Far Brook School Annual Report 2013-2014

Annual Report 2013 - 2014

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 Dear Members of the Far Brook Community, With four years behind me now as Head of School, it is truly gratifying to say that the passion and pride of our Far Brook community never dwindles, but grows exponentially with each passing day. The campus hums (sometimes literally) with the dedication of our faculty and the boundless curiosity of our students. Our bold and committed Board of Trustees guides our path and ensures that the School stands in a strong position for the future.

This is certainly evident in this Annual Report, which highlights the passion, generosity, and commitment generated by so many throughout the 2013-2014 school year.

This past school year was marked by a number of significant steps forward, most notably with the kick-off to the public phase of our Capital Campaign, “Imagine the Possibilities.” I would like to thank the donors, volunteers, board members, and faculty and administrative staff who have given tirelessly of their time, talent, and resources to set the wheels in motion for this remarkable project.

Accordingly, other initiatives undertaken during the school year were sparked by the upcoming construction in some way. Since designs for the new buildings were thoughtfully created with an architectural infrastructure and a pedagogical infrastructure in mind, plans involving programming and staff were set in place. For example, the Science and Environmental Center was designed with the purpose to house Far Brook’s increased sustainability efforts, as well as our desire to weave more engineering and technology into the curriculum.

Similarly, Far Brook engaged in an informative technology audit, allowing us to refine our technology-related expectations for students, the curriculum, and our new learning spaces. The process helped to clarify and prioritize the School’s technology needs, creating a strategy to ensure current and long-term success. Most notably gained from this audit was the necessity for the School to appoint a Systems Administrator.

Far Brook also participated in an extensive branding exercise to develop a powerful “story” to propel the School forward. This narrative will help guide and inform the way we talk about Far Brook in our communications and marketing materials. Focus groups including administrators, faculty, students, parents, and Trustees worked to reveal the engaging stories, organizational truths, and meaningful experiences that are uniquely Far Brook. We will continue work on this important project in the months ahead.

Finally, during the 2013-2014 school year, Far Brook embarked on a journey of self-discovery by applying for and receiving dual accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and from the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS). The process of this in-depth self-study revealed a true picture of Far Brook today, in its diverse nature and ideals. This is a passionate community that continually seeks, through thoughtful reflection and discussion, to be its own best self and to model that behavior and ideal for our students.

Thank you for your dedication and support that ensures that this unique School continues to develop and grow.

Deepest Gratitude,

Amy Ziebarth Head of Far Brook School 2

|

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

|

2013 - 2014

Message from the Chair of the Board Dear Members of the Far Brook Community, My first year as the Chair of the Board of Trustees has been rewarding, energizing, and immensely gratifying.

It is my great honor to announce that Far Brook School is in a position of strength and stability, flourishing as a leading academic institution. Our faculty, student body, enrollment, and financial status are robust and thriving.

The 2013-2014 school year was highlighted by the continued work toward fulfilling our Master Plan and the public announcement of our Capital Campaign to create new and vibrant learning spaces on campus. The festive Kick-Off of “Imagine the Possibilities” on April 24, 2014, marked the beginning of the public phase of the Campaign for new construction and Endowment. During the event, I had the privilege of announcing the $8-million goal for the Campaign, followed by Amy’s extraordinary announcement that $7,339,421 had already been raised or pledged to date! The evening was a well-deserved celebration and tribute to our generous donors. It also served as a reminder of the tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work that had taken place to get us to that point.

Following the completion of the inspiring designs for the new Music and Arts Building and the new Science and Environmental Center by Centerbrook Architects last fall, the School sought and received approval by the Millburn zoning board. With construction approved, we transitioned to bidding and contractor selection, steered by the value engineering process to align costs with design desires and requirements. After thoughtful research and review, the firm of E. Allen Reeves was selected. Reeves has an excellent reputation for timely and quality construction, with extensive experience and an outstanding safety record working in school environments.

Construction started during the summer of 2014 and is progressing on schedule. We anticipate construction of the new buildings to be completed by the fall of 2015.

In addition to securing financial resources to construct the new buildings, funding raised for the Capital Campaign also allows for growing the School’s Endowment to increase opportunities for Financial Aid, faculty development, and flexibility for responding creatively to Far Brook’s future. The Endowment for 2013-2014 totaled $5,444,826, representing $23,268 per student.

Additionally, financial support for the Annual Fund remained steady at $500,724, topping the half million dollar mark once again, even amid the silent fundraising efforts for the Capital Campaign.

This is an amazing feat and it speaks volumes to the loyalty and generosity of our community.

Far Brook School is at an extraordinary moment in its history. We invite the interest, commitment, and philanthropic support from all those who share in the vision and values of Far Brook School.

Warmest Regards,

Tommaso Zanobini

2013 - 2014 |

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

|

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.

“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.”

–John Steinbeck

4

|

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

|

2013 - 2014

Admissions 2013-2014 Demographics Number of Students .............................................234 (53 % Boys; 47 % Girls) New Students ......................................................... 43 Number of Families................................................ 170 New Families ............................................................. 24 Diversity – Students of Color .......................... 36% Communities ............................................................ 36

Secondary Schools Attended by the Class of 2014 Columbia High School (3) Millburn High School Morristown-Beard School (8) Newark Academy (2) Orange Preparatory Academy Oratory Preparatory School The Pingry School (2) Rutgers Preparatory School

2013 - 2014 |

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

|

5

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

Below is a financial summary for the year 2013-2014.

Operating Statement-Excluding Depreciation Expense*

Expenses **Educational Program Expense ........................................ Administrative $6,452,886 Expens Financial Aid ........................................712,610 Contingency Reserve 5 Maintenance 4% PlantPlant Maintenance ............................294,530 Administrative Expense and Financial Aid 9% Contingency Reserve.........................377,248 Annual________________________________________ Fund 6% ______________________________________ Total .....................................$7,837,274 Total .....................................$7,837,274 Revenue Tuition & Fees ..............................$6,821,550 Annual Fund ........................................500,724 Auxiliary Services 3% Endowment and Endowment & Investment Investment Income .............................307,359 Income 4% **Auxiliary Services ............................207,641

*depreciation expense for 2013-2014 was $318,941 **includes After-School Program, Summer camp rental, and merchandise sales

Expenses 2013-2014 Educational Program

Revenue 2013-2014

Tuition & Fees

Expense 82%

87% Endowment & Investment Income 4%

Auxiliary Services 3% Plant Maintenance 4%

Administrative Expense and Contingency Reserve 5%

Financial Aid 9%

Annual Fund 6%

Educational Program Expense 82%

Tuition & Fees

87%

$6,000,000

$5,444,826

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

$4,500,000 Philanthropic Support $4,000,000

2013-2014 Annual Fund ............................................................................................... $500,724 $3,500,000 Other Pledged and Contributed Income ................................................................. $ 46,200 $3,000,000 (Including Financial Aid, Sports Uniforms, Music and Instrument Fund, $2,500,000 $6,000,000 $5,444,826 and gifts to $5,500,000the Segal Family Library) $2,000,000 $1,806,699

$5,000,000

$1,500,000

Campaign Payments and Endowment...................................................................$1,323,005* $4,500,000 $1,000,000

$4,000,000

$

500,000 $3,500,000

Total ................................ $1,869,929

$12,726

$202,722

$3,000,000 $ 0 *Far Brook began the public phase of a multi-million dollar Capital Campaign during the 2013-2014 school year. Total$2,500,000 commitments over time are not reflected here; only payments for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. $2,000,000

6

|

$1,500,000 FA R B RO O K $1,000,000

1980

1990

A N N UA L R E P O RT

|

2000

$1,806,699

2013 - 2014

2014

The Annual Fund The 2013-2014 Annual Fund raised $500,724

The Annual Fund is vital to providing the excellent faculty and programs that set Far Brook apart from other schools.

These gifts impact Far Brook on a daily basis where the needs and opportunities are the greatest. This year’s Annual Fund se and provided 6% of Far Brook’s operating budget, supporting 5% faculty salaries and teacher development, the purchase of classroom materials and supplies, and current-use financial aid.

The Annual Fund helps Far Brook to maintain its rich curriculum and beautiful campus.

• 82% of Current Parents participated, contributing over $370,000

• 78% of Faculty and Administration participated

• Alumni contributed close to $60,000*

• Trustees contributed close to $107,000*

• Gifts ranged from $5 to $23,000

• Business matching gifts totaled nearly $57,000

• Gifts of $5,000 to $23,000 came from Trustees, Current Parents, Alumni, Past Parents, and Grandparents

*includes Current Parents

The Annual Fund $600,000 $500,724

$500,000 $400,000 $329,543

$300,000 $600,000

$200,000

$500,000

$100,000

$400,000 $300,000 $200,000

$115,451 $500,724 $15,600 $329,543

1980

2013 - 2014 |

$115,451 $100,000

1990

2000

2014

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

|

7

Advancement The 2013-14 school year was incredibly active and productive in terms of fundraising and events. Much of the excitement this year was generated by the public phase of the Capital Campaign, the transformative effort to enhance the intimate environment where Far Brook students explore, learn, and participate in unique experiences.

The Master Plan. Our campus Master Plan guides and shapes the purpose, use, and flexibility of Far Brook’s learning spaces. Continued work to develop Far Brook’s campus was a main focus during 2013-2014, with the completion of inspiring designs for a Science and Environmental Center and a Music and Arts Building. The new facilities will allow the School to better accommodate Far Brook’s student body, while enabling our faculty to continue to offer new and innovative programming to deepen the creative learning that takes place at Far Brook each day. The School began to prepare the campus for the upcoming major construction, including site work for temporary modular classrooms. The School continued to make huge strides in fundraising for the buildings during the “quiet” phase of the Capital Campaign.

“Imagine the Possibilities” Capital Campaign Kick-Off. The Kick-off for new construction and Endowment on April 24, 2014, marked the historic beginning of the public phase for Far Brook’s $8-million Campaign! The festive evening in Moore Hall provided an opportunity for nearly 200 parents, faculty, Trustees, and guests to gather and celebrate the remarkable School and hear the announcement of the Campaign’s goals and progress, which that evening totaled $7,339,421!

The Head of School Initiative continues to focus on Financial Aid for both current and incoming families, with over $37,000 in additional funds committed during 2013-14. The Hemera Foundation, the Marjorie Bunnell Charitable Fund, and the generous support of Trustees, current parents, and alumni are making these vital gifts possible.

The Simple Gifts Society for Planned Giving, chaired by Mary Sue Fisher, has been created to formalize bequest intentions in one’s estate and to honor participants. Planned gifts are a meaningful tribute for those who would like to deepen their commitment to Far Brook School. Over $7 million has been committed to date.

Contact Carol Sargent, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, for more information.

The Segal Family Library suffered a terrible loss when unprecedented snowfall and freezing temperatures caused a pipe to burst. The flood destroyed 650 books valued at close to $14,000. Although insurance covered half of the cost of the books that were lost, the generous Far Brook community pulled together to assist in replacing the remaining books. Gifts to the Segal Family Library will continue building our book collection, which enhances students’ learning and allows them to delve deeply into topics that interest them.

Leff Special Projects Endowment Day was a huge success last March when it brought the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company to campus. Far Brook students communicated with their “instruments” (bodies), and stretched their imaginations. Alumni parent, internationally celebrated choreographer, and master artist Carolyn Dorfman and her company of 11 contemporary dancers provided an inspirational experience for all Far Brook students.

The Alumni Gathering. In an endeavor to reconnect with the School’s valued alumni, Far Brook hosted its first on-campus Alumni Reunion on May 4. More than 120 alumni, children, family members, and friends gathered to reminisce with former classmates, nibble on tacos, savor ice cream cones, and enjoy the special ambience of the Far Brook campus. Festivities included arts and crafts, field activities, and a memorable sing-along in Moore Hall.

This was a successful step in Far Brook’s effort to increase alumni involvement.

The 2014 CASE Educational Fundraising Award for Overall Performance was presented to Far Brook’s Development Department. This prestigious award honors staff, volunteer leaders, and donors for notable achievement in advancing the mission of the School.

8

|

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

|

2013 - 2014

Annual Fund 6%

Endowment

Educational Program Expense 82%

Tuition & Fees

87%

Far Brook’s Endowment totaled $5,444,826 as of June 30, 2014, representing an endowment per student of $23,268. Our healthy endowment provides regular income, through smart investing and prudent management, for School programs, scholarships, faculty development, facilities, and general needs. It ensures Far Brook’s long-term security and sustainability by creating support for future ventures and sudden opportunities. A donor can add to these funds at any time.

FAR BROOK’S ENDOWMENT AS OF 6/30/14 - $5,444,826 $6,000,000

$5,444,826

$5,500,000

$6

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

$5

$4,000,000 $3,500,000

$4

$3,000,000

$3

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

$1,806,699

$2

$1,500,000 $1,000,000 $

500,000

$

0

$1 $12,726 1980

$202,722 1990

2000

2014

Designated Endowment Funds 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 Building Endowment Funds Endowment Fund Milton H. Stern Endowment Fund The Ruth & Max Segal Family Library Endowment Fund Barbara Jordan Endowment Scholarship The Koven Family Scholarship Marks Student Scholarships Faculty Endowment Funds The Opportunity Scholarship Fund for Excellence The Elliott Averett Family Fund for Teacher Benefits Carol Silver Endowment for Student Scholarships Faculty Endowment Fund Endowment for Teacher Benefits Moore Faculty Benefit Fund Arts Endowment Funds Kramer Art Fund Fredda S. Leff Special Projects Endowment Polly S. Niebling Drama Fund

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.

2013 - 2014 |

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

|

9

2013 - 2014 Administration and Faculty Administration

Faculty

Amy Ziebarth Head of School

Joan Angelo First Grade Teacher

Jim Benz Director of Upper Schools Student Life Nicole Fabian Engelke ’88 Director of Upper Schools Faculty and Academic Support Paula Levin Director of Lower School Donna Chahalis Director of Business and Finance Janice O’Shea Accounting Manager Mikki Murphy Director of Admissions, Placement and Financial Aid

Valerie McEntee Senior Teacher Sixth Grade Teacher

F. Allen Artz Director of Music Greg Bartiromo Physical Education Teacher Athletics Coach After-School Program Director April Bell-Martha French Teacher Grades 4-8 Mona Boewe Connections Teacher Sixth Grade Associate Teacher After-School Program Coordinator Rebecca Campbell Fourth Grade Teacher

Suzanne Glatt Director of Development

Michael Chodroff Science Teacher Grades 5-8 Director of Sustainability

Caroline L. Sargent Director of Advancement

Erin Comollo First Grade Teacher

Jennifer Barba Director of Communications and Volunteers

Donna DeLorenzo Deltz Kindergarten Teacher

Deborah Wraight Educational Technology Specialist Marcela Figueroa Executive Assistant Placement Coordinator Kathy Ike Admissions Assistant Alisha Roig Office Coordinator Jerilyn Campbell School Nurse Peggy Fawcett Development Associate Joan Burr Communications Coordinator Melissa Stampoulos Kitchen Coordinator Arthur Gannon Plant Supervisor

10

|

William Deltz Nursery Teacher Ellen Flamm Resource Room Teacher Learning Specialist Grades N-3 James Glossman Director of Drama Catharina Greenberg French Teacher Grades N-3 Kate Hewitt Librarian

Christopher Murphy Woodshop Teacher Nancy Muniz Director of Athletics Physical Education Teacher Athletics Coach Roberto Olazagasti Math Teacher Grades 5-8 Missy Perry Associate Teacher Grades 2-3 Joan Rabinowitz Second Grade Teacher Nancy Ring First Grade Associate Teacher Jennifer Semioli Part-time Physical Education Teacher Grades 4-8 Edward Solecki Senior Teacher History Teacher Grades 7-8 Marnie Stetson English Teacher Grades 7-8 Literacy Coach Grade 4 Nina Sze Math Teacher Grades 5-8

JoAnn Tutino Science Teacher Grades N-4

Kerry Jones Fourth Grade Teacher Linda Katz Kindergarten Associate Teacher Ellen Maddrey Fifth Grade Teacher

Erasmia Voukelatos Lower School Music Teacher Jhanae Wingfield Third Grade Teacher Marcia Worth-Baker Fifth Grade Teacher

Megan McCall Martin Third Grade Teacher

|

Claire Monaghan Nursery Associate Teacher

Grace Toolan ’05 Kindergarten Associate Teacher

Emilia Ithen Kindergarten Teacher

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

Nancy McIntyre Art Teacher

2013 - 2014

Jamie Yang Second Grade Teacher

2013 - 2014 Volunteer Leadership Board of Trustees Tommaso Zanobini, Chair ........................ 2016 Robert Kelly, Vice Chair ............................ 2015 Tony Stovall, Treasurer .............................. 2015 Michelle Swittenberg, Secretary .............. 2016 Amy Ziebarth, Head of School Chris Burns ................................................. 2016 Carmine Fanelle.......................................... 2016 Mary Sue Fisher ......................................... 2015 Anne-Marie Kim ......................................... 2014

Tom Kligerman ........................................... 2015 Leah Kronthal ............................................. 2015 Marybeth Leithead.................................... 2014 Krissy Mannello ......................................... 2015 Megan McCall Martin ............................... 2014 Elyse Post ’78 ............................................. 2014 Christine Susko .......................................... 2014 Bradford Wiley, II ’54 ................................ 2016

Capital Campaign Chairs Diane Bakst Jeff Kronthal Leah Kronthal Joe Mannello Krissy Mannello Tommaso Zanobini

Annual Fund Annual Fund - Chairs Anne-Marie Kim Elyse Post ’78 Annual Fund - Solicitors Jason Bernstein Kimberly Bloom Christopher Burns Brian Croshaw Greg Hoffman Bernadette Miragliotta

Neil Nag Jenny Reinhardt Brian Saluzzo Matthew Stadtmauer Dhiren Toolsidas Bari Waxman

Alumni Reunion Committee Joe Baker ’62 Sally Fryberger Braley ’75 Liz Burke ’93 Liz Plotkin Keil ’93 Charlie Miller ’81 Bess Oransky ’92 Elyse Post ’78

Parents Committee Council Chair – Miki Beatty Co-chair – Lourdes Blanco Thank you to the numerous PCC volunteers who made 2013-2014 such an amazing school year. We could not do it without you!

2013 - 2014 |

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

|

11

Far Brook School 52 Great Hills Road Short Hills, NJ 07078 Farbrook.org 973-379-3442 Address Service Requested Alumni families, please send email and address corrections to development@farbrook.org

Annual Report 2013 - 2014

Far Brook School

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ PERMIT NO. 1