Far Brook School Annual Report 2012-2013

Far Brook School 52 Great Hills Road Short Hills, NJ 07078

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID UNION, NJ PERMIT NO. 473

Farbrook.org 973-379-3442 Address Service Requested Alumni families, please send email and address corrections to development@farbrook.org

Annual Report 2012 - 2013

Far Brook School Annual Report 2012 - 2013

Far Brook School

A small school of uncommon quality where education is considered an art

Far Brook School 52 Great Hills Road Short Hills, NJ 07078 Farbrook.org 973-379-3442

Message from the Head of School

2012 - 2013 Volunteer Leadership

Dear Members of the Far Brook Community,

Board of Trustees

As I reflect on the past school year, my third as Head of School, I am encouraged by our progress. I am grateful for the vision and commitment of our Board of Trustees, for the talent and energy of our faculty and administration, our dedicated volunteers, and, of course, for the liveliness and light of the students. Enjoy the wonderful news reflected in the following pages as we move forward in all Amy Ziebarth areas of Far Brook life.

Head of School

The Master Plan process continued with the hiring of Centerbrook Architects, from Connecticut. This inspiring firm has designed creative and functional new spaces for the students and faculty, including a new Science and Environmental Center, a Music and Arts Building, and a Multi-Purpose Athletic Facility. The quiet phase of the upcoming campaign is going well to secure funding commitments for the first two of these new buildings for Science and the Arts. We look forward to going public with the campaign in 2014, which will also raise funds for the endowment.

The opportunity and challenge of creating a new winter presentation resulted in the incredibly creative and beautiful Harmonia, a Winter Celebration, in December. This new event in 2012 brought together the entire school in a collaborative recognition of the season. The painted windows, new stage panels designed and painted by the students, and colorful art on the walls, including ceramic glazed student “hands,” all added to the creative community effort. Wonderfully eclectic music, combined with spoken interludes and dance, celebrated the interactive approach of a Far Brook education while offering the opportunity to create something new.

Transition Night in February 2013 gave six teachers the opportunity to share their process of teaching scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills with their students, from Nursery through the Eighth Grade in such classes as English, science, woodshop, and reading. See the 2013 issue of the alumni newsletter, Reports, to get a sense of their presentations.

Alumni activities continued, with a luncheon following the Thanksgiving Processional and an April gathering at an alumni home in Montclair. This year, we look forward to our first full Alumni Reunion on campus. All alumni, please mark your calendars for Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2014, from 2 to 5 p.m. We look forward to seeing you here!

The enrollment continues to be healthy, as does the 2012-13 Annual Fund which topped the half-million dollar mark for the second year in a row. The Endowment has topped $5 million for the first time, a landmark for Far Brook.

My personal thanks and gratitude go to each member of the Far Brook community as we work together to make a great School even better.

Mary Sue Fisher, Chair ............................. 2015 Carmine Fanelle, Vice Chair....................... 2013 Tony Stovall, Treasurer .............................. 2015 Michelle Swittenberg, Secretary............... 2013 Amy Ziebarth, Head of School Carol Chartouni ......................................... 2013 Janine Kane ................................................. 2013 Robert Kelly................................................. 2015 Anne-Marie Kim ......................................... 2014 Thomas Kligerman .................................... 2015

Leah Kronthal ............................................. 2015 Marybeth Leithead ................................... 2014 Krissy Mannello ......................................... 2015 Megan McCall ............................................ 2014 Barbara Pagos ............................................ 2014 Elyse Post ’78 ........................................... 2014 Christine Susko .......................................... 2014 Bradford Wiley, II ’54 .............................. 2013 Tommaso Zanobini ................................... 2013

Parents’ Committee Council Chair - Miki Beatty Book Fair – Lamont Swittenberg, Elizabeth Trundle, Bari Waxman Carpool – Elyse Post ’78 Fall Family Day – Lisa Butler, Erika Fanelle Fall Family Day Volunteer Coordinators – Nino Badridze, Elyse Post ’78, Amy Yin Far Brook Bulletin – Jyoti Ananth, Jody Miller Far Brook Spirit – Kim Bloom, Greg Hoffman, Wendy Mueller, Michelle Trotter Grand Friends Morning – Kerry Glass, Melissa Goldberg Halloween – Kristen Carlberg, Penny Sokolowski Hospitality – Lourdes Blanco, Hope Chernov, Erika Fanelle, Gigi Loh Junior High Socials - Susie Goodman, Jenny Reinhardt Library & Gold Key Books – Dorsey Grant, Andrea Reiter, Kim Wurster School Photos – Georgina Comrie, Jacqueline Fleysher ’89 Special Mailings – Rebecca Bernstein, Amy Schiffer Teacher Appreciation – Sandra Franks, Jen Gonyea, Stacey Strollo Thanksgiving Processional – Kristin Kligerman, Frank Mentesana, Karen Reilly

Annual Fund Annual Fund - Chairs Michele Iverson Anne-Marie Kim

Dave Melillo Elyse Post ’78

Annual Fund - Solicitors

Warmly,

Joe Baker ’62 Jason Bernstein Lourdes Blanco Kimberly Bloom Christopher Burns Brian Croshaw Jacqueline Fleysher ’89

Amy Ziebarth Head of Far Brook School 2

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FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

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2012 - 2013

Melissa Goldberg Greg Hoffman Ellen Lincer Charlie Miller ’81 Brian Saluzzo Dhiren Toolsidas Bari Waxman

2012 - 2013 |

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

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11

2012-13 – Administration and Faculty Administration

Faculty

Faculty

Amy Ziebarth Head of School

Rosemarie Alagia French Teacher Grades 5-8

Emilia Ithen Kindergarten Teacher

Jim Benz Director of Upper Schools

Joan Angelo First Grade Teacher

Linda Katz Kindergarten Associate Teacher

Paula Levin Director of Lower School

F. Allen Artz Director of Music

Ellen Maddrey Fifth Grade Teacher

Donna Chahalis CFO and Business Manager

Emma Banay Science Teacher Grades 5-8

Megan McCall Third Grade Teacher

Dorothy O’Neill Director of Finance

Greg Bartiromo Physical Education Teacher / Athletics Coach/ After- School Program Director

Valerie McEntee Senior Teacher/ Sixth Grade Teacher

Mikki Murphy Director of Admissions, Placement and Financial Aid Suzanne Glatt Director of Development Caroline L. Sargent Director of Advancement Jennifer Barba Director of Communications and Volunteers Heather Chaffin ’92 Technology Coordinator Marcela Figueroa Executive Assistant / Placement Coordinator Kathy Ike Admissions Assistant Alisha Roig Office Coordinator Peggy Weiss School Nurse Peggy Fawcett Development Associate Janice O’Shea Communications Coordinator / Business Office Assistant Melissa Stampoulos Kitchen Coordinator Arthur Gannon Plant Supervisor

10

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Mona Boewe Connections Teacher/Second and Sixth Grades Associate Teacher/AfterSchool Program Coordinator Rebecca Campbell Fourth Grade Teacher Sally Adams Chernoff ’57 Junior High Math Teacher Liz Colleran Math Teacher Grades 5-8 Erin Comollo First Grade Teacher Donna DeLorenzo-Deltz Kindergarten Teacher William Deltz Nursery Teacher Nicole Fabian Engelke ’88 Learning Specialist Grades 4-8 Ellen Flamm Resource Room Teacher /Learning Specialist Grades K-3 Kelly Garner Kindergarten Associate Teacher James Glossman Director of Drama Catharina Greenberg French Teacher Grades N-4 Kate Hewitt Librarian

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

Nancy McIntyre Art Teacher Claire Monaghan Nursery Associate Teacher Fatima Mughal-Ahsan Fourth Grade Teacher Christopher Murphy Woodshop Teacher Nancy Muniz Director of Athletics / Physical Education Teacher/ Athletics Coach Joan Rabinowitz Second Grade Teacher Nancy Ring First Grade Associate Teacher Edward Solecki Junior High History Teacher Marnie Stetson Junior High English Teacher Nina Sze Math Teacher Grades 5-8 JoAnn Tutino Science Teacher Grades N-4 Erasmia Voukelatos Lower School Music Teacher Jamie Wang Second Grade Teacher Jhanae Wingfield Fifth Grade Associate Teacher Deborah Wraight Third Grade Teacher

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2012 - 2013

Message from the Chair of the Board Dear Members of the Far Brook Community,

The Annual Report allows us to reflect on the year just passed and to celebrate the enduring success of Far Brook School. The entire community contributes to advancing our mission. Our devoted and talented staff nurtures excellence in all areas. Our students learn, grow, and thrive.

Parents are passionate volunteers and generous donors.

Alumni and their parents stay involved as they visit, write, Mary Sue Fisher volunteer, and recognize Far Brook through their gifts.

Chair, Board of Trustees We owe much to our strong leadership. In 2012-13, Amy completed her third outstanding year as our Head of School. Amy understands that stasis is not possible – change is inevitable and has to be managed to nurture success. She also knows that Far Brook’s philosophy, traditions, and educational values are the foundation upon which the School’s future will be built.

Our Master Plan is rapidly evolving from an abstract ideal to implementation. We have partnered with our architects at Centerbrook to develop specific plans that will give us new facilities to make the Far Brook educational experience even more powerful.

Financial support continues as one of the most critical ways in which our community works to sustain Far Brook. I thank all contributors for another year of exceptional generosity to the Annual Fund. For the second consecutive year, Far Brook’s Annual Fund gifts crossed over the half million dollar mark – $500,647 in total. These gifts, which cover 7% of our operating budget, are vital to the high quality of education offered to our students and represent a strong testament to the devotion of our community.

I am glad to note that our endowment has also reached an important milestone this past year. After many years and generous support from our community, Far Brook’s endowment has grown to over five million dollars – $5,023,213 as of June 30. Endowment is so critical to Far Brook’s future that we introduced a new initiative last year to help it grow. The Simple Gifts Society will facilitate and recognize planned giving by our community.

I can assure you that the state of the School remains excellent, with a strong and diverse student body, dedicated faculty and administration, and excellent financial health. Thanks to you all for your critical role in Far Brook’s success.

Sincerely,

Mary Sue Fisher Chair, Board of Trustees

2012 - 2013 |

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

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3

Statement of Purpose Our purpose is to create a supportive and caring community that cherishes love of learning, creativity, and individuality, and that provides teachers and students with both support and freedom to take risks in order to reach their full potential.

Implicit in our philosophy is the goal of bringing students to their highest level of academic and personal competency, both for their present and in preparation for their future education. In addition, we share a much larger purpose.

We see Far Brook’s mission as a desire to use and to adapt the principles of progressive education and its philosophy of pragmatism for a changing world, and while valuing academic excellence and respect for nature, to instill a creative response to learning with great art, drama, music, and literature as models.

Our approach to education demands that both students and teachers be active participants in a reciprocal learning experience. We recognize the role of metaphor, ritual, and tradition in children’s lives and the power of the arts in the learning process. Our curriculum is unified by interdisciplinary studies of thematic units and great historical eras, which allow children to relate themselves to the universe and to the history of mankind. A Far Brook education takes place in an environment of natural beauty and intimacy, where character and citizenship are valued as much as achievement, process as much as product.

It is our desire to touch the lives of children so they may live life wisely and with great joy.

Gratitude to Unknown Instructors What they undertook to do They brought to pass; All things hang like a drop of dew Upon a blade of grass.

4

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FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

William Butler Yeats |

2012 - 2013

Endowment Far Brook’s Endowment hit a milestone this year when it topped $5 million as of June 30, 2013, totaling $5,023,213, and representing $21,467 per student. Growing the Endowment continues to be a commitment of the Board of Trustees and community. A donor can add to these funds at any time.

FAR BROOK’S ENDOWMENT AS OF 6/30/13 - $5,023,213 General Endowment Funds Designated Endowment Funds: Arts Endowment Funds Kramer Art Fund Fredda S. Leff Special Projects Endowment Polly S. Niebling Drama Fund Building Endowment Funds Milton H. Stern Endowment Fund The Ruth and Max Segal Family Library Endowment Fund Faculty Endowment Funds The Elliott Averett Family Fund for Teacher Benefits Faculty Endowment Fund Endowment for Teacher Benefits Moore Faculty Benefit Fund Scholarship Endowment Funds Mary Adams Scholarship for Mathematics and Science Edwin A. Finckel Scholarship for the Arts The George Bartol Scholarship The Hite Scholarship The James E. and Elizabeth Hughes Scholarship Endowment Fund Barbara Jordan Endowment Scholarship The Koven Family Scholarship Marks Student Scholarships The Opportunity Scholarship Fund for Excellence Carol Silver Endowment for Student Scholarships

FINANCIAL AID FUNDS (Current Use)

The Founding Parents’ Scholarship, Anonymous Gift, Class of ’54 Additional Current-Use Financial Aid funds are made possible through foundation, alumni, charitable trusts, and parent gifts.

2012 - 2013 |

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

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9

Advancement

Admissions

The 2012-13 year was an incredibly lively and vibrant one in fundraising and events. The main focus in Advancement was on the initial quiet phase of the upcoming Capital Campaign for new facilities in order to provide the best learning environment possible for our students.

2012-2013 Demographics

The Master Plan. The innovative architecture firm, Centerbrook, has created inspiring designs for a Science and Environmental Center, Music and Arts Building, and Multi-Purpose Athletic Facility. Detailed construction plans are now being developed for the first two buildings for Science and the Arts, supported by a Campaign now in the quiet phase and to go public in 2014.

Number of Students..............................................226

New Students.......................................................... 39

Number of Families................................................ 172

New Families..............................................................30

Diversity – Students of Color............................37%

The Head of School Initiative continues to focus on Financial Aid for both current and incoming families, with over $125,000 committed during 2012-13. The Hemera Foundation, the Marjorie Bunnell Charitable Fund, the Founding Parents Fund, and the generous support of current parents and alumni are making these vital gifts possible.

Administrative Expense and

The Simple Gifts Society for Planned Giving, chaired by Mary Sue Fisher, has been created to formalize 3% Services bequest intentions in one’s estate Auxiliary and to honor participants.

Over $2 million has been committed toReserve date. 4% Contingency Endowment & Investment Plant Maintenance 4% Contact Carol Sargent, Director of Advancement, for more information.

Income 4% Aid 8% Far Brook’s incredibly talented

An Afternoon of Chamber Music and Chocolates on Financial January 27 , featured music faculty and invited guests.

The recital raised over $5,000 for the Music and Instrument Fund for the Annual Fund 7% purchase of instruments, scholarships for lessons, and the purchase of a grand piano. As a result of these efforts, the Fund totals $33,934, as of June 30. The next concert will be in 2015.

A Parent Social and Silent Aucti on on March 1 brought parents together in a beautifully decorated Moore Hall to socialize and raise funds for Playground enhancements. From that evening, $20,000 was raised.

Already, some of the funds have been used to purchase soft-blocks from Imagination Playground to encourage Educational Program creative play.

Tuition & Fees Expense 84%

Leff Project Endowment 86% Day on March 18 and 19, made possible presentations by David Amram, renowned composer, world musician, and teacher. He performed in Morning Meeting and met in groups with the entire student body. At night, parents and students were treated to a lively and intriguing evening of percussion, improvisation, as well as his own composition. David included Eighth Grade percussionists in the evening, Lower School Music Teacher, Erasmia Voukelatos, on piano; our percussion teacher, Glen Fittin; and current parent Ashley Horne on violin.

Secondary Schools Attended by the Class of 2013 Delbarton School

Fieldston School (NYC)

Gill St. Bernard’s School

Kenilworth High School

Millbrook School

Millburn High School

Morristown-Beard School

Newark Academy (4)

The Pingry School (5)

Seton Hall Preparatory School

$4,000,000

$500,000 Special Music HS (NYC) Kaufman

$3,500,000

Saint Vincent Academy $400,000

$3,000,000

West Orange High School

Endowment $5,500,000

$5,023,213

$5,000,000 $4,500,000

$2,500,000 $2,000,000

$1,806,699

500,000

$

0

$500,647

$329,543

$300,000

$115,451

$1,000,000 $

$600,000

$200,000

$1,500,000

$100,000 $12,726

$15,600

$202,722

1980

|

Communities............................................................. 41

The Alumni Gathering was hosted this year in Montclair in April by Juliet Sutherland, mother of the Koven alumni. A lovely “High Tea” was the theme for the afternoon. Thirty-five alumni and faculty graced Juliet’s home to gather and reminisce about the School they love. Plans are in the works for our first Alumni Reunion at Far Brook on Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2014. All alumni and their families are invited!

8

(52 % Boys; 48 % Girls)

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

1990

|

2000

2012 - 2013

2013

1980

1990

2012 - 2013 |

2000

2013

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

|

5

Financial Report

The Annual Fund

We are pleased to report that Far Brook School’s financial position remains strong.

Below is a financial summary for the year 2012-2013.

The 2012-2013 Annual Fund raised $500,647

Operating Statement-Excluding Depreciation Expense* Revenue Tuition & Fees................................$6,367,175 Annual Fund........................................ 500,647 Auxiliary Services 3% Endowment and Endowment & Investment Investment Income.............................271,964 Income 4% **Auxiliary Services............................ 226,143 Annual________________________________________ Fund 7%

Total.................................... $7,365,929

Annual Fund gifts impact Far Brook on a daily basis where the needs and opportunities are the greatest. This year’s Annual Expenses Fund provided 7% of Far Brook’s operating budget. The **Educational Program funds preserve the student/teacher ratio of 6 to 1, support Expense......................................... Administrative $6,209,401 Expense and the School’s dedicated and talented Faculty, and sustain the Financial Aid.........................................607,635 Contingency Reserve 4% richness of the curriculum and learning through the arts.

Maintenance 4% PlantPlant Maintenance..............................287,291 Administrative Expense and Financial Aid 8% • 87% of Current Parents participated, contributing close Contingency Reserve.........................261,602 to $265,000 ______________________________________ Total.................................... $7,365,929 • 70% of Faculty and Administration participated

*depreciation expense for 2012-2013 was $289,927 **includes After-School Program, Summer camp rental, and merchandise sales

Expenses 2012-2013 Educational Program

Revenue 2012-2013

Tuition & Fees

Expense 84%

86% Endowment & Investment Income 4%

Auxiliary Services 3% Plant Maintenance 4%

Administrative Expense and Contingency Reserve 4%

Financial Aid 8%

• Alumni contributed close to $61,000*

• Gifts ranged from $5 to $25,000

• Business matching gifts totaled nearly $59,000

• Gifts of $10,000 to $25,000 came from Trustees, Current Parents, Alumni, Past Parents, and Grandparents

Annual Fund 7%

*includes Current Parents

Educational Program Expense 84%

Tuition & Fees

86%

$5,500,000

$5,023,213

$5,000,000

The Annual Fund $600,000

Philanthropic Support $4,500,000 $4,000,000 2012-2013 Annual Fund................................................................................................ $500,647 $3,500,000 Other Pledged and Contributed Income.................................................................... $155,426 $3,000,000 -Financial Aid.........................................................$125,750* $2,500,000 -Garden, Drama, Sports Uniforms......................... $3,646 $5,500,000 -Music and Instrument Fund.................................... $5,105 $2,000,000 $1,806,699 $5,023,213 $5,000,000Enhancements.................................. $20,925 -Playground $1,500,000 $4,500,000 Campaign Payments and Endowment.................................................................. $1,027,600** $1,000,000 $4,000,000

$ 500,000 $3,500,000

Total . ............................... $1,683,673

$202,722

$12,726 *(Including commitments over time) $3,000,000 $ 0 **Far Brook began the quiet phase of a multi-million dollar Capital Campaign during the 2012-2013 $2,500,000 school year. Total commitments over time are not reflected here; only payments as of 6/30/13. $2,000,000

6

|

1980

1990

$1,500,000 FA R B RO O K A N N UA L R E P O RT $1,000,000 $

500,000

$

0

|

2000

$1,806,699

2012 - 2013

$400,000

$202,722

$329,543

$300,000 $600,000

$200,000

$500,000

$100,000

$115,451 $500,647 $15,600

$400,000

$329,543

$300,000

1980

2013

$200,000

2012 - 2013 |

$115,451 $100,000

$12,726

$500,647

$500,000

$15,600

1990

2000

2013

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

|

7

Financial Report

The Annual Fund

We are pleased to report that Far Brook School’s financial position remains strong.

Below is a financial summary for the year 2012-2013.

The 2012-2013 Annual Fund raised $500,647

Operating Statement-Excluding Depreciation Expense* Revenue Tuition & Fees................................$6,367,175 Annual Fund........................................ 500,647 Auxiliary Services 3% Endowment and Endowment & Investment Investment Income.............................271,964 Income 4% **Auxiliary Services............................ 226,143 Annual________________________________________ Fund 7%

Total.................................... $7,365,929

Annual Fund gifts impact Far Brook on a daily basis where the needs and opportunities are the greatest. This year’s Annual Expenses Fund provided 7% of Far Brook’s operating budget. The **Educational Program funds preserve the student/teacher ratio of 6 to 1, support Expense......................................... Administrative $6,209,401 Expense and the School’s dedicated and talented Faculty, and sustain the Financial Aid.........................................607,635 Contingency Reserve 4% richness of the curriculum and learning through the arts.

Maintenance 4% PlantPlant Maintenance..............................287,291 Administrative Expense and Financial Aid 8% • 87% of Current Parents participated, contributing close Contingency Reserve.........................261,602 to $265,000 ______________________________________ Total.................................... $7,365,929 • 70% of Faculty and Administration participated

*depreciation expense for 2012-2013 was $289,927 **includes After-School Program, Summer camp rental, and merchandise sales

Expenses 2012-2013 Educational Program

Revenue 2012-2013

Tuition & Fees

Expense 84%

86% Endowment & Investment Income 4%

Auxiliary Services 3% Plant Maintenance 4%

Administrative Expense and Contingency Reserve 4%

Financial Aid 8%

• Alumni contributed close to $61,000*

• Gifts ranged from $5 to $25,000

• Business matching gifts totaled nearly $59,000

• Gifts of $10,000 to $25,000 came from Trustees, Current Parents, Alumni, Past Parents, and Grandparents

Annual Fund 7%

*includes Current Parents

Educational Program Expense 84%

Tuition & Fees

86%

$5,500,000

$5,023,213

$5,000,000

The Annual Fund $600,000

Philanthropic Support $4,500,000 $4,000,000 2012-2013 Annual Fund................................................................................................ $500,647 $3,500,000 Other Pledged and Contributed Income.................................................................... $155,426 $3,000,000 -Financial Aid.........................................................$125,750* $2,500,000 -Garden, Drama, Sports Uniforms......................... $3,646 $5,500,000 -Music and Instrument Fund.................................... $5,105 $2,000,000 $1,806,699 $5,023,213 $5,000,000Enhancements.................................. $20,925 -Playground $1,500,000 $4,500,000 Campaign Payments and Endowment.................................................................. $1,027,600** $1,000,000 $4,000,000

$ 500,000 $3,500,000

Total . ............................... $1,683,673

$202,722

$12,726 *(Including commitments over time) $3,000,000 $ 0 **Far Brook began the quiet phase of a multi-million dollar Capital Campaign during the 2012-2013 $2,500,000 school year. Total commitments over time are not reflected here; only payments as of 6/30/13. $2,000,000

6

|

1980

1990

$1,500,000 FA R B RO O K A N N UA L R E P O RT $1,000,000 $

500,000

$

0

|

2000

$1,806,699

2012 - 2013

$400,000

$202,722

$329,543

$300,000 $600,000

$200,000

$500,000

$100,000

$115,451 $500,647 $15,600

$400,000

$329,543

$300,000

1980

2013

$200,000

2012 - 2013 |

$115,451 $100,000

$12,726

$500,647

$500,000

$15,600

1990

2000

2013

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

|

7

Advancement

Admissions

The 2012-13 year was an incredibly lively and vibrant one in fundraising and events. The main focus in Advancement was on the initial quiet phase of the upcoming Capital Campaign for new facilities in order to provide the best learning environment possible for our students.

2012-2013 Demographics

The Master Plan. The innovative architecture firm, Centerbrook, has created inspiring designs for a Science and Environmental Center, Music and Arts Building, and Multi-Purpose Athletic Facility. Detailed construction plans are now being developed for the first two buildings for Science and the Arts, supported by a Campaign now in the quiet phase and to go public in 2014.

Number of Students..............................................226

New Students.......................................................... 39

Number of Families................................................ 172

New Families..............................................................30

Diversity – Students of Color............................37%

The Head of School Initiative continues to focus on Financial Aid for both current and incoming families, with over $125,000 committed during 2012-13. The Hemera Foundation, the Marjorie Bunnell Charitable Fund, the Founding Parents Fund, and the generous support of current parents and alumni are making these vital gifts possible.

Administrative Expense and

The Simple Gifts Society for Planned Giving, chaired by Mary Sue Fisher, has been created to formalize 3% Services bequest intentions in one’s estate Auxiliary and to honor participants.

Over $2 million has been committed toReserve date. 4% Contingency Endowment & Investment Plant Maintenance 4% Contact Carol Sargent, Director of Advancement, for more information.

Income 4% Aid 8% Far Brook’s incredibly talented

An Afternoon of Chamber Music and Chocolates on Financial January 27 , featured music faculty and invited guests.

The recital raised over $5,000 for the Music and Instrument Fund for the Annual Fund 7% purchase of instruments, scholarships for lessons, and the purchase of a grand piano. As a result of these efforts, the Fund totals $33,934, as of June 30. The next concert will be in 2015.

A Parent Social and Silent Aucti on on March 1 brought parents together in a beautifully decorated Moore Hall to socialize and raise funds for Playground enhancements. From that evening, $20,000 was raised.

Already, some of the funds have been used to purchase soft-blocks from Imagination Playground to encourage Educational Program creative play.

Tuition & Fees Expense 84%

Leff Project Endowment 86% Day on March 18 and 19, made possible presentations by David Amram, renowned composer, world musician, and teacher. He performed in Morning Meeting and met in groups with the entire student body. At night, parents and students were treated to a lively and intriguing evening of percussion, improvisation, as well as his own composition. David included Eighth Grade percussionists in the evening, Lower School Music Teacher, Erasmia Voukelatos, on piano; our percussion teacher, Glen Fittin; and current parent Ashley Horne on violin.

Secondary Schools Attended by the Class of 2013 Delbarton School

Fieldston School (NYC)

Gill St. Bernard’s School

Kenilworth High School

Millbrook School

Millburn High School

Morristown-Beard School

Newark Academy (4)

The Pingry School (5)

Seton Hall Preparatory School

$4,000,000

$500,000 Special Music HS (NYC) Kaufman

$3,500,000

Saint Vincent Academy $400,000

$3,000,000

West Orange High School

Endowment $5,500,000

$5,023,213

$5,000,000 $4,500,000

$2,500,000 $2,000,000

$1,806,699

500,000

$

0

$500,647

$329,543

$300,000

$115,451

$1,000,000 $

$600,000

$200,000

$1,500,000

$100,000 $12,726

$15,600

$202,722

1980

|

Communities............................................................. 41

The Alumni Gathering was hosted this year in Montclair in April by Juliet Sutherland, mother of the Koven alumni. A lovely “High Tea” was the theme for the afternoon. Thirty-five alumni and faculty graced Juliet’s home to gather and reminisce about the School they love. Plans are in the works for our first Alumni Reunion at Far Brook on Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2014. All alumni and their families are invited!

8

(52 % Boys; 48 % Girls)

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

1990

|

2000

2012 - 2013

2013

1980

1990

2012 - 2013 |

2000

2013

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

|

5

Statement of Purpose Our purpose is to create a supportive and caring community that cherishes love of learning, creativity, and individuality, and that provides teachers and students with both support and freedom to take risks in order to reach their full potential.

Implicit in our philosophy is the goal of bringing students to their highest level of academic and personal competency, both for their present and in preparation for their future education. In addition, we share a much larger purpose.

We see Far Brook’s mission as a desire to use and to adapt the principles of progressive education and its philosophy of pragmatism for a changing world, and while valuing academic excellence and respect for nature, to instill a creative response to learning with great art, drama, music, and literature as models.

Our approach to education demands that both students and teachers be active participants in a reciprocal learning experience. We recognize the role of metaphor, ritual, and tradition in children’s lives and the power of the arts in the learning process. Our curriculum is unified by interdisciplinary studies of thematic units and great historical eras, which allow children to relate themselves to the universe and to the history of mankind. A Far Brook education takes place in an environment of natural beauty and intimacy, where character and citizenship are valued as much as achievement, process as much as product.

It is our desire to touch the lives of children so they may live life wisely and with great joy.

Gratitude to Unknown Instructors What they undertook to do They brought to pass; All things hang like a drop of dew Upon a blade of grass.

4

|

FA R B R O O K A N N U A L R E P O R T

William Butler Yeats |

2012 - 2013

Endowment Far Brook’s Endowment hit a milestone this year when it topped $5 million as of June 30, 2013, totaling $5,023,213, and representing $21,467 per student. Growing the Endowment continues to be a commitment of the Board of Trustees and community. A donor can add to these funds at any time.

FAR BROOK’S ENDOWMENT AS OF 6/30/13 - $5,023,213 General Endowment Funds Designated Endowment Funds: Arts Endowment Funds Kramer Art Fund Fredda S. Leff Special Projects Endowment Polly S. Niebling Drama Fund Building Endowment Funds Milton H. Stern Endowment Fund The Ruth and Max Segal Family Library Endowment Fund Faculty Endowment Funds The Elliott Averett Family Fund for Teacher Benefits Faculty Endowment Fund Endowment for Teacher Benefits Moore Faculty Benefit Fund Scholarship Endowment Funds Mary Adams Scholarship for Mathematics and Science Edwin A. Finckel Scholarship for the Arts The George Bartol Scholarship The Hite Scholarship The James E. and Elizabeth Hughes Scholarship Endowment Fund Barbara Jordan Endowment Scholarship The Koven Family Scholarship Marks Student Scholarships The Opportunity Scholarship Fund for Excellence Carol Silver Endowment for Student Scholarships

FINANCIAL AID FUNDS (Current Use)

The Founding Parents’ Scholarship, Anonymous Gift, Class of ’54 Additional Current-Use Financial Aid funds are made possible through foundation, alumni, charitable trusts, and parent gifts.

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2012-13 – Administration and Faculty Administration

Faculty

Faculty

Amy Ziebarth Head of School

Rosemarie Alagia French Teacher Grades 5-8

Emilia Ithen Kindergarten Teacher

Jim Benz Director of Upper Schools

Joan Angelo First Grade Teacher

Linda Katz Kindergarten Associate Teacher

Paula Levin Director of Lower School

F. Allen Artz Director of Music

Ellen Maddrey Fifth Grade Teacher

Donna Chahalis CFO and Business Manager

Emma Banay Science Teacher Grades 5-8

Megan McCall Third Grade Teacher

Dorothy O’Neill Director of Finance

Greg Bartiromo Physical Education Teacher / Athletics Coach/ After- School Program Director

Valerie McEntee Senior Teacher/ Sixth Grade Teacher

Mikki Murphy Director of Admissions, Placement and Financial Aid Suzanne Glatt Director of Development Caroline L. Sargent Director of Advancement Jennifer Barba Director of Communications and Volunteers Heather Chaffin ’92 Technology Coordinator Marcela Figueroa Executive Assistant / Placement Coordinator Kathy Ike Admissions Assistant Alisha Roig Office Coordinator Peggy Weiss School Nurse Peggy Fawcett Development Associate Janice O’Shea Communications Coordinator / Business Office Assistant Melissa Stampoulos Kitchen Coordinator Arthur Gannon Plant Supervisor

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Mona Boewe Connections Teacher/Second and Sixth Grades Associate Teacher/AfterSchool Program Coordinator Rebecca Campbell Fourth Grade Teacher Sally Adams Chernoff ’57 Junior High Math Teacher Liz Colleran Math Teacher Grades 5-8 Erin Comollo First Grade Teacher Donna DeLorenzo-Deltz Kindergarten Teacher William Deltz Nursery Teacher Nicole Fabian Engelke ’88 Learning Specialist Grades 4-8 Ellen Flamm Resource Room Teacher /Learning Specialist Grades K-3 Kelly Garner Kindergarten Associate Teacher James Glossman Director of Drama Catharina Greenberg French Teacher Grades N-4 Kate Hewitt Librarian

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Nancy McIntyre Art Teacher Claire Monaghan Nursery Associate Teacher Fatima Mughal-Ahsan Fourth Grade Teacher Christopher Murphy Woodshop Teacher Nancy Muniz Director of Athletics / Physical Education Teacher/ Athletics Coach Joan Rabinowitz Second Grade Teacher Nancy Ring First Grade Associate Teacher Edward Solecki Junior High History Teacher Marnie Stetson Junior High English Teacher Nina Sze Math Teacher Grades 5-8 JoAnn Tutino Science Teacher Grades N-4 Erasmia Voukelatos Lower School Music Teacher Jamie Wang Second Grade Teacher Jhanae Wingfield Fifth Grade Associate Teacher Deborah Wraight Third Grade Teacher

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2012 - 2013

Message from the Chair of the Board Dear Members of the Far Brook Community,

The Annual Report allows us to reflect on the year just passed and to celebrate the enduring success of Far Brook School. The entire community contributes to advancing our mission. Our devoted and talented staff nurtures excellence in all areas. Our students learn, grow, and thrive.

Parents are passionate volunteers and generous donors.

Alumni and their parents stay involved as they visit, write, Mary Sue Fisher volunteer, and recognize Far Brook through their gifts.

Chair, Board of Trustees We owe much to our strong leadership. In 2012-13, Amy completed her third outstanding year as our Head of School. Amy understands that stasis is not possible – change is inevitable and has to be managed to nurture success. She also knows that Far Brook’s philosophy, traditions, and educational values are the foundation upon which the School’s future will be built.

Our Master Plan is rapidly evolving from an abstract ideal to implementation. We have partnered with our architects at Centerbrook to develop specific plans that will give us new facilities to make the Far Brook educational experience even more powerful.

Financial support continues as one of the most critical ways in which our community works to sustain Far Brook. I thank all contributors for another year of exceptional generosity to the Annual Fund. For the second consecutive year, Far Brook’s Annual Fund gifts crossed over the half million dollar mark – $500,647 in total. These gifts, which cover 7% of our operating budget, are vital to the high quality of education offered to our students and represent a strong testament to the devotion of our community.

I am glad to note that our endowment has also reached an important milestone this past year. After many years and generous support from our community, Far Brook’s endowment has grown to over five million dollars – $5,023,213 as of June 30. Endowment is so critical to Far Brook’s future that we introduced a new initiative last year to help it grow. The Simple Gifts Society will facilitate and recognize planned giving by our community.

I can assure you that the state of the School remains excellent, with a strong and diverse student body, dedicated faculty and administration, and excellent financial health. Thanks to you all for your critical role in Far Brook’s success.

Sincerely,

Mary Sue Fisher Chair, Board of Trustees

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Message from the Head of School

2012 - 2013 Volunteer Leadership

Dear Members of the Far Brook Community,

Board of Trustees

As I reflect on the past school year, my third as Head of School, I am encouraged by our progress. I am grateful for the vision and commitment of our Board of Trustees, for the talent and energy of our faculty and administration, our dedicated volunteers, and, of course, for the liveliness and light of the students. Enjoy the wonderful news reflected in the following pages as we move forward in all Amy Ziebarth areas of Far Brook life.

Head of School

The Master Plan process continued with the hiring of Centerbrook Architects, from Connecticut. This inspiring firm has designed creative and functional new spaces for the students and faculty, including a new Science and Environmental Center, a Music and Arts Building, and a Multi-Purpose Athletic Facility. The quiet phase of the upcoming campaign is going well to secure funding commitments for the first two of these new buildings for Science and the Arts. We look forward to going public with the campaign in 2014, which will also raise funds for the endowment.

The opportunity and challenge of creating a new winter presentation resulted in the incredibly creative and beautiful Harmonia, a Winter Celebration, in December. This new event in 2012 brought together the entire school in a collaborative recognition of the season. The painted windows, new stage panels designed and painted by the students, and colorful art on the walls, including ceramic glazed student “hands,” all added to the creative community effort. Wonderfully eclectic music, combined with spoken interludes and dance, celebrated the interactive approach of a Far Brook education while offering the opportunity to create something new.

Transition Night in February 2013 gave six teachers the opportunity to share their process of teaching scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills with their students, from Nursery through the Eighth Grade in such classes as English, science, woodshop, and reading. See the 2013 issue of the alumni newsletter, Reports, to get a sense of their presentations.

Alumni activities continued, with a luncheon following the Thanksgiving Processional and an April gathering at an alumni home in Montclair. This year, we look forward to our first full Alumni Reunion on campus. All alumni, please mark your calendars for Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2014, from 2 to 5 p.m. We look forward to seeing you here!

The enrollment continues to be healthy, as does the 2012-13 Annual Fund which topped the half-million dollar mark for the second year in a row. The Endowment has topped $5 million for the first time, a landmark for Far Brook.

My personal thanks and gratitude go to each member of the Far Brook community as we work together to make a great School even better.

Mary Sue Fisher, Chair ............................. 2015 Carmine Fanelle, Vice Chair....................... 2013 Tony Stovall, Treasurer .............................. 2015 Michelle Swittenberg, Secretary............... 2013 Amy Ziebarth, Head of School Carol Chartouni ......................................... 2013 Janine Kane ................................................. 2013 Robert Kelly................................................. 2015 Anne-Marie Kim ......................................... 2014 Thomas Kligerman .................................... 2015

Leah Kronthal ............................................. 2015 Marybeth Leithead ................................... 2014 Krissy Mannello ......................................... 2015 Megan McCall ............................................ 2014 Barbara Pagos ............................................ 2014 Elyse Post ’78 ........................................... 2014 Christine Susko .......................................... 2014 Bradford Wiley, II ’54 .............................. 2013 Tommaso Zanobini ................................... 2013

Parents’ Committee Council Chair - Miki Beatty Book Fair – Lamont Swittenberg, Elizabeth Trundle, Bari Waxman Carpool – Elyse Post ’78 Fall Family Day – Lisa Butler, Erika Fanelle Fall Family Day Volunteer Coordinators – Nino Badridze, Elyse Post ’78, Amy Yin Far Brook Bulletin – Jyoti Ananth, Jody Miller Far Brook Spirit – Kim Bloom, Greg Hoffman, Wendy Mueller, Michelle Trotter Grand Friends Morning – Kerry Glass, Melissa Goldberg Halloween – Kristen Carlberg, Penny Sokolowski Hospitality – Lourdes Blanco, Hope Chernov, Erika Fanelle, Gigi Loh Junior High Socials - Susie Goodman, Jenny Reinhardt Library & Gold Key Books – Dorsey Grant, Andrea Reiter, Kim Wurster School Photos – Georgina Comrie, Jacqueline Fleysher ’89 Special Mailings – Rebecca Bernstein, Amy Schiffer Teacher Appreciation – Sandra Franks, Jen Gonyea, Stacey Strollo Thanksgiving Processional – Kristin Kligerman, Frank Mentesana, Karen Reilly

Annual Fund Annual Fund - Chairs Michele Iverson Anne-Marie Kim

Dave Melillo Elyse Post ’78

Annual Fund - Solicitors

Warmly,

Joe Baker ’62 Jason Bernstein Lourdes Blanco Kimberly Bloom Christopher Burns Brian Croshaw Jacqueline Fleysher ’89

Amy Ziebarth Head of Far Brook School 2

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Melissa Goldberg Greg Hoffman Ellen Lincer Charlie Miller ’81 Brian Saluzzo Dhiren Toolsidas Bari Waxman

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Far Brook School 52 Great Hills Road Short Hills, NJ 07078

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Farbrook.org 973-379-3442 Address Service Requested Alumni families, please send email and address corrections to development@farbrook.org

Annual Report 2012 - 2013

Far Brook School Annual Report 2012 - 2013

Far Brook School

A small school of uncommon quality where education is considered an art

Far Brook School 52 Great Hills Road Short Hills, NJ 07078 Farbrook.org 973-379-3442