Dear Harbor Community,
What an honor it is to be continuing my journey here at Harbor. I can often be heard stating that the main difference between my first and second years as Head of School is that now when I am asked questions, nearly everyone expects me to know the answers! Indeed, I feel even more confident in responding and more deeply connected to this exceptional community.
My routine each day has shifted this year. I find myself gearing up for my morning math class before making my building rounds. Going along on an academic journey with a talented group of 8th-grade Geometry students has been rewarding, to say the least! It has afforded me the opportunity to experience our mathematics curriculum firsthand while establishing a more dynamic rapport with the kids. I am excited to share that, as a math department, we are building upon the strengths of our program and adding elements to enhance it as well. I can see a future with competitions, enrichment sections, readiness groups, and challenging projects, to name a few.
You may recall that we gather on Fridays with K-8 students and faculty at the All-School Meeting. This year, we began another notable shift to a more childcentered and student-driven approach. Our team captains lead each meeting and introduce the week’s activity. Some of the new highlights include passion sharing, new faculty interviews, and presentations centered around special events or holidays. The students have even had dance parties and basketball shooting contests! Of course, that was in preparation for our annual March Madness tournament, which was a phenomenal success.
We are on such a great path together! Harbor is amplifying its mission and finding ways to shine in a more outwardfacing fashion. The faculty has been working to design more signature programs, and we plan to invite parents and alumni on campus with greater frequency in the near future. I truly could not be more excited and proud to lead this school.
I look forward to connecting with you at the Spring Benefit and hope to see you there!
With kind regards,
Andy Sperling Head of School
Dear Harbor Community,
Happy Spring! This issue of Harbor Highlights spotlights our beautiful and vibrant community: the people and events that bring us all together. Harbor is known as “the school that parents built.” In the 1950s, a group of parents purchased Tulip Knoll (the historic manor and the grounds) and created the school and learning environment they wanted for their children. Collectively, they raised funds, cleared the grounds, and converted the manor into the home away from home that is Harbor Country Day School.
More than 65 years later, this culture of hands-on involvement continues to be a part of what makes the Harbor community so special. Helping out at school was initially, for me, an opportunity to be a part of my children’s lives during the school day. We joined Harbor in 2011 when my son was in preschool and my daughter was about 9 months old. Attending PA meetings or working on projects with other parents in the dining room, I was always so happy to catch glimpses of my children in the hallways with their friends or see their beaming faces coming in from recess. Being in the school and seeing all the sweet, happy faces inspired me to get further involved. Who could imagine I would meet such an amazing collection of parents while serving lunch to faculty during Faculty/ Staff Appreciation Week, decorating for Trunk or Treat, or writing descriptions for auction items late into the night? Rolling up our sleeves and working in the trenches together was incredibly bonding. The camaraderie was amazing and I developed some of the closest friendships of my adult life.
In 2014, I took my involvement to the next level by joining Harbor’s board of trustees, where the work was more big-picture and strategic, focusing on protecting the school’s interests and financial health. At the board level, I worked closely not only with current parents but also Harbor alumni, alumni parents, and community members who were deeply committed to Harbor’s mission. I repeatedly heard from alumni and their parents how grateful they were for the solid academic and social-emotional foundations Harbor provided and their wish to ensure that Harbor Country Day thrives so that future generations of students can have the “Harbor experience.”
Although Harbor families come from many different backgrounds and walks of life, we are like-minded in that we share similar values in what we want for our children, their education, and the people who surround them. I am grateful for the partnership of the dedicated teachers who encouraged a love of learning in my children and provided a supportive environment for them to develop their sense of self and explore their place in the world around them.
Having witnessed my children’s journey from preschool through 8th grade, I am a staunch advocate for the preschool to 8th-grade model. There is something very affirming for children when they feel seen and heard by adults and older kids. For the older kids, there is an accountability to being a role model for the younger students. Seeing older and younger students playing at recess or an upper schooler high-fiving a younger student in the hallways is a beautiful sight. Furthermore, the relationships among students in small class settings tend to be tight. I recently saw a wedding photo of a former board colleague’s son, class of 2008, who was surrounded by nine of his fellow Harbor alumni! My son’s graduating class still stays in touch via a class chat; half of my daughter’s graduating class started together in Harbor’s preschool—they know each other inside and out and I have no doubt they will stay connected after graduation. Certainly, the parents will!
Harbor is a home away from home. It’s a place where relationships are valued and the mission to “cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and inspire confident learners and leaders” is honored. It’s a beautiful, diverse community of students, teachers, parents, extended families, trustees, alumni, alumni families, friends, and so much more. They say “It takes a village” and the legacy of community involvement and support that created Harbor Country Day continues to grow. May your experience be as fulfilling for you as mine continues to be for me.
Cynthia Wong Lippe, P’21 and Current Parent Chair of the Board of Trustees
THE MISSION OF HARBOR COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
HCDS Students Recognized by the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association
Music education plays a crucial role in the overall development of students, particularly in middle school. It goes beyond simply teaching notes and rhythms; it fosters creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, discipline, and emotional expression.
The Suffolk Country Music Educators Association (SCMEA) plays a vital role in advancing music education in middle schools. In addition to serving as a hub for music educators, providing resources, professional development opportunities, and a platform for collaboration, it also hosts a series of all-county concerts for musicians in grades 5-10.
Harbor Country Day School would like to proudly recognize two students that were recently recognized for their outstanding musical efforts by participating in the SCMEA All-County concert series… Chloe Roc and Simon Baer.
Chloe Roc plays flute and piano in addition to studying voice. Besides singing with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra chorus and advancing as a finalist in their vocal competition, Chloe will be going to NYSSMA on a Level 4 for flute and Level 5 for piano. A member of the All County Chorus for Suffolk County, Chloe also takes private lessons in piano and voice outside of school.
Simon Baer studies both oboe and classical guitar and will be participating in the NYSSMA musical festival on a Level 5 for guitar and a Level 6 for oboe (for which he also made All County Band)! During his summers, Simon attends USDAN, a performing arts camp and takes private lessons outside of school.
As shared by both students, these levels of performance are the result of frequent practice and goals the students set for themselves. Because All-County typically serves as a gateway to All-State, and All-State is a gateway for future opportunities in music, it was an important milestone for both to be a part of the AllCounty concerts. Harbor looks forward to hearing about their future accomplishments.
Harbor’s Spring 2024 Event Calendar
May 23 - Field Day & Founders’ Day Celebration
May 24-27 - Memorial Day Weekend
May 30 - Band Concert for Grades 4-8
May 31 - Field Day Rain Date
June 7 - Athletics Awards at All-School Meeting
June 7 - Semi-Formal for Grades 5-8
June 13 - Moving Up & Commencement Ceremonies for Kindergarten - Grade 8
Alumni Spotlight - Vincent Zhang
I attended Harbor from 2013-2015 for 7th and 8th grade. I think that students being in smaller-sized classes really attests to the tightly-knit community at Harbor. In my case, I was able to get extremely close to my classmates and teachers, which helped foster an amazing learning environment. We also had flexibility to pursue our own interests in class. In history, for example, I remember doing projects and skits on various historic time periods with my friends. Even more, I had opportunities to compete in Math Olympiad, learn Spanish, and read works of literature in English that all prepared me well for high school.
Outside of class, I had many opportunities to pursue things outside of my comfort zone. From joining band, playing sports each season, and participating in our school-wide play, I always had the chance to try new things. I really believe that Harbor, and its community, helped prepare me for my future and make me the person I am today.
My favorite Harbor memory was our grade-wide trip to Greenkill in Upstate NY. I remember sleeping in sleeping bags, taking part in fun, outdoor, teamwork exercises, and learning about star constellations with the guides at night. Overall, it was an amazing experience with my friends and teachers.
I recently graduated from Cornell with Honors in Healthcare Policy. Currently, I’m a research assistant for Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel at Penn Medicine. I’m currently applying to medical schools and aspiring to be a practicing physician with a focus on health policy issues. In the near future, I hope to address health inequities and problems that our healthcare system faces as a leader of change.
Faculty Spotlight - Natalie Scheyer Tribute
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
Dear Fellow Parents and Members of the Harbor Community,
We are writing to you as a reminder that we need more parents of current students to donate to the Harbor Fund! The good news is that we are close to our goal and have raised $190,327 towards our $200k initiative! We have full participation from our tireless staff and our dedicated board, many community members, grandparents, etc.; however, we only have 39% participation from parents of current students.
In order for the school to successfully apply for grants that directly benefit our students we need more current parents to contribute. This participation percentage is critical in showing outside organizations that award programming funds to independent schools that our community is invested in and supportive of Harbor.
We understand that fundraising initiatives can seem endless, within our own family we have seven schools reaching out to us, but what we have learned from participating as Harbor Fund cochairs is that even a $10 donation helps us reach our goal.
As we celebrate Founder’s Day, and approach the end of the school year, we have hope that we can achieve our goal of 100% current parent participation. Please help us get the word out! There is no gift too small (or too big), please donate what you are comfortable with, increasing participation is our focus!
With thanks,
Sisa Suriel & Steve Fleming
2023/2024 Harbor Fund
2023/2024 Fundraising Goal
$200,000
Funds Raised as of May 1, 2024 $190,677
Parent Participation Percentage
How Harbor Students Support The Harbor Fund
Full support of a school’s annual fund is an important element in demonstrating unity and support of the school to external stakeholders such as potential donors, accrediting bodies and the broader community. To that end, Harbor Country Day School has proudly exhibited 100% fund participation from faculty, staff, and board members.
This year, Harbor Fund participation has grown to include larger involvement from the current student body. In addition to the entire 8th-Grade class having full student participation, two seventh grade students went above and beyond to show their support for their school.
Student council members Adriana Rossein and Asanda Lees began selling handmade clay polymer beaded bracelets at the school store. After learning more about the Harbor Fund and how it benefits the school and its students, they then decided to generously donated the revenue from their sales to the Harbor Fund.
Harbor thanks these young entrepreneurs - and our graduating 8th-graders - for their generosity and support of the school!
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!
2024 Spring Benefit Recap
On Friday, March 22, Harbor Country Day School celebrated one of its most beloved traditions - the annual Spring Benefit. Presented by Harbor’s Parents’ and Alumni Associations, this event was an exciting and elegant evening for parents, alumni, trustees, faculty, and staff and friends of Harbor. In addition to the live and silent auctions, dancing, dinner, and open bar, other highlights of the evening included Harbor’s Own Budding Artists Collection during the Silent Auction and the “Fund-AGrant” appeal, which gave attendees an opportunity to donate directly to specific school initiatives at a designated level of support. This year’s Fund-A-Grant items included The Parenting & Faculty Development Fund, The HCDS Gymnasium Sound System Fund, and The Athletics Program Development Fund.
Led by current head of school, Andy Sperling, and a robust group of parent volunteers, this year’s event honored former faculty member and administrator, Debbie Decker, and welcomed back former head of school, John Cissel.
Photos from the event, a special tribute video to Debbie Decker, and the digital event journal which showcases Harbor’s many supporters and event partners, can all be viewed by visiting the 2024 Spring Benefit page of Harbor’s website which can be found beneath the “Giving to Harbor” tab. You can easily access that page by scanning the QR code to the right!
Plans are already underway for next years event which is slated for Friday, March 28, 2025 so be sure to save the date! If you’d like to get involved with the planning, become an event partner, or donate a silent auction item, please contact Harbor’s Director of Advancement, Jennifer Taggart, at jtaggart@hcdsny.org.
2024 Spring Benefit Honoree
Debbie DeckerFormer HCDS Faculty Member & Administrator
Debbie Decker joined Harbor Country Day School in the fall of 2002 and held a multitude of roles during her 19 years at Tulip Knoll. Most well-known for being one of Harbor’s physical education teachers, Debbie also served as an Upper School Advisor, Head of Advisory, Athletic Director, Coach, Division Head, Dean, Leader of the Nissequogue/Nesconset competitions, Leader of the fall field trips, school psychologist and SEL teacher. You know you’ve made quite an impact on the school when at least 3 people are needed to fill your shoes when you retire!
Debbie always said the best measure of a teacher is by how they connect with their students, and by that standard, Debbie was a master teacher. Through the years, countless students came to Debbie for her advice and guidance, and entire classes of students were willing to talk out their issues with one another because of their trust in her. So popular was Debbie that anytime alumni would come back to the school, they would always make a stop to visit her because she had made such a difference in their lives.
Just as much as Debbie taught our students how to properly express their emotions and the importance of mental health, she also promoted and supported the mental health of the Harbor faculty. Aside from being a frequent speaker at faculty meetings and professional development sessions, Debbie also provided advice to colleagues on how to handle tricky situations, deal with a student who was having issues or was simply in need of an understanding listener.
Harbor and our entire community have been so very fortunate to have had Debbie on the faculty and for as many years as we did. If ever there was anyone who fulfilled the school’s mission to cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and to inspire confident learners and leaders, it was Debbie.
Dear Harbor Community,
Some time has now passed since I last shared a detailed update on our building expansion project. Since then, we have made significant strides toward our goal of breaking ground on an inspired new addition. I am eager to shed light on this progress!
As you may recall, based on village feedback, logistical constraints, and increased costs of materials, we needed to pivot as a means to reimagine the original project. It was our ultimate goal to honor that design as well as the academic spaces that were first created while also maintaining our commitment to feasibility. After many hours and iterations, we have reimagined this project with our mission in mind.
First, and perhaps most importantly, the location of the expansion needed to be simplified. Given the current size and condition of our current upper school and library wing, we determined that the demolition and subsequent replacement of those spaces were key to the success of obtaining permits and forging ahead. We have been able to accelerate the process significantly by working with our architect to create plans for a new, larger wing that houses all of the elements Harbor needs to grow and flourish for years to come.
The result was a design that pays homage to the architecture of our beloved Tulip Knoll as a traditional brick estate home. As you can see from the updated renderings below, the attention to detail is going to be spectacular! The multi-level structure will consist of five upper school classrooms, an art studio, a science lab, a STEAM center, and a stunning new library with vaulted ceilings overlooking the play fields. Using the grade of the property, we have also been able to maintain plans for a two-story gathering space that will be used for community events, including all-school meetings, concerts, and future musicals! Finally, our plans will add additional bonus space for a large music room and provide for an expansion of our outdoor patio space.
Our hope is that we will continue on this accelerated path in the months ahead. The village board has been immensely supportive and has given us an abundance of positive feedback throughout the process. It is entirely possible that shovels could hit the ground this fall, and we will certainly keep you informed every step of the way with updates as well as an official start date.
Your generosity has been remarkable. As a community, we are blessed to have experienced such a successful capital campaign. We finally feel poised and positioned to amplify our mission in the most meaningful way possible. And we couldn’t have done it without your support.
With ongoing gratitude,
Andy Sperling Head of School
Harbor Country Day School
Frost Valley
Nestled in the picturesque Catskill Mountains of New York, Frost Valley YMCA camp stands as a haven for middle school students seeking a transformative and enriching outdoor experience. Embraced by the serene beauty of nature, the camp offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and community-building. With its rich history dating back to 1901, Frost Valley YMCA has perfected the art of fostering personal growth and leadership skills in young minds.
This past October, Harbor’s 5th - 8th graders enjoyed an extensive array of activities tailored to the developmental needs of middle school students. From thrilling outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and rock climbing to more introspective pursuits like nature exploration and team-building exercises, our campers gained a deeper understanding of nature and the importance of collaboration.
One of Harbor’s most cherished traditions, the annual Frost Valley field trip provides students with opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and a lifelong appreciation for the great outdoors.
7/8 Boys
Throughout the season, the Harbor Hawks exhibited a formidable presence on the soccer field, highlighted by their stellar performances and unwavering teamwork. Led by standout players such as Dylan Rossein aka “Super Dylan”, whose hat trick heroics became a recurring theme, and Luke “SUIIII” Short, a consistent goal-scoring threat, the team showcased offensive prowess game after game. Supported by the likes of Jayden “Jiddeon Premium” Louis and Simon “The Grizzly” Baer, who provided crucial goals and leadership, the Hawks dominated their opponents with skill and determination. Defensively, the team stood strong with standout performances from players like Oscar Cohen, Jack “Hot Sauce” Phelan, and Tyler “The Grim Sweeper” Grossman aka The Great Wall of South Setauket aka Iron Man, ensuring that opponents struggled to breach their lines. Under the guidance of Victor “The Glove” Leggio in goal, the team exhibited resilience, never backing down even in the face of tough competition. As the season drew to a close, it was evident that the Harbor Hawks had left an indelible mark, embodying the spirit of unity and excellence throughout their memorable campaign.
7/8 Girls
Kelly Louis, the future Hall of Famer, anchored the defense of the ⅞ girl’s team with her tenacity, while Rania “The Relentless” Khan’s consistent scoring provided crucial goals. Maddie “The Cross Armed Killer” Tona’s relentless energy disrupted opponents, and Michaela “Peanut” Lettiere’s creativity in midfield dictated play. Each player made significant contributions, shaping the Harbor Hawks’ success with their unique strengths and dedication. Together, they left a lasting impact on the season, showcasing their talents and embodying the team’s spirit of unity and excellence.
5/6 Girls
The 5/6 Girls’ season showcased a blend of skill and determination, culminating in impressive victories. Led by Captain Cristina Lombardo, dubbed ”Wonder Woman,” the team displayed defensive prowess, with standout performances from Jasmine “The Black Mamba” Wei aka “The Magic Eraser” and Paisley “The Cobra” Nelson securing commanding wins. Goalkeeper Violet “Clean Sheets” West fortified the defense with a steadfast presence. In their final game, Lombardo’s leadership propelled the Hawks to victory once more, supported by Sidney Puchner’s dynamic scoring and Adair’s stellar debut in goal. Vivienne “The Bomber” Rochlin Hivzer and the Heartbreak Kids showcased relentless determination, ensuring dominance on both ends of the field. With cohesive teamwork and individual brilliance, the 5/6 Girls proved themselves as formidable competitors throughout the season.
5/6 Boys
Student Council Corner
The goal of Harbor Country Day School’s student council is to promote leadership, citizenship, scholarship, and philanthropy among its members. Comprised of close to 20 students from the 6th-8th grades, harbor’s 2023-2024 student council offers members a platform to actively engage in the decision-making processes that directly impact their school environment. Through participation in the student council, students gain valuable leadership skills, and foster qualities such as responsibility, teamwork, and effective communication.
This year’s Student Council, led by President Dylan Rossein and Vice-President Rania Khan, coordinated the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit the Smithtown Food Pantry and the December Toys-for-Tots toy drive for the U.S. Marine Corps. In addition to hosting two “Canteen Night” student socials during the course of the school year, the Council also had oversight of the school store, the February “Hoops for Heart” fundraiser to benefit The American Heart Association and is currently working to support a local 5-mile race to benefit the local chapter of the Ronald McDonald House.
2023/2024 Officers
President: Dylan Rossein
Vice President: Rania Khan
Treasurer: Michaela Lettiere
Secretary: Chloe Roc
School Store Manager: Astrid Larsen
Canteen Night Coordinator: Jack Phelan
2023/2024 Student Council Members
Simon Baer
Matthew Herrnstein
Asanda Lees
Michaela Lettieri
Cristina Lombardo
Kelly Louis
Juliana Napodano
Jack Phelan
Chloe Roc
Adriana Rossein
Madeleine Tona
Jack Varghese
Throughout the season, the 5/6 Boys showcased their talent and determination on the field. Matt “The Hammer” Herrnstein was a prolific goal scorer and leader for the offense, while Jack “The Flash” Varghese anchored the defense. Big Baller Ben Rochlin-Hizver, also known as Bulldog Ben and Bionic Ben, put an exclamation point on his final game with a hat trick performance, solidifying his status as a top scorer. With their consistent contributions and skillful play, these players were instrumental in the team’s success, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
