A YEAR OF RESILIENCE, INNOVATION, & CARING
The Center, Spring 2021
RISE UP:
The Center, Spring 2021 ON THE COVER: Students and teachers gathered regularly on the field for classes, advisory group meetings, after-school activities, special events, and lunch and recess in Spring 2021. CREDITS EDITORIAL Director of Communications Jessica Levin SPECIAL THANKS Matt Argüello Reveta Bowers Erika Johnson Laura Maher Andy Mallett Gabby McHale David Messinger DESIGN SMOG Design, Inc. Jeri Heiden ILLUSTRATION SMOG Design, Inc. Ryan Corey PHOTOGRAPHY Matt Argüello Ellen Krissman Jessica Levin Gabby McHale David Miller SnapBash CEE Faculty 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, life-long 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. CORE VALUES Responsibility | Honesty | Inclusion | Caring
563 North Alfred Street West Hollywood, California 90048 Telephone: (323) 651-0707 CenterForEarlyEducation.org @thecenterforearlyeducation
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UPDATE FROM THE BOARD
YEAR IN REVIEW
COMING BACK TO CAMPUS
FROM REMOTE TO REENTRY
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ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
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GRANDPARENTS’ COUNCIL
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The Center, Spring 2021
CON T E N TS
REFLECTIONS AS WE LOOK AHEAD
President, Board Of Trustees June 2021
Dear Center Community, During the past year, heartfelt expressions of empathy and compassion have become everpresent. However, someone recently said to me with a worndown sigh of embarrassed fatigue, “I don’t know how many more times I can watch the news or read an article that opens with the phrase, ‘In a year like no other…” But, we must acknowledge, it has been a year like no other. The past year has been inundated with health concerns, social justice issues, economic uncertainty, natural disasters, and political strife. Everyone has suffered and sacrificed; some more than others. We extend deep sympathy to the families and friends who have endured compounding and, at times, tragic circumstances. Through it all, and with profound respect for the challenges of the year gone by, we should take a step back and acknowledge the ever-present resilience of The Center. At a time of isolation and upended dayto-day rhythms, our school has created new and compelling formats for connection, compassion, and community. First, we applaud the resilience, flexibility, and committed understanding of parents and grandparents who altered their schedules multiple times, pulled through with infringements on their professional lives, and partnered with the school to provide a meaningful remote learning environment. For parents and other adults in our community, the Community Engagement and Education Series has created a robust forum to listen, learn, and share regarding salient issues including social justice, presidential politics, parenting advice, and mental health. Additionally, our administrators have reimagined school life multiple times over, from developing an approach to distance learning, to working and reworking students’ classroom schedules, and to retrofitting our campus to allow for a safe return to school.
The school’s ability to innovate and navigate through the changes speaks volumes about its commitment and expertise. Most importantly, our gifted teachers and specialists have miraculously given our students a compelling and consistent classroom experience that advanced the curriculum and fostered a joyful bond of community and friendship. For many children, a Zoom screen was their only connection to the outside world for many months, and, as adults, they will look back with deep admiration for this special group of educators. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible work of Reveta Bowers and her team. At every turn, Reveta has approached her work with vigorous conviction to provide an extraordinary experience for students while providing the important support that allows teachers and specialists to do what they do so well. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are forever grateful for Reveta’s vision and determination to continue to uphold our school’s mission and to exemplify our core values. Furthermore, we commend the school’s thoughtful and deliberate approach to navigating the pandemic. The team at The Center has continually delivered an outstanding academic program while incorporating the ever-changing health and safety protocols as determined by government officials and medical experts. As this school year comes to a close, for those students graduating and to those families departing The Center, we do not yet know how this year will be remembered in hindsight, but looking ahead, we anticipate hearing about your many future accomplishments. For the rest of us, we look ahead to the next school year with tempered but optimistic and uplifting faith in our community’s resilience. Until then, we wish you and your family a peaceful and healthy summer. Best regards,
David Messinger President, Board of Trustees The Center for Early Education
During the 2020-21 school year, The Center welcomed six new Trustees who reflect the best of the CEE community. Usama Cortas
Tanya Greig Perara ‘83
Tanya Perara is a CEE alumna and current parent. She is the Executive Vice President, Film and Television Music Business Affairs at NBCUniversal responsible for business strategy and legal affairs pertaining to NBCUniversal’s film and television music catalog. Tanya began her career as an attorney at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP specializing in entertainment litigation and transactions. She then joined Interscope Geffen A&M Records. Ms. Perara is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School. She has served as a member of the boards of directors for USA for Africa, the California Copyright Conference, and the California Board of Governors for The Recording Academy. She lives with her husband and daughter, a CEE student, in Los Angeles.
Anthony Locke ‘94
Anthony Locke is a proud graduate of The Center. Anthony attended Morehouse College, earning a BA in Business Administration in 2005. He then worked as a substitute teacher and coach at his alma mater, Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences, while studying law. Following earning his JD and four years at entertainment law firm Ziffren Brittenham LLP, Anthony returned to Crossroads where he was quickly promoted to a fulltime teacher, Director of Community Service, a Faculty rep, 9th Grade Dean, and Dean of Students. In 2020, Anthony assumed the role of Head of Upper School. Anthony founded Elite Sports Club, a youth sports program committed to using athletics as a platform to inspire young athletes to reach their full human potential. He sits on the board of Coalition of Engaged Education, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and is currently earning his doctorate in education from the Rossier School of Education at USC.
JJ Ramberg
JJ Ramberg is a current parent and an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and investor. For 12 years, JJ hosted MSNBC’s Your Business which focused on entrepreneurship and what it takes to run a successful venture. Prior to MSNBC, JJ worked as an anchor and reporter for CNN where she covered stories ranging from Hurricane Katrina to the NYSE. She also hosted the series Follow the Food for BBC World News which documented the demands of feeding a growing global population. JJ is the cofounder of two companies, Goodshop and Goodpods, and she was recently named as part of Inc Magazine’s Female Founders 100 list. JJ is also the author of the best-selling It’s Your Business and the children’s book The Startup Club. She holds her MBA from Stanford University and a BA from Duke University. She lives in Los Angeles with her three children, two of whom attend CEE, and her husband.
Darnell Strom
Darnell Strom is a Partner and Head of the Culture and Leadership business at premier entertainment agency, UTA. Strom represents the most transformative figures, brands, and organizations across entertainment, media, sports, fashion, the arts, entrepreneurship, politics, and thought leadership. Previously, Darnell was an Agent at Creative Artists Agency where he helped build clients’ strategy for developing a vibrant platform across speaking, books, television, motion picture, technology, podcasts, and digital. In 2005, Strom was named Deputy Director of Scheduling to President Bill Clinton, working in the former President’s Harlem offices. He later helped found the Clinton Foundation Millennium Network which has been recognized by President Clinton as an essential fundraising component to the future of the Clinton Foundation. Darnell and his wife are proud parents of their son, a student at CEE.
Massy Tadjedin Fardin
Massy Tadjedin Fardin is a CEE parent. She was born in Tehran, Iran, and grew up in Yorba Linda, California. Massy studied English Literature at Harvard and has been writing and directing, in the feature, short film, and commercial worlds since. After writing and producing LEO (2002), she wrote THE JACKET (2005) starring Adrian Brody and Keira Knightley for Section Eight— the company founded by Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney. She went on to write and direct LAST NIGHT (2010), which was shown at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival and the 2010 Rome Film Festival. In 2018, Tadjedin directed a segment for the international anthology, Berlin, I Love You, starring Keira Knightley and Helen Mirren. Massy lives with her husband and daughter, a CEE student, in Los Angeles.
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Usama Cortas is a CEE parent and Partner with Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., a Los Angeles-based private equity firm. Usama is responsible for LGP’s investments in Software, Tech-Enabled, and Business Services. He was named one of GrowthCap’s “Top 40 Under 40 Growth Investors” in 2014. Usama earned a BA degree in EconomicsPolitical Science from Columbia University. Usama lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three daughters, all of whom attend The Center for Early Education.
The Center, Spring 2021
NEW TRUSTEES
FROM REMOTE TO REENTRY:
ADVENTURES IN LEARNING 2020-21 Following the rapid pivot to remote learning in March 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 crisis, the school devoted much of its resources over the summer of 2020 to expanding its remote learning program while preparing for the eventual return of students to campus. The school year began in August in a fully remote model. While teaching students remotely, faculty found countless new ways to support student growth and development. Teachers and staff worked incredibly hard to create and deliver a robust remote learning curriculum that provided experiential learning, connection, and support to students and families during the pandemic.
COMMON GOALS FOR REMOTE LEARNING • Being developmentally appropriate for the range of children in any given class • Providing skill-building activities in all subject areas • Understanding the range of students’ home experiences and environments • Having an awareness of students’ total screen time • Working to provide a range of non-screen based activities • Providing breadth to students’ remote learning days so that they include ample specialist class learning times • Creating student social connection time both with classmates and with the broader school community In the fall, Early Childhood classes explored weekly topics through video lessons and projects, Zoom community time both in large and small groups, and follow-up activities at home. Specialists in PE, Library, and Music also offered live Zoom classes throughout the week. Kindergarten and Elementary students enjoyed daily class meetings, synchronous Zoom core subject and specialist lessons, and lots of choices for at-home activities. Students also enjoyed weekly 1:1 check-in times with their teachers. Sixth graders started each day meeting in their Advisory groups. Weekly Morning Assemblies were held on Zoom all year long. Many of the well-loved elements of CEE’s regular Assemblies remained in place: celebrating student birthdays, sharing student projects, and participating in a school-wide meditation also known as “Ringing the Bowl”. Each assembly concluded with a short video of longtime Receptionist Bette Feldman playing the chimes that signal “it is time to Zoom on” to class!
The Center, Spring 2021 PAGE 7
Remote learning was also made possible through the innovative Boomerang Bag program that began before school started. Teachers put together bags of materials to support remote learning, which were returned and exchanged for a new bag of materials every two weeks. ‘Bag Day Fridays’ became known as a busy time on campus! Many thanks are due to Amy Flemming, Susan McCarthy, and the incredible Instructional Support team who led the bag effort throughout the year.
PLANNING A SAFE RETURN Though CEE embraced the opportunity to launch a comprehensive remote learning program that met its educational goals, the school remained highly focused on developing plans to bring students back on campus safely as soon as possible. The Center engaged in reentry planning reflective of its mission and core values, and responsive to scientific and health department guidance as well as state and local guidelines. Throughout the period of remote instruction during the fall and winter, CEE’s campus was transformed to make it as safe as possible for our community. The school consulted and collaborated with advisory and working committees specifically created to monitor and analyze developments, design plans, and oversee implementation.
CEE COVID-19 TASK FORCE • Board of Trustees Safety & Security Committee, focused on Covid Response • Medical Advisory Team • Dr. Anne Rimoin, Professor of Epidemiology at UCLA and an internationally Dr. Anne Rimoin
recognized expert on infectious diseases, global health, and vaccination • Dr. Priya Soni, Cedars Sinai Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases • Dr. Moshe Arditi, Cedars Sinai Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases • Ken Daigle, Principal Consultant for Industrial Hygiene and Safety at Citadel Environmental Health and Safety • Cassidie Lewis, RN, BSN, PHN, CEE School Nurse • Faculty and Staff Emergency Response Team
Dr. Priya Soni
• Program Administration and Leadership Team • Health and Covid-19 Compliance Team: Cassidie Lewis, RN and Megan Loughman ‘05
Faculty and staff working on campus during the period without students present had the opportunity to acclimate to the changes and provide meaningful feedback so that adults on campus felt confident in the new protocols, systems, and technology before students returned. Dr. Moshe Arditi
Megan Loughman ‘05 and Cassidie Lewis, RN
CEE’s Health and Covid Compliance Team, along with faculty and staff, oversaw safe drop-offs and pick-ups as students returned to campus. Schedules were staggered to allow for physical distancing and ample time for completing required health protocols. In the mornings, staff opened car doors, checked daily medical screening completions, conducted temperature checks, and dispensed hand sanitizer to each student as they arrived at school each day.
Cassidie Lewis, RN
The Center, Spring 2021 PAGE 9
FRONTLINE HERO
SC HO OL COM M ITME N T TO FA M I L I E S
In February, School Nurse Cassidie Lewis was named a Magnus Health Frontline Hero! This award recognizes and celebrates those who have gone above and beyond for their schools during the pandemic.
• We commit to a strong program, no matter what type. • We nurture a sense of community whether we are physically together and physically apart. • Campus will be as safe as we can make it for faculty, staff, and students. • We communicate regularly and with as much transparency as we can. • We make decisions based on science and public health guidelines that are right for our community and our school. • When permitted, we will return students in phases, guided by safety, feasibility, and developmental needs of the students.
Kirstin McDonald, CEE Systems Administrator, kindly made the nomination, writing: “Cassidie has been at the forefront of our pandemic response team. She is in constant contact with our team, making the necessary adjustments to our mode of operation depending on the best practices from the public health department and our group of experts. She has worked tirelessly to make our campus a safe and welcoming place for our students once they are allowed to return to campus.” Way to go, Cassidie!
During summer 2020, The Center served as a distribution site for personal protective equipment (PPE) in partnership with the State of California and the California Association of Independent Schools.
LEARNING TOGETHER WHILE APART:
faculty and staff reflect on the ways the pandemic has impacted their lives and our Center community
“I’ve learned that it’s okay to not know what’s happening in the near future; I can focus on now and what we know now. In a year that has been so unsettling, I’ve decided to let go of my need to know what’s happening in 6 months and pay closer attention to today. In some ways, it’s freeing. That said, I can’t wait until this new freedom ends so I can predict what’s coming around the bend.” – Amy Flemming, Instructional Support Teacher
“This past year has taught me that kids are more resilient and capable than we expect. Also, it was eye opening to see how some quieter students really thrived in an online setting. Digital tools are often a great way for these kids to express themselves and share opinions.” – Matt Argüello, Director of Innovation
“I realized how much I missed seeing children. Teaching virtually for one year made me realize how much I love children and my job!”– Rosalie Schuller-Alonzo, Toddler Teacher
“The last year reinforced my attitude to appreciate every day as a precious gift. Everything you give, you will receive back, so give love!” – Delmy Jovel, Instructional Support Teacher
“I learned how easy it is to take things for granted. It has been so uplifting seeing friends that have been vaccinated and I can’t be any more excited to visit my family in Illinois this summer. The pandemic has been a well-needed reminder that I am extremely fortunate.” – Don Macatangay, Sixth Grade Math Specialist
“I learned that dogs are truly the best gift in the world! My dog has helped me get through this immensely challenging time by being a grounding and calming force for the better and forcing me to get outside, especially on the days I least wanted to leave the house.” – Natalie Babcock, Third Grade Teacher
“The pandemic was a reminder for me how fragile our lives are, and how quickly the entire world can change. I had to learn ways to maximize my opportunities to engage with my students. I learned how important it was to have stabilizing faces and voices in their daily lives. I needed them, too.” – April Frank, Physical Education Teacher
“I’ve learned that taking pause and making space and time around all our chosen activities is vital to our creativity and mental health.”– Mekenzie Schneider, Lower Elementary Art Teacher
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“I have learned that everything can change really quickly, so it’s important to appreciate what we can, with the people that we care most about, while and when there is opportunity. I developed a deepened sense of appreciation for every moment.” – Erie French, Instructional Support Teacher
“The pandemic reminded me to be grateful for the things we have in life: even simple things like going to the park or the grocery store, or being able to visit family.” – Arapaie Kurosaka-Black, First Grade Teacher
The Center, Spring 2021
“The art of teaching is ever-evolving and our students are super responsive. The CEE community has grown together and showed one another such grace.” – Raeshon Culberson, Associate Teacher
“Slowing down, paying attention to nature and our bodies is supportive to our well being. I learned that making meaningful connections during Zoom class is possible!” – Eliko Ozeki, Kindergarten Teacher
A SAFE & HEALTHY CAMPUS FACE COVERINGS
FACE COVERINGS Face coverings are required for all adults on campus and for students in preschool through sixth grade, and are only removed for meals, snacks, or napping. HAND WASHING & RESTROOMS Students are required to wash their hands with soap and water consistently and regularly throughout the day. Handwashing time was built into the new on-campus learning schedules to ensure proper hygiene.
HAND WASHING / HYGIENE
PHYSICAL DISTANCING & DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE Throughout campus, plexiglass barriers and directional signage was installed to protect students and staff and safely contain the flow of people on campus. CLASSROOM DESIGN & OUTDOOR SPACES All classrooms are set up to provide for adequate physical distancing of students and teachers. Classroom furniture is placed with appropriate separation and arranged so that students were staggered, facing the same direction (rather than facing each other). Student schedules include more time outdoors, including recess and lunch periods, and other classes when possible. The use of outdoor spaces is staggered to promote physical distancing and avoid cohort crossing. Playground equipment is disinfected between uses.
OUTDOOR SPACES
DAILY HEALTH SCREENINGS & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS All individuals entering campus complete a daily screening using the Magnus Health App for Covid-19 related symptoms and exposures, and complete an onsite temperature check upon arrival. Only those receiving a Magnus “GO” and a temperature reading below 100.4°F are permitted on campus.
All families choosing to return to on-campus learning agreed to The Center’s Family Pledge stating: “We pledge, as a family, that we will work diligently to reduce the risk of our family members and student being exposed to Covid-19 by following state and school guidelines for reducing the spread of Covid-19.” CONTACT TRACING Teachers, staff and students wear a contact tracing device called a “Mini” at all times while on campus. These devices support contact tracing efforts in the event of a Covid-19 exposure. The devices do not track an individual’s movements; rather, they track close contact with other Mini devices while the individual wears them on campus. CLEANING PRACTICES & AIR FILTRATION Our cleaning protocols and air filtration systems have been thoroughly reviewed and analyzed by an industrial hygienist. Additionally, the campus air conditioning system brings in as much fresh air as possible and utilizes air filters with a rating of at least MERV 13.
The Center, Spring 2021
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AS SCHEDULES WERE DESIGNED AND IMPLEMENTED FOR ON-CAMPUS LEARNING, SEVERAL GOALS STAYED CONSTANT: • Students learning on-campus successive days per week in stable cohorts • Emphasis on play, social connections, and building community • Developmentally appropriate, gradual transitions to on-campus learning In late February, CEE was able to begin welcoming its youngest students (Toddlers through second grade) back to campus on a hybrid schedule, followed by sixth grade on March 8 and third through fifth grades on April 5. By May 10, all grade levels had been invited back to on-campus learning five days a week! Fully remote learning also continued in all grade levels. To ease the transition to on-campus learning, students had the opportunity to participate in short visits to campus prior to returning for a full school day. The joining of remote and in-person instruction proved an exciting challenge for the school community. Students, parents, and staff alike exhibited a great deal of flexibility over the course of the spring as more kids returned on campus each day. The administration and faculty were constantly adjusting and adapting to new scenarios! In some cases, that meant combining classes/grade levels, changing teacher assignments, shifting arrival and dismissal times, using technology and spaces in new and creative ways, and moving classrooms more than once. Students and teachers created innovative ways to connect and learn, regardless of space or distance, for a year they will never forget!
More students on campus each day meant using campus spaces creatively. From breakout rooms to indoor/outdoor classes, students learned in all kinds of ways and places this year, including the gym, Community Center, Board Room, and library. Children adapted to new routines, schedules, (individually packaged) lunches, protocols, and cohorts, sometimes pivoting several times. The community made it through together! Laughter and smiles permeated the campus as students, teachers, and parents felt grateful to be at CEE again.
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When envisioning the duration of the school year, we not only aimed to open for students to return to campus safely, but we aspired to remain open without further closures to provide a sense of consistency for the children as they transitioned back into in-person learning. This goal meant the school took a cautious approach while thoroughly developing protocols and planning the timing of its reopening so we had the greatest chance of a successful, sustainable reopening in the context of the public health landscape.
The Center, Spring 2021
COMING BACK TO CAMPUS!
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION SERIES The Center’s adult community stayed connected this year through the well-attended virtual Community Engagement and Education series. The series, structured around the topics of Social Justice & Equity and Health & Wellbeing, brought speakers and thought leaders to share their work, facilitate discussion and build greater understanding amongst parents, faculty, staff, alumni, grandparents, and friends.
Ta-Nehisi Coates: Social Justice & Equity Series Kick-Off August 12 CEE Community members and independent school heads joined this special event featuring renowned author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates moderated by Dr. Shaun Harper of the USC Race and Equity Center. Coates and Harper discussed the newfound focus on anti-racism and how schools and local communities can continue the fight for justice in the wake of 2020’s national racial reckoning.
Senator Cory Booker: “Where Do We Go From Here?” August 26 Over 500 CEE Community members joined us for this special event moderated by actress, writer, producer, and CEE parent Mindy Kaling last August. Sen. Booker answered questions from the community about the state of politics today and individual and collective efforts towards social justice, especially in the areas of education and community building.
Mike Murphy and Bob Shrum: “A Conversation on Campaign 2020” September 21 Veteran political strategist and CEE parent Mike Murphy, along with fellow strategist Bob Shrum, joined CEE for a behind-the-curtain conversation regarding the 2020 election. Murphy and Shrum, both of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, shared captivating insights including what happens in the back rooms of the campaigns, how the media covers the race, and how the coverage shapes the outcome.
Dr. Lisa Damour, Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, and Eve Rodsky: “Practical Parenting in a Pandemic: Moving from Coping to Adaptation” September 30 CEE parent and bestselling author, Eve Rodsky, moderated a conversation with Drs. Lisa Damour and Sheryl Ziegler on how to thrive as a parent and as a family during uncertain times. Dr. Damour and Dr. Ziegler shared insights about burnout and stress in parents and how families can build routines and reduce decision-making fatigue.
Dean Pedro Noguera of the USC Rossier School of Education is a renowned expert on race, equity, and diversity in society and in schools. Dean Noguera’s talk focused on the challenges of our times, racism and anti-racism in schools, and the marginalization of people and voices. CEE parent Shukura Holliday Shimura moderated the important conversation.
CEE alumni parent, Former Trustee, and Founder & CEO of WorkingNation, Art Bilger, joined CEE for an engaging session on the future of work and how to remain relevant as the workplace evolves. Alongside WorkingNation President, Jane Oates, Art guided attendees through an informative discussion on unemployment issues, the future of work, the skills gap, and achievable solutions for our workforce economy. The session was moderated by Alumni Council co-chairs Nathan Ament ’98 and Darrin Revitz ’92.
Dr. Michael Thompson: “Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Lives of Children” January 21 Friendships are central to the psychology and happiness of children, but the Covid-19 pandemic hit children’s social lives hard. Dr. Michael Thompson is a consultant, author, and psychologist specializing in children and families who discussed the ins and outs of childhood friendship development and the dynamics of popularity. Dr. Thompson also addressed the concerns that many parents have about the impact of the pandemic on their child’s social lives.
Dr. Christine Carter: “A Conversation About Finding Peace” February 24 Interim Head of School Reveta Bowers and Dr. Christine Carter, author of The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction, joined in conversation regarding strategies for finding peace as a parent. They answered audience questions about what parents can do to find a happy place in the face of uncertainty. A sought-after parenting coach and sociologist at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Dr. Christine Carter melds research, including the latest findings in neuroscience, sociology, and social psychology, with her own real-world experience as the mother of four.
Rabbi Steve Leder: “A Discussion on The Beauty of What Remains” March 25 Rabbi Steven Leder is the author of four bestselling books and currently serves as the Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple. He is a regular contributor and guest on The Today Show, writes regularly for TIME, Foxnews.com, and Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, and has published essays in Town and Country, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today and the Los Angeles Jewish Journal. Rabbi Leder is a proud CEE alumni parent of Aaron ‘02 & Hannah ‘04. The session, moderated by CEE parent and trustee JJ Ramberg, focused on Leder’s new book, The Beauty of What Remains and how we can cope with grief of all kinds through this most difficult year and beyond.
Mike Murphy & Bob Shrum: “The Biden Presidency and the Future of the GOP” April 15 Following their well-attended event before the 2020 election, veteran political strategists Mike Murphy and Bob Shrum returned to the CEE community this April for an engaging analysis of the first 100 days of the Biden administration and the future of the Republican party in 2021 and beyond. Mike and Bob shared their thoughts on what to look for as the 2022 races heat up.
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Art Bilger & Jane Oates: “The Future of Work in America” November 10
The Center, Spring 2021
Dean Pedro Noguera: “Talking About Race: Overcoming Racism in Schools” October 14
ANTI-RACISM INTEREST GROUP (ARIG) A group of parents initiated CEE’s AntiRacism Interest Group (ARIG) in the fall of 2020 as an inclusive, safe space for adults in the CEE community to uncover and consider our contributions to systemic racism as individuals and as a construct in our broader school community. CEE parents, faculty, staff, grandparents, adult alumni, alumni parents, and invited guests attend regular meetings to educate themselves on what contributions to systemic racism look like and to ‘unlearn’ negative behaviors and biases. Through workshops and small group discussions in breakout rooms of 4-5 people, ARIG invites participants to examine their own biases and behaviors. Members meet via Zoom to reflect, share, practice, and ask questions in small and whole-group settings. Since November, with over 400 participants joining, the group has explored: • Practicing constructivist listening and how to have hard conversations • How to create a script to slow down a transgression or racist comment • Awareness of what a ‘single story’ is and how dangerous they can be • How stereotyping can affect our actions and how we can change our own script to make different choices • Stories about how racism and hate crimes affect everyday life • How to be a better ally and co-conspirator Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith joined to moderate two of the group’s meetings. Alongside the parent group leaders, Dr. Briscoe-Smith helped ARIG members begin and contextualize brave conversations on race. The meetings have been fulfilling gatherings with lots of connection, dialogue, learning, and unlearning for diverse groups of parents, faculty, staff, alumni, grandparents, and friends alike. ARIG looks forward to building upon its successes this year into the future.
The evening’s host Mindy Kaling led the community through a night of laughter and school spirit in true Center style. The event began with virtual cocktails and a very fun half-hour tribute to Center Galas past, followed by the main program which was chock-full of laughout-loud sketches featuring adults from the CEE community. CEE’s amazing silent and live auctions were a highlight alongside the delectable appetizers, dinner, and desserts available from local restaurants Friends & Family and Craig’s. Guests also had the option to purchase “Boozerang Bag” cocktail kits from The Roger Room. When families picked up their dinners on campus the afternoon of the event, they had the opportunity to participate in the CNL WalkThrough Costume Contest. Check out that Center Night Live Spirit! Many thanks to our 2021 Gala Chairs, Katherine Cortas, Jaime Lee, Julie Chen Moonves, and to the numerous volunteers who helped produce Center Night Live!
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In 2021, the Gala went home! On Saturday, May 22, the CEE community enjoyed a hilarious evening of Center Night Live in support of the school. Guests enjoyed a program broadcast live one-time-only across the country.
The Center, Spring 2021
CNL80 GALA
FACULTY/STAFF APPRECIATION Since parents have not been able to demonstrate appreciation for the faculty and staff in-person through the usual Monthly Lunches, Appreciation Week, and in passing conversations and encounters at school, the Parents’ Association chose to spread out their appreciation throughout the spring of 2021. Each faculty and staff member received a beautiful succulent arrangement to take home or display in their classroom or office. The committee also sponsored regular visits this spring from Arrvo Coffee cart, which provided morning espresso and tea for many happy teachers! There were always extra smiles on ‘coffee mornings’ this spring — some of which even included CEE donuts from SK’s as a sweet treat. The committee also created a large banner of thanks and love featuring portraits of every student at CEE. The banner greets employees when they arrive in the front lobby each day and is a reminder of The Center’s warm community. Many thanks to the Staff Appreciation Committee headed by Jamie Greenspan, Hofite Huddleston, and Rui Liu for their creative and thoughtful efforts!
WELCOMING NEW FAMILIES TO THE CENTER What’s it like to start at a new school—from home? Unusual, to say the least! Throughout the summer of 2020, the CEE Admissions department hosted a virtual “Summer Connect Series” for incoming families as a chance for parents to meet each other and learn more about daily life at CEE before the start of the school year. Presenters included program administrators and faculty who shared different aspects of life at The Center. New families were also matched with their Host Families, who help new families navigate the first year at The Center on an individual basis. New families attended Virtual Welcome Parties on Zoom in September, and will come to campus for in-person, distanced New Parent Parties this June. Students admitted for the 2021-22 school year received welcome packages with Center t-shirts and other goodies to help them feel connected to their new school, too!
The Center, Spring 2021
CEE’s Annual Fund Drive kicked off in early October with an ‘80 Hours of Giving’ event in honor of 80 years of joyful learning! The theme of ‘Center Together’ resonated strongly with our community as students and families had not yet returned to campus. Current families and annual fund chairs helped inspire others to give by sharing their love of CEE through a video series that was shared throughout the week. The videos showcased the sense of community, diversity, and excellence that defines CEE, whether on-campus or off! Over the four day giving drive, current parents, alumni, alumni families, grandparents and friends all pitched in to support The Center. This year, 813 donors participated in the Annual Fund Drive, the most donors we have ever had in the history of the AFD!
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CENTER TOGETHER: 2020-21 ANNUAL FUND DRIVE 2020-21 Appeal Chai rp
ersons
Jack Angelo Morgan Cohen ’92 Katherine & Usama Co rtas Alfred Fraijo Jr. & Ar t Becerra-Fraijo Yasmin Cader & Kevin Frazier Edna & Tom Gordon Lauren Nourafchan Ra van ’05 Valerie & Gil Ray Sunny Whang
A Cappella Hits a High Note
CEE’s A Cappella choir, under the direction of Ellen Gerstell, Upper Elementary Music Specialist, was awarded Gold at the World Strides Heritage Festival for their submission in the middle school competition. This competition was for junior high and high school orchestra, instrumental and vocal ensembles, and choirs who entered from across the United States! The festivals are held four times each year and all of the groups submitted three songs. Each choir member recorded their performances at home, which were compiled by Center Parent Corey Britz in their individual frames for the virtual performance. Their Gold medal means they scored overall between 90-100 and high enough to be once again invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City!
Retirement C E L E B R AT I N G
PENNY AND CAROL Beloved faculty members Penny Landreth and Carol Brasfield are retiring this year after a combined 69 years of teaching at CEE! Penny began teaching art at The Center 41 years ago, and for the last several years held the honor as the longest-serving faculty member on campus. Penny helped hundreds of students express themselves creatively and inspired a lifelong love for the arts. Her passion for art, alongside her drive to help others in the community, will be greatly missed on campus. Penny also was a founding member of The Center’s longstanding relationship with the West Hollywood Food Coalition. Carol started teaching at CEE in 1993 and moved into sixth grade in 1996. She is known for her warm presence in the sixth grade hallway, her sense of humor, and excellence in teaching math. Sixth graders gravitate towards Carol’s classroom where they know they can always find a friendly smile and a space to be themselves.
We will mis s you!
LIKE NO OTHER The CEE Class of 2021 created self-portraits to commemorate their unusual sixth grade year at The Center under the direction of Penny Landreth. We are so proud of the graduating class and their strength, leadership, and resilience in a challenging year.
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SIXTH GRADE YEAR
The Center, Spring 2021
A
A
SIXTH GRADE YEAR
LIKE NO OTHER
ATHLETICS
Sixth graders were able to participate in after-school athletics starting in the spring as they returned to campus. Ultimate Frisbee, which has become a popular activity at CEE, took over the field two afternoons a week! Sixth grade teams also played outdoor girls’ volleyball and outdoor boys’ basketball in the Pacific Basin League, practicing twice a week after school on our outdoor rooftop courts and playing handful of games against other schools as protocols allowed.
SWEATSHIRT
The Class of 2021 received a special CEE sweatshirt which they enjoyed wearing at home and then back on campus when students returned to school!
The Center, Spring 2021
DEBATE
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CEE’s Debate Team spent the year preparing for 4 league tournaments. The debaters researched, wrote arguments for both sides of 12 topics, practiced speaking, and participated in the virtual tournaments. Two of our six teams went to the Nationals Tournament where they debated Middle School teams! Three students received speaker awards. Many thanks are due to the parents who trained to serve as tournament judges.
SCHOOL PLACEMENT
After a year of virtual tours and Zoom interviews, the CEE Class of 2021 is on its way to secondary schools following the most unusual admissions process yet! Gabby McHale, CEE’s Director of Student Placement, provided this update on the Class of 2021: “The first completely virtual CEE secondary school admissions season yielded impressive results with 94% of the Class of 2021 earning acceptances to their first-choice schools!” Congratulations to the graduates and their families as they embark on their next steps.
PIZZA NIGHT
Sixth grade students celebrated CEE’s Pizza Friday tradition with take-home DIY pizza kits on a Friday night this spring!
STOCK MARKET GAME
Sixth graders spent the duration of the school year making mock stock market investments in small groups, competing against 251 other groups in The Stock Market Game. This program helps students build a fundamental understanding of investing while providing them with real-world practice in math, economics, social studies, and other subjects. The CEE group called “BAMNJ” ultimately won the middle school division competition in a landslide!
PAJAMA DAY, MOVIE NIGHT, AND GRADUATION
To commemorate the close of their time at CEE, the Class of 2021 enjoyed a weekend of festivities in June. At school on Friday, June 4, the class wore their new Class of 2021 Pajama bottoms as a celebration of their last day on campus. That evening, the students enjoyed a Movie Night celebration featuring the new release film In the Heights. On Sunday, June 6, graduates and their immediate households enjoyed a commencement ceremony and picnic lunch, physically distanced, on the field.
ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS The CEE Alumni Council enjoyed a full virtual calendar this year with regular meetings and special events designed for and open to the alumni community. Several alumni and alumni parents led various virtual events throughout the year, including speaking at the Community Engagement and Education series, teaching classes for faculty and staff, and leading sessions on mental health. The Council and its four committees (Events, Networking, Community Service, and Fundraising) worked together to foster Center ties even while remote due to the pandemic. Social events for alumni included a virtual mixology class and a Zoom reunion for the class of 2015. With more events taking place on virtual platforms, including the Community Engagement and Education series and CNL80 Gala, alumni from different parts of the country were able to attend CEE community events in greater numbers.
ALUMNI COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD The Alumni Council grants its Annual CEE Alumni Community Service Award (a $1,000 stipend) to support a young CEE alum’s summer community service project. Landon Lewis ‘16, the 2020 Alumni Community Service Award recipient, developed the SmartPacks Backpack Drive to support low-income students preparing for back-to-school at Ninety-Ninth Street Elementary. Landon put together hundreds of backpacks full of supplies like pencils, glue sticks, paper, and more. Landon shared, “I feel that it is important that all students feel confident and prepared to start the year with the necessary tools to succeed. With high unemployment rates during the Covid-19 pandemic, many parents are unable to provide adequate supplies for their children. Studies have shown that students often disconnect in class when they don’t have adequate supplies for school. My goal was to play a pivotal role in supporting students on their journey towards building strong educational foundations; I also hoped to help teachers with limited classroom budgets. This project relates to two of the Center’s core values of responsibility and caring: I feel a responsibility to help other students who may not have the same resources that I have, and it is with a caring spirit that I have the potential to help send children back to school with backpacks, supplies, and smiles!”
FRIENDS IN NEED
FIX THE BEEP Dylan Foley ‘18 Working with A Sense of Home to provide fire alarm kits to individuals moving into their own housing once they age out of foster care and provide fire prevention training to families
OUTSIDE THE BOX Jade Villapando ‘17 Working to create boxes of art supplies and other materials requested by teachers for deaf children who have experienced increased challenges with remote instruction
Virtual Art Class with Penny
Tuning in to Hear from Community Service Award Recipient, Landon Lewis ‘16 Alumni Council Meeting Kicking Off the Year with Reveta
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Carly & Aaron Platt ‘17, Alex Hahn ‘17, and EJ Chavez ‘17 Working with foster children over the summer, including cooking classes, sports, and more
IS THIS THING ON?
The Center, Spring 2021
THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS WERE SELECTED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR SUMMER 2021!
Grandparents’ Council Stays Connected CEE Grandparents remained connected to The Center on Zoom all year long. Regular virtual Grandparents’ Council meetings included wellattended sessions on CPR & First Aid Training, Reading Aloud to Your Grandchildren with Early Childhood Librarian Stephanie Steelman, and meetings with CEE administrators about the school’s planning for student reentry. Grandparents enjoyed the opportunity to join Council meetings from all over the world this year, a silver lining of the all-virtual format. At the end of the 2020-21 school year, Sandy Pressman steps down from her post as Chair of the CEE Grandparents’ Council—a role she has held for two decades since she started helping welcome grandparents to the community in the early 2000s. Sandy has four Center grandchildren: Ethan ‘08 and Louis Kunin ‘14, and Leo ‘17 and a rising sixth grader. She shares that she has made ‘extraordinary, lifelong friends’ over the years of being involved at The Center and how special it is that grandparents are ‘always welcome’ to participate in the daily life of the school. Thank you, Sandy! Colette Ament, parent of two CEE alumni and grandparent of two current students, and Edna Gordon, grandparent of a CEE alumna and a current student, will serve as Co-Chairs of the Grandparents’ Council for the 2021-22 school year!
A helpful session on reading to grandchildren using virtual platforms took place in the fall with CEE’s Early Childhood Librarian, Stephanie.
One of the highlights of the program was hearing directly from Center sixth graders who shared memories and reflections from their years at CEE as they look ahead to their graduation. Thanks to everyone who helped make the first Virtual Grandparents’ Day a meaningful day from a distance.
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Center grandparents came together for a Virtual Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day program on Friday, May 7. Grandparents heard about the latest campus updates from Interim Head of School and CEE Grandparent Reveta Bowers before remarks from keynote speaker, CEE alumni grandparent, educator, and activist Ericka Huggins. Ericka shared reflections on our collective experience of the last year and the double pandemics of Covid-19 and systemic racism.
The Center, Spring 2021
GRANDPARENTS’ DAY 2021
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