board of trustees 2013-2014 inside this issue
Transcription
board of trustees 2013-2014 inside this issue
WORD Volume 21 • Issue 2 • Summer 2014 A Word from a 2014 Graduate THE EAST HARLEM SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2013-2014 Debra Beard Diana D. Brooks Jeffrey Brown Rebecca de Kertanguy Peter Gluck Stephanie W. Guest David R. Haas Ivan M. Hageman Robert Heine, Chair Christopher Heinz Gregory Heyman, Vice-Chair John Hyland Rebekah McCabe Jonathan Patricof Amber Patton Robert Potter Russell Shepard Ruth Shillingford Daniel Singer Eve Stuart Beatrice Tompkins Bronson van Wyck, Jr. Jeffrey Zukerman, Secretary INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2014 Poetry Slam (3) EHS Class of 2014 (4-5) EHS Athletics (6) EHS Alumni (7) EHS & the Community (8-9) EHS & the Arts (10-11) Summer at EHS (12-13) EHS Spotlight (14) Funding Support at EHS (15) Good morning everyone, thank you for being here today to celebrate the class of 2014! Welcome families, faculty, trustees, 7th graders, alumni, and welcome fellow graduates! Thank you for the opportunity to be today’s speaker. When I first started EHS in sixth grade, I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. I loved animals and I had a passion for science. I still love animals, and I still love science, don’t worry Mr. Rohn, but one day this year, I was giving a tour of the school and when I started describing the tutoring that I do with 4th graders on Saturday mornings, I realized that my passion had changed. I now want to be a teacher when I grow up. And after teaching for some years, I want to open a school for children in my community. Let me tell you about the school I’d like to open. I want it to be a school where students feel like they can be who they are. A place where kids who are shy can come out of their shells and gain confidence. I want it to be a place where people cherish each other’s ideas. A place where students treat each other with kindness and support each other in all times. I want my students to have the chance to exercise every day, to not be afraid to try out for sports teams, and to fall in love with fitness! I’ll show them that salad can be delicious if you make it the right way! I want the academics to be hard, but not too hard and lots of fun. I want to make sure all my future students are prepared for high school. Sound familiar? I thought so. Of course I want to start a school like The East Harlem School. I love this school and wish that more students had the chance to have the experiences that the 29 of us sitting up on this stage have had. I wish all students could have the chance to have a passionate science teacher like Mr. Rohn guiding them through their science fair project. I wish every kid had a Ms. Roman to keep them in line or a Ms. Ross to tell them stories about her family mixed in with their Algebra lessons. What would we have done without Ms. Panzarella’s book recommendations? And every kid deserves a Head of School who gives them organic lollypops and challenges them to push up contests to show his love. I could go on and on, remembering all of the teachers from all of the grades. WE ARE SO LUCKY. And of course this school wouldn’t be possible without the support of all of the parents. Over the past three years, my mother has told me hundreds and hundreds of times how much she loves EHS. I’m sure all of the other parents have, too. Parents, we know you’ve worked so hard to make our education here at this school possible. On behalf of all of my fellow graduates I thank you for all the sacrifices you have made for us. So one day, when I open my school, I will think of these past four years. I will think of the teachers, of the yard here and the willow tree that has watched us frolic every day in every weather. I will think of the sports teams and the plays and the art show and the cookies and brownies and even the broccoli that we shared together. I will try and honor all of the work and all of the play that we did together as I try to create a place as beautiful as this one. Maybe you’ll all come back to help me! Thank you friends and family, happy graduation! -Saraly Vargas, Class of 2014 Graduation Student Speaker FACULTY AND STAFF 2013-2014 Ivan M. Hageman Co-founder, Head of School Casey Adler Humanities Teacher Khadija Ahmed High School Placement Coordinator, Alumni Counselor Donald Albert Superintendent Annie Boucher Science Teacher Peter Bianco Physical Education Coordinator Thea Burstin 4th Grade Teacher Jonah Chasin Executive Chef Katherine Crotty Humanities Teacher Gianluca Giarrizzo Math and Art Teacher Jay Hayes Math Teacher Sofia Huertas Program Assistant Y. Christine Kell Director of Finance & Operations Courtney Knowlton THE EAST HARLEM SCHOOL AT EXODUS HOUSE Small school. BIG impact. Our mission: The East Harlem School at Exodus House challenges students to develop a balanced physical, moral, and intellectual strength that they will use to adapt to change - and for the final purpose of creating and sharing lives of deep meaning, dynamic actions, and transcendent joy. We are a middle school ( grade 4-8) that recruits children from families with low income and the highest values, and we give preference to those who keep to the traditional belief that creative flight can only be sustained by grounded discipline. Our history: Exodus House has been an anchoring and iconic institution in Harlem since its founding in 1963 by Reverend Dr. Lynn and Mrs. Leola Hageman as a drug rehabilitation center. Due to a heightened concern for the welfare and well-being of the community’s many underserved, at-risk children, Exodus House was converted in 1984 to an after-school and summer program facility. Then, in the fall of 1993, inspired by the steadfast commitment of the Hagemans to the East Harlem community, the couple’s sons, Hans and Ivan, opened an independent year-round middle school on the original Exodus House site to better address the critical needs of these children and their families. Today, EHS is chartered by the New York State Department of Education and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The East Harlem School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. SAVE THE DATE! November 11, 2014 Program Director, Humanities Teacher Sheila P. Nelson Director of Development Jessica Panzarella Humanities Teacher Michelle Payler Drama Teacher The East Harlem School Fall Benefit Honoring Tor Myhren and Emily Portnoy on behalf of Grey Advertising Tickets available online at: www.eastharlemschool.org/2014benefit Rosa Perez Kitchen Assistant Kevin Rohn Science Teacher Chastidy Roman Spanish Teacher, Admissions Director Anne Ross We have launched a new website! Check it out at: www.eastharlemschool.org Dean of Faculty & Staff, Math Teacher Julie Tkac Program Associate, Humanities Teacher Fiorella Velasquez Development Associate The East Harlem School admits students of any race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational polices, employment or hiring practices, financial aid or scholarship programs, athletic or other school-administered programs. (2) 2014 POETRY SLAM The 2014 Spring Poetry Slam was another record-breaking success! Thirty-one students from EHS captivated over 350 guests with their original poems at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in Times Square. Our poets spoke of family sacrifice and love, immigration, the sights and smells of Harlem, the humble histories of their ancestors, and the dreams of their futures. Emcee Jordin Ruderman returned this year to host the evening, and DJ Rob Goodmonson joined us for the first time. A lively and diverse panel of special guest and celebrity judges included: Nefertari Adams: EHS Alumni (Class of ‘00) and Wharton School MBA Candidate (Class of ‘16) Jane Foley Fried: Head of the Brearley School in New York City Amber Patton: EHS Trustee and CEO & Creative Director of Amber Patton Designs Julio Peterson: Vice President of Real Estate at The Shubert Foundation Rives: Multimedia Artist and acclaimed performance poet Jessica Smalls: EHS Alumna and Celebrity Makeup Artist Thank you to our poets, supporters, and judges for making the evening a great success! EHS BY THE NUMBERS Annual cost of educating an EHS student: $14,629 Percentage of EHS families that pay reduced tuition: 100% Photos (Top to Bottom): B.B. King Blues Club & Grill marquee; Panel of judges with first, second, and third place winners; Emcees Armando and Tolulola; Student Poets; 4th Grader Makayla with her poetry print and friend of the school; 4th Grader Geraldine reciting her poem Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography (3) GRADUATION On Friday, June 13th, families, trustees, friends, and faculty gathered to celebrate The East Harlem School’s Class of 2014. Our twenty-nine graduating 8th graders brought joy and pride to their community and to themselves. EHS Alumni Nefertari Adams (Class of ‘02) delivered a poignant commencement speech, urging our graduates to pursue passion and greatness. Awards were presented for outstanding academic achievement and community involvement. The School’s highest honor, the Lynn and Leola Hageman Warrior Award, was awarded to 8th graders Mia and Armando. We are so proud of the Class of 2014 for their growth and accomplishments! EHS BY THE NUMBERS Number of 2014 EHS graduates: 29 Amount of scholarship aid awarded to students attending boarding and parochial schools for 2014-2015 year: Over $445,513 Photos (Top to Bottom): EHS Alumna and graduation speaker Nefertari Adams; 8th Grader Pablo receiving his diploma from Dean of Faculty and Staff Anne Ross and Head of School Ivan Hageman; Saraly giving the Student Commencement Speech; Class of 2014; 8th Graders Jason, Alejandra, and Hillary; Mia and Armando receiving the Warrior Award Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography (4) 2014 HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT 2014 was a highly competitive year for boarding, private, parochial, and specialized high schools. Our 8th graders had very strong placement results, and we are confident that they will excel in high school! Armando Abrajan Sebastian Adorno Jason Alvarado Alejandra Batista Hillary Cuero Samantha Figueroa Noah Graham Sasha Guzman Alberto Jimenez Tolulola Laguda Carmina Meneses Johanny Mercedes Cynthia Minchala Pablo Mota Gloria Najera Jonathan Perez Abraham Quito Clyde Ramos Brandon Reyes Tatsuya Rivera Carlito Rodriguez Leslie Rosario-Olivo Yisharah Rudolph Rafael Soto Soungalo Soumahoro Mia Stevens Teagan Thompson Saraly Vargas Taylor Williams Cardinal Hayes High School Cristo Rey New York Church Farm School Beacon School Cristo Rey New York Tabor Academy Cristo Rey New York Rumsey Hall St. Raymond’s High School Young Women’s Leadership School Cathedral High School Beacon School Manhattan Village Academy All Hallows High School Mount Saint Ursula HS Cristo Rey New York Friends Seminary Taft School Essex Street Academy Bishop Loughlin Memorial HS LaSalle Academy Cristo Rey New York St. Jean Baptiste High School Essex Street Academy Essex Street Academy Westminster School Philips Academy Andover Dana Hall School Essex Street Academy Photos (Top to Bottom): Class of 2014; Abraham and Cynthia receiving the Academic Achievement Award; Graduates throwing their caps; 8th Graders Alejandra, Hillary, and Samantha; Trustee Diana Brooks, EHS Alumna Nerfertari Adams, Head of School Ivan Hageman, and Trustees Diana Brooks, Stephanie Guest, and Eve Stuart; 8th Graders cutting the graduation cake (5) EHS ATHLETICS BOYS’ LACROSSE TEAM The boys’ lacrosse team, sponsored by the Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation, worked enthusiastically to improve their fundamental skills and prepare for competition this season. The boys participated in two demanding clinics hosted at The Hotchkiss School and Adelphi University, where they learned new passing, shooting, and dodging techniques from current and former players. They also had the opportunity to watch The Hotchkiss School and Garden City High School teams compete in games. We thank the Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation for its support and look forward to another strong season next year. GIRLS’ LACROSSE TEAM The girls’ lacrosse team, also sponsored by the Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation, had a great season! Hard work in practice along with wonderful experiences watching and learning from experienced players and coaches led to tremendous improvement over the course of the season. Like the boys’ team, the girls’ took a trip to Adelphi University in Long Island where they had the opportunity to work with experienced coaches before watching the state champion Garden City Boys’ Lacrosse team compete. The team also traveled to The Hotchkiss School to participate in a clinic with the varsity team and then watched The Hotchkiss School play. Our strong returning players were joined by dedicated and talented new additions. One of our top players was seventh grader Fatima who scored twelve goals this season. Our final game of the season was a dominant victory against Harlem Lacrosse League, capping off a season of successes and growth. TRACK Though this year’s track season was shortened due to weather, our team had many strong showings! Seventh graders Abtehal and Latoya qualified for and competed in this year’s Gotham Games, with Imani only milliseconds from qualifying. The girls ran the 800 meter dash and 100 meter dash respectively, and we are excited for their eighth grade year. We look forward to seeing what the team can accomplish next year! This Page (Top to Bottom): Boys’ lacrosse team during a scrimmage at Hotchkiss; 2014 girls’ lacrosse team; girls’ track at the Gotham Games; Boys’ lacrosse team during a scrimmage at the Hotchkiss School Opposite Page (Top to Bottom): Alumni panelists Claudette, Arlene, and Ibukun; Parent volunteers and students at the annual family BBQ; EHS Alumni Panel sharing their high school experiences and offering our students advice (6) EHS ALUMNI ALUMNI ACTIVITIES On June 10th, six alumni returned to EHS to participate in our annual Alumni Panel. This occasion gives current EHS students to the opportunity to hear about the application process, transition, challenges, and joys of high school as experienced by their older peers. Our alumni answered probing questions and gave insightful advice to their student audience. Afterwards, they joined students, families, faculty and staff for a pot luck dinner in our beautiful back yard! BROOKS FELLOWS The Brooks Fellowship for Community Service, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brooks, provides stipends for East Harlem School alumni to work in summer internships at nonprofit and community-based organizations. These internships are supplemented with weekly check-in meetings at EHS, site visits, weekly written reflections, summer reading assignments, organization presentations, self-evaluations, and evaluations by site supervisors. We would like to thank our partner sites: Booker T. Washington Learning Center, Boys’ Club of New York, Carter Burden Center for the Aging, Family Justice Center, East Harlem Tutorial Program, Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter, Mother Hale Learning Center, and CitySquash. The following alumni were selected to participate in the 2014 Brooks Fellowship program: EHS ‘09: Mayra Cajamarca EHS ‘10: Teanna Holmes, Karen Lee EHS ‘11: Che Maria Baez, Carolina Calero, Alexander Gonzalez, Ruben Perez EHS ‘12: Claudette Ramos EHS ‘13: Nasir Bly, Tyler Brown, Gregory Lee, Ibukun Ogunwomoju, Donaldo Reyes EHS ‘14: Johanny Mercedes, Abraham Quito, Clyde Ramos, Mia Stevens, Saraly Vargas WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT EHS: “I certainly am proud to have my child attending a school where I know her future gets brighter for every minute she’s learning how to suceed amongst oustanding teachers and students.” (7) -Parent of current EHS Student EHS & THE COMMUNITY A VISIT TO THE UNITED NATIONS EHS students were invited to a personal visit of the United Nations headquarters by EHS friend, Ambassador Greta Gunnarsdottir. Students had the opportunity to tour the UN and ask Ambassador Gunnarsdottir questions about her career as an Ambassador, Iceland, foreign policy, and much more. VISIT FROM CAPTAIN NELSON In March, the 4th grade was thrilled to have Captain Brendan Nelson visit and talk about his experience working on tugboats. His visit was a highlight of our unit about infrastructure. From our studies and field trips in the fall, the 4th grade learned about the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the complexities of the maritime industry. Captain Nelson described the physical and logistical details of life on a tugboat and reviewed the various routes and tasks his boat performs in and around the NY Harbor and the Atlantic regional coastline. He shared photographs, demonstated how to use a PFD, and fielded countless questions from our captivated students! EHS AT TASTING TABLE Our trustee, Amber Patton, hosted an etiquette lunch at the Tasting Table. Our 8th grade students enjoyed learning basic fine dining etiquette over a delicious four course meal. Students also received a published guide on professional and business etiquette. GREEN BEETZ Green Beetz is a non-profit organization with the mission to increase children’s knowledge of, engagement with, and access to healthy food. This past spring, Green Beetz led a series of workshops where our students participated in hands on activities and games that taught them more about healthy food choices and exercise. The games blended math, science, technology, and even pop culture to engage students. Green Beetz also conducted a session with EHS parents. SCIENCE FAIR EHS hosted its first science fair this year. Seventh and 8th grade students applied their study of the scientific method and presented their findings to the entire school community. Experiments included studies on the effect of the concentration of dissolved solid on flame color when burned, the effect of the pH level of various liquids on the explosiveness of a chemical reaction with baking soda, and the effect of the type of basketball warmup on a player’s shooting percentage. (8) NEW YORK SUN WORKS Thanks to the fundraising efforts of our trustee Amber Patton, EHS was able to partner with New York Sun Works, a non-profit dedicated to educating students and teachers about the science of sustainability through the use of hydroponic farming technology. Over the course of several weeks, NYSW installed and retrofitted the School’s 7th and 8th grade Science room with hydroponic growing systems and an integrative pest management and seedling station. The organization also implemented an interdisciplinary curriculum which included teacher training workshops for EHS teachers. In the spring, 7th and 8th graders planted and harvested green leaf lettuce, red butterhead lettuce, bibb lettuce, arugala, and kale. After harvesting, our chef used the produce to create delicious salads for school lunch! We can’t wait to do it again next season! WHOLE SCHOOL TIME SPEAKER SERIES This semester, EHS continued its weekly Whole School Time Speaker Series with a group of dynamic presenters who shared their professional and personal experiences. • Marshall Lally – Underwater Photographer • Thai Jones – American History Professor, Columbia University • Julio Peterson - VP of Real Estate at The Shubert Organization • Judge Sterling Johnson, Jr. - Senior US District Judge for the Eastern district of New York • Judge Lillian Wan - Brooklyn Family Court Judge • Ms. Boucher - EHS Teacher presented her research on Alaskan Glaciers • National Cathedral Boys Choir • Jessica Smalls – Celebrity Makeup Artist and EHS Alumna Opposite Page (Top to Bottom):Ambassador Gunnarsdottir of Iceland with EHS Students, Head of School Ivan Hageman, and Dean of Faculty & Staff Anne Ross at the United Nations; 4th Graders with Captain Nelson; 8th Graders with Trustee Amber Patton at the etiquette lunch; 7th Graders Cherise, Imani, and Jada presenting their science fair project This Page (Top to Bottom): 8th Grade students cutting, weighing, and preparing harvested greens; EHS lunch prepared with student harvested produce (9) EHS & THE ARTS SPRING DRAMA PERFORMANCES The spring semester of drama featured fantastic talent and eagerness to perform! The 4th graders impressed the audience with a full-length musical titled “We Come from Everywhere,” which focused on the theme of immigration, a topic they studied in their home classroom. Not to be outdone, the 5th and 6th grades performed “Annie Jr.” Each class starred in one major song and dance number from the musical and shared a portion of the show with the other classes. The classes combined talents to sing a rousing version of “Tomorrow” at the end of the show. Students had a fantastic time rehearsing and performing this much loved classic, especially after some students took part in the filming here at EHS for the new major motion picture “Annie” coming out this December! Seventh graders mounted their “7th Grade Scene Showcase.” They performed scenes that explored themes of friendship and family, and they performed for each other and an invited audience. Last, but certainly not least, the 8th graders impressed the crowd with their original adaptation of “Once on this Island.” The music and choreography transformed the gym into a tropical island, where the ultimate story of love was told. The 8th graders approached the challenging material with much enthusiasm, and recalled their love of the films “The Little Mermaid” and “Romeo & Juliet”, on which the story of “Once on this Island” is based. Their brightly colored tie-dye t-shirts and storytelling skills certainly did the story of Ti Moune justice. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT EHS: “I was searching for the right school for a long time, and finally, Eureka, I have found your school. I knew that this was the school for my child as I walked into the building. The ambiance alone softly yelled serenity.” - Lourdes Lebron, Parent of EHS Student This Page (Top to Bottom):4th grade students performing “We Come From Everywhere”; 6th graders warming up in Drama class Opposite Page (Top to Bottom): Scenes from the 6th grade showcase (10) SPRING MUSICAL PERFORMANCES The East Harlem School Choir had a wonderful spring semester learning and singing new music together. They performed “Hall of Fame” by The Script, “Roar” by Katy Perry, and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. The Spring Concert Program featured many soloists who impressed listeners with their incredible voices and poise! The East Harlem School Dance Club also performed an energized dance number to Beyonce’s “Let’s Move” for the school. FROM THE EHS KITCHEN Chef Jonah’s Zucchini Bread Recipe INGREDIENTS: 3 eggs3 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup vegetable oil (canola or corn) 1/4 tsp baking powder2 cups white sugar 1 tsp salt 2 cups grated zucchini 2 tsp vanilla extract 3 cups all purpose flour DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil two 8x4” loaf pans. 2. In a large bowl beat eggs, then add oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla until well combined. 3. In a separate bowl mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. 4. Gently combine all of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. When all are mixed, fold in optional nuts or chocolate chips if desired. 5. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. 6. Cool slightly before eating. (11) SUMMER AT EHS SUMMER SESSION 2014 SUMMER INTERNS Eli Cohen, University of Chicago Ali Cox, Duke University Brooke Edelman, University of Pennsylvania Catherine Feuille, Dartmouth The Summer Semester is a critical component of The East Harlem School’s year-round educational program. In order to provide even more skill-building and enrichment opportunities, East Harlem School students participated in a mandatory 5-week session in addition to the regular 10-month school year. Summer session classes were taught by professional teachers and high school and college interns. EHS Summer Humanities Curriculum Suzannah Sitterle, Vanderbilt This Summer Session, our students engaged in a study of The Holocaust. Each grade read a different book about the time period, and the literature study was supplemented with a morning history seminar that gave students context for the stories they were encountering in humanities. Teachers and interns worked to give students an introductory understanding of the events that occurred leading up to, during, and after the Holocaust, but the deeper study was of compassion, tolerance, and how to avoid cruelty on both a small scale and a large scale. Each week, interns presented on other conflicts that have occurred or are currently occurring around the world. The student learned about Rwanda, Bosnia, Syria, and The Ukraine. On Fridays, students visited The Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Anne Frank Center, both located in lower Manhattan. As a final project, students spent time reflecting on and writing a response to the following prompt: “I pledge to help meet the challenge of genocide today by:” It was a somber and challenging theme for our Summer Session, but one that we felt was important and ultimately hopeful. Johanna Suskin, Columbia Students studied the following books this summer: College Stephen Green, Collegiate School Sara Hassan, Williams College Blake Heller, Dartmouth College Paul Irizarry, Middlebury College Angelica Laburda, Skidmore College Chrissy Lushefski, Dartmouth College Elizabeth McCurrach, Cornell University Nikol Oydanich, Dartmouth College Sophie Paci, Yale University Brigid Prial, Warwick Valley High School University Grammar and Preparatory School A special thanks to Anne Robinson from St. Bernard’s School who taught humanities to our 8th graders this summer! “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry – Rising 5th grade “Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps” by Andrea Warren – Rising 6th grade “The Diary of Anne Frank” by Anne Frank – Rising 7th grade “Maus I” by Art Spiegelman – Rising 8th grade (12) EHS Goes To Washington WASHINGTON, D.C. Trip This spring, a small group of EHS students traveled to Washington, D.C. where they met with Senators and Congressmen, explored the city, and learned about our national government. We were delighted to be hosted once again by Tim Reif, the General Counsel to the US Trade Representative, and a dear friend of The East Harlem School. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Wednesday, April 9 Arrive Washington D.C. 1:30 Meeting with Under Secretary of State Cathy Novelli and former Vice President of Apple Corp. 4:00 Meeting with Tim Reif, General Counsel to the US Trade Representive Thursday, April 10 10:20 Meeting with Congressman Xavier Becerra 12:00 Meeting with Congressman Charles B. Rangel Friday, April 11 9:30 Meeting with Viji Rangasamu, Vice President of Government Affairs Depart for New York City Opposite Page (Top to Bottom): Students on a field trip during summer session; Students in math class; Student intern Angelica helping 6th grader Alexia and 7th Grader Hunter with their paintings for the 2014 Benefit This Page (Top to Bottom): Students at the White House; Students at the Capitol; Students with Congressman Charles B. Rangel (13) EHS thanks Jody Steinglass and Empire Edge for donating their test prep services to our 8th graders! EHS SPOTLIGHT TRUSTEE: Ruth Shillingford “I was completely inspired by the students and impressed by how well organized the night was. [It] warms the heart just to know that The East Harlem School exists.” - Tim Wyant, Executive Director of City Squash, in a letter to the School following the 2014 Poetry Slam Hon. Ruth Shillingford joined The East Harlem School’s Board of Trustees in the fall. She is an acting Justice of the New York State Supreme Court in Kings County. Judge Shillingford is a native of Dominica and is a product of the New York City public school system, having graduated from the Bronx High School of Science. She is also an honors graduate of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center. In her current capacity, she handles a range of felony hearings and trials. Judge Shillingford’s connection with EHS began when she was the office mate of Hans Hageman, while they both served as prosecutors. He talked about his parents and their role in the East Harlem community, as well as the hope that he shared with his brother, Ivan, to continue in the footsteps of their parents’ tradition of service by opening a school. Since that time, two of Judge Shillingford’s family members have graduated from EHS, including her daughter, Iliana Smith, a 2011 graduate, who currently attends The Taft School. Iliana’s sister, Olivia, is a graduate as well. Judge Shillingford believe strongly in the necessity for a school like EHS, which provides opportunities to enhance the lives of EHS students, their families and the East Harlem community as a whole. ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: The Quito Family “This summer, I worked at EHS, and it was great to come back to the place that has given me so much guidance. It reinforced a lot of the work ethic I gained in past summers, and made me realize that I would love to teach after college. I can go back to Kent School and confidently say that I had a fulfilling summer and learned more about the world and myself.” - Che Baez, EHS Alumna, Brooks Fellow We are pleased to share the accomplishments of our wonderful Quito family! All four Quito children are graduates of The East Harlem School, and we are thrilled to report on their achievements. Our most recent graduate, Abraham (Class of ‘14), is preparing for his first year at Friends Seminary in New York City. He has spent much of the summer preparing for soccer tryouts. We wish him luck and hope to see him dominate the field as he did at EHS! Abraham’s older sister Raquel (Class of ‘12) currently attends NEST+M, one of New York City’s top public schools, and looks forward to college where she hopes to begin the path towards becoming a pediatrician. Josue (Class of ‘10) graduated from The Beacon School this past spring and is preparing for his freshman year at Baruch College, where he has received a full scholarship and a stipend. Finally, Diana (Class of ‘08) will begin her sophomore year at Fordham University this fall, where she plans to declare Architecture as her major. The Quitos are a remarkable family and represent the strong values, character, and commitment of our families at EHS. We wish them the best of luck for their bright futures! (14) FUNDING SUPPORT AT EHS NEW PARTNERSHIPS & RENEWED FUNDING SUPPORT: Achelis Foundation In May, EHS received a $25,000 grant to support the School’s daily operations. Altman Foundation The East Harlem School is thrilled to be the recipient of a two-year $175,000 grant to support the School’s operations. Credit Suisse Holiday Charity Initiative This year, EHS was chosen to participate in the Credit Suisse Holiday Charity Initiative, whereby Credit Suisse employees select specific charities to personally support. With help from a matching gift from the Credit Suisse Americas Foundation, EHS received more than $17,000! Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation: EHS was thrilled to receive a $35,000 grant in support of the 2014 Summer Semester. We are grateful for the lasting relationship with this wonderful foundation. Opposite Page (Top to Bottom): Judge Ruth Shillingford addressing the EHS Class of 2013 at Graduation; The Quito family at Abraham’s graduation. Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography This Page (Top to Bottom): EHS backyard (15) The East Harlem School at Exodus House 309 East 103rd Street New York, NY 10029 T: 212.876.8775 F: 212.876.8776 E: development@eastharlemschool.org TheEastHarlemSchool A T E X O D U S H O U S E Small school. BIG impact. Please make your tax-deductible gift to The East Harlem School today and make a BIG impact on a child’s life forever. Please contact the development office with any questions at 212-876-8775 x304. The East Harlem School at Exodus House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. New and continued support from our donors allows us to provide an innovative and comprehensive education to middle school students from low-income families in Harlem. With your assistance, we can continue to provide an exceptional learning experience to our ever-growing student body, to offer academic counseling to our alumni, and to forge ahead with the School’s growth and expansion. www.eastharlemschool.org We have worked to ensure the accuracy of this newsletter and apologize for any errors or omissions. If there has been an inadvertent error or omission, please accept our sincere apologies and notify: Sheila P. Nelson Director of Development development@eastharlemschool.org _________________________ Design Concept Jessica Giles www.jessicagiles.com Student Photography Michael Priest Photography mpriestphotography.com (212) 462-2250 Building Photography Kevin Chu + Jessica Paul Tel +1 646.483.1155