The Village School: Spring 2023 Magazine

Pictured from left: Olivia ‘33, Kaia’28, Kimmie ‘31

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

T heo e T zel Chair

K en T F riedman Vice Chair

C arolyn h omberger P’28,’30,’32

Treasurer

K enne T h K rier

Secretary/Parliamentarian

d r . K aren h ies T er P’23,’26,’29

J enni F er J ohnson P’23,’23

m aTT K nau F P’27,’31

J a C ob m aT hew

K yle m oran P’30,’34

m i K e r andall

d iane s mi T h P’28

T im T ayon P’20

l en z aiser

OUR MISSION

To provide an environment that empowers and inspires students to think and create solutions to challenges in an ever-changing world.

OUR VISION

In 2025, The Village School is the educational leader in cultivating diverse and innovative students who discover their individual passions and purposes in a faith-based environment to reach their fullest potential.

A LETTER from our leadership

As volume 2 of “Tracking our Success” magazine goes to print, I am reflecting on the school year and the activities and experiences we shared at The Village School of Naples (TVS). From the moment our students stepped on campus last August, our community has been busy! It was a remarkable year, and I am proud to lead our outstanding school.

Members of the Class of 2023 were accepted to highlyregarded colleges and universities such as NYU, Furman, University of Florida, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, American University, Florida State, and many others. Plus, our Seniors received over $2 million in scholarships! All in all, a great year for these young men and women. We are proud of their hard work, individual strengths, and commitment to living a Christian life.

As we wrap up another school year and bid a fond farewell to our Class of 2023, we are already busy preparing for the 2023-24 school year. One area we are focused on is our staffing for next year. We are thrilled with those who have decided to return to TVS in the fall and are feverishly interviewing and recruiting new faculty and staff to join our wonderful community.

Members from the Board of Trustees, Administration, Faculty, and Staff worked together all year on developing a Mission-Based Compensation model for our teachers. The 25-person Task Force was divided into evaluation, compensation, and benefits committees. Last year, before this group was formed, our Board of Trustees requested and received a review of 10-15 independent schools in our region and state to see where we measure up with our peers in compensation and benefits. This information was informative to help identify our strengths and areas for improvement. From there, the committees listened to the faculty, worked on their recommendations, and presented recommendations to the board, faculty, and staff in May. We are excited about the work done to date and are optimistic that our improved plan will allow us to continue to recruit and retain the best teachers in the country.

Part and parcel of this work is the issue of teacher retention. This is a nationwide concern. Teachers overall are quitting at a record rate. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, quit rates in K-12 education have risen faster than in any other industry

since January 2021. The topic of teacher retention is critical to me on many levels. As you may be aware, I am wrapping up the second of three years in my doctoral program at the University of Pennsylvania. My dissertation topic is the Head of School as a Servant Leader and his/her Impact on Teacher Retention. As part of my study, I will conduct a national survey of approximately 15,000 teachers through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) to see if there is a relationship between teacher retention and the leadership characteristics. Teachers can opt-in for a 30-minute interview with me as part of this mixed methods study. I am excited to share my findings with the field and fellow Heads. Teacher retention is a multi-faceted issue, and we continue to address it in multiple ways.

Finally, as we are all well aware, the housing and rental market locally is a significant concern. This spring, we are seeking 1:1 matching grant to assist us in helping teachers relocate to our area and help those struggling with rent increases and rising interest rates.

As you see, we are deeply committed to our faculty and staff. We are doing all we can to ensure we have the best possible teachers in the classroom for your students. Nothing is more precious than your children, and we cherish each of them. At TVS, we say our students are “known, nurtured, and loved,” and our faculty exemplify it every day. Our faculty creates a learning environment where every child can excel. TVS families enjoy treasured friendships with faculty, fellow parents, and classmates. There is a bond among our families that gets stronger every year. And so it goes.

As my fifth year as Head of School winds down, I am grateful for The Village School and our shared vision for the future. What a blessing to have such a caring community. Parents, trustees, faculty, staff, grandparents, and friends make TVS what it is today, and we could not be more proud or thankful.

I am honored by your continued support and trust in our administration, faculty and staff.

Knights For Life!

DENNIS CHAPMAN, Head of School

KNIGHT athletics at tvs

BY ANDREW MIRANTI P’27,’29,’32,’35 , Athletic Director

The 2022-2023 school year was another one full of firsts for our athletic programs.

Our cross country team made their way to States again for the second year in a row. Lauren Lappin broke our school record with a sub 20 minute time. With the team returning all of the runners, we expect great things from them in the future. The MS team has very strong potential and the LS team had a high number of attendees who ran well in the SAC conference.

Our track team had a great season. A large number of personal records were achieved and six athletes moved on to the regional meet. Based on those outcomes, we should have a few student-athletes move on to the state meet in Jacksonville. The LS and MS track teams also had record number of participants and had great showings at their meets. The future is bright for our track and field program.

Our golf team did very well. All golfers made improvements and Caraline Hartfield was a regional qualifier. Our MS program did very well, too. Makayla Caine was a medalist at the district tournament.

The varsity swim team broke a lot of records last fall. They competed and had great showings in their meets. The majority of the team is coming back, so they are looking to build on what they have.

Our volleyball teams also had a great year. Our development team practiced for six weeks and will continue after the holidays. Our MS teams played very well and beat some of our local rivals. The MS A-team was led by our 8th grade and a lot will be expected as they move into our varsity team. Our varsity team played for the PCAC Championship for the first time in school history. For those in attendance, it was an exhilarating atmosphere where they left it all on the court! Our senior leaders did a great job of paving the way.

Our varsity basketball teams did very well this year. Our boys team played in the Conference final and made the district playoffs. We had our first girls varsity basketball team and had a great season. Their first win was against Immokalee High School. Our MS girls A-team played in their conference final as well. The MS teams had great success and have developed a solid foundation for our varsity programs.

Our varsity boys soccer team had the largest turnaround. From one win last year, to conference finalist and 2nd round in the playoffs. There is a great nucleus coming back, so the expectations are very high. Our girls varsity team also met success this year. Our MS teams were also very competitive and showed great promise and leadership.

Nation

In the spring, our varsity baseball team finished 6th in the state among independent classified schools and made the conference finals. This was a huge improvement from a year ago. Our varsity tennis teams also did well at their district tournaments. Caroline Hayes made it to the finals and our boys team recorded a few wins in the tournament as well.

Our MS also had an inaugural season with lacrosse. Our MS boys team had a great year and finished 3rd in their division. Our girls team wasn't able to play in competitive games, but got some great practice and development.

Overall, our programs all moved the needle in the right direction. Our varsity volleyball, boys basketball, girls basketball, boys soccer, and baseball team were all conference finalists. The number of student-athletes is growing and the competitiveness of our athletes and teams is improving. Over the summer we will have various camps taking place for all levels and more improvements to the facilities. We are adding lights and bleachers to our track and field complex.

It was another record setting year for the Knights and we are just getting started.

Comedy

FOR A CAUSE

For the second year in a row, TVS parent and comedian Jim Breuer P’23 donated his time and talent by performing a comedy show at Silverspot Cinema to benefit The Village School. Fun was had by all.

Thank you, Jim!

Alumni

Madelynn Hope Layton TVS CLASS OF 2021

SPOTLIGHT

My name is Madelynn Hope Layton, and I was part of the graduating class of 2021. From The Village School, I chose to start the rest of my academic journey at High Point University. I'm pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, also known as a B.S.B.A degree, and just this past semester added a minor in Fashion Merchandising. I’ll be a rising junior in the fall and don’t know where the time went. It feels like just yesterday I was a freshman roaming the halls at TVS. My time at High Point has been pretty amazing. I’ve met many friendly people there and have taken many exciting classes. Although I didn't rush a sorority, I feel like I have met people whose friendship I will have for a lifetime.

High Point University is the premier life skills university on paper, but when you arrive, it’s way more than that. As a junior, I feel prepared for anything life throws at me. My time at High Point University has taught me how to become a true leader, whether in or out of the classroom. I’ve taken a business class where you're given a scenario in the workplace and have to problem-solve to figure it out. There have been opportunities for students to meet with employers and have one-on-one interactions with top company executives. Each spring, we have the High Point furniture market, where students work in a showroom and help sell high-end furniture pieces. High Point University grants students like me such great opportunities, and I’m so excited to see where my future at High Point University leads me.

PARENT PERSPECTIVE:

The priceless blessings of TVS

BY KARA & JEREMY EISENGA, P’21,’23,’26

From the time our children were young, we hoped for them to one day be part of a loving Christian school. This came to be starting in 2014, after we moved from Wisconsin to Florida and our oldest son Ethan joined TVS in 6th grade. Two years later our younger two children, Owen and Maella, then 6th and 3rd grade, also joined TVS. Over the past nine years, we have developed enriching friendships with other school families and a deep appreciation for the teachers. The blessing of sending all three of our children to the same school has been priceless. They have participated in the same grade-specific events and school trips, years apart. There are TVS teachers who have taught all three of them at some point. Even the simplicity of their shared car ride to and from school has made a difference in how they understand and respect each other’s individual educational journeys. Last. but never least, we are so grateful that our children have had the opportunity to learn in an environment that remembers and honors God.

The Eisenga Family.

O wen (‘23), Maella (‘26), Ethan (‘21), Kara, and Jeremy

All three of our kids are unique in their own way and each one has been accepted for exactly who they are. We have experienced this time and again when their teachers have diligently connected with them on a personal level. Without a doubt, we feel that TVS students are known, nurtured and loved. To truly know a student, a teacher must seek to understand them beyond the classroom walls. They will walk alongside them through triumphs and trials as the student works towards their highest potential. To be loved is such a basic need; we all want to feel appreciated. To nurture importantly begins with knowing and accepting a child from where they start; their foundation. Once that happens, a child grows and develops with thoughtful encouragement from their teachers. When nurtured, our kids become their best selves before we launch them into their next phase after graduation.

Our children's teachers have inspired them and encouraged their passions. When Ethan became interested in computer programming, TVS worked with us to find solutions for him to learn about this field. He is soon entering his Junior year at Florida Polytechnic University pursuing a degree in Computer Science. Owen was so impacted by faithful and passionate teachers. One of them noticed his early potential and recommended a Student Teaching elective for his Senior year. Upon graduation, he will pursue a degree in Secondary Education at Florida Southern College and his TVS opportunities nurtured that. Maella has appreciated a variety of creative class options over the years. From Fashion Design and Culinary in middle school to Thespians and Digital Content Creation as a freshman - she is working towards finding her passions and her teachers are igniting that.

It has been a great year for Knights Athletics and looking forward to an even better one next year.

Being part of the TVS Family has made a significant and positive impact on our entire family and we are thankful to be Knights for Life.

John Egan Athletic Director

THE EVER-CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF College Admissions

BY SUE ZUMSTEIN, Executive Director, Quest for Success

Listening to the news recently, I heard the story about the high school senior who applied to and was accepted at 170 colleges, with more than $9 million in scholarship offers. Having worked in college admissions for more than 25 years, from my perspective, this young man took a spot from 169 other applicants – because after all, he can only attend one of the 170 colleges where he was accepted. Since when did applying to college become a game?

For those of us who counsel students and parents as they navigate the college application process, we have witnessed a disturbing trend in students applying to colleges simply to “see if I get in,” with no intention of attending that college if accepted. This has resulted in colleges seeing record numbers of applications at their institutions, however colleges are not increasing the size of their incoming freshman class. Consequently, reported college acceptance rates are plummeting.

This is one of the primary reasons the college application process has become more difficult for families to traverse.

When students "over apply” to colleges on a lark, this drives down acceptance rates, making it challenging for families to ascertain which colleges are appropriate for their son or daughter to apply to. Here are some numbers from this 2023 application cycle:

Florida State had more than 72,000 applicants for a freshman class of 6,100

Northeastern University had more than 90,000 applicants for 2,500 spots

Boston University received 80,484 applications for a class of 3,100 - 15,788 of those coming from 171 countries

With those numbers, what constitutes a “safety” school or an “ideal match” or a “reach” school? The college application process is challenging enough, so now more than ever, it is crucial for families to know the reality of the data to make an informed decision.

Here are a few ways Quest, our college counseling program, works with students to help them develop an appropriate college list:

The size of the college, which also drives the size of the classes

Majors offered

Campus vibe

Academic rigor

Distance from home

Scholarship and/or financial aid opportunities

Consider value and cost. The summer prior to senior year, Quest works with families to review their financial materials in order to ascertain their “expected family contribution,” which colleges then use to determine financial need. Having this information allows families to strategically apply to colleges that will be affordable for them.

What outcomes does your student want? Are they heading in the direction of post graduate work or do they want to be employed directly after graduation? There are colleges that have strength in specific areas, so students should focus their college search on the institution that has the programs to best fulfill their ambitions and career goals.

At Quest, we employ many strategies to assist our students in applying to college as we keep our finger on the pulse of the ever changing college landscape. For our students, we want them to have options, which includes applying to some “reach” schools, a few “ideal match” schools, as well as two or three “safety” schools, hopefully submitting applications to between 8 and 12 schools total. So when a student is in Quest, they will have access to the most current college admissions data as well the advantage of our decades of experience matching students with options as families navigate this exciting time with their students.

PLANTING SOLID ROOTS.

Lower School STATUS REPORT

BY JANNA OUTLAW, Head of Lower School

We’ve had an outstanding year in ECE and Lower School! Our success and accomplishments are attributed to the dedication of faculty, staff, students and families who work in partnership. This is the place where building a solid foundation of academics and character begins, and without partnership accomplishments would not be possible. It truly takes a village!

When students arrived on campus in August we were prepared to build a year of success. Faculty focus groups

Faculty focus groups prioritized curriculum development to ensure vertical and horizontal alignment was a priority. We implemented a new PK-5th grade science textbook series that came complete with hands-on materials to enhance instructional and learning support for teachers and students. Having a tangible resource in the classroom has contributed to improvement of MAP Growth assessments in science. Our PK students began using the Zaner-Bloser handwriting program to align with our K-5th handwriting program. More field trips were taken to increase knowledge outside the walls of TVS. Most importantly our students have continued to learn with hands-on instruction in all academic areas. We have diligently worked on cross-divisional alignment to make certain our students are well prepared for each stage at TVS and life. Instilling the importance of giving back to our community is a valuable character trait to model and build upon. In ECE and Lower School, we work together to create small projects as ways for our students to contribute to Naples and surrounding communities. Most times our student government leaders in 4th and 5th grade led these opportunities. As we returned to school after Hurricane Ian, students worked on small projects in their classrooms to give back to students in other schools who were displaced from their home schools. Some projects included painting rocks or making bracelets to show encouragement and kind thoughts.

In November, we collected food for those in need and in December we had a book drive and donated them to Grace Place for Children & Families. 4th and 5th graders gave back to our TVS community by contributing their time weekly as Safety Patrols walking our PK students to classes from the car-line drop off in the morning. Late May, 5th grade students presented their Capstone Passion Projects, a new tradition for our eldest students in Lower School. Students determined their own passions, created their own community

service project or they worked with a current organization while adding their own personal twist that intertwines with a chosen service project.

Our first parent book study group met in late fall to read The Blessing Of A Skinned Knee, by Wendy Mogel. This book gave us the opportunity to reflect on raising children in a world of entitlement and competition where many parents find their values are often at odds with what they wish to uphold and instill. Our time together was fruitful and inspired thoughtful conversation about raising accountable children.

The interest in athletics of 3rd through 5th grade students continues to increase. Our LS Cross Country team competed at the SAC Championship in late October. The boys’ team placed 1st overall and the girls’ team placed 3rd overall. This is just one highlight of our students competing in athletics. Lastly, but most importantly, our Christ Skills guide us daily with our interactions with one another, instilled in us through weekly chapel, guidance lessons, morning meetings, bible lessons, and weekly Town

TEACHER feature

Ms. Michelle Morrow, PRE-K TEACHER

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB AT THE VILLAGE SCHOOL?

Preschool is often a child’s first time in school. Leaving their parents can be scary for them. As a preschool teacher, my priority is to create an environment that makes them feel safe and cared for - like a home away from home. One of the most rewarding parts of my job at The Village School is to watch my little ones grow into confident, happy, helpful, and caring friends. We hope to do this by teaching our Christ Skills and values of faith, kindness, and love.

HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL WHEN YOU SEE YOUR FORMER STUDENTS AS TEENAGERS ON CAMPUS?

When I see my former students as teenagers, my first thought is, “Where did the time go?” It warms my heart when they greet me with a big smile and wave, or oftentimes still a hug! Although teenagers now, I still see their 3-yearold faces. I marvel at the fine and responsible young adults shining through. As their preschool teacher, I hope I was a small part of building a solid academic and social/emotional foundation for them. I hope I made them feel known, nurtured, and loved - which is what we strive for here. It truly has been a blessing to be a preschool teacher for 27 years here at The Village School, and I still love it!

CONTINUE TO RISE Admissions

It is an exciting time to be at The Village School!

As we head into the summer, the Admissions Department continues to meet potential families for the 2023-2024 school year. New student enrollment in up about 13% from this time last year and new families are coming from a number of different public and independent schools, both locally and across the United States and Canada. We are running wait lists in PK4, 4th, and 8th grade and are almost at capacity in 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade.

The most important gauge of an independent school community is the retention rate. At The Village School, our current retention rate is 91%. This is representative of a 2 percentage point increase from this time last year.

Our new application software has made it much easier for families to inquire and apply to TVS. We are also closing in on Bryan Schmidt’s first year as the Assistant Director of Admissions and he has done a wonderful job of managing the application process among a host of other things for our prospective families.

We look forward to opening our doors to 661 students this fall. As always, we encourage you to refer to us any prospective families that you feel would be excellent additions to our vibrant community.

TVS STUDENT NAMED National Merit Scholar Finalist

Joseph Weaver '23 was named The Village School's first National Merit Scholar Finalist. The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes the top 1% of PSAT scorers nationwide as semifinalists. Joseph is an extremely gifted student with a proclivity for all things technology. He ran the Esports club here at TVS, assisted with the AV and live-production team at North Naples Church, tutored with Quest for Success at TVS (and helped build their website), and is a keen computer programmer. Joseph was also a student-athlete on our varsity swim team.

"Joseph is a gifted young man who is always looking to help create solutions to tech challenges for his peers, the school and beyond," says Nikki Sweeney, Assistant Head of School and Head of the Upper School. Dennis Chapman, Head of School, adds, "I am incredibly proud of Joseph for his academic accomplishment. He is a high-achieving scholar and a tremendous young man that I have watched grow during his time at The Village School. Being named the first National Merit Finalist at The Village School is a tribute to his hard work and dedication in reaching his highest academic pursuits."

Joseph will continue his studies at the University of Florida in August. Congratulations, Joseph!

TEACHER feature

3 Questions With Ms. Debbie Gracia, 4 th GRADE TEACHER

1

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF WORKING AT THE VILLAGE

SCHOOL?

There are so many great things about working at The Village School but if I had to pick just one thing, I would say it is the sense of “family” among everyone here. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do on campus, you always feel like you belong, you are taken care of, you are supported, you are accepted, and you are loved. There’s no better feeling than that!

2

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TEACHING STYLE?

I would describe my teaching style more as a student-centered approach where I am a facilitator. If you walk into my classroom, you would find students sharing their points of view about a topic and working on hands-on projects and using problem-solving skills.

3

WHERE DID YOU WORK BEFORE JOINING THE VILLAGE SCHOOL?

Before joining The Village School, I worked at the American Nicaraguan School which is an international school in Nicaragua.

DEFINING SUCCESS.

Middle SCHOOL

STATUS REPORT

BY JEFF CAVALLO, Head of Middle School

The school year began with newness and concerns: a new school for some, a new division for others, a new grade level for all, and new friends, classes, and teachers. Of course, we all have room for improvement, but it is important to celebrate success and cherish the memories that contribute to who we are and what we stand for – that is what Middle School is all about. Legendary basketball coach, John Wooden, clearly articulates this thought with his timeless, simple, and applicable definition of success:

“Success is peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

The older I get and the longer I am in education, I fully endorse the definition Coach Wooden created over 70 years ago. As a school, specifically the Middle School, we are not perfect, but we do our best to become the best we are capable of becoming. In doing so, we strive to impart that each student attains peace of mind (and peace of heart) by doing his/her best mentally, physically, and spiritually as well as socially, emotionally, academically, and athletically.

Education is a process, and we all learn differently. Therefore, I urge you to spend some time reflecting on this past school year and the strengths and areas of improvement of your son/daughter — so success can be attained at the next level. Furthermore, I am confident our continued partnership will help them experience success. Please feel free to connect with me with any questions or concerns — we are in this together.

MIDDLE SCHOOL POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Achievement Integrity Responsibility Awareness

Striving for success in all things

Doing the right thing (even when no one is watching)

Skills and actions that contribute to individual success

Understanding time and place

MIDDLE SCHOOL BY THE NUMBERS Number of

Students

7 STUDENT CLUBS students in student government

$7, raised for four local charities

r ev iew YEAR IN

BY ANDREA D e LADURANTEY, ECE/LS Music Teacher & Arts Coordinator

What an exciting year we’ve had in the Arts Department! We are so blessed to have Culinary, Visual and Performing Arts all represented here at TVS. Our students truly shine in each area as they are instructed by talented teachers who are masters at their craft and who instill passion within each student.

We jumped right into the fall with featured performances in the Veterans Day Ceremony, and a Knights of Steel Fall Showcase featuring our amazing Steel Drum groups and our Culinary Department. We celebrated the spirit of Christmas with our annual K-12 Christmas Concert, a beautiful night shared with all of our TVS families followed by Frosted Windowpanes, a Middle School play featured on the Tayon Drama Studio stage.

Our Middle School and Upper School Thespians had much to be proud of with their many Superior and Excellent rat-

ings they received at Districts and States. We are so proud of these shining stars!

The spring was filled with several on-stage performances: The Music Man (4th and 5th grade), ECE, K-5 and MS/ US Spring Concerts (featuring ukuleles, steel drums, bucket drumming and chorale groups), Addams Family (US Theater) and The Descendants (MS Theater). Many of our students shined bright at the Knights on Broadway Gala performing a showstopper opening for the event.

We closed out the year with all three departments collaborating to bring our second annual Arts Splash event to our campus and it was a huge success! Culinary students made and served food in The Knights Table “food truck” as participants perused student artwork in the Art Gallery, listened to live music by student musicians and prepared for the live Art Improv event. TVS Junior, Emily Allain creat-

ed an incredible painting on a large canvas as she listened to student musicians perform original compositions and responded to the colors of sound. We are excited to display this canvas in the upper school hallway next year. Younger students participated in creating origami, ceramics and mini canvases at the different art stations.

The TVS Arts are also out in the Naples community displaying artwork at the Baker Museum and our Knights of Steel performed at Artis Naples for an annual Community Day. This summer, seven of our middle school singers will be joined by top singers from around the country to perform at the WorldStrides Honors Performance at Carnegie Hall.

TVS is rich with talent that is shared with not only our school community, but outside our school walls. We are proud to celebrate each unique gift that lives within our students!

ENGAGED & EXCELLING.

UPPER S chool STATUS REPORT

BY NIKKI SWEENEY, Head of Upper School

I am pleased to share that the Upper School is thriving; this year, students and their families faced a natural disaster to become closer, stronger, and more resilient. I have been in awe at the sheer level of hope in the Upper School, and by hope I mean “Helping Other People Everyday.” Students have risen through the challenges our community faced with resounding success and optimism in all areas, including academics, social activities, and athletics. That is due in large part to your continued support and partnership—thank you.

Academically, our students have excelled beyond expectations. With the support of dedicated faculty and staff, TVS students have achieved high marks and demonstrated impressive progress in their respective fields of study. We have seen outstanding results on standardized tests, with our students scoring well above the national average. Upper School 11th and 12th grade students who took the ACT college entrance

exam outperformed their college-bound counterparts across the nation, as well as raised the bar for younger students at TVS. From the 2019-20 scholastic year to the fall of 2022, our composite scores on the ACT have increased from a mean of 22.8 to 24.4 (an increase of more than 8%), again bucking national trends. Roughly 1.3 million college-bound students, or 36% of the U.S. high school graduating class of 2022, took the ACT. In 2022, the national average composite score was 19.8.

The Village School of Naples scored more than 23% higher on the ACT than their peers nationwide and that can also be seen in the great schools that our seniors have been accepted into this spring.

Furthermore, I have also witnessed an increase in student engagement and participation in social activities. The students who began the Knights Go the Extra Mile campaign on the new track to raise money for the hurricane relief fund were just the beginning. Our school has provided numerous opportunities for students to connect with one another and participate in meaningful activities outside of the classroom. Students spent several days in March doing service work in and around Naples to positively impact others, work together, and better understand the incredible difference they make in others’ lives. Our students have been actively involved in clubs, like SGA, NHS, fashion, Esports, and the like. Some even held a fashion show at Fashionistas to share their interests, talents, and teamwork to benefit the school. Through the many activities they participated in, they developed important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. These interpersonal skills will serve them well throughout life!

Finally, our athletic teams have had an exceptional year, with several spectacular finishes and notable accomplishments. Each player and team grew stronger representing TVS with talent, grace, and teamwork. This was especially true in the face of adversity during close games, meets, and matches. I am so proud of all of them, and ecstatic to begin again next year where their incredible dedication and work over the summer months will shine brightly! Please reach out to Mr. Miranti for any questions pertaining to summer camps and training opportunities. It is the summer training and teamwork that sets students up for success and apart from their competition, so I hope Upper School students take advantage of the summer athletic opportunities on campus.

None of this year’s success would have been possible without the support of TVS parents and the wider community.

Knight G olf Classic

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023

Thank you to all those who sponsored, supported, and played.

Knights for Life!

I thank you for entrusting my colleagues and me with your children's education and for supporting our school's mission to empower and inspire students to think and create solutions in the ever-changing world. This is the kind of work they will be doing for the rest of their lives, and they will have an incredible foundation on which to build.

As I look forward to the next school year, my team and I remain committed to maintaining the high standards of academic excellence, social engagement, and athletic achievement that we have set. I look forward to continuing our partnership with you to ensure that all Upper School students reach their full potential.

MARCH 12, 2022

by

Gala

SARAH GERMAIN P’26,’30,’32

SAMANTHA MORAN P'30

MAGGIE TALFORD P'30,'32 2022 & 2023 Gala Chairs

MARCH 31, 2023

As the curtains close on the school year, we would like to express our gratitude to The Village School Administration for the opportunity to chair two successful fundraisers over the past two years. We started in 2022 with Around the World in a Knight, which initially seemed challenging, but with the support of our amazing team, it was an incredible event. Parents and guests had the chance to travel the world, savor delicious bites from different countries, and dance the night away, all while supporting our kids. The event was a resounding success, exceeding all expectations.

Initially, we were unsure if we could surpass the achievements of our inaugural gala, but we knew we wanted to showcase the arts at TVS and some of our talented students. 2023 Knights on Broadway was a fun and engaging theme that both Mrs. D and Ms. Kellie were instrumental in bringing it to life. The decor transformed the venue into a lively Broadway scene, and the kids kicked off the night with a spectacular performance. We set record-breaking fundraising amounts during the auction, thanks to parent and auctioneer Chris Marchand P’30.

Over the past two years, we have learned that it truly “takes a Village” to make these events successful. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported us, including the generous sponsors and donors, the TVS Board of Trustees, and hard-working parents who dedicated hours of their time to help us create art, decorate the venue, and ask for donations. We would also like to acknowledge the faculty and staff who generously volunteered their time and talents to help us.

We are proud of what we have accomplished for our school and kids over the past two years. We believe that we have set the stage for even greater things to come at TVS. Above all, we are grateful for the opportunity to work with such good friends. Thank you all once again for your unwavering support!

The Village School of Naples

Class of 2023

The hard work and dedication of this senior class earned them over $2 million in scholarships and acceptance to over 60 institutions. We are so proud to send them out into the world as graduates of The Village School of Naples.

INVESTING IN VILLAGE SCHOOL ? your

Did you know that even though the 2022-2023 school year has come to an end, our fiscal year runs through June 30, 2023?

That means that if you have not contributed to The Village Fund this year, there is still time to make your gift!

The Village Fund is our fundraising priority at TVS, as it supports every student, every day. We ask that every family join us in support of our campaign. Your participation is key to our success!

Like independent schools around the country, TVS depends upon annual fund gifts to support operating expenses such as:

Faculty Professional Development

Faculty Salaries

Academic Resources and Materials

Campus & Facilities Improvements

Technology Equipment Purchases

All gifts to The Village Fund are tax-deductible.

The Village Fund

Giving Levels

Nobleman

Champions

Visionaries

Founder

Head of School

Leadership

Guarantor

Patron’s Circle

Friend’s Circle

$100,000 and above

$50,000 to $99,999

$25,000 to $49,999

$10,000 to $24,999

$5,000 to $9,999

$2,500 to $4,999

$1,000 to $2,499

$500 to $999

$250 to $499

Knight Circle Up to $499