2023-2024 Annual Report - The Riviera Ridge School

Small steps

to big futures

2023 - 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

From the Board President Dear Riviera Ridge Community, Each visit to The Riviera Ridge School continues to fill me with great joy, appreciation and hope. Before my child Nico graduated from RRS (now ensconced and thriving at the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy), my visits were mainly to the classroom, for example to read a story to the class in 3rd grade, or to the athletic fields, to watch the Mustangs in action, or to the Multi Purpose Room or Battistone to watch the children sing or perform.

Like you, my heart would light up watching kids in their element and to see the excitement and fun and mutual support amongst classmates. As well, I would meet Nico’s teachers and see the love and energy that these professionals put into each day and into each child and their growth. It seemed like we could power the City of Santa Barbara with that energy.

After I joined the Board, I have had the privilege of getting to know more of the staff and faculty in every area of the school including athletics, facilities, wellness, finance, development, engagement, enrollment, communications, technology and more! And, I have gotten to know (and love) the stars on the Administration Team including Chris Broderick, Andrea Torchin, and Molly Seguel that are helping to chart the future and continued success of RRS for decades to come. I have seen first-hand the devotion, care, creativity and thoughtfulness that go into every decision and the laughter and smiles that come along with it. If you want to have a better day, just speak with Molly Seguel and I’m willing to bet you walk away with a smile. Need an energy boost? Have a chat with Katrina Sprague! Want to see if the school knows how your child is feeling? Talk to Dr. Mario Bucio and he’ll be sure to know! I could go on and on.

In his book, Awaken the Giant Within, Tony Robbins says ‘Surround yourself with positive energy and watch your life transform.’ You’ve all taken a great step forward in that regard by joining The Riviera Ridge School Community. Enjoy the results!

Board of Trustees Steve Welton, President Daniel Emmett, Vice President Beth Skidmore, Secretary Michael Groeninger, Treasurer Jose Sanchez Tina Wood Erinn Lynch Theresa Borgatello Stephanie Do Lisa Spengler Erica Storm Ben Sprague

Steve Welton, President Riviera Ridge Board of Trustees

Jonathan Thompson II Brady Thurman Alexis Weaver

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Jenny Deakyne, Riviera Ridge Family Association President

Our Living Kaleidoscope The Kaleidoscope Program was created in collaboration with UCSB’s Religious Studies Department in 2007. Through the leadership of Kari Eiler, the JK-8th Kaleidoscope Specialist, Kaleidoscope works to develop cultural literacy in our students by inviting them to experience diverse faith traditions Kari Eiler through multicultural literature, Interfaith K-8th Kaleidoscope Speakers, and Sacred Site visits. Building Specialist an awareness and appreciation for others’ views prepares students to navigate an increasingly interconnected global landscape. Students learn to view world religion studies seeking connection instead of comparison: striving for partnership over superiority. Fostering empathy for others’ lived experiences by developing an authentic respect for different perspectives is achieved through investing time in listening to others’ stories.

Ethical Studies is woven into the Kaleidoscope programproviding a bridge from Junior Kindergarten to the 8th grade Kaleidoscope Capstone year. Character attributes of courage, honesty, hope, love, loyalty, justice, and respect provide universal landmarks for this Kaleidoscope journey.

Students are invited to be active participants in this program: encouraged to exercise their agency as relates to their purpose beyond self. Each Kaleidoscope class is curated to honor participants’ curiosities, as well as considering current world events in a developmentally responsible manner.

Students reveal their understanding through a variety of letter writing initiatives, class discussions, individual/collective art projects, group presentations- all created in honor of an inclusive learning environment.

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Our Donors

and Volunteers Annual Fund Volunteers Jamie Kellogg & Susannah Porter, Middle School Chairs Jenna Perez, Lower School Chair Maribeth Claassen Mark & Becki Gonzales Jayne Patterson

Shelby Scudder Jose & Bianca Vega

Danah Williams Tina Wood

As an Independent School educator in Santa Barbara, I know firsthand that the Annual Fund is a terrific opportunity to show gratitude to this amazing community of teachers and provide them with the resources they need to give our kids the best possible educational experience.”

— Jaime Kellogg, Parent of William ‘18 and Samuel ‘24

Donors in the 1938 Founders’ Circles supported the school with a gift of $3,000 or more between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

Innovation Circle $20,000+ Anonymous Henri Bristol and Daniel Emmett Peter and Lisa Camenzind Scott and Maribeth Claassen Frank and Joseph Gila Fund Belle Hahn Lily Hahn Shining Ben Sprague Marianne Sprague

Imagination Circle $7,500-$19,999 Anonymous Noel and Emily Cohen El Gato Channel Foundation Jay and Marsha Glazer Analise Maggio Roger S. Firestone Foundation Sattler Beneficial Trust Brady and Nathalie Thurman Neil and Christina Wood

Inspiration Circle $3,000 - $7,499

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Anonymous Ryan and Kiki Ander Christopher and Sarah Blanc Kirk and Cece Borchardt Christina and John Broderick Alison Chase Steven Dahl and Laura Dahl Sarnelli Benjamin Smith and Stephanie Do

Mary Firestone Andrew and Ivana Firestone William Hayden Felice and Lucy Firestone Michael and Bridget Gardner Ivor Miskulin and Eleanor Glazer Drs. Calvin and Sonia Kim Chi and Caterina Lee Nathan and Leyla Lynn Rob and Connie Maday Rand and Jane Marlis The McConathy Family Mac and Macy McGinness Christian and Angie McGrath Niall and Julie McNamara Craig Miller and Sabina Vohra-Miller Dr. Tad O’Connor Tim and Taryn O’Neil Michael and Alexandra Ramirez Jose Sanchez and Antonette Renteria Sangham Foundation Steve Wolff and Elisabeth Schreiber Will and Beth Skidmore Katrina Sprague and Justin Fantl James and Jill Vaccaro Mike and Alexis Weaver Steve and Ann Welton Brent and Danah Williams Anant and Eileen Yardi

Kaleidoscope Community Circle $1,500 - $2,999 Anonymous Matthew and Paloma Arnold Big Green

California Coastal Counseling Derek Carlson and Theresa Borgatello Drew and Christine Carter Robert MacKichan and Catherine Chapple Corliss Family Tim and Jenny Deakyne Sharif and Mojdeh Elasyouty Emmett Fahey and Sharon Chandran Daniel and Cara Ferrick Jay and Deena Ferro Michael and Angela Groeninger Lord and Lady Robert Hope Jakob Joenck and Viktoria Franova James Kellogg and Susannah Porter Bryan and Nancy Kerr Andrew and Ashley Kirk Eli and Stephanie Kupperman Christophe and Jeanette Le Renard Evan Pickering and Meghan Woodsome Brooke and Shawna Reeder RiderDown Foundation Vijay and Megan Sharma Abe and Autumn Shelton Bill and Victoria Strong Daniel and Claudia Waas Herb Wildfeuer and Julie Carlson Peter Wood and Erinn Lynch

Marymount Heritage Circle $500 - $1,499 Anonymous (2) Acadia Healthcare Brandon and Jessica Avrutin

Rachon and Nicole Banks Dana and Elizabeth Barat John and Jennifer Berger Pj and Kimberly Brice Beth Brown Drs. Mario and Rosy Bucio Esteban and Christine Camara Jamie Cary and Brooke Ludi Robert and Lauren Cashin Michael and Betsy Challen W. Charles Conway and Elizabeth Krenz Tyler and Taryn Corral Peter and Christina DaRos Linzy Davis Michael and Shawn Duca Marianna and Brandon Eickmeier Tim and Marty Farrell Drew and Allie Ferris Mike and Maria Ferrone Mark and Becki Gonzales Jonathan and Heather Gottlieb Larame and Nicole Greene Benjamin Halpern and Kimberly Selkoe Paige Harvey and Kim Johnston Andrew Hicks and Caitrin McKiernan Timothy Hogan and Patricia Sadeghian Hospice of Santa Barbara Moss and Kathleen Jacobs Alexander Kaay and Eunice Lee Roger Kjensrud Alex and Annette Kowblansky Carrie Lambert William and Katherine Larsen Griff and Ji Lee Sahlin James and Carrie Li Thad and Karen Lieb Levi and Daniela Maaia Kevin McCarthy and Colleen Riley-McCarthy Ma’an Nasir Edward and Erica Nolasco Koji and Stacy Nomura Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association Andy Penso Kenneth and Susan Radtkey Steven and Samira Ramirez Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy LLP Kristopher and Stephanie Roth Bill and Shannon Schroeder Amir and Priyanka Shahheydari Stephen and Molly Sobhani Lisa Spengler Jeff Mikeska and Erica Storm The Riviera Ridge Family Association

Jonathan Thompson II and Amanda Thompson Raiden and Kirsten Tsuboi Jose and Bianca Vega Mario and Stacy Viani Kirk and Anne Walters *“Walter” the Vending Machine Scott Campbell and Jessica Wegman Alexander and Alice Weller Kathy and Stephanie Yeung

Mustang Spirit Circle Up to $499 Anonymous Joy Alafia American Riviera Bank Angela Kile Insurance Services Ana Maria Baez Padilla Joseph and Sarah Bardin Emily and Tim Baxter Sean and Maritza Best Jonathan and Dena Birch Bishop Garcia Diego High School Jennifer Bower and Norman Hannotte Ashley Burnett Mary Ashley Burton Yuri and Elvia Calderon Sarah Camp Darnell Campbell Lindsey Campbell Robert Casanova Elizabeth and Kelly Caylor Stephen Chang and Jennifer Lee Gregory and Denby Cogert Garrett Cole and Laura Gibb Brendan and Antonia Connolly Rafael Cordero and Greg Whitmore Sarah Corliss Geoffrey and Donnell Coulehan Brianna Craviotto Rachel Curtis Meg Dana Miriam Dance Christopher and Michelle Danely Truman Davies and Xorin Balbes James and Erica Delaney Vincent and Ann-Marie Derosa Damian Deveze Jason and Margot Dorion Drea and Brian Dowdy Kari Eiler Tony and Cristina Elia Wendy and Gregory Fehr Ferris Orthodontic Paul and Rose Filitchkin

Anthony Fischer Travis Magana and Shannon Foley Anna and Jon Forterra Diona Fulton Steve Adrian and Gina Giannetto Jesse and Pia Gillan David Griffiths Adrienne and Ian Grover Brandon and Betty Hall Elizabeth and Brooks Hansen Nicholas and Meagan Harmon John and Cami Helmuth Rebecca Horrigan Gregory and Crystal Jensen Joeana Jimenez Carol Johansing Tayllor Johnson Shannon Kaminski Kate and Patrick Keeley Karen Keltner and Austin Artis Dauri Kennedy Sharin and Adele Kurstin Matt and Jenny Kustura Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop Kara Lappico Tim and Meridith Lebeau Rodney and Teri Lee Laura Levi Sean and Sarada Lewis Keith and Shirley Llewellyn Luis and Jennifer Lopez Cameron Lyon and Nathalie Keller James and Katherine Margolles Alessandra McCoy Doug and Andrea McFarling Melanie McQueen Max and Laura Menke Zoe Michael Evan and Tedde Minogue Max Mortiz and Shelly Cole Moritz Dan and Lorelai Moosbrugger Ken and Christen Murray Jaime and Jason Nelson Kristopher and Michellene Parker Tim and Jayne Patterson

*A staple in the Riviera Ridge Middle School, “Walter” the vending machine, has allowed students to develop philanthropic and life skills. Through “Walter”, students have contributed funds for various causes through partnerships with local nonprofits. So far this year, those partnerships have included, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Storyteller Children’s Center and Gateway Educational Services. This year, students in the Middle School Service Brigade elective, the group that manages the stocking and accounting of “Walter ‘’ chose to use some of the funds generated to support their school’s mission and vision of “purpose beyond self” via the Annual Fund. Students voted to donate $500 in profits from the sale of healthy snacks sold in “Walter” throughout the winter term. Since most RRS middle school students purchase snacks from “Walter” it’s safe to say that 100% of 6th-8th grade students supported the Annual Fund this year!

Peak2pacific Bryan Peariso Rob Herting and Kelly Penino Herting John and Hayley Penton Jesse and Jenna Perez Tim Moehrle and Tara Pesce-Moehrle Joshua and Kadeine Peterson David and Davece Pires Mari and Abe Quinteros Chris Ralston and Lan Chau Kari Ramirez James and Natalie Raring Leah Ratti Rusty and Kara Reed Mike Reeves Reanna and Nathaniel Rich Roxanna Rivera Felipe Rodriguez-Gonzales Drs. Anthony Romero and Charish Barry-Romero Jennifer Rose Michael and Erika Rutledge Rebecca and Darrick Ryser Santa Barbara Carpet Cleaning Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry Santa Barbara Riviera Roses Susan Schmidt Anne Scribner Shelby Scudder Molly and Hector Seguel Lior and Sivan Sepunaru Sightir Inc. John Simpson and Patti Pagliei Richard and Andrea Smith Miguel Solis Lauren Spencer Anna Stump Nick and Sally Thacher Thatcher Orthodontics Andrea and Dr. Mark Torchin Alex and Judd Torres Burton and Iona Tripathi Priscilla Turner Jon and Mary Anne Valois Julio and Amanda Vargas Ty and Katie Varing Verkada Magnus Wedhammer and Lauri Kriva Karen Wendel Jesse and Kelly Wheeler Melissa Wilder Carlos and Kathryn Williams Lisa Wolfe Aaron Boles and Laura Yeh

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Gala Sponsors

Gala Donors

Get the Party POPPY’n Sponsors ($10K)

$5,000–$25,000

Roger S. Firestone Foundation Belle Hahn & Lily Hahn Shining Ben Sprague & Analise Maggio

Gala Benefit The Riviera Ridge School’s 2024 Annual Gala at the beautiful Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort featured stunning floral centerpieces sprouting from live moss, whimsical six-foot tall paper mache flowers dotting the room, and the smiles of a vibrant school community. The sold-out Gala truly Bloomed, with over 250 guests coming together and raising more than the $200,000 goal.

Powerhouse Gala Chairs Ivana Firestone, Analise Maggio, Alexandra Ramirez truly outdid themselves again this year and could not have captured the theme “Bloom” more perfectly.

Kicking festivities off on a lively note, guests arrived early for the VIP Reception, featuring signature seasonal cocktails perfect for sipping on a spring evening. Emcee Andrew Firestone kept the excitement rolling as host of the live bidding and paddle raise. Highly desired items included a week at an Italian Villa, a stunning painting by Jill Vaccaro, and school-oriented perks, including VIP Parking and the chance to have your child become Head of School for the Day. “The field of education never stops growing and improving as we learn how to serve our students and families,” Head of School Chris Broderick said. It is our joy and our passion to watch our students take root at our school and bloom into the best versions of themselves. This year’s Gala is about coming together to honor and support academic excellence and our extraordinary Riviera Ridge faculty while celebrating the healthy and nurturing community of students and families that choose our school to grow and flourish.”

All event proceeds will support the professional services and development of the Riviera Ridge faculty and the expansion of the Riviera Ridge signature programs for students, such as Kaleidoscope—the school’s unique world religions and service learning program—and ExSEL (Excellence in Social and Emotional Learning), the vertically integrated social-emotional and wellness program provided by the school’s Student Support Team.

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MARIGOLDen Hour Sponsors ($6K) The Wolff/Schreiber, Lord and Lady Robert Hope, McNamara/Henley, McCarthy/Riley, and Williams Families

Hello DAHLIA Sponsors ($4K)

Special thanks to...

Co-Chairs Ivana Firestone Analise Maggio Alexandra K. Ramirez

Volunteers Steve Chang Maribeth Claassen Nancy Downing-Kerr Bridget Gardner Ji Lee Christina McConathy Michellene Parker Colleen Riley Erika Rutledge Patricia Sadeghian Griff Sahlin Liz Schreiber Amir Shahheydari Victoria Strong Sandy Toye Danah Williams Tina Wood

Cohen, Dahl, Smith, Kozaki, and Shelton Families Craig Miller & Sabina Vohra-Miller Dr. Tad O’Connor Neil & Tina Wood, Step 3 & Drew & Christine Carter, Carpinteria Warehouses

VIOLET’s Get Down Sponsors ($2.5K) Anonymous Big Green Dr. Tad O’Connor The Riviera Ridge School Board of Trustees

BLOOMin’ Good Time Sponsors ($1K) Acadia Healthcare Anonymous Arnold Brothers Construction, INC. Blackbird Architects Design Studio 34 (Sanchez Family) Bryan & Nancy Kerr Christian & Angie McGrath Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy, LLP SEPPS Land Use Consulting The Skidmore Family Jonathan Thompson II & Amanda Thompson Brent & Danah Williams

Tim and Taryn O’Neil Evan Pickering and Meghan Woodsome Brook and Shawna Reeder Vijay and Megan Sharma Will and Beth Skidmore Bill and Victoria Strong

$500–$999

Ryan and Kiki Ander Ben Smith and Stephanie Do Andrew and Ivana Firestone Steve Wolff and Elisabeth Schreiber Justin Fantl and Katrina Sprague Mike and Alexis Weaver Steve and Ann Welton Neil and Christina Wood

Matthew and Paloma Arnold Beth Brown Steven Dahl and Laura Dahl Sarnelli Peter and Christina DaRos Sharif and Mojdeh Elasyouty Drew and Allie Ferris Jay and Deena Ferro Michael and Angela Groeninger Bryan and Nancy Kerr Eli and Stephanie Kupperman Carrie Lambert William and Katherine Larsen Griff and Ji Lee Sahlin Mac and Macy McGinness Jose Sanchez and Antonette Renteria Abe and Autumn Shelton Daniel and Claudia Waas Peter Wood and Erinn Lynch

$1,000–$2,499

Gifts up to $499

Anonymous Henri Bristol and Daniel Emmett Scott and Maribeth Claassen El Gato Channel Foundation Ben Sprague Marianne Sprague Brady and Nathalie Thurman James and Jill Vaccaro

$2,500–$4,999

Anonymous Robert MacKichan and Catherine Chapple Tim and Jenny Deakyne Larame and Nicole Greene Lord and Lady Robert Hope Chi and Caterina Lee Nathan and Leyla Lynn Rob and Connie Maday

Truman Davies and Xorin Balbes Ian and Adrienne Grover Jakob Joenck and Viktoria Franova Analise Maggio Darrick and Rebecca Ryser Scott Campbell and Jessica Wegman

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Finance & Development Sources of Support

Operating Expenses

88%

85% 5%

12%

Ways to Give

Advancement Department

Annual Fund

Associate Head of School for Advancement

The Annual Fund is the most critical ongoing fundraising effort for our School and community. Unrestricted gifts help the School meet annual expenses such as faculty salaries, new programs, upgrades in technology, and tuition assistance.

Matching Gifts Many companies have matching gift programs that support various nonprofit organizations. The company for which you or your spouse works may match any cash or stock gift you make—sometimes on a dollar-for-dollar basis or more.

Molly Seguel

Katrina Sprague

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INSTRUCTION & SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION $8,424,726

FUNDRAISING & ENDOWMENT $1,139,783

TUITION ASSISTANCE $997,105 INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT $507,220

Jaime Nelson Director of Marketing & Communications Mari Eickmeier Advancement Department Coordinator

CLICK TO GIVE NOW

Tea House Legacy Society The Tea House Legacy Society honors those who inform the School that we are included in their estate plans. Such contributions may include gifts of cash, securities, tangible property, real estate, or life insurance. Gifts may be made through bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, or charitable lead trusts.

(Please see page 13.)

TUITION & FEES $8,601,880

Director of Development & Community Engagement

Gifts of Securities Gifts may include alternative, non-cash contributions such as appreciated assets, stocks, or real estate.

10%

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this

Endowments General Investments

$96,752

Eleanor Hamill Brady Endowment

$81,048

The Pier Gherini Scholarship Endowment

$431,346

The Brian Garlock Scholarship Endowment

$54,524

The Gary Messineo Scholarship Endowment

$58,921

Annual Report. If errors or omissions have inadvertently

Securing the Future of Marymount

occurred, please accept our apologies. Please direct

The Wooden Professional Devel Endowment

$73,062

The General Endowment Fund

$40,000

changes or concerns to Katrina Sprague, Director of Development and Community Engagement, 805-569-1811 ext. 234 or ksprague@rivieraridge.org

$1,293,111

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ExSEL

Program The Riviera Ridge School’s Excellence in Social Emotional Learning (ExSEL) program is our signature student wellness and learning support program developed in partnership with The Riviera Ridge Student Support Team to ensure confidence, resiliency, and care for every student.

Led by our Director of Student Wellness, Dr. Mario Bucio, and School Counselor, Anna Forterra (LCSW), our research-developed SEL courses and learning support services focus on the individual needs of each child while also facilitating small groups that foster positive academic development and social-emotional growth. Students are given the confidence to practice soft skills in communication, relationships, and personal growth. Monthly parent education events are also held for both Lower School and Middle School Families.

The Riviera Ridge School’s Excellence in Social Emotional Learning (ExSEL) program is our signature student wellness and learning support program In our commitment to growing educational leaders and expanding our educational programs and services for our students, earlier this year, we had the opportunity to share our remarkable story developed in partnership with The Riviera Ridge ofStudent Support Team to ensure growth and development with various philanthropic friends and foundations interested in The Riviera Ridge School experience. We are proud to announce that an anonymous donor stepped forward with a pledge to furtherDirector expand the servicesof provided by our Student Support Team. The confidence, resiliency, and care for every student.

Led by our Student sole purpose of this gift is to provide 100% of the cost to fully fund two additional Learning Specialists who will expand the personalized learning approach we currently have in place for all Wellness, Dr. Mario Bucio, and School Counselor,our students.

Anna Forterra (LCSW), our research-developed SEL courses and learning support services focus on the individual needs of each child while also facilitating small groups that foster positive academic development and social-emotional growth. Students are given the confidence to practice soft skills in communication, relationships, and personal growth. Monthly parent education events are also held for both Lower School and Middle School Families.

In our commitment to growing educational leaders and expanding our educational programs and services for our students, earlier this year, we had the opportunity to share our remarkable story of growth and development with various philanthropic friends and foundations interested in The Riviera Ridge School experience. We are proud to announce that an anonymous donor stepped forward with a pledge to further expand the services provided by our Student Support Team. The sole purpose of this gift is to provide 100% of the cost to fully fund two additional Learning Specialists who will expand the personalized learning approach we currently have in place for all our students.

With our future-focused strategic plan, noting the opportunity to “attract, hire, and retain world-class professionals,” we are proud to welcome Kate Keeley and Ursula Kennedy, serving as our JK-8 Learning Specialists joining the Student Support Team for the 202425 school year.

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Kate joined Riviera Ridge in 2012. She started out as the Kindergarten Associate Teacher, followed by six years as the Junior Kindergarten Lead Teacher and Director, and is finishing her fourth year as a Kindergarten Lead Teacher. Kate has also been a member of the Riviera Ridge Academic Leadership and Innovation Team

(ALIT) since its inception in 2020. She earned her BS in Education from USC and earned her Master’s Degree in Education and Special Education Credential at Antioch University of Santa Barbara. Kate has recently participated in institutes and conferences through Learning and the Brain, focusing on executive function in reading, writing, math, ADHD, and SEL.

Kate Keeley JK-8 Learning Specialist

Ursula Kennedy has spent the past twelve years, teaching and supporting the needs of neurodiverse learners, most recently at Seven Arrows Elementary in Pacific Palisades and implementing diverse remediation programs covering a wide range of subjects for students with varying abilities. Ursula earned her Master’s degree in teaching from Florida Southern College and a certificate in Educational Therapy from UC Riverside.

We are thrilled to be continuing our commitment to our Mission, Vision, and Values while modeling how an independent school should reflect a vigorous academic curriculum taught by highly qualified academic professionals, social and emotional intelligence, neurodiversity, ethical responsibility, and global awareness of different values and beliefs.

Ursula Kennedy JK-8 Learning Specialist

Student Support Team Andrea Torchin Associate Head of School for Teaching & Learning

Jenny Kustura Lower School Coordinator

Dr. Mario Bucio Director of Student Wellness

Matt Kustura Learning Specialist and Program Coordinator

Anna Forterra, LCSW School Counselor

Kate Keeley & Ursula Kennedy JK-8 Grade Learning Specialists

Rebecca Ryser Middle School Coordinator

Jen Bower School Nurse

Matt Kustura Learning Support Specialist

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The Angel Award 2024 Each year at graduation, an adult in our school community who has given outstanding service is recognized. We are proud to honor Jamie Kellogg and Susannah Porter with this year’s Angel Award.

Class of 2020

Congratulations on your graduation from High School

Ava Benhayon

Minnie Fehr

Max King

Madeleine Oblander

Lain Biles

Isabel Gorman-Maldonado

Nathan Lazaro

Anissia Rivera

Nathan Borgatello

Ada Hansen

Simao Lima

Chaz Rosales

Cassidy Broderick

Kiera Hay

Allister Linden

Aliz Schuette

Clara Cea Loewe

Sophie Hernandez

Amelia Lundgren

Sam Seiden

Matthew Chung

Malia Hubbard

Celeste Mayoral

Simran Sharma

Malia Cogert

Katherine Ilina

Mason Mikeska

Joanne Tudor

Jack Condon

Micah Jacobi

Molly Nelson

Cole Weaver

Gia Elasyouty

Ellie Kinderdick

Samantha Nestlerode

Jade Farrise

Emma King

Raiden Nomura

2024 Class Placements & Awards Laguna Blanca High School

Bishop Diego High School

San Marcos High School

Dos Pueblos High School

Louisa Simpson

Isla Barat Performing Arts Award

Simone Blanc (AAPLE) Visual Arts Award

Preston Coulehan (DPEA) Visual Arts Award

Cate School

Meah Jensen

Naomi Boles (AAPLE) Core Values Award

Paige Ferro (DPEA) Outstanding Athlete

Tavai Kurstin

Kelsey Nighman

Arizona State University

SMU

Sutera Raring Heart Award

Sebastian Tripathi

Baylor

St. Mary’s College

Cal Poly

Trinity College

Loyola Marymount University

UCLA

Northeastern

University of Iowa

NYU

University of Miami

Pace University

University of Tampa

Reed College

University of Washington

SBCC

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Alex Danely Vivienne Delaney Sam Kellogg The M Award Jackson Kerr Hope of America Award Academic Excellence Award

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Selah Wheeler

Santa Barbara High School Felix Adrian-Giannetto Ellie Cogert (MAD) Griffin Gardner (MAD) Adam Joenk

Brynn Wood (AAPLE) Outstanding Service Award Academic Excellence Award

Tabitha Weller

College Bound

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Alumni News

Tea House Legacy Society Many who care deeply about the School have found that thoughtfully structured planned gifts help them make meaningful contributions while meeting personal planning goals as well. The Tea House Legacy Society honors those who inform Riviera Ridge that the School is included in their estate plans.

Marie Celine Ardinghe* William Bielby and Keek Lee Verna Cook* Bob and Christine Emmons Pier Gherini* Amy and Chris Giles John S. Haigh and Margaret Neil Haigh Family Trust* Marian Mullin Hancock* Michael and Nancy Martz

Doug and Andrea McFarling Susan E. Mirattie Trust* William and Dolores E. Pollock Thomas and Charmaine Rogers Daniel A. and Edna J. Sattler Beneficial Trust* Mr. Scott Stefan and Ms. Deborah Bettencourt Alex and Lori Weathers Andrew and Molly Wooden

Thank you to these alumni who returned to campus to work as Counselors in Training for Summer on the Ridge, a Riviera Ridge School summer program for kids: Ashton Dowdy ‘23, Charlie LeRenard ‘23, Ellie Cogert ‘24, Liam Hodgetts ‘22, Luke Walters ‘23, Madison Transki ‘23, Molly Nelson ‘20, Sofia Gonzales ‘21, Tavai Kirstin ‘24, and Vlad Keister ‘22.

Gia Elasyouty ’20 Lifer, Gia Elasyouty ‘20, is excited to now attend UCLA, majoring in bioengineering at the Samueli College of Engineering. She attended Dos Pueblos High School and participated in the DPEA and IB programs, completing the engineering diploma and the IB Merit scholar pathway. She interned as a bioengineering assistant at ICRco biomedical firm which, paired with being heavily involved in leadership at the Engineering Academy, led her to her chosen major at UCLA.

*Deceased

Cooper Reed ’18 After graduating from The Riviera Ridge School, Cooper Reed ’18, enrolled at The Taft School in Connecticut for High School after one year at Bishop Diego. He received 8 varsity letters across Football, Basketball and Track. He subsequently got a Walk On offer from SMU football and is currently a sophomore at SMU.

Years of Service Milestones

Abbey Whelan ’21 spent July volunteering in Lima, Peru with young children through the International Volunteer HQ program. She heads into her senior year with Santa Barbara High.

Matthew Bailey Maloy ’16 graduated from the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Science at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Environmental Plant Sciences. Matthew is exploring opportunities in specialty crop production.

Malena Sugleris ’11 graduated with her bachelor’s degree and RN certificate in nursing last November 2023 and she is now working as an RN for West Hills hospital (now a part of UCLA)! Malena also has a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from CA State University Northridge.

Cole Weaver graduated SBHS as a Distinguished Don and is excited to be joining the Class of 2028 at Reed College in Portland.

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13

Anna Forterra

15

Molly Seguel

15

Beth Brown

Mason Mikeska ’20 will be attending Cal Poly SLO for Architectural Engineering Fall 2024.

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From the

Head of School Dear Riviera Ridge School and Marymount Alumni Community, With our 2023-2024 Annual Report, we proudly celebrate the remarkable achievements of our school and the incredible community of faculty and families. This year, we have examined the possibility of significant growth as a campus while maintaining our reputation for academic excellence and a culture of kindness.

Thanks to our dedicated faculty and staff and the commitment of our Riviera Ridge families, the vision for our future continues to be filled with inspiration, imagination, and innovation for the years ahead. Here are a few highlights: • We completed the All-School Master Planning Process in partnership with the Board of Trustees and Blackbird Architects.

• In partnership with Mission and Data consulting, we developed a comprehensive and strategic financial plan aligned with

the 2023-24 Board of Trustees goals.

• We reviewed and implemented best practices in Enrollment Management, Communications, Marketing, and Development,

resulting in our best admissions season to date and exceeding our fundraising goals in areas where we needed it most.

• In partnership with our outstanding Riviera Ridge Family Association, we continued to grow and support new families and

returning parents with new events, activities, and community connections.

Once again, we thank our dedicated and passionate Riviera Ridge faculty and staff, the continued leadership of the Board of Trustees, and the enduring support of our parents and alumni. The Riviera Ridge School continues to thrive and excel as we head into our 86th year; we are so grateful to our loyal community for your commitment to our children’s education, health, and happiness.

In love and service,

Christina K. Broderick, M.S.Ed. Head of School

Mission

What We Do

Vision

Why We Do It

Values

Ideas We Live By 15

We provide student-centered, individualized learning in a joyful, and nurturing community, inspiring academic excellence and valuing difference.

To empower individual potential, inspire purpose beyond self, and cultivate social responsibility.

Academic Excellence, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Diversity, Ethical Responsibility, Joy, Kindness, Resilience.

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Small Steps to

Big Futures

Upcoming Events Inspired Minds: A Middle School Preview Night Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Prospective parents and students for 6th–7th grades are welcome.

Maker Fair Saturday, January 11, 2025 All families welcome.

Grandfriends’ Day

Gala Benefit

Friday, November 22, 2024

Friday, May 2, 2025

All grandparents and family friends welcome.

All adults welcome.

Your support makes a lasting impact on our community.

SCAN HERE TO MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY!

2130 Mission Ridge Road Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 569-1811 rivieraridge.org info@rivieraridge.org