2021-2022 Annual Report
Contents 3 • Letter from Julie Galles 5 • Board of Trustees 6 • Wesley Lifers 7 • Motto and Mission 9 • Giving at Wesley 11 • Financials 12 • SpecialCumulativeThanks:$100k donors 13 • Donor Wall 15 • DEIJ at Wesley 17 • Annual Giving 21 • Honors & In Memoriam 23 • Parents’ Association 25 • Run for a Cause / Jog-A-Thon 29 • Who We Are & What We Are Made Of 30 • Wesley Prom: A Totally Rad 80s Gala 33 • Art at Wesley 36 • Matriculation 37 • Fond Farewell: Joey Campanella back cover • Ways to Give to Wesley 1
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With gratitude, Julie Galles head of school
Last year’s theme of Discovery was applicable in so many ways throughout the year, from the completion of our CAIS Accreditation Self-Study document, to innova tive ways to recommence our community gatherings, to the remarkable learning that continued in each of our classrooms. Families and employees who joined the Wesley community in the past two years enjoyed chances to discover “the real Wesley” as we started seeing each other in person again, whether on the Commons in the mornings, at the Family Picnic last fall, or at our blow-out 80’s themed Gala this spring.
Dear Wesley Community,
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Following our most successful philanthropic year ever, we are thrilled to present this Annual Report. It highlights both the generosity of the Wesley community and the stability of the school’s finances, as well as celebrating the notable achievement of 100% giving from current families, employees, and trustees.
I want to acknowledge the creativity and dedication of our Development Team, Tammy Rodriguez and Dyllan Fernandez; our Communications Team, Lindsey Drasin and Sarah Francis; and our Development Chair, Jenny Hollier, for their tireless efforts in creating meaningful and fun videos, inspirational written pieces, and extraordinary events, all of which contributed to significantly surpassing our fundraising goals time after time. Thanks to every family, faculty/staff member, and friend of the school for helping us discover the power of a simple gift.
In this report, we thank and honor each person who has supported the school through philanthropic giving in the 2021-22 fiscal year. We also celebrate and remember the contribution of time from our trustees and Parents’ Association leadership, without whom the school could not function. From the Gobbler’s Feast, Holiday Boutique, and Wesley Palooza volunteers to those who dropped off Bake for Better goods, Wesley thrives on community involvement. So to all who helped or gave over the past year: Thank you!
Paolo Velasco, vice chair
Brendon Blincoe, Young,
treasurer
Scott Ault
secretary Alex
David Monahan, chair
John NormanAlanEddieMikeBerthaJackieGaryThordisDavidJennyElenaAquinoBlue-BlumHollierHookomHowardKirkpatrickLayMuñozNatividadO’FlahertyWaldmanKelsey,church delegate 4
2021-22 board of trustees
• Parent to Cooper (4th Grade) board of trustees chair
During the 21-22 school year, The Wesley School also embraced the opportunities and advantages presented by our hybrid world to sustain and grow our connection and community. Many campus events returned to an in-person model with a palpable enthusiasm. Attendance at the Multicultural Potluck was through the roof, the 80s Prom Gala capped off a record year for Annual Giving, and there was hardly an open seat (or dry eye) during the Moving Up Community. But other events like the CODI Cooking Series, PA meetings, and Parent-Teacher conferences benefited from the con venience and efficiencies of hybrid technologies established during the pandemic and the school, therefore, chose to keep them virtual. And still others, like our monthly Trustee meetings, migrated from a fully virtual model at the beginning of the year to a hybrid model by the end of the year. While in-person connection is certainly vital, the pandemic challenged us to reimagine how we best support engagement and involvement among our parents, faculty and students while honoring the diversity of jobs, lifestyles, and families that make up our school community.
Hybrid is also defined as ‘energized by more than one power source’ and that interpretation speaks directly to the heart of The Wesley School. We are a delightfully heterogeneous community whose sum is greater than its individual parts and each one of us is a ‘power source’ that has the potential to inspire an investment in the future. As we move into what is hopefully a post-pandemic environment, the Board of Trustees looks forward to partnering with our newly permanent Head of School, Julie Galles, and working in conjunction with the many Wesley constituencies as we thoughtfully ‘write’ the next chapter of our beloved school. As we do so, let’s keep the lessons of our ‘hybrid year’ in mind, honoring what works and re-envisioning things that no longer serve us, while cultivating the many avenues we’ve created for passionate engagement all aimed at ensuring the already bright future of The Wesley School.
Hybrid is a word we’ve all become very familiar with during the COVID pandemic and is defined as ‘composed of heterogeneous elements.’ It speaks most tangibly to the mix of in-person and virtual meeting spaces that have become the new normal in our lives. Over the last few years, many of us have embraced a hybrid work model that allowed us to split time between our homes and offices and subsequently discovered greater productivity and a better work-life balance.
With Davidgratitude,Monahan
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The Wesley School: A Hybrid Year
CLASS OF 2022 6
Students who enjoyed the K-8 experience at Wesley for all 9 years.
WesleyLifers
The Wesley School builds confidence and encourages independence through a challenging academic program that stretches each student to reach the highest level of individual achievement within a supportive, nurturing environment. Wesley cultivates in students strong creative, physical, and spiritual foundations to prepare them to be productive and respectful contributors to a global society.
Academic Excellence and Development
Character
mission statement
within the Circle of Family 7
Jenny Hollier, chair
development committee2021-2022
members MichaelAvivaBrendonBernsteinBlincoeMelanieElliottLisaKatzMariahLeavittJanettMeyerDavidMonahanColletteNolteSokolowskiLarrySullivanMoniqueUssini 8
Giving at Wesley
Thank you to everyone for helping us create a great 2021-2022 school year. With being back on campus, and the entire community coming together full force to celebrate what they love so much about Wesley, it was truly a success!
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We wanted to define why the Annual Fund is a necessary ongoing campaign that is essential to the success of the school, as well as explain that people’s participation in it is vital, since as a non-profit institution, tuition doesn’t cover 100% of the operational costs and a portion of the money raised is used to offset those deficits.
And although there was no prize for which class got to 100% first, that didn’t stop a little friendly competition from unfolding! Most recently, the class of 2027 has always been the first class to get to full participation, but this year, the kindergarten class of 2030 gave them a run for their money! They were neck-and-neck to the very end, until third grade got one
Not only did we see record turnout at events and gatherings this academic year, but also in this year’s Annual Fund! In the past, there has been some confusion with what the Annual Fund is and where the money goes that has been raised. This year, the Development Team made it a priority to take steps to more clearly define to the community what Development does and how important the Annual Fund is to an independent, non-profit school like Wes ley. So, over the summer, they put together a Guide to Giving pamphlet which was handed out to all families and broke down how the funds are used from things like Annual Fund, Capital Campaigns, Parents’ Association FUNraisers, Teacher Outings, Raise the Paddle/ Auction profits from the Gala, and more.
Our goal was to reach 100% participation in the Annual Fund from Wesley parents in 100 days — a strategy that has been successful in the past. In the fall, we had a kickoff party where families were greeted in carpool with balloons, goodies, and some information about the fund and how to give. We knew that this year might be challenging coming off of a twoyear pandemic. Needless to say, we were blown out of the water! Not only did every family participate in Annual Giving, but the 2021-2022 year ended up being the year with the high est amount the school has ever raised! Thanks to everyone’s support, we managed to reach our goal of 100% participation from parents, employees, and the Board of Trustees in 100 days and raised a record-breaking $457,546!
last donation in only hours before the kindergarten class. This just shows what this school means to everyone. Although fami lies hadn’t been on campus for months, they not only rallied, but made the event fun along the way.
On a personal level, stepping into the Development Chair role for the first time this year, I was extremely nervous about mak ing sure that goals were met. Coming from the PA, I was all about planning events and getting the community together, but asking people to raise money seemed very overwhelming to me. So although I was more than a little bit apprehensive, I took it on as my new role — and was so glad that I did. Tammy Rodri guez, Director of Development, could not have been a better leader. She took me under her wing and together we formed a great collaborative team. I’m looking forward to next year and seeing how much more we can accomplish together.
All of the participation was appreciated, especially since Wesley laid out the groundwork to explain where these funds would be put to use. A few years back, school leadership and the Board of Trustees put together a strategic plan that consisted of four Pillars: Ignite, Inspire, Include, and Invest. With the focus on the first three pillars complete, this year it was time to turn our attention towards our final goal: Invest. Investing in our children, investing in our community, and investing in the health and lon gevity of our school became our central theme for the year.
Lastly, I wanted to make sure I extend a huge “thank you” to our representatives that were the liaisons between the Development Department and various grade levels. We couldn’t have accomplished everything we set out to do this year without them and they were a big part of the success for this year’s Jennyfundraising!Hollier
• Parent to Finn (5th Grade) & Jack (Class of ’22) board of trustees, development committee chair
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EXPENSES 2021-22
Other 76,154
expensesrevenue
TOTAL REVENUE $ 11,644,089
Salaries & Benefits 6,948,747
Fundraising & Special Events 765,749
Rent & Property 886,023
REVENUE 2021-22
Investment Income (153.336)
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 11,659,909
Financial Aid 1,527,506
Program 477,211
Other 98,350
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Auxiliary Programs 121,988
General/Management 997,112
2021-2022 Financial Report
Auxiliary & Other Programs 448,799
Fundraising & Special Events 135,169
Tuition & Fees 10,484,527
Community Pandemic Relief 490,000
campaigns
Anonymous
California
Thank you to the following all from 1999 to
Community Foundation
present.
The
Wesley supporters who have donated $100,000 and above cumulatively across
Kirkpatrick Family Karla and Toby MacCary Patsy and Will Mackenzie Jennifer and Kevin Plunkett Natacha Rafalski Elvina and Michael Risley James Rosser The Walt Disney Company 12
(2)
SpecialTHANKS
Donor Wall Building on Excellence
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The Wesley community united in a major Capital Campaign, “Building on Excellence”, from 2013 - 2018 to complete the first new building in the school’s his tory. The Arts & Administration Building — a beautiful, stateof-the-art new “face” for the school — is home to enhanced classroom spaces for middle school History, English, Science, and the Arts. This construction facilitated Wesley’s expansion to two classes in every lower school grade, fulfilling a crucial component of a long range plan developed years earlier. The building also provides ad ditional administrative spaces, centralizing and enhancing the professional environment at Wesley. Other spaces like the Conference Room and Faculty Workroom promote collabora tion among administrators, staff, parents, and faculty of all grade levels.
We recognize and extend our deepest gratitude to every donor who contributed to the Capital Campaign, which made this transformative project a reality. So next time you’re on campus, take a look at the newly erected, gorgeous Donor Wall at the end of the entry corridor as you head toward The Wesley Commons. It is only through the generosity and support of our donors that our Arts & Administration Building is now the hub of the Wesley campus, reflecting the philanthropic spirit of our school community.
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DEIJ at Wesley
As a black woman and a product of predominantly white institutions (PWIs), it was crucial to me and our family that we would find a school that supported our family’s values and experi ences. As a child, my parents’ goals for me while at PWI’s were academic success and as similation into the dominant culture. I did very well at learning and excelling academically and at times socially, but always lacked understanding of my identity as well as other identities, traditions, and cultures of non white, cisgendered peoples. As a parent of an incoming Kin dergartner, it was crucial that her experience was different from mine, in that, assimilation at a PWI would never be the goal. Instead, my family looked for inclusion, celebration, diversity, a clear stance on social justice and human rights, and a place where she could feel that she truly Whenbelonged.Ireflecton
what Wesley got right this year, in regards to Social Justice and DEIJ work, I only have to pause and listen to my rising first grader’s take on life. For example, “did you know, an advocate is someone who stands up for what they believe in”? “Can you imagine that there was a time when black and white students couldn’t go to the same school. That’s not right!” She most recently shared with me something that made my heart thump a little quicker as it filled with pride and hope for our future. She passionately explained “that it doesn’t matter if you’re a boy, or girl, or both, or neither and if someone ever asks and you don’t want to share, just tell them you’re a person!” When asked why she felt this way, she simply said, “because it’s fair!” When our youngest of learners can explain without hesitance how to be just and right and fair in this world that continues to minimize, control, or devalue certain lives, then you know, we’ve got something special here!
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This year, our nation and world was faced with numerous injustices and our social justice program responded to the instability with compassion, research based pedagogy, and inquiry. Lessons, projects, and presentations were student centered and curated by developmental appropriateness. Lower school facilitators used their scheduled social justice times to discuss a variety of topics covering the social justice framework; identity, diversity, justice and action. Oftentimes, teachers connected lessons to their social studies and social thinking curriculums about community, past, present and future. Upper elementary and middle school is where students are able to explore more complex and delicate topics as they cultivate the type of activist they aim to become.
Here are a few highlights from the year:
• 3rd graders discussed the multi facets of identity including gender and the gender spectrum.
• Jordan Thierry, author of A Kids Book of Systemic Racism, joined us in dialogue during a Committee of Diversity and Inclusivity (CODI) meeting and presented to grades 4-8
• Faculty successfully presented our first annual Social Justice Nights K-8.
• Our 7th graders dug deep into current events and discussed tough topics facing Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BI POC) such as systemic racism found in institutions, even in the policies or structure of our beloved Wesley School.
• Wesley School is now partnering with Critical Conversations
• In advisory, 6th graders self selected and created a presentation on Asian American, Pacific Islander (AAPI) people that explored the history of hate toward AAPI people in America.
• Faculty participated in a workshop with anti-bias and anti-racist educator and writer Liz Kleinrock
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• Our youngest learners closed out the year with a march for various causes, many including environmental conservation and treating others with equity, compassion, and care.
Gholdy Muhammad defines and emphasizes the need for criti cality in our staff summer read, Cultivating Genius. “Criticality is related to seeing, naming, and interrogating the world to not only make sense of injustice, but also work toward social transformation. Thus, students need spaces to name and critique injustice to help them ultimately develop the agency to build a better world.” We at Wesley are tasked to create the spaces for students to think critically about the world in order to enact change that will benefit all.
Hopeful in our pursuits, LeLoni Bass • Parent to Nadia (1st Grade) 5/6th grade dean (lead), director of inclusive instruction
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Elizabeth and Stephen Heneveld
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2021-2022 parents’ association Marissa Seeman, chair Mariah Leavitt, room parent liaison leadership team members Adam Gershon, Soyon Halpin, Lisa Lange, Linda Malamut, Daphne McVay committee chairs CODI Cooking Series Janett Meyer Earth Day Mimi Narducci Family Picnic Lisa Lange Gala Jenny Hollier & Marissa Seeman Gobblers’ Feast Steve Nolte Halloween Decorating Christine O’Flaherty & Dayna Turcotte Holiday Boutique Ali Chalfin & Liz Reiter Holiday Market (Online) Soyon Halpin & Jamie Tourouk Hot Lunch Linda Malamut Run for a Cause/Jog-a-thon Urvashi Block Larson, Juli Cavanaugh, & Jonathan Mitchell Library & Literacy Luz Herrera-Olaya & Marie Natividad Lost & Found Jules Larson & Lisa Loeb Middle School Dances Michelle Mackenzie & Daphne McVay Multicultural Potluck Lauren Brandenstein Party Book Adam Gershon Singing Santas Adam Gershon Teacher Appreciation Lauren Brandenstein & Samantha Thompson Uniform Recycle Sale Kristen Pratt & Deb Vaughan Winter Outdoor Decor Tina Chang & Danielle Sheehy Winter Lighting Sylvester Stewart Wesley Palooza Jessica Stewart Wesley Rewards Larry Sullivan room parents Michelle Albert Jocelyn Baker Brittany Berg Tatiana JasonMyrnaTinaJanineLaurenHeatherBinaBoydBrandensteinCastagnettiChangCoenFriedman Jo DaynaJenniferJamieAmitaColletteKarlaMariahJennyEmilyGreenbergHansenHollierLeavittMakaremNolteShenoySilberhartzSullivanTurcotte 22
While COVID kept us physically apart last year, it also allowed for newly envisioned events. Two events in particular were incredibly well attended and requested: Wesley’s Halloween Boos and Booze and the Drive-In Movie Night. This year, both events continued to be fan favorites for their inclusion of treats and entertainment for the whole family.
Marissa Seeman • Parent to Nixon (Kindergarten) & Raegan (5th Grade) parents’ association chair
Reigniting the Wesley Spirit
Throughout the year, parents helped us keep the fun going with a wide variety of Party Books to attend including the Longridge Pickleball Invitational, a Sweetheart Dance, the Hanukkah Menorahsaurus morning meet up, a Gingerbread House party and The Groundlings Comedy night out. It was exciting to see different people at the various events.
Over the last year, we’ve done our best to show that the challenges of COVID could be creatively overcome. When we come together, we can defeat any obstacle. When we get involved, our spirit is ignited and we’re reminded that together we’re Wesley Strong!
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Our goal for the year was to not only bring people back together physically, but reignite the Wesley spirit. By providing a diverse range of events, we hoped to get people interested and involved and remind them what makes Wesley so special... our community! And of course we wanted to bring back some good old fun and smiles on people’s faces, too.
Going into this year, the Parents’ Association was faced with a new set of challenges with each event. How do we bring people together in a safe way that supports our school COVID protocols, but still captures the intention and experience of each event? We found ourselves stuck in the reality of a new normal of living our lives with COVID.
The year of fun-filled PA events began with the return of The Wesley Family Picnic, a long standing tradition. The record breaking ticket sales proved people were ready to be reunited. Throughout the year, the Wesley spirit continued at our largest and longest-standing community events. Over 90 Dads and Dudes came together to serve up good times and good food at the Gobbler’s Feast. Even the students got into the spirit by helping us raise over $17K at this year’s Children’s Holiday Boutique.
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The Jog-a-Thon at Wesley normally raises money for Service Learn ing projects in each grade level. Due to the fact that Service Learning had not yet been reinstituted due to the pandemic, we needed to find another cause to run for this year. Because of our close association and established charity relationship, as well as a very personal connection with cancer in our community, we chose to pair with the American Cancer Society. Our goal was to raise $10,000 for ACS initiatives. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, and the hard work of our students, we far exceeded our goal and raised a total of $39,470, which in turn allowed us to increase our donation to the American Cancer Society to $25,000! With the additional funds remaining, Wesley was able to support a new interactive sustainability initiative for our kids and bring composting to the campus! This year’s Run for a Cause was a true success and we couldn’t be more proud to support the American Cancer Society AND our students’ learning.
It was a pleasure to be asked back this past academic year to serve as co-chair of Wesley’s annual Jog-a-Thon for the sixth year running (pun intended). Along with my amazing co-chairs, Urvashi Block-Larson and Jonathan Mitchell, we were excited to host the event in person again, after having to create an online event in 2021 due to the pandemic. It was wonderful to be able to welcome our community back on campus for a large event like this.
This event has truly become a favorite at Wesley. It’s wonderful to watch the community come together in support of physical fitness and fundraising for an excellent cause. I hope to help continue co-chairing this committee for many years to come.
Juli Cavanaugh
Parent to Sawyer (4th Grade) & Quinn (7th Grade) run for a cause/jog-a-thon co-chair
Generosity of community
Each year that I have helped co-chair this committee, I have seen impressive growth in the event. Year after year we have consistently
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raised more money than the prior year, and we now have fun added touches such as personalized singlets that the students wear during the run. We would, of course, be lost without the amazing spirit of volunteerism amongst our families at Wesley. It never ceases to amaze me how many parents and guardians sign up to count laps, EmCee, DJ, photograph, help wrangle the students, hand out snacks, and keep the runners cool by spritzing them with water. And of course a shout out to those who show up to cheer them on! We are also forever grateful to our educators, both faculty and staff, who show up with all of their enthusi asm for this fun event, especially our PE coaches, who helped with warm-ups and Master of Ceremonies during the event, and all those who run or walk laps in support of the kids.
Juan Carlos Fernandez Kiveli Filmeridis
Mary LyndaCroftandIan Cummings
Laura Murphy and Andrew Hopkins
Bernie DiCarlo
Jules Larson and Jeff Cardoni
David Boodell
Shawn Bullen Eric Buss NJ ElisabethButler Calvelli
Sami JosephineDrasinand Chris Drury Lindsay Dunn Monica Eastin
Garet and Trey Batchelor
Family
Donald Garwood
Bethany Gillan
Karen Lee Elder Melanie and Thomas Elliott Julie TheDyllanBarbaraAurezuEllisEnrightFairchildFernandezFernandezMercer
MarlaLanceJenniferAleishaLisaMiriamSamanthaGlassGoldsteinandJamesGollerandChristianGrattanGravitandDavidGroomGrossSaltzmanandForest Guider
Martha Hardy Howard
Susan Asch
Aileen Cuesta-Brown and Douglas Brown Jessica Brown Misha Brown
The Henry Family
April JamieLanceAtwaterAveryandMatthew
Diana and Ryan Carrillo
Barbara and Eric Hippeau
The A SusanMarwanListAbderrazzaqBrenner-Ackerman and Josh CatherineMichelleJeanAnacletusAckermanJ.AgardHeftAlbertAllegraandJohn
Kimmie
Katherine Hardie Esq.
Brian JennyMarianaHochmanHoffmanandChristopher Hollier
Ruihan Gao
Robert Horowitz
Bob Crews
Sabrina and Robert Doherty Craig LindseyDorfmanandShane Drasin
Marion ElizabethHarveyandStephen Heneveld
Jane JenniferBrianPeterGelmanGelmanGensonandAdam Gershon
Ruby Dhillon-Williams
David CynthiaPeterJoanFrancisCastagnettiCastagnettiCastagnettiCastagnettiOrtegaand Alvaro Castillo
Lisa Loeb and Roey Hershkovitz
Tari Richardson and Steve DeWinter
Tina and Rob Dickinson
Ayodele Carroo Mary H. Carter
Marie Hsing
Maddie Horowitz
Andrew Horowitz
Sandra and Claude Brooks
Janine Casper
Amy and Josh DiBianca
Anonymous (10)
Zelda RoxanneYvonneBeckfordBelletiniandRaf Berardinelli
Michelle Carlson
Jodi KimberlyChaseand Christopher Clarke Sr. Jessica NevaChrisLaraNatashaClarkeCoburnCoffinCookandGiovanni Corvino
Alice LaurenTammaraMeganArleneBermanBermanBettencourtBillikandScottBlakeley Esq.
Fudacz
Jamie Fudacz
Allison and David Chalfin
Bakal June MichelleBardwilAlbert and Bryan Barrett
Cathy Lewis and Donald Edgerton Christelle Egan
Melissa Canonigo
Matthew Delamater
Louise Marie Dluzniewski
Adam LisaKatherineNoahAllisonGusdorffGusdorffGusdorffHanandNathan
Kelly MicheleJulieMargaretKathleenEddieChristineFunkeGafaGallagherGallagherGallagherandMeganGallesBlancheGan
J. Kevin JulianneAndrewSaraCarolineCurleyCurranCurranDaveyandNicholas Davey
Lucy and Tony DiBianca
Lynda KimberlyRachelDaveyDaveyDelamater
Aquino
Dena and John Beck Janet O. Beckford
Vicky DeborahDeirdreCovisCoxand
The Hansen/Katunich Family Oona and Paul Hanson
Rachael and Andrew Campanella
Rodney J. Hobbs
RUN FOR A CAUSE 2022 DONORS
Toby PerlaHowardShaniSherriFisherFottlerFrenchFriedmanEstonandFrederic
Lisa Zambri and Bradley Booker
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Handlon
Juli and Morgan Cavanaugh
Beth LieslJuanitaJenniferKathyBobRosalindBogushBoutteT.BowenBowerBrianBrightCoplandand
Maribelle and Stephen Harlow
Marcia and Barry Littman
Bryce Kuklok
Donna Lowell Al TheJamesLoxtonLoxtonMackenzie
Susan JenniferErinNicoleLacyLakeLanderand
Gary MaryamVickiJamesMeklirW.MercerMercerMalakpour and Rawdon Messenger
Jean and Harry Monahan
Franklyn Larivee
Family Michael Macmanus
Diana Kuklok
Urvashi Block-Larson and Scott Larson
Jung Lim
Keith KristenLoeband Glenn Lorenz
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Cinai Leonard
Nicole Lesley Alison MelissaLevantandBrian Levin
Laurie ChristineLevinand
Crystal Marte
Lisa and Daniel Katz
Robin C. Leeper
Karin Kuo
Jennifer and Jeffrey Lehman
Jamie Silberhartz and Adam Mays
Janett Hermosillo and Karl Alonso Meyer
Sarah LarryJoseJonathanMillerMitchellMolinaSullivanand David Monahan
Anna Fudacz and Steven Montgomery
Hijoo Son and Max Kuo
Emma and Nicholas Koskoff
PeggyMeredithSaddieRubySonjaZeeMarkBrianCatherineHumphrisHunterHutchisonHutchisonHymanIvey-RojasJaramilloJohnsKadlecandGeorge
Nancy Krop
Mariah and Matthew Leavitt
Ioli Filmeridis and Patrick Macmanus
Linda and Darrel Malamut
Marcia and Richard McLean
Brenna Latham and Paul Koval
Donna and John Lehman
Cathryn
Hali LouisaClareMoniqueKesslerKing-ViehlandandWayneKnightSantarelliKoplan and David Koplan
Barbara Montgomery
Katunich
Josh Dov Kesselman
Grace and Roberto Moolchan
Ilyanne Morden Kichaven
Jeanne-Marie and Christopher Lindsay
Lauralee Oenick
Josie Ventura and Raul Ruvalcaba Jr. Melita and Dan Ryan Petrice MichelleRyanand
Gwyn Welles Ian AngelaWellesand Steven White
Lauren Katunich and David Rojas
Andrea Vogel
Aimee and Steven Schwimmer
Narducci
Luz Herrera-Olaya and Marco Olaya Lisa and Michael Ondracek
Tamatha Thomas-Haase
Aviva and Ben Sokolowski
Erin and Brett Underhill
David Reynolds Jr.
Susan Schwartz
Mimi Karen Zambri
ElisabethJudyJeanineAlanaMarchelleSupritiJotisnaPakostaPaulPaulPlummerandGregoryPolcsaDetzandDavidPorterRaddatzAbbottandRyanRaddatz
Katrina GenniferOrtegaHutchison and Andrew Ortner
Joe MarissaScippoand Danny Seeman
Robin and Randy Northrup
Jessica and Justin Rhoades
Elaine Schubert
Jennifer Mercer and Andrew Van Meter
Dylan JillClareDaphneBeverlyTarasonTecsonThabetThomasandJackThomas
Laurie and Craig Silverstein
Julie Turner
Laurie JessicaTamaraElaineStephanieSpielmanStadlerSteinSteinandSylvester Stewart Jr. Sailaja Yenepalli and Hemanand Subbiyan John SherylSullivanandLawrence Sullivan Jennifer Tajon Tammy Talbot
Karen and Geoffrey Sadock Andrew Saltman ‘08
Rachel Ramos
Susan Rovner
April and Diego Uchitel
Diana Moss
The Nolte Family
Cindy & Mike Venus
Alexis and Sebastian Morton
Mark Nissenbaum
Tracey
Judy Shepard Del CarolynShoresand Barry Silverstein
Katharine and Paul Shapiro Randi Shapiro
Nancy Schachter
Laurie Rowihab
Aliza JenniferHelenSelingerShapiroHappillon and Larry Shapiro
Carly ElizabethReiterBogush and Lukas Reiter
Leah MimiSarahDebraPamelaYesseniaMossMurrayMurthaNapolitanNapolitanandMichael
Liza CandiceDr.BenjaminZaretskyZoldanCarrieZuckermanZwick
Mike JessicaDeniseSalzmanSampleLacyand Christopher Sanata
Andrea and Alan Waldman
Marie and Michael Natividad
Scott Ortner
RUN FOR A CAUSE 2022 DONORS 28
Ellen Scherer Crafts
Michael Zambri
Lisa EdwardNovackand Christine O’Flaherty
Nicole Carrasco and Erin Saltzman
Lisa Martins Skaggs Kasey KimmySmith&Bridget Smith
Jomana Asi and Aamir Wahab
Judith Wright
Ann Borusiewich-Woirhaye and David Woirhaye
Kim and Kenneth Noah
Denise AbigailMichaelSimoneSimpsonandConrad Sison Esq.
Kristin Porter and Mark Robinson
Karen and Mario Thompson Jr. Susan PatriciaCharlesTirkToddCarol Todd Jamie and Joseph Tourouk Steve HillaryDanKatharineTouroukC.TraskTrulyandJermaine Turner
Guadalupe Orozco
Beverly Otsuka
Corie and Stuart Rogers
Daniel Sacchetto
Joshua Robbins
Sunny Ramos
Priscilla Reynolds
Viveca Ongsingco
Amy and David Ostiguy
Nicole Saltzman
Francine Rael Bettye Lynne Rainwater
Mairin and David Reed
Laura Ise and David Ono
Kristy RachelRoos-TaylorKashandDavid Rosen
Charlynn Walker
Jane JillianLindaWeinbergWeisMortashed and Howard Weiss
Melissa Schnurstein
Tina A. Zambri
Matt and Daniela Osborn
Dr. Donald James Richardson
As I sit in my office and ponder the last year, there are so many conflicting memories that run through my mind — the two steps forward, one step back, up-and-down challenges of COVID and the ever changing sets of rules and protocols that went along with it; the beauty of finally being allowed to open our campus to visitors, especially parents who were eager to connect and to feel a sense of belonging in our community; the waves of people reevaluating their lives - be it where they lived, where they worked, where their families lived, where their children went to school, work/life balance, and so much more that came into focus when facing hardships and thereby taking a moment to evaluate what really matters to them; and the unbelievable generosity of our families whether in time or in dollars to hold us all together so that we could come through this adversity stronger and more able to face the next challenges.
It certainly was not easy, but the easy years are not necessarily the ones that show us who we are and what we are made of. This year was definitely one that did and I am very proud of all that we accomplished.
I value your partnership and thank you for the opportunity to work alongside all of you!
It goes without saying. You all know how much I love this school and its community, and this year was a shining example of why.
I do look forward to perhaps an “easier” year ahead. I’m sure it would allow all of us to breathe a little more and look to future plans rather than constantly having to attend to things in the moment.
Verena associateDenovehead of school director of admissions & financial aid
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Who we are & what we are made of
This was my first full Gala at Wesley and I heard many of the epic stories about how big of a deal it is for the Wesley community. Now, having experienced it, I can officially say that Wesley — I’m Never Gonna Give You Up, never gonna let you down! Because a Wesley Gala completely lives up to the hype. The community came out in full support with over 350 Wesley parents, teachers, staff, and friends partying their hardest all in the name of raising money for our school.
Wesley community for always being willing to support our school in so many ways. Whether it was through our Fund A Need fundraiser at the Gala, to your Annual Fund donation, being the cheering squad at the Run for a Cause Jog-a-thon, or purchasing an Auction item or Teacher Outing, you’ve truly made my first year at Wesley a complete success! Now I know what it truly means to be a part of the Wesley family.
Specifically, we were raising money to enhance safety and security on our campus, and I think that resonated with many of our families. After a touching video where our students talked about how Wesley makes them feel safe, our guests raised their paddles to donate a collective $64,275 toward state of the art new fences and gates at the
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On Saturday, May 21, Wesley had its first real in-person gala in four years, and boy, did we party All Night Long. The theme was “Wesley Prom - A Totally Rad 80s Gala” and wow, did people take that to heart. There was more crimped hair, mullet wigs, blue eyeshadow, and shoulderpads on display than there probably has been anywhere in the last thirty-five years. I don’t know about you, but I’m still trying to wash out the lingering Aqua Net in my hair!
Thankschool.you
Tammy Rodriguez • Parent to Penny (5th Grade) director of development
Living up to the philanthropic hype
Sara Rue and Kevin Price Mairin and David Reed
The O’Flaherty Family
Abigail and Conrad Sison Esq. Wendy and Frank Spindler
The Fernandez Mercer Family Alicyn Packard and Jason Friedman Julie and Megan Galles Jennifer and Adam Gershon Norm and Barbara Gershon
Jill and Jack Thomas
Ann Borusiewich-Woirhaye and David Woirhaye
Lauren and Justin Young
Laurel Coppock and Robert Mort Alexis and Sebastian Morton
GALA DONORS
Daniela and Matt Osborn
GALA COMMITTEE
Adam Gershon Soyon SamanthaLisaChristineHalpinKushnerSabatinoLangeThompson
Mimi and Michael Narducci
Lauren and Scott Blakeley Esq. Lauren and Brendon Blincoe Lauren and August Brandenstein
The Makarem Family
Brooke and Gavin O’Connor
Lindsey Drasin Dyllan Fernandez
Luz Herrera-Olaya and Marco Olaya Gennifer Hutchison and Andrew Ortner
Aileen Cuesta-Brown and Douglas Brown
Shayla and Gregory Plummer
Samantha and Grant Thompson
Myriel and Jim Tyree
GALA CHAIRS Jenny MarissaTammyHollierRodriguezSeeman
The Baker Family Dena and John Beck Brittany Berg
Jamie and Joseph Tourouk
Amy and David Ostiguy
Tammy Talbot
Carrie and Paolo Velasco
Jomana Asi and Aamir Wahab
Andrea and Alan Waldman
Robert Sudduth and Greg Rikaart Pam and Scott Schachter
Marissa and Danny Seeman
Laurie and Craig Silverstein
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Stanley and Audrey Goldstein Foundation
Jenny and Christopher Hollier Patty and Norman Kelsey
Mariah and Matthew Leavitt
Larry Sullivan and David Monahan
Julianne and Nicholas Davey Verena and Russell Denove Tina and Rob Dickinson Sabrina and Robert Doherty Natalia and Scott Ewalt Dyllan Fernandez
Marla Saltzman and Forest Guider Soyon and Baz Halpin Lisa and Nathan Handlon Elizabeth and Stephen Heneveld Rania Shammas and Michael Hetzner
Juli and Morgan Cavanaugh Allison and David Chalfin
Cynthia Ortega and Alvaro Castillo
The Kolanach Family Shannan Rouss and Adam Krassenbaum Jackie Lay
Doris and Michael O’Hara
Marie and Michael Natividad
CatherineAnonymousand John Aquino
Melissa and Brian Levin
Brigid and Chris Grant Lisa and Christian Grattan
Jeanne-Marie and Christopher Lindsay Marcia and Barry Littman
Anna Fudacz and Steven Montgomery
Sandra KimberlyChicasandChristopher Clarke Sr. Myrna and Dan Coen Doug VanessaCohnFiola and Ryan Crase
Linda and Darrel Malamut
Mariah and Matthew Leavitt
Josie Ventura and Raul Ruvalcaba Jr. Missy and Kenny Schnurstein
Jennifer and Adam Gershon
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ SPONSORS
Jeanne-Marie and Christopher Lindsay Maryam Malakpour and Rawdon Messenger Alexis and Sebastian Morton
DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME SPONSORS
Jenna Bans and Justin Spitzer
Lauren and Scott Blakeley Esq. Verena and Russell Denove Ann Borusiewich-Woirhaye and David Woirhaye
Kari Negri-Donatelli and Mike KimberlyDonatelliandMatthew Donnan
Sabrina and Robert Doherty
Jennifer and Adam Gershon
The Kirkpatrick Family
Clare and Wayne Knight
The Kolanach Family
The Kolanach Family
Hillary and Jermaine Turner
The Baker Family
Sailaja Yenepalli and Hemanand Subbiyan
Julianne and Nicholas Davey
Alana and Gregory Polcsa Elizabeth Bogush and Lukas Reiter
PB and Gregory Armbrister
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Jenny and Christopher Hollier
Marjorie and Eupremio Zizza
Cathryn Humphris
Andrea and Alan Waldman
Sandra VanessaChicasFiolaand Ryan Crase
Miriam and James Goller
Schuyler Grant and Jeff Krasno Ilana and Daniel Krechmer
Anonymous (2) Catherine and John Aquino
The Fernandez Mercer Family
Emma and Nicholas Koskoff
Gennifer Hutchison and Andrew Ortner
Soyon and Baz Halpin
Juli and Morgan Cavanaugh
The Baker Family Tammara Billik
SPONSOR A TEACHER’S TICKET
Mimi and Michael Narducci
Jessica and Jason Vanderyacht
Jill and Jack Thomas
Lauren and Scott Blakeley Esq. Cynthia Ortega and Alvaro Castillo
Marjorie and Eupremio Zizza
HAVE A DRINK ON ME - BAR SPONSORS
LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER SPONSORS
Laura Murphy and Andrew Hopkins
kindergarten 1st grade 2nd grade 4th grade
Highlights from this year in art
As I reflect on this school year in Art, there are several themes that stand out for me.
In teaching art, I have found it to be a balancing act between learning technical skills, integrating art subject matter, exploring culture, and providing space for students to share who they are, what they have learned, and sometimes how they feel. I also set aside time for stu dents to “make art for art’s sake,” in order to help them explore and discover on their own.
REFLECTIONS FROM
MS. TRISHA SINGLETARY
I was so happy to work with students in person this year in Art. While I did my very best to provide an enjoyable and creative space, work ing to help things run smoothly on Zoom during Distance Learning for 30 minutes each week, I missed the personal connections created/ maintained while working up close and personal.
It is so important that students feel good about who they are, especially after the two years we have had. There are many ways in which we can look at identity. Through portrait work, we look at the physical details that make us who we are. This work is often threaded from Kindergarten up.
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This year, Art was also about collaborating with each other and working towards a common goal. In 3rd Grade, as an extension from Ms. Brown Time, the Social Justice class, students worked together to make mixed media posters on the subject of kindness. Students gained a deep er understanding of what bullying is, were reminded about the power of words, and how art can have an im portant message to share with others.
In 8th grade 3-D Art, students were asked to consider a person that they admire. The person could be someone they know personally or not. Students were not only given the opportunity to create a bust sculpture in honor of them, but they also reflected and wrote why the person was admirable. I enjoyed hearing how certain figures made an impact on each student for different reasons. The people we admire often motivate us, which makes way for growth in positive ways.
In 7th Grade Street Art, students explored aspects of their identity without showing their physical traits at all, focusing on at least four aspects of themselves which could be gender, heritage, maps, important dates or numbers, and/or personal interests.
Art is also a wonderful place to explore cultures that may be dif ferent from our own. When celebrating Latinx History Art, Lunar New Year, or Black History Art, the goal is to educate, celebrate, and appreciate. My hope is in that when students are excited about learning about different cultures they are less likely to harbor bias. They become interested and curious about others instead of focusing on differences.
Students in 3rd grade took time to share personal stories through their art, reminding us that in sharing those stories we connect to each other more with appreciation and understanding. It also reminds students that they are in an environment that is safe and cares about their life in and outside of school.
Trisha Singletary k-8 art teacher
Along similar lines, 7th graders worked on a project called Street Art With a Message, where students choose a social issue to create an art piece about. The goal is to remind students that art can be used as a means to educate and heal. I want students to know that their opinion matters. In six years our 7th grad ers will be able to vote. It’s better that they start developing an understanding now of what they will be up against.
The final highlight of the year was the 7th grade mural project. The mural was designed by Henry Nielsen, 7th grade, and paint ed by the entire 7th grade class in collaboration with Muralism (www.muralism.org). Seeing student art around the school is so special for many reasons. I want students to know that Wesley is their school, where their creative ideas are appreciated and worthy of some of our wall spaces. I am grateful to have re ceived support from Head of School, Julie Galles, the Buildings & Grounds Committee, and Church Leadership.
In conclusion, I am so proud of our kids. I appreciate their creativity, energy, excitement, and joy in learning. They are open and willing to try new things. My days are filled with joy and laughter. Not that there aren’t those times when it is a struggle but for the most part I am thrilled to spend time with them each day. One of the amazing things about teaching is that you are able to start fresh each year, returning from summer with new energy and ideas. Each summer I set goals. One of my goals this year was to find art classes/workshops where I would be able to develop new techniques and play with art, for myself but also to share with students. I have already had a blast at LACMA and Skirball. I am taking a meditation/creative writing class, and will attend SEED training with colleagues Olivia Brown and Barbara Goelman. I am enjoying all that I am learning and am grateful for the support of the school in this area. I can’t wait to share it with our students. I am looking forward to another great year!
Best wishes for a wonderful new school year for all!
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The Wesley Class of 2022, comprised of 35 students, was accepted to 21 schools. Of those 21, they chose to matriculate to 15 — Buckley, Burroughs, Campbell Hall, Chaminade, Crespi, Heritage Christian, Loyola, Marlborough, Marymount, Mayfield, Notre Dame, Oakwood, Providence, Toronto Independent, and Viewpoint.
Equally impressive is the list of colleges that some members of the Wesley Class of 2018, comprised of 37 students, chose to attend. That list includes CalArts, Chapman, CSU Channel Islands, CU Boulder, DePaul University, Lewis & Clark, LMU, Loyola University Chicago, Northeastern, Northwestern, NYU, Penn State, Reed, SDSU, SMC, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, University of the Pacific, University of Redlands, University of San Francisco, University of Utah, Westmont, & Whitman.
Wesley School Matriculation | Class of 2022
Wesley Graduates and Wesley Alums - WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
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A fond farewell
Joey formerCampanellaassociate head of school current head of school at high point academy
Family has always served as the foundation for my life, and for the past twenty years the Wesley School community has been a very important part of my family. As a parent, a teacher, and an administrator at Wesley, I have learned and grown, supported and been supported, loved and been loved, and Wesley has truly been my second home. I will always cherish the deep connections I’ve made with so many wonderful people — students, colleagues, parents — and it has been my pleasure and privilege to witness the amazing growth of wonderful students and to work with excellent colleagues and parents.
A school is a reflection of the people that make up the com munity, and Wesley is so special because Wesley people are truly special. An undeniable and crucial attribute of Wesley is the ongoing generosity of the parents, who give so freely of their time, energy, expertise, and resources. The Wesley community thrives as a result of this generosity, and the school is dependent on the contributions of families that appreciate, support, and embody Wesley’s mission. For my family, including three Wesley graduates, and for me, it has been an honor to be embraced and supported by this wonderful school community, and I am profoundly grateful to Wesley parents for their stalwart support of the school. Even though I am not there physically, a part of my heart will always remain at Wesley.
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contributing writers:
MATCHING GIFT: Check with your employer’s HR department or go to wesleyschool.org/match to see if they will match your gift.
The Wesley School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. No goods or services will be provided in exchange for your donation. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID #95-4741072. Give? Bass Tujunga Avenue | North Hollywood, CA 91601 818.508.4542 | development@wesleyschool.org
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PLEDGE: If you would like to make a pledge to be paid before the end of the school year, email development@wesleyschool.org with the amount you plan to give.
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How Can I
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the wesley annual report is published by the development office
www.wesleyschool.org 38
CASH/CHECK: If you would like to give by cash or check, you can send it by mail or bring it in to the school office. Checks should be made out to “The Wesley School” with “The Wesley Fund” in the memo.
contributing photographers: Photos for this report provided by the following photographers as well as a collection of talented parent and faculty volunteers. Mark Daniels, Erick Delgado, Dyllan Fernandez, Sarah Francis, Tammy Rodriguez
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. If we have made an error or omission, please accept our apologies and contact the Development Office at development@wesleyschool.org. Thank you to all contributors to this publication, including:
