Roots and Wings Magazine 2023-2024: Our Path to Purpose

Our Path to Purpose Our Path to Purpose

Letter from the Head of School Peggy

Procter

Dear Echo Horizon Community, I’m excited to invite you to explore our 2023–2024 edition of Roots and Wings: Our Path to Purpose. Whether you’re a current student, alum, parent/guardian, grandparent, special friend, prospective family, or faculty/staff member, I hope these pages fill you with joy and pride as they showcase the power and beauty of the Echo Horizon School community. It’s a privilege to witness and be a part of Echo Horizon’s ongoing pursuit of purpose every day.

Last year, Roots and Wings centered on the theme “Our Authentic Selves,” where we emphasized our commitment to exploring our identities and embracing joyful, engaged learning so that every community member was able to uncover and be appreciated for the unique gifts they bring to Echo Horizon. This year’s theme propels us into the next phase of self-discovery by considering how we channel our gifts to benefit others. The stories within this magazine highlight the myriad of ways in which our students, faculty, and community members have navigated this journey to purpose and created a caring, empathetic environment where everyone can thrive.

The journey to purpose has been a powerful one for me during these past seven years at Echo Horizon. As a first time Head of School, I had to examine deeply what it meant to be a positive leader, to support a community through good times and bad, and to challenge our school to act in service of others. One of the first professional development experiences I embarked on was attending the World Leadership Foundation’s (in partnership with the World Leadership School) “K–12 Purpose Summit,” where I, along with two Echo Horizon colleagues, explored Echo’s commitment to purpose. The jumping off point for our exploration of purpose was the work of Dr. William Damon, Professor at Stanford University and author of the book The Path to Purpose: How Young People Find Their Calling in Life. Dr. Damon defines purpose in the following way:

“Purpose is an enduring intention to accomplish something meaningful to the self and of consequence to the world beyond the self.”

What we brought back from this conference was a real commitment to purpose as an integral part of the fabric of Echo Horizon. It complements our core beliefs of inclusion, kindness, empathy, and academic excellence. You will see that commitment to purpose in each of the stories you read in this magazine, and you will be proud of the ways, big and small, that our scholars and community members are accomplishing things that are consequential to the world beyond themselves.

I am so proud of our kindergarten students, who valiantly tackled a unit on sustainability, stepping up as changemakers and stewards of Mother Earth. I was wowed by our 4th graders, who wrote and presented compelling poems where they shared the power of words to inspire, connect, and find meaning. I’m in awe of our incredible faculty and staff members, who found purpose as they embarked on professional development to further develop their craft and become better teachers, mentors, leaders, colleagues, and role models. Each story that I read warms my heart and makes me so proud to lead this inspirational school community.

May these stories of our joyful pursuit of purpose motivate you, too, to be a bit more grateful, a bit more thoughtful, a bit more caring, and to prioritize the needs of those around you as equally important as your own.

Sincerely yours,

Ms. Procter and parents from her 6th grade Purpose Learning group served a homemade lunch in support of Safe Place for Youth, a volunteer organization which assists unhoused young adults with services to help them find jobs and lead productive, fulfilling lives.

Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The mission of Echo Horizon School and its Echo Center is to educate children in a collaborative environment that is academically challenging and developmentally appropriate. We actively promote mutual respect, individual responsibility and ethical action. The Echo Horizon graduate is an inquisitive and critical thinker who brings creativity, kindness and self-reliance to the lifelong journey of learning.

The mission of Echo Horizon School and its Echo Center is to educate children in a collaborative environment that is academically challenging and developmentally appropriate. We actively promote mutual respect, individual responsibility and ethical action. The Echo Horizon graduate is an inquisitive and critical thinker who brings creativity, kindness and self-reliance to the lifelong journey of learning.

2023–2024 HAPPENINGS

CONGRATULATIONS to the Classes of

Adelaide Appel

Zoey Boyce

Brayden Brooks

Rafaelle Cahill-Gurr

Henry Covitz

Kavya Dandillaya

Sahana Desai-Ramirez

Wyatt Karuletwa

Ashan Lalvani Kapur

Mia Lev-Ari

Shivani Muthyala

Mila Nalibotsky

Philip Nalibotsky

Alexander Nazzal

Jack O’Brien

Aryana Thelma Pathria

Isabella Tessitore

Frederick Thrush

Elias Toubassy Danna

Jai Wright

Chase Young

Ava Zanocco

We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduating 6th grade scholars. Echo Horizon graduates are empathetic leaders, confident advocates, and thoughtful problem solvers, equipped with a growth mindset, compassion, and a deep appreciation for diversity. These lifelong learners were accepted into these distinguished schools in the Los Angeles area: Archer School For

We have two gifts to give our children. One is roots, the other wings.

Kaley Anzai

Jaliyah Bradley

Bertie Edwards

Imogene Elias

Peyton Fingold

Jayden Harris

Alex Jebb-Quine

Sofia Klein

Jordan Kleinberg

Ben Mayer

Alyse Pitts

Liam Rice

Conner Rugley

Audrey Shore

Evan Simon

Oliver Stafford

Natalie Sudar

Hampton Thun

Ari Whaley

Nathan Yoffe

*This list was accurate as of August 1, 2024 and was self-reported. If your college isn’t listed, please email updates to alumni@echohorizon.org.

Arizona State University

Ballet West Academy–Training Division

Colgate University

Los Angeles Recording School (LARS)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Morgan State University

New York University (NYU)

Penn Engineering- University of Pennsylvania

Princeton University

Tulane University

UC Santa Barbara

Washington University in St. Louis

The Class of 2018 is soaring to colleges across the United States and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. We can’t wait to see what’s next for them!

PURPOSE

We’ve rounded up Echo Horizon School’s most philanthropic endeavors of 2023–2024. May these pages inspire us to live with purpose every day. Scan the QR codes to learn more on social media.

One Voice Holiday Food Program

Echo Horizon School community members gathered at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica Airport for One Voice Los Angeles’ annual Holiday Food Program, providing food baskets for families in need. One Voice is a nonprofit organization that supports families and students struggling against poverty through family, hope, and love.

IN FOCUS: A VISUAL JOURNEY

California Coastal Cleanup Day

In partnership with the City of Culver City, Echo Horizon community members participated in California Coastal Cleanup Day, California’s largest annual volunteer event, by hosting a Ballona Creek cleanup site at our neighboring Syd Kronenthal Park! Together, we collectively removed 300 pounds of trash!

LIFT-Los Angeles Thanksgiving Drive

Thanks to generous donations from the Echo Horizon School community, we were able to provide food bags to over 100 families through our partners at LIFT-Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by supporting parents and strengthening families’ financial stability, well-being, and social connections.

Purpose Learning

At the Purpose Learning Showcase, 6th grade scholars presented their capstone projects, sharing their work on social justice issues they are passionate about. Their months-long efforts resulted in meaningful, service-oriented initiatives that benefited their communities.

Pride

Echo Horizon School proudly demonstrated our allyship at the Culver City Pride Ride and Rally, where our supportive community members volunteered at our booth to show their solidarity!

Volley4Sound

Families and faculty gathered in Hermosa Beach for the Volley4Sound fundraising tournament, raising awareness and educating the public about challenges faced by young d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals. The 2023 event supported the John Tracy Center, a nonprofit aiding those with hearing loss, including members of our own community!

Candy Drive

Following the fun of the Halloween Carnival, the Student Advisory Board organized a candy drive to collect treats for the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica.

Earth Day

We played activities at morning recess aligned with the 2024 Earth Day theme, Planet vs Plastics. Ms. Willens also spoke with some of our youngest scholars about the importance of why we celebrate Earth Day!

2nd Grade Science Unit

Second graders explored the properties of pebbles, sand, and silt in science with Mr. Young and applied their knowledge to help the local community! At Toes Beach in Playa del Rey, scholars used their understanding of sifters to assist with a beach cleanup effort.

Poetry Slam: A Mission of Connection and Expression

After attending the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) 2022 at Columbia University, 4th grade teacher Ms. Carmie Rehor returned to Echo Horizon School inspired and eager to take on the poetry unit with her scholars, culminating in their end-of-year performance, the Poetry Slam.

“Poetry gives them a voice and agency. It gives them a sense of freedom and healing to express themselves in a way they haven’t experienced yet.”

Ms. Rehor, along with fellow Echo Horizon School educator

Ms. Meg Baltazar, joined a group of about 35 teachers from across the country for this professional development opportunity. Divided by grade level, the teachers participated in the TCRWP Poetry Institute, a five-day workshop that fostered deep connections and sparked idea exchanges to enhance

Langston Hughes.” By the second half of the year, scholars have experience reading, memorizing, and interpreting poetry; they are ready to dive into writing their own pieces.

“We start with haikus to understand syllables and rhythm and how to distill what you want to say,” she explains. “I’m always amazed at how fast they get it and how good their haikus are. Then we break down figurative language and write poems for each type.” By the end of the unit, scholars have written about 10 poems, each with a different focus.

Reflecting on her professional development experience, Ms. Rehor shares how the structure of the writing institute allowed her to put herself in her students’ shoes throughout their writing process. “They taught us as if we were students. We did our own poetry writing. It gives me empathy for my students when they struggle. I can say, ‘I get it, here’s how you can push through.’”

Along the way, Mrs. Rehor offers guidance while at the same time encouraging student agency; however, she does not select the poems her students will perform. “Whatever they write about is their own choice. I’ll say, ‘I think you should pick this one because [I think] this is the best one,’ and sometimes they don’t, and that’s okay; that’s part of it.”

their movements infusing life into the powerful words and providing a physical representation of poetry and rhythm. The Poetry Slam finale features the song You Will Be Found from the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen. “It’s a song with the opportunity for a lot of solos—which the kids love—and it captures this feeling of joy or strong emotion,” says Ms. Rehor. During the song, each scholar steps up and speaks their “tagline,” one small line they are proud of from one of their poems.

Ms. Rehor’s passion for the poetry unit shines as she discusses its effect on her students. “It gives them the ability to express themselves in a way that anything is right. With poetry, it’s up to you; the shape of it, the feel of it, the words you choose. Poetry gives them a voice and agency. It gives them a sense of freedom and healing to express themselves in a way they haven’t experienced yet. They own it, and they are proud.”

their teaching practices. Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Rehor shares, “Having those relationships and support with other teachers who were doing something similar with poetry was powerful to me. It made me feel like we were on this mission [together].”

As a previous 6th grade teacher, Ms. Baltazar had partnered with famous poet Hope Anita Smith and taught poetry inspired by small moments and items like buttons, street signs, and fabric. Using this as a backbone, she and Ms. Rehor reworked the concept using principles they had explored at the institute.

Ms. Rehor was in the ideal position to revamp the Poetry Slam. She shares, “Before I went into education, my early background was in theater—putting on a show was right up my alley.

I had a vision of what I wanted, and knew I wanted to incorporate performing arts.” Since the professional development trip, Echo Horizon School has hosted two spectacular Poetry Slams featuring original spoken-word poetry, choreography, and music.

To prepare her 4th graders for the Poetry Slam, Ms. Rehor integrates poetry into her daily lessons. “In the first half of the year, I may read one poem per day. I always have them memorize Invictus by William Ernest Henley, some A.A. Milne, my favorite poet Mary Oliver, and I, Too, Sing America by

In the end, scholars produce exceptional work that they can feel proud presenting to the audience. Scholars write on various topics from family and food to positive affirmations and items that hold special meaning, all expressions of what is important in the lives of the poets. Ms. Rehor describes the impact on her classroom: “It creates a closer bond because you’re seeing their inner thoughts—the fears, joys, and dreamings. I talk to them about how the more personal and specific you can be, that makes it more universal to others.”

At the Poetry Slam, the big moment arrives for students to present for an audience of their families and other members of the Echo Horizon School community. To set the stage, posters with lines from their poems adorn the auditorium. “My hope is that the parents will hear the lines spoken during the performance and make a connection,” Ms. Rehor explains. Each scholar’s hard work and passion are evident as they perform their poems from memory.

Beyond poetry, scholars collaborate with performing arts teacher Ms. Michaela Summers and music teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Cohn for choreography and music. In 2023–2024, they brought to life the illustrated poem The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander,

Perhaps one of the strongest testaments of the connection students have with the poetry unit and with Ms. Rehor is when scholars come back to share poems they have written on their own. “This one makes me smile,” she says, pointing to a poem pinned above her desk. (see poem above)

For Ms. Rehor, the single biggest takeaway from participating in the Poetry Institute was inspiration. “You just get excited to teach it. I love their writing, and love this unit. I’m really excited for a new round.” Future Echo Horizon scholars will have the opportunity to partake in this powerful tradition in years to come.

Echo Horizon’s Sustainability

Eco at Echo Forges Forward

Continuing our commitment to sustainability, Echo Horizon School was recently recertified as part of the City of Culver City’s Sustainable Business Certification Program.

“We are pleased that Culver City businesses are taking advantage of this opportunity to receive hands-on assistance to conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and learn how to operate in a more sustainable manner,” said Culver City Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin. “The Sustainable Business Certification Program is helping Culver City meet its climate action goals and improve the well-being of our community.”

At Echo Horizon School, some of our youngest scholars are taking big steps toward a greener future! In May, our kindergarteners hosted a Sustainability Fair, sharing what they learned during their environmental sustainability unit and inspiring our community to take action to protect our planet.

From day one, the kindergarteners tackled some big questions: “What can people do to protect their environment?”

“What makes a healthy environment?” and “What is our responsibility at Echo Horizon School to create a healthy environment?” With guidance from Lower Elementary School Director Ms. Jennie Willens, who taught this special unit, students explored ways that small daily changes can make a big difference in keeping the Echo Horizon School environment healthy and safe.

Throughout the unit, kindergarteners learned that sustainability is all about how living things work together to stay healthy and take care of one another. They discussed how people, animals, plants, and the entire environment are connected and the different ways our actions can affect this balance. They had previously learned about the idea of “interconnectedness” when they made a video for a Flourish Friday assembly earlier in the year. With big words like”sustainability” and “interconnected-

Scientists: Caring for Our Community, One Step at a Time

ness” added to their vocabulary, the young scholars started to see themselves as “sustainability scientists” on a mission to make a positive impact at school and beyond.

Hands-On Science: Observing, Predicting, and Problem-Solving

First, they learned what it means to be a “sustainability scientist.” Kindergarteners observed their environment, made predictions, and gathered data. They started by experimenting with everyday classroom objects, like a lock and a magnet tile, predicting whether they would sink or float. This exercise taught them to observe, notice, and analyze outcomes—skills they would use later as their sustainability unit progressed. Earlier in the year, kindergarteners took a field trip to Tree People, where they studied the role of trees in the environment. They also learned about community helpers like garbage collectors, police officers, and government workers who play a role in keeping our surroundings clean and safe.

Guided by the essential questions, they asked, “How can kindergarten take action as community helpers to ‘take care of this place’?”

Building on their prior knowledge and putting their scientific skills to use, scholars took an afternoon to investigate the school’s waste disposal practices. They discussed how we use trash, recycling, and compost bins during lunchtime and then mapped out where the bins were located. Next, we observed how students and staff were using (or not using) these bins correctly. During this process, the students discovered a big problem: while the Small Yard had compost bins, the auditorium,

where many students eat, did not. They also found that many recyclable or compostable items—like hot lunch containers— were being placed in the landfill bin.

Taking Action: Creating a Greener Echo Horizon

Armed with their observations and data, the kindergarteners brainstormed solutions to improve waste disposal at Echo Horizon School. They decided that the first step was to increase awareness among their peers and teachers about which items should go into each bin. They also saw the need for a compost bin in the auditorium to prevent compostable materials from going to the landfill.

To bring about change, the kindergarteners took action by writing persuasive letters to Head of School Ms. Peggy Procter, explaining why a compost bin in the auditorium was essential. They also made colorful signs to place around the school to help everyone remember which items go where. Their dedication and determination showed that even our youngest students can be powerful advocates for sustainability!

Celebrating Success: The Sustainability Fair

The kindergarteners’ hard work culminated in the Sustainability Fair, a celebration of their efforts and a chance to share their findings with their families. The fair featured several interactive stations, including a healthy snack table, a photo booth where students could dress up as “Sustainability Scientist Superheroes,” an upcycled art station where egg cartons were transformed into beautiful decorations, and a planting station.

The kindergarteners showcased their observations and data collections, explaining how they identified the problem with the school’s trash disposal and what actions they took to address it. They proudly displayed their letters to Ms. Procter and the new signs they had created. The City of Culver City even joined the fair, adding excitement and support to the event!

Inspiring Future Actions

The Sustainability Fair was more than just a fun event—it was a call to action. The kindergarteners’ efforts have already led to changes at Echo Horizon School, like the addition of new compost bins and increased awareness about proper waste disposal. Their work reminded everyone that small actions, like putting the right items in the correct bins, can have a big impact on our community. Through this unit, the kindergarteners learned that being a sustainability scientist is about more than just observing and predicting; it’s about taking action and making a difference. By leading the charge for a more sustainable Echo Horizon School, these young scholars have shown us all that it’s never too early to start caring for our planet.

Full STEAM Ahead: Sharing the Power of i2

At Echo Horizon School, teachers prioritize equity and accessibility when creating engaging experiences for scholars. This commitment is especially evident in our Inquiry and Innovation program (i2), where we use design thinking as part of our processes to approach and solve problems. I2 represents the trifecta of Maker/STEAM, science, and technology. During i2 time, students take the lead in their learning while teachers provide guidance. The projects they work on complement and reinforce what they are learning in their core classes. This past February, three Echo Horizon School i2 educators were able to share their expertise at the 2024 STEAM Symposium in Long Beach. According to their website, the STEAM Symposium is committed to “advancing equity in STEAM.” This is exactly what our i2 educators showcased for fellow teachers in their presentation, The Sounds of Science: Making Sound Accessible for Everyone

The STEAM Symposium allowed Makerspace Coordinator Dr. Sam Patterson, Lower Elementary School Director Jennie Willens, and Science and Experiential Learning Specialist Ryan Young the opportunity to share their knowledge on why mak-

ing sound accessible is so crucial to their work. Dr. Patterson explains, “It’s certainly important to us because, as a mainstream environment for d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students, we want all students to be thinking critically about sound, essentially, as a physical presence.”

Young adds that this is “where Echo brought our uniqueness, providing opportunities for all students to explore concepts of sound even if they don’t have access to it” and “encouraging students to be curious [about sound], even when we’re not all experiencing it the same way.” Young continues, “We approach sound so differently [at Echo Horizon School]. We’re going to use our other senses, like feeling and sight, to explore this phenomenon.” By using these different approaches, Dr. Patterson, Ms. Willens, and Mr. Young were able to share their purposeful lessons on sound at the STEAM Symposium.

The presentation was delivered through the use of three hands-on, interactive stations. The stations were designed to highlight the ways sound can be understood beyond just the ability to hear it. According to the three presenters, the teachers

were not only engaged and excited, but also appreciative of lessons that would benefit all students’ learning about sound, regardless of their ability to hear sound waves. Ms. Willens shares that the hands-on approach was “a good representation of what we do as a school— we’re always looking for those curricular opportunities to bring something authentic into the student experience.”

In order to understand how sound travels to the brain, some of the lessons focused on biology and anatomy. The immersive activities included one station featuring two opportunities to create models of the ear. One model used cardboard, paper clips, and a container to model how sound is funneled by the outer ear. The second model, as Ms. Willens explains, allowed teachers to “build the anatomy of the ear with candy,” providing a “fun way to play around with these ideas.” Participants had access to everything from marshmallows and Twizzlers to jelly beans in order to create the biology of the inner, middle, and outer ear. Both models were designed to be accessible strategies that help deepen students’ understanding of how sound waves arrive to the brain through the intricate design of the ear.

Another station transformed sound waves into something visible. At the sound laser station, teachers were able to see how pitch and volume impact sound using a laser. Mr. Young describes the device stating, “If you sang a note into the container, it vibrated the frequencies depending on the note so that the laser is showing us the frequency of the note and allowing students to experience sound waves visually.”

The third station showed sound waves moving through sand. As sound waves traveled, they would “move through the plate and push the salt or sand out of their way, allowing students to see the troughs left behind as the waves move through the substance,” says Dr. Patterson. “These approaches help to make sound waves visible for students, and it helps them understand that sound is a physical thing that I can make changes to.”

Echo Horizon School’s i2 educators brought many components of sound to life at the STEAM Symposium, and participants were equipped with engaging and exciting lessons to take back to their classrooms. Due to their creativity and commitment to equity, the efforts of Dr. Patterson, Ms. Willens, and Mr. Young reached beyond the walls of Echo Horizon School, helping to make the sounds of science accessible to many more students.

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

#EchoHorizonSchool

Social media is one of the fun and dynamic ways we connect with the Echo Horizon community! Here are some of the most popular posts from the 2023–2024 school year, showcasing stories and snapshots from our vibrant community!

It’s never too late to join the conversation! Comment, like, share, or repost your favorite moments and follow us on social media to stay updated!

��✨ Celebrating our incredible educators at Echo Horizon School for Teacher Appreciation Week! ❤ From inspiring lessons to endless support, our teachers go above and beyond every day. Thank you for shaping young minds and making a difference in our #community!

️ #TeacherAppreciationWeek #EchoHorizonSchool #ThankATeacher

aleroybias What a great week! Well deserved! ❤️❤❤

egan_amandaj Such an incredible group!!

jenn604 ������������

veranazzal Best teachers EVER!!! We will miss you Echo Horizon!!!

���� Welcome #BackToSchool, #EchoHorizonSchool #scholars! �� Excitement filled the air as we reunited with friends and teachers, embracing the joy of a new chapter. A special shoutout to our newest #hawks joining our nest—get ready for an amazing year of #joyfulengagedlearning

johnsonjr.evelyn Hope y’all have a very successful school year��

#Scholars had an incredible time at the inaugural 6th grade camping and climbing extravaganza in Joshua Tree! �� They showed courage, resilience, and confidence while rock climbing and exploring the desert together. As the trip came to a close, we gathered around a campfire under the starry sky to read heartfelt appreciations written by teachers to our 6th graders. It was a night filled with laughter and tears as we celebrated their #EchoHorizonSchool journey. Huge thank you to our amazing parents, teachers, and team of chaperones, who have guided our soon to be #alumni every step of the way! #ClassOf2024

jenn604 ��

thejenniferobrien They had such a blast! What a special trip! ♥

allicobar I’m very impressed! Go 6th grade

It’s #PIDay! �� As is #EchoHorizonSchool tradition, our 6th grade #scholars celebrated all things Pi in #math class! Partnering up and working solo, we crafted circular objects to share, mostly indulging in circular sweet treats ��! We identified our object’s area, circumference, diameter, and radius, and then we delved into the world of Pi π with creative presentations ranging from songs and skits to drawings and fun facts. Witnessing our students’ incredible creativity was delightful! #3.14

5th grade #scholars had an amazing time on their Catalina Island trip! As a part of their #science curriculum, activities ranged from snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking to gardening and composting. This year, students reported that a top highlight was seeing garibaldi (a type of fish), a crab, a sea cucumber, and leopard sharks while snorkeling!

Thank you to our terrific #grade5 teacher chaperones and deep appreciation to our hosts from the #CatalinaEnvironmentalLeadershipProgram. We are so fortunate for the opportunity for students and teachers to create lifelong memories and lasting bonds!

Performing Post

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5TH GRADE CATALINA TRIP

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6TH GRADE CAMPING TRIP

#EchoHorizonSchool is so proud to share that our Echo Singers #choir, under the amazing leadership of Choral Director Elizabeth Cohn, embarked on a journey of excellence this year that culminated in their performance at the Anaheim Heritage Festival competition this past Saturday. Our amazing kiddos received a 93/100 rating on their performance and brought home the GOLD!

At the competition, they performed two songs, one in English and the other in Mandarin. After the morning competition, they celebrated their hard work with a day at Disneyland!

Congratulations to our choir members and Mrs. Cohn! Thank you to Ms. Summers, who was instrumental in all of the preparations for this trip and served as the lead chaperone, as well as to our amazing parent chaperones!

aleroybias Right on! This is so great!

mommyblogexpert Congrats Elizabeth Cohn and the Echo �� Singers!

jakewillens7480 vamos!!!!!

Kicking off #BlackHistoryMonth, we jazzed things up with the incredible Marcus Miller! ���� A true maestro in drumming and jazz, he’s not just an artist and musician but also a seasoned educator and the current Musical Artistic Director of the Lula Washington Dance Company!

Our #scholars were treated to an enriching history lesson and a lively demonstration on the evolution of jazz by Mr. Miller and his ensemble. ��✨ So, here’s to embracing the spirit of jazz, Marcus Miller style— because, after all, it’s all that jazz! ��

Much appreciation to @getempowered for collaborating on our 3rd assembly this year as well as to our JEDI Team and Global #Arts Department for co-hosting this memorable event! #EchoHorizonSchool

johnsonjr.evelyn ������������������❤

passionatebutignorant Thanks so much for providing such unique and inspiring experience for our children ❤️

elizaros Our little scholar was so into this one ��

It was a BUZZY #FlourishFriday today at #EchoHorizonSchool! Jeopardy all-star and parent Buzzy Cohen hosted a lively game of Jeopardy during our weekly assembly, with a focus on themes of emotional navigation and our 6th grade friends as contestants! All grades kicked off the day with a fun video from Mr. Alvarado, who explained emotional navigation with a little help from our mascot, Happy the Hawk!

A big shoutout to our fantastic Parent Association for graciously hosting our second Festive Food Truck event of the year, and to our friends at Sky’s Gourmet Tacos for serving up a delightful lunch! #EchoHorizonSchool #SEL

Julia MB He visited our trivia club too and gave some great advice!

Today’s Friday Assembly was a celebration of #WorldHearingDay presented by Echo Center! Our Echo Center friends shared valuable tips for effective communication, hearing protection, and more. Highlights included collaboration with #STEAM, inspiring poems about cochlear implants from two of our #4thGrade #scholars, and insights into the journey of upgrading and receiving a cochlear implant. Gratitude to all who shared their stories! #EchoHorizonSchool

A team of five Echo Horizon administrators, faculty, and staff traveled to St. Louis to the annual #NAISPoCC #Conference We were reaffirmed in our approach to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion when speakers like Dr. Gholdy Muhammad spoke about the importance of joy and even highlighted an early elementary lesson on names, a topic we covered in Pre-K and K during our last JEDI Day! Science teacher Ryan Young was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend multiple workshops on #DEI and #STEAM and learning. We were inspired by speakers like Simon Tam, who spoke about his advocacy work that took him all the way to the US Supreme Court. The wide array of workshops and keynotes all encouraged us to think more deeply about our complex identities and their relationship to our work at Echo Horizon School. We filled our cups by attending and connecting with each other, including enjoying the food and sights in #STL. Thank you, #NAIS!

Peggy Procter So excited for all that Team POCC will bring back to our community and our commitment to JEDI!

Wendy Stanford Lane We miss you!!!

Kelly Gallagher Nick Great to see EHS expanding opportunities!

FLOURISH

Leading the Way: Students Explore Their InterestsThrough Club Block

At Echo Horizon School, exploring interests allows scholars to nurture curiosity, connect across grade levels, and pursue their passions. In the 2023–2024 school year, Club Block was introduced to Grades 3–6, featuring three rotations with a diverse selection of clubs to choose from. The first round was teacher-led; however, scholars were encouraged to propose their own clubs and, if selected, take the lead for the second and third rotations. In this section, we highlight two scholars who exemplify the power of student agency as they pursue their journey toward purpose.

2023–2024 LIST OF CLUBS

CHLOE

CARDBOARD CLUB

One standout initiative from the third rotation of Club Block was the Cardboard Club, launched by 5th grader Chloe C. Chloe’s inspiration for the club began after attending a Friday assembly about the various clubs students could propose. “I wanted to create a club that wouldn’t be too much work but would still be fun and meaningful,” she explained. After considering different ideas, she landed on the concept of the hands-on Cardboard Club, where students could collaboratively build projects out of cardboard.

Initially, Chloe considered crafting a giant cochlear implant to celebrate the Echo Center community, which includes 15 percent of students who are d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH), but ultimately decided it was too intricate. Instead, she and Mrs. Hannah Horton, 5th and 6th grade DHH teacher, brainstormed another idea: creating the school’s “Flourish Tree” to represent the school’s Flourish Program. The Flourish Program represents the school’s emphasis on mindful social and emotional learning and highlights traits that are valued and woven into the fabric of the school.

Chloe’s decision to work with cardboard was rooted in her experience at home, where she often engages in creative projects. “I’ve used cardboard a lot,” she said. “I actually built a giant flower that opened and closed with tiny mechanisms at the bottom, so I thought, ‘If I could build a flower, I could build a tree with the help of other students.’ It’s a material I’m familiar with and it’s plentiful.”

When it came to proposing the Cardboard Club, Chloe put together a comprehensive slide deck detailing her plan for the club, including a weekly breakdown of activities, required materials, and her reasons for choosing the project. She was inspired by her classmates’ successful club pitches and decided to follow their example by thoroughly outlining her idea. Her proposal paid off when the club was approved, and that meant Chloe had to quickly shift from planning to action.

The road to achieving her vision for the Flourish Tree was not without its challenges. “One of the major problems was having to switch spaces, which made things complicated. And sometimes events like the Taco Truck interrupted our work time,” Chloe noted. Despite these logistical hurdles, Chloe remained optimistic about what the club accomplished. “Nobody fought, which was good! People were cooperative and creative with what we had.”

Reflecting on the experience, Chloe offered advice to students who might want to start their own clubs: “Discuss your idea with someone who will support you. Plan your weeks and set clear goals. Think about what you’d want if you were a member [of the club], not just the founder. And make a presentation that aligns with Echo Horizon values.”

Leading the Cardboard Club also taught Chloe important lessons about working with her peers. “I learned that some people have more influence than others and that you need to be flexible and patient. Some people need more guidance, but that’s okay.” With younger students in her club, Chloe found herself guiding them through challenges and learning to advocate for their needs.

Although the Flourish Tree may not have turned out exactly as she initially planned, Chloe’s creative vision, coupled with her dedication to fostering inclusivity, has made the Cardboard Club a memorable part of Echo Horizon Schools’ Club Block, encouraging students to think outside the box—quite literally!

ASHAN

ANIME CLUB

There’s nothing like finding a friend who shares our interests. Strong bonds can be formed through discussing something we all love. Sixth grader Ashan L.K. thought it would be a great idea to bring together students who shared his passion for anime, in particular manga. After all, this passion helped Ashan when he came to Echo Horizon School as a new student in 6th grade. “I made a lot of 5th grade friends at Echo through liking manga and anime just by hearing them talk about it during my first couple of days of school.”

Anime and manga are art forms that are a part of Japanese pop culture. Manga are Japanese-style graphic novels, and anime are Japanese-style 2D animations (movies and TV shows). “A Manga is basically the Japanese version of a comic book. Most anime start out as manga—they’re like comic books, but they’re usually

a bit longer. And they go from right to left instead of left to right. So that’s how it starts before they turn into an anime. Anime is the actual show.”

Due to its popularity among their classmates, Ashan and his friends were confident that an anime club would go over well, and Ashan turned to 3rd grade teacher Mr. Bill Engle for help. “I asked Mr. Engle if he would like to lead it with me, and he said he would, even though he was not very familiar with anime at the time. He thought it’d be a cool thing to start.”

Ashan quickly learned that it’s important to know what you want a club experience to be like at each meeting. Ashan says, “My plan was to keep it casual. I wanted the Anime Club to feel more like a place to learn and explore rather than something you had to do. On the first day of the Anime Club, I asked everyone how they wanted to spend our time.” Based on what he learned from his fellow club members, activities ranged from a

“You can’t just go with the flow, and you can’t always be too rigid. ”

debate about anime/manga characters to an anime quiz; some general Japanese culture was even explored. “Everyone participated their thoughts around what they wanted to do.. And even if, say, they didn’t want to do the competition, they could work on origami. There were different options.”

The main goal of the club, however, was ambitious. Ashan shares, “The end goal was to eventually have a full manga where everyone would have made a comic.”

Keeping things on topic proved to be a challenge and may have been the reason members didn’t quite meet their goal. Ashan explains, “I really wanted the kids to be in control, but I didn’t want to be completely off topic, which maybe is one of the reasons that we didn’t get to do the full book.”

Even though they didn’t end up with a full book, “we had a bunch of mini ones, which was a lot of fun! There was a story about a mushroom kingdom attacking Mr. Engle that took place in Chile,” Ashan says.

It was no surprise that Mr. Engle ended up front and center in some of the stories. Ashan states, “Mr. Engle didn’t know anything about anime initially, so I think he had a lot of fun learning about it and enjoyed supporting it.”

Anime Club taught Ashan that being a leader means you sometimes have to strike a balance between structure and planning and adjusting and adapting. “You can’t always just go with the flow for things, and you can’t always be too rigid.”

When asked what his favorite part about the club was, Ashan shares decisively, “Everyone coming together. And kids getting to know and learn about different types of anime that they may not have known before.”

Alumni Highlights

Ben Mayer

Class of 2018

Ben Mayer came to Echo Horizon School when he was five years old. He explains, “My parents’ main priority was finding a school with the right balance of traditional and progressive education. They appreciated that Echo had creative elements and was willing to take risks but also had a rigorous and proven curriculum at the core of things.”

As a brand-new kindergartener, Ben was understandably anxious on his first day of school. “I remember being a fair bit nervous, my heart sinking when my mom dropped me off, but quickly forgetting about that fear after made a new friend playing Legos before class began.”

Ben attended Windward School for his middle and high school years and became a freshman at MIT in the fall of 2024. He credits his time at Echo Horizon for putting him on the path to studying computer science at one of the most prestigious universities in the U.S.

His 3rd grade teacher, Mr. Earl Hunter, had a philosophy which has stayed with Ben to this day. He recalls, “His [mantra]—’be extraordinary’—taught me to go beyond just looking for a good grade or finishing the assignment, and his encouragement that we be ourselves without fear of what others thought helped me open up that year.”

Ben’s fascination with computers began when he was in 5th grade and got into Minecraft. “I built towns, computers, and games, but felt constrained by the game’s limited ruleset. My solution? Learn to code and expand the game’s mechanics.”

Learning to code in the Tech Center led to a core memory.

“One of the highlights of my Echo experience was getting to design and plan the winter program decorations each year with the head of the arts department, Ms. [Cathleen] Wolf. My friend Jordan and I would sit around her laptop every fall and browse Pinterest for inspiration, then build a prototype, and eventually make instructions for the art classes so every student could have a hand in the decorations too!”

At Echo Horizon, Ben was driven to face challenges head-on. This lesson came into play at Windward School. “I genuinely held back nervous tears as I made my way towards my first Algebra I Honors class. But to my surprise, I came out of that first class beaming. I found the class perfectly paced and just the right level of challenging…I ended the year with a firm grasp of algebra and a top grade in the class! I thoroughly credit Echo with giving me the foundation to succeed in that class and the others I would take after.”

“The most powerful takeaway from Echo for me was a strong sense of empathy and the confidence to reach out for help when I needed it,” Ben says. “Echo not only taught me the importance of understanding and caring for others and that it’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for support—it made those concepts deeply instinctual.”

Ben continues, “Echo also instilled in me a love for learning and a belief in my own potential. The teachers at Echo knew me personally, so they could recognize and nurture my interests, providing me with the resources and guidance to explore them.”

The experiences Ben had at Echo Horizon—from working in the Tech Center to learning to debate in his 6th grade science class to making connections with classmates that continue today—are ones he knows will serve him well as he begins his college adventure.

Honoring Aerin Glaser

Class of 2017

Former Echo Horizon School scholar Aerin Glaser embodied joy, happiness, and smiles, sharing them freely with everyone around her. From an early age, she found unique ways to connect with others. Her father, Jonathan Glaser, called her “the governor” when she was in preschool, as she knew how to work a room and talk to everyone—kids and adults alike. She even approached her classmates’ parents to arrange play dates!

Echo Horizon was a perfect match for Aerin. She was intellectually curious, smart, a people person, and, in the words of her father, “uber-creative.” She frequented Echo Horizon’s Makerspace and Beading Club. During the “rainbow loom” craze, she was the savant, her classmates begging her to make them things. She happily obliged.

Over the years, she went on to master sewing, knitting, metalworking, jewelry making, drawing, painting, and even baking. She never stopped creating for others, producing numerous gifts for family and friends, handing out treasures from jewelry to beanies and blankets.

When she was in 3rd grade, Aerin participated in the annual biography project, taking on the persona of Queen Elizabeth. All dressed up, she looked very much the part for her presentation. Her family thinks this casting was on brand—Aerin herself was much like a benevolent queen.

After her time at Echo Horizon, Aerin attended Windward School. At the end of 8th grade, Aerin was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer. It was a difficult diagnosis; Aerin endured many types of treatment to fight the disease. Fortunately, while at Echo Horizon, Aerin had learned to advocate for herself; this served her well as a patient at UCLA.

“In a world full of ordinary, Aerin was truly one of a kind—an endlessly creative spirit whose kindness and unique ideas made everyone around her feel extraordinary. Her ability to brighten even the dullest moments with a spark of creativity and genuine warmth will forever be cherished.”

–Ms. Meg Baltazar, Aerin’s 6th grade teacher

Cancer did not slow Aerin down. Regardless of what she was going through, she maintained her joyful relationships with her family and friends and continued her pursuit of all things artistic.

“Aerin was always in creative mode, embodying the heart and mind of an artist. She was both focused and decisive. She was a brave creator, confident and kind, always generous with her support for fellow artists,” shares Kristen Reyna, Aerin’s visual arts Teacher.

On a trip to Paris (while in Europe for medical treatments), a family friend arranged some tours of fashion houses for Aerin, including Dior. Aerin had toyed with the idea of becoming a doctor, but after these tours, she decided she wanted to be a fashion designer.

To that end, she contacted Dior in May 2023 about an internship in the haute couture seamstress department. She was accepted. With medical assistance arranged overseas, Aerin and her parents traveled to Paris. While dehydration and an impacted wisdom tooth tried to steal her experience before it could begin—both striking shortly after arriving in Paris—Aerin persevered and started at Dior on time. Aerin was in her element at Dior. Those who worked with her during that summer remember her as kind, humble, and passionate, always wearing a smile. Aerin took all she learned in Paris to the School of Dramatic Arts at USC that fall.

The Glaser family has been long-time, generous supporters of Echo Horizon School. Father Jonathan Glaser served as our Board Chair, and mother Nancy Glaser dedicated her time to chairing numerous committees. Their children, Justine Glaser (Class of 2008) and Levi Glaser (Class of 2010), shared a close and special bond with their beloved younger sister, Aerin. Aerin’s cousin Lauren remembers that regardless of whom she was interacting with, Aerin made others feel special and seen. Another cousin, Leah, described Aerin this way, “Like the sun, she pulled us all into her orbit and gave us such a warmth that we’ll all feel it forever.”

Our hearts are with the Glaser family as we honor Aerin’s memory and remember the light she brought to the halls of Echo Horizon School. Aerin passed away in March 2024, leaving behind a multitude of family and friends who will miss her, but who will remember her life as a gift, much like those she bestowed on all the people she loved.

ECHOing Minds:

Media Recommendations from Echo Center Educators

Founded on inclusivity, the Echo Center at Echo Horizon School is integral to who we are. The Echo Center isn’t a separate place, but a program that supports d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) students in mastering listening and spoken language. Echo Center students learn alongside their hearing peers, with our dedicated Echo Center teachers working closely with classroom teachers to manage hearing technology and advocate for each student’s needs. In these pages, our knowledgeable Echo Center educators offer their personal favorite books, articles, podcasts, and online resources. May these valuable recommendations inspire and encourage us all to celebrate our differences!

Jennifer Mascolo Director of Echo Center

The Listening Brain podcast airs bi-monthly, featuring a wide range of guests, including notable figures from Southern California. Hosted by K. Todd Houston, Ph.D., an expert in auditory-verbal therapy and speech-language pathology, the podcast delves into the development of listening and speaking skills in children with hearing loss. Each episode explores the latest in education, technology, and research, with interviews from professionals and insights from families navigating auditory and verbal development. Additionally, adults with hearing loss share their personal stories, offering fresh perspectives on the evolving understanding of deafness.

Available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Shaira Ruedas

TOD POD is a valuable podcast for deaf and hard of hearing families and educators, hosted by Deanna Barlow, a DHH itinerant teacher. Deanna shares insights into the life of a DHH teacher, covering topics like self-advocacy skills, caseload management, listening and spoken language skills, and more. She offers practical advice for families on supporting children who use hearing devices, along with teaching strategies and ideas for DHH educators. TOD POD is an all-around resource for parents, students, and educators, and it’s free!

Listen to TOD POD on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Laura Rojas

Learn Through Play! Bridget and Brooke, speech pathologists and sisters, specialize in helping children communicate and provide parents with free tools to support their child’s language development. Through their Instagram and website, they offer resources that empower parents to build language skills during everyday activities. They emphasize the crucial role parents play in language growth and provide easy tips and online courses for children from babyhood to early childhood. Their goal is to help parents understand their child’s needs, apply speech therapy strategies in daily routines, and reduce frustration for both parents and children.

www.speechsisters.com

Hannah Horton

Novels are a great way for students to explore how characters navigate emotions in real-world scenarios or to form connections with beloved characters. For our older scholars, two insightful perspectives on the d/Deaf experience: Show Me a Sign and You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P! Both books offer a view into the world through d/Deaf eyes—Show Me a Sign celebrates Deaf culture, while Jilly P emphasizes that deafness is just one aspect of a person’s identity. Due to the complexity of the content and real-world or historical themes, these novels are best suited for older readers.

Lyric Olivia

Mara Hears in Style is a cute eye-opening story about a school-aged girl who wears hearing aids and navigates daily life with a hearing difference. The book illustrates the challenges she faces in various school settings, such as recess and lunch, where hearing her friends can be difficult. What stands out about this story is how it introduces the concept of lip-reading as a deaf individual and highlights the importance of American Sign Language in communication. Mara even teaches her friends how to sign! The story also exposes readers to the diversity found in schools, including different ethnic backgrounds and disabilities, emphasizing that inclusion matters. Though fictional, this story offers a great depiction of what school life can be like for a child with a hearing difference and the obstacles they may encounter daily.

Ariel Peckham

We all know how important it is for our children to be exposed to language, but how critical is the mode of that input? This peer-reviewed article, Parental Language Input to Children With Hearing Loss: Does It Matter in the End? by Susan Nittrouer, Joanna H. Lowenstein, and Joseph Antonelli, explores this very question. The study follows children ages 4–10, including those with a range of hearing abilities—from typically hearing to profound or severe hearing loss—while taking into account socioeconomic status. It offers an insightful look into the impact of a parent-led, language-rich environment on a child’s spoken language development compared to language input from other sources, such as television and media.

Kimberly Mijangos

Song for a Whale is a novel about Iris, a 12-yearold girl who was born deaf and who communicates using American Sign Language. Iris often feels isolated at school, where she’s the only deaf student. She has a passion for fixing electronics and feels at home in the world of wires and vacuum tubes. In science class, Iris learns about a whale named Blue 55, who is alone because he can’t communicate with other whales. Motivated by her understanding of technology and empathy for Blue 55, Iris and her grandmother—who is also deaf—embark on a journey to Alaska to connect with the whale. This heartwarming story sheds light on the challenges deaf individuals face and offers readers a unique perspective on navigating the world as a deaf person and student. Song for a Whale beautifully conveys the message that while some things may be hard, they are not impossible.

Introducing Joy

Our Newest Echo Horizon School Mascot

Joy is Echo Horizon’s first DHH student mascot, created by Echo Center students in collaboration with Mrs. Hannah Horton, and based on an original idea by Mrs. Laura Rojas. The idea began during Audiology Awareness Month in October 2023 when the two DHH educators were discussing the need for a mascot that represents students with hearing loss.

Over a six-week creative process, Echo Center students, guided by Mrs. Horton, brought Joy to life. Joy is a 6th grader who uses a cochlear implant and a hearing aid, designed to reflect the real-life experiences of DHH students. The final reveal of Joy took place at Echo Center’s spring event, EchoPalooza, and the excitement from students was contagious!

Joy embodies resilience, representation, and the spirit of inclusivity at Echo Horizon School. We can’t wait to see Joy inspire our community!

Letter from the Board Chair

Peter Scott

“When you donate an hour of your time or contribute to our Annual Fund, you are making Echo Horizon an even more extraordinary place.”

One of the gifts Echo Horizon School bestows on our students is a deep sense of purpose. Whether they’re in Pre-K or 6th grade, every student knows that what they learn in our classrooms matters—not only to their own academic journey, but also to the larger world around them. At the same time, the students are developing an individual sense of purpose. When a student learns how important they are to the ecosystem of their class, it inspires them to challenge themselves, to be leaders, and to look out for one another.

As Board Chair, I’m in the perfect position to see up close how this sense of purpose also extends to our faculty, staff, and leadership team. Teaching is only one part of what they do—they’re also role models, advisors, coaches, allies, and mentors. And one of the reasons they go above and beyond is because they know that the work they do matters profoundly.

While I was thinking of ways to extend my heartfelt thanks for the generosity that our parent and extended community have shown our school—with their time, energy, and meaningful contributions to the Echo Horizon Fund—I find myself again returning to this theme of purpose. When you donate an hour of your time or contribute to our Annual Fund, you are making Echo Horizon an even more extraordinary place.

You are making it possible for our teachers to expand their knowledge base by giving them the opportunity to attend educational conferences around the country. You allow our charming and historically significant building to get a state-of-the-art audio/visual system in our auditorium and energy efficient upgrades to the windows and to our heating and cooling systems. Most importantly, you are role models for our students, who get to see firsthand that a thriving community such as ours is the result of hard work and tremendous generosity.

As is customary every few years, the Board of Trustees is updating our Strategic Plan, ensuring that we continue to carry out our mission to provide exceptional teaching and emotional growth for our students. We also honor our commitment to our joyful, inclusive, and supportive community, enshrining those values that have been demonstrated so meaningfully by so many of you over the past year.

The 2023–2024 school year is my last as Chair, but I’m pleased to remain on the board and to continue the sense of purpose that comes with supporting Echo Horizon.

On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, thank you so much for all you do for our school.

Sincerely,

Peter Scott Board Chair

2023–2024 Report On Philanthropy

Thanks to the ongoing support of the Echo Horizon community, our educators are able to pursue lifelong learning through professional development opportunities. These experiences are essential for staying current with best practices and ensuring our faculty and staff are equipped to provide Echo Horizon School students with innovative and engaging learning experiences.

AG Bell—Global Listening and Spoken Language Virtual Symposium (online)

LETRS—Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling Training and Certification (online)

IDALA—International Dyslexia Association. Los Angeles: Dyslexia Southwest 2024 (online)

Responsive Classroom—Elementary Core Four Day Course (online)

Landmark Outreach—Sarah Ward: Executive Function Skills: Success in the Classroom Summer Institute 2024 (online)

NAIS/PoCC—People of Color Conference, Student Diversity Leadership Conference, St. Louis, MO

TAB—Teaching Artistic Behavior Summer Institute, Denver, CO

CAPE—California Athletics Physical Education Workshop, San Luis Obispo, CA

CASE—School Marketing and Communications Virtual Conference (online)

CASE—Campaign Workshop 2023, New Orleans, LA

CATDC—California Teacher Development Collaborative: Supporting Neurodivergence in Early Childhood Education Through Sensory Regulation, Classroom Design, and Motor Development, Los Angeles, CA

CATDC—Math Workshop, Los Angeles, CA

CSEE—Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education - Early Education Summit: Reimagining Emotions in the Classroom, New York, NY

Institute for Imaginative Inquiry—Summer Institute 2024, New York, NY

Finalsite—Admissions and Marketing Workshop, Los Angeles, CA

Starling Collaborative—Restorative Practices (online)

STEAM Symposium—The Science of Sound: Making Learning Visible, Long Beach, CA

Fred Rogers Institute Educators Neighborhood Cohort 2023–2024—Puppets: Empathy through Engagement, Kindness Through Creativity, Latrobe, PA

Zooga Yoga Certification—Culver City, CA

Music Teachers Association Conference—St. George, UT

SXSW EDU—South by Southwest EDU Conference, Austin, TX

NDEO—National Dance Education Organization 2023 Conference, Denver, CO

Gesell at Yale—The Gesell Program in Early Childhood Training (online)

West Virginia’s Writers Workshop—Write Wildly and Wonderfully, Morgantown, WV

WISSIT—Washington International School Summer Institute for Teachers, Washington DC

Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center—Mindfulness in Education Retreat, Carson National Forest, NM

Campbell Hall Anti-bias Curriculum Redesign Lab—Studio City, CA

Authentic Education UbD—Understanding by Design Summer Retreat 2024 (online)

World Leadership School—Immersive Educators Travel, Sacred Valley, Peru

Board of Trustees

Chair

Peter Scott

Vice Chairs

Ken Nakayama

Ziad Toubassy

Vice President

Josh Oppenheimer

Secretary

Anne Enna

Treasurer

Jason Kaplan

Trustees

Dawn Barrett

Tom Chang

Andre James

Gillian Nalibotsky

Michelle Martinez

Maria Pathria

Jeena Quansah

John Roberts

Matt Segal

David Stone

Sharon Tal Yguado

Head of School

Peggy Procter

Parent Association President

Karina Patel

Founder

Kent H. Landsberg (deceasesd)

Trustees Emeriti

Fred Fern

William Luxford M.D.

The Parent Association

PARENT ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

Co-Presidents

Michelle Martinez

Karina Patel

Co-Vice Presidents

Angela Arnold

Meg Cozad

Echo Center Vice President

Suzie Hiller

Treasurer

Jay Carson

Secretary

Leslie Wootton

Lower School Representatives

Krystal Abernethy

Ruth Milway

Upper School Representative

Rachel Liu

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

All School Family Fun Day

Chair: Sara Adelman

Jr. Chair: Diana Kim

Art Committee

Chairs: Daniel Touff & Katherine Don

Athletics Committee

Chair: Rachel Liu

Book Fair Committee

Chair: Tamara Umanksy

Jr. Chair: Michelle Martinez

School Pictures Committee

Chair: Samantha Lombardo

Special Events Committee

Chair: Sharon Lee

Spirit Wear Committee

Chair: Angie Winslow

Spring Affaire

Performance Committee

Chair: Jennifer O’Brien

Jr. Chair: Sharon Lee

Teacher Appreciation Committee

Chair: Sharon Lee

Jr. Chair: Valerie Washburn

Burger Truck Committee

Chair: Natalie Moreland

Jr. Chair: Stephanie Dekin

Community Care Committee

Chair: Sharon Lee

Jr. Chair: Valerie Washburn

Community Outreach Committee

Chair: Sharon Lee

Jr. Chair: Jacqueline Phillips

Grandparents and Special Friends Day Committee

Chair: Vera Nazzal

Jr. Chair: Sharon Lee

Green Committee

Chair: Sharon Lee

Halloween Committee

Chairs: Meg Cozad & Chris Ewing

Jr. Chair: Aliana Segal

Hot Lunch Committee

Chair: Emily Nichols

JEDI Committee

Chair: Jennifer Stone

Jr. Chair: Minal Patel

Lost & Found Committee

Chairs: Jennifer & Casey O’Brien

Jr. Chair: Aliana Segal

Mindfulness Committee

Chair: Allison Strina

Jr. Chair: Talia Gart

Popsicles in the Park Committee

Chair: Vera Nazzal

Jr. Chair: Aliana Segal

ROOM PARENTS

Pre-Kindergarten

Aliana Segal

Jackie Davis

Diana Kim

Kindergarten

Ryann Karp

Annie Miyao

Jenny Rubin

First Grade

Ama Kumi Thomas

Melissa Robertson

Gretchen Mingo

Second Grade

Ashlee Hansen

Allison Cobar

Johanna Appel

Third Grade

Ruth Milway

Sharon Lee

Fourth Grade

Kerri Stoughton-Jackson

Angie Winslow

Fifth Grade

Samantha Lombardo

Valerie Washburn

Megha Sata

Sixth Grade

Vera Nazzal

Gillian Nalibotsky

Kendall Brooks

Tamara Umanksy

Top row: Tom Chang, Ziad Toubassy, Sharon Tal Yguado, David Stone

Middle row: Ken Nakayama, Josh Oppenheimer, Maria Pathria, Jeena Quansah

Bottom row: Gillian Nalibotsky, Peter Scott, Peggy Procter, Jason Kaplan

Not pictured: Dawn Barrett, Anne Enna, Andre James, John P. Roberts, Michelle Martinez, Karina Patel, Matt Segal

WHY WE GIVE A Gift of Time and Treasure

Two Echo Horizon families reflect on what giving means to them and share how they hope their giving will inspire future generations of Echo Horizon School families.

The

Why did you choose Echo Horizon for your family?

Our older son Jeremy was at a different elementary school. After a year, we realized he needed more structure. When we toured Echo, we were struck by the kids, who were well-behaved and engaged. We were so impressed with Echo, we didn’t want to wait. We asked if we could move Jeremy in the middle of 1st grade, and we did.

What is your family’s favorite Echo Horizon tradition and why?

We love the culminating performances—the showcases for the parents at the end of the year. Jeremy was incredibly shy. He learned confidence and comfort through those showcases, which we appreciate so much.

At Echo, we strive to foster healthy empathetic leaders who will make a lasting impact on the world. What do you hope the lasting impact of Echo Horizon will be on your children? Middle school admissions directors often comment that the kids from Echo are kind. Now that Jeremy is in a middle school with kids from schools throughout L.A., we understand the truth of that statement. Echo graduates are good kids who positively impact their communities.

Echo clearly prepares kids academically, but its emphasis on nurturing our kids’ entire being—their character, intellect, and sense of responsibility to the wider community—is what impresses us most.

Your family has been so generous with both time and treasure, from volunteering as Parent Association president, volunteering in the library, and as a Room Parent to spearheading Parties With a Purpose campaigns. What motivates you to continue to give?

We understand the importance of philanthropy in helping a small, independent elementary school succeed. We want our teachers to have access to amazing professional development opportunities. We understand that the ability to offer tuition assistance to families who may not otherwise be able to afford a school like Echo benefits our entire community. Those things are possible through philanthropy.

How do you feel your older son Jeremy’s time at Echo prepared him for Windward School? How has Echo served both of your boys?

Jeremy was well-prepared academically and is excelling at Windward. Echo also helped him build confidence as an athlete. His first experience with team sports was Echo Athletics. Echo’s policy to let every child play freed him to take risks and try new sports. He learned sportsmanship and the joy of playing on a team. After one basketball season, he played every sport he could and still plays sports at Windward.

Joshua [grade 3] is very bright but learns differently, so it was especially challenging when he began kindergarten on Zoom. However, having patient, kind teachers who are willing to help him find ways to succeed has been such a gift. He is blossoming with their help and encouragement. Josh is also an incredibly creative child, so he loves every aspect of the Global Arts programming at Echo.

How would you like your time at Echo Horizon to be remembered?

We would like to be remembered as parents of two alumni who exemplify the best traits in Echo Horizon students and who were enthusiastic supporters of the institution, the mission, and all the people in the building, especially Peggy. We have an incredible amount of faith in her vision and her ability to deliver on the things that are important.

How does the act of giving to Echo Horizon benefit both the donor and the community?

You’re supporting the professional development of teachers and the school’s ability to compensate faculty and staff in a way that will allow us to attract and retain the best possible people. It also ensures our kids’ access to the best materials, field trips, books in the library, and more.

We have met some of our best friends at Echo Horizon; we got to know a lot of them through volunteering. We have such a warm and fun parent community! The personal benefits and rewards of being an active member of that community are underestimated.

What would you share with families who are thinking of joining Echo Horizon?

Join. For my children, it has been an incredibly safe, enriching, edifying place. There are a lot of places that speak to values around diversity, character building, and social-emotional intelligence. Echo very intentionally attends to all of those values on a daily basis.

Why did you choose Echo Horizon for your family?

We were searching for the best fit for our DHH [d/ Deaf and Hard of Hearing] child, and Echo was our top choice. Nowhere else could compete with the services and support that the Echo Center provides for DHH students. We also discovered that Echo is a perfect place for our twin boys. We love that Echo focuses on the whole child, offering individualized education, targeted social-emotional support, and fostering an inclusive and diverse community, which always warms our hearts.

What motivated you to get more involved?

We believe that active parental involvement positively impacts our children’s academic success and overall school experience. By being engaged, we can better understand the curriculum, support their learning at home, and address any challenges they may face. We want to contribute to a supportive and vibrant school environment. By participating in school activities, events, and committees, we can help foster a sense of community, collaboration, and mutual support among parents, teachers, and students. We are setting a positive example for our children about the importance of education, community involvement, and civic responsibility.

What is your family’s favorite Echo Horizon tradition and why?

It’s hard to pick just one favorite. However, we would say that the Halloween Carnival stands out for us. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the entire school community to come together and celebrate. The festive costumes, fun activities, and spooky decorations bring smiles to everyone’s faces, and it’s a great way to bond with other families, teachers, and staff.

At Echo, we strive to foster healthy empathetic leaders who will make a lasting impact on the world. What do you hope the lasting impact of Echo Horizon will be on your children?

We hope the lasting impact of Echo Horizon will be the development

Scan here to pay it forward and make a difference!

of strong character, a deep sense of empathy, and a lifelong love of learning. We hope they leave Echo Horizon with the confidence to pursue their dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the compassion to make a positive difference in others’ lives.

Your family has been deeply involved, doing everything from volunteering for the Parent Association, serving as Upper School representatives and Room Parents, to being avid supporters of our Athletics Program. What motivates you to continue giving? We are motivated by the joy and growth we see in our children and their peers, the sense of community and connection we feel, and the knowledge that our involvement helps create a nurturing and enriching environment for everyone.

In what ways has Echo Horizon School/Echo Center served your three different children?

We are grateful to the Echo Center for their unwavering support of Austin’s needs as a DHH student. Echo Center has made a tremendous impact on Austin’s life, assisting with his hearing, language development, social skills, self-advocacy skills, and more. We have three completely different boys. Echo has done an exceptional job meeting each of their unique needs. Whether they need support with building social skills, assistance through emotional difficulties, or academic challenges to push them further, there is always someone ready to support them. We are grateful for the individualized help the school provides, ensuring that each of our children thrives in their own way.

How does the act of giving to Echo Horizon benefit both the donor and the community?

By giving to a school, donors become more connected to their local community. This involvement can lead to stronger relationships and a greater sense of belonging.

As for the community, donations provide schools with essential resources, improving the quality of education and directly benefiting students. Funding from donors supports extra-curricular programs, scholarships, special projects, and innovative teaching methods that regular school funding might not cover.

What would you share with families who are thinking of joining Echo Horizon?

Our experience over the past four years has shown us that in this community, you and your children can expect to form lasting friendships and have a lot of fun!

Martinez-LoPrete Family

The Lu Family

Letter from the Development Director

Lisa Sorrentino

Advancement

Mission Statement

The mission of the Echo Horizon School Advancement team is founded upon the idea that our best work is done together. Working collaboratively, the Advancement team is in service to the mission of the school and the strategic plan. We help each family find a place at Echo Horizon and build a lasting culture of inclusion, engagement and generosity. Through our storytelling we celebrate the joy, success and journey of our Echo Horizon community.

A

s we embarked on the start of another school year, it was almost a shock that I will soon have been a member of the Echo Horizon community for a decade! I went from being a prospective parent to a kindergarten parent to a room parent to offering leadership in the Parent Association to serving as a Development Director and Parent Engagement Coordinator. It has, for sure, been a journey, one that didn’t feel that long until I realized that my son was four years old the first time we set foot on this campus—and now he’s 14! This school and this community have definitely shaped who we are, but more importantly than that, they accepted who we are and helped us grow into our best, most authentic, and purposeful selves. That is probably the best journey, and it is one I share with every other member of the Echo Horizon community, including families, trustees, alumni, and faculty and staff.

This past school year embodied that path to purpose in so many ways:

• Our parent community stepped up in unprecedented ways, chairing 20 committees and supporting school events ranging from the Book Fair and Hot Lunch to Athletics and the Parent Performance at Spring Affaire. They welcomed us into their homes for parties and passed out hamburgers on Burger Truck Day! From beloved traditions to new initiatives, their dedication was unwavering, and the friendships they built were inspiring.

• Our Board of Trustees provided invaluable, hands-on leadership and worked together to increase their annual fund contributions by almost 27 percent.

• Meanwhile, our entire community helped our Echo Horizon Fund reach another year of subsequent growth, 30 percent more than last year—a tremendous testament to our families’ support, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

• With every year, our grandparents become a more involved part of our community, and we’ve tried to celebrate them as much as they celebrate us. Not only do we love our annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day, but we’ve launched a newsletter and are hoping to roll out a few more initiatives this coming year.

• Speaking of initiatives, we launched our Party With a Purpose initiative with two great events: an exclusive screening of The Grinch and a (very) competitive pickleball tournament in the spring.

• But my favorite night was the Spring Affaire. Our Parent Committee turned our campus into a 1990s playground, and we partied like it was 99 (in honor of our beautiful building’s 100th birthday next year!). The outfits! The dance floor! The record-breaking fundraising! Toward the end of the night, a parent walked up to me and told me that it was her favorite night of the year; not just school events, but her favorite night, period.

It was everything we try to be: welcoming, fun, successful, and always just a little unexpected!

Thank you all so much for your unwavering support and dedication. It has been a wild decade for me, watching this community grow into what it is today. Thank you for everything you do.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Lisa Sorrentino Development Director and Parent Engagement Coordinator

2023–2024 FINANCIAL REPORT

Grandparents and Special Friends Day 2023

This year’s Grandparents and Special Friends Day was a heartwarming celebration of our students’ cherished family members and friends gracing our campus. We were deeply grateful to welcome over 120 guests and share our joyful, engaged learning community with them. The day included classroom activities and an inspiring presentation from our Head of School, Peggy Procter, culminating with lively student-led tours. Unforgettable memories were made, and laughter rang through the halls. It was the perfect way to transition to Fall Break and the season of gratitude!

Grandparents and Special Friends Day Committee

Sharon Lee

Vera Nazzal

Minal Patel

Rory Phillips

Jennifer Stone

Kerri Stoughton-Jackson

The Parent Association hosted a Spring Affaire with a “Party like It’s 99!” theme, and it was a blast from the past! The gymnasium was transformed with neon colors and everyone rocked their best ’90s attire, from grunge to Saved by the Bell, to supermodel styles. The dance floor was buzzing with hits from TLC, Backstreet Boys, and Spice Girls, and guests had a blast with ’90s pop culture trivia. It was an epic night filled with nostalgia and good vibes, leaving everyone reminiscing about the days of boomboxes and rollerblades.

Sponsors:

Greg and Samantha Lombardo

Matt and Aliana Segal

Russell Constantine and Diana Kim

Ken Nakayama and Lori Shiotani

Sarah Treem

Tom Chang and Mireille Jacobson

Larry and Allison Cobar

Philip and Andrea Covitz

Levi and Jackie Davis

Samuel and Stephanie Dekin

Avrom and Talia Gart

Varun and Maria Pathria

Event Planning Committee:

Angela Arnold

Sharon Lee

Michelle Martinez

Karina Patel

Parent Performance

Committee Chairs: Sharon Lee and Jennifer O’Brien

Written by Eliza Kahn

Directed by LeShay Boyce

Choreographed by Johanna Appel

Trivia Host: Buzzy Cohen

Johanna Appel

LeShay Boyce

Jen O’Brien

Casey O’Brien

Sharon Kee

Eliza Kahn

Jennifer Young Gretchen Mingo

Tichaun Williams

Alison Kaplan

Rochelle Thrush

Ama Thomas

Minal Patel

Ziad Toubassy

Kendall Woolridge

Eduardo Garcia

Boaz Lev Ari

Jay Carson

Peggy Procter

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

We officially launched our Party With a Purpose initiative this year!

2023–2024 was the official launch of our Party With a Purpose initiative. What is Party With a Purpose? It’s a fun way to combine community building and fundraising into one fun party, dinner, movie, or pickleball tournament! The kickoff was a great success! Our inaugural event was a (sold out!) screening of The Grinch, and in the spring, we hosted our (very competitive!) Pickleball Tournament. Keep your eyes peeled for more events in the 2024–2025 school year!

Party With a Purpose Sponsors

Courtney Cahill-Gurr and Germaine Gurr

Kelly Ku and Jeffrey Hwang

Angela Arnold and DJ Jacobs

Peggy Procter and John Johnston

Stephanie Jackson and Ronald Lassy

Michelle Martinez and Corey LoPrete

Rachel Liu and Ryan Lu

Joshua and Sharon Yguado

Natalie Moreland and Kyle Zanocco

Interested in Hosting a Party With a Purpose?

Do you have great ideas for bringing people together? Want to make a meaningful impact while having fun?

Join us in creating unforgettable events that build community and raise funds for important school initiatives! Reach out today to share your ideas and learn more about how you can get involved.

Scan here for more information and details on how to host an event!

“Our Party With a Purpose program is an absolute blast! We dream up fun, creative ways to connect and build community, all while making a difference. The best part? We’re raising money for key school initiatives like tuition assistance and creating learning environments where our students can thrive and grow.”

– Peggy Procter, Head of School

Attend Events

Make a plan to attend our annual Spring Affaire, All-School Family Fun Day, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and other events throughout the year—it’s a great way to build community and make new friends! View the school calendar in the Echo Horizon Parent Portal, as well as check out event details in the weekly Tuesday Bulletin.

Matching Gifts

Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple your donation to Echo Horizon School! Contact your HR department to see if your company participates. Reach out to our Development Office if you need guidance with this process.

Volunteer Your Time

In addition, there are many ways to share your time and talent with our Echo Horizon community! Email our Parent Association leadership at pa@echohorizon.org for more information.

ADMINISTRATION

Director of Global Arts

Director of Upper Elementary and Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)

Make a

Pledge

or Recurring Gift

Visit www.echohorizon.org/pledge to make your plan to give online.

Donate Online

Visit www.echohorizon.org/giving to make your annual contribution to our Echo Horizon Fund.

Come In Person

Drop by the Development Office and share your thoughts and ideas with our Development Director, Lisa Sorrentino.

Via Snail Mail

Mail your check or correspondence to Echo Horizon School, attention Development Office.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these ways to give, please contact Development Director, Lisa Sorrentino, at lsorrentino@echohorizon.org or call the Development Office at (310) 838-2442.

Director of Marketing and Communications & Creative Strategy

Alicia Camacho

Director of Admissions and Community Engagement

RaShaan M. Davis

Director of the Echo Center

Jennifer Mascolo

Head of School

Peggy Procter

Chief Financial Officer

Saundra Sparks

Director of Lower Elementary

Jennie Willens

Back Row L–R: Jennifer Mascolo, RaShaan M. Davis, Alicia Camacho Front Row L–R: Saundra Sparks, Dr. Julia Blount, Meg Baltazar, Peggy Procter, Jennie Willens

Meg Baltazar

Dr. Julia Blount

ECHO HORIZON AT A GLANCE

School

8:30

Location: 3430 McManus Avenue Culver City, CA 90232

Written and edited by Yvette Ferrari, Ruth Calkins, Veronica Voeks, and Alicia Camacho

Contributors

Meg Baltazar

Dr. Julia Blount

Alicia Camacho

The Glaser Family

The LoPrete/Martinez Family

The Lu Family

Ben Mayer

Dr. Sam Patterson

Peggy Procter

Carmie Rehor

Peter Scott

Lisa Sorrentino

Jennie Willens

Ryan Young

Cover Art

Photography by Yvette Ferrari

This photo was taken at Echo Horizon School during Earth Week. Lower Elementary School Director Jennie Willens brought along her family’s pet tortoise, Socrates, to meet our Pre-K friends. She shared the importance of caring for our planet and why Earth Day matters with our youngest scholars.

At Echo Horizon School, we value building connections across ages, from our youngest community members to our eldest scholars. A sense of belonging and responsibility for others is cultivated through our Buddies Program, which pairs our 5th and 6th graders with our Pre-K and Kindergarten students. With a wide range of engaging activities and events, the Buddies Program focuses on how purposeful play and building meaningful relationships can increase our sense of community and belonging. In this photo, 6th grade scholar Zoey B. and Kindergartener Sophia P. sketch together during a Buddies event.

Photography

Shlomit Bard—Studio SLB Photography

Alicia Camacho

Yvette Ferrari

Luisana Rodriguez

Echo Horizon School community

Justin Han Photography

Lainez Photography

Design

Ryan Corey

Printing

Colornet Press

Financials

Saunda Sparks

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated donors, foundations, and corporations who have generously supported Echo Horizon School throughout the year. Your commitment empowers us to provide an exceptional education and vibrant community for our students. The full 2023-2024 Annual Giving Report will be available later this school year, and will recognize all who have made an impact on our journey.

3430 McManus Avenue

Culver City, CA 90232-7407

T: 310-838-2442

TTY: 310-202-7201 echohorizon.org