2022
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
Fall Magazine & 2022-2023 Annual Report
2023
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The Fall Magazine & 2022-2023 Annual Report is here! We look back on the joyous 50th anniversary year and preview exciting things to come.
A YEAR IN REVIEW Our Mission Welcome Letter Faculty & Staff Board of Trustees Board Committees Financial Summary 50th Anniversary TPSA
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LOMBARD
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RENOVATION UPDATE WELCOME NEW
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FACULT Y & STAFF WHAT’S YOUR STORY? All-School Theme Storytellers in our community
ALUMNI GIVE BACK
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ALUMNI NOTES
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HONOR ROLL 28 EITC/OSTC GIVING
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Why I Give: The Adelson Family
OUR GIVING STORIES
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FROM LISA AND ZACH OUR MISSION
The Philadelphia School educates children for a future that is impossible to know but not impossible to shape. Learn here. Go anywhere. ABOUT TPS
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The first day of school for TPS was over 50 years ago. Today, we remain a leader and whole-hearted champion for the preschool through 8th grade progressive education on which we were founded. We know that when children and teachers are partners in their learning, it brings a deeper understanding and appreciation to their studies. It helps create confident, curious, and compassionate children who advocate for themselves and others. Together, each child progresses forward and finds their place as a learner and as an individual.
The Philadelphia School’s progressive educational approach has deep thinking, innovation, and agency as its guiding principles. We encourage children to explore and push the boundaries of possibility to fulfill their academic, social, and civic potential. We approach learning through inquiry, projects, and community. Core values and new research inform the school’s program and pedagogical practices. Our interdisciplinary, theme-based approach provides the foundation for mastering academics and prepares students for the challenges they will face in the future.
And this learning happens EVERYWHERE – in our city, in the country, and in the classroom. Connecting our lessons to the real world helps children connect the dots and understand how they fit into the big picture. It’s how lifelong learners are born. It all happens in a community built upon meaningful relationships that help us all listen, learn, and welcome diverse perspectives. We wonder together, we discover together, we laugh together, we make mistakes together, and we learn together. TPS graduates emerge as confident leaders with a true sense of self and confidence to take on what’s next. We’ve always thought outside of the classroom. We’ll be doing the same for the next 50 years.
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Featured on the cover of this issue of TPS Magazine is the brand new Yard that, along with The Commons, teaching kitchen, and new lobby, opened in November. The transformation has been remarkable! What was once a blacktop is now a beautiful space for imaginative play, outdoor class space, and impromptu performances. What was once the school’s multi-purpose room is now a gorgeous community space where students and families can gather. We have a state of the art commercial teaching kitchen to support our hands-on, project-based curriculum, and a beautiful new entrance to welcome students, families, and visitors to our school. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the families that made Phase One of this transformation possible through the Ours to Shape Campaign. We look forward to the future phases of the project that will continue to transform our learning spaces in the Lombard Building. You can learn more about these exciting new spaces on page 16-17. These improvements are an outward sign of the ongoing investment by our faculty, staff, and administrators in our Mission, to educate children for a future that is impossible to know but not impossible to shape. Within these pages you will see the impact of their efforts this academic year, from the joy of meeting in Family Circles, to rehearsing with Kindergarten performers on their first plays, to the extra mile our teachers go in coaching middle school sports, teaching a mini-course, or leading a middle school backpacking trip. These teachers and administrators continue to showcase the amazing ability to connect with students, and their students look to them as more than teachers, but heroes. As we reflect upon our successful 50th anniversary, our impressive history, and the opportunity to reconnect with one another, we are reminded of why TPS is such a special place. Last year’s all-school theme, From Roots to Branches brought our community together through the Alumni Thanksgiving Feast, the Spring Celebration where we honored our founders Lynne Berman and Caroline Simon, and celebrated Sandra Dean, the recipient of our inaugural Founders’ Award. We are also thankful for our many generous donors, who are listed in the special annual report section of this issue. Without their philanthropy, the delivery of our Mission would not be possible. If you made a gift, thank you, and we look forward to partnering with even more alumni, families, and friends in the future.
2.8M
$
Raised for the Ours to Shape Campaign
520K+
$
Raised for the TPS Fund
952K
$
R aised for tuition assistance through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC).
308K
$
With appreciation,
rossed through Spring Celebration G in support of the school.
As an urban preschool–8th grade school, we address specifically how young students develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Through our commitment to diversity, we seek to nurture each student’s moral compass, sense of personal integrity, and respect for individuality. Learning in the city, country, and classroom affirms our founders’ goal of educating children to become responsible and active stewards of the urban and natural environments.
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
What a monumental year of advancing our Mission through your philanthropic support!
Lisa Sun
Zach Klehr ‘92
HEAD OF SCHOOL
PRESIDENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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Faculty &Staff 2022 -2023
Faculty and staff love that TPS fosters a spirit of creativity in children and the freedom to be creative themselves. Throughout this past school year, our passionate team members were masterful facilitators providing our students with the academic and socialemotional tools needed for each child to progress their individual learning.
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THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
Devin Adams
Thomas Flanagan
Ryan Kollar
Alyssa Rickels
Rachel Adams-Kaplan
Brittany Flippen
Teri Lawson
Catalina Rios
Djuan Baucom
Sara Forgione
Emma Luckman
Giovana Robinson
Kathy Becker
Forte
Daniel Lutes
Becca Robinson
Marisa Block
Virginia Friedman
Terry Maguire
Nicole Schaller
Sarah Bloom
Jill Garland
Emily Marston
Nicole Seltzer
Catherine Bogart-Rome
Jennifer Giampetro
Liz McCannell
Kelley Seravalli
Jamie Bogert
Chris Gignac
Bernadette McCleary
Tori Smalls
Donna Bostock
Jean Gizzi
Kevin McClellan
Keisha Smith
Shevaun Brannigan
Heather Gold
Mary Beth Fedirko
Caitlin Stewart
Diane Butler
Katie Greenbaum Neff
Katie Miller
Anastasia Sumpaopol
Rachel Butler
Elise Greenberg
Karen Moore
Lisa Sun
Gabriel Buyske Friedberg
Miriam Harlan
Jeffrey Mordan
Megan Townsend
Kim Carter
Sam Hartman
Rebecca Muntean
Marco Velis
Maisie Chan
Lisa Hoke
Matthew Murray
Teyanie Watson-Harris
Kaitlin Cino
Pam Holland
Madelynn Nieves-Renz
Chelsea Weis Passmore
Delaina Cobbs
Niall Hood
Je Un Park
Kate Weiler
Claudette Coverdale
Rick Jacobsen
Aaron Picht
Emily Weiss
Rachel Daulerio
Brian Jordan
Mathew Plastino
Jane White
Nick Dekker
Molly Kane
Ymari Ramos
Noel Yee
Anna Donnelly
Jonathan Katzenbach
Christy Reardon
Elizabeth Zack
JJ El-Far
Lauren Kibbe
Elizabeth Reid Simmons
Rae Fishman
Allison Kirshner
Kaitlyn Renna
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Guiding Today,
BUILDING COMMITTEE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Supports the care of the school’s physical plant and growth initiatives.
Assists in the preparation of the annual operating budget and oversight of the school’s investments and audits.
Mayva Donnon, Chair Anita Andrews Adam Douberly
The Board of Trustees undertakes many efforts to sustain and improve our school and maintains standing committees. With the exception of the Governance Committee, all committees include both board members and other interested members of the community. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2022-2023
HONORARY TRUSTEES *deceased
Anita Andrews
Tristan Jones
Robert S. Adelson
T. Carter Fussell*
Jenny Bogoni
Mike Kerlin
Jack F. Adler, Jr.
Frank Gould*
Jeffrey Donnon
Zachary Klehr ‘92, President
Robert Altman
Derek Jokelson
Adam Douberly
Marc Mannella
Lynne M. Berman*
Ellen Speiser Katz*
Chip Finney
Girna Mendez-Adkins
Peter H. Berman*
Leonard M. Klehr
Alisa Field
Drew Moyer
Hope A. Comisky
Philip B. Korb
Emily Foote
James Nam
Richard Laden*
Latasha Harling
Kate Riccardi
Sandra Dean (Principal Emerita)
Mollie Henderson ‘97, Alumni Representative
Barbara Stanley
John Jackson
Sean Vereen
Christopher S. Donner* Paul Dry Marianne Ruby Emmett Alan Fishman Philip E. Franks
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THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
Stephen Giorgio
James Nam
Jeff Donnon, Chair
Adam Douberly
Tristan Jones
Sean Kaplan
Kate Riccardi
Anita Andrews
Mollie Henderson
Drew Moyer
Jane Lawson-Bell
Barbara Stanley
Matt Canno
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Supports initiatives that assist the school in meeting its fundraising goals and that improve communication between the school and its constituencies and the broader community.
Designs and implements the rules governing the Board of Trustees and nomination of trustees and officers.
Lauren Ravitz
Jenny Bogoni, Chair
Zachary Klehr
Melanie Pontz
Anita Andrews
Girna MendezAdkins
Rebecca Shapiro
Michael Albenberg Jeff Donnon
Drew Moyer
DIVERSIT Y COMMITTEE
Adam Douberly
James Nam
Supports efforts to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive community.
JJ Shirley, Co-Chair
JJ Shirley, Ph.D.
Drew Moyer
Doug Edwards
Mike Kerlin, Co-Chair
Daniel Diadul
Paul Gabriel
Dale Penneys Levy Jean F. Mason III Gina Marie N. Moore Jennifer Rice Harry M. Roth Caroline M. Simon
Tristan Jones
Barbara Stanley
Latasha Harling
John Jackson
Alisa Field
JJ Shirley
Emily Foote
Barbara Stanley
Chip Finney, Chair
Mark Mannella
James Nam
Latasha Harling
Girna MendezAdkins
John Jackson
Inspiring Tomorrow. TPSCHOOL.ORG
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Snapshot of our Year
We look back on our school year through through a numbered lens and celebrate all of our accomplishments. Each number tells a story of our faculty and staff’s dedication, student achievement and joyful learning.
2022-2023 EXPENSES
REVENUE
Gross Tuition Revenue 88%
Contributions & Special Events 9%
Auxiliary 2%
Other 1%
406 78 118
INCREDIBLE STUDENTS
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NEW STUDENTS
FACULT Y & STAFF
Salary & Related 55% Tuition Assistance 18%
Plant Operations 16% Instructional Supplies 4%
22
General & Administrative 5% Board Reserves 2%
969
8TH GRADE GRADS
SCHOOL YEAR EVENTS
50
4
22
25
100%
10
5
78
THANKSGIVING FEAST LASAGNAS
ROBOTICS TROPHIES WON
CLASSROOM LEARNING CELEBRATIONS
NEW TREES PLANTED
ACCEPTED INTO ONE OF THEIR TOP 3 CHOICE HS
HIGH SCHOOLS REPRESENTED
CLASSROOM PLAYS
MUSICIANS PLAYED IN RECITALS
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2022-2023
February
In Review
TPS Tigers Basketball Tournaments Black Lives Matter Week of Action 8th Grade Shakespeare Play 100th Day of School
From Connected Curricula to Community Building
March 8th Grade Puerto Rico Trip Talent Show Global Day of Unplugging
September
April
First Day of School
Grandparents & Grandfriends Day Earth Day Celebration
October
Mini Courses
50th Anniversary Fall Festival
7th Grade Rock Band
November
May
Student Thanksgiving Feast
50th Anniversary Spring Celebration
Alumni Thanksgiving Feast
Spirit Week Middle School Camping Trips Renovation Groundbreaking Ceremony
December
3rd & Kindergarten Grade Plays.
TPS 7th Grade Robotics Team Wins Awards Holiday Sing-along
June Middle School Spring Fling
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January
Rainbow Day
MLK Day of Service
Graduation
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Oh, What a Night! Memories from our 50th Anniversary Spring Celebration
TPSA PRESIDENT
Melanie Pontz VICE PRESIDENT OF SCHOOL SUPPORT
Leslie Mishrikey Dancing the Night Away
From Roots to Branches
TPS faculty members take to the dance floor to culminate the joyous occasion.
Guests connect with past and present TPS community members.
BY THE NUMBERS
308k RAISED AT SPRING CELEBRATION
471 ATTENDEES AT THE SPRING CELEBRATION
Musical Performances Current TPS students brought their musical talents to the celebration including the Middle School Singers and TPS Jazz Band.
Founders Award Lisa Sun and Zachary Klehr honor Principal Emerita Sandy Dean with the first ever Founders Award. Cal Simon and Lynne Berman are honored for their vision to create TPS over 50 years ago.
128k SPONSORSHIPS FOR 50TH YEAR
72 AUCTION ITEMS
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THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
SECRETARY
Kevin Zimmer TREASURER
Sun Park VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMITTEES
Diana Bainbridge PAST PRESIDENT (ADVISOR)
Rebecca Selvin ADMISSIONS AMBASSADORS
FAMILY DIVERSIT Y
PHOTO BOOK
Lauren Ravitz & Rowie Villanueva
Marni Fogelson, Meeta Prasad Kerlin & Erica Cochran Zimmer
Lauren Harel
ALLERGY SUPPORT GROUP
Ilene Leiberman
GREEN & HEALTHY
BOOK FAIR
Virginia Friedman & Sun Park
Marni Fogelson & Carolynne Kayser COMMUNIT Y OUTREACH
Holly Murphy THANKSGIVING FEAST
Tricia Bruning BIRTHDAY TABLE
MLK DAY
Cynthia Compere
Michael Albenberg
PARENT EDUCATION
EVENTS & HOSPITALIT Y
Gayle Chesley & Tammi Inscho
Ian MacMillan
PICTURE DAY
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Stephanie Orphanides TPS SWAG
Julia Frayman, Lauren Harel, & Hilary Verbuch
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Our New Community Spaces Unveiling the first phase of our Lombard renovations We are thrilled to announce the completion of Phase One of the Ours to Shape renovation project, which has transformed the Lombard Yard and Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) into dynamic, inspiring spaces. The recently finished renovations have breathed new life into our outdoor spaces, providing our students with an environment for both play and learning. The Yard now boasts upgraded play structures, native plants, and an inviting outdoor classroom, all designed to encourage exploration and creativity in line with our progressive pedagogy. The Yard connects seamlessly with The Commons (formerly known as the multi-purpose room), which has been reimagined to foster community interaction and collaboration. Together with our new teaching kitchen, it is now a versatile space that can adapt to a variety
The Commons
The Kitchen
Formerly known as the Multi-Purpose Room, The Commons allows students to work outside of the classroom, creates a space for community events, and opens right out to our newly updated Lombard Yard.
The Kitchen will allow us to integrate studies of food into our curriculum on a hands-on level and gives us the opportunity to host events with a focus on shared meals.
The Yard
CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS TO DATE
Robert T. Foley
Jane Lawson-Bell and Edward Bell
Michael and Meeta Kerlin
Lynne and Peter Berman*
Leonard and Susan Klehr
Matthew and Gabrielle Canno
Sun Park and James Nam
Sandra and Michael Dean
Jared and Melanie Pontz
Jeffrey and Mayva Donnon
Barbara and John Stanley
The Marrazzo Family Foundation
Jami and Ken Young
of activities, from school gatherings, events, and presentations to class projects and quiet reflection. While we celebrate the completion of this transformative first phase, we’re excited to share our early plans for Phase Two. Next, we will be focusing on renovating our lower level to establish an art room, robotics lab, science room and STEAM Commons, providing our students with cutting-edge resources and opportunities to explore these fields in depth. The strategic arrangement directly supports our progressive curriculum, allowing for naturally integrated learning, discovery, and experimentation. The Philadelphia School’s commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment remains at the forefront of our mission, and these renovations represent a significant step in that journey. We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our community as we continue in this exciting chapter of our school’s history. Thank you for being a part of our TPS family.
The Lombard Yard features a variety of native plants, new equipment, and a place where students can both learn and play surrounded by an environment that sparks creativity and imagination.
Derek and Jill Jokelson Alexis and Tristan Jones
Deborah and Zachary Klehr
*Deceased
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Welcome To New Administrators, Faculty, And Staff Members Sheri Rider Jobe, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Sheri Rider Jobe’s work in education is as much her career as it is her family history. Her grandfather and mother were both principals in the Philadelphia School District. Her father, grandmother, and great grandmother were all educators. And her family continues this legacy today with both she and her husband being educators. Sheri also has three children, her youngest in 3rd grade at TPS, one pursuing a college degree, and her oldest pursuing a career in higher education. Sheri comes to us with more than 20 years of education experience. Most recently, she was at The Shipley School, where she served as the interim director of diversity, equity and inclusion and associate director of DEI, where she drove the school’s DEI strategic plan. Since starting over the summer, she has brought enthusiasm, thoughtful perspective, and strong leadership to TPS.
Sheri has recently begun her work on creating and facilitating faculty and staff affinity and allyship groups. This work will continue throughout the 2023-2024 school year with many chances to gather, learn from one another, and create community in an inclusive environment. Of her time at TPS so far, she said, “I am invigorated and hope-filled by what I see in these first few months, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to teach and more so to learn.” The whole TPS community is grateful for the experience and knowledge Sheri has already brought to our program, our students, and our faculty and staff. We look forward to introducing her to everyone over the next several months and to our partnership in this important work.
When speaking of her work, she reflected, “DEIB is our work together as a community. This is not easy work, but it is heart work, and I am enthusiastic about it. I am already invested in doing my part in our community to provide direction, resources, and collaboration in our DEIB efforts.” Looking to the rest of this year and the future, Sheri’s work at TPS will touch on five different focus points: • Faculty and staff education, professional development in DEIB, and curriculum review
New Faculty & Staff for the 2023-2024 School Year INTERIM DIVISION DIRECTOR GRADES PS-3
Melissa Carroll ASSISTANT TO HEAD OF SCHOOL
Emma Cottone DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS*
JJ El-Far
Mackenzie Hilton EIGHTH GRADE TEACHER
Mark Leitch INTERIM PRIMARY A TEACHER
Courtney Miller SIXTH GRADE TEACHER
PRESCHOOL ASSOCIATE TEACHER
Qiana Ganges
• Parent education
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & ENROLLMENT
• Board education
Devalina Guha-Roy
• Recruitment and retention of families, staff, and faculty
JUNIOR UNIT B TEACHER*
• Implementation of a bias incident reporting process
JUNIOR UNIT D TEACHER
Josh Herren (returning)
Laurie Morrison JUNIOR UNIT B TEACHER
Kelly Mulhall SPANISH TEACHER
Selekha Ramos DIRECTOR OF DIVERSIT Y, EQUIT Y, INCLUSION, & BELONGING
Sheri Rider Jobe *Not pictured
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What’s Your Story? All School Theme 2023-2024 On Friday, September 8, the 8th grade students revealed the all-school theme for the year: What’s Your Story? Their dramatic presentation, accompanied by the art and words of Maurice Sendak, music, and dance (thanks to PE and Movement teacher Claudette Coverdale) announced the year’s thematic exploration. Each year the all-school theme reveal is a highly anticipated moment by all of our students as it becomes a component of their classroom studies, a foundation Lynne Berman who passed away in September 2021, and her for Family Circles, and becomes a focus of our all-school husband Peter, (deceased 2016) referred to The Philadelphia assemblies known as Encuentros. School as their “fourth child.” They were so committed to the success ofan TPS that they have is made a legacy gift that will Choosing all-school theme a months-long process. In help the to transform the school for future generations. The gift to TPS spring of last year, teachers from across the units, specialists, is unrestricted, which means thattopics Lynnethat wanted the school and staff brainstormed possible would work for to all decideDuring how toin-service best allocate fundsthroughout to advancethe oursummer, mission. ages. timethe in June,
Stories can be told in lots of different ways: through music, through artwork, through movement, and, of course, through books and storytelling in words. We will explore “story” together, creating stories and learning each other’s stories throughout the year.”
OUR PAST THEMES 23-24
What’s Your Story?
10-11
Community
98-99
The Forest
22-23
From Roots to Branches
09-10
Rhythm and Rhyme
97-98
1972
21-22
Community Strong
08-09
The Games We Play
96-97
Child Times
20-21
Innovation/Flexibility/ Resilience
07-08
Earth Day, Every Day
95-96
The Underground
06-07
Tolerance
Empathy
“Talking” Walls: Physical and Metaphoric
94-95
19-20
93-94
18-19
H2O
05-06
The Wind in the Willows
17-18
Myths and Fables
Benjamin Franklin: One Person Can Make a Difference
92-93
Circa 1492
91-92
Mathematics Fair
90-91
Inventions
89-90
City Hall
88-89
The Forest
87-88
The Constitution
86-87
Fantasy
85-86
Ethnic Philadelphia
16-17 From Surviving to Thriving in the City, Country, and Classroom
04-05
Empathy: Walking in Each Other’s Shoes
03-04
Poetry: Painting With Words
Cosmos
02-03
Building Philadelphia
13-14
Mad Science
01-02
The Odyssey
12-13
Fairy Tales: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
00-01
Olympics 2000 and Australia
Building and Structure
99-00
15-16
Mysteries
14-15
11-12
Time
Throughout the year we will highlight different storytellers in our community, be they authors, actors, producers, artists, musicians, and other creatives. Please reach out to us with your stories, and we will feature you in subsequent magazines, newsletters, and media spots.
and in-service in August, faculty and staff added ideas to an “When Lynne and I first spoke about her vision of how she outline that divided this study into three parts: stories through would like to give back to TPS, I was truly humbled,” said Lisa word, stories through art, and stories through music and Sun, Head of School. “Lynne’s love and commitment to TPS dance. We collected names of storytellers, possible community was truly exceptional. She understood the incredible impact outreach, titles of books, and possible field trips that would that an unrestricted gift would have in ensuring TPS’ future.” animate this work. And finally, we gave the 8th graders the opportunity tourban lead inlife theafter sharing of the Devoted to an growing uptheme. in the suburbs, Lynne and her long-time friend Caroline (Cal) Simon wanted to find a The 8th graders began by sharing one of their favorite stories way to keep families of school-age children in the city. As Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. The audience Lynne’s oldest children, John and Liz and Cal’s oldest child, was challenged to unscramble letters to spell out the theme Tony reached school age in the early 1970s, Lynne and Cal itself. The students shared why What’s Your Story? resonated sought a place where their children and others could learn with them: about the history, culture, and natural beauty of Philadelphia as well as the traditional subjects elementary and “Stories are such an important parttaught of ourin lives. They entertain middle schools. us, teach us, and connect us to each other. When we learn each others’ stories, we understand each other better, and that helps us be a closer community.
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THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
In the following pages, we highlight storytellers in our community who share their stories through written word, film, music and comedic stand up.
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Jenny Laden ‘84 is an artist, writer, teacher, organizer, fundraiser, and mother. This Terrible True Thing, her first book for young adults, is a semi–autobiographical story told through sketches, journal entries, and first-person narrative of her protagonist’s experience of her father’s HIV diagnosis and eventual death from AIDS. Her story tells how this affected friends, family, and the wider community in the 80’s and 90’s. We asked Jenny about her process as a storyteller.
to include? How to make the story about Danielle’s journey and growth and not simply watching her respond to her father’s illness? Also, I had to learn to explain technology in 1991 – no internet, no cell phones. I learned early on that I had to include clear descriptions of what that was like, especially for younger readers who are not experiencing the world in that way.
Storytelling Through Written Word This story must have been percolating inside you for a long time. What inspired its arrival at this time? Eight years ago, a friend made a preposterous suggestion to me. “You should write a book about losing your dad to AIDS for young adults.” It was ridiculous. I’d only ever written a children’s book that no one published. But for some reason he believed in me and thought I should try it. He mailed me books about writing and eventually I couldn’t help but take on this strange and impossible dare. Once I started, I found it to be a thrilling, terrifying, challenging, and exhilarating process. I constantly felt as though I was at the base of an ever-growing mountain. But I also discovered that I loved writing. I loved searching for the right words, creating very specific characters, imagining scenes, dialogue and action. While my book is based on my own story, there is much in the book that I had to compose to tell the story the way I wanted. My goal in writing this book was to teach a younger generation about the AIDS crisis, while also expanding the narrative of who tells the story of AIDS. Many people who died from AIDS had children, and our stories are varied and vast. As we grapple with big questions about authenticity and owning narratives, it feels like the right time for many of my peers in the community of children with gay parents or parents with AIDS to tell our stories.
What was the hardest part about sharing the whole story? I’d shared my own story many times as an AIDS educator in high schools in the early 2000’s, so I had become very familiar with sharing this story, but with a much more limited scope. What was hard about writing this book was framing it so it made sense as a novel and for a reader. How many characters
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Emotionally, it was hard to conjure those difficult days, seeing my father in the hospital, watching him die. Revisiting the lack of governmental response was also very upsetting. And remembering a time, not too long ago, when homophobia (alongside racism and patriarchy) led so many policies and institutions that deeply impacted millions of lives.
What would you like your readers to take away from this story? That loss can lead to transformation in positive ways, eventually. It is a process, and grief is an unavoidable human experience. But it contains so many essential lessons – valuing life, forming community, being present, and holding gratitude. The book is an offering of comfort and guidance to any young person experiencing loss. Life is not easy, and we need each other to help us through tough moments, ongoing grief, and heartbreak. Asking for support is not weakness. It is one of the ways we become resilient. I want readers who may not have been alive during the AIDS crisis to gain some understanding of the massive loss of that time. Nostalgia for the 1990’s tends to erase AIDS, just as a lot of our culture did at the time.
Storytelling Through Film Don Argott and Sheena Joyce practice storytelling as documentary filmmakers at 9.14pictures. Recently, their film Kelce was released on Amazon Prime to much adulation from sports fans, as well as folks who appreciate a great story. We asked the couple to share some of the secrets of their trade! How do stories come to you? How do you decide what is filmworthy? Stories are everywhere! This creative team finds its material in a number of ways. Their first film Rock School came about because of a connection with Paul Green and the fact this was a local story. Other stories are brought to them by other production companies. For example, Spector was proposed to them by Lightbox. This is why Kelce was such an appealing project. There was a perfect sense of synergy: a local story, an appealing protagonist, and a compelling narrative. It began as a story about Jason’s final year in professional football. The question to explore was how to prepare for life after football by interviewing other retired athletes (what is your experience, what do you wish you’d known about leaving the sport?). When Jason did not retire that year, the story then pivoted to embrace all aspects of his magical Super Bowl year. Because the relationship with Jason and his family had already been established, the documentary filmmakers had incredible access to this story.
How does your daughter Maeve participate in your craft? Creative and life partners for over 21 years, Don and Sheena are parents to Maeve who is now in the Junior Unit at TPS. Maeve has become an active member of the production team and has come to refer to the films produced as “our” movies. From the moment she was born, she traveled with her parents. As she has grown up on film sites and in editing rooms, she has become increasingly engaged in the work and asks great questions. She has even had cameo appearances in several films!
As a writer and artist, what advice do you have for young writers who are just starting to wrestle with stories of their own? First, I say just dive in. Start. Anything. Get words on a page, or lines on a canvas. Second, I would suggest learning about your craft–if it’s drawing, learn about line and composition, tone and shadow, solar and light. Look at artists who make you excited. See what they’re doing. If it’s writing, learn about creating characters, descriptive language, building a storyline. Read stories that make you wonder, and cry or laugh.
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From L to R (Don Algott, Sheena Joyce, Jason Kelce, Connor Barwin, Larry Platt) at the film premier in Philadelphia.
What advice would you give to aspiring storytellers? Never give up–persistence is key to finding success in what is a work of passion. There is no safety net in the arts! It takes grit and follow-through to find some measure of success. You need to define your own success.
Maeve, Class of 2028 poses at the Kelce premiere. How has The Philadelphia School played a part in supporting Maeve as a learner? Don and Sheena feel TPS is a perfect fit for the kind of learner she is. Learning by doing makes sense to her–finding her own voice. Just as filmmaking is a collaborative process, so is the project work she is engaged with at TPS. The school’s emphasis on social justice is also important as so much of the pair’s documentary work involved “rooting for the little guy.” Maeve is, however, not a fan of editing her written work. It is great that she has experienced the editing process in film, so she has a real sense of what it means to edit.
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Carlin Adelson ‘01 is an actress, writer, producer, and comedienne who has engaged in all forms of storytelling, including sketch comedy and standup. We asked her about her take on crafting a good tale!
Storytelling Through Music Eliana Yang, Class of 2014, is an accomplished cellist who is currently pursuing a masters degree at Juilliard. She has performed solo recitals and concertos with orchestras in Europe, the United Kingdom, and across the United States. We asked her to reflect on her process as she prepares a piece for performance.
“My process when tackling a piece of music - and preparing it for a performance - has transformed drastically over the last decade. My sense of what my role is as a musician has also developed and will most likely continue to change for my entire life (I hope). Generally speaking, we instrumentalists are not given much to work with; we have sheets of music with certain instructions and indications to follow, but the rest is up to us. We must interpret the notes on the page and create a comprehensible story that audiences will understand and appreciate. How do we do this? The possibilities are infinite, which is the endlessly unsatisfying yet beautiful thing about what we do. Let’s say I’m studying a Brahms sonata (cello and piano, equal parts and roles). First, I’d look at the structure. What are the main themes of the piece that keep coming back (usually those singable motives that people would think of and recognize if one mentions the piece)? What material is thematic, and what’s transitional, simply transporting us from one theme to another? Where’s the climax of the piece, where’s the low point? How do the piano and cello parts generally interact with one another - punctuating and highlighting each other’s statements or weaving the themes together, singing simultaneously? The answers to these questions can begin to inform the interpretation. We strive to color everything we do with the tools we have to create the most profound and dramatic
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renditions of a piece, and the more specific we are with our visions and what we want to convey, the stronger the impression on the audience. Sometimes, I’ll come up with “focus words” for specific passages. For example, the opening of the Brahms is “triumphant” and “grand,” and I want everything in my body and mind to be channeling those adjectives. The second theme is more “wandering” and “questioning,” so I’d adjust my attacks to be gentler and my body to be less stable and grounded. We practice more “technical” exercises like scales and etudes to stretch and challenge our technique so that we can maximize our toolshed, so to speak, and have as much flexibility as possible so that we can physically play whatever our minds come up with. This dance between “technique” and “interpretation” is often somewhat fraught for musicians - it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing too much on the physical technique and “playing perfectly” and neglecting to expand our imaginations. Those who have mastered the craft generally understand on a deep level that the two - technique versus creativity - are not as separate as we often treat them to be, and that both inform one another. (Stretching one’s imagination and asking more of oneself will automatically lead to better “technique” because we will be pushed to find ways to adapt to our more sophisticated interpretation.) We strive to be physically free enough that we can easily execute whatever our hearts, minds, and spirits come up with from what we’re given on the page.”
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Writing a screenplay all pares down to one sentence: someone wants something badly and has trouble getting it. From there, the options are limitless. What does the character want (To seek the Holy Grail. To get back to Kansas. To find Nemo)? What do they need (Want and need are different. I want a piece of cake, but I need to fit in my bridesmaid’s dress)? What are the obstacles that prevent them from getting what they want (it can be people, scenarios, acts of God, internalized bias)? What is their life dream? What is their flaw? I have a list of questions I always write out the answers to before I start to outline a new script. I usually have the very small embers of an idea – typically a one-off situation I think is amusing – and even though I start getting a narrative voice in my head and want to jot everything down right away (and I do or I forget), I then force myself to take a step back and figure out what this world is and who inhabits it. Structure is your friend.
Storytelling Through Comedic Stand-up “I think that regardless of its medium, the objective of storytelling is the same: you want to evoke an emotional response out of your audience (or reader, or viewer) in a shared experience. A quick disclaimer because I have virtually no experience here: a novel can be inside anyone’s head at any given time. If you’re watching a movie, we as viewers have no way of knowing what a character is thinking without visual confirmation – a restless foot, nail biting; someone literally exclaiming “I’m so bored!” The cheat there is the use of voice over and chyrons. I’m guilty of both, but it’s almost always more rewarding and creative to find other ways to inform your audience of what’s happening. We don’t get to experience the internal pain, guilt, longing, and suffering that the Russians love to impart on us for five hundred pages. Onto my wheelhouse(s): Storytelling (The Moth, virtually any non-fiction One (Wo)Man Show) as a mode of performance shares more DNA with standup than it does screenwriting. Storytelling as a show comes from a central thesis: how does the storyteller’s point of view change over the course of the experience they choose to share? Or rather, how does everyone around them change because their perspective stays the same? Also, is that storyteller a reliable narrator? (that’s a separate lecture)
Actors, on the other hand, live moment to moment (if they’re trained correctly). That means the character doesn’t know what’s happening three scenes from now, so they are “acting” out their objective of only that scene. Even though the director knows they’ll be swimming with a bunch of turtles towards Sydney in thirty minutes, right now, Marlin just wants to convince these vegetarian sharks to tell him if any of them have seen his son. Does the character have a secret (this works well if there’s a flashback later on)? A specific posture? How does that inform their choices? A final note: I live in comedy. Because comedy is a math equation. Comedy = pain + time x perspective. This works in scripts, like Fleabag or Seinfeld. This works in stand-up. This works in one-person shows. The reason that it has been where the core of my work has been “successful”(i.e. not abandoned) in its execution is because the writer/performer needs to find a genuine piece of themselves – it could be fear, guilt, embarrassment, pride - that is going to connect to everyone else: that moment that the audience either realizes “we are all the same” or “thank GOD I am not her.” It sparks universal empathy through self-deprecation. It’s a very, very dangerous addiction.”
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Alumni Give Back
Still others have found ways to stretch their charitable giving to include TPS. Rather than trying to remember when to give to the TPS fund, several of our alumni have decided to support TPS by having a monthly or quarterly withdrawal from their bank accounts. Emily Altman ‘92 finds it a way to budget a certain amount each year rather than give that amount all at once. Leo Korein ‘93 likes the monthly gift option because it is simple and reduces his decision-making process. Katherine Latta ‘98, who lives and works in England, shares that giving quarterly via U.K. credit card is easier to keep track of and to ensure she never forgets a donation which might happen if she waited to send a larger “one off.”
item) and Andy Siegal ‘94 donated tickets from his professional contacts. Another way alumni have supported TPS philanthropically is though the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, which uses tax dollars to provide tuition assistance for students for whom their TPS journey would otherwise not be possible. Current alumni who give back to TPS through this program include: Michael Berman ‘84, Jacob Cooper ‘99, Michael Fiebach ‘99, and Scott Ravitz ‘93. Contact us at alumni@tpschool.org to find ways you can give back to TPS.
EATS, our annual fundraising event, is yet another place where alumni are making a difference by contributing their talents and offering gifts and services as auction items. Emma Luckman ‘11 shared her ice skating expertise (a very popular
The Many Ways Alumni Support The Philadelphia School Lynne Berman who passed away in September 2021, and her husband Peter, (deceased referred to the Theschool Philadelphia TPS alumni (now over 10002016) strong) support in many School as their “fourth child.” They were so committed to the meaningful ways. Many share their time and talents; more and success of TPS that they have made a legacy gift that will help more alumni are finding ways to participate in charitable giving to for examples future generations. Thehave gift to TPS as transform well. Here the are school just a few of how folks is unrestricted, which means that Lynne wanted the school to increasingly become involved at TPS. decide how to best allocate the funds to advance our mission. As part of last year’s 50th anniversary celebration, the Alumni “When Lynne and I first spoke about her vision of formal how she Advisory Group discussed ways to create a more alumni would like to give back to TPS, I was truly humbled,” said Lisa association structure. The first step was to designate class Sun, Head of School. “Lynne’s love and commitment to TPS representatives who will be the connection point between was truly exceptional. She understood the incredible impact alumni and TPS, helping to personalize information going out that an unrestricted gift would have in ensuring TPS’ future.” from the school and soliciting news in the form of class notes we can further share in fall and spring magazines and Devoted to an urban life after growing up in the suburbs, alumni newsletters. Lynne and her long-time friend Caroline (Cal) Simon wanted to find way to keep families of school-age children city. Classa representatives will help plan alumni events in forthe the year, As Lynne’s oldest children, John and Liz and Cal’s oldest child, decide what milestones to celebrate, and suggest ways alumni Tony age in the 1970s, Lynne andFor Calthe mightreached becomeschool more involved in early the life of the school. sought a place where their children and others could learn early classes, two or three alumni to cover a five year interval. about the graduating history, culture, natural of Philadelphia For those afterand 2010, class beauty representatives will as well as the traditional subjects taught elementary and support three year intervals. Starting withinthe graduating middle class ofschools. 2023, there will be there will be a class representative
will be the connection point between alumni and TPS and: • Help to personalize information going out from the school • Solicit news in the form of class notes we can further share in fall and spring magazines and alumni newsletters. • Help plan and execute alumni events for the year • Decide what milestones to celebrate
Alumni Giving 2022-2023
• Suggest ways alumni might become more involved in the life of the school.
1980’s
Several alumni are serving on the Board or Board Committees including Zachary Klehr ‘92 (Board President) and Mollie Henderson ‘97 (Alumni Representative). Others have lent their expertise to special projects. Alumni from our more recent classes participate in our Afterschool programming and are considered superstars by our students, including Tyler Tolbert ‘16, Talise Davis-Carter ‘20, Sarah Waddington ‘20, and Conor Humowiecki ‘21.
for each year. We now have twenty-four alumni who have volunteered to be class representatives! Class representatives
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THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
Andrew Siegel
‘94
Nathan Sandals
‘01
Jonathan Adler
‘83
Ariel Lichtenstein
‘96
Maurie Smith
‘01
Michael Berman
‘84
Mollie Henderson
‘97
Max Branzburg
‘03
Justin Pearlman
‘84
Eli Klehr
‘97
Cara Smith
‘03
Karen Moon
‘86
Katherine Latta
‘98
Tom Lefevre
‘04
Jacob Cooper
‘99
Michael Fiebach
‘99
2010’s
Leah Sandals
‘99
Duncan Gallagher
‘10
Emma Luckman
‘11
Amma Thomas
‘12
1990’s Michael Lissack
‘91
Emily Altman
‘92
Zachary Klehr
‘92
2000’s
Leo Korein
‘93
Jessica Bloomfield
‘00
John Marston
‘93
Daniel Mozes
‘00
Scott Ravitz
‘93
Sarah Besnoff
‘01
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Alumni Notes Emily Stephens ‘14 This past August, Emily was crowned National American Miss Pennsylvania 2023 in a most competitive contest at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton, New Jersey. No stranger to pageantry events, Emily was named National American Miss Pennsylvania Teen six years ago. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, she majored in communications and minored in economics with certificates in sustainability and digital media. Emily competed on a national level in November in Orlando and is also continuing to pursue a masters degree in environmental studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
From the desk of longtime middle school teacher and administrator Emily Marston, now supporting alumni relations at TPS. For this magazine’s notes, we focus on some of our alumni storytellers.
Elijah Teel ‘22 Mark Rogers P’93, GP’15 We recently heard from Mark, a parent and grandparent of TPS alumnae Nicole Rogers and Sydney Rogers in response to our spring magazine focused on the school’s 50th anniversary. Mark reminded us that in the school year 1985-1986, he and his wife Margaret organized a trip for twelve students to Cervera del Maestre in Spain, a small village halfway between Barcelona and Valencia where Mark and Margaret now live. “We were able to arrange for [the students] to each stay with a family for ten days. The mayor of the town was instrumental in organizing the families. Barbara Cortinez-Maurer [TPS Spanish teacher] was the chaperone. Our trip was truly a total immersion experience which made this trip so special.” Thank you, Mark, for reminding us how important travel is to the acquisition of fluency!
Ben Abrams ‘11 Ben has recently moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to work at the local Public Radio station KWGS. As reporter and news anchor for the station, Ben is the local host for All Things Considered from 4 to 7 pm. Ben received his BA in radio production from Hofstra University and his MA in journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. “Life in Tulsa has been treating me well. I’ve been writing a lot of stories and anchoring the evening newscast every weeknight.”
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According to his mother in a recent email, Elijah is still very involved in theater. He is about to start rehearsals for a show, is taking a production class for What the Constitution Means to Me, and is in an improv comedy troupe!
Savannah Cooper-Ramsey ‘96 Savannah has been working in university classroom education for the past ten or so years while completing a PhD. At present, she is adjunct to an “Intro to Literature” course at the Community College of Philadelphia and works as support at an 18th and Market restaurant Harper’s Garden. In her free time she reads, writes, rock climbs, and sometimes does poems. She has volunteered to share her poetic stories with us as we explore this year’s all-school theme What’s Your Story?
Allison Steele ‘94
Below are the names of the brave souls who have volunteered their time and talents to be class representatives. Please reach out to them with your news, ideas, and comments! If you are interested in joining these alumni in networking with classmates, please reach out to alumni@tpschool.org
After several years in journalism in the Midwest, Allison returned to Philadelphia and worked as a reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer for many years. She brought us up to date recently: “I made a career change about a year and a half ago and now work in strategy and communications. I mostly help nonprofits and political organizations tell their stories and advocate for their work - storytelling does remain a big part of what I do, just in a different way. I’m also writing a novel!”
CLASS REPRESENTATIVES 1978-1985 Tony Laden ‘81, Jason Lerner ‘81, Michael Berman ‘84, Jenny Laden ‘84 1986-1990 Judd Greenberg ‘86, Anne Parker Frazier ‘88
Pree Cole ‘22
1991-1995 Meredith Lissack ‘92, Steve Bach ‘95
Pree came to our High School Fair in early September and shared her news : “I enjoyed being back to represent Abington Friends School! The transition between the schools went pretty well for me. I find AFS and TPS are similar in many ways! This year the classes I’m taking are history, English, chemistry, honors geometry, Spanish 3, Power/Identity and Social Change, as well as playing the trombone in both Concert and Jazz bands. Another extracurricular I have recently started is playing ice hockey. I was in the learn-to-play stage for a few months, and soon I am going to make the switch to playing goalie.”
1996-2000 Adam Burgos ‘97, Leah Sandals ‘99, Becca Fischer ‘00 2001-2005 Emma Powers ‘01, Laura Bottaro Galier ‘02, Gabe Procaccino ‘02, Anna Reichlin ‘04 2006-2010 Fadwa Kingsbury ‘06, Rachel Goodman ‘07, Carmela Rolon-Dow ‘10 2011-2013 Emma Luckman ‘11, Daniel Leonard ‘13
Sam Valerio- Sacks ‘10
2014-2016 Sofia Newberg ‘14
This news from William Valerio about his son Sam. “Sam, now 27, is in NYC in acting school (completing his program this spring), very serious about it, performing with his academyensemble Shakespeare (Hotspur, Romeo) and being looked at for roles on Netflix. There’s no question that the creativity at the core of the TPS philosophy was a part of his growth.”
2020-2022 Charlotte Berman ‘21, Paige Murray ‘21 2023 Tristyn Howard ‘23
Madeline Addis ’10 Madeline is another alumna who will join us to talk about storytelling. She recently wrote “I think all the time about the ways that TPS nurtured me as a young storyteller, especially when I work with children, which has become a regular part of my life in New York, both in my acting and theater-making career and in the various “day” jobs I’ve held over the years, which has consistently included teaching and teaching artistry.”
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Madeline Addis
Ben Abrams
Emily Stephens
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Lifetime Giving
Annual Giving With gratitude, we recognize our Leadership Circle Donors. Through their generous gifts to the TPS Fund, EITC/OSTC scholarships, Sponsorship, and the Ours to Shape Comprehensive Campaign, this group of donors provides invaluable leadership within our community. The following reflects gifts made to The Philadelphia School between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.
THE FOUNDERS SOCIET Y Honors those who have chosen to make a positive impact on TPS’s future through thoughtfully planned bequests or other estate gifts. Lynne Berman Robert T. Foley
LIFETIME LEARNING CIRCLE We honor those donors who have made our mission possible for the last 50 years by contributing over $100,000 in lifetime gifts to the school.
1972 PACESETTERS CIRCLE $50,000+
TIGER TRAILBLAZERS CIRCLE $10,000-24,999
FAMILY GROUP LEADERS CIRCLE $5,000-9,999
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Stephanie Orphanides
Terry Maguire and Sara Forgione
David Othmer and Maureen Barden
Marc and Mamie Mannella
Kate Oxx and Richard N. Jacobsen
Lynn Marks and Clifford Pearlman
Sahar Oz and Allison Kirshner Oz
John Marston
Nicholas Panasevich and Lori A. Noll
Sonika Mathur and Mark Pedersen
Je Un Park
Sara Matthews and Ray Fabius
Judith Parker
Dr. Rebecca Mazar and Dr. Ryan C. McCormick
PA Partners for Education, LLC
Elizabeth McCannell Bernadette McCleary Robert and Patricia McCory
Jennifer and William Peranteau Eldra and Franklin Perry The Peter and Nancy Thauer Family Charitable Foundation
Corine and Patrick McHugh
Alexis Pew and Kevin Kaminski
Kevin and Nancy McKay
Daniel Pohlig and Alison Fritz
Mary Beth McNeish Fedirko and Rob Fedirko Girna Mendez-Adkins and Timothy Adkins Kristoper and Melodee Mendoza The Merck Foundation Karen and Mark Methlie Andrew and Ashley Miele Mina and Leslie Mishrikey Pia Mohsen and Mansur Rasul Karen Moon Youngja and Mark Moore Reza and Susan Moqtaderi Jeffrey and Stephanie Mordan William Morlok Sr. Ralph and Rose Mundy Rebecca Muntean Jeff and Holly Murphy
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Jerry and Susan Pohlig Cheryl Post Madhukar and Mamta Prasad Catherine Price and Peter Leckman Joseph and Maria B. Queenan Daniel Rader and Carolyn C. Cannuscio Kaitlyn Renna Dr. Karl Rickels M.D. Catalina Rios Christopher and Sonia Robin Aidan and Becca Robinson Stuart Rome and Catherine Bogart-Rome Ann Rosewater and Robert Kronley Peter Rossi and Nancy Rossi Judith Ruley Steve Russell and Debra F. Fickler Chris Russo and Beth Lundy
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
Susquehanna International Group, LLP Dr. Payal Shah and Dr. Mitesh Patel Colleen Shanahan and Michael Fischer Claire Shubik-Richards and Seth Richards-Shubik Dr. Ellen Siegel Caroline Simon Brett Skolnick and MaryAnn Crawford Keisha Smith and Derrick Allen Maurie Smith Delia Solomons and Adam Shapiro Joshua Spivak and Lara M. Rhame Eric Stahl and Sarah G. Besnoff Eric and Regan Stephens Daniel Stevenson and Helen Levin Cait Stewart Brian and Cheryl Stoyer Anastasia Sumpaopol Tharadon Peter and Jung Sun Dachao Sun Lemeire Talley and Ashley Tolbert Meera Thomas Interiors llc Amma Thomas Michael and Keren Toledano Box Tops For Education Gerri Trooskin and Joshua Mann Marco Velis and Maria L. Fischer Dr. Sean Vereen Bob and Marlyn Vogel Mark and Kelly Wade United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New
Rassler Financial LLC
ORGANIZATIONS
Republic Bank
Adobe
Schafer Family Philanthropic Fund
Aegis Property Group
South Square Market
America’s Charities
Susquehanna International Group, LLP
American Online Giving Foundation, Inc.
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
Aramark Corporation
The Fischer Family Donor Advised Fund
BB&T now Truist
The Friends Collaborative
BLOCS
The Glenmede Trust Company
Blueyes Foundation
The Merck Foundation
Box Tops For Education
The Sloman Foundation
Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund
Total Construction Inc.
Comcast Corporation
TPS Learn Here Go Anywhere
Comegno Law Group, P.C.
TPS Scholarship 3 LLC
Edu-Tech Academic Solutions
Underground Swag
Eisner Advisory Group LLC
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Exact Solar Fidelity Charitable Frontstream
Vanguard Charitable Waste Management
Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund Graham-Pelton Associates Inc. Greco Orthodontics IBM Integrity Funding Advisors (IFA) Jeff City Block Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Johnson & Johnson Marcus & Millichap Margaret G. Jacobs Charitable Trust Marrazzo Family Foundation
TPSCHOOL.ORG
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IN HONOR OF
IN MEMORY OF
Devin Adams
Lenny and Susan Klehr
Lynne Berman
Rachel H. Adams-Kaplan
Ryan Kollar
Geraldine Civiletti
DJ Baucom
Lois Lipson
Lauren B. Kent
Kathy Becker
Leslie Litzenberg
Clifton Ruley
Marisa Block
Terry Maguire
William H. Simon
Sarah Bloom
Emily Marston
Catherine Bogart-Rome
Bernadette F. McCleary
Donna Bostock
Katie Miller
Shevaun Brannigan
Jeffrey Mordan
Sara Brennan
Matt Murray
Kim Carter
James Nam
Kaitlin Cino
Je Un Park
Anne Clark
Aaron Picht
Raphael Cunniff
Christy Reardon
Rachel Daulerio
Kaitlyn Renna
Michael Dean
Catalina Rios
Sandra K. Dean
Becca Robinson
Anna Donnelly
Giovanna Robinson
Adam Douberly
Peter Rossi
Mary Beth Fedirko
Maryanne Ryan
Rae J. Fishman
Jeremy Siegel
Virginia Friedman
Caroline M. Simon
Jennifer Giampetro
Anastasia Sumpaopol
Chris Gignac
Lisa H. Sun
Mollie Henderson
Marco Velis
Lisa Hoke
Jamieson Wade and Grayson Wade
RIck Jacobsen
Teyanie Watson-Harris
Cora Jones
Chelsea Weis Passmore
Brian Jordan
Helene Weiss
The Katzenbach Family
Jane White
Lauren Kibbe
Qanita Zafar
Deborah and Zachary Klehr
Ways to Give The Philadelphia School has benefited from the generosity of our community’s time, talent, and treasure for 50 years. All gifts, no matter the size, leave a lasting impression on current and future students. Here are a few ways to support TPS:
IN KIND Bridget Foy Marvin Greenbaum Lauren Harel J2 Kate Riccardi Stephen Starr
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Make an Immediate Impact
CASH, CHECK AND ONLINE GIVING The simplest way to support TPS. Consider a recurring gift for a more budget-friendly option. GIFTS OF SECURITIES AND BONDS Gift an appreciated investment held for more than one year as a tax deduction and avoid capital gains taxes. DOUBLE THE IMPACT WITH A MATCHING GIFT Many companies offer matching gifts. Check out our website to see if your company qualifies.
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THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
EVENT SPONSORSHIP AND IN-KIND Support our Fall Festival and/or EATS fundraisers. You can also consider donating in-kind products or services to support these events or other areas of need.
VOLUNTEER YOUR SKILLS Volunteer with TPSA, The Board of Trustees or be an Alumni Class Representative. PA TAX GIVING PROGRAM Pennsylvania businesses and individuals can support tuition assistance at TPS through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. Donors may receive a tax credit up to 93% of their gift.
Create a Lasting Legacy
There are many ways to make a lasting impact at TPS—some incurring no immediate cost, and some that pay income during your (or your designated beneficiary’s) lifetime. GIFT FROM YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are the savviest way for individuals age 70½ or older to use their IRAs to maximize their charitable impact. LIFE INSURANCE BENEFICIARY Give a policy you no longer need by making TPS the owner or beneficiary an insurance plan.
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DONOR ADVISED FUNDS (DAF) DAFs are charitable savings accounts that provide tax benefits while giving you the flexibility to decide how much and how often you’d like to contribute.
JOIN OUR FOUNDERS SOCIET Y Make a lasting impact by leaving a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate. Other options include making contingent or residual bequests. ENDOWMENT Donations help us meet the school’s long-term strategic goals and ensure the long-term financial stability of the school.
TPSCHOOL.ORG
OURS TO SHAPE COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN Targets three ambitious goals for the future: broaden our place-based learning, expand experiential learning, and lead the way in progressive education. PAVE THE WAY Purchase a brick with custom engraving to be included in the design of the new Yard.
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50th Anniversary Supporters 50TH SPONSORSHIPS
Glenmede
Northeast Financial Group
Marta and Robert Adelson
Graham Pelton
Oyster House Restaurant
Aegis Property Group
Greco Orthodontics
J Peter Kenney and Dorothy Novick
AFE Strategies
Haverford Trust
Rishin and Amita Patel
Anonymous
Lisa Heller and Harry Roth
ohn and Neha Plastaras
Aramark
J2
Republic Bank
Elizabeth Brannon and Michael Platt
The Jacobs Family, Howard, Jane, Lee and Lauren
Ann Rosewater and Robert Kronley
Patrick Campbell, Realtor Gabrielle and Matthew Canno Carolyn Cannuscio and Dan Rader Comegno Law Group, P.C. Hope A. Comisky and Jeffrey L. Braff Sandra and Mike Dean The Dry Family Edu-Tech Academic Solutions Eisner Advisory Group LLC Elegance Quartet Exact Solar The Feuer-Edwards/Edwards Family Betsy and Bob Fiebach
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Jeff City Block Derek and Jill Jokelson Alexis and Tristan Jones Susan and Leonard Klehr
Daniel and Rebecca Shapiro South Square Market Barbara and John Stanley Lisa and Peter Sun
IN KIND-INDIVIDUALS
The Gabriel Family
Matt Murray
Valerie Abitbol
Ed Garcia & Jeannie Wong
Camilla O’Connor
Devin Adams
Lauren and Iddo Harel
Katie Parry
Rachel Adams-Kaplan
MJ Heart
Trevor Pritchett
Mike and Lindsay Albenberg
Kevin Humbert
Kait Renna
Beth Auguste
Dave Inscho
Becca Robinson
DJ Baucom
Marla Isaacs
Stuart Rome
Michael and Mona Berman
Rick Jacobsen
Dr Charlie Seltzer
Tirzah Blair
Brian Jordan
Michaela Selya
Marisa Block
Mike and Meeta Kerlin
JJ Shirley & Raphael Cunniff
Catherine Bogart-Rome
Steph Kimmel
Andrew Siegel
Bridget Foy’s and Cry Baby
Zach Klehr
Victor Spaulding
Andrea Cakars
David Krupnick
Eric Stephens
The Campbell Family
La Colombe
Lisa Sun
Kimberly Carter
Tori Lewis
Tena Thomason
Leslie and Isaac Chalal
Jim Loewer
David Townsend
Rachel Daulerio
Emma Luckman
Megan Townsend
Adam Douberly
Martha Lucy
TPS Kindergarten Team
Mary Beth Fedirko
Emily Marston
TPS Preschool Team
Julia and Igor Frayman
Sam Mink & Anthony Padilla
The Wawszcyzk Family
Sara Forgione
Jeffrey Mordan
Jane White
The Klehr Family
The Philadelphia School Board of Trustees
Lammey + Giorgio Architects
Total Construction, Inc.
Laurel and Eli Freedman
Tanya Morgan
Hilary and Alex Verbuch
Eugene and Deborah Lefevre
Sean Vereen and Beth Hagovsky
Mark Freeman
Melissa Mueller-Douglas
Elizabeth Zack
Irene Lu and Shyam Balganesh
Ken and Jami Young
IN KIND-ORGANIZATIONS
Mural Arts Program
Sawubona Creativity Project
Be Well With Beth
MYRetreat
Spread
Control Lab
North & South Bowl
The Barnes
CORK, Wine Shop at COOK
Other Half Brewing
The Craftship
Design Manifest
Oyster House
The Deacon
Flourish Market
Penn Museum
The Fabric Workshop & Museum
Germantown Cricket Club
Philadelphia Distilling
The Fitler Club
Igloo
Queen & Rook
The Philadelphia 76ers
Kari Skin
Rival Brothers
Tselaine
Madison K Cookies
RowHome Coffee
VinKo Plumbing
The Luckman Family The Luk Family Marcus & Millichap Marrazzo Family Foundation Ann and Ted McKenzie
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
TPSCHOOL.ORG
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EITC Donors
WHY I GIVE
ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS Marta and Robert Adelson
John Jackson and Deborah Thomas
Republic Bank
Brad and Mia Aronson
Alexis and Tristan Jones
Michael and Alyssa Rickels
Michael and Mona Berman
Stephen Kastenberg
Ann Rosewater and Robert Kronley
Jenny and Luca Bogoni
Michael and Meeta Kerlin
Jane Scaccetti
Ira and Stacey Brind
Leonard and Susan Klehr
JJ Shirley and Raphael Cunniff
Matthew and Gabrielle Canno
Davida and David Krupnick
Ellen Schwartz and Jeremy Siegel
Comcast Corporation
Joshua Lehrer and Laura Gessman
Barbara and John Stanley
Jacob K. Cooper and Natalie Aronson
Drew Moyer and Jude Tuma
Peter and Lisa Sun
Adam and Stacy Douberly
Osage Scholarship, LLC
Andrew and Megan Townsend
Elliott-Lewis Corporation
Roy and Rosalind Neff
Truist
Michael and Haley Fiebach
Andrea Toy Ohta and Brian Ohta
Alex and Hilary Verbuch
Igor and Julia Frayman
PA Partners for Education, LLC
Waste Management
Katie Greenbaum Neff and Phillip Neff
Jared and Melanie Pontz
Mu Yang and Kai Chen
Jennifer Goldberg and Robert Ferrante
Rassler Financial LLC
Mitchell Young and Anna Forrester
Iddo and Lauren Harel
Scott and Lauren Ravitz
The Adelson Family Bob and Marta Adelson are long-time supporters of The Philadelphia School. Parents of three alumni (Carlin ‘01, Daniel ‘05, and Leah ’08), active on the Board and in TPSA, the Adelsons for many years have made TPS a priority in their philanthropic planning. Bob and Marta have focused their giving on education, health care, and innovation. They see The Philadelphia School as a locus of excellence with a culture of continuous improvement: “We keep supporting TPS not because it always got everything right, but because TPS is always trying to get better.”
They recommend the EITC program for individuals as well as companies because it provides not only tax benefits but additional dollars for philanthropic purposes. The process of enrolling in the program is “low risk, frictionless, and easy to execute.”
The TPS experience enjoyed by their children has informed their thinking about educational support. “We saw the joy in learning and the possibilities of what an education can be.” What they value about TPS is the sense of experimentation teachers and students bring to the business of learning, and they want to make that experience available for more students. “TPS is not static: it’s ever-changing. There is a generative quality about learning at TPS.”
Currently, the school has 55 individuals and 12 companies involved in the program which last year raised over 950K to fund tuition assistance and afterschool programming for students for whom independent school tuition and fees are a barrier. We are eager to grow the program, and see it as an avenue for alumni and alumni parents to continue to support the school.
The Adelsons have made EITC funds part of their giving portfolio for ten years or more. They see the benefits of being able to support tuition assistance for independent schools. In addition, they appreciated the ability to extend the reach of their dollars via EITC.
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THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
We thank the Adelsons for continuing to support The Philadelphia School.
TPSCHOOL.ORG
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Giving Stories “ Supporting TPS is a tribute to the place that molded my intellect, nurtured my passions, and paved the way for my success. It’s my way of giving back and ensuring future generations have the same transformative experience I did.” ALUMNA
“ I support TPS as I believe that every dollar is a seed sown for a brighter future.”
“ I support TPS in honor of the dedicated educators who light the path of knowledge for my grandkids. Their tireless dedication and passion inspire us all to invest in the future of education and the limitless potential it holds.” CURRENT GRANDPARENTS
TPS TEACHER
“ Being a sponsor of TPS’ 50th anniversary is a testament to the legacy we’ve built, the successes we’ve achieved, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Here’s to the next 50 years of excellence and growth.” 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR
“ Supporting their school means investing in the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. It’s an honor to play a part in shaping their educational journey” CURRENT TPS PARENTS
“ Supporting TPS’ Ours to Shape campaign is more than a financial investment; it’s a stake in the future. We want to help with building the foundation for progress, innovation, and lasting impact that will enrich the lives of all who pass through the school’s doors.” OURS TO SHAPE CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTOR
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THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL
TPSCHOOL.ORG
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2501 Lombard Street Philadelphia, PA 19146
SAVE THE DATE
EATS Annual Fundraiser DATE
May 17th, 2024 LOCATION
The Philadelphia School An e-invitation will follow in the spring. If you would like a mailed invitation, please contact advancement@tpschool.org