Portraits of a Community: Behind the Scenes of Ramaz

PORTRAITS OF PORTRAITS OF A A COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Behind Behind the the Scenes Scenesof ofRamaz Ramaz

Curators: Ramaz Lower School Students, grades 1-4

EXHIBITION OPENING MARCH 17, 2021

Portraits of a Community: Behind the Scenes of Ramaz Curated by the Ramaz Lower School Students 1-4 Spring, 2021 This exhibition honors the many roles, different perspectives, and extensive scope of the individuals who form our Lower School community - our office staff, maintenance, nurses, security, and technology team.

We were greatly inspired by Lauren Redniss’ exhibition, A Gathering - Behind the Scenes of the New York City Ballet, which featured more than 100 portraits of ballet workers, from ushers to costume designers to archivists, all of whom she personally interviewed.

Our 1st-4th grade students interviewed twenty five Ramaz employees and designed collaborative portraits that symbolize each individual. In the process, students discovered the vastness, the intricacies, and the collaborative nature of each individual.

We pay homage to the work of Lauren Redniss, as we aspire to understand and share the diversity of who we are as a Ramaz community.

Through the interviewing process, the students discovered many different things about each individual. What do they do inside and outside of our school community? What makes each person unique? From favorite foods, colors, and hobbies to cherished hopes, dreams, and memories, our students developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the dedicated individuals who are front and center, “Behind the Scenes of Ramaz.”

I present a stage of creative expression, from Michigan to Brooklyn and beyond.

RODERICK WOODRUFF Specialty Assistant

1- Efrat

I am a protector, grandfather, ballplayer, and cat lover. I am a mentor who shares the power of a smile (even through a mask)! I am an Ambassador of Belonging,

WILL THOMAS

welcoming all.

Security, MS

4- Dalia

I am Colombian born, a beloved sister and mother, a life-long learner, passionate about science, sports, and helping others.

ESTEFANIA RODAS Administrative Assistant, ECC/LS

3- Gilboa

I am a musician and cyclist, lending a helping hand, bringing movement and creativity to the rooftop.

RILEY GREENSPAN Specialty Assistant

2- Beit Hillel

I value community, the gift of giving and helping others, from Africa to America and everyone in between.

I am an ardent dog lover, a passionate swimmer, loving wife, and caring friend.

MAYA SCHPANCER Administrative Assistant, ECC/LS

3- Giv’at Shmuel

I am a father and protective gatekeeper, committed to safety and honor. From the sea of San Juan to the roar of the New York Rangers, my heart is filled with pride.

JOSE CANTRES Security

3- Gedera

I am there to support, protect, and care for others.

HANNAH KROLL Lower School Nurse

2- Beit Rimon

I hold my two precious children close to my heart by a golden thread. I keep pathways that are safe and clean.

VERONICA GELOS Maintenance

1 - Ashkelon

Beyond the bandages and ice packs and mending of cuts, bumps and bruises, I am a loving mother, wife, and talented baker. I pay attention to detail and beauty, and value the simple pleasures of life - a walk, sunshine, a plant by the window.

JUDITH ROSE Health Care Coordinator

4- Degania

JEANETTE SALEM BOTNICK Office Manager, MS

4- Dimona

I am an office frontliner, a maven of many matters, fueled by a steaming cup of coffee and genuine care and concern for others.

ADINA SHAFNER Technology Coordinator

2- Beersheva

I am a mother and technologist, a creative datagatherer and problem-solver.

KRISTIE ACOSTA-REYES Office Manager, ECC/LS

3- Golan

I am driven and empathetic to other people’s needs. I am committed to growing and evolving to new places and beyond.

LISA GOLDFEDER Nurse, LS

1- Eilat

I am concerned for the wellbeing of others.

I carry Israel, grandchildren, and the love of my dog close to my heart.

WILMAN ZUMBANA Assistant Superintendent

1- Ariel

I am an artist and a father of daughters. I cherish the warmth of my home in Ecuador and the taste of comforting rice from my mother country. I am a nature lover and salsa dancer. I take care of the school building as though it were my home.

DELISLE HOLDER Specialty Assistant

2- Binyamina

I am the master of fun, bouncing from room to room, sharing purple dreams of imagination.

I am a new husband, a determined professional.

I am patient, creative, and musical. I tinker and troubleshoot.

YOHANGEL MORALES Technology Specialist

3- Galil

DANIEL PARRA Maintenance

1- Ashdod

I am bold with generosity, towering with positivity.

Originally, from the crystal blue waters of the Domican Republic, I now tend to each and every classroom in our New York City school with care.

I am a runner, a nature lover, a traveler to places near and far. I ride horses and manage jumps, leaps, hurdles, and more!

NICOLE DANIEL Executive Assistant, N-8

3-Gush

ANTHONY HALIBURTON

Security, LS

3- Geva

I am Brooklyn, I am baseball, I am a proud United States Marine. I am a lasagna lover and mathematical thinker - I bravely serve and protect.

I speak five languages and love soccer. I carry the light of where I came from to each new experience.

KWADWO ENNIN Technology Data Specialist

2- Bnei Brak

I teach others the “power of pausing” never too busy to stop and say hello.

I embody warmth and belonging.

LUIS CHIGUICHON (ANTONIO) LUIS CHIGUICHON Maintenance, MS (ANTONIO)

4-Middle Dorot Maintenance, School With Gratitude, 4- Dorot

FREDDIE RODRIGUEZ

Superintendent

3- Givatayim

I am a father, mentor, leader, and learner. I keep “ojos” [eyes] on what matters the most.

I am dedicated to the wellbeing of our school building, a decade and counting.

JUAN VARGAS Maintenance, LS

1- Alonim

BEVERLY HUNTER Receptionist, MS

4- Dafna

I am up before the morning sun, tending and caring for everyone in my path.

I am a beacon of light, a tower of protection.

I am the eyes and the ears... and all heart.

MAMADOU DEME Director of Security

2- Bat Yam

The Ramaz Lower School In the Englander Education Center 125 East 85th Street New York, NY 10028 212-774-8055 www.ramaz.org