Roots and Wings Magazine 2024-2025: Our Gifts in Action

Letter from the Head of School

Peggy Procter

Dear Echo Horizon Community,

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2024–25 Roots & Wings magazine, themed Our Gifts in Action. This is the third publication in our trilogy exploring the arc of an Echo Horizon journey—from self-discovery to a life of purpose and giving back. In this edition, we are thrilled to share how Echo Horizon scholars and community members, by embracing their unique talents and gifts, spread beauty to others and amplify our collective impact. We wholeheartedly believe in empowering children to be changemakers, knowing that success is not defined by individual achievement, but by how we lift others and our communities. The metaphor “a rising tide lifts all boats” resonates deeply at Echo Horizon School.

The foundations of our school that exemplify these values are our Echo Center and JEDI programs, where we live equity, access, and inclusion every day. Inclusion and belonging are not lofty ideals here—they are daily practices of listening deeply, celebrating each other’s identities, and supporting one another with empathy and love. In our diverse community, we learn, grow, and care—preparing every scholar to move boldly into the future, grounded in self-knowledge and compassion. Our graduates carry these values with them, spreading kindness and goodness wherever they go, as you will read about in this year’s Alumni Spotlight.

We embed the teaching and practice of caring deeply and giving back into all aspects of our curriculum and programs here at Echo Horizon. Three shining examples include The Aerin Project, our Buddy Program, and our 6th Grade Purpose Learning capstone.

The Aerin Project, a new interdisciplinary initiative in Upper Elementary, combines writing with our Flourish Program social-emotional skills. This project was created in memory of Aerin Glaser, a beloved member of the Class of 2017. The heartfelt letters written by our 4th–6th graders and faculty members not only honored Aerin’s spirit, creativity, and kindness—they also fostered beautiful mentoring relationships across grade levels.

Our longstanding Buddy Program pairs 5th and 6th graders with Pre-K and Kindergarten students, forming powerful bonds of mentorship and admiration. Our younger students see their buddies as rock stars, while our elder scholars shine as mentors, readers, math helpers, and role models.

And what our 6th graders accomplish during their Purpose Learning capstone is truly remarkable. Their work—supporting causes such as homelessness, environmental justice, and mental health—extends far into the Los Angeles community through partnerships with organizations like The People Concern, National Alliance for Mental Illness, and Friends of the Ballona Wetlands.

Gifts are not meant to be hidden—they are meant to be shared. As you read this magazine, I encourage every member of our community—students, educators, families, and alumni—to continue discovering and sharing your gifts far beyond the school year.

Thank you for the many ways you bring your gifts to life each day. Echo Horizon is better because of you.

With love and Hawk spirit,

Peggy Procter Head of School

Ms. Procter shared her love of the great outdoors with our 6th graders during their annual Joshua Tree trip.

At All School Field Day, our 4th grade Green Grasshoppers embodied the joyful Echo Horizon spirit as they prepared for a morning of outdoor fun and play.

Mission Statement

Echo Horizon School’s mission is to cultivate a joyful community where children blossom into capable scholars and bold explorers of new possibilities. Through our pioneering co-enrollment model, we unite deaf and hard-of-hearing students with hearing peers, instilling lifelong communication skills and an authentic respect for diversity. Our graduates lead with kindness and integrity, and venture forth into the world with confidence and purpose.

2024–2025 HAPPENINGS

CONGRATULATIONS to the Classes of

2025

Ethan Baum

Julian Bonn

Henry Carson

Max Chang

Chloe Cobar

Elena Dente

Graham Egan

Saira Gupta

Dylan Ho

Eloise Hwang

Alexa Lassy

Elliot Lehmbeck

Shayna Lombardo

Dean Lorenzini

Sienna Lundy

Joaquín Martínez

Clarke Primus

Chloe Robinson

Inika Shah

Landon Shmayevich

Isabelle Stone

Hudson Strina

Harrison Washburn

Carter Young

Elise Yum

We are so proud to celebrate the amazing achievements of our graduating 6th grade scholars. Over their years at Echo Horizon, they’ve grown into confident advocates and thoughtful problem solvers—ready to venture forth with kindness and purpose. With a growth mindset, compassion, and a deep appreciation for diversity, they are well-prepared for the next chapter of their journey. We are excited to share the distinguished schools across Los Angeles where our graduates have been accepted:

ARCHER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL

CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCE

CULVER CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL

GEFFEN ACADEMY

HARVARD-WESTLAKE

MARLBOROUGH SCHOOL

MILKEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

OAKWOOD SCHOOL

SAINT MONICA PREPARATORY

WINDWARD SCHOOL

CONGRATULATIONS

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

2019

Tyler Berman

Eric Chang

Sarah Davies

Eden Fox

Isabella Green

Alia Hirsch

Someryn Hoff-Ha

Jarett Hung

Daniel Jefferson

Bailey Katz

Brianna Kirkendall

Julien Liu

Isabella Mohr

Maxwell Orr

Alexandra Pearl

Ava Pearl

Taylor Peng

Riley Roggenkamp

Rachel Rosen

Hannah Shahidi

Jaden Thomas

Michelle Ugalde

Lana Wenger

The Class of 2019 is spreading their wings and flying to colleges across the country and we couldn’t be prouder! We’re excited to see all the amazing things they’ll do next.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

BOSTON COLLEGE

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

DUKE UNIVERSITY

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

TULANE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MADISON

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, ST. LOUIS

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Honoring Service: Celebrating Saundra Sparks

“True inspiration began with the students. I loved seeing those beautiful little beings jump out of their cars to run into the building. They were the first to inspire me. ”

When Saundra Sparks arrived at Echo Horizon School in 2011, she wasn’t looking for a job in education. With a strong background in finance, a few master’s degrees under her belt, and dreams of working for Warner Bros. after moving to Los Angeles, she didn’t expect to fall in love with a school community. But one meeting with then-Head of School Paula Dashiell and a deep alignment with the school’s mission changed everything.

“From that moment, I wanted to work for her,” Sparks recalled. “And my love affair with the school was born.”

Saundra joined the school as Business Manager, overseeing finances, human resources, and risk management. In 2017, she stepped into the role of Chief Financial Officer, as well as taking on responsibility for facilities and technology. In both roles, she brought a rare mix of calm under pressure, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the school and its people.

“I’ve always been someone who manages stress and challenging situations calmly and effectively,” she said. That steady presence would prove critical in moments of deep challenge— most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Echo Horizon faced financial uncertainty due to declining enrollment.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is helping the school navigate the financial challenges of the pandemic,” Sparks said. “We wrestled with the possibility of layoffs, but I was able to secure a PPP (Payment Protection Program) loan that allowed us to maintain staffing levels and ensure that our employees could continue to rely on their salaries and benefits during this time of crisis.”

Saundra’s financial stewardship went beyond crisis management. She helped build a strong, forward-thinking business office, ensuring Echo Horizon’s long-term sustainability. “Before I came to Echo Horizon, we lacked stability in the Business Office.

Saundra was awarded the 2019 Will Hancock Unsung Hero Award from the National Business Officers Association.

With Regina’s unconditional support and guidance,” she said, referring to Regina Gusman-Correa, now the Associate Director of Business Operations, “we created a function built on systems that are responsive and adaptable. We now have accurate and reliable data to chart our financial future.”

That future includes major tech upgrades, such as the implementation of Veracross, a comprehensive school database system that now connects departments across campus. “Before Veracross, our enrollment agreements were paper-based and incredibly time-consuming,” she explained. “Now, 95% are executed electronically, and tuition deposits come in via credit card or ACH (Automated Clearing House). It’s been a game changer.”

Though a gifted strategist and systems builder, Saundra never lost sight of the heart of the school: the people. “True inspiration began with the students,” she said. “I loved seeing those beautiful little beings jump out of their cars to run into the building. They were the first to inspire me.” She marveled at the teachers, whom she described as “performing little miracles every day,” and at the parents who volunteered their time and opened their homes to support the school.

“I’ve worked for other nonprofits, but this is the first time I’ve worked for a school,” she said. “There’s an entire layer of people—leadership, facilities, safety, advancement—who work mostly in the background to keep the school functioning. I realized early on that the best way to maximize my contribution was to support them through transparent, responsive financial leadership.”

One of the more difficult chapters of Saundra’s tenure came in 2016, when the school had to “right size” by shifting from two classes per grade to one. With enrollment down since her start, difficult decisions had to be made.

“The Board asked me to produce financial forecasts with varying enrollment and compensation levels,” she explained. “It was heartbreaking, especially for the employees whose contracts weren’t renewed. But some of those employees were so full of grace and dedication that they even offered to work for free. That’s the kind of community Echo Horizon is.”

Reflecting on her 14 years at the school, Saundra says she’s learned that generosity isn’t always about big gestures. “Every individual action—whether in the classroom or the Front Office—impacts our financial health and our ability to fulfill our mission. Small costs add up, and so do small efficiencies.”

Now, as she steps into retirement, Saundra leaves behind more than a well-run business office; she leaves a legacy of purpose, partnership, and quiet strength.

“Those of us who work at Echo Horizon are blessed with a purpose-driven life,” she said. “We’re not selling widgets— we’re sowing seeds that will bear fruit for the rest of our students’ lives.”

To those just beginning their Echo Horizon chapter, she offers this advice: “You are fortunate to be surrounded by people who are passionate about the school. Be ready and willing to raise your game to their level—because every person’s effort matters.”

And finally, to the students, staff, and families who have been part of her journey, Saundra offers a heartfelt goodbye from Lewes, Delaware, which she now calls home: “Thank you for

The Foundations of Learning

Contributors: Ellis Enlow and Jennie Willens

A child’s first school experience lays the groundwork for the rest of their school career. Pre-K and Kindergarten are places where children begin to discover who they are as learners, friends, and integral parts of a school community.

The Pre-K Program at Echo Horizon began in the fall of 2003, when Ellis Enlow had the privilege of being the inaugural Pre-K teacher. From the very beginning, the program focused on hands-on experiences, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and joy. Recognizing that young children’s learning encompasses multiple interrelated domains, the program has continually emphasized social and emotional development, cognitive growth, language skills, and physical development. Pre-K at Echo Horizon has thoughtfully scaffolded learning to allow students to expand their knowledge and confidence in a safe and supportive environment.

Play—self-directed, guided, cooperative, and structured— remains central to the Pre-K experience, because “play promotes joyful learning that fosters self-regulation, language, cognitive and social competencies, as well as content knowledge across disciplines” (National Association for the Education of Young Children—Principles of Child Development and

Learning (NAEYC), Guideline 3). Echo Horizon’s Early Education program is intentionally play-based and rooted in a hands-on, sensory-rich approach where young learners are encouraged to see, feel, and explore the world around them.

At the heart of this program are the visionaries and educators shaping its growth. Driven by developmental expertise and a longstanding dedication to Echo Horizon School, Ellis Enlow, Franqui Messinger, and Jennie Willens have been working together—along with the passionate Pre-K and Kindergarten teams—to ensure that the student and family experience is inclusive and inspiring.

Building Connections and Flourishing

The transition into elementary school is monumental for both children and families. To support this pivotal moment, Echo Horizon’s Early Education program prioritizes building trust between students, their families, and their teachers from the moment they begin the admissions process to the moment we welcome them into the community. Harmony among these relationships is nurtured through adult modeling and our Flourish Program, Echo Horizon’s mindful, social, and emotional learning framework.

The nine “leaves” of Flourish—ranging from growth mindset to authentic interconnectedness—pave the way for healthy communication and partnership. From the earliest days of school, our goal is to surround each child with collective care that honors their individuality while strengthening their sense of community.

How Early Education at Echo Horizon Nurtures Young Minds

A Dynamic, Evolving Program

Our Early Education program has never stood still. As the school adopts new initiatives, so do Pre-K and Kindergarten. Even before Flourish was officially launched, mindfulness was embedded into lessons to support student well-being. Today, special attention is given to the Flourish leaves most relevant to our youngest scholars, such as kindness, gratitude, curiosity, and emotional navigation.

The expansion of our Buddy Program has deepened this work: Pre-K students pair with 5th graders and Kindergartners with 6th graders, allowing our youngest children to practice Flourish values with the guidance of older peers. These relationships foster belonging and joy, giving Early Education students both role models and friends.

Kindergarten: Purposeful Play Meets Foundational Skills

Since 2022, Ms. Messinger has guided the Kindergarten team in growing the program to meet evolving needs. Kindergarten was the first division to adopt UFLI, our early literacy program based on the science of reading, and the Dimensions curriculum from Singapore Math.

The Kindergarten schedule is intentionally designed to balance purposeful play with foundational academics. Students rotate through literacy, math, science, and social studies and practice community norms during morning meetings and closing circles. Off-campus experiential learning extends classroom connections into the real world. This approach reflects NAEYC’s vision of developmentally appropriate practice: a strengths-based, playbased approach that recognizes the unique assets children bring as individuals and as members of families and communities.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Across Early Education classrooms, Echo Horizon’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiatives come alive in developmentally appropriate ways. Students explore family structures, gender stereotypes, race, disabilities, and more— always framed so young learners can understand and engage meaningfully. These topics ensure that Pre-K and Kindergarten students are not only nurtured as learners but also empowered as inclusive members of our school community.

Looking Ahead

As Ms. Enlow, Ms. Messinger, and Ms. Willens look to the future of Early Education, they share optimism for the continued evolution of practice for young learners, along with a commitment to adapt to the unique children and families who join us each year.

Early Education at Echo Horizon provides a foundation for joyful engagement. These first years set the tone for lifelong learning, weaving together trust, curiosity, and confidence. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten programs ensure every child steps forward as a connected, joyful learner at Echo Horizon and beyond.

From Pencils to Pancakes

What do expository writing, family traditions, and flourless chocolate cake have in common? If you’re a 1st grader at Echo Horizon School, the answer is simple: the Cookbook Celebration, a joyful culmination of the 1st grade “How-to” writing unit. Born from a spontaneous spark of curiosity in the library and brought to life by creative teaching, this now-beloved tradition blends literacy, identity, and community—one delicious recipe at a time.

The idea for the Cookbook Celebration was originally inspired by a moment during Library Time in the 2023–24 school year. When then–1st grade teacher and Echo Horizon alumna Ms. Raquel Wolens noticed her students checking out cookbooks, she saw an opportunity to build on their excitement and connect it to their writing. The project has since grown into a multidisciplinary showcase of student voice and home connection—one that our 1st grade teachers now look forward to each spring.

From Idea to Page

This project fits seamlessly into the Grade 1 writing curriculum, which introduces students to expository writing through stepby-step instructions. Writing a recipe gives students authentic practice with sequencing, transition words, and clear, concise directions—all while encouraging creativity. Along the way, students learn to organize their ideas logically, use language that others can follow, and discover how writing exists beyond the classroom.

To support students through this process, teachers break the work into several manageable steps. First, students brainstorm ideas with their families, sketch their dishes, list ingredients, and draft steps. Back in the classroom, they revise, add reflections, and publish final versions—complete with illustrations and heartfelt blurbs.

Writing With Purpose

Because the recipes come from their own lives, students are deeply invested in the work. Even reluctant writers grow confident when sequencing steps for a dish they know by heart, while others are energized by the chance to present and share their creations. The project’s multiple modes of learning— drawing, cooking, writing, and presenting—make it engaging and accessible for all.

From the Kitchen to the Classroom

Family involvement has been an essential ingredient in the success of the Cookbook Celebration. Scholars collaborate with their grown-ups to choose and test recipes at home, ensuring the dishes reflect their home cultures and preferences. Families are encouraged to help children brainstorm recipes that are both meaningful and doable, which anchors the project in lived experiences.

The final Cookbook Launch Party is a true celebration—not only of writing, but of student growth and family connection. Students share their published books with pride, offering heartfelt explanations of what inspired their dishes, how they prepared them, and why they held personal significance. Families receive guiding questions in advance, which helps scholars feel prepared to speak with confidence. Though informal, these conversations highlight the impact of students’ words beyond the classroom and create heartwarming moments of joy, pride, and connection.

A Recipe for Writing, Confidence, and Joy

Recipes, Roots, and Reflection

Echo Horizon’s Cookbook Celebration is more than just a writing project—it’s an invitation for students to see themselves as capable communicators, creators, and contributors. In many ways, it’s also a reflection of “Our Gifts in Action”—as students share their voices, families share their traditions, and our community shares in the joy of learning together.

As for the students, their reflections speak volumes. “I picked mochi because I always make it with my mom on New Year’s,” said one 1st grader. “It makes me feel happy.” Another shared, “I made cheesy scrambled eggs because I love them, and I can cook them all by myself now.”

And perhaps the most touching response came from one young author-chef who said simply, “I wrote about this food because it’s part of me.”

In a project where storytelling meets seasoning, the Cookbook Celebration reminds us that learning is tastiest when it comes from the heart.

“I wrote about this food because it’s part of me.”

When was the last time you opened a handwritten letter—one with smudged ink, imperfect loops, and the kind of words you could feel? For many of us, it’s been years. In a world where messages fly by in texts, apps, and emails, few things feel as personal—or as enduring—as a letter written by hand.

At Echo Horizon School, that lost art has found new life through The Aerin Project, a powerful letter-writing initiative in the Upper Elementary division (Grades 4–6) inspired by the life and legacy of alumna Aerin Glaser (Class of 2017).

Aerin was the kind of student who seemed to bring light into every room. “She was kind, giving, and endlessly creative,” remembers Alicia Camacho, Director of Marketing and Communications and Creative Strategy. “She was a regular in the art room and one of the first to dive into our Makerspace when it opened. She loved creating, connecting, and making things for others.”

After graduating from Echo Horizon, Aerin continued to pour her energy into art and friendship. She was known among her family and friends for crafting handmade gifts and writing thoughtful letters—especially to her best friend, Tilly LaPaglia, who received a series of heartfelt notes from Aerin before leaving for college. Those letters became treasured keepsakes after Aerin passed away at 18, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Aerin’s family—parents Jon and Nancy Glaser and siblings Justine and Levi—wanted to find a way to keep her spirit alive. “Jon came to us with the idea,” recalls Head of School Peggy Procter. “He wanted to honor Aerin’s love of letter writing and the kindness she spread so effortlessly. From there, we started to imagine how to bring that idea to life in a way that would be meaningful for our students.”

What emerged was something deeply Echo—an authentic blend of creativity, community, and heart.

Turning Letters Into Legacy

Together with the Glaser family, the Echo Horizon team designed The Aerin Project to weave seamlessly into both the school’s academic curriculum and its mindful, social-emotional learning curriculum, known as the Flourish Program. The letter writing unit naturally connected to the school’s mission and Flourish traits—especially gratitude, interconnectedness, optimism, and kindness—and served as a bridge between writing instruction and real-world empathy.

“It was such a natural fit,” says Haley Brooks, Director of Upper Elementary. “From the start, we could see how it would nur-

How One Alumna’s Legacy Inspires a Movement

ture the skills and values we care most about—compassion, connection, and reflective writing.”

The project began with a special assembly for Grades 4–6. Students met Aerin through heartfelt words from her father, a moving video created by Levi and Tilly, and personal stories shared by faculty who knew her. “The launch was powerful,” recalls Ms. Camacho. “You could feel the room change as students listened. It grounded the project emotionally before we ever picked up a pen.”

Families felt it too. “We were a bit nervous about introducing the topic of loss,” says Ms. Procter, “but it was handled with such care and respect. Parents wrote to tell us how much they valued a project that taught not only writing, but also empathy and remembrance.”

The Aerin Project Box

To help students connect with Aerin’s story, Ms. Camacho envisioned a tangible centerpiece: The Aerin Project Box.

Each student received a keepsake box filled with stationery, stickers, pens, and inspiration—a special place to store their letters and works in progress. The design drew directly from Aerin’s world. “Her family shared photos of things from her room—little trinkets, purses, her art supplies,” says Ms. Camacho. “We used those to inspire the colors and designs of the boxes. I wanted any student, even one new to Echo, to be able to open it and immediately understand who Aerin was—joyful, creative, full of heart.”

The boxes became treasured artifacts—decorated with care and opened with excitement—helping students create letters that felt vibrant and personal.

Letters That Last

With their boxes in hand, students embarked on their first lessons in the art of letter writing. Ms. Procter and Ms. Brooks co-taught introductory sessions on letter structure–such as greetings, body, signoff, and tone–while emphasizing the power of a handwritten note.

Following a second lesson on the mechanics of letter writing, humanities teachers took over, leading writing workshops and themed sessions with prompts like Open When You Need a Friend, Open When You Need a Laugh, and Open When You’re Having a Hard Day. Teachers followed the letter writing process with their students, starting with an initial brainstorm before having them write a rough draft. Finally, students and

teachers edited drafts with a critical lens, ensuring that the prompt was answered and feedback was incorporated.

Fourth graders wrote to 3rd graders, 5th graders to 4th graders, and 6th graders to 5th. Teachers and staff wrote letters to the 6th graders, many timed to arrive before milestone moments like the annual end of year 6th grade camping trip to Joshua Tree.

For many students, it was their first experience sending and receiving handwritten mail. “People don’t put pen to paper as much anymore,” says Ms. Brooks. “Our older kids are so used to typing. Handwriting alone was a shift—and a meaningful one. They had to slow down, think, and connect.”

Simon L, a 5th grader reflected, “Sometimes the topic was challenging, but I always found a way to write something thoughtful. If I got a letter like mine, it would make me feel more comfortable about moving up to the next grade.”

Another 5th grade student, Jet S., shared, “It helped me put myself in the shoes of younger kids. It made me more understanding. And you really get to see the good sides of each other—it’s been a really useful project.”

A Ripple of Connection

As letters began to flow through the Aerin Project mailbox, the impact was immediate. Students lined up to check for new mail. They laughed, cried, and occasionally saved letters to open on just the right day. Teachers witnessed friendships forming across grade levels and moments of unexpected comfort.

“There was one third grader having a tough day,” Ms. Brooks recalls. “They opened a letter that said, ‘You are brave and kind,’ and you could just see their face change. The timing was perfect.”

These small but powerful moments captured what The Aerin Project was always meant to do: build bridges. “A letter takes time and thought,” says Ms. Camacho. “It’s not like a text—it’s crafted with love. That’s what makes it so special.”

A Legacy That Grows

For Ms. Procter, the project embodies Echo Horizon’s heart. “Every year at graduation, I tell students that Echo Horizon is your forever home. Even when you leave, your kindness, your laughter—it remains in these halls. Aerin spent seven of her 18 years here. Honoring her through this project is honoring that part of our school’s story.”

The Glaser family’s partnership has remained at the center of every decision, from the early brainstorming to the final design. “They turned tragedy into something beautiful,” Ms. Procter says. “They trusted us with something precious, and together we created something that now gives back to others.”

“When I approached Peggy with the idea, I was unsure about whether The Aerin Project had legs,” shares Jon Glaser. “After a few months of collaboration, I was invited to the assembly, introducing The Aerin Project to the 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. I left Echo Horizon that day in tears, knowing that I had come to the right place to pilot the program. Peggy, Alicia, and Haley have created a model for The Aerin Project that is now spreading Aerin’s joy and kindness.”

The Aerin Project is already inspiring conversations beyond Echo Horizon—having expanded to other schools in Los Angeles and across the country—as a model for cultivating empathy through creativity and writing. “Aerin is challenging all of us to lead with thoughtfulness and love,” says Ms. Camacho. “A letter can do that. A kind word can go so far.”

As students continue to write, share, and connect through their letters, The Aerin Project reminds everyone who participates that words—when written from the heart—can outlast time, distance, and even loss.

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

#EchoHorizonSchool

Keep the conversation going—follow us on social media to stay connected, and don’t forget to like, comment, share, or repost your favorite moments. @echohorizonschool

Today was the #FirstDayOfSchool at @EchoHorizonSchool! The halls were filled with excitement and laughter as we joyfully welcomed our scholars, families, and faculty back to campus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first Parent Association Coffee of the year. Who’s ready for some #JoyfulEngagedLearning? ️

jackiekaneperez Such a wonderful school️

brandiofla Woooot!!! Go Hawks!!!! ������

akt_of_art Go Hawk family!

echohorizonschool We are thrilled to take this journey with you. So much in store! We can’t wait.

story_cunningham We are so excited for this new journey!

Social media is one of the best ways we celebrate and connect with the Echo Horizon community. Here are some of the most popular posts from the 2024–2025 school year, highlighting stories and snapshots of our vibrant campus life.

Happy #AAPIHeritageMonth! Today, we celebrated the Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s theme: “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” Our Upper Elementary #scholars had the opportunity to watch Patsy by East West Players—a powerful performance about trailblazing Congresswoman Patsy Mink, told through the story of a modern-day Maui high school student. Leading up to the show, students engaged in thoughtful discussions and lessons to prepare for the experience. Huge thanks to the Vaidya/Patel Family for putting this incredible show on our radar! ��

Top Performing Post

Our 3rd graders had an unforgettable adventure visiting local wolf sanctuary, @wolfconnection ��! They got to see wolves up close and connect with what they’ve been learning in #science about adaptations, ecosystems, and conservation. They also explored teamwork and empathy by learning how wolves work together as a pack—just like we do! #EchoHorizonSchool

wolfconnection ��✨

ashleehansen Incredible!❤��❤

Our 4th annual #Holi celebration at #EchoHorizonSchool was a vibrant display of joy, color, and #community! Mother-daughter duo Inika and Megha once again led us in joyful dancing, with a special dance performance by #6th graders, choreographed by Inika! #Scholars, teachers, and staff embraced the tradition of throwing colorful powder to celebrate joy, love, and the triumph of good over evil, while welcoming the arrival of spring ��. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible AAPI Affinity Group, #ParentAssociation, and #JEDI team for making this celebration so special!

At #EchoHorizonSchool, we believe in fostering connections across all ages. Through our #Buddy Program, 5th and 6th graders are paired with #Pre-K and #Kindergarten students, creating a sense of belonging and responsibility. Through fun activities and meaningful interactions, our buddies build relationships that strengthen our #community and nurture a sense of togetherness.

egan_amandaj Love the Buddy Program so much! ❤

23 Likes

G3 FIELD TRIP TO WOLF CONNECTION

41 Likes HOLI

#EchoHorizonSchool has been recognized by #Apple as a distinguished school for #inspiring, #imagining, and #impacting #teaching and #learning through continuous #innovation! Visit our Facebook or LinkedIn to view our application video! ���� #AppleDistinguishedSchools

swimguru ����

jacquewphillips Congratulations, this could not be more well-deserved! So proud to be a part of this incredible school community! ❤

�� In 1997, Claudette Brown, our legendary librarian, joined #EchoHorizonSchool when the library was just a set of trailers in the Big Yard, running on a completely analog system. Over the past 28 years, she has transformed our library—curating diverse and inclusive titles, supporting educators, connecting scholars with authors, and growing our collection to over 17,000 books! ��

As we celebrate the centennial of our school building (1925–2025) and look ahead to making history with the Echo Horizon Fund, we’re thrilled to launch Time-Honored Voices, a video series featuring our longest-serving educators who have shaped our school’s history.

Enjoy our first installment as Claudette shares heartwarming and historical stories and memories! ��

Ellis Enlow

Oh, Claudette, this took me back to how important your book clubs were to Kat and her friends and to the weekend you met up with several fourth graders, Kat included, to meet Sonya Sones at Duttons. You were, and are, just the best!

4

Twice the fun! Our #community had a blast celebrating Twin Day! From matching outfits to coordinated accessories and entire classes dressing in sync, our scholars and faculty showed off their twin spirit in the most creative ways! (Psst! Did you spot a pair of our #EchoHorizonSchool twins?) ��️

����We LOVE �� and GROW �� at E-C-H-O, We LOVE �� and GROW �� at E-C-H-O! ���� Today, we held our annual opening Pep Rally for ’24–’25! As part of #EchoHorizonSchool tradition, there was face painting, chanting, and a human tunnel to welcome each grade level and our newest Hawks to the nest! The biggest highlight? The exciting reveal of Happy the Hawk’s new friend, Joy! Joy is a DHH #scholar who embodies resilience, representation, and the spirit of inclusivity at Echo Horizon. We can’t wait to see Joy inspire our students! A huge shoutout to our amazing #community for showing their Hawk pride and to the parents who volunteered for today’s first Festive Food Truck of the school year! Thank you to Burger and Pie ���� for coming out!

Peggy Procter

One of my favorite days of the year! And huge kudos to our 6th graders who modeled leadership, authenticity, and spirit at our pep rally today!!!

Jennie Wilke Willens

Such a beautiful day at Echo Horizon!

Happy New Year! ��✨ As we get ready to celebrate the centennial of our historic building (1925–2025), we reflect on all who have walked these halls—educators, students, parents, and friends from the past, present, and future. Here’s to a bright future together in 2025! �� #100YearsofBuildingDreamsandInspiringBrightFutures

Peggy Procter

2025 promises to be a fantastic year surrounded by all the beautiful scholars at Echo Horizon!!

Jennie Wilke Willens

Pre-K countdown to 2025 is the best!!! Happy New Year Echo Horizon!

Ellis Enlow Best countdown to 2025!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Keeping It Reel: 6th Graders Take the Lead on Movie Night

At Echo Horizon School, 6th grade is more than a final year— it’s a launchpad for leadership. Among the highlights that mark this milestone, Sixth Grade Movie Night stands out as a tradition that gives students real-world experience in teamwork, planning, and problem-solving.

“Movie Night is one of several big events that celebrate our 6th graders as leaders of the school and give them meaningful leadership roles,” says Haley Brooks, Director of Upper Elementary. “It’s also a great way for them to learn real-life skills—they’re divided into committees and work together to pull off the event.”

Each committee—Finance, Marketing, Food, Raffle, and Advertising—takes ownership of a specific part of the evening, from designing flyers to balancing budgets. Students apply everything from math and writing to communication and organization skills, all while collaborating toward a common goal: raising funds for the 6th grade post-graduation celebration.

For Chloe C., a member of the Food Committee, the experience was equal parts creative and challenging. “I like to call it the tastiest committee,” she laughs. “We handled the snack packs, coordinated catering, and figured out how much of everything we needed.” She even found and negotiated with a local restaurant. “I went to Enzo’s Pizza and talked to the manager—they gave us a 25% discount and free delivery. Manners really go a long way!”

Chloe’s committee also had to make tough decisions. “We wanted to serve shaved ice, but it was too complicated logistically. We also over-ordered pizza—it ended up being way more than we needed,” she admits. “It was a good lesson in budgeting and planning.”

For Max C. and Graham E., members of the Finance Committee, the work was all about numbers and teamwork. “We calculated predicted sales and profits based on spending— decorations, food, everything,” says Max. “The hardest part was setting the admission price.

Too high, and fewer people show up; too low, and you don’t make enough. We had to find that sweet spot.”

Graham adds, “We also had to check in with the other groups to make sure no one went over budget. It was a lot of coordination.” The payoff? “Almost $3,000 in profit,” Max reports proudly.

:Ms. Brooks says those moments of problem-solving are where the real learning happens. “At first, the students are excited just to be planning Movie Night. Then they realize there’s real work involved. That’s the powerful part—it helps them understand what it takes to make an event successful. They learn to balance creativity with responsibility.”

And the students agree that leadership isn’t just about taking charge—it’s about collaboration and communication. “You have to listen to other people’s perspectives, even if you disagree,” Chloe says. “And sometimes you need to take charge when things go off track, but politely. Gentle persuasion works better than yelling.”

Beyond the spreadsheets and snack tables, the students say the biggest takeaway was how much they grew as a team. “I thought Movie Night was more of an adult project before,” says Max. “But being involved made it way more fun. I liked hands-on math and planning.”

Graham was surprised by the scale of it all. “I thought maybe 80 people would come, but it was closer to 180! It made me realize how much work goes into pulling something like this off.”

Ms. Brooks says that’s what makes Movie Night such a meaningful milestone. “It happens right when our 6th graders are preparing to move on to middle school. There’s a sense of wanting to leave a legacy, to contribute something lasting to the community.”

That sense of community carried through even after the last moviegoer headed home. “Please remember to help clean up afterward!” Max says with a grin. “Some people left without pitching in.”

Graham nods in agreement. “Yeah,” he adds. “Teamwork doesn’t end when the event does.”

Alumni Highlights

Danny Kahn

Class of 1994

When he enrolled his son, Jojo, at Echo Horizon School, it was a full-circle moment for Danny Kahn.

Years earlier, Danny’s parents sought a welcoming place for their son, who in preschool had once (allegedly) been disciplined for “coloring outside the lines.” Though Echo Horizon (then known as The Horizon School) was new, they knew of the founders and shared the school’s philosophy and values. Danny notes, “My mom still remembers walking into Kindergarten for the first time, witnessing the incredible positivity in the room, and feeling deep relief and gratitude that they had found a place like Echo.”

Entering a school mid-year, as 4-year-old Danny had done, can be challenging, but Danny’s Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Furuya, was kind and patient. Danny felt such a sense of belonging that when given the choice to move on to 1st grade or stay in Kindergarten for another year (since he was still so young), he chose Kindergarten!

Danny looks back fondly on his days at Echo Horizon, including graduation from 6th grade. One of Danny’s classmates— new to Echo Horizon that year—was overwhelmed and began to cry right after beginning a speech. Danny remembers it clearly. “I was on the other end of the stage…I remember thinking, ‘What can we do, who will help?’ Eventually, I got up, walked across the stage, and stood next to her. She took a breath, regained her composure, delivered her speech beautifully, and we sat back down together. It was the warm, safe Echo environment, combined with Echo’s emphasis on leading with kindness, that allowed a shy kid like me to show up for a friend in need.”

After Echo Horizon, Danny attended Harvard-Westlake for middle and high school. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, then Tufts University for medical school. Danny was inspired to become a doctor after breaking his leg playing football. Too sick to be put completely under for surgery, he watched the surgeon at work. By the time the surgery was done, Danny knew he wanted to become a doctor.

He has gone on to become a hospitalist at UCLA, with additional roles as the Internal Medicine Director of Bedside Ultrasound and the Associate Director of Global Health. These roles have also taken him abroad, where he has spent time practicing medicine in Malawi over the past 13 years.

Danny’s work philosophy was inspired by a book he read in college about Dr. Paul Farmer, who would hike for an entire day to reach one patient in a remote area. One memory from Malawi stays with him: his team drove to the village of an orphaned 11-year-old girl with HIV who had been missing her appointments. By rallying family support, they helped her return to care, regain her strength, and eventually return to school. For Danny, it was a reminder that when you put in the effort and truly see the whole person, healing one patient at a time can lead to life-changing outcomes. ”That’s what medicine is all about,“ Danny shared.

His career choice was also instrumental in helping Danny connect with his partner, Liza. “I met Liza at a wedding. We were halfway through our third dance—didn’t even know each other’s names yet—when the music stopped and someone called for a doctor. The groom’s brother pulled me away to help a guest who had fainted. Apparently, that left quite an impression on Liza, and the rest is history!”

When it was time for their eldest son to enter school, Danny and Liza knew Echo Horizon was the right place. “From day one, Jojo has been known by the teachers, staff, and community…it has instilled the confidence in him to be Jojo. He knows himself, looks out for others, and is the best big brother.”

Now, Danny says, “I get to experience Echo all over again. While most of the faces have changed, that warm Echo embrace feels the same.”

His advice to Jojo and his classmates?

“Your gifts aren’t just what you’re born with; gifts can be developed. The key is to find something that calls to you, lights you up, and inspires you to keep growing.”

Arianna Mazzarini Class of 2008

eating inspired a different path—entrepreneurship. She founded Top Natural Baked Goods, a small-batch bakery focused on wholesome, preservative-free treats made with “ingredients you can pronounce.”

For Arianna Mazzarini, a proud member of Echo Horizon’s Class of 2008, the journey from student to entrepreneur is a testament to the enduring power of confidence, creativity, and community—gifts she first discovered during her formative years at Echo Horizon School.

Arianna, who is profoundly deaf and wears a cochlear implant, joined Echo Horizon in Kindergarten in 2002. Her parents were drawn to the school’s pioneering co-enrollment model and its inclusive support for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students through the Echo Center. “They appreciated that I could be in a mainstream environment while [also] receiving personalized support,” she recalls. “My parents were deeply impressed by the attentive teachers and inclusive atmosphere—every student was treated with equal care and opportunity.”

Although quiet and independent by nature, Arianna found herself blossoming at Echo Horizon. “I remember feeling immediately welcomed by students and staff. I never felt isolated—just fully accepted.” Favorite memories include schoolwide trips to Catalina and AstroCamp and after-school sessions with Echo Center teachers Ms. Mascolo and Ms. Denham. “They made learning fun, and I never felt like speech sessions were a chore.”

At Echo, Arianna’s early interests began to take root. Through after-school activities like reading, running, and video club, she nurtured hobbies that still bring her joy today. Her passion for technology was also sparked during this time: “Video club gave me hands-on experience with tools like iMovie and green screens. That foundation helped me earn a tech support role at Apple and even led to a six-month internship at Apple HQ in Cupertino.”

Arianna continued her studies at Beverly Hills High School before attending CSU East Bay, where she majored in kinesiology and sports nutrition. Though she originally planned to pursue physical therapy, her passion for wellness and clean

“My dad taught me so much in the kitchen,” she says, “and I wanted to offer baked goods made with transparency and integrity.” Her business is not just about food—it’s about building meaningful connections. “People appreciate that I’m open about being DHH. It used to feel like a limitation, but now it helps build trust and authenticity.”

Echo’s lasting impact is woven into every step of Arianna’s path. “The school helped me develop confidence, curiosity, and a growth mindset. I learned that asking for help is a strength. That lesson carried me through entrepreneurship, where I’ve had to learn, adapt, and stay resilient.”

Today, Arianna hopes her work inspires others—especially those with hearing loss—to pursue their passions boldly. “I want DHH students at Echo to know they can achieve anything. Don’t let your differences hold you back—embrace them. They’re part of your gift to the world.”

Her bakery is both a creative outlet and a platform for positive change. “Sometimes it’s the small moments—a customer smiling or thanking me for making something they can enjoy without compromise—that remind me of the impact I’m making.”

Looking back, Arianna feels deeply grateful for the role Echo played in her life—and in her family’s. “My parents loved being part of the Echo community. Enrolling me was one of the best decisions they made. I truly don’t know where I’d be without Echo’s impact.”

Echoes of Inclusion

By Dr. Julia Blount and Jennifer Mascolo

There’s a long line of audience members gathered at the stage, waiting patiently for autographs from the triumphant performers. We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Echo Horizon parents and students, all hoping for a chance to meet some of our own stars—Echo Center students who just lit up the stage in Mission Possible, a summer play produced by the nonprofit No Limits for Deaf Children. As the Directors of the Echo Center and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), we are proud to be here together, supporting our actors and celebrating our students’ accomplishments. Because all of our students are our students—and the work we do is deeply connected.

Inclusion at Echo Horizon holds a dual meaning. First, there’s our co-enrollment model, where deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students learn side-by-side with their hearing peers. Second, there’s the broader responsibility to ensure that every student at Echo Horizon can be fully themselves—seen, heard, and valued in our community. The belief in the worth and potential of every learner has always been at the core of who we are. That’s why the JEDI and Echo Center teams collaborate closely—aligning on goals, sharing strategies, and creating programming that ensures every child has what they need to thrive.

When the JEDI team first introduced JEDI Days during the 2021–2022 school year, it was only natural to choose a day to partner with the Echo Center. We used our second day—focused on Inclusion—to talk about the founding of the Echo Center. We also hosted students and parents from Ava’s Voice, a nonprofit organization supporting kids losing their vision and hearing to Usher Syndrome, for our student assembly and parent workshop. Echo Horizon School students appreciated learning about the mobility aids, and Echo Center students and Ava’s Voice members showed off their hearing technology to each other.

In 2022–2023, we followed on this success by partnering for our Action and Justice-focused JEDI Day, supporting No Limits for Deaf Children, a nonprofit organization founded by a former Echo Horizon teacher and parent that serves many of our current Echo Center students. Pre-K–1st grade students created snack packs for children in No Limits’ after-school program—many of whom travel long distances and stay late

into the evening—offering a small, meaningful act of care from one group of young learners to another.

Our 5th and 6th graders also participated in a powerful outreach experience. Guided by their teachers, they visited No Limits for Deaf Children and designed a vocabulary-building game inspired by the game Outburst, where players list items within a category. Echo Horizon scholars began by exploring themed rooms, like a pretend restaurant, creating lists based on the objects they observed, and then expanded those lists to include related topics such as breakfast foods and soups. This activity helped students build everyday vocabulary and language confidence while reinforcing creative, real-world learning.

That same day, families and staff gathered for a screening of Crip Camp, a documentary chronicling the origins of the disability rights movement. A poignant moment from activist Denise Sherer Jacobson highlighted how essential it is for individuals with disabilities to develop a strong voice and sense of agency, an idea that resonated with many and emphasized the urgent need to teach self-advocacy from an early age. The film sparked thoughtful conversations

Aligned in Purpose, United in Impact

about justice, voice, and our shared role in shaping an inclusive society.

In 2023–2024, we continued to build on our Inclusion theme for JEDI Day #2 with a focus on language. We were thrilled to welcome back Juliana, a Class of 2023 alumna, who shared her experiences as a bilingual speaker of English and American Sign Language (ASL). She reflected on her journey as a d/Deaf student at Echo Horizon and how navigating both languages has enriched her identity and relationships.

Later that day, our community gathered for a screening of Sign the Show (2022), a five-time award-winning documentary spotlighting Deaf culture and the fight for access to live entertainment through ASL interpretation. The film offered a compelling view of how performance and accessibility intersect, highlighting persistent barriers for Deaf audiences and the artists who advocate for change. It prompted meaningful dialogue about language access, representation, and equity.

During our admission events, we share how Echo Horizon was founded on inclusivity—and it’s not just a part of our JEDI Program; we live it every day. Learning alongside DHH peers fosters empathy, deepens appreciation of differences, and strengthens communication for everyone.

At many schools, conversations about equity can feel challenging or unfamiliar. But at Echo Horizon, students begin engaging with these ideas from their very first days in Pre-K. They learn that some people might use hearing technology or need access to the DM system— and some might not. What they come to understand is that our worth is not defined by our needs, but that our differences are opportunities: to learn, to lead, and to empower one another.

That’s why, standing in that line after Mission Possible, we weren’t just cheering for talented performers—we were witnessing the result of something much deeper. We were celebrating a community where inclusion is the norm, where every voice is honored, and where our students—DHH and hearing—are growing into compassionate, thoughtful changemakers who are ready to light up far more than just the stage.

Gifts in Focus

At Echo Horizon, gifts come in many forms—acts of kindness, sparks of creativity, moments of courage, and the lasting impact of community. This visual journey celebrates the many ways our students, educators, and families give and receive every day. From honoring cultures and traditions to nurturing confidence and connection, these gifts shape who we are and the future we continue to build together.

Gifts of Cultures and Traditions

How fortunate we are to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community—one that celebrates the many cultures and traditions of our families. Through shared stories, music, food, and festivities, our scholars gain a deeper understanding of one another and the world around them.

Gifts of Exploration

Exploration fuels imagination and discovery. At Echo Horizon, students learn that every question leads to new possibilities—from hands-on science investigations to outdoor adventures—and every experience deepens their understanding of their surroundings.

Gift of Exceptional Educators

Our passionate and dedicated educators inspire curiosity, nurture confidence, and encourage scholars to take purposeful risks. They model lifelong learning and help our students grow into compassionate, innovative thinkers.

Gifts of Creativity and Expression

From the visual arts to the performing arts, creativity thrives at Echo Horizon. Sixth grade Echo Center student Eloise used her passion for design to create our 2025 yearbook cover, while Mrs. Cohn’s love of choir led our Echo Singers to another gold rating. And through our Global Arts Program, students are encouraged to explore their unique voices and discover the joy of creative expression.

Gift of Confidence

At Echo Horizon, confidence means more than standing tall—it’s the courage to try new things, explore fresh ideas, and become bold explorers of new possibilities. Our students learn that growth comes from curiosity, effort, and belief in themselves.

Alumni—Gift of Legacy

Our greatest gift is our alumni—the compassionate leaders who carry forth the spirit of Echo Horizon. They spread kindness, advocate for others, and maintain bonds that last a lifetime. Their legacy reminds us that the connections made here continue to shape hearts and communities for years to come.

Gift of Community

We are proud to be part of the thriving Culver City community, which we give back to in meaningful ways throughout the year. Our students learn that when you contribute to your community, you help it flourish—and that giving back is one of life’s greatest gifts.

Letter from the Board Chair

Ziad Toubassy

“Through your time, talent, and treasure, you bring our mission to life every single day, creating a space where children become bold explorers of new possibilities.”

Dear Echo Horizon Community,

As I reflect on the 2024–25 school year, I’m filled with gratitude for each member of our community. Through your time, talent, and treasure, you bring our mission to life every single day, creating a space where children become bold explorers of new possibilities.

To our Parent Association and tireless volunteers, thank you for your energy, enthusiasm, and warmth. Whether serving hot lunch, organizing memorable events, or welcoming new families, your commitment creates the vibrant environment that makes Echo Horizon truly special.

To our exceptional faculty and staff, your creativity and passion shape the experiences of our students every day. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication, which inspires curiosity and joy in every classroom.

To our donors, your generosity allows us to dream boldly and act confidently. This year, you enabled us to deliver tangible milestones: installing a high-efficiency HVAC system and rooftop solar panels that will serve as a laboratory for hands-on science; expanding tuition assistance to strengthen our diverse and inclusive community; and offering unique professional development opportunities to our extraordinary teachers.

To my fellow trustees and our visionary leadership team, thank you for charting a path forward that ensures Echo Horizon will continue to thrive.

Your continued support is especially meaningful as we launch our new Strategic Plan, a roadmap for the future that sets ambitious goals, including:

• Deepening experiential learning to foster active engagement and real-world connections

• Strengthening our Flourish Program and embedding emotional well-being into every aspect of our school

• Future-proofing the Echo Center, ensuring continued excellence in supporting our deaf and hard-of-hearing students

Achieving these goals will require all three of the extraordinary gifts our community is known for: your time spent volunteering and supporting our school; your talent and professional expertise; and your generous financial contributions. These gifts together allow our school to innovate, grow, and nurture every child’s potential.

In this year’s Roots & Wings, Our Gifts in Action, we celebrate how your contributions shape our community. Together we are writing the next chapter of Echo Horizon’s story, and I can’t wait to see where our explorers venture next.

With deep gratitude,

Ziad Toubassy

Chair, Board of Trustees Echo Horizon School

2024–2025 Report On Philanthropy

Thanks to the generous support of the Echo Horizon community, our educators are empowered to continue their journeys as lifelong learners. Through access to meaningful professional development opportunities, they stay at the forefront of best practices in teaching—ensuring that Echo Horizon students benefit from an education that is both dynamic and deeply engaging.

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

CALISBOA—Annual Conference & Meeting, Berkeley, CA

CATDC—Executive Function Strategies for Student Success: Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in Grades TK–5—Pilgrim School, Los Angeles, CA

CATDC—Anti-Racist White Affinity Space (online)

CSEE—Early Education Summit: Me, Us, & Them—A nervous system approach to team and group dynamics, New York, NY

CTT—Catalyzing Change, Hillsborough, CA

Dance Education Laboratory (DEL)—What Makes Us Great: Amplifying Black Voices Through Dance (online)

Dr. Liza Talusan—Identity-Conscious Facilitation (online)

The Heads Network—Spring Women’s Leadership Seminar—The Hockaday School, Dallas, TX

ISBAO—Annual Conference Committee (online)

ISEEN—Summer Institute 2025: Cohorts in Math, History, Science, English, Elementary Education, and Makerspace Pedagogy—The Dawson School, Lafayette, CO

JFEDLA—2nd Annual Education Leaders Summit, Los Angeles, CA

Luna Dance & Creativity—Early Childhood Dance & Transitional Kindergarten Workshop (online)

Luna Dance & Creativity—Early Childhood Dance & Math (Online)

NAIS/PoCC People of Color Conference, Student Diversity Leadership Conference, Denver, CO

NAEYC—National Association for the Education of Young Children, Anaheim, CA

Responsive Classroom—Innovations Academy, San Diego, CA and Leman Manhattan Preparatory School, New York, NY.

World Leadership School—Educator Travel Program, Azrou, Morocco

Board of Trustees 2024–2025

Chair

Ziad Toubassy

Vice Chairs

Ken Nakayama

Maria Pathria

Vice Presidents

David Stone

Sharon Tal Yguado

Secretary

Michelle Martinez

Treasurer

Jason Kaplan

Trustees

Tom Chang

Russell Constantine

Anne Enna

Suzie Hiller

Andre James

Elisha Levin

Peter Scott

Matt Segal

Head of School

Peggy Procter

Parent Association President

Angela Arnold

Founder

Kent H. Landsberg (deceased)

Trustees Emeriti

Fred Fern

William Luxford M.D.

Top row: Tom Chang, David Stone, Ken Nakayama Middle row: Anne Enna, Peter Scott, Sharon Tal Yguado, Ziad Toubassy, Peggy Procter, Matt Segal, Jason Kaplan Bottom row: Angela Arnold, Suzie Hiller, Michelle Martinez, Andre James, Russell Constantine, Maria Pathria, Elisha Levin

The Parent Association

PARENT ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

Co-Presidents

Angela Arnold

Megan Cozad

Co-Vice Presidents

Ashlee Hansen

Aliana Segal

Echo Center Co-Vice Presidents

Rachel Liu

Emily Nichols

Treasurer

Nehal Patel

Secretary

Nadine Pagel

Lower School Representative

Jacque Phillips

Upper School Representative

Minal Patel

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

All School Family Fun Day

Chair: Sara Adelman

Jr. Chair: Diana Kim

Art Committee

Co-Chairs: Katherine Don and Daniel Touff

Jr. Chair: Justin Genovese

Athletics Committee

Co-Chairs: Kerri Stoughton-Jackson and Angie Winslow

Book Fair Committee

Chair: Tamara Umanksy

Jr. Chair: Michelle Martinez

Burger Truck Committee

Co-Chairs: Natalie Moreland and Stephanie Dekin

Jr. Chair: Joanne Yoon

Centennial Events

Chair: Jenny Rubin

Community Outreach Committee

Chair: Karina Patel

Jr. Chair: Sharon Lee

Grandparents and Special Friends Day Committee

Chair: Karina Patel

Jr. Chair: Sharon Lee

Green Committee

Chair: Sharon Lee

Halloween Committee

Co-Chairs: Megan Cozad and Chris Ewing

Jr. Chair: Krystal Abernethy

Hot Lunch Committee

Chair: Emily Nichols

JEDI Committee

Co-Chairs: Minal Patel and Jeni Stone

Jr. Co-Chairs: Meetra Farhat and Angie Winslow

Lost & Found Committee

Chair: Melissa Robertson

Parties With a Purpose

Co-Chairs: Johanna Appel, Michelle Martinez, and Aime Satchu

Popsicles in the Park Committee

Chair: Kerri Stoughton-Jackson

Jr. Chair: Minal Patel

School Pictures Committee

Chair: Elisha Levin

Spring Affaire

Co-Chairs: Michelle Martinez and Kerri Stoughton-Jackson

Jr. Chair: Katherine Don

Spring Affaire Performance Committee

Chair: Sharon Lee

Jr. Chair: Eliza Kahn

Teacher Appreciation Committee

Co-Chairs: Sharon Lee and Joanne Yoon

Jr. Chair: Angie Winslow

ROOM PARENTS

Pre-Kindergarten

Meetra Farhat

Tichaun Williams

Kindergarten

Eliza Kahn

Sharon Lee

Ruth Milway

Sarah Reinhoff

First Grade

Krystal Abernethy

Kristin Juarez

Jenny Rubin

Second Grade

Harrison Lee

Gretchen Mars

Ama Kumi Thomas

Omi Vaidya

Third Grade

Johanna Appel

Allison Cobar

Ashlee Hansen

Fourth Grade

Michelle Martinez

Karina Patel

Fifth Grade

Kerri Stoughton-Jackson

Melissa Robertson

Angie Winslow

Sixth Grade

Amanda Egan

Samantha Lombardo

Lauren Lundy

Sarah Treem

WHY WE A Gift of

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 families.

The Lombardo Family

Why did you choose Echo Horizon for your family?

When we first toured Echo Horizon, designated student ambassadors would excuse themselves from lessons, step out of the classroom, and engage with us about what they were learning and why they loved Echo Horizon. The kids were not only learning academics but also building strong social skills. We saw that same opportunity for both of our kids.

What motivated you to become more involved?

We fell in love with the Echo Horizon community early on; we wanted to be part of it. Echo parents have an actual impact. Volunteering was a great way to meet other parents, get to know all the incredible students, and give a helping hand to the wonderful staff.

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

If we had to choose one, it would be Grandparents and Special Friends Day. This event embodies the saying “We have two gifts to give our children. One is roots, the other wings.” Seeing two, three, and even sometimes four generations of families smiling, laughing, and engaging with one another is magical.

How do you feel Shayna’s time at Echo has prepared her for middle school?

Shayna is very prepared for middle school; she’s confident in her mastery of subjects. Beyond academics, Shayna had an opportunity to find her passions at Echo, from feeding her stop-motion animation curiosity to discovering a love of volleyball to finding her theater bug. Shayna has an incredible enthusiasm for what’s next.

What do you hope the lasting impact of Echo Horizon will be on Shayna?

Shayna received unwavering support, immeasurable guidance, and sincere care. She learned critical thinking, how to believe in herself, and what it means to be part of something bigger than herself. Shayna said it best in her graduation speech, “Echo, you’ve been my second home. You’ve given me a place to grow, to fail safely, and to soar. You’ve taught me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice, but about lifting others. You’ve

shown me that being kind is powerful, and that being myself is more than enough.”

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

When you give to Echo, you’re investing in your child, so there’s a direct benefit to us. Giving for us was about strengthening what was already great about the school and helping make it even better. One of the things that we loved about Echo was the diversity of the student body—giving is a way of preserving that rich fabric.

Can you share a moment when you saw your time, talents, or financial contributions in action—making a real difference? From a financial standpoint, we’ve seen renovations modernize the school and how hiring additional staff allows for personal and thoughtful care across disciplines; this is just the tip of the iceberg. Contributing time to Echo is also the gift that keeps on giving. The kids are excited when you show up for class parties, as a library volunteer, or at the Halloween Carnival. Samantha’s years as the latke lady for Hanukkah gave us a chance to share our culture.

How would you like your family’s time at Echo to be remembered?

We would like to be remembered as a family that helped foster the rich spirit of community. We’ve seen the immense growth and change Echo Horizon has had as a school in the last 12 years, which started with the brilliant hire of Peggy Procter, who has spearheaded so many meaningful changes. It would be lovely to be remembered as a family that supported this transformative journey.

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

Echo Horizon nurtures and inspires kids to find their passion and grow in a safe and supportive environment. You see it in the staff, who truly love what they do. You see it in how students interact with and support one another. You see it in the parents, who are warm and fully invested in their kids. We’ve loved every minute of our time here; our family leaves better off because of it.

GIVE Time and Treasure

The Sata Shah Family

Why did you choose Echo Horizon for your family?

We initially chose Echo so our oldest daughter, Malini, who is hearing impaired, could access the Echo Center Program. By the end of her first year, we wanted all our children to experience Echo’s diverse community, focus on social-emotional learning, and holistic approach to development. Our middle daughter, Zamina, joined Echo in 2nd grade, and our youngest, Inika, when she was five.

What motivated you to become more involved?

We were first driven to become involved in Echo’s community by other parents. Seeing how eagerly they donated their time, effort, and kindness made us want to do the same. We felt encouraged to further involve ourselves in the community when the school accepted our family and culture with open arms.

What has been your family’s favorite Echo tradition and why?

During Malini’s first year at Echo in 2017, we organized an informal Holi celebration at the park next to the school for her class. It was part of our heritage, and we were grateful to share a piece of who we are with the Echo community.

This past year, as we watched the entire school celebrate Holi, we were truly moved. When we were growing up, we were “Indian” at home and “American” at school. It’s been heartwarming for us to see Echo students encouraged to be their full selves at school and learn about their classmates’ cultures and traditions.

How do you feel Inika’s time at Echo prepared her for middle school?

Echo encouraged Inika’s free spirit. She was given opportunities to speak her mind, question the world around her, and develop a unique set of values. Through the Purpose Learning Program, Inika strengthened her critical thinking abilities, learned about giving presentations and public speaking, and discovered that she and her classmates have the potential to create real change.

What do you hope the lasting impact of Echo Horizon will be on Inika?

We hope that Inika continues to be a confident and kind global citizen, a lifelong learner, and someone who chooses her life path purposefully. There can be a natural tendency for the world to highlight our differences, but we hope that Inika has learned that we can celebrate our differences—as they bring texture, learning, and an opportunity to do more together.

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

When we donate, we are contributing to the nontraditional enrichment our children receive at Echo, the evidence-based approaches teachers are trained in, an environment where children find safety and comfort, the unique and cutting-edge programming, and the financial aid that supports friends in need.

Can you share a moment when you saw your time, talents, or financial contributions in action—making a real difference?

Malini spoke at various admissions events. In one Zoom session, we sat proudly nearby as she shared her challenging health journey and how Echo gave her roots and wings. The next year, at a school-wide event, a family with a daughter who is deaf and hardof-hearing told us how Malini’s story gave them hope and inspired their daughter’s journey.

What has inspired you to continue giving—time, energy, and resources—year after year?

We are inspired by the engagement of the teachers and staff. But seeing the smiles, laughs, and infectious joy of Echo students has always been more than enough to inspire us to offer support. Making a small difference at a school that’s making such a big one is a reward in itself.

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

Echo Horizon is more than a school. It’s a safe space for your whole family to be celebrated and embraced. It’s a unique combination of nurturing and challenging academics during formative years. Children and parents are encouraged to bring their full voices. There is no “they” at Echo—just a community of administrators, faculty, students, and loved ones that together form a collective “we.”

Letter from the Advancement Team

Alicia Camacho and Rashaan Davis

As Advancement Directors, we have the privilege of witnessing the impact of our community in action every day. Each time we step onto campus, we are reminded of what is possible when we work together with purpose. Whether big or small, the many gifts of our community help move Echo Horizon School forward, fostering a culture of generosity, gratitude, and authentic connection.

As we celebrate 100 years of our historic school building, we find ourselves reflecting on the stories that define us—stories that honor the journey from prospective family to proud alum. These authentic moments capture the essence of Echo Horizon’s true legacy: YOU—the parents, guardians, grandparents, trustees, faculty, staff, scholars (past and present), friends, and partners who bring our mission to life through your actions, memories, stories, kindness, and achievements. Together, you embody the heart of Echo Horizon.

This past school year beautifully illustrated our community’s gifts in action in countless meaningful ways— each one a reflection of our shared commitment to helping Echo Horizon flourish today and for generations to come.

• Our parent and guardian community demonstrated incredible dedication this year—hosting, partnering, volunteering, and supporting 90 events! Their efforts included 29 all-family gatherings, 27 parent/guardian events, 20 student celebrations, and 14 faculty and staff appreciation moments. From managing the Lost and Found and organizing Festive Food Truck days to leading Athletics spirit opportunities, birthday celebrations, Teacher Appreciation Week, and the Community Education Speaker Series, their joyful engagement continues to strengthen our community.

• With their dedicated, hands-on leadership, our Board of Trustees strengthened their collective impact— raising their Annual Fund contributions by almost 17%.

• Thank you to the approximately 20 Parent Ambassadors for dedicating their time and energy to sharing their Echo Horizon experience. Your efforts have been instrumental in welcoming prospective families, making our admissions season richer and more meaningful.

• Thanks to the generosity of our entire community, the Echo Horizon Fund grew by 57% over last year—a wonderful testament to our families’ ongoing support, and we are truly grateful.

• Grandparents’ participation is soaring! Nearly 200 guests and volunteers attended this year’s Grandparents & Special Friends Day, and we were deeply touched to see their giving more than triple. Their generosity and dedication to their grandchildren’s education truly warms our hearts.

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.

• Approximately 10 Affinity Groups, led by dedicated parents in partnership with our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) team, have created safe spaces for community members to be heard, foster a sense of belonging, and positively impact our school.

• Support for those impacted by the Los Angeles fires truly exemplified the gifts in action of our compassionate community. From organizing supply drives to checking in on affected families and providing meaningful support, our community demonstrated empathy, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to helping those in need.

• The Party With a Purpose events featured a Wellness Day this spring, filled with relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness.

• Our 1920s-inspired Spring Affaire was the cat’s pajamas this year, raising 79% more than previous years—a record-breaking success! This remarkable event was a true labor of love, brought to life by over 75 volunteers, performers, event professionals, faculty, staff, and speakers. The dedicated parent committee inspired all of us to dress up, enjoy the festivities, and give back to our community in true Roaring Twenties fashion.

We couldn’t achieve any of this without the care and giving of our community.

Although we will continue to celebrate the 100 years of our historic school building throughout 2025, we know that our best work is done together. It is our hope that our collective work will propel Echo Horizon School forward for another 100 years!

With deep gratitude,

Alicia Camacho Director of Marketing and Communications & Creative Strategy

RaShaan Davis Director of Admissions & Community Engagement

2024–2025 FINANCIAL REPORT

2024–2025 ANNUAL GIVING

Hero

$50,000 and up

Debbie and Mark Attanasio GP

Thomas Gallagher 5 GP

Annie and Scott Lukowski

Lee and Mickey Segal GP

Visionary

$25,000–$49,000

Shelby and Sam Grayeli

Alison and Jason Kaplan 5

Samantha and Greg Lombardo 5

Rachel Liu and Ryan Lu 5

Maria Thelma and Varun Pathria

Amie and Asif Satchu

Benefactor

$15,000–24,999

Anonymous

Stephanie Northen and Michael Harbour

Lauren and Brad Lundy

SYMBOL KEY:

GP = grandparent

A = Alumni

5 = 5 or more years of giving

F/S = Faculty/Staff

Lori Shiotani and Kenneth Nakayama 5

Annie and Ed Noh GP

Sarah Treem and Torfi Ólafsson 5

Aliana and Matt Segal

Michelle McSwain and Adam Tepper

Rosemarie and Nathaniel Whitaker

Champion

$10,000–14,999

Krystal and Chris Abernethy

Amina and Chip Canter

Mireille Jacobson and Tom Chang 5

Elisha Levin and Buzzy Cohen 5

Charlotte Hughes and Christopher Combs 5

Diana Kim and Russell Constantine

Joanne Yoon and Heriberto Diaz 5

Laura and Andre James 5

Michelle Martinez and Corey LoPrete 5

Karina and Nehal Patel 5

Jeni and David Stone 5

Valerie and Ian Washburn 5

Sharon and Joshua Yguado 5

Guardian

$5,000–$9,999

June Liu and Alan Brady

Germaine Gurr and Courtney Cahill

Allison and Larry Cobar 5

Jackie and Levi Davis

Stephanie and Samuel Dekin 5

Julia Mosel and Matthew Dente 5

Anne Enna

Talia and Avrom Gart 5

Ashlee and Matthew Hansen 5

Jane Yen and George Ho 5

Peggy Procter and John Johnston 5 F/S

Prushansky Family

Tamara Umansky and Boaz Lev-Ari 5

Jessica and Justin Levy

Alex Liu

Payal and Paras Maniar

Jacque and Rory Phillips

Jenny and Paul Rubin A

Cody Dashiell-Earp and Alexander Schwed

Diana Feinstein and Mark Sedlander

Megha Sata and Nihar Shah 5

Allison and Philip Strina 5

Jennifer and Michael Young

Cynthia Park and Brian Yum 5

Angel

$2,500–$4,999

Lauren and Peter Altman

Amy Cooper and Samuel Baum 5

Ruth Milway and James Bursey 5

Lynne Marsh and Sparky Campanella

Andrea and Philip Covitz

Ni Dai

Leslie Wootton and Alycia Degen 5

Laura and Teddy Goldsmith

Brandi and Keith Hammons

Christina and Stuart Heflin

Angela Arnold and DJ Jacobs

Patricia Juarez

Eliza and Daniel Kahn A

Sarah Rienhoff and Jamie Novogrod

Portia Rosemond and Patrick Ragen

Megan Cozad and Mandy Salangsang

Emily Fox and Peter Scott 5

Mirea and Romyar Sharifi

Ziad Toubassy 5

Story Cunningham-White and Jeff White

Believer

$1,500–$2,499

Shirlyn and Abinet Abate

Amanda Van Goethen and Zachary Best

Anisha Fabien and Donovan Blount

Claudette and Harvey Brown 5 F/S

Amanda and Rachel Carmichael

Carly and Jay Carson 5

Lindsay Dunn and Tony Dodds

Cam Do and Viet Duong

Amanda and Brian Egan 5

Callie Bloem and Chris Ewing

Pauline Wu and Carlos Fua 5

Basma El Ajou

Maria Padua and Eduardo Garcia

Jessica and Joshua Gilman

Suzie and Jon Hiller

Aryan and Tejas Mehta 5

Emily and Jesse Nichols

Richa Gupta and Abhi Ramprasad

Lisa and Jonathan Sizemore

Kerri Stoughton-Jackson 5

Maisie and Andrew Short

Katherine Don and Daniel Touff

Minal Patel and Omi Vaidya

Avianna Uribe Ventura and Frank Ventura

Natalie Moreland and Kyle Zanocco 5

Patron

$1,000–$1,499

David Aaronson

Roberta Aronson GP

Meredith Melnick and James Breitinger

Kendall Woolridge Brooks and Louis Brooks 5

Paula and Fred Dashiell

Ian Chen and Jared Erwin

Monica and Seymour Kahn

Angie Winslow and Danny Klein 5

Rittu Kumar 5

Leah and Jason Lehmbeck 5

Michelle Dean and Eric Lorenzini 5

Cecilia and Marques Owens

Nadine and Justin Pagel

Geetha and Brad Pennington

Erin Rivers

Aria Hong and Kevin Roberts

Lara and Chase Robinson 5

Lisa and David Shmayevich

Abla Toubassy GP

Nora and Peter Wendel 5

Mari Whitaker GP

Friend

$500–$999

Johanna and Eric Appel 5

Kamala and Marvin Avila-Salmon

Arianna and Stephan Baik

Esther Aronson and Michael Blackburn 5

Alison and Joe Bonn F/S

Bianjun Dai GP

Karen Hutchison and Nigel Dookhoo 5

Danielle and Tyus Edney

Julie Hall

Amy Hammons

Loretta Hung GP

Peggy and Francis Hung

Kelly Ku and Jeffrey Hwang 5

Heather Kun and Chris Iorillo 5

Wendy and Jerry Kaplan GP

Aika and Eric Lamb

Courtney and Faizi Lee

Sharon and Harrison Lee 5

Mel Levine

Julie Marsh and Steve Mayer

Doree Shafrir and Matthew Mira

Annie Armstrong Miyao and Andre Miyao 5

Lucy and Josh Oppenheimer 5

Arika Pierce-McMillin

Christine Manley Martinez and Eduardo Rodriguez

Emily and Dustin Rosen

Carolyn Kim and Greg Saccone

Irving Schechter

Adrien Rabago Schmidt and Jon Schmidt

Cecil and Paul Slye

Jeron Smith

Sara Adelman and Jeremy Stoller 5

Jennifer Chi and David Tran 5

Pete and Lorraine Wilke GP

Mallory Jacobs and Jacob Wolters

Chenchen Mao and Hao Wu

Felicia Zigman 5

Supporter

up to $499

Joan and Stan Abrams GP

Rachael Rosales and Carlos Alvarez 5

Paolina Amadio F/S

Amanda Annear

Mary Arnold GP

Meg Baltazar 5 F/S

Sarah Brody and Seth Barney

Nancy Baxter GP

Julia Blount 5 F/S

Haley Brooks 5 F/S A

Jennifer Campbell-Brooks and Levi Brooks

Alicia Camacho 5 F/S

Jennifer Caspar

Natalie Castaneda-Johnson F/S

Mayra and Miguel Castellanos 5 F/S

Elizabeth Cohn F/S

Joan and Ken Cohn GP

Tara and RaShaan Davis F/S

Susan and Paul Deason 5

Sommer Denison F/S

Liza DeWitt 5 F/S

Stacey Price and Evan Duning

Eugene Durham F/S

Dana Season and Adam Ellison

Ellis Enlow 5 F/S

Reina Factor A

Stephanie Funk

Antonio Garcia GP

Nathalie Talango and Jesus Garcia

Doug Gardner F/S

Kristen Reyna and Alberto Gonzales-Reyna 5 F/S

Jackie Gonzalez F/S

Kim Parker Gordon and Chad Gordon

Regina Gusman-Correa 5 F/S

Jackie Heffernan

Eileen Holmes 5

Hannah Horton F/S

Tiffany Hu

Sandra Montiel and Ray Klein 5

Ann and Vince Lee

Pamela Lev

Karly Levey F/S

Natalie Levy F/S

Nancy and Jonathan Glaser 5

SYMBOL KEY:

GP = grandparent

A = Alumni

5 = 5 or more years of giving

F/S = Faculty/Staff

Haley Ho and YenJu Ray Lin

Joe Martinez

Jennifer and Mark Mascolo 5 F/S

Gretchen Mars Mingo and Joshua Mingo

Betsy and Jason Nolte

Kedran and Stavros Panageas 5

Yvette Ferrari and Jai Pardales F/S

Joanna Park

Carrie-Ann Pishnak

Heather and Guy Primus

Laura Rojas and Nehemiah Regalado F/S

Carmie Rehor 5 F/S

Rachel and Jake Robards 5

Melissa and Dee Robertson

Luisana Rodriguez F/S

Jenny Roman

Rita Romero GP

Isabel Sanchez 5 F/S

Megha Sata and Nihar Shah

Hellena and Benjamin Shahrabani

Tia Schroeder and Josh Sixx

Jaymi Smith

Alex Sowa 5 F/S

Saundra Sparks 5 F/S

Melissa Stoller GP

Lori Zukerman and Tom Strouse 5

Michaela Summers 5 F/S

Kevin Sundin F/S

Kristin Juarez and Rafael Tapias

Annie DiMascio and Adam Tessitore 5

Ama Kumi Thomas and Aaron Thomas

Jola and Robert Thun 5

Almerinda Casale and Thomas Tierney

Brendan Toussaint F/S

Sheryl Udell 5 F/S

Josephine Decker and Malik Vitthal

Michele Warnock

Meetra Farhat and Travis Watterson

Tichaun and Jason Williams

Jennie and Jake Willens 5 F/S

Lindsay Wilson 5 F/S

Foundations and Corporations

Apple Inc.

ByteDance/TikTok

DriveWise Auto, Inc.

Gartner, Inc.

Google LLC

Joseph Drown Foundation

Little by Little Realty, LLC

Manulife

Microsoft

Netflix

Southern California Edison

The Capital Group Companies

The Kroger Company

The Lynch Foundation

The Walt Disney Company

Lifetime Giving

Cumulative Giving from 2009–Present

We also wish to honor the donors who have made Echo Horizon School a philanthropic priority over an extended period of time. Their sustained generosity forms the foundation of our continued growth, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following:

$400,000 and up

Anonymous

Charlotte Hughes and Christopher Combs

Thomas Gallagher

The Garland Foundation

Nancy and Jonathan Glaser

Pamela and Peter Kelly

$200,000 to $399,999

Carol Landsberg

Jeffrey and Madeleine Moskowitz

Lori Shiotani and Ken Nakayama

$100,000 to $199,999

Debbie and Mark Attanasio

Capital Group Companies

Leslye Schwartz and Robert Goldberg

Deirdre Roffoni and Anthony Graham

Alison and Jason Kaplan

Samantha and Greg Lombardo

Rachel Liu and Ryan Lu

Annie and Scott Lukowski

Maria Thelma and Varun Pathria

Michelle Weiss and Zak Penn

Shonda Rhimes

Amie and Asif Satchu

Nora and Peter Wendel

Sharon and Joshua Yguado

Grandparents and Special Friends Day 2024

Grandparents and Special Friends Day 2024 was a heartwarming celebration of the special bonds between our scholars and their cherished family members and friends. We were grateful to welcome over 160 guests to a morning that began with a light brunch in the auditorium, where Head of School Peggy Procter shared highlights of our joyful fall learning. Guests then joined classroom activities, met teachers, and explored hands-on projects with our specialist teachers. A highlight of the day was a performance by our two-time gold-winning Echo Singers under the direction of Music Teacher and Choir Director, Elizabeth Cohn.

Families also enjoyed the Annual Book Fair with Librarian Claudette Brown, posed for keepsake photos in the event photo booth, and had the first opportunity to purchase centennial merchandise honoring 100 years of our historic building. The day closed with card-making in support of LIFT-LA and Mar Vista Family Center. Unforgettable memories were made, and it was the perfect way to begin Fall Break. Special thank you to Johanna Appel for coordinating this extraordinary morning, our dedicated committee and team of volunteers who helped run this event and guide our guests through the building, and to parent Jon Hiller of Chef Awesome LLC for treating everyone to his amazing food!

Grandparents and Special Friends Day Committee

Karina Patel

Sharon Lee

Kerri Stoughton-Jackson

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our Mother’s Day of Wellness: A Party With a Purpose! We are especially grateful to the Satchu family for graciously opening their home and hosting such a meaningful and restorative gathering.

From the opening circle to the crystal bowl sound bath and closing reflection, the morning offered a beautiful opportunity to pause, connect, and recharge—while supporting the programs and priorities that make Echo Horizon School so special.

So, what is a Party With a Purpose? It’s a beloved Echo Horizon initiative and that blends community and philanthropy—bringing families together for memorable events that also give back to the school. These gatherings celebrate connection, joy, and shared support for the experiences that enrich the lives of every Echo Horizon School scholar.

Keep an eye out for more upcoming Parties With a Purpose in 2025–2026!

SPRING AFFAIRE

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

OF BUILDING DREAMS AND INSPIRING BRIGHT FUTURES

We hosted a Roaring Twenties–themed Spring Affaire, and it was the bee’s knees! Guests arrived in glittering gowns and dapper suits, walked the gold carpet, and stepped into a dazzling Skirball Center ballroom, where jazz beats, sparkling lights, and vintage touches set the scene. We mingled, laughed, and danced the night away—all while giving from the heart. Thanks to the generosity of our community, this year’s event raised more than ever before in support of Echo Horizon and our Fund a Need initiative, which helps send our educators to premier professional development opportunities. A heartfelt thank you to our phenomenal co-chairs, Michelle Martinez and Kerri Stoughton-Jackson, whose vision and dedication made this unforgettable evening sparkle. The celebration was the result of the extraordinary dedication, creativity, and generosity of a truly remarkable team of parents, faculty, staff, students, and vendors, and we couldn’t be prouder.

EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE:

Co-Chair: Michelle Martinez

Co-Chair: Kerri Stoughton-Jackson

Vice Chair: Katherine Don

Members:

Angela Arnold

Amy Cooper

Megan Cozad

Jessica Gilman

Carolyn Kim

Sharon Lee

Nadine Pagel

Minal Patel

Jenny Rubin

Doree Shafrir

Angie Winslow

PARENT PERFORMANCE

Co-Chair: Sharon Lee

Co-Chair & Writer: Eliza Kahn

Choreographer: Johanna Appel

Video Producer: Harrison Lee

Cast:

Story Cunningham-White

Ni Dai

Eduardo Garcia

Laura Goldsmith

Eliza Kahn

Alison Kaplan

Sharon Lee

Boaz Lev-Ari

Gretchen Mars Mingo

Meredith Melnick

Amanda Van Goethen

COMMEMORATIVE BOOK TEAM

Johanna Appel

Alicia Camacho

Doug Gardner

Gretchen Mars Mingo

DJ

Josh Mingo

LOOK BOOK TEAM

Angela Arnold

Adrien Robago Schmidt

FILM CREW

Megan Cozad

Alex Sowa

Omi Vaidya

Our volunteer cast of adorable Echo Horizon scholars!

AUCTION BASKETS

Johanna Appel

Allison Cobar

Amanda Egan

Meetra Farhat

Ashlee Hanson

Eliza Kahn

Sharon Lee

Elisha Levin

Ruth Milway

Gretchen Mars Mingo

Michelle Martinez

Sarah Reinhoff

Jenny Rubin

Omi Vaidya

Tichaun Williams

ART AUCTION TEAM

Katherine Don

Gretchen Mars Mingo

Sam Patterson

Kristen Reyna

Donate Online

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

Make a Pledge or Recurring Gift

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

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.

Via Snail Mail

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

Come In Person

Drop by the Development Office and share your thoughts and ideas!

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.

Attend Events

Make a plan to attend our annual Spring Affaire, All School 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 and be sure to check out event details in the weekly Tuesday Bulletin.

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

ADMINISTRATION

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

Dr. Julia Blount

Director of Upper Elementary

Haley Brooks

Director of Marketing and Communications & Creative Strategy

Alicia Camacho

“ Sending my children to Echo Horizon is probably the best parenting decision I’ve made. They’re getting an exceptional education in a kind and loving environment surrounded by down-to-earth students and families who they (and I) enjoy being around!”

– Jay Carson, Echo

Director of Admissions and Community Engagement

RaShaan M. Davis

Director of Lower Elementary

Sommer Denison

Director of Finance and Operations

Doug Gardner

Director of the Echo Center

Jennifer Mascolo

Head of School

Peggy Procter

Director of Early Education

Jennie Willens

Back Row L-R: Julia Blount, Jennie Willens, RaShaan M. Davis, Sommer Denison

Front Row L-R: Haley Brooks, Jennifer Mascolo, Peggy Procter, Alicia Camacho, Doug Gardner

Horizon parent (Grades 3 and 6)

ECHO HORIZON at a glance

LOCATION: 3430 McManus Ave. Culver City, California, 90232

183 total students

Morning care and AfterSchool Program available

43% of our students identify as people of color of our students are deaf or hard-of-hearing SERVING pre-K THROUGH grade 6 monday–thursday: 8:30 AM–3:00 PM friday: 8:30 AM–2:00 PM Founded in

Acknowledgments

Written and edited by Yvette Ferrari and Ruth Calkins

Contributors

Dr. Julia Blount

Claire Bozdog

Haley Brooks

Alicia Camacho

RaShaan M. Davis

Ellis Enlow

The Glaser Family

Danny Kahn

The Lombardo Family

Jennifer Mascolo

Arianna Mazzarini

Lyric Olivia

Peggy Procter

The Sata Shah Family

Saundra Sparks

Ziad Toubassy

Luisana Rodriguez

Mariana Vargas

Jennie Willens

Cover Art

Photography by Alicia Camacho and Yvette Ferrari

This front cover photo shows scholars from Ms. Procter’s Purpose Learning Group—Ethan, Elliot, Carter, Dean, and Elise—standing with the donations they collected during a hygiene drive for nonprofit organization Home at Last. The group gathered essential items such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes to support young people aged 16–24 experiencing homelessness, helping to provide them with dignity and care.

Our back cover photo features 3rd grade scholars performing on stage after completing their biography project. Each student chose a historical figure, read their biography, and wrote a monologue from that person’s perspective. Dressed in costume, they shared their pieces with parents, classmates, and faculty. To conclude the celebration, the classes came together to sing and dance to “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman, filling the stage with energy and pride.

Photography

Schlomit Bard––Studio SLB Photography

Alicia Camacho

Yvette Ferrari

Luisana Rodriguez

Nicolas Sage Photography

Echo Horizon School community

Design

Ryan Corey

Printing

Colornet Press

Financials

Doug Gardner

Annual Giving

Doug Gardner

Eliza Kahn

The Annual Report reflects gifts made to Echo Horizon School between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this report. If you find a discrepancy, we sincerely apologize and ask that you bring it to our attention. Please email development@echohorizon.org.