Village School Annual Report 2021-2022

Message from the Head of School

As I begin my third year as Head of Village School, I am filled with sheer excitement for what we are building together. When I started, I promised to take the time to observe things with fresh eyes, in order to assess areas for growth and potential change. As we begin our 45th year, I can confidently say Village School is growing up beautifully, nurtured by the love and steady heartbeat of this magnificent community of parents, students, and educators.

Focusing on dimensions of wellness last year gave us a platform to rekindle and renew our spirits after a tenuous and difficult year. As a community we took action in myriad ways to bring the idea of wellness to life, and our teaching teams prepared our students with resources of mindfulness, meditation, breathing, and exercise. One key takeaway for all of us is that the wellness axis actually helps us achieve our goals and become more efficient and effective in our work and in our relationships. I am looking forward to developing our wellness program over the years to come.

Our Big Night Out was a wild success, and not just because this incredibly generous community raised $715K in a single Paddle Raise, but because we came together in revelry, dancing, laughing, and connecting, and we wanted to be together! And we did not waste a moment putting your generosity to work. As you know, this summer I had the privilege of overseeing the renovation project. I witnessed the evolution of nineteen classrooms as they took on a modern feel, with highend furnishings and finishes, ready for our students to continue their learning in vibrant, state-of-the-art spaces.

And, the best is yet to come! Thank you for being part of the Village community, and I look forward to celebrating the 45th birthday of Village School with all of you this year.

John Evans

REPRINTED THE WORDS OF THE CLASS

AS SPOKEN AT THIS YEAR’S GRADUATION CEREMONY.

Village thanks you, dear friend. Celebrating the Life of a Remarkable Human Being

Devoted wife and mother, consummate educator, steadfast friend, intuitive mentor, and champion for our Village School community in every way possible, Caroline Byfield was many things to many people.

Caroline Byfield

Visionary, innovator, and brimming with humor, Caroline always responded from her caring heart, astonishing intellect, and the wisdom gleaned from many years of experience. She shaped and directed curriculum at Village for more than a decade, introducing signature programs along the way that include the establishment of the Upper Division, the refinement of our approach to STEAM, and the tangible incorporation of social emotional dynamics, TK–6th Grade. Her touch has made a difference in every aspect of the Village experience for students, their families, and our outstanding faculty.

Character formation was a huge motivator for Caroline, and

she seized every opportunity for those teachable moments, inside and outside the classroom. She was driven by her desire to see students triumph, and to achieve their personal potential. Equally, she was dedicated to our faculty and their individual and collective educational aspirations, understanding that dedication to life-long learning and role modeling benefit both teacher and student.

Caroline never stopped her own pursuit for higher education and strengthening her intellect; from Reed College in Oregon, to Bank Street School of Education in New York, to enriching independent school experiences, and ultimately to Village, her wisdom and thoughtfulness were nurtured and cultivated and are evident everywhere, especially on our campus.

Caroline believed that outstanding teaching begins with an outstanding faculty—teachers radiating joy when witnessing student success, from the seemingly small achievements to the truly awesome feats. A comfortable, confident, engaged young person is one who is prepared and eager to learn, and Village teachers create a safe and inspirational environment in which to discover and stretch, academically and socially.

When we walked beside Caroline, we embraced her spirit of innovation and evolution and her pure joy of school life. We will continue to strive to be our best selves, and to provide the rich and fertile environment in which to nurture hearts and minds. Caroline was one of a kind, a warrior who faced challenge with grace and courage; she simply loved coming to school, and we will continue her legacy. Her passion for education will go on to be manifested in the generations of Village students to come.

The Caroline Byfield Faculty Professional Development Fund has been established as a living memorial to a wonderful educator and leader, recognizing her commitment to academia and to our students’ futures. With the support of the fund, teachers will continue to stretch their intellects and practices—and continue to bring home Caroline’s love for state-of-the-art teaching and the wellbeing of our students.

Annie Block

STUDENT VOICES

ANNIKA MY LIFE AT VILLAGE STARTED BEFORE I EVEN ATTENDED THIS SCHOOL. I WAS JUST A BABY WHEN MY MOM BEGAN WORKING HERE AS A 6TH GRADE TEACHER. BECAUSE I HAVE SPENT SUCH A LONG AND WONDERFUL TIME HERE, SUMMING UP ALL OF MY MEMORIES IN ONE MINUTE IS REALLY HARD, AND IS WHY I HAVE DECIDED TO WRITE A POEM TO HELP ME.

A BABY BIRD IS BORN, ITS WINGS ARE SMALL, BUT ITS HEART IS WARM, THIS BABY BIRD IS BOUND TO GROW, AND GET BIGGER BY THE DAY, BUT FOR NOW, SMALL IT SHALL STAY.

THE BABY BIRD LEARNS THE RULES, IT’S A QUICK LEARNER, NOT A FOOL, IT KNOWS WHEN TO SPEAK AND HOW TO PLEASE, BUT INSIDE, IT HAS SOMETHING UP ITS SLEEVE.

THIS BABY BIRD, IT WANTS TO FLY, IT DREAMS OF SOARING WAY UP HIGH. ‘BUT FLYING’S HARD’ THE BABY THINKS, ‘IT TAKES EFFORT AND I DON’T WANT TO STINK.’

THE BABY BIRD ASKS ITS MAMA AND PAPA, “WHEN WILL I GLIDE?”

“YOU HAVE TO LEARN,” SAYS PAPA BIRD. “BUT WHAT IF I FAIL, WHAT IF I CRY?” “THAT DOES NOT MATTER BECAUSE ALL YOU CAN DO IN LIFE IS TRY,” SAYS MAMA BIRD, THE BABY BIRD FLAPS ITS WINGS AND STARTS TO FLY.

Messages from the Board Chairs

OUTGOING BOARD CHAIR

As I conclude my eleventh year as a Village School parent, and my seventh year as a Trustee, I am struck with deep feelings of gratitude and the realization that change is good. Without change we don’t experience growth and progress. And while I feel sentimental about leaving a community where my children have been nurtured, encouraged, and supported for more than a decade, I feel privileged to have had a front-row seat to witness the evolution of this amazing school. There’s no question that the leadership team, curriculum, and physical campus look different than the first day I stepped foot on this campus, however, I am deeply grateful and proud that the heart and soul of this community have remained the same.

The 2021-2022 school year has been a year of great change, but also a year of great progress. In his second year as Head of School, John successfully onboarded an incredible slate of new administrators with the addition of Vance Ito, Danny Kramer, Ashley Burkart Mooney, and Valerie Nowacki. Under John’s leadership, the school achieved strong results across all key metrics: admissions, enrollment, secondary school placement, fundraising, faculty retention, and overall financial stability. We have exceeded our goals in all these areas, despite the headwinds we faced from unprecedented external factors, such as the pandemic.

True to form, our faculty continued to lean in and find innovative ways to teach our students while making

them feel safe so they could thrive and realize their full potential. Our parents began to reconnect with each other and with our broader community as life started to look more “normal.” And our students continued to exhibit resiliency, confidence, connection, and kindness in this highly dynamic and loving community.

The outlook for Village School is strong and I have great confidence in the partnership between John Evans and new Board Chair, Gina Cotter. John’s passion, creativity, and mission-based leadership will pair beautifully with Gina’s analytical rigor and attention to detail. The composition of the Board of Trustees is stronger than ever, with highly dedicated and engaged individuals who bring a broad array of knowledge and expertise that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of Village School. In other words, Village School is in great hands.

I want to sincerely thank John, Caroline, and the broader Village School administration and staff (past and present) for taking great care of my children and for allowing me to play in your sandbox. The lessons I have learned from this experience are invaluable and I am grateful for the life-long friendships that I found in the process.

With love, Suzanne Ginestro

Village School Board Chair, 2020–22

It is an exciting time to step in and serve as Village School Board Chair. In nine years as a Village School parent and four years as a Trustee, I have seen Village School evolve, welcoming a new Head of School, weathering a global pandemic, and finishing this past school year in a very strong position. I want to thank the entire administration, faculty, staff, trustees, parents, and students for coming together and contributing to the success of Village School.

A strategic goal of the Board of Trustees is to ensure the financial health of our school and enhance our culture of philanthropy thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of Village School in perpetuity. Warren Buffet once said, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” We made strong progress in the last year on our three priorities tied to this goal: financial sustainability, facilities masterplan, and enrollment management. Our Village Fund exceeded our goal and raised over $900K; another exceptional year! Most notably, 100% of our faculty and staff and 93% of our families participated in the Village Fund. In addition, the paddle raise at our Spring Fundraiser raised over $700K, enabling us to accelerate a nineteen classroom complete renovation this summer. We saw one of our strongest admissions and secondary school placements seasons this past year relative to independent schools in the Westside school community. We have much to be proud of.

INCOMING BOARD CHAIR

With the changing landscape of education and the changing world around us, we are fortunate to have John Evans as our Head of School providing strong leadership as we continue to support an academically rigorous and balanced curriculum, invest in faculty professional development and nurture social and emotional competencies in our students. John made significant headway while managing through a global pandemic in his first two years on the job and while facing other considerable headwinds. I would be remiss to not mention the deeply painful and frankly unimaginable loss we faced as a community with the passing of Caroline Byfield this past June. Over time, we will continue to celebrate and honor Caroline and her many contributions to Village School. Our community is strong and while we will face ups and downs, we are resilient. I am especially grateful for our talented teachers and staff that create a special environment for our children. And finally, I want to express my gratitude to the school’s Board of Trustees who care so deeply about the school and give so generously. I am fortunate to serve with such a dedicated group of individuals. I look forward to a strong 2022–23 school year.

STUDENT VOICES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Suzanne Ginestro, Chair

Joel Farar, Vice Chair

Gina Cotter, Treasurer Jeff Richardson, Secretary Cameron Broumand

SOPHIE QUITE LITERALLY, I HAVE SPENT TWO-THIRDS OF MY LIFE AS A VILLAGE VIKING. FOR ME, VILLAGE HAS BEEN ABOUT CONNECTING AND MAKING LIFELONG FRIENDS, ABOUT PLAYING MULTIPLE SPORTS AND LEARNING TO WORK AS A TEAM, AND ABOUT DISCOVERING NEW THINGS THAT I LOVE, LIKE READING A THRILLING NOVEL. AND I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT PART OF A MUSICAL WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, SINGING AND ACTING ON STAGE OR PRESENTING IN FRONT OF PEOPLE, OTHER THAN MY PARENTS! AS I WALKED BY THE TOWERING 6TH GRADERS AND TEACHERS ON MY FIRST DAY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, I WAS NERVOUS. BUT LOOKING BACK AT IT, I DON’T KNOW WHY. RIGHT WHEN I WALKED IN MY CLASSROOM, I WAS WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS, AND I IMMEDIATELY FELT THAT I BELONGED.

Malcolm Darrell John Evans Amy Goldsmith

Sam Grayeli

Sheri Green Leah Karlov

Olivia Kelly Joel Montminy

Mike Nohaile

Emily Park Desirae Shepard

Brett Thomas Dan Weinberger

Gina Cotter

Trustees On the Move

RETIRING TRUSTEES

Cameron Broumand Cameron is a native of Los Angeles and graduated from USC in 1994. He has worked in real estate development for the past 15 years. He is one of the founders of Sushi Nozawa LLC, a restaurant group, which owns and operates two concepts: Sugarfish and Kazunori. He is responsible for the real estate and growth development strategies of the business. Cameron and his wife, Mary Beth, are the parents of three Village School alumni, Cami (Class of 2016) and Luke (Class of 2018), and Olivia (Class of 2022). Cameron became a trustee in 2016 and served on the Facilities Committee.

Malcolm Darrell Creative Director; Curator; Creative Strategist. Malcolm consults on various projects that focus on the intersection of humanity, creativity and the multi-sensory. He is a former Creative Director of the Live Entertainment division of Walt Disney Imagineering where he researched, tinkered, and produced new technology, talent and entertainment for Disney Parks. Currently he is a consultant for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most awarded American

whiskey or bourbon over the past three years. Malcolm has over 20 years of expertise in developing and producing, live and immersive entertainment experiences from around the globe. He holds a BA from U.C. Berkeley and an MFA from Yale University. He is the father of two Village students: Eryn (Class of 2020) and Jocelyn (Class of 2024)

Suzanne Ginestro Suzanne is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Califia Farms, a leading plant-based beverage brand. Prior to her role at Califia, Suzanne was the Chief Marketing Officer for both Quest Nutrition and for the Campbell Fresh division of the Campbell Soup Company. Suzanne also held marketing leadership roles at Bolthouse Farms, Pinkberry Ventures, Red Bull North America, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream and Kraft Foods. In addition to her day job, Suzanne also serves on the Board of Directors for the Humm kombucha brand. Suzanne earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and her MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern. She became a Village School Trustee

in 2015, led the Marketing Committee and Head of School Search Committee, as well as served as the Board Chair for the past two years. Suzanne has two children who attended Village School: Sydney, (Class of 2018) and Jake (Class of 2022).

Mike Nohaile Mike is the Chief Executive Officer at Prellis Biologics. Prior to this he was a partner at Flagship Pioneering and Chief Scientific Officer at Generate Biomedicines. Earlier in his career he served as senior vice president of Strategy, Commercialization & Innovation at Amgen. Prior to Amgen, he served as the head and general manager of the Molecular Diagnostics Business Unit at Novartis. Mike began his career at McKinsey & Company as partner in the New Jersey office, where he worked extensively in the healthcare area with a particular focus on diagnostics, devices and pharmaceuticals. He has a doctorate in molecular and cell biology from University of California, Berkeley, and he was a postdoctoral fellow at MIT in the Department of Biology. He is the father of two Village students, Maeve (Class of 2023) and Nieve (Class of 2025).

CAMERON BROUMAND

MALCOLM DARRELL

SUZANNE GINESTRO

MIKE NOHAILE

INCOMING TRUSTEES

Gina Taylor Cotter will assume the role of Board Chair and will lead the Board of Trustees for the next two years. Gina joined the Board in 2019 and has exhibited strong leadership through her roles as Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Chair of the Finance Committee.

She brings deep professional expertise from almost 25 years at American Express, where she held senior roles in strategy, risk management, marketing, product, and general management. Gina and her family have been a part of the Village School community since 2014. She is the proud mother to three children: James (Class of 2025), Brooke (Class of 2023) and Sophia (Class of 2021).

We are confident that Gina’s strategic horsepower and collaborative approach will serve the school well as she partners with John on charting the course ahead.

Eric Freedman

Eric has been responsible for the acquisition, syndication, and operation of over $1.5 billion of real estate assets since 2002. He co-founded several real estate investment vehicles and in 2008, moved into property and construction

management, cofounding Coastline Real Estate Advisors, and Turnaround Solutions, a licensed California general contracting firm. At Village School, Eric serves on the Board’s Finance Committee and previously served on the Board’s Facilities Committee. Eric and his wife Beth have three children: Laura (Class of 2027), Brent (Class of 2023) and Giles (Class of 2021).

Antara Jaitly Antara earned her Master’s Degrees in Economics and Business Administration. She has worked as a senior manager in the field of strategy consulting and marketing and has led the execution of global go-to-market research projects for leading Fortune 100 technology firms.

Over the years, her work at Analysis Mason (AMI Partners) and Accenture has supported client decision making across Strategy, Marketing, Sales, Customer Experience and Loyalty functions. At Village School, Antara serves as Secretary of the Village School Parent Association (VSPA) and is also on the Executive Committee. She also currently serves on the Board’s Marketing Committee. Previously,

she served on the Board’s Committee on Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity. Antara and her husband Pratyoosh have two children: Rohan (Class of 2027) and Reyaan (Class of 2022).

Scott Silveri Scott is a veteran television writer and producer. Born and raised in Yonkers, New York, his earliest credits were NBC’s Mad About You and Friends, where he rose through the ranks to Executive Producer, receiving the Emmy award for Outstanding Comedy Series. He co-created the show’s spinoff, Joey. More recent series include the NBC shows Go On, starring Matthew Perry and Perfect Couples (co-created with Jon Pollack), and ABC’s Speechless At Village School, Scott serves on the Board’s Committee on Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity. Scott and his wife Shana have three children: Jack (Class of 2025), Ellie (Class of 2022), and Chiara (Class of 2021).

OWEN

I DON’T THINK IT’S JUST A RED SHIRT THAT MAKES A VILLAGE STUDENT WHO THEY ARE, IT’S THE HEART AND SOUL INSIDE. VILLAGE SCHOOL IS TRULY A SPECIAL PLACE BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE WHO FILL IT. THE TEACHERS TRULY CARE. THE LAST SEVEN YEARS OF MY LIFE AT VILLAGE HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT, AND I AM A DIFFERENT PERSON TODAY BECAUSE OF IT. AND LET ME JUST SAY THAT THE TEACHERS MADE MY EXPERIENCE NEAR PERFECT. EVEN WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD COLLAPSED WHEN COVID HIT, YOU GUYS TOOK ACTION TO MAKE OUR EXPERIENCE POSITIVE (BUT, NOT ON A COVID TEST). EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A LOW POINT FOR MANY, SOME OF MY FAVORITE MEMORIES CAME FROM ZOOM. SO, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

GINA TAYLOR COTTER

ERIC FREEDMAN

ANTARA JAITLY

SCOTT SILVERI

Faculty & Staff 2021–22

Edwin Alfaro

Nick Allen

Antoinette Alvarado

Betsy Basom

Dr. Kenzo Bergeron

Melissa Bishop

Annie Block Matthew Bovberg Anu Burkhardt Caroline Byfield

Paula Chambers Alex Chehebar Nick Chilkov Teresa Coe

Karli Cohn

Rafael Cordero

Yvette Davies Maureen Dessureault Christine Eaves Tami Emerson Wayne Emerson Conrad Evans John Evans Aleyda Forbes Diane Friedman Andrea Garcia Chris Gonyaw Kourtney Hicks Heather Holguin Vance Ito

Ashley Jacobs Wendy Jacobson

Danny Kramer Kristen Lee Jordan Levine Tim Lind Giovanni Madia Antonio Martinez Julie Mazzaferro Brittanie McGregor Meredith Miller Ashley Mooney Erica Nicholson Valerie Nowacki Ana Onaindia

Daniel Ordoñez

Eddy Ordoñez

Lesly Ordoñez

Katelyn Patterson Olivia Paysinger Paul Pettigrew Marina Place Edwin Pleitez

Joshua Robinson Giovanni Rodriguez Aidan Romick Josie Rosen Jane Sheppard Paula Shin Kathleen Silberman

Sara Singsank Sarah Stricker Macy Tone Robert Traegler

Darin Turpin

Liana Unger Stephanie Walker Alex Warmer

Georgette Washington Caitlin Welsh Greg Whitmore Sam Woodward

John Evans

Head of School

Caroline Byfield Assistant Head of School

Dr. Kenzo Bergeron

Director of Teaching, Learning, Equity, and Inclusion

Annie Block

Assistant to the Head of School, Director of Secondary School Placement, Registrar, and Board Liaison

Ashley Burkart-Mooney

Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management

Chris Gonyaw

Director of Communications and Creative Media

Vance Ito

Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Danny Kramer

Director of Institutional Advancement

Valerie Nowacki Director of Human Resources

Sara Singsank

Director of Development and Parent Engagement

STUDENT VOICES

TOMAS EIGHT YEARS OF MY LIFE WRAPPED UP. 1.18 GIGABYTES OF GOOGLE DOCUMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS ARCHIVED. BUT I STILL HAVE HUNDREDS OF MEMORIES IN MY MIND. AS I WALK AWAY FROM VILLAGE AND MOVE ONTO MY NEXT SCHOOL, I FEEL AS THOUGH I REALLY UNDERSTAND VILLAGE’S SLOGAN: “THIS IS CHILDHOOD.” THE LAST EIGHT YEARS OF MY LIFE HAVE BEEN REMARKABLE: MEETING NEW FRIENDS, UNDERSTANDING HOW THE WORLD WORKS, LEARNING AND PLAYING. I STARTED THIS SCHOOL KNOWING VERY LITTLE ABOUT ANYTHING. NOW I’M A GENIUS! EVEN THOUGH THIS IS SADLY NOT TRUE, I DO FEEL THAT VILLAGE AND ALL MY TEACHERS HAVE PREPARED ME FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF STEPS. THIS TRULY MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME, AND I THANK VILLAGE FOR ALL IT HAS DONE.

NEVER-ENDING EDUCATION

2021–22

Faculty & Staff Professional Development

The last few years have been challenging for educators—to say the least—but despite this, our faculty has remained committed to professional development. At Village School, we believe that ongoing professional development is critical to student advancement by keeping teachers up-to-date on research about how children learn, emerging technology for the classroom, new curriculum resources, and more. In addition to the many associate teachers who are in the process of completing their master’s degrees and teaching credentials, several of our faculty members participated in two UCLA workshops—”CGI in the Early Education Classroom” and “Building Math Fluency through Playful Collaboration.” We also had several teachers who will be exploring Responsive Classroom Training this summer in an effort to create and maintain healthy and productive social/emotional programming. Our Physical Education and Wellness Department attended the CAPHERD conference, a comprehensive Health Education Conference, and our Spanish Department participated in annual conferences held by the American Council for Teaching Foreign Languages. Finally, the DREAM Studio and Math Lab collaborated on a fourth-grade MakerBit and Pizza Box Science Discovery project, which was the result of the hard work and dedication of our specialists.

At Village, we believe that professional development is a lifetime process that demands commitment—the same kind of commitment to learning that we instill in our students.

Dr. Kenzo Bergeron

27 people took part in 26 professional development opportunities

Student Body Representatives Take Service Leadership Seriously . . . But There’s Plenty of Room for Fun!

by Annie Block

During 2021–22, student leaders gathered regularly before school to talk about opportunities to build community spirit and connection. Items on the agenda covered the gamut, from support for food and book drives to composing a letter of welcome for incoming students, and from spirit day themes (VS is bursting with creativity!) to Holiday cards for troops—an experience that was made all the more tangible by our guest speaker and VS security guard Caleb, who had served in the military. He talked about the impact of receiving messages from home when he was far away, and to know that people cared.

Council officers led several Monday Morning Meetings throughout the year, sharing books that resonated with each monthly school theme including, the mind/body connection, hydration, exercise, mindfulness, meditation, breath, sleep, joy, play, and gratitude. Third Grade Representative Jack suggested a schoolwide art project which resulted in a grade level interpretation for each of the Dimensions of Wellness. Teachers posted student artwork in their classrooms and examples were installed in the front entrance. The Admissions Office also adapted student work for greeting cards!

Our last student-led Monday Morning Meeting in June was typical of the character of this thoroughly engaged and fun-loving group, with officers reading a book about summer anticipation, and our Student Council President sharing her closing remarks in true Lily style: in song.

“OUR LAST STUDENTLED MONDAY MORNING MEETING IN JUNE WAS TYPICAL OF THE CHARACTER OF THIS THOROUGHLY ENGAGED AND FUNLOVING GROUP, WITH . . . OUR STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT

SHARING HER CLOSING REMARKS IN TRUE LILY STYLE: IN SONG.”

left: Members of the Village School 2021–2022 Student Council; below: 2nd Graders Byrdie, Alexis, Lina, and Skylar, in the Math Lab, dressed up as their favorite movie character during Spirit Day; and bottom: Village parents lend a hand during the Thanksgiving Food Drive, which provided Thanksgiving meals to Westside Transitional Village and stocked up the pantry at Upward Bound House.

STUDENT VOICES

TOMMY I REMEMBER MY FIRST DAY AT VILLAGE LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY.

I WAS IN 3RD GRADE AND I WAS JUST WALKING INTO SCHOOL. MY PARENTS DROPPED ME OFF AND TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING AND TO JUST HAVE FUN. I WALKED INTO CLASS WORRIED AND SCARED, BUT THE CLASSROOM WAS SO WELCOMING. ALL THE KIDS LOOKED AT ME LIKE THEY’D KNOWN ME FOR YEARS, AND I FELT LIKE IT WAS MY HOME. MY TEACHERS SHOWED ME AROUND THE SCHOOL, AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE COOLEST SCHOOL EVER.

WHEN I GOT TO THE TOP OF VILLAGE SCHOOL, I SAW THE BIG KIDS, THE 6TH GRADERS. I THOUGHT THEY WERE SO TALL, SO COOL, AND THEN ONE OF THEM CAME UP TO ME AND GAVE ME A HIGH FIVE. IT WAS MY FIRST MEMORY AT VILLAGE, BUT THERE ARE MANY MORE.

MILO I HAVE MET SO MANY CARING TEACHERS AND SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS! THE TEACHERS AT VILLAGE ARE AWESOME! THEY HELP YOU LEARN, BE CREATIVE, AND HELP YOU BE THE BEST PERSON YOU COULD EVER BE! I WILL ALWAYS VALUE VILLAGE FOR EVERYTHING THIS SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT ME. MOST IMPORTANTLY, VILLAGE HAS TAUGHT ME TO BE MYSELF AND TO BE CONFIDENT.

SUNDAY I HAVE LOVED ALL THE FUN EXPERIENCES THIS YEAR! MY FAVORITES WERE: MATCHING WITH MY FRIENDS ON FREE DRESS DAY, GOING ON THE ROAD TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO, DITCH DAY AT UNIVERSAL, AND BEST OF ALL, PERFORMING SHREK THE MUSICAL….. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE AND DON’T FORGET TO ALWAYS BE YOURSELF. IN OTHER WORDS, LET YOUR FREAK FLAG FLY!

JILLIAN IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT MY TIME HERE AT VILLAGE IS COMING TO AN END. THESE PAST EIGHT YEARS HAVE BEEN FILLED WITH SO MANY MEMORIES, EXPERIENCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES. WE’VE GONE THROUGH SO MANY THINGS LIKE PANDEMICS AND INTERNATIONAL CONFLICTS, BUT WE HAVE FINALLY MADE IT THROUGH. MORGAN VILLAGE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN AND THRIVE FOR ME AND I KNOW THAT MY BROTHER, IS IN GOOD HANDS. GO VIKINGS! SCARLETT OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS, I HAVE GROWN AND ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH THANKS TO VILLAGE. FOR INSTANCE, MY TEACHERS NOT ONLY TAUGHT ME HOW TO READ; THEY HELPED ME DEVELOP A TRUE LOVE FOR READING.

Service Learning Viewed Through Sustainable Development Goals

by Katelyn Patterson and Joshua Robinson

This year the service learning club used the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the lens by which to view service and impact. Monthly meetings allowed students to explore an SDG in depth and plan a local or global impact. Students showed up and showed out by organizing a book drive, reflecting on inequalities, advocating to leaders for change, and auditing Village School’s classrooms for eco-friendly upgrades.

Even more exciting for us as teachers was to see how the SDGs resonated so deeply with some of our students. Many of them were inspired to go home and create even bigger impacts on their own. Students organized school donation drives, published sustainable practices in local newspapers, spread awareness around their communities, wrote songs, organized beach cleanup parties, and purchased recycling bins to decrease Village School’s waste.

We couldn’t be more proud of all of the work our Village students have done and how they make this world safer and more sustainable not just today, but every day! We look forward to partnering with your family next year as we continue to make a positive impact on the world around us.

“Help us make this world safer and more sustainable today and for the generations that will follow us. That is our moral responsibility.”

—UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon

left: Science teacher Joshua Robinson explains the impact that book donations can have on society and the importance of being involved in your local community. below right: Students load 30 boxes of books to be delivered to Children’s Book World! We are incredibly grateful to the families that participated in buying books for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. All donations helped spread quality education to the children of Los Angeles. below left: At the first Service Learning meeting of the year, Science Teacher Katelyn Patterson introduces the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the importance of spreading awareness.

SEAMUS FROM MY FIRST DAY AT VILLAGE SCHOOL FOUR YEARS AGO, I WAS IMMEDIATELY WELCOMED AND FELT RIGHT AT HOME AS A SECOND GRADER. THE YEARS THAT I HAVE SPENT AT VILLAGE HAVE FLOWN BY LIKE LIGHTNING, WHICH IS A TESTAMENT TO HOW MUCH I ENJOYED MY TIME HERE. NOW I AM LEAVING VILLAGE SCHOOL WITH THE BEST MEMORIES, LIFE LESSONS, AND FRIENDSHIPS. VILLAGE SCHOOL WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART AND WILL BE MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

WESTON 6TH GRADE HAS BEEN THE BEST SO FAR. I’M SO THANKFUL THAT I HAVE AMAZING FRIENDS AND TEACHERS. I LOVED THE 6TH GRADE FIELD TRIP MOST OF ALL. PIER 39, THE GIANTS GAME, ALCATRAZ, MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM, AND GHIRARDELLI SQUARE WERE MY FAVORITES. THE BUS RIDE - NOT SO MUCH..

“STUDENTS ORGANIZED SCHOOL DONATION DRIVES, PUBLISHED SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS, SPREAD AWARENESS AROUND THEIR COMMUNITIES, WROTE SONGS, ORGANIZED BEACH CLEAN-UP PARTIES, AND PURCHASED RECYCLING BINS TO DECREASE VILLAGE SCHOOL’S WASTE.”

On the Road Again!

by Dr. Kenzo Bergeron

After a two-year hiatus, our fifthand sixth-grade students were thrilled to hit the road and travel to Catalina and San Francisco with Ms. Patterson and Mr. Robinson, respectively.

Under the guidance of the Catalina Island Marine Institute, our fifth-grade students experienced an adventurous boat ride to Catalina where they performed hands-on oceanographic research alongside Head of School Mr. Evans and hiked and explored the island’s ecosystems with grade-level teachers Ms. Nicholson, Mr. Lind, Mrs. DaCruz, and Mr. Chehebar, learning about its flora and fauna and the local indigenous uses for both. Students also read Island of the Blue Dolphins, a novel by Scott O’Dell, which tells the story of a twelveyear-old girl named Karana who is stranded on an island off the California coast. The novel is based on the true story of “The Lone Woman of San Nicholas Island,” a Nicoleño Native Californian who lived alone for eighteen years on the Channel Islands off the California coast.

Sixth-grade students toured the beautiful California coast all the way up to San Francisco accompanied by Ms. Lee, Ms. Miller, Dr. Bergeron, and Ms. Burkhardt. When they weren’t busy singing songs and dancing in their seats, they explored La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the mind-blowing Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. In San Francisco, students walked the Golden Gate Bridge, took a Cable Car ride, attended a San Francisco Giants game, and visited the cells of Alcatraz. Along the way, Mr. Robinson taught them about landforms, climate, and the beauty and fragility of several natural coastal habitats.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that it sure was nice to be On the Road Again . . .

“WHEN THEY WEREN’T BUSY SINGING SONGS AND DANCING IN THEIR SEATS, THEY EXPLORED LA PURISIMA MISSION STATE HISTORIC PARK, POINT LOBOS STATE NATURAL RESERVE, THE MIND-BLOWING MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM, AND HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK.”

left: Fifth-graders Afife M. and Sophie H. hit the beach on Catalina Island for some hands-on oceanographic research; right: 5th Graders Leighton, Zev, Parker, Landon, Chase, and Brent, peer over the railing on the ferry headed to Catalina Island; excited to be together and awaiting what’s in store for them during the trip; below: At Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, 6th-grade students pose along the scenic coastal area of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve where they were able to observe a variety of sea animals and wildlife. The hike to the shore was no easy task but well worth the effort.

San Francisco, Here We Come!

by Lily R. ’22 Student Council President

The class of 2022 enjoyed so many experiences together this past year. One that stands out happened in May, when we went on an adventure to San Francisco. I think that on our trip we all learned a lot and, even though it was the end of the year, we all bonded even more.

Some special memories from the trip are when we all went to Ghirardelli Square for dessert. It was so “sweet” to enjoy a really delicious treat with everyone after a long and tiring day.

Next, a simple but beautiful memory was when my roommates and I put on face masks. We were all laughing so much because we looked crazy and funny. When we all went to ask the teachers a question and they saw us in the face masks, my heart felt so happy! Their reactions were priceless and I was just so joyful!

There were lots to see along the way; the aquarium was wonderful, and watching everyone get so excited was super nice! We had such a fun time seeing all the animals. At the baseball game it was so good to see how caring the teachers were; it was a really incredible experience!

Last but not least, I loved the nature reserve. After a wild first day of lots of driving we got out to explore nature. It was truly a beautiful experience and walking in a group and talking to each other was lovely. When we got to the beach it was beautiful and everyone was stunned. Hearing what everyone was saying just made everything better than it already was. Then we got to go on the beach, and playing together was such a treat.

There were lots of ups and downs, but that’s what made it so funny and special. We had an unusual and unique experience. And I am forever thankful for it. I feel like this trip reminds me of the Student Council because you connect with the group you are with, you try new things with your community, and you just have fun.

STUDENT VOICES

ELLIE I OWE A THANK YOU TO MY FRIENDS WHO STAYED WITH ME DURING MY TWILIGHT, TOM HOLLAND, TIMOTHEE CHALAMET, AND ONE DIRECTION PHASES, I TRULY WOULDN’T BE THE PERSON WHO I AM TODAY WITHOUT YOU. JACK OVER THE YEARS, EACH OF MY TEACHERS HAS TAUGHT ME SO MANY GOOD LIFE LESSONS THAT I WILL TAKE WITH ME WHEN I LEAVE VILLAGE. I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED ALL MY UPPER DIVISION CLASSES BECAUSE OF THE AMAZING TEACHERS. I REALLY LIKED HOW EACH TEACHER INTEGRATED FUN INTO THE CLASS. VILLAGE WAS CHALLENGING AT TIMES, BUT I AM GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THAT BECAUSE I FEEL VERY PREPARED FOR 7TH GRADE. I WILL MISS VILLAGE AND I WILL MISS ALL THE AMAZING PEOPLE HERE!

Chris Gonyaw The Man Behind the Camera

It’s not often you see Chris Gonyaw on campus without a camera. Village’s Director of Communications and Creative Media captures the wonder, joy, and challenge—from the day-to-day in classrooms and on the playground, to the memorable traditions and events that our community celebrates. Chris reflects on his 18 years behind the camera at Village.

What initially drew you to Village?

The warm supportive community initially drew me in. What I didn’t know is how much I would grow to love working with children and appreciate their journey; being a part of that is a privilege.

What’s been the biggest change at Village during your time here?

I feel that the biggest change has been in Village’s forward-thinking perspective. Over the years we have grown into a cutting-edge institution, focused on innovation, and preparing students for the modern world.

How would you describe Village students? Besides being the best? :) I would say that Village students are bright, caring, and self-confident.

How would you describe Village teachers? Village teachers are so engaged; the amount of time and energy they put into their classrooms and each individual student is remarkable to me.

“A picture says a thousand words.” What do you want your photographs to say about Village? I want my photographs to “say” what you would feel if you could be here on campus. There are so many special things going on every day at Village, I want people to witness them alongside me.

What’s your favorite annual VS event to capture? Without a doubt, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day. The excitement and love that is shared between our students and their visitors reminds me of how much I love what I do.

Do you have a favorite Village photo that represents Village to you? Yes, I took a photo in the learning garden a few years ago, it shows a flying hummingbird going from flower to flower. The hummingbird’s joyful energy buzzing around doing its work makes me think of our students.

STUDENT VOICES

ETHAN B. FRIENDSHIP IS ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS I HAVE LOVED ABOUT VILLAGE. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HAVING FUN TOGETHER WITH FRIENDS IN BREAKOUT ROOMS ON ZOOM. MAKI I’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU VILLAGE SCHOOL. I’M MAKI LICHTENBERG, SIGNING OFF. VIVA LA VIDA! PEYTON

I HAVE MADE SO MANY FOND MEMORIES HERE AT VILLAGE SCHOOL. WHETHER IT BE PLAYING WITH MY FRIENDS ON THE RECESS YARD, HANGING OUT WITH MY KINDERGARTEN BUDDY, PARTICIPATING IN SINGERS, STUDENT COUNCIL, VILLAGE SPORTS TEAMS, OR PERFORMING IN SHREK, I’M ALWAYS HAVING A GOOD TIME.

Village School Turns 45

by Caroline Byfield

Wow! Forty-five years. Village School has grown up and I couldn’t be prouder of our school. When approaching a landmark in time one can’t help but to reflect on the past and imagine the tempting possibilities the future may hold. As I take stock, I wanted to share what Village School means to me, and I hope means to you and your families. Some may call Village a sweet, neighborhood elementary school, and it is true we are that, but we are also so much more.

Village School has been transformative for hundreds of students who have walked these

simply can’t get enough of anything? Maybe. Or are we going to slowly cultivate that passion when you join us at four or five years so that when you’re ready to be fledged at twelve you have become that student who leaps at every opportunity, reads voraciously, writes creatively, thinks deeply? The gift of sending our sixth graders off into the world of secondary school prepared and still bubbling over with enthusiasm for discovery is what Village does and does well.

Of course, the academics define the experience here, but Village School has also been focused on

work. Equipping students with the skills that allow them to share their own perspective while valuing a divergent one creates a climate of respect and cohesion. It also creates a context in which students can be brave thinkers. We are not interested in uniformity; we are interested in students who can critically evaluate and receive constructive feedback to grow.

halls. The elementary years define what kind of learner you’re going to be; this is when one’s attitude towards learning is established. Are you a gregarious student who

the social and emotional lives of our children long before this came into vogue. Our structures of Community Circle and Family Circle provide the forum for direct and thoughtful

When I contemplate these two facets of the Village School experience, the academics, and the social and emotional realm, I know as an educator and a parent that we are raising students who will be prepared. Prepared for seventh grade and the academic rigors and social challenges that define middle school. But more than that preparation, our students will be ready to think big, work well with others, and push through challenges all with a wellplaced sense of self. I’d say all of this is pretty grown up and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate the 45 generations of students we have graduated who can all of this.

VILLAGE SCHOOL HAS BEEN TRANSFORMATIVE FOR HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS WHO HAVE WALKED THESE HALLS.

THE GIFT OF SENDING OUR SIXTH GRADERS OFF INTO THE WORLD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PREPARED AND STILL BUBBLING OVER WITH ENTHUSIASM FOR DISCOVERY IS WHAT VILLAGE DOES AND DOES WELL. . . . OUR STUDENTS WILL BE READY TO THINK BIG, WORK WELL WITH OTHERS, AND PUSH THROUGH CHALLENGES ALL WITH A WELLPLACED SENSE OF SELF.

VSPA Welcome Circles

by Sara Singsank and Ashley Mooney

The strength of our community is a hallmark of Village School, and it is important to provide incoming families with multiple opportunities to feel part of the community. One of the most important ways this is fostered is through the Welcome Circle program.

Welcome Circles evolved from the “buddy families” system that had paired new families with existing families. They were born out of the pandemic need to find ways for people to get to know each other in the absence of the large gatherings such as the new parent cocktail party and new student playdate. They proved a big success! By forming circles that include multiple new families and at least two current families, adults and children alike have more chances to connect and build relationships.

The VSPA New Family liaisons work closely with Director of Parent Engagement Sara Singsank and Director of Admissions Ashley Mooney to build the welcome circles with the goal of cultivating thoughtful and intentional touchpoints between new and current families. Each Welcome Circle has its own feel- some have set up frozen yogurt dates while others have organized backyard picnics. But they all help new families feel supported and connected to the Village community before school even starts.

Here’s what families have to say about the program: “I really love this new program. It is a great way for the new families to connect to other incoming families before school starts and have more than just one ‘buddy family.’ This will be a great opportunity for everyone in the Circle to connect and form long-lasting relationships.”

“My own experience with our Welcome Circle this last year as an incoming family was wonderful, so I would love to pay it forward and help our new families feel at home in the Village School community.”

“Our welcome circle really helped us feel connected and informed from the start. I’ve made great friends from that group. I also loved how I felt like we were a part of the Village community before we had even started.”

WILLIAM C. VILLAGE HAS TAUGHT ME SO MANY IMPORTANT LESSONS AND DIFFERENT THINGS THAT I WILL PROBABLY NEVER FORGET, LIKE THE TIME THAT WE ALL WENT TO THE ZOO IN KINDERGARTEN, OR WHEN WE HAD THE GOLD RUSH GAMES. THESE EXPERIENCES REALLY SHAPED WHO I AM TODAY. WE ALSO HAD A LOT OF FUN, WHICH HELPED US LEARN IN A UNIQUE WAY. LIKE WHEN WE HAD “PIG PARTIES” IN SECOND GRADE, OR OUR FRIDAY FUN DAYS IN PE. THESE ACTIVITIES WERE SO FUN AND SPECIAL.

AARON I’M SORRY, BUT THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NO WAY THAT I’M ALREADY ABOUT TO GRADUATE. TK ONLY FEELS LIKE IT WAS DAYS AGO, BUT IT WAS EIGHT YEARS AGO?! NO WAY. I WAS ONLY JUST WALKING INTO VILLAGE SCHOOL, HAVING ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.…I’VE HAD SORT OF A SPECIAL CONNECTION WITH VILLAGE SCHOOL.

Village School Parent Association 2021–22

This year, the Village School community demonstrated that it is vibrant, committed, welcoming and resilient. Throughout the year, we felt renewed energy and sincere gratitude coming from every corner of our campus as we gathered in person to both enjoy long-standing school traditions and make new memories. From the fun Pumpkin Festival this fall to the festive, holiday-themed winter concerts in December to the incredibly touching and celebratory Moving Up ceremony at the end of the year, we all simply loved being together.

Covid impacted yet another school year, but we continued to marvel at both our school’s ability to pivot when necessary and our children’s flexibility and constant quest for joy. It was a comeback year for Village - and we came back strong.

The Village School Parents Association (VSPA) is grateful for so many members’ participation and support both online and on campus. You ran Book Fairs the children loved, supported the school through a spectacular holiday boutique and orchestrated a memorable dance and a fun-filled Olympics day. You showered the faculty and staff with delicious breakfasts, beautiful flower bouquets and a fabulous Cinco de Mayo lunch, among many other gestures of gratitude and appreciation. We were blown away by the outpouring of generosity, volunteerism and support among Village School parents and cannot wait to build on that momentum in the coming year.

As leaders of the VSPA, we are so grateful for the Village School administration and faculty’s unwavering support and enthusiasm. It has been a pleasure to work with Annie Block, Chris Gonyaw and Danny Kramer. It has been an honor to get to know and collaborate with John Evans. We appreciate the value he places on parent volunteerism. Sara Singsank’s passion, thoughtfulness and professionalism inspired us throughout the year. We loved having many teachers showcase their programs at VSPA meetings and look forward to inviting many more to join us in 2022–2023. Finally, we cherish the time we spent with Caroline Byfield. Caroline worked tirelessly to provide Village students with great learning and tremendous joy. Her love for our school was palpable and she leaves a void that can never be filled. We have incredible teammates in the Village School faculty and administration.

Mitch Albom wrote, “The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” We are so inspired by the devotion of our school community. We are both grateful for what we all achieved together and also believe the best days for Village are yet to come.

—Kara Horowitz and Ariela Plata

Co-Presidents

Kara Horowitz

Plata

Past Presidents

Sam Firestone Sheri Green

Kristyn Romans

Weinberger

Vice President—Volunteer Development

Shana Silveri

Vice Presiden—Fundraising

Julie Hartunian Gloria Kim

Vice President—Room Parent Coordinator Caroline Smolinisky

Vice President—Community Outreach Jonetta Darrell Juliya Spiegel

Secretary Olivia Kelly

Antara Jaitly

VSPA Co-Presidents, Kara Horowitz, Ariela Plata (outgoing), and Julie Hartunian (incoming) for the 2022–2023 school year.

VSPA COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP 2021–22

Art Liaison

Zoe Frampton

Jennifer Schechter

Juliya Spiegel

Auction—Fundraiser/ Gala (Spring)

AUCTION

Sherry Moaven Laura Roberts

Database: Heather Karpf

PARTY

Jamie Horowitz Danielle Misher

Back to School Picnic Jenine Dreisen Heather Karpf Gloria Kim

Sherry Moaven Cassidy Noonan Aimee Rosenbaum

Desirae Shepard Chelsea Shukov

Book Club Courtney Hobson Book Fair

Gina Burcham Beth Freedman Sherry Moaven Kristy Schaffer

Boutique Julie Hartunian

Gloria Kim Hillary Thomas

Front Board Coordinator Jen Green

Grandparents Day (Spring)—Hospitality Alison Greiner Shira Kozloff Jennifer Wallace

Grandparents TK/K Luncheon (Fall)— Hospitality

Courtney Hobson Caitlin Miller

Great Minds Liaison/ Common Sense Media Zelana Montminy Hospitality Mara Kamins Erica Terpstra Stacie Dail Lucy Hadl Elana Fullmer Lori Wolfson Lani Jang Masha Lichtenberg Christine Lim Cassidy Noonan

Halloween Carnival Joel Farar

Andrew Harris Garen Hartunian Howard Kozloff

Historian Aubrey Bartolo

Let’s Connect!— Fundraiser (Fall) Jenna Binder Dana Flowers Jessica Geraty Sam Gutstadt-Nayot

New Parent/Family Liaison

FALL 2021 Courtlan Budman Terin Ratner Caroline Smolinisky

SPRING 2022 Courtlan Budman Beth Freedman Christine Lim Terin Ratner

Ongoing Fundraising Jennifer Schechter

Parent Education Liaison Kristin Chapin

Science Liaison Kate Petrosky Sheri Soldatke

Service Learning

Missy Arman Lydia Bergman Dina Litt Leanne Richardson

Share the Love Food Drive

Jen Jewett Heather Karpf

Spanish Liaison Masha Lichtenberg Teresa Merced Adriana Sagi

Spirit Wear Liaison Jessica Anderson Jenine Dreisen

Teacher Appreciation Missy Arman Lydia Bergman Carole Carr Courtney Fawaz Shelby Grayeli

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Jessica Anderson Allison Krieser Kristy Schaffer Jen Jewett

Village Vintage Liaison Elena Frigeri Kathleen Shannon Sheri Soldatke

STUDENT VOICES

PIPER VILLAGE HAS TAUGHT ME SO MANY THINGS, NOT JUST MATH AND WRITING, BUT HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS, TRY NEW THINGS, AND HAVE A GREAT TIME, NO MATTER THE SITUATION. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE HAD VILLAGE AS MY SCHOOL, AND EVEN THOUGH I’M SAD TO LEAVE, I AM ALSO EXCITED TO START THIS NEW CHAPTER IN LIFE. I KNOW THAT AS LONG AS I REMEMBER ALL THE THINGS VILLAGE HAS TAUGHT ME, I’LL BE JUST FINE.

SIENNA I WANT TO THANK ALL MY TEACHERS AND THE MANY WONDERFUL CLASSMATES WHO WELCOMED ME TO VILLAGE WITH OPEN ARMS. I’VE MADE SO MANY GREAT FRIENDS AND REALLY FEEL LOVED AND SUPPORTED, AND, OF COURSE, I HAVE LEARNED SO MANY NEW THINGS.

The VSPA Executive Committee from the 2021–2022 School Year.

VILLAGE

SPRING FUNDRAISER MARCH 12TH, 2022

Big Night Out!

The night was electric, as we gathered around the fig tree at the Fairmont Miramar. Thank you Village community for your support of Village School!

STUDENT VOICES

WILLIAM M. VILLAGE SCHOOL HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY SECOND HOME, AND IT ALWAYS WILL BE.

OLIVIA I STARTED KINDERGARTEN SHY AND RELUCTANT, NOT KNOWING THAT MY TIME AT VILLAGE WOULD SHAPE ME INTO THE EXACT OPPOSITE: AN OUTGOING AND CONFIDENT STUDENT. I REMEMBER ALWAYS LOOKING UP TO MY BIG BUDDY AND THINKING, “HOW COULD SOMEONE BE THAT OLD?” AND, “6TH GRADE WAS SO FAR AWAY.”

NOW I’M STARTING TO REALIZE THAT 6TH GRADE WASN’T SO FAR AWAY, BECAUSE SOMEHOW I’M ALREADY ON THIS STAGE GRADUATING.

Paddles Raised for Renovation!

Because of the generosity of our community, 19 of our classrooms were renovated this summer! Student learning was central to every design decision and we now have classrooms that reflect our already extraordinary teachers and curriculum. Thank you to all who contributed, we can’t wait for our students to experience their new spaces!

STUDENT VOICES

ETHAN W. FROM STAR STUDENT, TO WHALE WATCHING, TO CREATIVE CORNER, TO ZOOM, TO THE 6TH GRADE TRIP, I HAVE MADE SOME GREAT MEMORIES HERE AT VILLAGE OVER THE YEARS. SOME OF THOSE MEMORIES HAVE BEEN THE GOLD RUSH GAME IN 4TH GRADE, AND LISTENING TO MY 2ND GRADE TEACHER READ TO ME MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE BOOK, THE WILD ROBOT. VILLAGE SCHOOL IS BY FAR THE BEST SCHOOL I COULD HAVE EVER ATTENDED. TO ALL THE TEACHERS WHO HAVE HELPED ME GET HERE TO THIS MOMENT AND TO MY INCREDIBLE FRIENDS WHO HAVE MADE MY VILLAGE EXPERIENCE SO MUCH BETTER. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST. FOR HOWEVER LONG I LIVE, I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH THESE MOMENTS HERE AT VILLAGE SCHOOL.

$10,266,000 = 88.3%

FUND: $800,000 = 6.9%

FUNDRAISERS: $418,000 = 3.6%

INCOME: $140,000 = 1.2%

BENEFITS, & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: $9,164,000 = 79.7%

AID: $992,000 = 8.6%

$700,000 = 6.1%

VSPA FUNDRAISER EXPENSES: $217,000 = 1.9%

ADMINISTRATION: $421,000 = 3.7%

Message from the Director of Institutional Advancement

When I was asked to write for this publication a year ago, I shared how eager I was to partner with you. Little did I know that the Village School parent community was just as excited for a partnership with our faculty, staff and administration.

From decorating classroom doors to volunteering at our successful gala, your willingness to come together as a community has been tremendous. “This is very Village” is a statement I heard regularly during my first year. Curiosity compelled me to seek out what was meant by this proclamation. What exactly was the culture at Village and how would I partake in upholding and growing the important institutional values and philanthropy of Village School? It took time to discover what was at the heart of Village School, through being immediately touched by the warmth and kindness of our students, welcomed wholeheartedly by our exemplary educators, and through countless positive and supportive encounters with our parent community, I now recognize the bold characteristics that make Village, Village. Namely, a strong commitment to the collective experience of raising our children in an inclusive and caring community with a group of ambitious and thoughtful educators.

Last Fall, we asked you to help us raise $800K in 100 Days. We exceeded that goal, and perhaps more significantly, 94% of our current Village School parents gave to the Village Fund demonstrating the love and support of our school’s very special mission and commitment to childhood. In the Spring, we presented you with an ambitious plan, our Forever School! After raising an extraordinary $715K in a single night, we were able to begin and complete our summer project that is certain to benefit generations of students for years to come.

I suppose my big take away from year one is simple: When you find a place that blends warmth, inclusivity, and genuine heart, you have found a place that feels “very Village.”

STUDENT VOICES

LILY I ENJOYED ALL THE DIFFERENT THINGS WE’VE DONE THIS YEAR.

THE PROJECTS ARE SO COOL, DISCOVERING NEW THINGS EACH DAY! CELEBRATING! ALL THESE MEMORIES, ACTIVITIES, THEY ARE A PART OF ME. IT FEELS SO WEIRD TO GRADUATE ALREADY….AND THE STUDENT COUNCIL, I HAD SO MUCH FUN. IT WAS AN HONOR BEING YOUR PRESIDENT. THANK YOU, STAFF. THANK YOU, VILLAGE SCHOOL, VIKINGS RULE!

ELI MANY THINGS HAPPENED THIS YEAR BETWEEN SCHOOL TRIPS AND PLAYS. I TRULY ENJOYED THIS YEAR!

HUDSON WHEN I WALKED INTO SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME AS AN ALMOST FIVEYEAR OLD, MY MOM TOOK ME TO MY CLASSROOM AND I MET A COUPLE OF KIDS, TOMAS AND AARON.

I REMEMBER MAKING LITTLE BLOCK STRUCTURES WITH THEM, THINKING THAT WE WERE SOME OF THE BEST ARCHITECTS KNOWN TO MAN. LITTLE DID I KNOW, THESE KIDS AND OTHERS WOULD SOON BECOME MY BEST FRIENDS. BEFORE I KNEW IT, THE YEAR WAS OVER AND SUMMER HAD STARTED. THAT ENTIRE SUMMER I WAS SO EXCITED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND TO SEE MY FRIENDS AGAIN. I’VE FELT THAT WAY EVERY SUMMER SINCE.

Danny Kramer

About Village School Annual Giving

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Village Fund. Your contribution strengthens the value of a Village School education in many ways. Each year, these funds help bridge the gap between tuition revenues and the actual cost of providing this excellent independent school education. Village depends upon this tradition of giving to enhance all of its programs and facilities, thus enriching the academic, creative and ethical development of each student. The funds also serve to supplement teacher resources, expand the use of technology and provide competitive compensation packages for our faculty.

FUND

The Village Fund Ambassadors are a group of dedicated parents who sent emails and encouraged 100% participation from each class. We are deeply grateful to the 2021-22 Ambassadors for their ongoing commitment to Village School, and we give a special thanks to the Board of Trustees Development Chair, Emily Park, and the incredible Advancement Team for all of their hard work throughout the year!

Every gift, no matter the amount, helps to ensure that our students receive the best possible Village School education.

THANK YOU

Emily Park, Chair

Melissa Arman

Lydia Bergman

Sam Firestone

Beth Freedman

Sam Grayeli

Sheri Green

Lucy Hadl

Julie Hartunian

Kara Horowitz

Gloria Kim

Christine Lim

Kristyn Romans

Brett Thomas

by the numbers: DONOR statistics

VOICES

JACKSON WALKING INTO 2ND GRADE AS A CLUELESS AND SCARED KID FROM NEW YORK, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT VILLAGE WOULD BE LIKE, BUT AFTER MY FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS I FELT AT HOME, I MADE SO MANY FRIENDSHIPS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME. I’VE HAD A LOT OF FUNNY AND GREAT MEMORIES AT VILLAGE THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET LIKE 3RD GRADE SPANISH, OR 4TH GRADE LIBRARY. VILLAGE HAS HELPED ME BECOME THE PERSON I AM TODAY. ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT VILLAGE IS PROBABLY THE SPORTS BECAUSE OF HOW FUN IT IS AND BRINGS YOU WAY CLOSER TO YOUR FRIENDS. I MADE SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES SUCH AS GOING 1-7 IN FOOTBALL AND THEN DOMINATING IN VILLAGE BASKETBALL. BUT THE BEST PART WAS THAT I DID THAT WITH ALL MY FRIENDS.

Vanguard Circle

$25,000 or More

Steven and Lydia Bergman

Binder Foundation— Todd and Jenna Binder Todd and Kathryn Chaffee

Gunsagar Family

The Kelly Family

Evan and Julia Seidenstein Brett and Hillary Thomas Kevin and Chelsea Washington Marina and Laurence Weiss

Benefactor Circle $15,000-$24,999

Anonymous Dr Edward and Melissa Akkaway Cyrus and Melissa Arman

The Factor Family Jiwan Family James and Stephany Tosi

Head of School Circle $10,000-$14,999

Anonymous Scott and Ashley Cohen Foundation

Gina Taylor Cotter

Joel Farar and Alana May- Farar Jonathan and Samantha Firestone Sam and Shelby Grayeli Saied and Sanaz Kashani

The Park Family

The Pollack/Robinson Family Jason and Terin Ratner Mark and Aimee Rosenbaum

Sagi Family

Wiley Family Emma and Bruce Willis

Wonder, Joy, & Challenge Circle

$7,500-$9,999

The Bartolacci/Bjelkstam Family Eric and Jenine Dreisen David and Lily Dulan Jessica and Mike Geraty John and Mia Janick Tom and Edie Ortenberg Antara Jaitly and Pratyoosh/Jaitly

F O R Y OUR V ILL A GE FU N D CONTRI B UTIO N !

Patrick and Kristy Schaffer

Jonanthan and Jennifer Schechter

The Siemer Family

Kate Petrosky and Julien Thuan

Swarthmore Circle

$5,000-$7,499

Jordana and David Berg

Andre and Svetlana Boissier Nona and Ali Boloori

Broumand Family

Burcham Family

Jason and Brienna Cohen

The Dail Family Foundation Sheri and James Dowd

The Foss Family Michael and Suzanne Ginestro Robert and Lauren Goldfaden Sheri and Michael Green John and Lucy Hadl Julie and Garen Hartunian Leah and Jason Karlov

Kuznetsov Family

The Lichtenberg Family Jayne McCaw Dan and Caitlin Miller

Montminy Family

Nariman Family Ari and Stacey Rosenson Linda and Richard Schaps Ariel and Juliya Spiegel Keith and Gelena Wasserman Family Circle

$2,500-$4,999

Anonymous (2)

Lauren and Greg Alley Nick and Aubrey Bartolo Robert and Courtlan Budman Steve and Kristin Chapin Darvish Family

The Davis/Gavsie Family Richard and Gabriella Flood Eric and Beth Freedman

Jen and Scott Green

Matt Jacobson and Alison Greiner Stacey Herman Nick and Courtney Hobson

Horowitz Family

Jack, Veronica and Isabelle Jaffe Darian and Richard Jennings

The Jewett Family

The Johnson/Wolfson Family Stacie and Damon Juha Robert and Kerri Keslow Klein Family

Christine and Stephen Lim Ashraf Elsayegh and Teresa Merced Misher Family Adrianne and Ari Nathan Natasha Nathan Nayot Family Shellie Nguyen Jeffrey and Leanne Richardson Michael and Laura Roberts Sam and Emily Rogoway David and Kristyn Romans Samantha and Bejan Rufeh Janey and Ryan Sakamoto Richard Raymond and Nousha Salimi-Raymond Shaheen Family Shana and Scott Silveri Ian and Sharon Silverstein

Julie and Andrew Skatoff Spiegel Family Laura and Mark Sudack The Udko Family Dan and Lisa Weinberger Jodi and Ian Weingarten

Viking Circle

$1,500-$2,499

Anonymous (2) Susan Napier and Alexander Berger

Yahlin Chang and Ryan Craig Jennifer and Jonathan Drubner Drew and Dana Flowers Ernest and Nicole Guadiana Martin Kennedy and Anna Hermelin

Isenstein Family Mara and Scott Kamins Karpf Family

Daniel and Gloria Kim Michael and Susan Kim Courtney and Andrew Kirsh Howard and Shira Kozloff Francie Berns and Rich Levin Kevin and Dina Litt Ashley and Matt Mooney Robert and Ariela Plata Lisa and Anders Richardson Richardson Family Stephen and Sarah Schwartz

The Russell Barnett and Kathleen Shannon Strength in Giving Fund

Zachary and Cali Tendle Linda Trope Tom and Elizabeth Williams Herbert and Grace Katharine Young

Welcome Circle $500-$1,499 Anonymous (7) Jennifer Alden Zheng Yonnatan Kebede and Meaza Assefa

Susan Berger Richard A. Bergman Bryan Cook and Caroline Byfield Rodney and Carole Carr Abi and Y.K De Silva

The Dyett Family Courtney Fawaz Barbara and Martin Foley Frampton Family Nancy and Gary Freedman Elana and Brad Fullmer Dean and Hillary Georgaris Ron and Sheila Geraty Lisa and Marc Goldberg Dr. and Mrs. Gary Goldfaden John and Lynn Hancock

Tanja Hancock Laura and Billy Hart Kyong and Mike Hildebrandt

The Hirsh Family

The Hoffman Family Margaret N. Jewett

STUDENT VOICES

CURRENT PARENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF

The Johnson Family Cindy and Jerry Kay Amanda and Dan Keston Vinay and Shifali Kohli Kenneth and Nancy Kranzberg Kevin and Allison Krieser Carolyn and Kit Lokey Lyra Marble Maria Martinez Trevor and Stephanie Matthews Daniel and Fif May Ashley and Shawn Mendel

The Mintzer Family Miranda Family Newmark Family Alex and Reese Nicolaou Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt John Evans and Bill Robinson Joshua Robinson Irene Scroggins Greg and Chelsea Shukov Kathleen and Allan Silberman Ann Slome Steven and Noelle Taslitz

The Terpstra Family Tran Family Nikki and Brian Trump Roger and Jennifer Wallace Carol and Rob Williams

Friends Circle Up To $499 Anonymous (8) Agustin Family Edwin Alfaro Nick Allen Antoniette Alvarado Jessica and David Anderson Betsy Basom

Greg Whitmore and Rafael Cordero Bastidas Sonya Bhatia Melissa Bishop Annie Block Matthew Bovberg Jameson Brau ’13 Marcia Burkart

Anu Burkhardt

Gunilla Byfield Elena and Jon Cates Alex Chehebar Nick Chilkov Teresa Coe Karli Cohn

Deborah V. H. Cook

The Crosby Family Jonetta and Malcolm Darrell Yvette Davies Maureen Dessureault

Christine Eaves Tami and Wayne Emerson Kemerly and Conrad Evans Aleyda Forbes

Diane Friedman Andrea Garcia Nadine and Tom Geher Linda and Richard Goldsmith Chris Gonyaw Andrew Volpe and Courtney Gordon

The Gutmans Justine and D.J. Andrzejewski Andrew and Kelly Harris Kourtney Hicks Heather Holguin Vance Ito

Ashley Jacobs Wendy Jacobson

Scott Johnson Dr. and Mrs. Michael Karpf Bill and Shelley Klein Pradeep and Asha Kohli Danny Kramer and Laura Smyth Jordan Levine

Tim Lind

Gio Madia Steven and Melanie Mandel Alex Warmer and Madeline Marotto

Julie Mazzaferro Ariel McCleese Meredith Miller

Erica Nicholson

Valerie Nowacki Eddy and Lesly Ordoñez

Daniel Ordoñez

Theo Ottosson ’19 Tony Patel

Tera Patterson Katelyn Patterson

Adam T. Ettinger and Liuba Petkova

Paul Pettigrew Marina Place Edwin Pleitez Sheri Roberts Robert and Joan Rosenbaum Jennifer Rush Ellen and Israel Schechter Robert and Elisabeth Klock Schechter

The Shepard Family Jane Sheppard Gary and Gloria Sherman Ryan Singsank ’12 Sara and John Singsank Kathaleen Celia Smyth Sarah Stricker Taper Family Wagiha Taylor Temple Family Sandra W. Thomas

Macy Tone Robert Traegler Darin and Kristina Turpin Liana Unger Stephanie Walker Barbara Wallace Janet and Henry Walther Georgette Washington Caitlin Welsh

The Wertlieb Family Rockford D. and Georgia Wiley

The Wong Family Sam Woodward

NATALIA ALTHOUGH I AM LEAVING VILLAGE, THE MEMORIES I HAVE MADE WITH MY CLASSMATES I WILL CARRY WITH ME FOREVER. HERE’S A QUOTE FROM THE BOOK MATCHED BY ALLY CONDIE THAT I WAS RECOMMENDED IN LITERATURE CLASS. “GROWING APART DOESN’T CHANGE THE FACT THAT FOR A LONG TIME WE GREW SIDE BY SIDE; OUR ROOTS WILL ALWAYS BE TANGLED. I’M GLAD FOR THAT.” THANK YOU VILLAGE SCHOOL. HARPER EIGHT YEARS AGO, I STARTED AT VILLAGE AS A LITTLE FIVE-YEAROLD, CURIOUS AND BIG EYED. SINCE THEN, I HAVE EXPERIENCED VILLAGES IN ALL WAYS - THROUGH ZOOM, DURING WILDFIRES, AND, OF COURSE, THE NORMAL DAYS AS WELL. I’VE BEEN THROUGH IT ALL. VILLAGE HAS TAUGHT ME SO MUCH. IT’S TAUGHT ME IMPORTANT LIFE SKILLS AS WELL.

Thank you FOR YOUR VILLAGE FUND CONTRIBUTION !

SPECIAL GROUPS

Grandparents

Our Grandparents are a significant part of the Village community, and we are so grateful to them for their support.

Rhonda Bartolacci Susan Berger Richard A. Bergman Marcia Burkart Gunilla Byfield Deborah V. H. Cook Barbara and Martin Foley Nancy and Gary Freedman Ron and Sheila Geraty Dr. and Mrs. Gary Goldfaden John and Lynn Hancock Margaret N. Jewett Dr. And Mrs. Michael Karpf Cindy and Jerry Kay Bill and Shelley Klein Pradeep and Asha Kohli Kenneth and Nancy Kranzberg Carolyn and Kit Lokey Steven and Melanie Mandel Dan and Fif May Robert and Joan Rosenbaum Linda and Richard Schaps Ellen and Israel Schechter Irene Scroggins Gary and Gloria Sherman Ann Slome

Steven and Noelle Taslitz Wagiha Taylor

The Terpstra Family Sandra W. Thomas Linda Trope Billie and Richard Udko Barbara Wallace Janet and Henry Walther Rockford D. and Georgia Wiley Carol and Rob Williams

Parents of Alumni

We are grateful to the parents of alumni who continue to support Village School.

Elena and Jon Cates

The Crosby Family

The Dyett Family

Nadine and Thomas Geher Linda and Richard Goldsmith

The Gutmans

The Mintzer Family Sheri Roberts

Jennifer Rush Kathleen and Allan Silberman Sara and John Singsank

Temple Family

The Wertlieb Family

Grandparents of Alumni Robert & Elisabeth Klock Schechter

Alumni

Thank you to our alumni; your support ensures that more students will enjoy the Village School experience.

Jameson Brau ’13 Theo Ottosson ’19

Temple Family Ryan Singsank ’12

Faculty and Staff

Your financial support demonstates your dedication to your craft and to the mission of Village School.

Anonymous (2) Edwin Alfaro Nick Allen

Antoinette Alvarado

Betsy Basom Rafael Cordero Bastidas Melissa Bishop

Annie Block

Matthew Bovberg

Anu Burkhardt

Caroline Byfield Alex Chehebar Nick Chilkov Teresa Coe Karli Cohn Yvette Davies Maureen Dessureault Christine Eaves Tami Emerson Wayne Emerson Conrad Evans John Evans Aleyda Forbes Diane Friedman Andrea Garcia Chris Gonyaw Kourtney Hicks Heather Holguin Vance Ito

Ashley Jacobs Wendy Jacobson Scott Johnson Danny Kramer Jordan Levine Tim Lind Gio Madia Nataly Martinez Julie Mazzaferro Ariel McCleese

Meredith Miller Ashley Mooney Erica Nicholson Valerie Nowacki Daniel Ordoñez Eddy Ordoñez Lesly Ordoñez Katelyn Patterson Paul Pettigrew Marina Place Edwin Pleitez Joshua Robinson

Giovanni Rodriguez Jane Sheppard Kathleen Silberman

Sara Singsank Sarah Stricker Macy Tone Robert Traegler Darin Turpin Liana Unger Stephanie Walker Alex Warmer Georgette Washington Caitlin Welsh Greg Whitmore Sam Woodward

Friends of Village School Kathaleen Celia Smyth

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES

Foundation

you to the families who

gave to the Scholarship Fund

The Kelly Family

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt

The Annual Fund Has a New Name!

As we embark on our 45th year as a school, we can’t help but to reflect on how far we’ve come from the school’s inception almost five decades ago. There is one through line that is so vibrant it can’t help but stand out and that is our sense of community. Village is so aptly named because we are just that, a village. As our new mission statement shares so boldly, we are a village of students, families, and educators.

So, it seems only logical that our Annual Fund is ready for its new name along with the refreshed mission. Henceforth, the Annual Fund will be known as the Village Fund and it will shape the experience of all students as they enter through the gates each morning and embark on their day’s learning.

The Village Fund bridges the gap between tuition and our operating budget providing for everything that makes the Village experience exceptional. The Village Fund can be seen in our innovative programming that marries best practice with research-based approaches. The Village Fund can be seen in our exemplary faculty who attend conferences and workshops honing their skills and passions. The Village Fund can be seen in beautiful learning spaces that invite the students to invent, create, and debate together. In other words, the Village Fund touches each student daily and defines their experience here at school.

Specifically this past year, gifts to the Village Fund supported field trips to the La Brea Tar Pits, the Service Learning Program, professional development for our teachers like the CAHPERD Conference, and many other aspects of our school that directly impact our students.

Each year you will be asked to contribute to the Village Fund as a means to express both your support and your commitment to this collective enterprise of raising the next generation of learners. Learners who have a strong sense of self, an appreciation of multiple perspectives, and the desire to lead with kindness and ingenuity. We invite you to join us by participating in the Village Fund.

STUDENT VOICES

IZZY . . . AS SOON AS I WALKED INTO THE CLASSROOM, VILLAGE TOOK ME IN WITH OPEN ARMS. I EXPERIENCED SO MANY FUN MEMORIES AND OPPORTUNITIES I NEVER COULD HAVE HAD WITHOUT BEING HERE.

FOR EXAMPLE, BUILDING TEEPEES IN MY NATIVE AMERICAN PROJECT, CREATIVE CORNER, MEETING ALL MY AMAZING FRIENDS, DOING THE PLAY IN SPANISH, AND THE 6TH GRADE MUSICAL. I FEEL LIKE VILLAGE HAS HELPED ME EXPRESS MYSELF AND HELPED MAKE ME THE PERSON I AM TODAY.

REYAAN FROM PLAYING FUN GAMES IN THE RECESS YARD IN KINDERGARTEN TO HAVING A HUGE WORLD’S FAIR IN 6TH GRADE, VILLAGE SCHOOL HAS BEEN THE BEST EXPERIENCE I COULD EVER HAVE ASKED FOR… I WILL NEVER FORGET VILLAGE.

SARAH WELL THAT WAS ABOUT THE FASTEST SEVEN YEARS I’VE EVER WITNESSED. IN THESE PAST FEW YEARS, I HAVE GROWN ALONGSIDE MY AMAZING PEERS AND WATCHED MYSELF THRIVE INTO THE PERSON I AM TODAY. IT’S A BITTERSWEET DESTINY TO GRADUATE VILLAGE BUT I AM NONETHELESS READY FOR THIS DAY. RATHER THAN TO LOOK AT THESE MEMORIES IN MELANCHOLY, I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE GRATITUDE THAT THEY HAVE EVEN BECOME A PART OF ME. WHILE GOING DOWN MEMORY LANE, I’D LIKE TO GIVE THANKS TO EVERYONE AT VILLAGE.

Congratulations Class of 2022!

by Annie Block

In celebrating our graduates, we congratulate them and their families. The secondary school application and placement process is a team effort and, although it takes some navigating, it is a deeply rewarding journey of discovery. At Village, we cherish each student and each family’s uniqueness; we embrace diversity and all that it contributes to

our immediate and global societies. Our students and families share many values; at the same time, they demonstrate the beauty of living in a dynamic community comprising abundant passions and talents. They share life experiences that enrich us all, as we evolve and grow—together and as individuals. And naturally, the schools to which

our graduates are accepted are equally rich in diversity, each with its own identity and ethos. The schools include Archer, Brentwood, Calvary Christian, Campbell Hall, Crossroads, Eaglebrook, Geffen, HarvardWestlake, New Roads, Marlborough, Oaks Christian, Viewpoint, Wildwood, and Windward.

LANDON WHEN I STEPPED THROUGH THE VILLAGE DOORS AND INTO KINDERGARTEN, I WAS A TINY, FRIGHTENED FIVEYEAR-OLD BOY. I WAS WORRIED ABOUT SCHOOL AND WAS SCARED THAT I WOULDN’T MEET ANY FRIENDS OR WOULDN’T KNOW THE THINGS TAUGHT IN CLASS. SINCE THEN, I HAVE BECOME MUCH MORE OUTGOING AND A LOT LESS NERVOUS. I HAVE ACTED IN A MUSICAL WITH MY FRIENDS, PLAYED OTHER SCHOOLS IN SPORTS, AND I AM HERE TONIGHT, STANDING ON THIS STAGE PROUDLY, DELIVERING MY SPEECH TO ALL OF YOU.

ALUMNI NOTES

CLASS OF 2002 (photo 1) Zoe McNitt says, “Our family just celebrated Roman’s preschool graduation and greatly look forward to him joining Village School as a kindergartner in the fall.”

CLASS OF 2007

Eric Busi says, “My wife Tess and I just had our second child Texas Busi! He was born on June 1, 2022 in Santa Monica.”

CLASS OF 2011

Kayla Rogers says, “At the moment I am applying to Grad schools and work as a Behavior Therapist! I currently volunteer and foster with Los Angeles County Animal Shelters and Ace of Hearts Rescue.”

(photo 2) Former Village School classmates

Jonathan Hartunian and Cole Wertlieb celebrate

Tristan Ketterer’s graduation from Stanford University. Jonathan is a USC graduate and Cole has graduated from Santa Clara University as an Economics Major and is also working as an Associate Financial Analyst at Dolby Laboratories in San Francisco.

CLASS OF 2016 (photo 3) Alumni Mateen Sharifi, Charlie Doris, and Zane Danton celebrate at the Harvard Westlake graduation ceremony. Charlie and Zane went to preschool, Village and Harvard Westlake together and now both are off to the University of California, Berkely.

VILLAGE SCHOOL CLASS OF 2016 MATRICULATION

Cal Poly Pomona Colgate

Cornell University (2) Georgia Tech The New School NYU (2) Oberlin Santa Monica College Stanford (2) Syracuse University UC Berkeley (2) University of Alabama University of Chicago University of Colorado University of Miami (2) University of Michigan (2) University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2) University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Wisconsin USC (2) Villanova Washington University in St. Louis

ALUMNI EVENTS

Alumni Return to Village to ReclaimTheir 6th Grade Tiles

From 1995 to 2017, 6th grade students created beautiful ceiling tiles in art class with the fabulous and fantastic former VS Art Teacher Margot Mandel (inset picture). Classroom renovations this summer required removing these pieces of history. On June 3rd, 2022, alumni were invited to come to the La Cruz campus where they picked up their tiles, hung out with former classmates, and visited with current and former Village School teachers. It is always nice to see our alumni; thank you to all who made this a special event!

JOCELYN EIGHT YEARS AGO, TINY, SCARED JOCELYN CAME TO VILLAGE SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME. HER TEACHER, MRS. MORRIS, HAD TO PRETEND TO BE FISHING FOR WORDS BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO SHY TO TALK. AND NOW, EIGHT YEARS LATER, I’M STANDING HERE SAYING MY GOODBYE. VILLAGE, YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING AND WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. I MISS YOU ALREADY. I WANT TO THANK ALL OF MY INCREDIBLE FRIENDS, CLASSMATES, AND TEACHERS, FOR MAKING MY YEARS AT VILLAGE SO SPECIAL.

MAKING A GIFT

Every contribution to Village School is vitally important to its continued growth and strength. Like those who helped build the foundation of the school in the past, each donor will be an integral part of the school’s history and future.

An investment in Village School will benefit generations of children—a legacy of which we can all be proud.

WAYS TO GIVE

CASH AND PLEDGES

For income tax purposes, your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Gifts may be made by cash, check or credit card. Village School also accepts pledges that can be paid at a later date.

SECURITIES

You may achieve significant tax savings by making your gift via stocks or other capital assets. If you have stocks that have appreciated, your charitable deduction may be based on the full market value on the date of the transfer. If you have stocks that have decreased in value, you may be able to take a deductible loss when you sell the stocks and donate the proceeds.

MATCHING GIFTS

Many corporations encourage philanthropy by matching employee donations. Matching gifts can double or triple the amount of your gift. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please contact the Advancement Office.

PLANNED GIVING

Donors may wish to consider giving through such means as life insurance, bequests, or charitable trusts. Planned giving may be a way to reduce estate and inheritance taxes. We encourage you to speak with your financial planner when considering any type of planned gift.

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a village of students, families, and educators with a common goal: to create a childhood of wonder, joy, and challenge where children expand their minds and hearts, find their greater purpose, and prepare to engage with the wider world.

STAFF

Organization

School

Swarthmore Avenue

Palisades, CA

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