HCDS Trustee Tidbits - Fall 2023

HARBOR COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

FALL 2023

Trustee Tidbits News, views and announcements from Tulip Knoll

In This Issue A Letter from the Board Chair Library Receives a Generous Book Grant The Campaign for Harbor Country Day School Update Capital Campaign Fundraising Update Early Childhood Division Receives a Summer Makeover!

Harbor Happenings Natalie Scheyer, Beloved Former Teacher, Remembered 2023-2024 Event Calendar Harbor Fund & Enrollment Updates Current Trustee Listing Former Trustee Listing

Harbor Country Day School 17 Three Sisters Road Saint James, New York 11780 631.584.5555 www.HCDSNY.org

A Message from the Head of School It’s hard to believe we are beginning our second school year together. Our shared journey has been filled with productive and inspired conversations as we continue to find ways to grow this wonderful school community. Harbor is an exceptional, child-centric culture with a strong foundation. Without your commitment and dedication to our mission, we would not be as poised as we are today.

Welcome to our new trustees! It is an honor to have you join us, and your input will be invaluable as we embark on this next phase in Harbor’s history. I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank Alex Doboli for his leadership as Chair of the Board during my first year as Head of School. As we all know, Alex’s humble nature and authenticity make him a cherished asset to the entire Harbor community, and we have been fortunate to have him as a member of our board for many years. I am thrilled to have Cynthia Lippe step into the Board Chair role beginning this year! Her unshakable dedication to Harbor, combined with the ways in which she is relentlessly committed to the School’s mission, is unparalleled. We are certainly well-positioned to take Harbor to the next level under her leadership.

The fact that we are ready to embrace the next strategic planning process couldn’t have come at a better time. As we grow together as a collaborative group, we will undoubtedly have opportunities to explore future needs, prioritize direction, determine areas of focus, and cherish the traditions of Harbor Country Day School. Our goal will always be to find new ways to sustain Harbor for generations. And I couldn’t be more proud and honored to work alongside such a tireless, caring group of volunteers.

With deep appreciation, Andy

A Letter from the Board Chair, Cynthia Wong Lippe, Ph.D.

Happy Autumn! We have so much to celebrate here at Harbor Country Day. This year, we are wrapping up our historic capital campaign to support the ambitious 2018-2023 strategic plan. I’m thrilled to report that we’ve raised all the capital for the building project and are waiting for permits to start construction. Of the three endowments in the strategic plan, we are 69% there, with the John R. Cissel Faculty & Staff Endowment just $270K from fulfillment.

Andy’s had an excellent start to his headship, and with a full year under his belt now, we are starting the conversation about the next strategic plan. While continuing the work outlined in the current plan, we will ask the questions: What’s next for Harbor? Where can and should we grow? What are our hopes and dreams? Your history, knowledge, and love of Harbor will be vital in these upcoming conversations, and I hope you plan to be a part of them when the time comes.

This year, we had a significant turnover in board class, bringing on five trustees for a total of 15 around the table. Among them are two new and three former trustees. Together, they bring an impressive breadth of experience and knowledge, both of Harbor and the ever-evolving conditions relevant to our school’s success and sustainability. Please join me in welcoming (back): Jennifer Accomando, MBA, community member; Tehmina Haque, MD, current parent, P’15, P’17; Emma Hicks Pearce ’88, JD, former parent; Adrienne Owen P’20, former Board Chair Emerita; and Patrick West, current parent.

We are grateful for the service and contributions of the four trustees who rolled off the board this year: Seema Bhansali P’19, P’21; Nancy Langdon Hickerson P’12, P’15; and Neal Mellert, current parent, P’23, P’25. A special thanks to Alex Doboli P’17, P’20 for his dedication to leading our board over the past two years.

Although their terms have ended, their imprint will have a lasting impact, and they will forever be a part of our esteemed cohort of Harbor trustees.

I look forward to our upcoming conversations and seeing you soon.

For Harbor, Cynthia Wong Lippe

Harbor’s Library Receives a Generous Book Grant

School libraries play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and providing educational resources for students. The process of replenishing books, replacing old, lost, or damaged ones, and adding new titles is vital to keeping the library relevant and valuable for students and the entire school community. Harbor is very proud to share that a significant investment was made to our library - which will purchase close to 600 new books - thanks to an incredibly generous grant from the Francis and Gertrude Levett Foundation.

The Foundation was established to keep Francis and Gertrude Levett’s passions and charitable, public-minded spirit alive by providing support to local non-profits that primarily advance childhood education, medical research, and community well-being.

Francis and Gertrude Levett started a busing company for the local school districts on Long Island, New York prior to living in St. Petersburg, Florida. They loved these two communities, and their wish was to improve both through service and philanthropy.

Harbor’s faculty, staff and students sincerely thank the Foundation for their support!

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FALL 2023

The Campaign For Harbor Country Day School Update

Throughout the summer, we’ve been busy connecting with the Village as well as our architectural team to advance the building expansion project with the goal of creating a fiscally attainable addition that honors the estate home feel of Tulip Knoll as well as the inspired prior plans. The updated plans include many thoughtful, child-centric spaces and will greatly enhance Harbor’s academic program. In addition, the stately design will intentionally match the historic architectural elements of the original building and blend more tastefully within our residential location.

One of the key factors in being able to forge ahead with the expansion project was to pivot and reimagine the parking lot situation. As you know, dismissal is a particularly challenging time, and the Village (along with many local residents) has had ongoing concerns over the back-ups that occur each school day (and throughout the summer with Camp Harbor). I am pleased to share that our plans to modestly modify the front lot and add parking with a bus turnabout in the back off Thompson Hill Road have been initially well-received by the Village Board. The feedback has been incredibly promising. We continue to be optimistic that this plan has opened doors to push forward our building and permitting process.

Again, while these shifts will take some time, we are formally on the path to successfully putting shovels in the ground. As we begin the process of presenting to the Village and work toward obtaining building permits, I, with the guidance and leadership of Rob Antonacci and Garrett Bergen, will keep you apprised of the progress. With each ‘T’ crossed and ‘I’ dotted, we are one step closer to making our mission vision a reality.

Sincerely, Andy

Capital Campaign Fundraising Update As of November 1, 2023

Campaign Snapshot

Funds Breakdown

Campaign Goal $10,000,000

Building Modernization Phase 1 Goal: $3,500,000 Funds Raised: $4,072,594

Total Funds Pledged/Received $8,588,540

General Endowment Goal: $2,000,000 Funds Raised: $1,181,569 Remaining: $818,431

Funds In Hand $7,989,841 Endowment Funds Remaining to be Raised $1,984,054 03

John R. Cissel Faculty & Staff Endowment Goal: $2,500,000 Funds Raised: $2,229,554 Remaining: $270,446 Tuition Assistance Endowment Goal: $2,000,000 Funds Raised: $1,104,823 Remaining: $895,177

FALL 2023

Harbor’s Early Childhood Division Receives a Summer Makeover!

No sooner did students depart Tulip Knoll to kick off their summer, Harbor immediately relocated their advancement and admissions offices upstairs in order to reconfigure the existing space to accommodate a new first-floor PK2 classroom! This renovation, which removes the inconvenience of stairs for Harbor’s youngest learners, creates a more cohesive early childhood education area and has already resulted in record-breaking enrollment for Harbor’s Early Childhood program for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Additionally, thanks to generous contributions to a 2023 Spring Benefit Fund-a-Grant item, the entire division received new furniture and toys! These enhancements will provide updated ageappropriate and developmentally stimulating resources for the PK division; allow for more engaging and comfortable spaces; and greatly enhance the learning environment for our young students. It's a testament to the school community’s commitment to providing the best possible educational experience to our students.

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FALL 2023

Harbor Happenings The first weeks of school brought with them a number of memorable occasions and events. We look forward to making more memories over the upcoming school year!

First Day of School Greetings with Mr. Sperling

Mandarin Students Perform at the Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Festival

New Parent Social & Community Welcome Back Picnic

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FALL 2023

A Tribute to Former Harbor Teacher, Natalie Scheyer

Former Harbor Country Day School teacher, Natalie Scheyer, passed away this August 2023.

This extraordinary educator spent 28 years (1976 - 2005) teaching at Tulip Knoll. Her renaissance approach to teaching 1st grade included exposing her students to the wonders of the world. She introduced her young students to philosophy, revealed the mysteries of nature through field trips and outdoor excursions, and exposed students to renowned works of art, classical music, opera, and Greek mythology.

Natalie stimulated students’ zest for knowledge and cultivated many impressionable minds into becoming great independent thinkers and confident, dynamic leaders. Natalie’s daughter, Marlowe, attended Harbor from 1977-1981; and students were always kept apprised of Natalie’s accomplishments and family life. Many class traditions are still remembered by former students such as “the mighty red chalk,” the wedding of Tina and Tucker Turtle, the reading loft, Busy Beaver, the rabbit mascots Cookie and Brownie who got engaged on Valentine’s Day, etc.

In recognition of her outstanding and passionate years of service, Natalie was honored at Harbor’s 60th anniversary Diamond Jubilee in April 2018, accompanied by Marlowe. Today, in memory of this beloved teacher, numerous donations designated for a Natalie Scheyer Memorial Bench have been received by the school. If you’d like to make a contribution, simply scan the QR code to the right to be directed to Harbor’s online giving page. Be sure to check the box for “Campus Improvements” and write “Natalie Scheyer Memorial Bench” in the “Note from Alumni & Friends” box. Thank you for your support!

Marlowe Scheyer ‘82

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FALL 2023

Harbor Fund Update

2023-2024 Enrollment Update

2022-2023 Harbor Fund Goal: $250,000 Total Funds Raised: $193,597 Percentage to Goal: 77.44%

Total Enrollment 167 Students Early Childhood: PK2 - PK4 50 Students

2023-2024 Harbor Fund* Goal: $200,000

Lower School: K- 4th Grade 63 Students

*To donate to the 2023-2024 Harbor Fund, please visit www.hcdsny.org/giving/ or contact jtaggart@hcdsny.org. Thank you!

Upper School: 5th - 8th Grades 54 Students

Harbor Country Day School - 2023-2024 Event Calendar

November 23: HCDS 2nd Annual Turkey Bowl Miller Field at Harbor Country Day School March 22: HCDS Spring Benefit The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club June 12: HCDS Moving Up for Kindergarten - 4th Grade Harbor Country Day School, Back Field June 13: HCDS Moving Up for 5th - 8th Grade & 8th Grade Commencement Harbor Country Day School, Back Field

2023-2024 Harbor Country Day School Board of Trustees

Cynthia Wong Lippe, Ph.D., P'21, Current Parent (Chair) Garrett Bergen, Current Parent (Vice Chair) Ariya Lapan, Ph.D., Current Parent (Secretary) Adrienne Owen, P'20 (Treasurer) Ned Puchner, Ph.D., Current Parent (Member at Large)

Jennifer Accomando, M.B.A., Friend of Harbor Robert Antonacci, M.D., P'17, P'17 Monica Bugallo, Ph.D., Current Parent Tehmina Haque, M.D., P’15, P'17, Current Parent Mike Lauri, C.P.A., P'21 Emma Pearce, J.D., '88 07

Marina Polonskaia, Ph.D., Friend of Harbor Andy Sperling, Head of School, ex officio Jennifer Tona, Current Parent HP Wei, Ph.D., Current Parent Patrick West, Current Parent

FALL 2023

Former Harbor Country Day School Trustees William Adkins Oakes Ames Rose Antilus Donald Baker II John Bardsley Mindy Berger Jennifer Berlingieri Michele Berti Mitchell Birzon Seema Bhansali Arlene Boscarino Matthew Bradley William Brennan Paul Broder George Bubaris Heidi Cacciabaudo Katharine Clancy Richard Clarke Frank Clemente Michael Commins Glenna Craw Martin Crowley Therese DeAngelis Vincent Della Pietra Michael DiSabello Robert DiStefano Alex Doboli Paul Edelson David Essex Richard A. Evans Agnes Ferro Michele Filosa David Fischler '62 Eileen Gaeta

Robert Gaffney '76 Susanna Gamaldi Leyi Gao Tagi Garbizu William Garthe Debby Graber Doreen Greenblatt Corinne Hammons David Hicks Leith Hill John Hurtado, Jr. Ekambaram Ilamathi Michael Irvin Theodore Jospe Roy Kahane Vicki Katz Lois Kuhlke Nancy Langdon Hickerson Robert Lazar Harvey Lerner John Libaire Christine Little-Meyer Mary Longabardi Robert McCarroll '78 Thomas McMillen Neal Mellert David Merzin Bruce Meyer Charles D. Miller, Jr. Evelyn W. Miller Lawrence Mincer Steven Moll Michael Morrell

Robert Morris Lynne Nowick Peter Nowick, Jr. Michelle Nuti Nathaniel Peirce George Penza Gary Porcano Edward Porter Judy Proctor Gary Rubio Eric Russo Sue Ryan Mary Sanders Herman Schecter Priscilla S. Schecter Sanford Scheman Richard Scheyer Elizabeth Schwartz S. Lytton Scott Malcolm E. Smith, Jr. Maria Sorrentino Alan Spielberg Jack Squire Marisella Staller Jack A. Swain David Swift John Toomey, Jr. James Verdi Kevin Vesey Thomas Vulpis David Waechter Frank Wieland Carrie Zuckerman

Thank you for helping to make a difference in the lives of all of our students.

Please contact Jennifer Taggart at jtaggart@hcdsny.org if you...

- have changed your mailing or email address - know of other board members who may be missing from this list - have updated contact information for a trustee who is not receiving our communications Harbor will update our records accordingly.

Thank you!

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FALL 2023