve had to re-learn some lessons more than once, learn to make new friends, and quickly become independent. But through all the trials and tribulations, my parents have been there by my side the entire time. When I am falling, they are always there to catch me and pull me back up. Again, they are the main reason I am standing here today. To my mom and dad, and everybody else who’s been there along the way: Thank you for making me, me!
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Nora Bromwich > Archer School for Girls A forest in my mind, seen only in dreams. Trees of knowledge cast shadows over the earthy ground. New growth is everywhere, sprouting multiple times a day. In the center of this luscious forest is a wide oak tree, its bark weathered from age. Its wide branches spread out to form a dome of protection over the clearing. Squirrels and insects scuttle on its branches, and grass and feathers line the floor. This is the forest of knowledge. Planted by all the teachers, friends, relatives, and other people in my life. These trees have been planted, watered, and grown by PS1. Haven Cazún > Windward School Obviously, the pandemic disrupted all of our lives and we had to overcome many challenges. That is why I feel at this point in my life, the most important question we all need to ask ourselves is how present are we? Are we taking our family and friends for granted or cherishing every moment we get to spend with them? Are we passing up opportunities or are we taking them on? If we see something amazing, do we embrace it, or just snap a picture of the moment? When we are talking to someone, are we genuinely listening? We have learned nothing is promised and time is priceless. As the late great Maya Angelou once said, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
Blaise Gardner > Crossroads School My time at PS1 started seven years ago in the Red classroom. I didn’t know what to expect, and frankly, at five years old, I didn’t know what this process meant. At that time, I wasn’t aware that this school would shape me into the person who is standing here today. PS1 taught me about creativity, how to be the change I want to make in the world. That it’s less important to think about what I want to be, and more about who I want to become. I didn’t just learn how the digestive system works and what kinetic energy is, PS1 taught me the importance of compromise, the value of happiness, and the significance of creativity. PS1 gave me the wings I’ll use to fly into my future, each feather a different story. Beatrice Gyde > Marlborough School As I reflect on my time here at PS1, I can unequivocally say I have grown a lot as a person. There may be no marks on a wall to measure it, but it is evident in how I approach my academics, work habits, friendships, choices, and overall mindset towards school. Growth is also evolving and falling more in love with the things you are already passionate about. When I started PS1, I liked the sea, art, and music. Today, I am even more passionate about those things. From making a PSA about endangered species to singing in chorus on the Promenade, playing the violin, or using my drawing skills to create illustrations for my science projects. I have grown to love and appreciate my passions even more deeply.
Theo Howard > Windward School In my first year of Olders, I learned a ton about science and history and about how the Mesopotamians lived … and then COVID hit, and that changed everything. What I thought would be a longer spring break turned into a year of not seeing my friends, not doing any in-person projects, and not being on campus. In the last few months, since we have been able to come back to campus, I have played with friends, practiced lines, led PE games, and learned a ton. Words cannot describe how much gratitude I feel towards my teachers, my parents, my friends, and my brother for all that you have done to make the last seven years so amazing. Thank you for all the things you have taught me and all of the memories you have given me. Hugo Hyatt > Lincoln Middle School From the first pitch to the last, PS1 has taught me to be myself, be a problem solver, and to be collaborative. [In Youngers:} It was the first two innings of the game. I walked on the field seeing the bubbles in the sky, meeting my new teammates for the first time. As the game went on we won innings and lost innings. We had fun through a roller coaster of a game. We learned things that we will never forget. … It was Olders, the final two innings. We had to stay calm thinking everything would be so much harder now that we were at the end. But we could not let that stop us from winning. We stuck together knowing that it was going to be hard. We acquired new skills that helped us. We won together and we all helped out. PS1 helped me to get ready for the new things to come.
Artie Jellinek > Mark Twain Middle School When we were in Youngers, the games we played were simple and free. On the 12th street yard, we played every variation of tag possible until we got bored. In fifth grade, we stopped making up as many games. I guess we were getting older. Or at least I felt older, bigger, more like a leader. We still played ball-tag on the 12th street yard, but we were more interested in board games. Probably one of our favorites was Seven Wonders. I learned a lot about my friends playing the game. We had different views on strategies and as such built very different worlds. Then came COVID, 6th grade, and for a while we didn’t see our friends at all. Then we came back. I can’t tell you how nice it felt to see my friends again. We don’t play as many games now; we really just like to sit around and talk and talk, talk. We have so much stuff to get out.
Benjamin Kane-Nichols > Wildwood School Change is the most vital thing a human can go through. In fact, we all just experienced great change over the past year and a half. And ironically, change was the beginning of my journey at PS1. Because unlike many of my classmates, I started PS1 when I was 8 years old which is Middles. Most people would say this is a bad thing, but I strongly disagree. When you start a new school at 8 years old it teaches you to be adaptable, how to make new friends and you get to learn a new way of doing things. It also teaches you to appreciate things because unlike my last school, I’ve been challenged more academically and I actually enjoy coming to school every day. I can whole heartedly say, PS1 has been a life changing experience for me and I wouldn’t be who I am today without going here.
I’m a little scared. I might not see my friends again or we might lose touch. But we have a plan: in 14 years we’re all going to meet in Banff, Canada for a couple of months. Maybe we could play some of these games we invented, and maybe some new ones we learned along the way.
PS1 gave me the wings I’ll use to fly into my future, each feather a different story. 9
Class of 2021, continued Class of 2021, continued
Zoe Levine > Marlborough School Growth and adaptation; the two skills that have allowed humans to evolve for hundreds of years. Being able to adapt to something instantly is challenging and essential. That’s exactly what I have had to do during my time at PS1 and I’m grateful for it. My greatest adaptation was going into Olders. Because it was night and day from all the other classes. Olders is all about preparing us for this moment right here and of course middle school. The expectations are set high, we have to be independent, problem solvers, critical thinkers, hardworking, creative, and mature. The most growth was made in the last two years and I know I am ready to take on all that is before me. Thank you to all the PS1 teachers, faculty, my friends, and my supportive family. I would not have blossomed into the person I am today without them. So I want to end by saying, “Fleuris là où tu es plantée”, which is French for, “Bloom where you are planted.”
Violet Lieberman > Archer School for Girls Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is a preview to life’s coming attractions.” That is what makes PS1 unique and special. The school is designed to inspire us to be creative and to use our imaginations. On the first day of school, you walk onto campus and are swarmed with bubbles which makes you feel like your possibilities are endless and you have the freedom to be your creative, authentic self. Then you enter your classroom and you have creative teachers and classmates that encourage you to regularly use your imagination in everything you do. For example, in math [this year], we turned the concept of finding the missing angle of a triangle into an art museum because we couldn’t go on field trips, and turned our kitchens into laboratories so we could learn about the periodic table during the pandemic. My imagination has also been used to write poems, create a podcast and animations, make discoveries through so many different science labs, and write music. But my favorite use of my imagination is developing a new theory of gravity which I had the opportunity to present to my classmates this year.
Esmé Marks > Marlborough School I had butterflies in my stomach on my first day at PS1. I have butterflies in my stomach right now, but instead of the first day of school, I’m here at graduation day. Now that I am in Olders I can say I’ve dissected a sheep brain. It was something different and I felt like I could do anything after I finished that project. It was scary and a little gross but I also felt like I was learning and growing up. Although some of the school year was at home, we made the best of it. We learned a lot and we spent time together talking and learning. Sometimes we would have dance parties. The music was great. I learned that I can adapt to things I’m not familiar with. Even though I’ve changed a lot, and through all of these experiences I may have had butterflies, I learned a lot about myself and I still had the best time ever! I’m going to miss PS1, but I will never forget these memories.
On the first day of school, you walk onto campus and are swarmed with bubbles which makes you feel like your possibilities are endless …
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Baker Rollins > New Roads School I used to be afraid of speaking up. I couldn’t tell people what I really thought. I was worried that they might call me weird or judge my opinions, but then PS1 came along. And no, this is not some cheesy thing like: “and then all my problems were solved.” Because they weren’t. I was still afraid to speak up and talk to people. It’s taken me a really long time for me to gain confidence, but now I realize there are some things that are very important to me on which I want to take a stand. For example, after learning about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, women’s rights has become one of the many things I want to advocate for. Another item on my platform is LGBTQ+ rights. It’s amazing how people went from hiding in a bar to expressing themselves and fighting for their rights. It’s truly inspiring. A third thing I’m advocating for is climate change. Climate change is a very important issue happening right now. Other people in the world are trying to help fix it and that makes me want to help out too. Public speaking is still really hard, but I want to make sure my voice is heard.
Harry Sittler > Paul Revere Middle School My time at this school was amazing. Everyone I met here has been so nice, but now it’s time for me to leave. When I first started, I thought I would be alone but I met amazing people who helped me with my journey at this school. They helped me find who I was and accepted me for who I am. It is my friends who encouraged me to discover that I am trans and I deeply appreciate that. Of all the work I have done at PS1, the thing that stands out the most is the campaign poster I made for our candidate during the Storypath presidential election. It was a powerful message and I had fun painting it. I’m so glad to have the people I’ve met here in my life, like the teachers and the kids. My time here was fun but everything comes to an end.
Owen Smith > New Roads School 2,472 days ago, I walked through the brown gate for the very first time, at least as a student, not knowing what the next seven years would have in store, but here I am giving my TED Talk about a couple big things that I sure will remember. The field trips were pretty fun, but do you want to know what the most epic thing was? No? Well I’m telling you anyways: it’s camping trips. I mean, what’s not to love? You get to go to the beach, you get to go to the creek, you get to go on a hike, you get to be bored out of your mind, and you get to eat s’mores. Oh yeah, did I mention you get to do all this stuff with your friends for up to 3 days straight depending on what grade you’re in? Yeah, pretty epic.
If I get lost I can count on the inner voice I found at PS1 to help guide me.
To my mom and dad, and everybody else who’s been there along the way: Thank you for making me, me!
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Class of 2021, continued
Class of 2015 Colleges & Universities Julian Angus > Windward > University of New Haven Emily Beck-Hallstrom > Windward > Pali High > University of Southern California Madeleine Boudov > Harvard-Westlake > New York University Lola Butan > Berkeley Hall > Unknown Juliana Ciccone > Harvard-Westlake > Unknown Viswa Aidan Douglass > Harvard-Westlake > The George Washington University Noah Eatman > Crossroads > California Institute of the Arts Destinee Flonnoy > Brentwood > Washington University in St. Louis Delilah Freund > Marlborough > Johns Hopkins University Lucy Hayes > Paul Revere > Pali High > University of Wisconsin-Madison Amelia Jenkins > Brentwood > Tulane University Charlie Kortleven > Wildwood > University of California, Berkeley Gena Levin > Paul Revere > Pali High > Smith College Emily Lippman > Paul Revere > Pali High > University of California, San Diego Jacob Madley > Brentwood School > Class of 2022 Carver Messick > Brentwood School > Class of 2022 Cheval McNairy > Westchester Lutheran > Howard University Billie Riess > Brentwood > SAMO High > University of Oregon Olivia Rosen > Archer > Elon University Dylan Santana > Chadwick > University of Miami Jonathan Smiley > Wildwood > Pali High > Sonoma State University Kaelen Song > Wildwood > SAMO High > Tufts University Morgan Spencer-Nielsen > New Roads > Unknown Jay Jay Venegas > Crossroads > Tufts University Sam Walker > Brentwood > Wesleyan University Justin Yu > Windward > Washington University in St. Louis
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What was once scary is now fun.
Eli Stringer > Park Century School Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning, Staying together is progress, And working together is success.” One of my favorite memories from when I was in Youngers was when some of my friends and I made a block tower that was as high as the rafters in the classroom. We had to wear hard hats that were way too big. We looked ridiculous! Tables were stacked on top of each other to reach the top of the tower. Some of us had to hold up the tower while some of us handed blocks to the person who was placing them. Sadly we had to knock it down the next Friday. This could not have been built without the collaboration of my friends and me. Experiences like this made me who I am today. As my journey comes to an end I would like to thank my teachers and friends for teaching me the importance of collaboration. Violet Tatum > Windward School The friendships I made will be ones I always cherish—and will always remind me of how happy my time was at PS1. I want to thank all the teachers I have had, to the teachers in the Red class who helped me start as a student and feel safe saying goodbye to my parents, to the teachers in Olders 5 who pushed me to new levels—preparing me for the next adventure of middle school. I know when I start Windward in the fall I will be able to find my way. If I get lost I can count on the inner voice I found at PS1 to help guide me. For this I am most thankful. PS1 will always be a part of who I am and I am grateful for my time here.
*Not in attendance: Sebastian Lazar
2020
Report on Philanthropy at PS1
2021
Message From Our Board Chair Dear PS1 Pluralistic School Family & Friends, There is much to look forward to as we welcome the 2021–2022 school year: Our full return to PS1 Pluralistic School’s beloved campus, filled with (masked) faces familiar and new; reconnecting with one another and with our PS1 traditions; and celebrating PS1’s golden anniversary together as one strong and generous school community. Given the immense challenges and upheaval of the past 18 months, as a parent and Board Chair, my gratitude for this community runs deep while my hope for its future soars. Last year at this time, I wrote to you about opportunities for positive change. PS1 embraced adjustments and growth in responding to a global pandemic and national social unrest. It examined, reimagined, and adapted in ways small and large, guided by the pillars that have sustained it for fifty years – its mission and vision for a connected, empathetic and equitable world. Physical distance did not abate the mutual support among students, staff, faculty, parents, and alumni families; we stayed connected as best we could. New norms emerged, hope budded and resilience bloomed. Students excelled in the Distance Learning Community Program, and later the hybrid program, where PS1’s “special sauce” was evolved to a virtual environment. PS1’s Parents Guild creatively reworked beloved community traditions for safety, including an all-school drive-in movie night fundraising gala. While cultivating a diverse community has been and continues to be a fundamental part of our mission, the Board activated a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice committee as one step of many in our ever-evolving journey to be the pluralistic community we aspire to be. This year, we are excited to launch PS1’s joyous 50th anniversary celebration that will continue throughout the school year. The paramount PS1 transition, of course, was initiated earlier this year when our founding Head of School, Joel Pelcyger, announced his impending retirement. Joel’s legacies will be many, and his foresight and ingenuity will continue to impact the field of elementary education. To the PS1 community, Joel bestowed on us the simplest, most meaningful gifts – a home away from home and a second family. This unique community will not only endure, but will thrive for generations to come. Our community contributed generously to the Annual Fund under the assiduous leadership of the Annual Fund Co-Chairs Steve Trilling and Nisreen Al-Bassam and their dedicated committee. In addition, our spring movie night gala not only brought the community together but raised significant funds for our Financial Aid program. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your hard work, generosity and support of our community this year. This Fall, we will finally begin to share special PS1 moments in person! The celebration of our school’s rich history and promising future will be all the sweeter for the time we’ve spent apart. Sincerely,
Anna Reyna Allison ’26, James ’22 and Hailey ’16 14
2020–21 Board of Directors Anna Reyna, Chair Jessica Reid, Vice Chair Glenn Rosen, Secretary Nisreen Al-Bassam Josh Berger Andrew Gross Jeff Haines Carrie Southworth Johnson Elizabeth Kendall Joel Pelcyger Maggie Rosenfeld, Board Member Emeritus Jason Schwarz Kerri Speck DeAnn Spell Stacey Staples Mike Tatum Steve Trilling Heather Turner Eric Zabinski PS1 is grateful to our departing Board member for his dedicated service. Andrew Gross (3 years of service)
Board Committees Advancement Kerri Speck, Chair Nisreen Al-Bassam Tina Andrews Alan Ball Carleen Glasser Abbi Hertz Christine Jenkins Beth Kemp Sharon Morrill Amanda Perla Ann Rogers Steve Trilling Richard Turner Administration and Finance Heather Turner, Chair Adam Bromwich Mike Egner TJ Harney Alex Kendall Beth Khan Melinda Mehringer Naomi Nakagama Joel Pelcyger Eric Reid Glenn Rosen Maggie Rosenfeld David Schumacher Jason Schwarz Palak Shah Eric Zabinski
NEW BOARD MEMBER
Buildings and Grounds Mike Tatum, Chair Andrew Gross Joel Pelcyger Glenn Rosen Maggie Rosenfeld Brad Shimada Governance DeAnn Spell, Chair Josh Berger Elizabeth Kendall Joel Pelcyger Jessica Reid Anna Reyna Glenn Rosen Strategic Planning Jason Schwarz, Chair Jeff Haines Joel Pelcyger Jessica Reid Anna Reyna Stacey Staples
Tawny Laskar Tawny Laskar is an educational leader and an advocate for equity in urban education. She started her career as a Teach for America corps member in Metro Atlanta. Tawny then went on to teach in the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) in both Atlanta and Los Angeles. Later, Tawny began working as a consultant, supporting districts with reform initiatives. Alongside a professional colleague, Tawny co-founded Learning by Design Charter School, which offers a groundbreaking, research-based approach to urban education. She has proudly served as principal since 2019. Tawny is currently enrolled in UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute graduate school, where she’ll earn a master’s degree in educational leadership with an emphasis on social justice. She holds an M.Ed. in elementary education from Georgia State University, bachelor’s degrees in Law & Society and Black Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a clear California multiple subject teaching credential. Tawny has been a member of several non-profit boarding, including Teach for America’s Associate Board, MOMS Club of Santa Monica (president), and Valor Academy Charter School (founding member and secretary).
I Am PS1 PS1 has a history of sending balanced, resilient, successful students into the world. As our graduates move into secondary school (and beyond) they often become leaders. They think deeply about issues that matter and understand ideas from the inside out. They are empowered, motivated, engaged, confident, curious, and ready to take on new challenges. The ability to ask questions, express ideas, think critically, and maintain passion for learning distinguishes PS1 alumni. In honor of PS1, these are some highlights from our alumni.
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A Message of Gratitude from PS1’s Annual Fund Co-Chairs Dear PS1 Families, Alumni and Friends, After an unprecedented year, filled with unexpected challenges, we want to whole-heartedly thank you for your participation in the 2020–2021 Annual Fund. As the Annual Fund Co-Chairs, we are grateful to each and every one of you for your unwavering support of PS1. The 2020–2021 Annual Fund once again demonstrated the PS1 community’s commitment to the school and each other. As always, the money raised from the Annual Fund helped provide for each current student the pluralistic education that shapes them into academically well-prepared, confident, joyful and respectful PS1 graduates. Your commitment last fall allowed PS1 to swiftly adapt to the challenges of the world’s ongoing public health crisis, funding necessary technology upgrades, professional development, and preparation of safe learning spaces. Because of your generosity, our faculty and staff, the backbone of PS1, continued to be fully employed at prepandemic levels. Furthermore, your commitment allowed PS1 to increase its current year financial aid budget by 15% during a time of economic crisis for many families. It is heartening to know that current students can depend on the PS1 community at large for support in times of adversity. As students transitioned from the Distance Learning Community Program to in-person and hybrid, your commitment allowed PS1 to remain agile and execute on these multiple teaching scenarios, without ever losing sight of its mission and focus on the students and their well-being. In the Fall of 2020, despite all of the challenges, we asked that you support our kids to allow PS1 to continue to deliver a robust education no matter the circumstances or method of delivery and each of you did so without hesitation. Again, we thank you for that. It is our hope that the generosity and strength of the PS1 community, evident in the contents of this year’s Report on Philanthropy, will inspire you as much as it has us.
Nisreen Al-Bassam Nabil ’24, Nader ’27
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Steve Trilling Joe ’18 and Max ’18
Annual Fund Volunteers This past year’s Annual Fund volunteers were led by Board member and current parent and Board member Nisreen Al-Bassam and Board member and alumni parent Steve Trilling. We are grateful to Nisreen and Steve for their creative spirit, dedication to helping our Annual Fund reach new heights, and for their incredible attention to detail. Each member of the Annual Fund team served our community well, and raised awareness of the importance and impact of philanthropy in our school. 2020–21 Annual Fund Committee Nisreen Al-Bassam Emily Ann Jason Barrett Kurt Boulware Jen Brown Jonathan Chu Zoe Fairbourn Matthew Hayutin DJ Jacobs Carrie Johnson Jaime Keeton David Krauss Tannaz Nikravesh-Galker Jessica and Chris Nordling Joel Pelcyger Kerri Speck Stacey Staples Steve Trilling Richard Turner Deirdre Wallace Bryan Wolff Eric Zabinski Solicitation Authors Current Parents and Board of Trustees Kerri Speck & Steve Trilling Grandparents Carleen Glasser & Alan Ball Alumni Parents Tina Andrews & Evelyn Cazún Alumni Parents, Former Board of Trustees & Special Friends Alan Ball
2020–2021 Alumni Committee The Alumni Committee continues to focus on keeping our community connected by staying in contact and rekindling relationships with alumni. This past year’s work implemented even more meaningful alumni events and outreach which has laid the groundwork for a monumental year of 50th Anniversary celebrations and alumni connectedness. Since kicking off 50th Anniversary social media campaigns, our following has increased by almost 20% and targeted posts have led our alumni engagement to triple. The Alumni Committee, along with PS1 Class Reps, is now involved in the planning of almost all alumni events. Members of each group have taken leadership roles including running games and putting their names down as hosts for virtual parties. The pandemic has not slowed down our output or achievements and has led to more alumni constituencies being reengaged than ever before. Zoom, social media and email communication now lead our outreach and as a result, alumni from around the world have been able to keep connected.
I Am PS1 PS1 gave me the tools to think critically across difference. I remember becoming particularly equipped to have difficult conversations about humanity. PS1 cultivated my unwavering curiosity.
Elle Brosh CLASS OF 2005
PS1’s alumni community is more connected than ever before and we are excited to see the results of the tremendous 50th Anniversary efforts taking place this year. Thank you to the 2020–21 Alumni Committee Tina Andrews Alan Ball Avery Breuer ’06 Evelyn Cazún Jen Gaynor Christine Jenkins Beth Kemp Ellie Pelcyger Amanda Perla Kay Seymour-Gabriel Jayjay Venegas ’15
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Finance & Development 2020–21 Contributions
Annual Fund
$698,654
Parents Guild Events
Fund A Need Book Fair, Scrip & School Spirit Parents Guild Total
$164,954 $675 $165,629
Abbie STEAM Fund & Capital Donations
TOTAL
$2,576
$866,859
Operating Budget
9.4%
INCOME
82.1% Tuition & Fees
Fundraising
8.5%
Endownment & Interest
0.1% Other
8.7%
EXPENSES
62.6% Tuition & Fees
Facilities
15.7%
13.1%
The numbers and chart above have not yet been audited.
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Financial Aid
Program
Diversity Mission Statement As a community committed to inclusivity, PS1 emphasizes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to fostering the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to be a global citizen working towards a more equitable world. PS1 embraces inclusivity in all aspects of our institution including curriculum, professional development, admissions, recruitment of faculty and staff, community outreach, board and administrative decisions, and student and family life. Inclusion of all groups provides a fuller, richer learning community for all.
Vision Statement Celebrate the Many; Build One
Mission Statement
I Am PS1
PS1 is a diverse community committed to an ever-evolving model of pluralistic elementary education. On a path to self-knowledge, students engage and become the best versions of themselves. They develop critical academic and interpersonal skills to be confident and passionate contributors to an increasingly connected world.
Despite being in 300 person lectures, I am always trying to build relationships, not only with my classmates but my professors as well, something that I did
Philosophy
with all of my teachers at PS1. In doing so
At PS1, we recognize that every child is unique, so we built a school that nurtures individual talents and learning styles. That’s how children become the best versions of themselves, in a school where fitting in is about being yourself.
I create connections that make learning more interesting and present professional opportunities for the future.
Oliver Curry CLASS OF 2008
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2020–21 PS1 Annual Fund by Constituency PS1 Board Members Nisreen Al-Bassam & Sami Rasromani Josh Berger & Lauren Fujiu Andrew & Tamara Gross Jeff & Nadene Haines Carrie & Coddy Johnson Elizabeth & Alexander Kendall Joel & Eleanor Pelcyger Jessica & Eric Reid Anna & Jeffrey Reyna Maggie & Mort Rosenfeld Jason & Jessica Schwarz Kerri Speck & Paul Marks DeAnn & Rhazes Spell Stacey & Will Staples
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Mike & Jenny Tatum Stephen & Wendi Trilling Heather & Richard Turner Eric Zabinski & Sharon Dai Current Parents Anonymous (6) Carol & Robin Acutt Nisreen Al-Bassam & Sami Rasromani Jesse Aldana Shayne & Tiffany Anderson The Ann-Jellinek Family Rodrigo Anunciato & Ines Casentini Angela Arnold & DJ Jacobs Nistha & Anish Aryal
Farhad Ashofteh & Gazelle Javadi Simon & Emma Atik Matthew & Megan Auron Halina Avery & Kimberley Stead Elizabeth & Eugene Bang Shane Barach & Jennifer Daly Jason Barrett Eric Beale & Jennifer Kalish Ritsuko & Matthew Behr Kelly & Stephen Bickle Marné & Kurt Boulware Tracy & Adam Bromwich Jen & Tony Brown Vanessa & Corey Brown Maria Brucciani
I Am PS1 Benjamin Buadu & Melissa Navarro Anne Marie Burke & Anthony Byrnes Victor Cachoua & Maria Lopez Kim Campbell Jared Carney & Deirdre Wallace Paul Carpenter & Beth Kahn Ricardo Carreira & Elizabeth Priester Marilyn & Christian Cazún Tracy Chandler & Andre Stringer Lucia Alcantara-Chibane & Soufiane Chibane Anna Cho Vanessa Chow & Graeme Craven Lynda & Jonathan Chu Ryan & Karen Craig Sharon Dai & Eric Zabinski Carrie & Matt Dalton Dominique Dawkins Marco & Kim DeGeorge Vincent DiMauro & Lisa Serra The Doolittle Family Jade Duell The Ebeling Family Marcos & Caroline Escalante Adrian & Zoe Fairbourn Reagan Feeney & Richard Levine The Ferrari Family Elise & Rob Fissmer Taura Mizrahi-Fite & Scott Fite Holly & Judd Frazier Zack & Heather Freedman Mark C. Gainor Andy Galker & Tannaz Nikravesh-Galker Lee Gardner & Lily Ng Ona Gauthier Steven & Anna Gordon ChangSheng Guo & Grace Qi The Gyde Family Jeff & Nadene Haines Rachel Harris Matthew Hayutin & Lizette Sanchez-Hayutin Jennifer Howard & Robert Schwentke Jennifer & Mark Humphrey The Hyatt Family Vivian & Phillip Hyun Rosalia Ibarrola & Michael Egner Leilani Ishikawa
Rebecca & Lucas Jansen Carrie & Coddy Johnson Angelia & Jann Johnson Tyler & Kelli Johnson Bridget & Terry Kanashige Chloe & HK Kang Douglas Kaplan & Mary McGuinness The Kelly-Wax Family Beth & Chris Kemp Elizabeth & Alexander Kendall Jeremiah Knight & Britt Johansson Annie & Linn Koo Gus & Stephanie Koven David Krauss & Abbi Hertz Paul & CL Kumpata The Kurata Family Andrea & Mark Laderman Amanda & Steve Lane Tawny & Adam Laskar The Lazar Family Po & Liz Leknickas Matt & Maya Lieberman Caroline Lindqvist Aurelian & Simone Lis Tessa Lydic & Farshad Tehrani Malerie Marder Philip & Carmen Margaziotis Natalie McAdams Lindsay & Colin McLean The Megna Family Melinda & Steve Mehringer Stavros Merjos & Honor Fraser Keith Muenze & Jamie Keeton Chauncey Nichols & Jennifer Kane Amelia & Jason Ning Jessica & Chris Nordling Amber & Olubusayo Ojuri Shannon & Michael Parry Martha & Andrew Pavoni Jennifer Penton & Igor Jukanovic Kimberly & Joshua Perttula Lisa & Tavi Perttula The Poreba-Lieberstein Family Emily Procter & Paul Bryan Sharat Raju & Valarie Kaur Amanda Rawls Jessica & Eric Reid Anna & Jeffrey Reyna
I am where I am today because PS1 gave me the tools to believe in myself, speak up for myself, speak out against injustice, embrace my individuality, look at problems from multiple angles, and understand other perspectives. My career involves going to work every day to aim for a perfection I will never reach. Knowing that education is a journey and not a destination is exactly the mentality one needs to take the same ballet class for 25 years!
Nicole Haskins CLASS OF 1999
I Am PS1 PS1 taught me to think outside the box. Creativity has always been my strong suit and PS1 helped to nurture that quality in me.
Nick Maya CLASS OF 2002
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2020–21 PS1 Annual Fund by Constituency, continued
Ann & Jeremy Rogers Gabrielle Rose & Chris Chang Kim Rozenfeld & Lisbeth Vaughan-Rozenfeld Jacqueline Schaeffer & Jacob Vaughan David Schumacher & Yvonne Hsieh Jessica & Jason Schwarz Virginia & Robert Seaman The Seet Family Wonder Serra & Adrian Toynton Matt Sherman & Gina Kelly Hanna Shin & David Shao Alex & Elaine Shing Tia Shung The Silver Family Saho & Michael Simpson Kerri Speck & Paul Marks DeAnn & Rhazes Spell The Stabile Family The Staples Family Wendy & Matt Sugarman Hana Ogawa Sziraki & Kyle Sziraki Mike & Jenny Tatum Raeleen Elise Taylor The Techentin Family Carolina & Norman Thompson Jeffrey Tinsley Teegen Trucksess & John Lima The Truino Family Masha Tsiklauri & Omar Torrez Plummy Tucker & Mario Ontal Heather & Richard Turner BJ & Laurel Turner Jennifer & Spencer Tyler Lorin Vogel & Donna Weiss Darien Williams & Jeffrey Inaba Deneise Williams & Reuben Smiley Tom & Liz Williams Melanie & Bryan Wolff The Yeganeh-Shah Family Alumni & Alumni Families Kelli & Peter Abraham Sadie ’12 & Gavin ’10 Jonathan Allen ’04 Tina Andrews Makai ’10 Raymond Bakaitis Daniel ’97 Rachel Bank Alexa ’13 Josh Berger’90 & Lauren Fujiu Tessa Blake & Ian Williams Lucy ’17 26
Deborah & Andrew Bogen Kamden ’21 & Michael ’90 Rob & Chris Burchuk Alex ’03 & Kayla ’00 Evelyn Cazún Justin ’14 Scott Chamberlin & Stephanie Barish Thea ’18 & Milo ’16 Kylie Clark’01 Mike & Alicia Cortrite Michelle ’03 & Drew ’01 Jamie Court & Michelle Williams Court Pablo ’19 & Joey ’16 Sharon DeSalay Brandi ’92 Jeff & Marci Dinkin Aaron ’12, Robin ’07, Leslie ’07 & Andy ’04 Laurie & Rudy Ekstein Jessica ’02 Tammy & Jeff Ellis Dylan ’05 Emile Albert Elzas Stephanie ’93 & Sarah ’89 Mary Fama Hansi ’04, Roxy ’02 & Gina ’00 Lauren & Austin Fite Aiden ’09 & Lexi ’05
Carol Frayre & Juan Venegas Jayjay ’15 & Rudy ’10 Rudy Frayre’10 Kay Seymour-Gabriel & Richard Gabriel Griffin ’18, Lily ’13 & Emma ’07 Deirdre Gainor & Brenda Goodman Brandon ’94 Sam Gasster & Diane Waingrow Emily ’09 & David ’04 Richard Gerwitz & Susan Baskin William ’90 & Charlotte ’87 Andrew & Tamara Gross Dashiell ’22 & Jet ’20 Buzz Harris Griffin ’04 & Justin ’98 LiAnne Hall & Keeth Hill Keith ’10, Avery ’06 & Haley ’05 Hugh Harrison & Ann Haskins Nicole ’99 Andrea & Scott Holtzman Madelyn ’09 Jon Hyman & Susan Hoffman-Hyman Alex ’17 & Izzy ’16 Beryle Jackson Eve ’14 Paula & Frederick Kuhns Samuel ’11 & Abigail ’09
I Am PS1 In retrospect, I wonder if the philosophy/approach to learning impacted my general career direction. I am the global lead for my company’s product and service offering in the career management space. This entails the design of programs, processes, etc. for large (and mid-market) organizations that support individual employees’ growth and development in their careers through formal learning, mentorship, rotations, stretch assignments, enabling experiences, etc.
Renee Smith CLASS OF 1988
Laura Siegel Larson James ’03 & Michael ’00 Robert Levine & Gili Meerovitch Perry ’05 Kathleen Lewis, D.C. Alanna ’04 Gregory & Robin Maya Louly ’08 & Nick ’02 Daphne & Devon McNairy Ciahna ’19 & Cheval ’15 Linda & David Michaelson Aiden ’18 & Delaney ’14 Jacob Mindel’09 Nancy & Steve Mindel Jake ’09 & Sam ’05 Samuel Mindel’05 Tania Mooser Zoe ’06 Lizzie & John Murray Calvin ’17 & Violet ’13 Priya & Sanjay Nambiar Uma ’19 & Miya ’19 Margaret Newhouse David ’83 Pedro Ortega Izobel ’17
Denise & Martin Rabinovitch Nick ’00 & Anna ’97 Carol & George Rainey Bonnie ’87 & Robert ’85 Russell J. Riopelle & Olivia S. Riopelle Camille ’12 & Kelly ’10 Maggie & Mort Rosenfeld Daniel ’97 & Andrew ’94 Eva Salamanca Michelle ’14 & Matthew ’12 Gail & Roger Samuel Frankie ’13, Scott ’78 & Marla ’76 Aletta Schaap Adriane ’96 & Alexander Ronald Schur Jackson ’17 Madeline & Phil Schwarzman Alexa ’99 & Elana ’96 Laurie & Michael Seplow Danny ’13 & Rachel ’11 Gil & Kate Seton Bodhi ’19 Maggie & Jon Sherman Nate ’20 & Zachary ’17 Rochelle & Ian Siegel James ’20 & Charlotte ’16
Bria & Evan Silbert Graham ’96 Tracy & Pandro Sokolow Davio ’22 & Mattea ’17 Liam, Robin & Leslie Stevens Liam ’08 Irene & Tim Thomas Zoe ’04 Bruce Tobey & Rae Sanchini Jack ’13, William ’10 & Dominique ’09 Stephen & Wendi Trilling Max ’18 & Joe ’18 Joanne Van Emburgh & Samuel Surloff Emily ’09 Jayjay Venegas’15 John & Liz Waldman Melina ’13 & Louis ’11 Maria & Jeffrey Wauer Reanna ’10 & James ’07 Sean Weber-Small & Cara Kleinhaut Ella ’20 & Caitlin ’17 Susan Williams & Steven Poster Rachel ’00 Rachel Witenstein Meyer ’20 & Skütr ’18
27
2020–21 PS1 Annual Fund by Constituency, continued
I Am PS1 PS1 encouraged me to be myself and showed me that things can be done many different ways to still achieve the same end goal. There is no one way to get something done.
Maya Van Peebles CLASS OF 2005
Faculty & Staff Tina Andrews Alan Ball Jim Bowers Avery Breuer Evelyn Cazún Lucia Alcantara-Chibane & Soufiane Chibane Holly & Judd Frazier Christina & David García José García Carlos Gonzalez LiAnne Hall & Keeth Hill Nancy Harding TJ Harney Billy Huynh Nicolina Karlsson Beth & Chris Kemp Bonnie Koo Chris Kuzina Kitaka Mixon Genevieve Mow Noelle Orsini Pedro Ortega Amanda Perla David Ramos David Salamanca Eva Salamanca Virginia & Robert Seaman Brad Shimada Sunny Sterling Danielle Valadez Liz & John Waldman Esther Watkins Ani Zeneian Grandparents & Special Friends Patricia Auron Liana ’27 Laurel Beale Eian ’21 Robert & Phyllis Blaunstein Julian ’22 & Dylan ’18 Deborah & Andrew Bogen Kamden ’21 & Michael ’90 John Y. Chu, Esq. Grayson ’24 & Maxwell ’24 Diana & Roy Conovitz Sherry Ellms
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Billie & Steven Fischer Elio ’20 & Ian ’19 Nancy & Gary Freedman Zadie ’22 & Finn ’20 Carleen Glasser Scarlett ’24 & Nicholas ’23 Nancy Goglia Julian Goldstein Max ’18 & Joe ’18 Jan & Vern Hall Keith ’10, Avery ’06 & Haley ’05 Christine M. Harris Ricky ’21 Stephanie Hayutin Luca ’22 & Bianca ’19 Diane Heller Rose ’27 Charlie & Jo Ann Kaplan Eli ’16 Richard Kendall & Lisa See Henry ’24 Phyllis Knight Oliver ’22 Elise B. Lufkin Quincy ’25 & Rory ’23 Mike & Susan Mahoney Keegan ’25 Diane Marder Hugo ’21 & Esme ’18 Pat Marquis Everly ’26 David McCabe Indie ’22 Dotti & Brian McLean Pearson ’24 Heidi & Erik Murkoff Lennox ’25 Cat Nevin Yasuko Ogawa Kyler ’23 Carol & Gene Pantuck Alex ’10 & Morgan ’07 Joel & Eleanor Pelcyger Finn ’16 & Isabella ’13 Abbie & Howard Perttula Eero ’27, Isla ’23, Allie ’22, Mia ’20, Lukas ’18, Jonah ’16, Tavi ’89, Josh ’80 & Karine ’78 Jonathan D. Phillips In honor of PS1 parent, Andy Galker
William & Happy Procter Pippa ’23 Cinzia Romoli Jesse ’26 Gail & Roger Samuel Frankie ’13, Scott ’78 & Marla ’76 Connie & Paul Schorr Henry ’22 Kenneth & Barbara Seplow Danny ’13 & Rachel ’11 Joseph & Marie Serra Conrad ’26 Kathy Speck Severin ’24, Esme ’21 & Maggie ’14 Thomas Tatum Violet ’21, Will ’18 & Dylan ’16 Georgi Tsiklauri & Marina Serednitskaia Alejandra ’19 & Lado ’27 Priscilla Tucker Diego ’24 Jon & Catharine Vogel Connor ’26 Susan Wallace Carmen ’22 & Allegra ’20 Kathryn Weil Mara ’23 & Judah ’23 Bonne Weiss Carol & Robert Williams Henry ’24 Laura Wilson Finn ’26, Ford ’23 & Joseph ’11 Tim Wolfe Zeppelin ’28 & Westley ’25 Matching & Organizational Gifts Apple Inc. AstraZeneca Boston Scientific Fox Corporation Good Life Organics Lufkin Family Foundation The Walt Disney Company
I Am PS1 I feel I am comfortable walking into a room and speaking to anyone, or getting up in front of a group and presenting, because PS1 placed such an importance on sharing and learning as a group. I believe I was born a leader, but PS1 helped me to develop the interpersonal skills necessary to be a trusted authority.
Gina Rockenwagner CLASS OF 2000
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Parents Guild In “normal” years the PS1 Parents Guild is an all-inclusive group of dedicated volunteers who help to build and sustain community through parent involvement. 2020–21 was NOT a normal year! This year, our Parents Guild Executive Board, Room Parents and a handful of other selfless volunteers have done the lion’s share of work necessary to facilitate the PS1 events that needed to happen even in a pandemic. This tireless group attended countless Zoom meetings and pivoted daily to ensure that the PS1 Community remained strong during these extraordinary times. From our entire community of parents, faculty, staff, board members and Joel—We are grateful to you for your support and for helping us stay connected.
Hello PS1 families! As parents and guardians of PS1 students, you are automatically part of the PS1 Parents Guild. The Parents Guild offers many opportunities to get involved with the school, students and staff in support of PS1’s mission. Under the leadership of the PS1 Parents Guild Executive Board (PGEB), we organize and plan opportunities for parent involvement that help build community. Despite Covid-19’s continued presence throughout the 2020–2021 school year, PGEB rolled up its sleeves and got creative in the quest to bring our community together. We began the year by welcoming new families with a hand-delivered Good Life Organics Fruit box and a New Parent Afternoon Tea via Zoom. And though we could not celebrate Fall Festival in person, we were able to assemble baskets for each family with crafts, books, ingredients, and a recipe for warm apple crisp. Our beloved Book Fair was held online and was a surprising smash success, breaking previous fundraising records (in Christina’s words, “We are book people!”) Finally, with the joyous return of in-person school, the Parents Guild honored our amazing staff by delivering breakfast from Urth Caffe and lunch from Independence Tavern for Staff Appreciation Week. Throughout this all, our dedicated Yearbook team miraculously chronicled the year in pictures with help from our terrific parent body—from distance learning to pandemic puppies to beach days to life back in the classroom— it all demonstrates that together, we have the power to accomplish anything. Warmly,
Ann
Ann Singhakowinta Rogers PS1 Parents Guild Executive Board Chair Emme ’22 & Elsen ’26 Please visit www.psone.org/community/parents to learn more about how to get involved!
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Executive Board 2020–21
Room Parents
Ann Rogers, Chair Carol Acutt Paul Carpenter Jade Duell Britt Johansson Vivian Hyun Tessa Lydic Lily Ng Hana Ogawa Mario Ontal Shannon Parry Sabina von Munk
Head Room Parents Michelle An Shane Barach Marilyn and Chris Cazún Yvonne Hsieh Soraya Kelly Tessa Lydic Amelia Ning Keith Megna Kimberly Perttula Jessica Reid Virginia Seaman Hanna Shin Kerri Speck
Parents Guild Committee Chairs Book Fair Yvonne Hsieh Vivian Hyun Janine Poreba Community Service Jade Duell Taura Mizrahi-Fite Family Festival Jamie Keeton Tawny Lasker Lis Rozenfeld Sabina von Munk
Social Coordinators Sharon Dai Rosalia Ibarrola Gina Kelly Elizabeth Leknickas Chauncey Nichols Emily Procter Stephanie Truino Laurel Turner Donna Vogel
I Am PS1 When it comes to innovative teaching, I always think back to PS1 and the various ways my teachers and classes taught me to learn in an individualized way. I believe this foundation equipped me with the necessary skills to succeed in my academic career, and I hope with time, this approach can be more accessible to our wider community.
Avery Miller CLASS OF 2001
Fundraising Gala Angela Arnold Abbi Hertz Natalie McAdams Networking Happy Hours Mark Hyatt Lily Ng Ann Rogers New Parent Liaison Tannaz Nikravesh-Galker Laurel Turner One From the Heart Jonathan Chu Susan Doolittle Staff Appreciation Tessa Lydic Ann Rogers Sabina von Munk Yearbook Michelle An Hana Ogawa 31
Fundraising Gala Thanks to the ingenuity of our Gala Chairs and parent volunteers listed below, this year’s in-person but socially distanced Gala took place at Barker Hangar and featured a special screening of Shrek for all families to enjoy! What a tremendous evening of festivities—The movie! The Drive In! The stilt walkers and roller skaters! The car photo booth! The snacks! Our MC’s: Pedro, Eva, Danielle and Sunny! Guests packed a picnic and brought the entire family for some “reel” PS1 community! Proceeds benefited PS1’s Financial Aid Endowment. Thanks to the generosity of many, we raised close to $150,000. It was such a treat to enjoy seeing all of our friends—old and new—at this much-anticipated event. Judging by the energy in the air and the posts on social media, it certainly was a night to remember by all. Thank you to everyone who collaborated to make this event possible.
Fundraising Gala Chairs Angela Arnold Abbi Hertz Natalie McAdams Fundraising Gala Volunteers Sabina von Munk Jamie Keeton Katherine LaNasa Wonder Serra Tiffany Charles Laurel Turner Tawny Laskar Wendy Sugarman Gina Kelly Lauren Ferrari Michelle Kroes Ben Buadu Britt Johansson Tessa Lydic
I Am PS1 PS1 laid the foundation for my education and values as a small child through pluralistic learning. At a very early age, I was introduced to the concept of multiculturalism (which, coming from a mixed race Asian/black household) was critical to my understanding of self and others. I developed into a lifelong learner committed to helping others with a focus on my own community.
Tani Brown CLASS OF 2000
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mercury Mailing Systems Inc.
1225 Broadway Santa Monica CA 90404 www.psone.org
#ps1inspired #50yearsofPS1 #ps1traditions #ps1friends PS1 early 2000s
50TH ANNIVERSARY As PS1 readies for its 50th Anniversary Celebration in the 2021–22 school year, plans are currently underway for this landmark time in our history. Community, Connection and Commemoration are the three pillars of this celebratory year. If you would like to assist with or learn more about how to get involved, email Celebrate50@psone.org. Reunion events, social media, archives, campus celebration and more—assistance is welcome from all!
www.psone.org/celebrate50
50th Anniversary Planning Committee Kerri Speck and Sharon Morrill, Co-Chairs Andi Holtzman and Cathy Watts, Events Co-Chairs Bo Kwon and Lily Ota, Outreach Co-Chairs Abbi Hertz, 50th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair Christine Jenkins, Archives Liaison Alan Ball, Director of Advancement Tina Andrews, Development Manager Avery Breuer ‘06, Business and Development Assistant Amanda Perla, Director of Communications and Marketing