The Center for Early Education, a socio-economically and culturally diverse independent school for children, toddlers through grade six, strives to graduate students who are joyful, resilient, lifelong learners. The Center embraces a philosophy of education that combines a nurturing, inclusive learning environment with an increasingly challenging academic program that addresses the developmental needs of each child. 4 7 8 10 13 14 20 34 38 52 58 70
LETTER FROM THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, DAVID MESSINGER
LETTER FROM THE INCOMING PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, TANYA GREIG PERARA '83
2023 – 2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2023 – 2024 OPERATING RESULTS
LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL, DAMIAN R. JONES
FUTURES THINKING: IMAGINING WHAT CAN BE AT CEE
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
LETTER FROM PARENT'S ASSOCIATION CO-CHAIRS, CYNTHIA CHEUNG AND MORGAN GILMAN '91
2023-2024 SUPPORTERS
WHY WE SUPPORT THE CENTER: THE NA FAMILY
WHY WE SUPPORT THE CENTER: THE AMENT/GILMAN/NACHMAN FAMILY
REPORT CREDITS
LETTER FROM THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DEAR CEE COMMUNITY,
As I write this letter, I am filled with admiration and respect for The Center community. This community has remained steadfast in helping each young child develop a lifelong, joyful love of learning with respect, compassion, and celebration for the cultural backgrounds and lived experiences among us.
This commitment has created an environment that attracts world-class teachers and administrators. They are experts in their respective fields, consistently delivering an exceptional academic and extracurricular program.
We are fortunate to have Damian Jones as our Head of School. He is a well-credentialed educator and an incredible leader. He speaks regularly about his reverence for the school’s special culture, and he cherishes his time participating with students, connecting with parents, and working with our faculty and staff. Damian is a great asset to our school.
For the Board, one of our most important responsibilities is to attend to the fiscal health of the institution. We are pleased to share that our school remains in a good financial position, and we are working diligently to ensure that the school remains strong for today and for the years ahead. As such, we are assertively building our endowment and taking measures to appropriately reduce our debt. None of this would be possible without the ongoing generosity of The Center community. Tuition does not cover the full cost of operating the school, so we appreciate our community’s ongoing commitment to the Annual Fund and support of the Gala.
As I stepped away from my previous role at the end of the fiscal year, we officially welcomed Tanya Greig Perara ‘83 as our new President of The Board of Trustees. Tanya is widely known to be a superb strategic thinker, a committed advocate for The Center, and a wonderful and empathetic human being. She plays multiple roles within our community: trustee, former Center parent, and CEE alum. I’m proud to call Tanya my friend, and The Center will benefit greatly from her leadership.
During my term, much has happened. The Center has greeted new community members and said farewell to others. We have also reimagined and rebuilt our campus. And we have navigated a first-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Throughout it all, The Center’s mission, core values, and culture have remained
ever-present for all of us. It reminds me that The Center is not merely a physical place nor a static object; instead, I believe The Center is an idea – an idea about what the world could be if people with different backgrounds and lived experiences came together in support of the enduring joy and discovery of childhood. This sentiment means so much to me, for it gives me hope for our future generations. I know many of you feel the same way.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I personally feel compelled to extend a profound appreciation for your continued support of and engagement with The Center.
Respectfully yours,
David Messinger Former President, Board of Trustees (2018-2024)
LETTER FROM THE INCOMING PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTESS
DEAR CEE COMMUNITY,
I am honored to have the opportunity to express my gratitude to you for your contributions to The Center community as we look ahead to the 2024-25 year. As I embark on a new phase of my Board service as your next President, I am reminded of how deeply my family and I have been impacted by this special Center community, first as an alum myself, then as a parent, and now as an alum parent and trustee. As a community, our collective dedication to supporting the unique opportunity for children to learn in a richly diverse environment is the lifeblood of this institution. It inspires all of us to continue our commitment to the school.
Serving on the Board and supporting the school community under David Messinger’s leadership has been an honor. I humbly seek to deliver a similar level of commitment and dedication, following the example that David and his predecessors have set. The bar is indeed set high.
The Center has always been known for its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We are fortunate to have a Head of School, Damian Jones, who challenges us to push the concept of what belonging looks like even further, to reach more communities and share this mission with more families. Damian is wholly committed to creating a space where all community members—faculty and staff, current families, alumni, grandparents, and friends—can work together, and evolve together, in a space where they can fully belong. I am thrilled to continue my board service leading this esteemed group of trustees as we expand the vision of what CEE can become and who it can serve.
I extend my gratitude to David, Damian, and the Board of Trustees for their trust and dedication. I look forward to partnering with the larger Center community as we embark on our next chapter together.
Tanya Greig Perara ‘83 Incoming President, Board of Trustees
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2023-24
Jack Angelo
Denise Barta
Rachel Bonkovsky
John Bracker
Kawanna Brown
Nicole Brown
Ike Chidi
Jessica Osterman Coates
Usama Cortas, Treasurer
Jaime Davila
Massy Tadjedin Fardin
Betsy González
Damien Granderson
Heidi Levyn
Anthony Locke '94
Marcus Lollie
David Messinger, President
Tanya Greig Perara '83, Vice President
Renvy Pittman
JJ Ramberg
Chris Soto
Darnell Strom
Sunny Whang, Secretary
Jason Willock
Jamie Zinberg
BOARD COMMITTEES 2023 – 24
AUDIT & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Marcus Lollie, Chair
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Jack Angelo and Massy Tadjedin Fardin, Chairs
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
David Messinger, Chair
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Usama Cortas, Chair
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Jamie Zinberg, Chair
SAFETY AND SECURITY COMMITTEE
Christopher Soto, Chair
AD HOC COMMITTEES
BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Sunny Whang, Chair
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
John Bracker, Chair
LEGAL COMMITTEE
Tanya Grieg Perara '83, Chair
Damien Granderson, Vice Chair
2023-24
LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
DEAR CEE COMMUNITY,
Reflecting on the 2023-2024 school year, I am reminded of a heartfelt conversation I had with our sixth grade students on the eve of their graduation. When asked what they valued most about their experiences at CEE, many students eloquently expressed an appreciation for all they learned in their classes and the opportunities to engage in stimulating projects. However, another recurring sentiment they shared particularly resonated with me. Each graduate I spoke with emphasized the lasting sense of community they found in every interaction with their peers, teachers, and staff. They described the warmth of this community as a cornerstone of their experience and shared how much they cherished the sense of belonging they felt throughout their years at The Center.
In these students' passionate and excited expressions, it was clear how much they appreciated their connection to one another and the school. I was in awe of their independence, strength, agency, and clarity of thought, all of which spring from what they have learned during their time at CEE about themselves, one another, their capabilities, and their achievements. The lessons learned at The Center stimulate our students' imaginations, sense of exploration, curiosity, and confidence. By teaching them to think deeply, speak truthfully, take responsibility for their actions, and advocate for themselves and others, we are helping them develop the skills, insights, and determination needed to navigate an ever-changing and evolving world.
All that we have achieved in supporting our students’ growth and development is a result of the active engagement and partnership of our teachers, staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends of the school. I am inspired by teachers whose expertise and skill are equally matched by their kindness, warmth, and unwavering care. They are committed to cultivating a culture of belonging, reflected in all they do to ensure that our students are well-known, respected, and valued. Equally deserving of appreciation are our parents and grandparents, whose steadfast support has underpinned their children's educational journey throughout this school year. And we are grateful for the people from all parts of our community - including alumni families and friends of the school - who joined together with parents, faculty and staff, and grandparents in their generous support of the Annual Fund Drive and Gala and help make these experiences possible.
I also extend great thanks to our Board of Trustees and our outgoing Board President David Messinger, who ably led CEE’s board for six years—and I want to express my
appreciation and excitement for all we are looking forward to under the leadership of incoming Board President, Tanya Greig Perara '83.
What I love most about life at The Center is its people. I appreciate all this community has done to make it possible for our students to enjoy another wonderful school year. I want to thank every one of you for your ongoing commitment to making CEE a place where our students know they belong and where we all thrive.
Warm regards,
Damian R. Jones Head of School
Futures Thinking: Imagining What Can Be at CEE
One of the professional development highlights of the past school year was the exploration of CEE’s Futures Thinking initiative, a project that gave the school’s faculty and staff a glimpse into how the world continues to evolve and ways the school can anticipate and plan for many possible futures.
The work of The Center for Early Education is inherently futurefocused as we seek to fulfill our mission of developing lifelong learners. Many people say things like, "We're preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet." As a school for young children, this is something The Center takes to heart. Thinking about the ways in which the world is constantly changing, and the implications these changes will have on education, continues to be a priority for the school.
Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic—which spurred many rapid changes to how people work and study—was the right time to initiate this project of looking ahead to the future of education. With these goals in mind, the CEE Futures Thinking Task Force, consisting of faculty and administrators across divisions, was created in 2023. The diverse team represented different areas of thought and expertise to explore the concept of Futures Thinking: the ability to identify signals and trends to anticipate a range of possible futures that our students will step into upon graduating from CEE.
CEE FUTURES THINKING TASK FORCE
After working closely with organizations including Stanford University’s d.school and Institute for the Future, the Task Force brought the Futures Thinking framework to the faculty and staff with workshops and an immersive in-service experience. The workshops introduced the concept of futures thinking, highlighting the importance of questioning assumptions, staying open to change, and considering how different industries will evolve by the time our students enter the workforce. This work is essential because while The Center will always be committed to providing a developmentallyappropriate education, we must also focus on the critical thinking skills students must develop to become adaptable and forwardthinking citizens.
“When people think about their future selves, their brain activity mirrors the type of activity that occurs when they think about complete strangers.”
-Hal Hershfield, Psychologist and Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making at UCLA
The culminating in-service experience on November 10, 2023, involved visiting various organizations and companies across California that are at the forefront of innovation. The intention of these visits was to give Center employees a firsthand glimpse into all the ways organizations address practices related to the rapidly evolving future, and examine the following questions in the context of CEE.
• How might we prepare students to be lifelong and adaptive learners?
• How might the world change, and why?
• What might people need in those futures?
The task force carefully chose each site. They first began by identifying key areas of inquiry and then researching organizations and companies engaged in that type of work. For example, to explore the intersection of art and technology, they planned a visit to meet with the Principal Production Designer and Senior Research and Development Imagineer at Walt Disney’s Imagineering. An inquiry into clothing and its environmental impact led the team to choose Patagonia headquarters to meet with their Senior Environmental Impact Specialist and the design team to learn about the ways in which the company is committed to responsible business practices and environmental sustainability.
Erika Johnson, Assistant Head of School
Nassim Shandy, Director of Teaching and Learning
Kia Perry, Math Specialist Stephanie Steelman, EC Library Teacher
⚬ What steps can we take to ensure our students remain socially aware, mindful, and responsible when involved in activities within virtual spaces or alternate realities?
CREATIVE ARTISTS AGENCY (CAA)
⚬ How can we find new ways to engage in service opportunities that leverage a broader range of talents and connections?
FOOD FUTURES LAB
⚬ What will the future of food look like, and how will it impact our health, environment, and society?
THE GETTY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
⚬ How can we protect and share art and cultural artifacts from the past for the benefit of future generations?
IDEO PLAY LAB (SAN FRANCISCO)
⚬ How do we leverage the principles of play as a vehicle for engagement, change, and joy?
META
⚬ How will technology shape the future of human connection?
PATAGONIA
⚬ How can we prioritize environmental responsibility in our practices?
PLAYVS ESPORTS
⚬ How does playing video games and being part of school esports help students learn and grow, make friends, and discover future career paths?
RENEWABLE RESOURCES GROUP & CITY GREENS FARM
⚬ How can we teach students about the sustainability of the world’s water resources and about how innovative thinking creates opportunities for sustainability beyond what they may think is actually possible?
WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING
⚬ How can we utilize various disciplines, such as art, math, science, and technology to reimagine storytelling?
Themes
RESPONSIBILITY
FACULTY AND STAFF CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS THROUGHOUT THEIR FUTURES THINKING EXPERIENCES.
• What skills are relevant now and may be even more relevant in the future?
• What skills are relevant now that won’t be in the future?
• Is there a curricular topic that this visit inspires?
• How does your site help different types of people come together to collaborate?
• How does the physical space contribute to collaboration?
• How are people drawing on different disciplines or connecting dots in their work?
Faculty and staff collected notes and reflections in their Fieldwork Journals
After the trips, faculty and staff engaged in several different reflection exercises. People came back to campus feeling inspired and excited to share their takeaways with the school and having formed new bonds with fellow community members. We gathered feedback on everyone’s experiences through an exercise called “Start, Stop, or Continue.” In small groups, faculty and staff suggested things the school should consider starting, stopping, or continuing based on what they learned from their various trips.
Futures Thinking has already made its way to the classroom. For instance, sixth graders participated in a workshop titled “Artifacts of the Past and
Future” during their January Intersession. They were asked to select a topic, list things that are generally true about it today, and then “flip” their truths, imagining a world in which any one of these “truths” is no longer true. In one instance, students were asked to brainstorm facts about shoes. They shared that shoes typically cost money, people usually have multiple pairs, and they take shoes off to sleep. They then flipped the facts: imagining shoes are free, people have only one pair, and they sleep with their shoes on. Through storytelling, they explored reasons why this change might occur in this “alternative world.” This type of thought experiment helped students think critically about societal changes and understand their underlying causes.
Using Futures Thinking to examine current practices and trends can provide valuable insights into how things change and how we can impact our world. The Center is enthusiastic about exploring futures thinking even further, and leveraging this valuable experience to further establish the school as a forward-thinking institution.
“Being a futures thinker is not something that only applies to certain people. We’re all futurists—whether it’s planning for our own personal lives or participating in strategic decisions at our work—we should all feel like the future is something we have agency and responsibility to impact and change. It’s better to be surprised by a simulation, rather than blindsided by reality.”
-Susanne Forchheimer, Institute for the Future (IFTF) Emerging Media Lab Research Manager
campus highlights
The 2023-24 school year included a broad range of activities, events, and traditions that enriched the lives of students and adults alike. From affinity group cultural events and community engagement initiatives to professional development opportunities and campuswide celebrations, there was something for everyone to engage with and enjoy. Read on for a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic life of The Center and how the community came together to learn, grow, honor, and celebrate this year.
AFFINITY AND INTEREST GROUPS
Parent-led Affinity and Interest Groups continue to be a rich source of community, belonging, and learning for all members of the school community, who are welcome to join any Affinity or Interest Group.
In addition to intimate member events and cultural celebrations, each Affinity Group sponsors one school-wide event each year. Especially exciting this year was the introduction of the 1st Annual ‘Express Yourself’ Talent Show by the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group in June. Participants shared their unique talents in a heartfelt celebration of pride and being who you are! The group intends to continue this new tradition each June.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR INCLUDE:
• Latin American Affinity Group Día de Los Muertos Celebration
• South Asian Affinity Group Diwali Celebration
• Asian American Affinity Group Lunar New Year Celebration
• Heritage Family Black History Celebration
• Jewish Cultural Affinity Group - Speaker Series Collaboration
• LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Express Yourself Talent Show
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION SERIES
This year, we welcomed six speakers to CEE’s campus to share their insights and perspectives with our community members. Parents, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, alum parents, and grandparents participated enthusiastically and with an openness to dialog and lifelong learning.
• George M. Johnson
A conversation with best-selling author George M. Johnson (All Boys Aren’t Blue) about growing up Black and Queer and how to support children who may be questioning these areas of their identity
• Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett
A forum with authors of This is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained, sharing a relatable, reliable, and entertaining roadmap through puberty
• Avriel Epps and Diana Graber
A discussion with the authors of Raising Humans in a Digital World on how parents and caregivers can support children’s responsible and safe use of technology in the constantly changing online landscape
• Dr. Rebecca Rolland
A keynote address by Dr. Rebecca Rolland about engaging children in meaningful conversations that foster greater connections and nurture kindness, creativity, and confidence
• Dr. Saba Soomekh
A conversation about the about the history and current rise in antisemitism with Dr. Saba Soomekh of the American Jewish Committee, in partnership with the CEE Jewish Cultural Affinity Group (JCAG).
• Multicultural Americans of Southern California
An interactive discussion about supporting and raising children with multicultural or mixed-race identities, and fostering positive identity development and a sense of inclusion and belonging for multiracial families.
WHOLE SCHOOL DAY OF SERVICE
During the Whole School Day of Service in March, Elementary students traveled with their CEE Family groups to sites all over Los Angeles to participate in community service projects and learn about local organizations. While every classroom completes different service projects throughout the school year, the Whole School Day of Service tradition provides a chance for students to complete service activities with their diverse CEE Family groups and bring back insights and reflections to share with the broader community.
Early Childhood students participated in service projects in their classrooms, making soup and care packages for local families and children with the help of parent volunteers.
This year, the CEE Whole School Day of Service benefitted:
• 32nd Street School/USC Magnet
• Alexandria House
• Baby2Baby
• Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
• City Greens
• Good Shepherd Shelter
• Heal the Bay
• Hollywood Food Coalition
• Karsh Center
• Kings Road Park
• Proyecto Pastoral Early Childhood Centers
• Saban Free Clinic
• Wags & Walks
• Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
• Watts Senior Center
• WeHo Neighborhood Clean-Up
• Westside Food Bank
FACULTY/STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
Professional development continues to be a robust endeavor for faculty and staff, many of whom attended conferences, participated in workshops, and undertook lifelong learning opportunities this year. In addition to the events listed below, the CEE professional development program also supports faculty in ongoing higher education coursework and credential programs.
AUGUST INSERVICE WITH DR. FRANK HARRIS III - RACELIGHTING IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR ALL EDUCATORS
In August 2023, faculty and staff spent a day with Dr. Frank Harris III dissecting the idea of Racelighting. Racelighting is a concept used “to describe the emotional and psychological harm that occurs when Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are exposed to chronic racism and have their experiences questioned, second-guessed, or challenged when they call for action and accountability.” Faculty and staff learned how to define examples of racelighting in schools and explored how to respond effectively in their learning spaces through case studies and discussion.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• American Library Association (ALA) Conference, San Diego, CA
• CASE/NAIS Independent Schools Conference, Austin, TX - global advancement and development conference for independent schools
• CUE Spring Conference, Palm Springs, CAconference focused on the integration and effective use of technology in education
• Effective and Equitable Practices and Improving Mathematics (CATDC), Los Angeles, CA
• How to Implement Transformative Faculty Growth (ISM), Online
• Inspire Students with Systems Thinking Workshop, Los Angeles, CA
• Mitten Comprehensible Input (Teaching Languages) Conference, Saline, MI
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Pro Learning Institute, New Orleans, LA
• National Association of School Psychologists Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA
• Orton Gillingham Educators Courses, Onlinestructured approach to teaching reading and spelling that is particularly effective for individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties
• People of Color Conference (NAIS), St. Louis, MO
• Reggio Emilia Study Tour, Italy
• Responsive Classroom Training, Altadena, CAfocuses on integrating academic and socialemotional learning to create safe, engaging, and positive school environments
• Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative (Sparc) Conference, Phoenix, AZ
• SXSW Edu, Austin, TX
• Teaching Engaged Brains, San Francisco, CA
• Thoughtful Math Instruction
• Thrive Conference (NAIS), St. Louis, MO - national independent school annual conference that focuses on leadership
This is a partial list of all professional development undertaken this year.
APRIL FACULTY/STAFF RETREAT IN TEMESCAL CANYON
On April 8, 2024, faculty and staff retreated to Temescal Canyon with Fulcrum Adventures for a full day of activities, outdoor excursions, lunch, and community bonding time. Opportunities like these allow faculty and staff time away from school to reconnect and refresh. Participants also took a moment out of the day to observe the 2024 solar eclipse!
FACULTY/STAFF CHORUS
Head of School Damian Jones started a new faculty and staff program this school year, the CEE Faculty/Staff Chorus, which culminated in a performance at a Morning Assembly in April. The chorus learned two songs over the course of several weeks of rehearsals: “I Smile” by Kirk Williams and the brand new CEE school song written by EC Music Teacher Sonya Nakagawa. Keep your ears open for more singing of the school song next year!
CARE CREW: BAGELS, BOWLING, AND BONDING
The faculty/staff wellness committee, also known as the Care Crew, planned social and connection events to provide the opportunity for faculty and staff to come together outside of work hours or over a special meal or treat. Everyone looks forward to Care Crew email updates detailing what fun happy hour or bagel breakfast is coming up next!
CELEBRATING APRIL AND LOUISE’S RETIREMENTS
Community members gathered in June to celebrate the retirement of two beloved P.E. teachers, April (31 years) and Louise (40 years). The retirement party in the Community Center included heartfelt speeches, a slideshow of memories from their time at CEE, and time to connect with new and old friends.
April and Louise were both instrumental in shaping the lives of countless students during their years at CEE through the P.E. program, the After School Programs, athletics, community service, and so much more. Both April and Louise will be missed by the CEE community, but their legacy will live on through the many students they have taught and inspired. CEE you soon!
GALA - NIGHT NIGHT: A MIDNIGHT SOIRÉE - MAY 11, 2024
This year’s CEE Gala was a resounding success, raising critical funds for our students and programs! The theme of Night Night: A Midnight Soirée lent itself to a host of beautiful costumes and decorations that evoked the mysteries of the night.
The evening at the Beverly Hilton kicked off with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction in the Wilshire Garden. Guests bid on exciting items generously donated by CEE community members, including travel packages, spa treatments, kids’ activities, and more.
Following the cocktail reception, guests entered the International Ballroom for dinner. They enjoyed a hilarious comedy set by Sebastian Maniscalco and a thrilling live auction, followed by a DJ set from D-Nice and dancing! The Gala brought in essential funds for our school operations and financial aid programs and is a highlight on every school year’s calendar. Many thanks to the Gala Chairs, sponsors, and volunteers for their contributions to this special and important evening.
SIXTH GRADE
HIGHLIGHTS
Sixth grade is always a meaningful culminating time at The Center, and this year’s Class of 2024 had a banner year! The year was full of opportunities for leadership and camaraderie for the sixth grade class.
Throughout the year, sixth grade students engage in Work Service on campus, devoting time in their schedule to giving back to the school. Sixth graders rotate through work service opportunities like working in the Toddler house and helping with snack time, playing with children on the EC yard, reading a story to a small group in an Elementary classroom, or leading a math group in a classroom.
Being a sixth grader also means participating in the student council, which alternates during each work service session so that all students have the chance to meet with Head of School Damian Jones to discuss their experience at The Center and offer insights into the program.
In this year’s State of the School meeting, during which the Board and Damian presented an update regarding the school’s fiscal health and looked ahead to the upcoming years, sixth graders helped with the presentation for parents, engaging in discussion about important school matters with the school leaders.
In May, the Class of 2024 traveled to San Francisco for their capstone class trip. They visited cultural sites and historical landmarks and enjoyed quality time adventuring together. Students particularly loved the Exploratorium and playing mini golf!
Upon their return from San Francisco, preparation for the C6 Grad Show began in earnest, ending with the performance and diploma ceremony on June 9. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 for a fabulous graduation show, and best wishes for your next chapter as CEE alumni!
Another new initiative for Upper Elementary students was the Art Council made up of fifth and sixth grade students, helmed by art teachers Ann Romero de Cordoba and Mekenzie Schneider. Ann and Mekenzie hold a two-year school Leadership Fellowship to lead the Art Council, working on a large-scale mural for the Building C stairwell created by students. This year’s Art Council helped solicit ideas from the student community and helped design the mural, the first panel of which arrived late this spring. It will be painted by students and installed in the stairwell as phase one of the project, with the upper floors to come.
GRANDPARENTS' COUNCIL AND GRANDPARENTS’
& GRANDFRIENDS’
DAY 2024
The CEE Grandparents' Council convened for four well-attended meetings this year, with grandparents joining in person and virtually. Thank you to grandparents Colette Ament and Edna Gordon, who co-chaired the Council with grace and enthusiasm!
Council meeting topics included:
September 2023
Discussion with Head of School Damian Jones inspired by The Third Chapter by Sara LawrenceLightfoot and making the most out of the years after 50.
November 2023
Presentation from Dr. Alan Castel, Professor in the Department of Psychology at UCLA, on his book Better With Age: The Psychology of Aging.
January 2024
Conversation led by fellow CEE grandparents Aileen Adams and Geoffrey Cowan about ethical wills, a way to pass one's values to loved ones.
March 2024
Presentation from CEE’s Director of Innovation, Matt Argüello, about CEE’s approach to digital citizenship and how grandparents can stay involved, connected, and safe while using technology with their grandchildren.
May 2024
To conclude the year, Grandparents' and Grandfriends' Day on Friday, May 3, was a delightful experience full of love, excitement, and community! Grandparents and grandfriends visited CEE from all over the world to enjoy a morning breakfast, a keynote talk from author and CEE parent Eve Rodsky, and a performance by the CEE A Cappella Choir. Following the program in the Community Center, grandparents and grandfriends visited their grandchildren's classrooms and the Elementary Art Fair, and enjoyed the photo booth on the plaza. Students were overjoyed to share their school with their special grandparents and grandfriends; everyone was smiling!
ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
CLASS OF 2018 REUNION
The CEE Class of 2018 returned to campus in June for a special reunion as they graduate high school and look to their next steps! The alums and alum parents had a great time exploring campus and catching up with old friends and teachers. It was so exciting to see everyone! Special thanks are due to parent Carol Leif, mom of Jake Parker ‘18, for presenting a historical slideshow of the class.
MESSAGE FROM ALUMNI COUNCIL CHAIRS
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD - 2023 RECIPIENTS
Each year, the CEE Alumni Council grants Alumni Community Service Award(s) to support young CEE alumni in completing a community service project they plan to work on during the summer break. Congratulations to our 2023 recipients on their great work!
Fentanyl Fight Club, benefitting Song for Charlie: Jasper Tronciale '18
Jasper led a Narcan training program to ensure that high schoolers and parents know how to properly administer Narcan in case of a fentanyl poisoning. Jasper co-designed Fentanyl Fight Club (FentanylFightClub.org) with Song for Charlie founders, Ed & Mary Ternan, who lost their son Charlie to fentanyl poisoning. Fentanyl Fight Club is Song for Charlie’s youth peer-to-peer program, dedicated to empowering youth to speak about and share educational resources about the dangers of fentanyl with their peers, both online and at their schools.
Dear Alumni,
As our time as Alumni Council chairs comes to a close, we are looking back with fondness. We gladly inherited leading the Alumni Council in the post-pandemic years, continuing hybrid meetings to increase accessibility and engagement for our diverse alumni community. We were thrilled to bring in-person gatherings back, too, including a cocktail event with our Head of School, Damian, and everyone's favorite, Poker Night, which was generously hosted by Jessica '91 and Myles Bowman. Alumni had so missed being together in person! We are most proud of alumni work supporting the Annual Fund. This spirit of community care and service, which was essential to our CEE experience, lives on in every single one of us. Thank you for your support as we pass the Council baton along to Morgan Mallory '95!
Capri and members of the project worked with children K-12 in South Central Los Angeles, creating stimulating educational projects to engage the students and help empower their selfesteem. Capri visited the kids every week to play games, teach life skills, and provide a support group. The project helps create a safe zone outside their community, giving students a forum to discuss and address bullying and cyberbullying-related issues.
Dear Armenia: Post-War Healing and Cultural Enrichment in the Caucasus, benefitting The Armenian General Benevolent Union and the Fuller House Construction Project: Derek '18 and Andrew Esrailian '20
Derek and Andrew traveled to Armenia to engage in community service activities such as home construction and volunteering at orphanages while connecting with their ancestral heritage. They interacted with old and young Armenians alike and expanded their perspectives on Armenia’s past, present, and future. Their experience also included increasing their proficiency in the Armenian language, learning traditional Armenian dances and music, engaging in authentic Armenian artisanship, deepening connection with the Armenian Apostolic faith, and exploring the Armenian landscape, such as the Aragats mountain range.
Jenny and Ellie during their CEE Days
LETTER FROM PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
DEAR CEE COMMUNITY,
The 2023-24 year was an incredibly special school year at CEE! We all pitched in, made new friends, and had great experiences together. Students learned and grew—in ways they didn’t think possible at the beginning of the year—with the help of their supportive teachers, friends, and families. We welcomed new families who jumped in enthusiastically, making unique contributions to the school community as the year went on.
The vibrant life of our school, from friendly smiles at the morning curb to putting on a spectacular fundraising gala, stems from our parent community's continued dedication and commitment. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible volunteer work, over countless hours, that parents and grandparents have generously provided. Your volunteerism enhances the learning environment and fosters a strong sense of community among students, staff, and parents alike.
Affinity and Interest Groups have also been instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion among our students and families. We celebrated cultural diversity through various events, such as the International Food Festival, Lunar New Year, Día de Los Muertos, Diwali, the Heritage Family Black History Event, and the Express Yourself Talent Show, which are meaningful opportunities to learn and connect.
We would also like to recognize the incredible fundraising efforts and the success of the Night Night Gala. Through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, and attendees, we raised substantial funds to support CEE’s mission. The gala was a remarkable evening filled with joy, fun, generosity, and a strong sense of community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved for their contributions and for making the event a resounding success!
Congratulations to our amazing sixth graders and their families! Your graduation is a significant milestone in your academic journey, and we couldn't be more proud of your achievements. You have shown tremendous growth, resilience, and a thirst for knowledge throughout your time with us. As you move on to the next chapter of your education, remember to embrace new challenges, continue to explore your passions, and always believe in your abilities.
We extend our warmest wishes for a bright future filled with exciting opportunities and continued growth.
Lastly, we share our deepest gratitude to David Messinger for his exceptional six years of service as President of the Board of Trustees. David's dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in supporting our community. Thank you to the Board for their continuous support and collaboration with the Parents’ Association.
We look forward to another fulfilling year of learning and connection, made possible thanks to you!
With gratitude,
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER CHAIRS 2023-24
OFFICERS 2023-24
CO-PRESIDENTS
Cynthia Cheung
Morgan Gilman ‘91
VICE PRESIDENT, UPPER ELEMENTARY
Oren Koules
VICE PRESIDENT, LOWER ELEMENTARY
Jerry Ferris
SECRETARY
Michael Roiff
TREASURER
Tami Goldman
COMMITTEES 2023-24
AFFINITY AND INTEREST GROUPS
Anti-Racism Interest Group
Rose Baldonado
Huey Merchant
Thea Sheinberg ‘98
Mandy Wolf
Asian American Affinity Group
Gloria Chang
Maria Khwarg
Dorothy Lee
Mari Minami
Diversity and Multicultural Committee
Katie Allen ‘94
Rose Baldonado
Tony Chu
Tiffany Fong
Chetan Patil
Cynthia Cheung and Morgan Gilman ‘91 2023-24 Parents’ Association Presidents
Heritage Family African-American Affinity Group
Jennifer Arceneaux
Derek Epps
Camara Mathis Webb
Huey Merchant
Jessica Rambo
Jewish Cultural Affinity Group
Rachel Faber
Lindsey Lamb
Katie Segal ‘94
Jonathan Steinberger
South Asian Affinity Group
Dulari Amin
Gautam Doshi
Sari Eitches
Jasmin Wala
Latin American Affinity Group
Daniel Chiprut
Jaime Davila
Jaquelin Fierros
Sandra Hernandez Fonseca
Julian Navarro Alvarez
Hector Veliz
LBGTQIA+ Affinity Group
Angel Kastanis
Christina Matthias
Andrew Merrell
Matt Merrell
Why We Support The Center: The Na Family
For parents Grace and Kevin Na, choosing The Center for their children's education was about finding a school that offered a strong academic program and a diverse community. They wanted their three kids (currently in fourth grade, third grade, and Kindergarten) to grow up as well-rounded, kind individuals, and they believed The Center's Core Values would help foster those qualities.
"The Center's values of caring and inclusion really resonated with us," says Grace. "And it felt that the parent community was supportive of those values, too. It feels like a community effort in raising and instilling these values in our kids, and supporting the school in all the ways we can is a big part of that."
Kevin says that now, as members of the community, “being in such a diverse environment with a great staff and faculty is super fulfilling to watch…It’s been really special seeing our kids' friendships develop as we all build more connections in the community, and we are excited to see where the relationships go."
The Na family has been involved in various aspects of The Center community. Kevin has volunteered at the Book Fair and in the Library, and Grace has served on the Yearbook Committee. They appreciate the opportunity to be engaged parents and participate in their children's experiences at CEE.
"It's been amazing volunteering at the school," says Grace. "The kids love it when they see you at school and know you are taking part in the community. They want to see us on campus more!"
Yoon and Esther Na, Kevin's parents, are also impressed with The Center. They have watched their grandchildren grow and learn so much since they started at the school.
“Being in such a diverse environment with a great staff and faculty is super fulfilling to watch... It’s been really special seeing our kids' friendships develop as we all build more connections in the community, and we are excited to see where the relationships go."
"I didn't know what to expect, but I see the changes in them; I see amazing progress in them," says Yoon. "At CEE, they learn how to be fair, honest, and good human beings. I think The Center is doing a great job of providing the foundation for young children to be good people, which is so important. They seemed to learn to express their feelings even if they did not agree with others, in a polite way. And once I learned how the teachers focus on the children, I wanted to support the school as much as I can."
Esther reflects on how meaningful it is to visit her grandchildren at Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day in the spring. "At Grandparents’ Day, I love how my granddaughters take me and show me what they do at school. They are prepared to share with me, and I appreciate that," says Esther. "They are so proud to show their grandparents their work and their school. And it is not because they are supposed to, they want to. They are the bosses when we are visiting their classrooms! It is so nice to see."
The Na family is grateful for the community they have found at The Center. They are confident that their children are receiving a high-quality education and that they are growing up in a supportive and nurturing environment.
"We know that all of these individual experiences, whether it be the Art Fair or Grandparents' Day, don't come for free," says Grace. "In whatever way that we can, whether it is through our time or our donations to the Annual Fund, if our support can help The Center continue to thrive off of those values, we are happy to do that!” We are so grateful to the Na family for their commitment to the students and families at CEE!
Esther, Yoon, Kevin, and Grace Na with their children and grandchildren
Why We Support The Center: The Ament/Gilman/Nachman Family
and their children and grandchildren
Not every CEE family boasts a recent PA President, Alumni Council President, and Grandparents’ Council President among their ranks, but such is the case for the Ament/Gilman/ Nachman family, whose deep involvement in and affection for the school stretches back three decades.
Alumni parent and grandparent Colette Ament shares that when her daughter, Morgan Gilman ‘91, started at The Center, “I fell in love with the school, and Morgan blossomed there. When our son (Nathan Ament ‘98) came along a few years later, it was a very easy choice to send him to The Center."
“I started to get really involved when Nathan was in preschool. Reveta and the head of the Parents’ Association approached
“The Center’s diversity really made me happy as a parent and now grandparent. The values of inclusion that are so intrinsic to The Center are a big piece of what keeps us all involved.”
Nathan agrees, reflecting on how “my closest friends to this day are my friends from The Center–and so I was already interested in keeping up with the school when I initially got involved in the Alumni Council, showing up to more meetings and eventually serving as president. I think we had a really special class of ‘98, so being able to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen in years was a really rewarding experience."
“When I talk about the Alumni Council, people are often surprised that it is for my elementary school, not my high school or college. It’s not something that many people understand, but for me it is the people, the memories, the nostalgia: walking onto campus brings back these amazing emotions and memories.”
As parents of two CEE students now, Morgan and her husband, P.J. Nachman, feel that “so much of the school for us is the community. Wanting to contribute our time and financial resources happens naturally when you love a place so much and want to nurture the environment as much as possible.”
choosing programming for the Council, I hope to help the grandparents understand and get excited about what their grandkids are doing in school, in a way that we were as parents.”
Jerry echoes these sentiments, noting, “It is really exciting to have our grandchildren there now since we were so involved as parents. Twenty-five years later and we can truly see the throughline–The Center has expanded, but it is still like a small community of people who know each other and who care about the education of their children and the community that they live in.”
P.J.’s parents, Center grandparents Linda and Fred Nachman, are relatively newer to the community, but are also enthusiastic supporters, admiring the school “for its superb academics, leadership, faculty, and spirit.” Linda shares, “We are especially impressed as we witness the development of deep thinking and self-confidence in our grandchildren. Living in Arizona, we are most grateful to stay in touch through school emails and the excellent virtual Grandparents’ Council presentations!”
The extended family's many contributions to the school have helped shape its culture and ensure that future generations of students will have the same opportunities. CEE students are lucky to have dedicated community members like them!
me to chair the school carnival, a yearly tradition back then. I signed up and I am dear friends with my parent co-chair to this day." The school was my home away from home.”
Colette reflects on how “The Center’s diversity really made me happy as a parent and now grandparent. The values of inclusion that are so intrinsic to The Center are a big piece of what keeps us all involved.”
For Morgan, following her mom’s example and staying in touch with the school as an alum was a no-brainer. “Nathan and I both participated on the Alumni Council over the years, and Nathan served as Council president. We always kept in touch with the school that way, in addition to my friends who kept me connected. Then, I moved back to LA and had our first child within a year, and we were thrilled to have the chance to send our children (now in first and fourth grades) to The Center.”
She continues, “We want people coming into the community with a variety of different experiences and supporting financial aid is such a big piece of that. We can’t do that without everyone’s support of the AFD. And that support also enhances all of the creative learning pathways for our children like art, music, library—all of these things that wouldn’t be here otherwise. You can’t help but feel it when you walk into campus–all that goes into the curriculum, the campus, and the student experience. It can’t happen without people showing up and participating in all shapes and forms. And for me,” shares Morgan, “that also shows up in participating in every volunteer assignment I can, and chairing the PA as I want to be there as much as possible.”
Being actively involved in the life of the school as grandparents brings a lot of satisfaction for Colette and Jerry, too. “One of the reasons I decided to sign on as chair of the Grandparents’ Council in recent years,” says Colette, “is because I think it's important for grandparents to understand the great gift that the school is for their grandchildren. In
Linda and Fred Nachman
Colette and Jerry Ament, Morgan Gilman ‘91 and P.J. Nachman, Nathan Ament ‘98,
CREDITS AND THANKS
All efforts have been made to ensure the information in this report is accurate. We sincerely apologize for any inaccuracies or omissions. Should you find any, please contact the Director of Communications, Jessica Levin (levinj@cee-school.org).
