Fall 2022 Report on Philanthropy

Report on Philanthropy

2021/22

To nurture big thinkers and joyful citizens school

When I first had the opportunity to meet many of the PS1 community in the middle of May, it was one of the earliest opportunities for the parents to gather on campus due to eased COVID restrictions. It felt almost cathartic, and I am grateful to have been part of the moment. It was obvious that we enjoy each other’s company. We were marking a moment in the first Head of School transition in the school’s history. Our deeply connected community is a strength which will ensure the continuity of all that we value at PS1.

A school founded upon and dedicated to pluralism is highly personal. It requires teams of teachers to get to know each child deeply. In order to achieve this, class sizes are small and facilitated by two lead teachers. Over the course of the day, students easily interact with another five to ten adults. Everyone greets one another by first name. In those interactions the adults are responsive to the moment, calling upon their creativity and the available resources of the school to promote student growth and well-being. Behind the scenes, all of the adults devote additional time to collaboration about each child, sharing expertise and perspectives, and generating a comprehensive profile of the learner. PS1 is radically student-centered. As such, it is sometimes a bit messy, intentionally inefficient, and beautifully empowering. Yes, pluralism is an expensive model, and it is worth it.

Your time, talent, and treasure have made a difference. The volunteerism, led by the Parents Guild and the Board of Directors, stepped up exactly at the moments when you were needed. Forces of volunteers brought to life the 50th Anniversary Gala and the Jubilee, phenomenal celebrations of the PS1 experience over the last half-century. Your financial generosity, through your giving to both the Annual Fund and the Gala, ensured that in a moment of uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the school could confidently provide for our teachers and families. Your gifts to the Founders Fund expressed your enthusiastic endorsement of Joel and Eleanor Pelcyger’s vision for pluralism in educationits past, present and future.

As a new leader for the 2022/23 school year, it is reassuring to know of the commitment of the school community to PS1 as represented through your generosity. It indicates that you believe in what we are doing and it demonstrates your participation in the vision to “Celebrate the Many; Build One”. For when you choose to give, you are providing the resources for all students to access the abundance of resources they can use to discover and develop their best selves. You are supporting the teachers and staff to guide the students and to provide the opportunities to cause wonderment, reflection, and growth.

While you are supporting the program, you are also helping the recruitment process for clears a very high bar for participation and total dollars raised. As a hallmark of continuity,

Erik Carlson, Interim Head of School

Our deeply connected community is a strength which will ensure the continuity of all that we value at PS1.

Professional

At PS1, our commitment to fostering a community of learners is paramount. One noteworthy example of lifelong learning is our teachers spending part of their summer vacation participating in professional development. From mathematics education and cognitive guided instruction, to developing more ways to support creative student engagement, innovations in physical education, and deep dives into phonics, our teachers continue to learn and grow as experts in elementary education. Continuing their professional development this fall, some teachers will attend the Progressive Education Network National Conference, and others will attend the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference.

Nancy Harding, PhD, Assistant Head for Teaching & Learning

Danielle Simantob Cognitive Guided Instruction

Pedro Ortega Elementary Physical Education Workshop

This summer Pedro had the privilege of attending the Elementary PE Workshop in Pomona, CA. The workshop is designed for classroom teachers and specialists who are interested in learning, gaining opportunities for growth, and collaborating on new lesson ideas for teaching physical education. Many of the presenters are experts in the field of physical education and are dedicated to providing an outlet to all creative and inspirational teachers who wish to share their expertise. The workshop also provided the opportunity to network with teachers from all over the nation.

Pedro reports, “I am always trying to find ways to improve my own practice when I have the opportunity to attend any PE workshop. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from others and get additional professional development towards becoming an even more effective educator. The EPEW was definitely the place to learn unique ideas and an amazing environment to rejuvenate my teaching skills and help re-energize our program at PS1.”

Danielle attended the National Cognitive Guided Instruction (CGI) to Mathematical Thinking workshop in Florida. CGI strives to understand how children learn and think about mathematics, then uses that knowledge to help shape mathematical instruction and curriculum. In the break-out sessions, Danielle analyzed student work, watched classroom videos and had deep conversations about the many approaches to elicit mathematical thinking. Her most influential experience was analyzing the types of questions used to prompt students. She learned to focus on not only asking clarifying questions but to extend students’ thinking through open ended questions. The goal is to draw out the math reasoning in each child by providing a nurturing and enriching environment as they make sense of themselves as mathematicians. Creating these experiences supports students not only in math but throughout the entire school experience, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, think critically and share in myriad ways.

…definitely the place to learn unique ideas and an amazing environment to rejuvenate my teaching skills and help re-energize our program at PS1.

The goal is to draw out the math reasoning in each child by providing a nurturing and enriching environment as they make sense of themselves as mathematicians.

Pete Dymock, Kayla Estrada, Angi Neff

Institute for Imaginative Inquiry

In August, Pete, Kayla, and Angi attended the Institute for Imaginative Inquiry’s weeklong professional development at the Walden School in Pasadena. This training offered an innovative approach to Social Studies curricula (and more) by using drama tools steeped in questioning in order to create imaginary contexts for learning. A key component to progressive education is to strive for engaging, relevant, and creative approaches to how children step into learning. Imaginative Inquiry honored this beautifully for teachers who attended by focusing on a tool known as “Mantle of the Expert.” In “Mantle of the Expert,” students take on a collective role of experts (climatologists, city planners, architectural renovators, etc). They are commissioned to dive into a range of tasks in order to solve a problem that they are facing together. “Curriculum is contextualized within an imaginary setting, casting the students as people with status and responsibility. This is what gives their learning purpose and meaning” (Taylor, 2016).

For example, in Grades 3 and 4, California’s rich history of modern immigration is explored. With “Mantle of the Expert,” students can take on the roles of architectural renovators who have discovered an historic home in Boyle Heights slated for demolition for a condominium project.

As they talk with construction workers, they ask to go inside to have a look around, pre-demolition. Inside, they find boxes that hold family artifacts and histories of the people who lived there over a hundred year period – a JewishAmerican family who fled the pogroms of Eastern Europe, a Japanese-American family who lived before World War II and were sent to internment camps during the war, a Black American family who arrived as part of the Great Migration, and a Mexican-American family who lived during the social and political upheaval of the 1960s. Students can

It is a creative process that allows students to purposefully explore a unit while cultivating their skills of geography, writing, reading, annotation, art, media literacy, and much more.

learn about city government and, as a team, propose solutions that may save the home from gentrification and destruction. This can all happen within the real world setting of the classroom with the imaginary world unfolding at the same time.

To be clear, this is different from “simulation.” It is a creative process that allows students to purposefully explore a unit while cultivating their skills of geography, writing, reading, annotation, art, media literacy, and much more. It is also intentional and culturally competent in that no child is taking on the role of an oppressor(s) or of an oppressed

person(s) in order to learn about any particular historical chapter in our complex past.

The teachers are excited to collaborate together in order to bring the Imaginative Inquiry tools into the classroom this year.

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 the Head of School prepares an individual honoring of each child. We were thrilled to host our ceremony under the oak tree on June 9, 2022. This experience was incredibly moving as the graduates shared their words of wisdom before heading off to middle school. These are brief excerpts from their speeches. graduation videos here…

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PS1 Graduation Highlights June 9, 2022

Savannah Jade Acutt, The Archer School for Girls

“Everything is Right” (an excerpt of an original poem)

Everything is right.

The big brown gate

Opens at 8

The bubbles fly high

High in the sky

The grass feels good

The clouds are just misunderstood

I run toward my class

As other kids pass I run out to recess

In my princess dress

Class of 2022

Indie Bickle, Windward School

PS1 has taught me to be my own person, but also someone who can easily work with others. When I was small, before PS1, I was stubborn, independent, and only liked to work alone. Not only has PS1 helped me to realize that it’s ok to ask a friend for help, but it has also helped me make the benevolent, noble, and attentive friends who are always willing to help.

There are so many times PS1 has helped me with my team awareness, like when I was in second grade, PS1 helped inspire me to put together a team of my friends to do beach clean ups. I have always loved the earth and wanted to take care of it, and it felt empowering to bring friends together and make a positive impact. That is just one example of how PS1 has inspired this intrepid little girl.

Dylan Alexander Byrnes, Harvard-Westlake School

Are any of you big readers?

I’m a reader.

I love books.

You know that feeling when you’re on the last chapter. The last page?

When you’re still clinging on to this story you’ve seen unfold, these characters that have been brought to life, this world you’ve come to love. That feeling of not wanting it to end, not wanting it to all be over.

Because you know that once it ends, that feeling of connection, where the words come to life, when the story really resonates with you, in a way you can’t really describe, that feeling will also change.

With graduating, I feel that same way, it’s the final page in this adventure that I’ve enjoyed so much, and I don’t want to have to say goodbye, but, I know I have to move on.

Because sometimes, you outgrow the story, and it becomes something that, no matter how hard you try to have your old perspective, you just can’t see it in the same way.

Because we’re growing up.

Carmen Carney, The Archer School for Girls

POE traditionally stands for process of elimination, which as a student we often hear around the subjects of math and writing. Today I want to use this acronym to illustrate who I have grown into throughout my time at PS1.

The P stands for pluralistic, which we all know is literally at the core of a PS1 education, but to me as an individual it means thinking of my community before myself. PS1 has shown me this through the various team learning experiences that both students and staff take part in. It’s truly incredible when you think about the meaning behind “celebrate the many and build the one,” because it can be interpreted in so many different ways. This motto has really been implanted into my brain because I’ve been part of PS1 for 9 years. It’s been crazy. In a good way, obviously.

Audrey Inez Charles, Buckley School

PS1 has made learning a fun, immersive and original experience. One of the ways PS1 has done that would be the school camping trips. The camping trips have always been refreshing and fun. They gave us the opportunity to learn about wildlife and have a good time with friends and other classes.

My teachers have been an awesome part of this experience, probably the most important, too. They have taught me everything I know now and have prepared me for middle school and this moment. I have grown so much throughout my time at PS1, especially in math and writing. I also want to thank my parents for pushing me to my limit and telling me that I can do it and that I’m capable even when I didn’t think so. I want to thank my friends for helping me through every moment here at school and at home. I am so happy of all that I have accomplished and all of the wonderful memories I have made that I will carry with me forever.

Gabriel Aziz Chibane, New Roads School

When I was born I immediately became part of the PS1 community. My mom had already worked here as a teacher for two years. We lived nearby on Yale Ave and every day we would go to a park a couple blocks away. When it was time for me to come to PS1 as a kindergartener, I had already spent much time on the campus. But being a student was different. I was happy, even as I faced the truth and found out that life is not all fun and games!

I just wanted to tell you that I’m so thankful for you all. I’m really going to miss this place but as the 14th century English poet Geoffrey Chaucer would say, “All good things must come to an end,” and this has been a great thing. Thank you.

Henry Craig, New Roads School

As I leave the community I have been a part of for the last seven years it is most bittersweet. I am happy to move on to my next school but sad to leave this one behind. I have developed my skills in reading, writing, math and science at PS1, and I have had a great time here. The friends I have made are some of the closest friends that I have, and maybe will ever have. The teachers here have pushed me far beyond what I knew I was capable of and allowed me to do my best work. Last year I had a debate and put in so much work in preparation. When I presented it, it felt like a weight fell off of me because of how passionate I was about it. I have also made many memories like going on a camping trip or seeing the bubbles on the first day of school. As my time at PS1 draws to a close I would like to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to go to this school, for it has shaped me to be who I am today. Thank you.

Ava Grace Dalton, The Archer School for Girls

(an excerpt of an original song, sung to the tune of “7 Years” by Lukas Graham)

Once I was ten years old I was in violet class and I thought it was gonna be a good year once I was ten years old

Then Covid hit hit hit and we were zooming together and then we thought that this would last forever we were baking at home, doing everything we could, while we’re staying positive and while writing our story

Now I’m twelve years old we’re finally in Olders now, never thought that we would really get here. Now I am twelve years old

Now the masks came off and we were smiling together. We’ve grown so much but now we have to (beat) leave each other

I’ve got my friends with me and my teachers to I’ll carry these memories all the way to (beat) middle school

Now I’m twelve years old we’ve gone on our grad trip and did our Shakespeare play we should be proud. Now I am 12 years old

Once I was seven years old, I started PS1 it was going be my very first year. Once I was seven years old. Once I was seven years old.

Trace Agent Ebeling, Windward School

My personal journey through PS1 has been a wild one, much like the adventure of snowboarding. In Indigo, I made some really amazing friends and grew a lot, academically, socially, and vertically. In my second year in Indigo the trail got a little rocky. Not only did my friends move up, but COVID hit. On the slope you always get a big fall. You get snow everywhere. And once I got up from my fall it was about a year later. It was nice you get the “snow off’’ (or in my case COVID anti-socialness off) and start riding again.

We got back to Olders, in person, and I got to see people’s legs! We had fun. Performed Shakespeare, then said goodbye. This year we learned a lot, and had a ton of fun. This is like the best part of the run! The big jump, cool drop, or better yet, powder!

If this was a snowboard run, I would be coming to the end of a long, rewarding and exciting journey. Like always, when you reach the bottom it’s a bittersweet moment. It’s the end but also the beginning. You have other runs, and other mountains waiting to be explored.

Izzy Escalante, The Archer School for Girls

I was 5 when I first walked through those gates

Little did I know what magic awaits goodbye parents now come run in the class

It was so much fun I had a blast Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd all became colors and turns into a bird

My bird has wings, orange, green and blue The rest of the body is Indigo and white too The bird has no more colors to add at the end

So now it goes down and starts to descend Down, down, down the beautiful bird goes When it will rise is when you know

That another little kid has walked through those gates And little do they know what magic awaits.

Kashton Estrada, Hesby Oaks Leadership Charter School

Although I came to PS1 in third grade, I feel that I have been here throughout all of my school years. Blue was such a different experience than what I was used to because of the mixed grades and the two teachers. Overall my first year in Blue was wonderful.

After Blue, I went to Violet. I appreciate how my teachers understood my humor and didn’t shy away from my antics. Despite the fact that the pandemic came, Violet was a great learning environment and was one of my favorite years.

Olders 4 was a huge change for me because I had always been in the older grade in my class and had many people with whom I’d yet to have in class. I met so many new friends whom I still have today.

Now we reach this year, Olders 5, that held a lot of familiar faces and created so many great memories, like all of the competitive capture the flag games and our tiny desk concerts in music. I am proud to graduate from this great four-year experience.

Zadie Freedman, Crossroads School

When I reflect on my past at PS1, I think of all the incredible lessons my teachers and friends have taught me, educational or not. Over the years I’ve learned about so many different things, from the different moon phases in Youngers, to the zones of the ocean in Bridge, to human rights in Middles, and finally to how to be a leader in Olders.

Being a leader means being kind, confident and collaborative. In my final year here, and throughout my PS1 journey I made friendships that I’ll keep forever, and as I graduate, I am so grateful for this journey because of how it shaped me and taught me to accept myself for who I am. And with that, Zadie out.

Jaeden Katherine Johnson, Wildwood School

Jaeden sang an excerpt of the song “Roar“ by Katy Perry, dedicated to the graduating students of 2022 as well as all the other students of PS1.

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath

Scared to rock the boat and make a mess

So I set quietly

Agreed politely

Luca William Sanchez Hayutin, Windward School

“Beneath the Oak” (an excerpt of an original poem)

Am I ready to let it all go?

The kaleidoscope’s colors must keep turning, colliding and Separating into new forms

Loved by smaller hands.

Something feels different. It’s me, it’s you. It’s everyone.

Here under this oak tree I will always be King Oberon. Do you not see my wings?

I am Caesar in a toga.

The deepest creature in the sea.

I am photosynthesis and precious metals, Liquid, solid and gas.

I wear the flag of yellow, blue and red, A Colombiano who loves arepas, buñuelos and fútbol

Who brought zumba, salsa and merengue to my friends in the MPR.

The boy who does not forget where he came from And who never gives up. Not ever.

I am Luca William Sanchez Hayutin.

I guess that I forgot I had a choice

I let you push me past the breaking point

I stood for nothing

So I fell for everything

You held me down, but I got up (Hey!)

Already brushing off the dust

You hear my voice, you hear that sound

Like thunder gonna shake the ground

You held me down, but I got up (Hey!)

Get ready ‘cause I’ve had enough

I see it all, I see it now

– Katy Perry

Sebastian Matthew Jukanovic, Geffen Academy

It is such an honor to be on this stage after seven years of being a PS1 student. My time at PS1 has been wonderful. With remarkable teachers, amazing friends, and an overall incredible experience. I’ve gathered so much interesting knowledge and have accomplished so many things that I would have never ever thought of achieving. PS1’s teachers are extremely nice, nurturing, caring, understanding, encouraging, charming and they have made me feel comfortable and helped me to learn.

There was this one time in 5th grade where we were all learning algebra, and even though it was challenging at first, we preserved and after about a week it was very easy. Here I learned that I could accomplish anything that I set my mind to.

Oliver Knight, Windward School

Friends, Romans, Countrymen lend me your ears. I come to talk about my time at PS1, not Julius Caesar. Even though my grad speech does not include memories of Shakespeare, Shakespeare has been a big part of my memories of PS1.

PS1 is exceptional at making young children feel like they belong which helps kids feel comfortable learning. PS1 did a remarkable job transitioning us from in-person to online school. To help us learn time management skills, the teachers gave us the schedule and expected us to be on top of our work. As a result, in my last two years at PS1 I have become a better student, specifically more focused and better at time management.

In a way, going to PS1 has been like spending many seasons at a soccer club, just to get ready for that big transfer to a bigger team, and standing here before all of you, I can say that I am ready. Thank you

Benjamin Koven, John Adams Middle School

From Youngers to Olders, this has been an amazing journey as a student at PS1. In Youngers, I saw school as a playhouse. I remember every day after dismissal, I would go over to the 12th Street yard and go hangout with my brother and his friends.

Even when you have a hard time focusing or have a hard time learning, the PS1 community will always be there for you. Through my eyes, PS1 is an amazing school with loving teachers. This year in Olders 4, it has been an awesome journey. I am very sad to be leaving this nice, peaceful environment, but I know that PS1 has prepared me for the challenges ahead.

I can’t wait to visit everyone when I’m in middle school!

Clara Cedar Lieberstein, The Archer School for Girls

My magical years at PS1 have taught me the arts of hope and imagination. I’ve learned it takes bravery to imagine a greater world. Speaking of imagining worlds, I’ll be doing that today. Because as I racked my brain for some metaphor capable of encapsulating my entire learning journey, a cardinal truth flooded through my mind. One that my years at PS1 have taught me admirably, effectively, and adroitly. What do you do if what you need doesn’t exist? You create it. So I created a realm that captures the joy of learning, beneficial exuberance of empowerment, and pure goodness of community PS1 demonstrates. Welcome!

So here I stand, my journey through PS1 over, but never gone. It remains in memories, precious souvenirs of my experiences. I carry these memories with me as I take joyful steps beyond this realm. My journey starts… now.

Kate Sydney Mehringer, Marlborough School

Many people say that when you leave elementary school you start your journey. I disagree. My journey started a long time ago, on that first day, bubbles streaming through the door, kids laughing, people hugging, simply put: it was magical. On my first day, I was coming in as a second grader. As I walked into the classroom for the first time I was welcomed with open arms and loving hugs. After that first day I knew, I just knew, that I was going to have so many fond memories of PS1 for my whole life.

PS1 has taught me that you can always improve and learn, and that you should always put in 100% effort and to remember to have fun too no matter what. I believe that those are really important life skills that I will carry with me forever. I really do have so many happy memories here that I constantly have to remind myself that graduation is not the end, it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.

Thomas Leroy Merjos, Windward School

Do you wonder why I always wear this beanie? Well not only does my hair need to be tamed, but the beanie makes me unique (I mean who in Los Angeles wears a beanie!?) Even though I only wear this one, I have a lot of beanies and each expresses my colors. My beanie embodies a burning sun where everyone and everything is welcomed. Every race, sexuality, and gender live here and love each other for who they are. My fellow graduates are there, celebrating our last out of 2,555 days of PS1.

This burning sun is a utopia. And while my beanie may not exactly be this, it is a metaphor for what the world should be and maybe one day, will be. Thank you very much for listening to my graduation speech.

Grace W. Nordling, The Archer School for Girls

“Best Memories” (an excerpt of an original song)

COVID hit and knocked out my next two years, and the idea of having more fun times, suddenly disappeared. I’d lie awake in bed and would think about,

The colors of the rainbow, growing potatoes, I thought about my best memories. Thinking about the oak tree, running away from the bees, I thought about my best memories. Yeah, these are my best memories.

But wait, now I get to walk to the brown gate again, hear the sound of children’s laughter again, and create more fun memories ahead.

The colors of the rainbow, singing with Romeo, these are my best memories. Acting under the oak tree eating lunch on the Field of Dreams, these are my best memories.

The colors of the rainbow, getting our roles, these are my best memories. Running on the Field of Dreams, singing under this oak tree. I made all of these memories. And I’ll never forget these memories.

Asha Rhys Parry, The Archer School for Girls

When I started at PS1, my family and I planted a seed. Now, this seed has become a tree with thriving roots, trunks, branches and leaves. With every challenge to overcome and every opportunity to seize, the trunk has grown stronger and the branches have grown longer and reached further. The dark and deep colors, the light and bright colors, and the sturdy and spindly branches represent the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.

As my time at PS1 comes to an end, I can see myself and my learning tree clearly and I am grateful for all the experiences- the moments big and small- that brought me here. I know that PS1 has given me two important things that I will take with me into my next journey; my roots and my wings.

Alexandra Rose Perttula, Windward School

The learning environment that this school has is something that is super special. I have learned things like how to read a clock in Youngers, to dissecting a cow’s eye and a sheep’s brain in Olders. My grandmother teaching me in Studio my first year. Getting nicknames from my teachers. Playing silent ball while standing on stools. Kickballs stuck in the oak tree. Meeting up with friends in the Library and Art room at recess.

I want to thank all of my friends, teachers, grandparents, siblings, parents, my dog, Redd, and every person who has been there for me throughout these 7 years. I can’t believe it’s time to say goodbye, but I’ll always have the memories. Now, as the last Perttula of this generation to graduate, on behalf of every one of my family members that has ever gone here, I think we can all say the same thing. Thank you, PS1.

Julian Reid, Windward School

My journey at PS1 has been full of amazing memories. In my time here I have been taught how to learn, hope, respect other people, and have developed many other important skills that I will utilize throughout my entire life. One of the skills is socialization. In my first year, I only had a few friends and was too shy to make more, so I waited for someone to reach out to me, and finally, while I was doodling in the Library, someone did. The boy walks up to me and happily says “Growleeoo!” “What?” I ask. He tells me that Growleeoo is my new nickname. I reluctantly agree and he becomes the first friend I make at PS1. He still calls me Growleeoo to this day. Memories like that are what really drove me through this final year at PS1, but now it’s time for the next part of my journey; I have been accepted to Windward. Because of PS1 I am now confident in my skills and intelligence, and I know that I am ready to move on and be successful in my new school. Thank you PS1 for all that you have given me.

James Reyna, Windward School

It was 2015. My agents, mom and dad, were excited to tell me that I had just been called up to the Big Leagues: PS1. Let me take you back to my first day: I walk onto the field…of my dreams. Then, as people rush past me, I see Jason, a fellow rookie who I met in Spring Training (otherwise known as Make New Friends Day). I run over to him and together we meet our new coaches, Bonnie and Jayme, and our team, the Youngers.

I was traded one last time, to Olders: The best of the best. Since I was in Youngers, I had always looked up to this powerhouse of a team and the coolest kids on the field. At the start of this year, we were just getting back to normal play because of the pandemic. I had always enjoyed PS1, but after distanced learning during the pandemic, I now appreciate being with my team more than ever.

I will value and remember my time at PS1. And, I am ready for my next chapter. After all, you can’t steal second without taking your foot off first.

Emme Claire Rogers, Windward School

By definition, the word graduate means “complete a course of study.” Now, this definition might apply to other schools, but a PS1 graduate is never fulfilled with their time here, and will always have the spirit of the school by their side as they travel beyond.

Over the course of seven years, I’ve traveled through a unique path of classrooms, blossoming and growing from every experience I’ve made. Every memory I’ve collected - practicing gymnastics with friends during “morning tea,” performing as a wicked character for our Shakespeare play, or singing the lyrics to Flounder, is a colorful splash of ink on the pages of my story.

Although it felt like just yesterday that I was a shy little girl, my achievements, triumphs and mistakes throughout a rainbow of environments have made me into the person I aspire to be.

Rowan Schwarz, The Archer School for Girls

I have grown in the classroom, accomplishing so much as I’ve moved along. Maybe, like crossing the monkey bars, it’s the little things, like the love that I now have for reading. I have been helped and pushed beyond my comfort zone in so many ways by the amazing teachers I’ve had throughout my years at PS1.

Maybe it’s not correct to call the relationships I’ve developed an accomplishment. But without a question, one of the most important things that I will walk away from PS1 with is lasting friendships I now have. Actually, maybe this was the greatest accomplishment of all – that I will have a group of lifelong friends forever connected by our time together at PS1.

Bliss Spell, Harvard-Westlake School

These seven years weren’t always easy but I’ve made a ton of memories and have had a lot of fun. I’ve hit a lot of walls in the pursuit of conquering this mountain that is my journey here at PS1. But right here, at this moment looking out on all my accomplishments, and standing here because I had the audacity to climb my way to the top—it’s all worth it. My name is Bliss Spell, I’m twelve years old, turning thirteen in November. I have two lovely parents and my most of the time tolerable brother, as well my amazing dog Harley. I love art, writing, snakes, pizza, and music. I value self-expression, creativity, variety, freedom, and fun. I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up or even my favorite color but as long as I can feel this way again wherever I may be in a year, in five, in twenty; it’ll be worth it. My name is Bliss Spell, I’ve grown—a lot. And lucky for me there’s room to continue. Today I’m moving up but I’m not moving on.

Lillian Rian Tyler, Windward School

All seven years and all seven classes at PS1 have been different but amazing experiences. Here I have learned how to problem solve and how to use my creativity. I also learned how to deal with different friendships.

It has been said that PS1 graduates are self-aware, respectful, expressive, inquisitive, collaborative, problem-solving, connected, proactive, and prepared, and I have learned how to be all of that here in all my different classes.

One important thing I have learned is that PS1 cares, every adult has a special relationship with a student. Most of all PS1 has taught me how to be myself, and how to stand up for myself. PS1 has also taught me how to be a leader. With all of that being said I am so grateful for my experiences here and I will take them with me to middle school.

Portrait of a PS1

Pluralistic School

Graduate

A PS1 graduate is:

SELF-AWARE

Demonstrates a strong sense of identity and resilience as an individual and a learner

RESPECTFUL

Exhibits kindness, consideration, and mindfulness of others

EXPRESSIVE

Confidently articulates thoughts, ideas, and emotions

INQUISITIVE

Eagerly satisfies curiosities and acquires new knowledge

COLLABORATIVE

Considers others’ ideas and points of view to deepen understanding

PROBLEM-SOLVING

Investigates problems, sets goals, and develops solutions encompassing multiple perspectives

CONNECTED

Balances needs of self and others; contributes meaningfully in community and society

PROACTIVE

Embraces responsibility to stand up to exclusion, prejudice, and injustice; advocates for change

PREPARED

Intrinsically motivated to meet the challenges of middle school and beyond

Class of 2016 > Colleges and Universities:

Milo Chamberlin > Wildwood School > Wesleyan University

Angus Ebeling > Windward School > New York University

Amanda Emtiaz > Brentwood School > Southern Methodist University

Teala Fishman > Windward School > University of Michigan

Troy Freed > Brentwood School > Tulane University

Julia Gerolmo > Crossroads School > Trinity College

Samantha Gerolmo > Crossroads School > Franklin University (Switzerland)

Ted Greenberg > Brentwood School > Wesleyan University

Max Haimes > New Roads School > Brown University

Marcus Hevesy-Rodriguez > Wildwood School > Santa Monica College

Isabella Hyman > Harvard-Westlake School > New York University

Eli Kaplan-Packer > Crossroads School > Occidental College

Roxy Kortleven > Wildwood School > Santa Monica College

Toby Lahman > Windward School > Santa Monica College

Finn Leeves-Coben > Manzanita School > New Roads School > Santa Monica College

Theo Marx > Polytechnic School > New York University

Jonah Perttula > Windward School > Boston College

Hailey Reyna > Windward School > George Washington University

Charlotte Siegel > Windward School > New York University

Dylan Tatum > Crossroads School > Harvard-Westlake School > gap year for 22/23 >

Loyola Marymount University

Remy Teitelbaum > Brentwood School > Tulane University

Luke Trunnel > Windward School > UC Berkeley

Ava Vincent > Lindero Canyon Middle School > Agoura High School > UC Davis

Stella Vincent > Lindero Canyon Middle School > Agoura High School >

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Report on Philanthropy

Dear PS1 Pluralistic School Family and Friends,

Message From Our Board Chair

2021/22 Board of Directors

Anna Reyna, Chair

Jessica Reid, Vice Chair

Nisreen Al-Bassam

Josh Berger, ’90

Jeff Haines

Elizabeth Kendall Tawny Laskar

Joel Pelcyger

Maggie Rosenfeld Board Member Emeritus Jason Schwarz

Kerri Speck

DeAnn Spell Stacey Staples Mike Tatum Steve Trilling Heather Turner Eric Zabinski

What a year for PS1 Pluralistic School! We celebrated our golden anniversary with so many of you — fifty years of students, parents, teachers and staff members. Thank you for joining us! Your presence and enthusiastic participation throughout the year are a testament to the enduring sense of community that our unique school has cultivated for five decades and counting.

More than 800 community members attended Joel’s June Jubilee on campus, where we explored the PS1 archives, shared PS1 stories, and toasted our friend, mentor, and founding Head of School, Joel Pelcyger upon his retirement. As PS1 enters a new era, the PS1 Board of Directors will carry forward the school’s mission and founding principles for impactful elementary education.

We had an incredible 50th Anniversary Gala evening at the Skirball Cultural Center. It was a joy to have generations of our community come together to support the institution and the ideals that have meant so much to so many of us. We are humbled by the strong financial support provided by our community to the newly-created Founders Fund for Educational Pluralism.

Finally, our Annual Fund drive was as successful as ever. Under the leadership of co-chairs Nisreen AlBassam and Stacey Staples, the dedicated Annual Fund committee insured that we reached 100% participation by our current families, faculty, staff and Board members in just five weeks! Thank you to all who generously contributed their time and resources to benefit the students of PS1 this past year.

PS1’s solid financial position and ability to be nimble in meeting the needs of the school are due much in part to you. The generosity of many allows us to look to the future with excitement of the possibilities that will shape the next five decades. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for making our community what it is today. Because of you — and for our students, teachers, alumni and more — we will continue to do and be our best. We are truly grateful to all.

Sincerely, Anna Reyna

Allison ’26, James ’22 and Hailey ’16

Board Committees and Task Forces:

Administration and Finance

Heather Turner, Chair

Adam Bromwich

Mike Egner

TJ Harney

Alex Kendall

Beth Khan

Melinda Mehringer

Naomi Nakagama

Joel Pelcyger

Eric Reid

David Schumacher

Jason Schwarz

Eric Zabinski

Advancement

Kerri Speck and Stacey Staples, Co-Chairs

Nisreen Al-Bassam

Tina Andrews

Alan Ball

Avery Breuer, ’06 Carleen Glasser

Abbi Hertz

Christine Jenkins

Beth Kemp

Sharon Morrill

Eleanor Pelcyger

Joel Pelcyger

Amanda Perla

Ann Rogers

Laurel Turner

Richard Turner

Sabina Von Munk

Buildings and Grounds

Mike Tatum, Chair

Joel Pelcyger

Brad Shimada

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice DeAnn Spell, Chair Josh Berger, ’90

Elizabeth Kendall

Tawny Laskar

Joel Pelcyger

Anna Reyna

Enrollment Management*

Jessica Reid and Eric Zabinski, Co-Chairs

Nisreen Al-Bassam Beth Kemp Joel Pelcyger

Heather Turner

Executive

Anna Reyna, Chair Joel Pelcyger

Jessica Reid

Jason Schwarz

Governance

Elizabeth Kendall, Chair Josh Berger, ’90 Joel Pelcyger

Jessica Reid Anna Reyna

DeAnn Spell

Real Estate*

Mike Tatum, Chair Jeff Dinkin

Melinda Meringer Joel Pelcyger

Anna Reyna Jeremy Rogers Maggie Rosenfeld

Kerri Speck

Heather Turner

*denotes Task Force

Thank you! Departing Board members

Haines

Pelcyger

PS1 is grateful to our departing Board members for their dedicated service. Their tireless efforts were truly valued, and our community is all the stronger because of them.

DeAnn Spell

Stephen Trilling

Welcome! New Board members

Jenefer Brown (Executive Vice President and Head of Lionsgate’s Global Products & Experiences) has established Lionsgate as a major force in branded entertainment. Brown oversees several fast-growing businesses that expand the reach of Lionsgate’s film and television properties, including location-based entertainment, which encompasses attractions in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia, the dynamic interactive games business and the consumer products business.

Named Executive of the Year by Los Angeles Business Journal in 2021 and a Top 10 Theme Park Influencer by Blooloop for the past three years in a row, Brown led the successful openings of Lionsgate’ Entertainment World in Hengqin, China, which has earned rave reviews for ushering in a new era of immersive indoor theme parks; the Official Saw Escape and Escape Blair Witch experiences in Las Vegas; and The Hunger Games: The Exhibition at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. These initiatives add to a portfolio of Lionsgate-branded attractions and events that includes the Lionsgate Zone of the Motiongate theme park in Dubai, with an expanded Lionsgate Zone that opened in January, the Dirty Dancing and Now You See Me Live stage shows and La La Land, Hunger Games and Twilight live-to-film concert tours.

Under Brown’s guidance, Lionsgate is also adapting several of its most acclaimed intellectual properties to the Broadway stage in collaboration with award-winning producers including the long-running television series Nashville and the film sensation Wonder.

On the interactive games side, the division has garnered critical acclaim and won several major awards at E3. Highlights include the groundbreaking Call of Duty X SAW crossover, Fortnite X John Wick crossover, John Wick Hex; psychological horror game Blair Witch; and top-selling Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted; and Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid.

Brown also leads Lionsgate’s Metaverse and NFT strategy, which includes a strategic relationship with Tom Brady’s fast-growing NFT platform Autograph. Under Brown’s guidance, Lionsgate became the first Hollywood studio to announce it is entering The Sandbox with a Lionsgate land.

Jenefer and her husband Tony have two children at PS1.

Rosalia Ibarrola has served as the General Counsel at Blackstone Consulting, Inc., an international service provider, since 2012. In addition to serving on the executive team, Rosalia manages BCI’s legal and compliance functions. Prior to serving as General Counsel, Rosalia worked as a labor and employment attorney, defending many types of employers, from Fortune 500 companies to schools and school districts, against a variety of claims and providing advice and counsel on diverse and complex issues. Rosalia earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University and earned her J.D. from Stanford University.

Rosalia has enjoyed volunteering at PS1 in various capacities, including serving on the Annual Fund and DEIJ Committees.

Rosalia and her husband Mike live in Santa Monica with their two children, Elisa and Sam, who are both current PS1 students.

Bryan Wolff has worked as a technology investor and executive for over 15 years; having held senior positions at numerous Venture Capital-backed start-ups and other Institutional Investment firms. He is currently the CFO at AllVoices, a Los Angeles-based employee communications platform. Recently Bryan was a Managing Director at Anthos Capital Management, a Santa Monica-based private equity firm, where he had worked from 2017 to 2020. Prior to that, Bryan was the CFO of Bonobos, Inc. (acquired by Wal-Mart), DogVacay (acquired by Rover, Inc.) and Thrive Market, all privately held companies.

Bryan has sat on numerous boards over his career, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of BBQ Holdings, a publicly-traded restaurant franchisor and operator. Bryan holds an MBA from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and a BSE in Computer Science from Princeton University. He and his wife, Melanie, live in Santa Monica and have 3 young children.

Dear PS1 Families, Alumni and Friends,

As Annual Fund Co-Chairs and current Board members, we cannot thank the PS1 community enough for another successful Annual Fund campaign. We are so grateful to you for your generous support and unparalleled participation.

Throughout the course of last year’s Annual Fund effort, the PS1 Community demonstrated its resounding commitment to the school and to each other. As always, the Annual Fund provided each current student with a PS1 education that shapes them into academically well-prepared, collaborative, confident and compassionate graduates. The PS1 Annual Fund positively impacts each and every child’s education and allows our school to provide an even more robust program thanks to this vital funding.

The Annual Fund also enabled PS1 to successfully navigate the continued challenges of COVID through a momentous year back on campus. Students, faculty, staff, and parents were all overjoyed to return to a more “normal” school experience including much loved on-campus traditions such as Moving Up Day, Open House, Circle Times, DEAR, and Coffees on the Green … not to mention the simple joy of reconnecting as a community during morning drop off on the Euclid yard.

It cannot be overstated the impact your Annual Fund generosity had on the faculty and staff, the backbone of the PS1 experience. Your contributions allowed PS1 to provide our talented faculty and staff with competitive compensation and the healthcare coverage they deserve. Faculty and staff were also given the opportunity to participate in extensive professional development, as you will note from their own words in this Periscope edition.

The 2021-2022 Annual Fund facilitated other key investments that will benefit PS1 now and in the future.

These included:

• Significant upgrades to the campus-wide network infrastructure

• A new phone system for teachers, staff and classrooms

• Security enhancements throughout the Euclid and 12th Street properties

In the fall of 2021, we asked you to join us in supporting Our School, Our Kids and Our Community. Each of you did, and for that we are sincerely grateful. It is our hope that as you read through this year’s Report on Philanthropy you will continue to be inspired by the remarkable strength and philanthropic dedication of the entire PS1 community.

Nisreen Al Bassam Stacey

PS1 Annual Fund

PS1 Annual Fund Committee:

Nisreen Al-Bassam

Jason Barrett

Jen Brown

Jonathan Chu

Brian Doolittle

Zoe and Adrian Fairbourn

Lauren Ferrari

Jenna Humphrey

Rosalia Ibarrola

DJ Jacobs

Kelli Johnson

HK Kang

Jamie Keeton

Elizabeth Kendall

David Krauss

Tawny Laskar

Liz Leknickas

Tannaz Nikravesh-Galker

Jessica and Chris Nordling

Joel Pelcyger

Ann Rogers

Gabrielle Rose

Hanna Shin

Kerri Speck

Stacey Staples

Richard Turner

Deirdre Wallace

Bryan Wolff

This past year’s Annual Fund volunteers was led by Board members and current parents Nisreen Al-Bassam (P’27 & ’24) and Stacey Staples (P’27 & ’24). We are grateful to Nisreen and Stacey for their creative spirit, dedication to helping our Annual Fund reach new heights as well as 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.

PS1 Annual Fund Solicitation Letter Authors:

Current Parents and Board of Trustees:

Nisreen Al-Bassam and Stacey Staples

Grandparents, Alumni Parents, Former Board of Trustees & Special Friends: Alan Ball and Joel Pelcyger

2021/22

Participation

PS1 Board Members

Nisreen Al-Bassam & Sami Rasromani

Josh Berger & Lauren Fujiu

Jeff & Nadene Haines

Elizabeth & Alexander Kendall

Tawny & Adam Laskar

Joel & Eleanor Pelcyger

Jessica & Eric Reid

Anna & Jeff Reyna Maggie & Mort Rosenfeld

Jason & Jessica Schwarz

Kerri Speck & Paul Marks

DeAnn & Rhazes Spell Stacey & Will Staples

The Tatum Family

The Trilling Family Heather & Richard Turner Eric Zabinski & Sharon Dai

Current Parents

Anonymous (11)

Carol & Robin Acutt

Nisreen Al-Bassam & Sami Rasromani Tiffany & Shayne Anderson Angela Arnold & DJ Jacobs

Simon & Emma Atik Megan & Matt Auron

Mike Averill & Chelsea Brown

Halina Avery & Kimberley Stead Elizabeth & Eugene Bang

Shane Barach & Jennifer Daly

Jason Barrett

The Matthew Behr Family Kelly & Stephen Bickle Tracy & Adam Bromwich

Jen & Tony Brown

Benjamin Buadu & Melissa Navarro

Anne Marie Burke & Anthony Byrnes Victor Cachoua & Maria Lopez

Jon & Melissa Caligiuri

Kim Campbell

Deirdre Wallace & Jared Carney Paul Carpenter & Beth Kahn Marilyn & Christian Cazún Lucia Alcantara-Chibane & Soufiane Chibane

Lynda & Jonathan Chu

Julie & Eugene Chu

The Cooley Family

Ryan & Karen Craig

Graeme Craven & Vanessa Chow Sharon Dai & Eric Zabinski Carrie & Matt Dalton Dominique Dawkins Michala & Wesley Dening Vincent DiMauro & Lisa Serra Ortavia Manning-Dixon & Ebson Dixon

The Doolittle Family Jade Duell

The Ebeling Family Joanna & Andrew Edstrom Michael Egner & Rosalia Ibarrola Egner Nicole & Rob Eloff Marcos & Caroline Escalante Kayla Estrada Adrian & Zoe Fairbourn Emily & James Farrell Tyler & Leila Fenelon Lauren & Dominique Ferrari Elise & Rob Fissmer

Taura Mizrahi-Fite & Scott Fite Holly & Judd Frazier Zack & Heather Freedman Shayna Gaffen & Seth Baglin Mark Gainor

Tannaz Nikravesh-Galker & Andy Galker Anna & Steven Gordon Matthew Hayutin & Lizette Sanchez-Hayutin

Abbi Hertz & David Krauss Karalyn & Stuart Holden Yvonne Hsieh & David Schumacher Jennifer & Mark Humphrey Phillip & Vivian Hyun Britt Johansson & Jeremiah Knight Tyler & Kelli Johnson Christopher & Michelle Johnson Bridget Kanashige Teruo Kanashige

Jennifer Kane & Chauncey Nichols HyoSung Kang & Chloe Choi Douglas Kaplan & Mary McGuinness Beth & Chris Kemp Elizabeth & Alexander Kendall Tobias & Breana Kennedy

The Koo Family

Justine Kragen & Scott Bendar

Michelle Kroes & Matt Lennon

CL & Paul Kumpata

Naomi & Fred Kurata

Amanda & Steve Lane

Tawny & Adam Laskar

Po & Liz Leknickas

Caroline Lindqvist

Aurelian & Simone Lis

The Lopes Family

Tessa Lydic & Farshad Tehrani David & Hazel Mackenzie

Philip & Carmen Margaziotis

The Megna Family

Melinda & Steve Mehringer

Stavros Merjos & Honor Fraser

Jerry Morrone & India Gentile

Keith Muenze & Jamie Keeton

Amelia & Jason Ning

Edward Nomoto & Jenica Ryu

Jessica & Chris Nordling

The Ojuri Family

The Parry Family

Jennifer Penton & Igor Jukanovic

Kimberly & Joshua Perttula

Teresa & Devon Pitts

Janine Poreba & Paul Lieberstein

Elizabeth Priester & Ricardo Carreira

Emily Procter & Paul Bryan

Grace Qi & Changsheng Guo

Sharat Raju & Valarie Kaur

Amanda Rawls

Jessica & Eric Reid

Anna & Jeff Reyna

Jessica & Daniel Rinsch

Gabrielle Rose

Kim Rozenfeld & Lisbeth Vaughan-Rozenfeld

Jessica & Jason Schwarz

Chris & Emily Seet

Tania Sew Hoy & Andrew Lavengood

Matt Sherman & Gina Kelly

Hanna Shin & David Shao

Alex & Elaine Shing

Tia Shung

The Silver Family

Ann Singhakowinta & Jeremy Rogers

Participation

Reuben Smiley & Deneise Williams

Kerri Speck & Paul Marks

DeAnn & Rhazes Spell

The Stabile Family

Stacey & Will Staples

Wendy & Matt Sugarman

Hana Ogawa Sziraki & Kyle Sziraki

The Techentin Family

Cullen & Emily Thompson

Omar Torrez & Masha Tsiklauri Adrian Toynton & Wonder Serra

The Truino Family

Jenn & Jack Tsai

Plummy Tucker & Mario Ontal

Heather & Richard Turner

Laurel & BJ Turner

Jennifer & Spencer Tyler

Brittany & Colter Van Domelen Nancy Wamai & Henry Giddings

The Wax Family

Donna Weiss & Lorin Vogel

Darien Williams & Jeffrey Inaba Melanie & Bryan Wolff

Alumni Families

Peter & Kelli Abraham, Sadie ‘12 & Gavin ‘10

Beth & Stephen Abronson, Sierra ‘20 Tina Andrews, Makai ‘10

Raymond Bakaitis, Daniel ‘97

Josh Berger ‘90 & Lauren Fujiu Deborah & Andrew Bogen, Kamden ‘21 & Michael ‘90 Marné & Kurt Boulware, Jason ‘21

Avery Breuer ‘06

Evelyn Cazún, Justin ‘14

The Clark Family, Kylie ‘01 Michelle & Jamie Court, Pablo ‘19 & Joey ‘16

Marci & Jeff Dinkin, Aaron ‘12, Robin ‘07, Leslie ‘07 & Andy ‘04

Laurie & Rudi Ekstein, Jessica ‘02

Alexa Fischer & Robert LaPorta, Elio ‘20 & Ian ‘19 Carol Frayre & Juan Venegas, JayJay ‘15 & Rudy ‘10

Richard Gabriel & Kay Seymour-Gabriel, Griffin ‘18, Lily ‘13 & Emma ‘07 Sam Gasster & Diane Waingrow, Emily ‘09 & David ‘04 Len Goldstein & KristieAnne Reed, Tanner ‘19 Nadene & Jeff Haines, William ‘24 & Brooke ‘20 LiAnne Hall & Keeth Hill, Keith ‘10, Avery ‘06 & Haley ‘05 Buzz Harris, Griffin ‘04 & Justin ‘98 Hugh Harrison & Ann Haskins, Nicole ‘99 Pauline & Bill Henry, Nicholas ‘97 & Paul ‘94 Andrea & Scott Holtzman, Madelyn ‘09 The Hyatt Family, Hugo ‘21 & Esme ‘18 Beryle Jackson, Eve ‘14 Loren Kaplan & Scott Packer, Eli ‘16 Nastaran & Jalal Kazemitabar, Ali ‘22 Paula & Fred Kuhns, Samuel ‘11 & Abigail ‘09 Laura Siegel Larson, James ‘03 & Michael ‘00 Robert Levine & Gili Meerovitch, Perry ‘05

Trula & Gary Marcus, Coltrane ‘10 Linda & David Michaelson, Aidan ‘18 & Delaney ‘14 Nancy & Steve Mindel, Jake ‘09 & Sam ‘05

Tania Mooser, Zoe ‘06 Lizzie & John Murray, Calvin ‘17 & Violet ‘13 Margaret Newhouse, David ‘83 Eva Salamanca Ortega, Michelle ‘14 & Matthew ‘12

Pedro Ortega, Izabel ‘17 Steve Reymer & Christy Full, Amanda ‘11

Jennine Rodriguez, Jacinda ‘18 & Marcus ‘16 Maggie & Mort Rosenfeld, Daniel ‘97 & Andrew ‘94 Gail & Roger Samuel, Frankie ‘13, Scott ‘78 & Marla ‘76 Aletta J. Schaap, Adriane ‘96 & Alexander

Madeline & Phil Schwarzman, Alexa ‘99 & Elana ‘96

Vicky Shorr & John Perkins, Fofy ‘95 & Sidney ‘93

Rochelle & Ian Siegel, James ‘20 & Charlotte ‘16

Bria & Evan Silbert, Graham ‘96

Maria & Phil Starr, James ‘92 & Nick ‘91

Robin & Leslie Stevens, Liam ‘08

Holly Swope, Charlie ‘17 & Lucy ‘15

Kevin M. Tamaki, Scott ‘04

The Tatum Family, Violet ‘21, William ‘18 & Dylan ‘16

The Trilling Family, Max ‘18 & Joe ‘18 Joanne Van Emburgh & Sam Surloff, Emily ‘09

Andrea & Maurizio Vecchione, Dylan ‘11 Liz & John Waldman, Melina ‘13 & Louis ‘11

Maria & Jeffrey Wauer, Reanna ‘10 & James ‘07

Sean Weber-Small & Cara Kleinhaut, Ella ‘20 & Caitlin Rose ‘17

Susan Williams & Steven Poster, Rachel ‘00

Faculty and Staff

Anonymous (2)

Tina Andrews

Alan Ball

Jim Bowers

Avery Breuer

Meghan Brtnik

Evelyn Cazún

Lucia Alcantara-Chibane & Soufiane Chibane

Pete Dymock

Kayla Estrada

Holly & Judd Frazier

Christina & David García

Carlos Gonzalez

Kelly Gresalfi

LiAnne Hall & Keeth Hill

Nancy Harding

TJ Harney

Billy Huynh

Gina Jang

Nicolina Karlsson

Beth & Chris Kemp

Bonnie Koo

Chris Kuzina

Genevieve Mow

Pedro Ortega

Joel & Eleanor Pelcyger

Amanda Perla

David Ramos

Eva Salamanca Ortega

Brad Shimada

Danielle Simantob

Sunny Sterling

Maren Storvick

Holly Swope

Melva Thompson

Michael Tovar

Danielle Valadez

Liz & John Waldman

Esther Watkins

McKendree Yeager

Madeline Zardoya & Chelsea Geiger

Grandparents and Special Friends

Patti Auron, Liana ‘27

Phyllis & Robert Blaunstein, Julian ‘22 & Dylan ‘18

Brielle & Charles Block

Diana & Roy Conovitz

Marc Cruise, Isadora ‘28

Sherry J. Ellms

Nancy & Gary Freedman, Zadie ‘22 & Finn ‘20

Carleen Glasser, Scarlett ‘24 & Nicholas ‘23

Nancy Goglia

Vern & Jan Hall, Keith ‘10, Avery ‘06 & Haley ‘05

Stephanie Hayutin, Luca ‘22 & Bianca ‘19

Diane Heller, Rose ‘27

Charles & Jo Ann Kaplan, Eli ‘16

Richard Kendall & Lisa See, Henry ‘24 Leonard & Betty King

Lufkin Family Foundation

Thank You!

Thanks to a generous gift match from the Lufkin Family Foundation, PS1 was able to extend a challenge to its community of Alumni, Alumni Parents, Former Board members and more. As a result of this year’s effort, we were able to almost double giving from these donor groups, and more importantly, raise awareness of philanthropy and investment in a PS1 education for others going forward.

Over the course of the past five years, the Lufkin Family Foundation provided over $180,000 in matching funds to PS1. PS1 is grateful to alumni parent Abigail Lufkin, and her entire family, for their willingness to partner in this important effort. Their inspiration helped rally support of the PS1 Alumni community in important ways.

To learn how your own family foundation could help raise awareness of the importance of giving at PS1, email alan@psone.org .

Pictured left to right: Margaret Bishop, Abigail Lufkin, Dan Lufkin, Alison Lufkin and Elise Lufkin

Gala!

The PS1 50th Anniversary Celebration

The PS1 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala was a celebration like no other! It certainly was a great night for all who attended! This was a celebration of PS1, Joel and Eleanor Pelcyger, as well as our entire PS1 Community. All proceeds went to the Founders Fund for Educational Pluralism. What a beautiful evening to be outdoors with friends new and old. Of course, we could not have planned, coordinated and facilitated the biggest Gala/Auction ever without the tremendous support of our community.

PS1 is immensely grateful to our incredibly talented Gala team for their dedication, passion, energy and inventiveness. Thank you, Abbi Hertz, Angela Arnold and Lauren Ferrari. We were so fortunate for your commitment to this important undertaking that was well over a year in the making. Thank you!

We are also grateful to the Volunteer team who supported Abbi, Angela and Lauren. Indeed, this year’s massive event required involvement from a significant portion of our community, including PS1 Alumni Parents, former Board members, alumni and more.

Ticket Sponsors:

Stephen Harwood

Seth Baglin & Shayna Gaffen Kelly & Stephen Bickle

Deirdre Wallace & Jared Carney

Michael Egner & Rosalia Ibarrola

Zoe & Adrian Fairbourn

Richard Gabriel & Kay Seymour-Gabriel

Sam Gasster & Diane Waingrow

Anna & Steven Gordon

Naomi & Fred Kurata

Melinda & Steve Mehringer

Jeremy Rogers & Ann Singhakowinta

Laurie & Michael Seplow

David Shao & Hanna Shin

Jacob Vaughan & Jacqueline Schaeffer

Greg Walker & Michelle Ashford

Susan Williams & Steven Poster

THE FOUNDERS FUND FOR EDUCATIONAL PLURALISM

Celebrating the lifelong legacy of co-founders Joel & Eleanor Pelcyger

In the spring of 2021, Joel Pelcyger, Co-Founder and Head of PS1 Pluralistic School, announced his intention to retire after 51 years. The PS1 Board of Directors and a dedicated group of alumni parents wanted to celebrate this moment and honor the school’s co-founders, Joel and Eleanor Pelcyger. The Founders Fund for Educational Pluralism was created. The mission of the Fund is to ensure that as many children as possible experience the values of a pluralistic education.

We thank everyone who contributed to the Fund to ensure that the legacy of the school’s founders and the values on which they founded PS1 will continue. Your generosity is appreciated.

The Founders Fund for Educational Pluralism Committee

Sharon Morrill, co-chair (Reece ’11)

Joel Pelcyger, Founder & Former Head of School

Maggie Rosenfeld (Andrew ’94 & Daniel ’97)

Kerri Speck, co-chair (Maggie ’14, Esme ’21 & Severin ’24)

Sam Surloff (Emily ’09)

Halina Avery & Kimberley Stead

Rachel Bank

Deirdre Wallace & Jared Carney

Marci & Jeff Dinkin

Billie & Steven Fischer

Lauren & Austin Fite

Buzz Harris

Sharon Morrill

Joel & Eleanor Pelcyger

Lance Robbins

Maggie & Mort Rosenfeld

Rae Sanchini & Bruce Tobey

Laurie & Michael Seplow

Kerri Speck & Paul Marks

Sam Surloff & Joanne Van Emburgh

Sharon & Alan Wertheimer

All Donors

Anonymous (3)

Beth & Stephen Abronson

Nisreen Al-Bassam & Sami Rasromani

Hank Alpert

Tiffany & Shayne Anderson

Tina Andrews

Barbi Appelquist

Halina Avery & Kimberley Stead

Seth Baglin & Shayna Gaffen

Eugene Bang & Elizabeth Sporleder

Rachel Bank

Shane Barach & Jennifer Daly

Annalisa & Jason Barrett

Susan Baskin & Richard Gerwitz

Danielle & Aaron Benoit

Josh Berger & Lauren Fujiu Kelly & Stephen Bickle

Cindy & Alex Boudov

Tracy & Adam Bromwich

Jenefer & Anthony Brown

Benjamin Buadu & Melissa Navarro

Brett E. Burris

Jon Caligiuri & Melissa Cruise

Kim Campbell

Deirdre Wallace & Jared Carney

Paul Carpenter & Beth Kahn

The Chu Family

Julie & Eugene Chu Diana & Roy Conovitz

Karen & Ryan Craig

Graeme Craven & Vanessa Chow

Orissa & Jurgen Davila

Alex DeFeo & Courtney DeFeo-Gertler

Kim & Marco DeGeorge

Vincent DiMauro & Lisa Serra

Marci & Jeff Dinkin

Susan & Brian Doolittle

Sahaja & Bill Douglass

Caskey & Mick Ebeling

Michael Egner & Rosalia Ibarrola

The Ehrlich Family

Nicole & Robert Eloff

Caroline & Marcos Escalante

Colleen & Joe Euteneuer

Chris & Sophie Evans

Leila & John Fenelon

Lauren & Dominique Ferrari Billie & Steven Fischer

Lauren & Austin Fite

Taura Mizrahi-Fite & Scott Fite

Carol Frayre & Juan Venegas Nancy & Gary Freedman

Zack & Heather Freedman

Deirdre Gainor & Brenda Goodman Mark Gainor

Tannaz Nikravesh-Galker & Andy Galker

Jennifer & Eric Gaynor Peter Genovese

Kylie Clark Gold & Jason Gold Anna & Steven Gordon Tamara & Andrew Gross Mitsuharu Hadeishi Jeff & Nadene Haines Buzz Harris Rachel Harris Susan Hayden Matthew Hayutin & Lizette Sanchez-Hayutin Pauline & Bill Henry Allyson & James Hicks Karalyn & Stuart Holden Yvonne Hsieh & David Schumacher Jennifer & Mark Humphrey Vivian & Phillip Hyun Jeffrey Inaba

DJ Jacobs & Angela Arnold Rob Jacobs & Ann Gentry Britt Johansson & Jeremiah Knight Kelli & Tyler Johnson HK Kang & Chloe Choi Douglas Kaplan & Mary McGuinness Beth & Chris Kemp Elizabeth & Alexander Kendall Breana & Tobias Kennedy Leonard & Betty King Vanessa Kirianoff-Brown & Corey Brown Linn Koo & Annie Lee Stephanie & Gustav Koven David Krauss & Abbi Hertz Perry & Cherie Krauss CL & Paul Kumpata Bo Kwon & Jonathan Gratch Robert LaPorta & Alexa Fischer Andrew Lavengood & Tania Sew Hoy Liz & Po Leknickas

Paul Lieberstein & Janine Poreba Simone & Aurelian Lis Amy & Victor Liu Trula & Gary Marcus Diane Marder

Michelle & Keith Megna Laura & Chris Miller Nancy & Steve Mindel Sharon Morrill Jerry Morrone & India Gentile Stephanie Moustakas Keith Muenze & Jamie Keeton Lizzie & John Murray Priya & Sanjay Nambiar Amelia & Jason Ning Jessica & Chris Nordling Nnogo Obiamiwe Amber & Olubusayo Ojuri Mario Ontal & Plummy Tucker Ornest Family Foundation Lily Ota & Allan Becker Kathryn Palmer Joel & Eleanor Pelcyger

Jennifer Penton & Igor Jukanovic

Joshua & Kimberly Perttula

Emily Procter & Paul Bryan

Leslie Pruce

Grace Qi & Changsheng Guo

Sharat Raju & Valarie Kaur

Amanda Rawls

Jessica & Eric Reid

Anna & Jeffrey Reyna

Jessica & Daniel Rinsch

Lance Robbins

Jeremy Rogers & Ann Singhakowinta

Hellen Rollins

Maggie & Mort Rosenfeld

Judy Ross

Melisa Rufolo Walker & Dean Walker

Rae Sanchini & Bruce Tobey

Aletta J. Schaap

Jessica & Jason Schwarz

Virginia & Robert Seaman

Laurie & Michael Seplow

Elaine & Alex Shing

Rochelle & Ian Siegel

Light Silver & Michele Frazier

Harry & Vivian Snyder

Kerri Speck & Paul Marks

Stacey & Will Staples

The Steets Family

Steen Strand & Andrea Robinson

Sam Surloff & Joanne Van Emburgh

Kyle Sziraki & Hana Ogawa Sziraki

Kimberly Tinsley

Lorena Tong

Omar Torrez & Masha Tsiklauri

Stefanie Truino

Jennifer & Jack Tsai

Georgi Tsiklauri & Marina Serednitskaia

Heather & Richard Turner

Laurel & BJ Turner

Jennifer & Spencer Tyler

Brittany & Colter Van Domelen

Stacia Vinar

Sabina von Munk & Krishna Moran

Esther & Ryan Watkins

Soraya Kelly Wax & Jonathan Wax

Sharon Weil & Sophie Aaron George Weinberger & Susan Pomerantz

Manuel Weiskopf & Evelyn Lanner

Sharon & Alan Wertheimer

Darien Williams

Mary Williams

Melanie & Bryan Wolff

Eric Zabinski & Xiaorong Dai

JOEL’S J U N E J U B I L E E

June Jubilee Leadership

Andi Holtzman (Madeline ‘09) and Cathy Watts (Alec ‘00, Caroline ‘08, and Ian ‘10)

Co-Chairs

June Jubilee Volunteers

Lucia Alcantara

Maria Brucciani

Benjamin Buadu

Kim Campbell Paul Carpenter Marilyn Cazún

Dominique Dawkins

Alex DeFeo

Ortavia Dixon

Brian Dooittle

Joanna Edstrom

Ellen Ehrlich

Michele Frazier

Mark Gainor

Abbi Hertz

Jeffrey Inaba

Amelia Jenkins Beth Kemp

Bo Kwon

Tawny Laskar

Annie Lee

Lauri Leete

Liz & Po Leknickas

Simone Lis Hazel Mall

Philip Margaziotis

Sharon Morrill

Hana Ogawa Sziraki

Mario Ontal

Lily Ota

Jennifer Penton Kimberly Perttula

Elizabeth Priester

Olivia Riopelle

Andrea Robinson

Cinzia Romoli

Tania Sew Hoy Tia Shung

Rochelle Siegel DeAnn Spell

Annie Spong Steen Strand

Katherine Techentin

Carolina Thompson Plummy Tucker Heather Turner Deirdre Wallace Caroline Watts Ian Watts Cathy Watts Deneise Williams

Mary Williams

It was a full house on campus on June 5 as hundreds of families, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, special guests and more gathered to celebrate 50 years of PS1. Countless moments were shared as so many came together to honor Joel’s retirement after 51 years as Head of School, and celebrate the legacy that both he and Ellie started as Founders back in 1971. We honored the living history of the school that came across through videos and trips through the long-established PS1 Archives, as well as recording personal PS1 stories in the StoryCorps booth! Traditions came to life during the celebration such as camping, Shakespeare, poetry, library, The Studio, Art, and more. Even The Pluralistics came together for a reunion set on the stage - there certainly was something for everyone!

more photos here…

2021/22 Parents Guild

Executive Board

Ann Rogers, Co-Chair

Laurel Turner, Co-Chair

Sabina von Munk, Co-Chair

Carol Acutt

Paul Carpenter

Jade Duell

Lauren Ferrari

Vivian Hyun

Britt Johansson

Jamie Keeton

Tessa Lydic

Carmen Margaziotis

Hana Ogawa

Mario Ontal

Shannon Parry

Hanna Shin

The PS1 Pluralistic School Parents Guild is an all-inclusive group of dedicated volunteers who help to build and sustain community through parent involvement. The Parents Guild is governed by the Parents Guild Executive Board (PGEB). We strive for involvement by many members of our community to help in building connection and sustaining our vibrant, diverse and inclusive community. We welcome and encourage your involvement!

l to r, Laurel Turner, Ann Singhakowinta Rogers & Sabina von Munk

Hello PS1 Families!

As parents and guardians of PS1 students, you are automatically part of the 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.

In the 2021-2022 school year, we saw the return of many treasured PS1 traditions and opportunities for involvement in the community. By year end we were able to gather for Coffees on the Green and saw the parent community elated to connect with each other on campus.

Our dedicated team chronicled this school year and brought it to life on paper in the yearbook. We provided thoughtful baskets with books, treats and tie-dye for this year’s Fall Festival, despite not being able to gather in person. We celebrated teachers, administrators, and staff by bringing coffee, bagels, lunches and even a sound bath to them. Our Book Fair evolved into a “Book Share” this year as part of the June Jubilee, and children were able to donate their used books and pick up books which were new to them. Party Book returned for the adults in the community and we saw parents enjoy letting loose off campus with different events like Cal’s Game Night and tequila tasting.

And what a 50th Anniversary Gala we had! We were able to come together in person this year with a record number of attendees between parents, alumni and current and former PS1 faculty and staff, and raised an unprecedented amount in donations. Thank you all for your participation and generosity.

Our parents have exemplified time and time again how important community involvement is to them. Our Volunteer Roundup had more attendees than ever before, and our parent volunteers even got to catch a glimpse of an uplifting moment when the Grads departed for their camping trip. As we look forward to the upcoming year, we want to thank everyone for the interest you have expressed already in participating in the 2022-23 school year. We are thrilled for the return of a year that provides the full PS1 experience and the beloved traditions and opportunities for involvement, and we look forward to supporting it!

If you are interested in learning more about opportunities for involvement, please reach out any time at PS1pgeb@gmail.com we love hearing from you!

Warmly, Laurel, Ann, Sabina

2021/22 Parents Guild

Committee Chairs

Book Fair

Yvonne Hsieh, Vivian Hyun and Janine Poreba

Coffees on the Green Paul Carpenter and Jamie Keeton

Community Service

Jade Duell and Taura Mizrahi-Fite

Family Festival

Jamie Keeton, Tawny Lasker, Lis Rozenfeld and Sabina von Munk

50th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Angela Arnold, Lauren Ferrari and Abbi Hertz

New Parent Liaison Tannaz Nikravesh-Galker and Laurel Turner

One From the Heart

Jonathan Chu and Susan Doolittle

Party Book

Jenny Daly, Tessa Lydic and Shannon Parry

School Spirit Lis Rozenfeld and Sabina von Munk

Staff Appreciation

Tessa Lydic and Sabina von Munk

Yearbook

Michelle An and Hana Ogawa

Head Room Parents

Sharon Dai Lauren and Dominique Ferrari

Rosalia Ibarrola

Soraya Kelly Wax

Carmen and Philip Margaziotis

Amelia Ning

Janine Poreba

Elizabeth Priester

Hanna Shin

Social Coordinators

Jonathan Chu

Shayna Gaffen

Courtney DeFeo-Gertler

Jamie Keeton

Vanessa Kirianoff-Brown

Annie Lee

Elise Loehnan

Michelle and Keith Megna

Kimberly Perttula

Emily Procter

Wendy Sugarman

Heather Turner

Party Book Hosts

Jenefer Brown

Lynda & Jonathan Chu

Jenny Daly

Caroline and Marcos Escalante

Soraya Kelly

Jeremy Rogers

Chris Seet

Wendy Sugarman

Celebrate the Many; Build One

PS1 Mission Statement:

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.

PS1 Philosophy Statement:

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.

1225 Broadway

To learn more about our school, visit

website:

Office of Advancement:

Alan Ball, Director of Advancement

Tina Andrews, Development Manager

Jim Bowers, Director of I.T. (2021-22)

Evelyn Cazún, Associate Director of Admissions

Avery Breuer (Hill) ’06, Business and Development Assistant (2021-22)

Tisa Habas, Advancement Associate for Alumni Relations and Events

Beth Kemp, Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations

Amanda Perla, Director of Communications and Marketing