REPORT OF
PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
Mission To empower children to fulfill their unlimited, God-given potential as fearless scholars and conscientious citizens.
WHAT’S INSIDE
01 02 04 06 08 10 12
The Great Pivot of 2020 Message from Leadership Operating Summary: By the Numbers The Pivot - Learning in COVID The Pivot - Events 40th Year Anniversary on Mulholland Campus Gratitude for Service: Focus on Barbara DeNisi 14 Performances at BHS: On stage and On Zoom
Honesty House teammates help each other score points on Bobcat Day!
16 Profile in Giving: Zully Gonzalez and Jerry Pacheco 18 BHPA Volunteers 21 Class of 2020 20 Class of 1969 Reunion 22 Alumni News 26 Our Donors 35 Message from Advancement 36 Ways to Give
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
THE
Great Pivot OF 2020 My younger daughter tends to struggle with Zooms, as many children do, but it is because of all the teachers she is able to keep going. My older daughter started to love to read in 3rd grade and even though we are remote, my younger daughter in the past week, can’t stop reading. I attribute all of this to Berkeley Hall and I am so thankful we are able to be here.
They pivoted with such aplomb from regular school to virtual school. My son felt connected and engaged. The teachers worked with many online platforms, made time for office hours, organized creative new assignments in this age of virtual learning, and even kept them moving with creative workouts in PE.
Even during Remote Learning, the school culture remains strong and is demonstrated daily.
When COVID-19 hit the US and quarantine and Remote Learning became a daily reality we were utterly knocked out by the way that the teachers worked long days to accommodate this new environment keeping our daughter busy, continuing her rigorous education, and giving her good full days of learning.
I communicate with moms around the country and the education that my son is getting at Berkeley Hall far exceeds the programs any other families are experiencing in my circle. I’m thankful that BH could pull off such a detailed and structured program so quickly!
We have had some unique and extreme challenges this year, including the Getty Fire and finishing the year completely online. The pivoting, the adapting, and the flexibility of the school, from administrators to faculty, have been amazing. Flexibility and adaptability are the keys to success and strong leadership that we look forward to our children learning.
My husband and I have been extremely impressed with how seamlessly efficient and expeditious the change to online learning has been. The online program continues to maintain the continuity and the rigor of the normal classroom and has allowed for as much classroom interaction as possible through group, online learning programs. We appreciate that our child will not fall behind during this time due to the diligence and desire to keep up the learning environment on the part of the administration, teachers, and staff.
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
Toward the Mountain
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
orty years ago we made the move from the Beverly Hills campus to our hilltop campus here on Mulholland. The Board members at that time had a vision for Berkeley Hall which was reflected in their fundraising slogan: “Toward the Mountain.” The many possibilities of moving from 5 acres to our beautiful 66-acre campus were inspiring and led to the wonderful facility that we have today. That vision of expansive thinking is still alive as reflected by all of you who continue to support the school’s mission and goals. This has been a most unusual year in education. It has tested our metal and resolve, and strengthened our desire to bring out the unlimited, God-given potential in each and every student. As a Board of Trustees, we could not guide and support this enormous vision without you, our donors. You help to make everything we do possible. Because of you and our whole community of supporters, we are able to provide the teaching expertise and facilities which allow us to educate fearless scholars and conscientious citizens who will make the world better. This year brought the completion of Phase I of the Innovation Lab. Just as students stepped into the classrooms for the first time, COVID-19 hit, and the focus shifted from expanding our facilities to expanding our patience and pivoting our program. According to the Harvard Business Review, great leaders are decisive, reliable, adapt to present needs, and engage for impact. Our administration proved themselves as great leaders this past year. Not only did they move quickly when COVID-19 hit to adapt our educational program, teacher development, and facilities preparedness, they did so at a standard for which Berkeley Hall is known. We are grateful to partner with this community and to lead Berkeley Hall into the future with a continued strong vision for success.
Margaret Andrews Chair, Board of Trustees
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
Effective Instruction During a Pandemic
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
hat does effective instruction look like during a time of pandemic? As leaders at Berkeley Hall, this is a question we ask ourselves daily as we grapple with a different kind of school year than we’ve ever experienced before. While COVID-19 has shifted how we approach delivering a strong education to each of our students, we have never deviated from our school’s mission. Our privilege as educators is “to empower children to fulfill their unlimited, God-given potential as fearless scholars and conscientious citizens” and we continue to stand on this strong foundation amidst the shifting seas of COVID-19, safer at home mandates, and the myriad requirements put on schools. Berkeley Hall is committed to continuously deepening our students’ learning by improving every lesson we teach. For the last decade, our faculty has been studying their teaching practice (“Depth of Study”) and, as a result, our students’ learning has improved. When the pandemic hit early last spring, we leveraged Depth of Study to quickly reimagine how we teach. We had to ask ourselves, “How can we effectively teach our strong education program in an upended system?” By applying our Depth of Study to our remote model, we were able to continuously improve student learning even in the midst of a pandemic. Our faculty, staff, and administration are so dedicated to this work and so devoted to our students that we labored throughout much of our summer vacation to create and innovate a remote learning program that maintains our standards of excellence. We problem-solved together, discovering how best to deepen our students’ academic learning, yes, but also their sense of self and character, and to help students (and parents) recognize their inherent resilience amidst change and struggle. Throughout this time, we have come together as a community to identify and appreciate the inevitable good brought to the surface even in times of upheaval — cooking, reading, and laughing together, family walks around the neighborhood, connecting with and caring for each other. We could not have accomplished what we have without our supportive parents, alumni, and friends. The reviews from parents are proof of our hard-won successes and yet, as Head of School, I continue to encourage us to never stop growing and improving, as we are a school devoted to excellence in both academics and character. I believe we will look back on this time as one of great growth in our school. And as I’ve said since last March, if I have to lead through a pandemic, I’m grateful to be doing so alongside this community of thoughtful, heart-centered, extraordinary people.
Lisle Staley, PhD. Head of School
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
29%
The Cost of Education Personnel (including benefits)
$5,352,996
Operating Expenses
$2,808,172
Financial Aid
$1,584,325
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$9,745,493
29%
7%
16% 55%
Resources to Fund BHS Tuition and Fees
$8,725,299
Annual Fund, Events, Donations*
$4,019,757
Other Income
64%
TOTAL REVENUE
$956,525 $13,701,581
* Includes capital gifts, endowment gifts, and other donations not available for operating expenses.
Data based on audited financial statements as of June 30, 2020 (includes pledges receivable). As your children are benefited by previous generations of generous gifts, major gifts currently received are stewarded and invested by the school to benefit future generations of Berkeley Hall students.
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
$2,060,000
Philanthropic Support $541,259
$505,050
$133,390 OTHER*
$381,892
$205,050 CURRENT PARENTS & OTHER*
$407,869 CURRENT PARENTS
$112,410
ANNUAL FUND DRIVE
GALA
$300,000
$111,000
FOUNDATION GRANTS
FOUNDATION GIFTS
* Other Donors include: Faculty, Staff, Trustees, Alumni, Parents of Alumni, Grandparents of Alumni, Current Grandparents, Friends of Berkeley Hall
CAPITAL GIFTS
BEQUESTS
RESTRICTED GIFTS
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
First graders and their storytelling project
The Pivot
LEARNING IN COVID In March of 2020, the world changed. The global pandemic forced us all to stop and discover new footing on a very different, often shifting, landscape. Because of COVID-19, Berkeley Hall, along with schools and businesses around the world, needed to do what everyone is now accustomed to saying — pivot.
e’d like to share with you how we as educators adjusted to what’s known as “the new normal” in order to continue to bring the best possible education to our students. We dug deep into our core values and roots and successfully transitioned to a robust and comprehensive remote learning program. Berkeley Hall is founded on a growth mindset, and dealing with COVID-19 became our biggest opportunity to practice a growth mindset around educating children - from how we teach, to what we teach, to learning new technologies, to communicating on camera - essentially building a remote-learning program from scratch while using it.
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
How do you teach a group of students without being in the same room with them, without the white board, the projector, the lectern, the books, the bunsen burners, the hoops and balls and nets? How do you reach a student through cyberspace? There were more questions than answers, and we needed answers fast from one day to the next. The system put in place ten years ago which we’ve coined Depth of Study - by which our teachers professionally collaborate to improve teaching in order to improve learning - allowed us to transition our focus of Depth of Study very quickly to find urgentlyneeded solutions. The systems were already in place and teachers were already well adept at collaboratively analyzing teaching methods and lesson plans to improve them. Now they simply needed to utilize that process to discover the best way to teach remotely and build a remote-leaning model of education.
We’ve never seen a faculty work more tirelessly and go above and beyond what was asked. And not just the faculty — everyone pulled together, from staff to administrators to facilities personnel to parents and students. This became an enormous team effort. During the spring trimester, we adjusted as best we could, flexing many new muscles to accomplish simple tasks. Teachers, students, and parents all had to play new roles and get very comfortable with change and newness. It required vulnerability, a willingness to be open about needed areas of growth, and a laser-like focus on our goals to succeed at remote learning. The children’s education was at stake. And if there is one thing we have done for 109 years, it’s putting our students’ education at the core of everything we do. The governor mandated that everyone stay at home. The order came quickly and lasted longer than anyone anticipated. Days dragged into weeks and then months. We all missed each other, we missed being on our beautiful campus, we missed the sounds of children, the laughter and the smiles. Zoom became a lifeboat in a sea of separateness. We joined together as a community each morning at Morning Meetup to connect and hear the latest. Thursdays were coined Thankful Thursdays, and parents shared all they were grateful for. The stories of resilience and success in learning gave us all hope that we could get through this together.
All set up for class at home
Teachers adapted lessons to virtual space and quickly learned how to best engage students in this new arena. Technology became our best friend and at times our worst enemy. We all adapted. We all learned to let things be messy — realizing slowly that this process of going remote was not a finite game, but rather an infinite game, no real end or winner — just constantly improving, one little adjustment at a time. And that’s what Depth of Study has trained our teachers to do over the past ten years, focus on the one little shift that can be made while keeping our eye on the ever-moving goal of improvement. As it turns out, the revolutionary shift to remote learning has been an evolutionary process for which we were well prepared. We had hoped to return this fall to on-campus instruction, but state mandates required a return to the remote model. The teachers worked tirelessly through the summer during their normal break and came back with a remote-learning program that’s getting rave reviews from parents. We successfully welcomed back to campus our Nursery through 2nd grades and look forward to having more grades return to campus as the year progresses.
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
The Pivot EVENTS Our time-honored and beloved traditions are an essential part of the Berkeley Hall experience. We are grateful that many were able to take place as scheduled before the “Safer at Home” mandate sent us home to the brave new world of learning, working, and living remotely. We turned challenges into opportunities by expanding our expectations; we re-imagined our celebrations to ensure that they would still reflect a uniquely magical Berkeley Hall experience.
Graduation car parade on Circle Drive
Physically distant graduation ceremony celebrating each 8th grader
e were only a week away from our March 21 Be a Light, All in White Gala at the 1 Hotel when the “Safer at Home” mandate necessitated a swift change. Our flexible Gala Chairs, Trinecia Moore-Pernell and Tava Smiley, and the Gala Committee volunteers graciously and gracefully pivoted, and in late May, ran a wonderful online version of the silent auction and a fun-filled Zoom event, including Bid-for-the-Kids. Special thanks to the evening’s emcees, Marilu Henner and French Stewart and special guests, Erica Moore-Burton and Chappale Burton, who helped facilitate the fun! The proceeds from the online silent auction and Bid-for-the-Kids went directly to the items needed by the school for a safe re-opening and return to campus.
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
The Shield Dance, where the 8th grade traditionally reveals their class shield for the first time, was scheduled for May 1. Though the dance itself could not be held, this year’s shield was completed remotely by individual class members under the expert guidance of JH Science Teacher Woody Brown ‘04 and revealed at the post-graduation car parade. The Graduation Tea, a much-loved tradition, scheduled for May 16, was also canceled. Undaunted, our amazing Tea Chairs, Shireen Farahmand and Nica Gajiu, created exquisite individual tea baskets filled with delectable treats, loose leaf teas, a beautiful teacup and other assorted tea-related items that were given to each graduate at the car parade.
This year’s graduation on June 11 for the Class of 2020 was historic. Our first virtual graduation ceremony! Graduations always hold a special place in the memory of any graduate, and this year was no exception. BHS administration, faculty, and staff made it warm, heartfelt, and intimate. A beautiful tribute slideshow created by graduate Emma Reathaford welcomed everyone into the Zoom graduation venue. The graduates sang their Class Song — re-written lyrics by the class to the tune of Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey. The song was recorded remotely with each individual singing their own track at home and through the magic of technology, it all came together to sound like a class chorus. The ceremony was filled with graduate speeches, a presentation of the making of the class shield with the motto: Moments Fade, Memories Stay, expressions of gratitude, awards and recognitions, and individual messages to the graduates from not only Head of School Dr. Lisle Staley, but also teachers and other administrators. Board of Trustees Chair Margaret Andrews delivered a congratulatory speech and teachers announced each graduate. The ceremony ended with a special gift to the graduates from the Bobcat Chorus; they sang On My Way by Brian Crawley (again, recorded remotely and edited together to form a chorus).
Once the Zoom graduation ceremony ended, all the graduates headed up to campus for a physicallydistanced car parade. The fabulously decorated cars drove around Circle Drive to the cheers of teachers and staff. The parade included an opportunity for each graduate to receive their tea basket in honor of the Graduation Tea; a bag of goodies including a t-shirt, printed graduation program, and a specially engraved lock that they then attached to a special portion of the fence outside the ECD; an orchid lei flown in from Hawaii; and finally their diploma and photo with Dr. Staley in front of their Class Shield. Each graduate also received an individually packaged graduation cupcake. The whole day included our favorite Berkeley Hall traditions and gave our graduates a true send-off into the world as fearless scholars and conscientious citizens. The Class of 2020, their families, and the entire Berkeley Hall community certainly have proven their resilience, flexibility, confidence, grace, integrity, and humility in a time of unexpected and unprecedented challenges. When the Class of 2020 chose their motto: Moments Fade, Memories Stay, they could not have known how prophetic it would be not only for themselves but for the world in which we all live.
Last stop on the parade – a picture with Dr. Staley, diploma and shield
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
40th Year Anniversary ON MULHOLLAND CAMPUS After years of vision, dreams, dedicated planning, sweat, and love, the momentous move from the 300 N. Swall Drive campus “Toward The Mountain” to 16000 Mulholland Drive was brought to fruition. On June 14, 1980, alumni, friends, and family had one last nostalgic visit to the Swall Drive campus, then headed to Berkeley Hall’s new home on Mulholland Drive for their first breathtaking look at the future.
1980
Indicates campus perimeter
TODAY
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
n 1911, sisters Leila and Mabel Cooper founded and developed the school that may have started small in structure and enrollment, but over the decades has flourished, growing to our current, beautiful 66-acre campus. Looking at our campus today, you would never know it was once a swath of dirt on a mountaintop. This campus is the fourth location that BHS has occupied in its illustrious history. The first location was a small house in the West Adams Heights district of Los Angeles, across from the first gated community in Los Angeles called Berkeley Square (inspiring the sisters to name their school “Berkeley Hall”). Two short years later, a larger location was needed, and BHS moved to a home five blocks west on 4th avenue. In the fall of 1925, the school moved to its new “English Village” campus on North Swall Drive in Beverly Hills. On April 18, 1978, the Los Angeles City Council granted BHS the permit to acquire the land BHS has called home since 1980. We are grateful to the Cooper sisters who had the dream that became Berkeley Hall and to everyone throughout our history who has carried BHS “Toward the Mountain” with their loving dedication, limitless vision, unfailing determination, and generous financial support. We wouldn’t be here without all of them and you.
1980, the first year of a fresh new decade filled with opportunities and adventure. In February, The Winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid, New York. On February 22, The US Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union, 4-3 in what will be forever known as The Miracle on Ice. In April, 3M began selling its latest creation, Post-It Notes On June 1, CNN (Cable News Network) became the first 24hrs News Station On June 20, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back opened In early September, Berkeley Hall School moved to its new home at 16000 Mulholland Drive!
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
FOCUS ON
Barbara DeNisi TEACHER PROFILE “I did not want to be a teacher. Honestly, I wanted to be a spy,” Mrs. DeNisi laughs (as do those in the background who know her history). Mrs. DeNisi has been teaching
Kindergarten at Berkeley Hall most of her professional life with the exception of a few years in her family’s business and the year she taught Kindergarten at an international school in Japan. In fact, her association with Berkeley Hall began when she attended summer camp on the Beverly Hills campus when she was a little girl.
rs. DeNisi has been called, “The Kindergarten Whisperer,” and those who watch her in action or have had a child go through her class would agree. She just knows 5 year-olds. She knows how they think and what they need, how to communicate with them and how to make learning fun. “Over the years, Kindergarten has become more academically focused. But you have to make sure learning is fun,” said Mrs. DeNisi, “because the ultimate goal is not just to teach people, but to encourage them to love learning and become lifelong learners. If fun is not part of the process, then that activity will not be part of their lives going forward.” “We often describe Kindergarten as the hinge year between the preschool experience which is mostly play and social development, and the academic years which have not as much play. That’s the year they learn to read and comprehend and really understand; it’s like a brain firing on all cylinders. It’s just the most amazing thing to witness. I think it’s the best year!” “At this age, magic is still real. They still believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. There’s an understood compact among adults to not spoil that magical experience for children. We pretend in order to make things fun for children. And that compact has protected children from growing up too fast by not making it too real, too fast.” “Pretending and playing is vital for this age, especially when they act out the role of savior and the role of victim. When they’re acting out the fireman and then the person who needs to be saved, they work through some of their fears. They have to do this for reassurance and also to figure out what kind of person they are. For example, do they want to be saved or do they want to save someone? They get to know a bit more of who they want to be.”
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
“I feel a sense of mission teaching here. This school’s mission and my mission match. I just loved this school when I was here at summer camp and now I get to come here every day. Teaching at Berkeley Hall is different. We have a loyalty to our mission and our students based on their unlimited God-given potential. I’m determined to make sure I’m doing everything I can to help them in every single way: how they hold the pencil, how they write, how they treat other people, how they stand in line. In a lot of schools, they just want to get to the curriculum, but I don’t, and I don’t think any teacher here at BHS does. We want to use the curriculum to teach work habits, self-respect, how to set personal goals, and the indefinables like persistence, growth-mindset, and being good citizens. You have to call out the things you notice and highlight them. That’s how children learn to express them.”
I can’t imagine a blessing greater than a Berkeley Hall education. It sets kids up for life.
Kindergarten students performing for parents
Halloween Parade preparation
Mrs.DeNisi summed up this way, “I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. I can’t imagine a blessing greater than a Berkeley Hall education. It sets kids up for life. This becomes their friend group. The kids here have a special connection. They develop a sense of community and it gives them skills that set them up to work in all the communities they belong to later.” “A good teacher has to adore kids,” says Mrs. DeNisi, “adore your level, have a connection to the age you teach, and have patience and a really good sense of humor. You want to communicate that this is fun. It’s not, ‘You have to do your homework.’ I counsel parents to say ‘You get to do your homework!’ I love to get up and come to work and be with the kids.” “The job of teaching encompasses every other job there is. It’s like the umbrella job; you have to be good at lots of different things to be an effective teacher. Teaching,” Mrs. DeNisi smiles, “gives you a chance to be a coach, a nurse, a parent, a musician, and yes, even a spy.”
Kindergarten after a reading lesson of Thank You Omu! by Oge Mora
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
Young ballroom dancers strutting their stuff at the Variety Show
Mary Poppins dress rehearsal turned into their final performance due to COVID-19
PERFORMANCES AT BHS
On stage and On Zoom | Per’ fôrm | verb - to carry out, accomplish or fulfill (an action, task, or function). erkeley Hall Bobcats perform! Opportunities abound within academics as they grow to be fearless scholars, but also as performing artists in drama, music, and art. Students are asked to perform from Nursery right through Eighth Grade, challenged to express themselves fearlessly. During Bobcat Assembly, Christmas sings and programs, countless writing celebrations and academic presentations, the variety show, costume contests, dances, Bobcat Chorus, plays and musicals, there is no shortage of opportunities to perform. At every level, students present to others regularly; they become very adept at stepping onto a stage (metaphorical or actual).
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
Young ventriloquist at the Variety Show
But how is this process different at BHS than at other schools? The whole culture at Berkeley Hall supports it. The adults in our community are trained to see students as limitless, to see their unlimited potential, and to put into practice the Cooper sisters’ founding principle in 1911, No Limits, No Labels, and Lots of Love. This foundational way of thinking sets the stage (so to speak) for students to reach for their highest potential and break through the limitations they put on themselves. Adults see them as capable, and this creates a safe atmosphere in which to be vulnerable, a critical ingredient in the creative process. This allows students to reach and fail and reach again with no fear of feeling ridiculous — this allows students to be fearless scholars in their pursuit of performance.
COVID-19 and Remote Learning brought a whole new set of challenges to our teachers and students getting ready to perform. Notable breakthroughs include a Zoom performance by the Bobcat Chorus that was so good it was used during graduation, and a production of Mary Poppins performed days before the show date without the luxury of a dress rehearsal. Students stunned the audience with their courage and ability to reach for the top! There is an expectation that each student, by the time they graduate, will have enough experience in public presentation that they will leave Berkeley Hall knowing their abilities as a performer and public speaker - skills that will serve them well during their school career and beyond.
Unsung Hero MARC LIGNIER For many years, one of our unsung heroes on campus has been our backdrop artist, BHS parent and now custodian, Marc Lignier. His artistic talents run deep and are expressed in stunning, original backdrops, hand painted for each show. Giving of himself very quietly and never calling attention to the numerous hours of work, Marc’s creations have adorned our BHS stages for years and always lent a very special atmosphere to our plays, musicals, and programs. We want to thank you, Marc, for your talent and your generous heart.
Handpainted backdrop for Mary Poppins
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
PROFILE IN GIVING
Zully Gonzalez and Jerry Pacheco For every family who gives to Berkeley Hall, there is a why. Why do they give, and why do they keep on giving? The Pachecos, a family who embodies the spirit of giving, have a history of giving to our community and to all that Berkeley Hall represents.
Jerry Pacheco, Zully Gonzalez, and their two children Jeremy (4th grade) and Jerry, have been giving to Berkeley Hall since Jeremy was in Nursery.
W
hen the Pachecos were asked why they give, the answer came quickly and simply from these two people filled with warmth and generosity. “It’s fun to bring smiles and joy to the kids’ faces. You do it for the children,” said Jerry. “I just love to give,” continued Zully. ”The gift is in the giving — truly. It is important to me that kids feel loved. To me, giving is a form of showing that love.” The Pacheco family was attracted to Berkeley Hall because the kids are taught compassion, Jerry said. “It’s a caring environment and it’s a home away from home — that’s super important to us. Jeremy gets up ready and excited [to go to school] and that says a lot.” Zully added, “Berkeley Hall has had a lot to do with developing Jeremy’s character. The community is very inclusive; we’re all one.” “We’re all on the same journey,” Jerry went on to say. “If you care about your children and you put everything else aside, then that’s the common ground.” Zully expanded on what that has meant for them. “We have made the school community our friends and have very close relationships that have grown over time. I didn’t expect that, but that’s just the way the school is.” The Pachecos’ commitment to and connection with the community prompts them to give. “The gift is in the giving. Give without expecting anything in return.
The Pacheco family
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
These kids think in possibility — to never allow anyone or anything or any challenge to dismiss your goals and to expect the challenges. If the training is there, that mindset will carry them forward. That’s the legacy that we work for and we’re going to spend all the money we can before we go. Don’t give because it’s a tax write-off, give because you love giving and know that the focus is the kids and appreciate the joy that you’re bringing to their lives,” said Jerry. Once she understood what the Annual Fund represented, Zully said it made a huge difference for her to know where the money was going. “It’s a responsibility; we have to give. We have to help. Our kids are all going to benefit from it. What have you gained? When I look at Jeremy, I see how great the school has been. We have a responsibility to maintain our children’s education, and they can’t become stronger if our teachers aren’t becoming stronger, if there aren’t the resources to strengthen the school as a whole. So give!” Jerry added, “We know first hand what city schools are about. Part of our giving is to give a kid the opportunity [for a Berkeley Hall education]. When we give we want to give to the whole community.” “For me it’s an investment in your child,” said Zully. “If you’re giving of your time, you’re involved in your child’s life, you’re in tune with not just him but his classmates, what’s going on in his/her world. If you’re giving with money, you’re supporting their growth in other ways and supporting a community at large. So to me giving at Berkeley Hall is an investment in your child, your family, and your community.” Mr. Pacheco said the investment in Jeremy and his friends is worth it. “The results are there, really. We see it in Jeremy; he’s creative, he’s outgoing, and he’s social, and he cares about his friends. All of those little things can be taught, but they’re more absorbed from his environment. That’s the way they learn — from examples. So that’s what we’re looking for in a school that complements that. That’s the investment I see from giving.”
Jeremy with his friend Ryan
They hope their giving leaves a legacy — a legacy of mindset — that as a result of being at Berkeley Hall, “these kids think in possibility,” said Jerry, “to never allow anyone or anything or any challenge to dismiss your goals and to expect the challenges. If the training is there, that mindset will carry them forward.” Zully beamed, “We hope that we’re able to inspire other parents to give to the school because it really is important to give.” “I’ll second that,” Jerry concluded with a smile.
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
Parent volunteers Community is at the heart of everything we do at Berkeley Hall. All parents are expected to be involved in the school, and most go above and beyond to make sure that our community activities are successful. Whether it’s planning the big Gala fundraiser, or decorating a classroom door, Berkeley Hall Parents are helpful every step of the way. We are eternally grateful for these individuals, who bring so much talent, love, and dedication to our school.
THANK YOU, PARENTS!
Volunteering at the ECD Fall Festival
Setting up for the Halloween Howl
BHPA Executive Board, Committee Chairs, and Room Parents
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20 Decorating for the 81st annual Primary Sugar Plum program
We are SO grateful for our wonderful parent volunteers! BHPA President Mev Blount BHPA Vice President of Junior High and Intermediate Departments Sapna Abrol
K Room Parent Kerri Waild Christine De La Hoz Primary Coordinator Elisa Vera Melanie Monestere
BHPA Vice President of Primary and ECD Courtney Perry
1st Grade Room Parent Tava Smiley Jade Loop DeVito
BHPA Vice President of School Events Jaclyn Vercillo
2nd Grade Room Parent Dorothy Sheng Sarine Sahatjian
BHPA Treasurer Kim DiDio
3rd Grade Room Parent Lindsay Krisel Rock Sarah Levitt
ECD Coordinator Trinecia Moore-Pernell ECD Coordinator Lisa Nanakorn Nursery Room Parent Alyssa Schreiber-Nguyen Alison MacCracken EK Room Parent Jennifer White Brooke Lichtenstein
Intermediate Coordinator CJ Warthen Aimee Alejandre 4th Grade Room Parent Anna Cyburt Shabana Shah 5th Grade Room Parent Kim DiDio Cat King
6th Grade Room Parent Elif Cercel Cynthia Watts Annie Kim Elsa Lopez-Megerdichian
Ice Cream Social Trinecia Moore-Pernell
7th Grade Room Parent Stacee Beauchamp Liz Welchman
In N Out Lisa Nanakorn Steve Nanakorn
8th Grade Room Parent Nicole Uhlmann Jennifer Johnson
New Family Liaison Kate Kirkland
Junior High Coordinator Melinda Talbot-Smith Geri Guzman Bobcat Campout Chuck Uhlmann Steve Dworman Book Fair Kate Kirkland Rebecca Kirsch Graduation Tea Shireen Farahmand Nica Gajiu Hospitality Chair Elif Cercel
Ice Cream for In N Out Rebecca Kirsch
Tennis Academy President Shabana Shah Tennis Academy Vice President Paloma Jimenez Tennis Coordinator Cat Haggett Teacher Appreciation Abim Ojo Uniform Exchange Petra Walters Variety Show Matt King Rick La Fond
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
CONGRATULATIONS
Class of 2020 HIGH SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES
Archer School for Girls Brentwood School Buckley School Campbell Hall School Crespi Carmelite High School Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Geffen Academy Harvard-Westlake School Loyola High School Marlborough School Marymount High School Notre Dame High School Oaks Christian School
Polytechnic School Providence High School Sierra Canyon School Viewpoint School Vistamar High School Wildwood School Bold denotes matriculation
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
Class of 1969 REUNION
On August 20, the inaugural BHS virtual reunion was held by class of ’69. Laurie Crow Holser and Terri L. Crisp spent countless hours locating their classmates and creating a warm and wonderful event. Memories were shared, new ones created and best of all, they have continued getting together via Zoom. We look forward to welcoming them to campus when it becomes possible, but until then, we are grateful for Zoom! The following members of the class of ‘69 attended: Bob Skye; Debbie McDowell-McGough; Karen
Danehe-Tashjian; Kathy Crosby-Guyer; Kathy-Watts-Sain; Laurie Crow-Holser; Liddy Rose-Wilson; Lygia Chappellet; Madora Waldman-Kibbe; Margie McGee-Gerger; Mike Lambert; Pam McMullan; Rick May; Ruth Savage-Bernel; Steve Gardner; Toni Robison; Victor Van Tress; Wendy Tryon; Scott McCosker
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Alumni News Madison Frame ’07 (now Madison Maestre) class of 2007. I got married on July 11th, 2020 in Ojai, CA to Alex Maestre.
Jordan Baker-Kilner ‘73 I would love to know what my old classmates are up to. I live in the lower Hudson Valley, NY just outside NYC. I recently began a recurring role on the CBS series Blue Bloods, and I teach at AMDA NY. How I miss doing theatre. COVID hit hard here but we have learned to protect ourselves and still support our local businesses and community. It’s day to day.
Pam McGee-Martin ‘66 Aloha from Gene Grounds ’50 I grew up at Berkeley Hall and was in the Class of 1950. After retiring as a bank president 20 years ago, I have been active in our many watersports here. For the last 10 years, I have been the top swimmer in my age group here in Hawaii, particularly the annual 2.5 mile “Waikiki Rough Water” race. This year, while most people felt restricted, I have rebuilt 2 of my boats, which I originally built. Also, I have been very active in our Church here in Honolulu. This year has been one of my most active.
Here are a few things I’ve been doing during 2020’s trying times. Mrs. Richards taught me to sew in 9th grade at the BHS Swall Dr. campus, and I put that skill to good use this year. I made over 100 face masks and donated them to family, friends, nurses, and two Native American tribes in Arizona. I have also been a Family History Researcher/Genealogist for many years. I have researched over 65 family trees for family, friends, and clients, and compiled Family Tree Books for many of them.
Jill Kuhn ‘82 Berkeley Hall has been a home away from home for my family since my dad first came here for fourth grade in 1947. My brother and I started at BHS in Nursery and went all the
Jill and her mother, Caroline Kuhn, President Emeritus of Berkeley Hall (top left) Jill Kuhn in 5th Grade (top right) Jill and her daughter, Luna, in 2016 after her adoption became final (bottom)
way through. My mom gave her love, sweat, and dedication to Berkeley Hall as President of the Board for thirty-five years. My daughter has attended BHS since second grade. So it was natural when COVID-19 shut down the film industry, that I thought of Berkeley Hall when I contemplated where I could pivot. I wanted to do something with my unused Masters degree in English, and I love this school. Imagine my joy when I was told the librarian position was open! To be a librarian has always been a dream job to this bookworm. Unexpectedly, and to the amusement of my family, Berkeley Hall also needed me to teach Primary PE classes. I remember when I was given permission in 5th grade to check out books from the Junior High library. On
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
the Swall Drive campus, the Junior High library was tucked away upstairs. It felt like a secret treasure trove. Dark wood paneling lined walls filled with books. A Tudor window looked out over the central field. I was often the only student in there. It felt like a library just for me, and I devoured the books in it. While McMahan Library is light and bright and a central hub of the campus, I hope our students feel just as excited when they come to check out some of our more than 11,000 books. The students aren’t on campus right now, but I’m busy shuttling books from our treasure trove out to waiting cars, happy to get them into the hands of our eager readers. It’s good to be home.
Sean Vayberman ‘19 I’ve been doing well, just still trying to get a routine for my school. I have been playing a lot of basketball lately. I have been in the gym and on the grind to make varsity. I try to hang with as many people as I can so I am not just cooped up at home. I have made a lot of new friends at my school, but I will always keep the ones I have made at BHS, and for that I’m grateful. Thank you, and tell everyone I said hello.
Ann Wickham Scott ‘58 I live in Carlsbad, California. Have one son, Tracy Scott, who lives in Palm Desert, and two grandchildren, who are both expecting babies anytime.
Henry Good ’17 Henry Good’s first Mock Trial experience was while he was a student at Berkeley Hall. He continued participating in high school as part of the Crespi Team. He was the Team Leader this year, and won MVP (voted on by the opposing team), his second year in a row. This is what the judge had to say: “I enjoy it when a closing argument is able to change my mind on a case, and this one did,” Judge Mohr. Way to go, Henry!
Cliff Lightfoot ‘53 After graduating from Berkeley Hall, Cliff went to Dorsey High
School, followed by USC for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Cliff proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army for six years. In one of his postings he served with fellow BHS classmate Kendall Foster ’53. Cliff has had a long and successful career, starting in 1959 as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Los Angeles and continuing today with CFO Center, London, England, UK, Partner, Los Angeles Metro, providing strategic advisory services to Owners and CEOs of SMEs. There is no doubt that his expertise has benefitted his employers and clients alike and will do so for many years to come. Cliff has had the opportunity to serve on multiple Governance Boards including: Town Hall Los Angeles Board of governors, USC Alumni Board
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
Alumni News of Governors, EY Alumni Board of Directors and president, South Bay Entrepreneurial Center, and Freedom Farms of America Advisory Board (provides housing, income and work for U.S. Military Veterans and Native Americans). In 2017 Cliff was inducted into the Dorsey High School Hall of Fame and in 2019 he received the USC Veterans Recognition Medal. Cliff’s favorite hobby is reunions. He has chaired 43, including his BHS 50th, his USC 25th, and six for Dorsey High School including the 25th and 50th. He loves staying connected with his classmates.
Riley Young ‘11 After I graduated from BHS, I attended El Segundo High School. I earned my degree in Marine Science with a Minor in Cinematic Arts and Technology from California State University, Monterey Bay. During my undergraduate education, I had the privilege of being selected for a research fellowship with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in which I was immersed into the field and analysis aspects of science. For a year and a half, I conducted fieldwork within the intertidal at Catalina Island, located in Southern California. I used the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute facilities to analyze all of the
field data I collected. This experience allowed me to take a more active learning approach towards science, and I gained valuable skills through the research I conducted. This experience taught me the importance of science communication and being able to effectively communicate my findings to a wide range of audiences. I was faced with the difficulty of explaining my research to individuals with no background in science, but more important, I was faced with the challenge of persuading them to understand why this research is important. Within my experience working on my fellowship research, I decided to add a minor in Film to further help in science communication. My goal of becoming a marine scientist shifted to becoming a filmmaker to educate others on scientific findings. During my final semester of undergrad I studied abroad at the University of Sussex in England where I took classes specifically in documentary filmmaking and how animals are perceived in screen media.
I am currently working on an MFA in Science and Natural History Filmmaking at Montana State University. With this degree (the only one of its kind in the United States, and one of three in the world) I plan to use my knowledge in science and learn how to make films that can be both engaging and educational. I have learned a great deal about the issues that the ocean and our environment are facing today from my undergraduate experience in studying marine science. Some of these issues include pollution, microplastics, overfishing, ocean acidification, and climate change. There is a lack of awareness and concern about these major issues because individuals have not yet felt the effect directly. I strive to take my experiences and the knowledge I have gained to transform these environmental issues into films that grab the public’s attention. I want to convey the urgency and seriousness of these issues to a larger audience.
Michael T. Jones ‘09 After graduating from Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, Michael went on to earn his B.S. in Engineering, Aerospace & Astronautics from Purdue University. In May 2020, Michael completed his graduate work by earning his doctorate degree from the School of Law at the University of San Diego with a concentration in
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
Intellectual Property and Technology Law. Michael passed the California Bar Exam in October 2020 and is working as a Legal Strategist at a midsized law firm in San Diego.
Garrick Gao x24 I will never forget the school that was much more than a school. Berkeley Hall taught me about friendship, life, and community. Although I was only here for a year, this wonderful place made me learn so much. In my year I was here, I made many friendships and learned many lifelong lessons. After I left Berkeley Hall, I went back to Canada and now I am reunited with my mother again. Right now, I do many sports, including hockey, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, and much, much more. My favorite is hockey. Last year, my hockey team won a season banner. We almost won the playoffs banner as well, but we lost by 2 goals in the finals. I have won many awards in swimming and golf as well. Every day, I think about the school that supported me in so much, whether in class, or life. I take Chinese, SSAT, math, debate, and French, on zoom once every week. Thank you, Berkeley Hall.
Amber Peters ‘15 On September 26, 2020, Amber Peters received the Congressional Gold Medal Award. Members of the US Senate and House of Representatives recognized student leaders with Congress’ highest honor for youth. The ceremony was supposed to be held in Washington DC but due to the virus, it was virtual. Her brother Blake Peters ‘13 received the same award a few years back at a ceremony held in Washington DC.
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
Buddy Day at Early Kindergarten where 5th Graders come down to read to their EK buddies
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
We couldn’t do it without you! Berkeley Hall School gratefully acknowledges the generosity of our amazing community of families, employees, trustees, alumni, families of alumni, foundations, corporations, and other friends of the school. We deeply appreciate the support of all contributors. In 2019-2020, 100% of our parents, trustees, faculty, and staff supported the Berkeley Hall Annual Fund, chaired by Chappale Burton and Erica Moore-Burton. This unanimous show of support demonstrates this community’s dedication to the Berkeley Hall mission and vision, and the programs in place to fulfill both. The donor-level listings recognize cumulative totals for 201920 donations to Berkeley Hall School. As with all our efforts to recognize and thank BHS supporters, we have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of our information.
THANK YOU If your records differ from ours, please contact the Advancement Office at 310-476-6421 so that we may update our information.
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
Coach John Wooden said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Here is a window into what that meant for Berkeley Hall students and teachers working from home.
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
MESSAGE FROM ADVANCEMENT
Opportunities for Growth
Gratitude, Community, Creativity. These themes have been an active part of our thinking, our emotions, our planning, and our daily reality throughout the challenges of 2020. n reading through the previous pages, I am struck, as I hope you are, with how much there is to be grateful for. I appreciated the accounts of creativity and leadership during this time of disruption and the stories of dedication and perseverance of faculty, students, and parents alike, as our community navigated the ever-shifting waters of the pandemic. This challenging school year transformed our students, who emerged with more fortitude, focus, and grace. This year would have looked very different without the generosity of our community who thoughtfully supported Berkeley Hall. I truly hope you understand the vital impact of your gifts and how meaningful that support has been and is to our students. Every year, we promise that a donation to Berkeley Hall is the most important gift you can make. We believe that the stories of growth, learning, and accomplishment in this report prove that to be true. Here are a few more, thanks to our many donors: Over $645,000 gifted over the last two years to complete Phase I of our new Innovation Lab
Completed Master Design Plan process. Determined location for a new Student Center with gym
Completed multiple campus improvements including re-paving Circle Drive, wayfinding signage, and re-grading of the track
Received a special gift to add new starting blocks at the pool
100% participation in the All-In Annual Fund Drive by current parents, trustees, faculty, and staff.
Received a generous matching gift from a current family to the Pandemic Assistance Fund directly benefiting our Berkeley Hall families
Thank you to everyone who has supported our school this past year. I am inspired by your spirit of giving. You have enabled Berkeley Hall to provide a stable platform of values and education helping our students face the unique challenges of this time. With deep gratitude,
John Abdelnour Director of Advancement
BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL
Each Berkeley Hall student’s education is financed by both tuition and annual giving. Between 12% and 16% of the operating budget comes from your philanthropic gifts each year. It is YOUR support that makes the Berkeley Hall experience meaningful for every child. THANK YOU.
GIFTS OF CASH (CASH, CHECK AND CREDIT CARDS) Gifts of cash are tax deductible within the guidelines established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Credit card gifts can be completed securely online at www.berkeleyhall.org/give. Please make checks payable to Berkeley Hall and mail them to our Business Office. ANNUAL FUND PLEDGE We encourage pledges to the Annual Fund, so that participation can be counted early in the year. All pledge commitments should be fulfilled by June 30 in order to count for the current fiscal year. Please contact snunez@berkeleyhall.org to make a pledge. RECURRING GIFTS Berkeley Hall provides the opportunity to give recurring gifts. If you are interested in giving a recurring gift, please visit our website at www.berkeleyhall.org/give. MATCHING GIFTS Many corporations will match an employee’s gift to a charitable institution such as BHS, effectively doubling your gift. Please ask your employer for a matching gift form. GIFTS OF APPRECIATED SECURITIES (STOCKS OR BONDS) Should you wish to donate stocks or bonds to BHS, please contact the Advancement Office. CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES If you wish to support Berkeley Hall as well as receive an income stream, a charitable gift annuity is a great option. Please contact the Advancement Office for more details.
REAL ESTATE Giving a gift of real estate, such as a personal home, vacation home, undeveloped property, or a farm, can be a highly effective philanthropic and financial strategy. GIFTS IN-KIND We welcome non-cash gifts of goods or services. Examples of gifts-in-kind include, but are not limited to books, supplies, equipment, artwork and furniture. PLANNED GIFTS Berkeley Hall has new resources available to help you consider an asset or estate gift. Remembering Berkeley Hall in your will or charitable trust, or as a beneficiary to a retirement plan offers the opportunity to leave a legacy gift that will impact young lives for years to come. Please contact our Advancement office for more information.
If you would like assistance planning your contribution, please contact Sonya Nuñez at snunez@berkeleyhall.org or at 310-476-6421, ext. 259. BERKELEY HALL 16000 Mulholland Drive Los Angeles, CA 90049 310-476-6421 www.berkeleyhall.org
REPORT OF PHILANTHROPY 2019-20
Thank you
for your continued support of the Berkeley Hall mission!
Student leaders organized a shoe drive for Soles 4 Good
