HCDS 2021-2022 Annual Report

Highlights

Dear Harbor

From the Head of School

Dear HCDS Families,

It is a distinct honor to be writing to you as the twelfth head of Harbor Country Day School. These are indeed exciting times in Harbor’s history! As the students (and faculty) enjoy their summer routine, it’s a time to reflect upon the collective accomplishments that have been achieved while looking to the bright future ahead.

It is often stated that a significant majority of families find their way to independent schools through word of mouth, and this theory seemed to resonate with many with whom I spoke during my spring visit to St. James. Throughout those three days, I was reminded that the HCDS faculty have created a deeply engaging curriculum layered with experiential learning, academic rigor, and connectedness. These and several other wonderful attributes reveal the essence, advantages, and differentiating factors that will continue to draw families to the school. One thing is certain, the mission will continue to guide Harbor moving forward.

On the horizon, there are many opportunities for growth. After a successful and affirming accreditation process, the faculty and I are well-positioned to engage in a productive dialogue around how to build upon the many existing strengths, as well as finding essential ways to embrace improvement. With the incredible generosity of so many members of the HCDS family, the new facilities will create a platform on which to further highlight the outstanding program. Both the Capital Campaign and Annual Giving Fund will have an immeasurable and positive impact on the children. What is so impressive is the way in which the entire HCDS community came together to both honor John Cissel and ensure that the students, faculty, and staff are supported for many years to come.

Each week since my visit, I spent time reading Harbor’s Tuesday Weekly Updates and watching This Week in Pictures from afar. These digital resources provided me with a glimpse into what makes HCDS such a special and impressive place. The traditions are to be treasured! Children are happy – they clearly feel safe and are challenged. Faculty cherish childhood as well as their creative autonomy and the close-knit community they experience each day. The parent partnership is woven into the fabric of the school in so many meaningful ways. And volunteerism is a visible reminder of the power of gratitude.

Hilary and I are incredibly excited for our move to Long Island! As we anticipate the transition, know that we are genuinely thankful for the support and care that we continue to experience. Thank you all for your kindness, and I look forward to seeing you all soon!

With warm regards, Andy Sperling

Head of School

Note From the Chair of the Board

Dear HCDS Community,

As the 2021-2022 school year comes to a close, there is much to reflect on. However, there are three things that I would like to specifically mention here.

First, I’d like to congratulate Harbor’s Class of 2022 and wish them my very best as they set off on the next chapter of their lives and educational journey. Both of my sons found that Harbor provided them with a solid foundation for their futures, and I hope the same will apply to this year’s graduates, as well as our Class of 2018 who will begin college this upcoming fall.

Secondly, I am so pleased to share that on May 12, 2022, the Board approved the renaming of Harbor’s Faculty Endowment Fund as the John R. Cissel Faculty & Staff Endowment. Established in 2017, the fund was created to attract and retain the most exceptional and inspired teachers, administrators, and staff.

Naming the fund after John is just - natural. John has always cherished Harbor’s faculty, and tirelessly worked to enhance their development, well-being, and success, as they are the ones that materialize the school’s academic mission every second, day, and year. We hope that renaming the fund not only expresses our deep gratitude and appreciation for John’s entire activity but will also represent a way to permanently keep his vision and philosophy as a part of Harbor.

Lastly, I would like to welcome Andy Sperling as Harbor’s new Head of School. Andy has over thirty years of experience as an educator. He began his teaching career in a suburban public school after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (K-12) from Illinois State University in 1990. While teaching 7th grade math and providing math professional development, support, and curriculum coordination for K-8 within his district, he earned his Masters of Educational Administration certificate in 1997. Two years later, he joined the faculty of Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) where he continued his career as a middle school math teacher. Andy was promoted to Head of Upper School in 2012. In this role, Andy led the effort for diversity and inclusion training, developed relationships through parent education and presentations, assisted in the planning and design of several campus renovation projects, facilitated and developed the school-wide social and emotional learning program, developed the middle school STEAM program, and prepared the students for FLL Robotics competitions.

Harbor is grateful that this accomplished gentleman has found his way to our school and looks forward to the bright future that awaits him and Harbor Country Day School.

Yours truly, Alex Doboli, PhD Chair of the Board

Dear Harbor Community

Letter from John Cissel

Dear Harbor Country Day School Community,

As sad as I am to retire as Head of School, I am excited about the free time I will have to spend with my wife, Peggy, my children, grandchildren, and other adventures ahead. My experience at Harbor has been one of the most rewarding, joyful, and profound experiences of my life. As I told my faculty:

"There are many things that affect our lives, personally, locally, regionally, domestically, and internationally. Many of them are inspiring, and many can wear us down. I have found a career that has transcended me into a world that has given me great joy, fulfillment, and full-life of wonderful memories with the people and children with whom I have worked.

"It has been a calling for me in helping children build a foundation for good in the world. I believe the world is a better place because children, who leave us, will have a positive impact on the people they are around and with whom they will live and work as they grow. "Harbor does this as well as any place I know of."

It has been an honor and a privilege working with your children. Your belief in, and support of, Harbor’s mission, its faculty and staff, and in the school’s future inspires us all to do our best work with your children.

I thank you for supporting this school and its future, and I hope our paths cross again down the road. Have a wonderful summer. I look forward to reading about, and seeing you and your children, from a distance.

Most sincerely and respectfully, John Cissel Former Head of School

Thank You to Mr. Cissel from 2nd Grade Teacher

Laura Huang Ernst

Dear HCDS Community,

Twelve years ago, I had the privilege of meeting John Cissel on his interview visit for the position of Dean of Academics here at Harbor. During his tour of the school, John visited the second grade while we were studying about the metamorphosis of butterflies. My first impression of John, which remains true today, was John’s kind and gentle manner, his interest in what each child knew about caterpillars and butterflies, and his easy rapport with individual students. Fortunately, John accepted the position and these past eleven years, as they say, are history.

As Dean of Academics, John made sure that the faculty had a voice in any curriculum decisions and offered many professional development opportunities for personal growth. He formed working committees, always listened, and respected and supported the faculty’s suggestions and opinions. Under John’s leadership, the faculty had a stake in the growth and direction of Harbor’s curriculum.

John became Head of School at a time when Harbor needed someone like him, a compassionate, understanding, and steadfast leader. As Head of School and teacher at heart, John made those important connections with all of the students, from the handshake greeting in the morning, coaching sports, and teaching classes to chaperoning overnight field trips, just to name a few. He took time to make those important connections with the students and faculty alike.

John regularly checked in with individual faculty members, consistently supportive and understanding. He always seemed to know something about each student, their special interest or something that made them laugh to brighten their day. John solidified that sense of warmth and community that Harbor was always known for but began to wane prior to his tenure.

We were more than fortunate to have John as Head of School. It seemed like there was nothing John wouldn’t do for the growth and benefit of the school – who else would do a Polar Plunge in December? Because of John’s dedication and guiding hand, there are major plans for Harbor’s physical expansion and financial future. Harbor is in its best place in its history. Thanks to John’s vision, tenacity, and dedication, Harbor is on the precipice of even greater things to come with a bright future ahead. Thank you, John, for being Harbor’s True North.

Laura Huang Ernst HCDS 2nd Grade Teacher

Dear Harbor Community

2021 - 2022

What is the Harbor Fund?

It is an annual fundraising campaign that directly supports the school’s programs—and your children—this academic year.

Why is the Harbor Fund necessary?

It is necessary because tuition income is not enough to cover our annual expenses. In fact, nearly onethird of our expenses are not covered by tuition and must be funded through other means, such as the Harbor Fund.

Who gives to the Harbor Fund?

Parents, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends are all asked to contribute. For the past five years, our parent participation has grown from 91% to 96%. Last year, 100% of our faculty, staff, and trustees made gifts.

How is the Harbor Fund used?

It supports technology, professional development of our faculty, classroom programs, the performing arts, athletics, and maintenance of the school’s building and grounds.

What is our goal this year?

Our goal this year is for 100% of our families, as well as 100% of our faculty, staff, and trustees, to make their own gift by June 30, 2022.

How much should I give?

We simply ask that you do your best within your financial means. Every gift, of every amount, is appreciated and valued.

How do I make my gift?

We accept gifts in the form of personal checks, credit cards, and stock. You may mail it to the school office, make a gift on the school’s website, or call the advancement team at (631) 584-5555.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes, contributions to The Harbor Fund are fully taxdeductible.

Thank you for your support!

For more information about contributing to the Harbor Fund, visit the "Harbor Fund" page at hcdsny.org, or please contact: Jennifer A. Taggart

Director of Advancement jtaggart@hcdsny.org • (631) 584-5555

The Year in Pictures

Year in

Class of

Tribute to the

Tribute

Sage Anderson William Doremus

Cameron Gagliano

Grace Hammons

Mia Jones

Katie Racca

Charlotte Rothemich

Max Barnard

Magis Honors College Program at Fairfield University

Anthony Cacciato Carnegie Mellon University

Jack Beardslee Plumbing Trade School

James Flyntz Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) University

Zoe Rizzo Ringling College of Art & Design in Florida

David Garcia SUNY Purchase: School of Film & Media Studies

Russell Korn Unity College in Maine (currently working with wolves at Kimsa Preserve)

Justin Lanot Binghamton University

Angelina Salmon

Ethan Telano

Photo unavailable at date of printing

date of printing

The Parents’ Association is dedicated to promoting a sense of community, facilitating communication between Harbor and its families, and raising funds for programs and events that enrich and enhance school life.

Parents’ Association participation is an amazing opportunity to get to know other families, experience a slice of Harbor students’ school lives, and become involved in the life of Harbor. The group meets on a monthly basis. For more information about the many ways parents can contribute, the Parents’ Association coordinators may be reached at parentsassociation@hcdsny.org.

Below is a list of events and programs that are typically sponsored by the Parents’ Association.

Annual Spring Benefit

The Parents’ Association’s major fundraising event is the annual Spring Benefit, which is an exciting and elegant evening for parents, alumni, trustees, friends, faculty, and staff. The event includes live and silent auctions, dancing, dinner, and open bar. Live and silent auction items are donated by the Harbor community and many local merchants who support our mission. Other highlights of the evening include Harbor’s Own Budding Artists Collection and the "Fund-A-Grant" auction, which gives attendees an opportunity to donate directly to specific school initiatives at a designated level of support. Previous Fund-A-Grant items have included new student iPads, SMART boards, technology advancement, science lab equipment, physical education and recess equipment, and professional development.

Book Fair

The Book Fair celebrates the love of reading with our children. Each student may purchase books from the Book Fair during school hours. In addition, in an effort to enrich the classroom and school libraries, we promote the Teacher’s Wish List program, enabling teachers to select desired books for their classroom libraries. Parents have the opportunity to purchase these books for the school, and an acknowledgment of the family’s generosity is affixed to the inside of the book.

Family Fun Night

Family Fun Night is a great evening of family fun, challenges, and healthy competition, with ‘heart-pounding’ activities for all ages to enjoy. All students and their families are invited to come, bring their best game and/or their best cheering voice and enjoy! This event is typically held off the Harbor campus at a sports facility. Food and refreshments are served.

Gingerbread Extravaganza

All students are invited to take part in making delicious edible gingerbread houses during Harbor’s annual Gingerbread Extravaganza. Gingerbread materials are bought fresh from a local bakery, with the houses assembled and ready for decorating. This event is a favorite of all students, as they relish this opportunity to explore their inner architects and designers.

Harbor Super Raffle

The Super Raffle is an exciting way to support the school and have a chance to win $10,000 in cash. The proceeds from the Harbor Super Raffle are used to fund tuition assistance and other student programs.

Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat is a cherished, longstanding Harbor tradition. All students and their families are invited to arrive in costume to enjoy a safe and frightfully fun-filled time trick-or-treating at Harbor Country Day School’s safe "neighborhood." Children also enjoy fun, games, and story-telling in the school gym.

Harbor Closet

The Harbor Closet is a collection of gently used uniforms that have been donated by Harbor families. It is open to all families throughout the year, and families are encouraged to take what they might be able to use and donate what they no longer need.

2021-2022 Board of Trustees

Alex Doboli, Ph.D., P’17, P’20 (Board Chair) Neal Mellert, Esq., Current Parent (Vice Chair)

Therese DeAngelis, C.P.A., P’08, P’11 (Treasurer)

Nancy Langdon Hickerson, Ph.D., P’12, P’15 (Secretary)

Cynthia Wong Lippe, Ph.D., P’21, Current Parent (Member at Large)

P = Parent of HCDS graduate

Diane Abrams ++ Amanda Baron April Bier + Jackie Burt Nancy Busa Nicole Casali John Cissel ++ Annette Costa Cindy Cutalo Brianna DiPaola Gretchen Dobrowolski Nicole Fotis ++ Krystina Gallo + Alison Hinkaty Laura Huang Ernst ++++ Kimberly Jungen Kandra Kane + Dawn King + Carly Lange Janine Leone Christine McBrien ++ Lynda McKenna ++++ Lynette Mutschler + Susan Napodano +++ Caitlin Packard + Krissy Paul ++

Robert Antonacci, M.D., P’17, P’17 Garrett Bergen, Current Parent Seema Bhansali (Venkatesh), Esq., P’19, ‘21 Monica Bugallo, Ph.D., Current Parent John Cissel, Head of School, ex officio Mike Lauri, C.P.A., P’21 Bob McCarroll, ‘78 Adrienne Owen, P’20, Trustee Emerita Marina Polonskaia, Ph.D., Friend of Harbor Jennifer Tona, Current Parent HP Wei, Current Parent

Faculty and Staff Listing

Ralph Pepe + Sonia Rodriguez Jaclyn Schoelermann Donna Siani ++++ Terry Skoff + Hong Li Snyder + Jennifer Taggart Meredith Valasek Rachel Weir +++ Artie Weissbach ++ Dawn Woods ++

+ = 5 years of service ++ = 10 years of service +++ = 15 years of service ++++ = 20 years of service

We welcome the following new faculty and staff members to the 2021-2022 school year: Dana Amir Natalie Badolato

Casey Bingham Fran Clemente

Shannon Deutsch Kim Deutsch Danielle Martino Dave McClure Erica Pacheco

2021-2022 Board of Trustees and Faculty and Staff Listing

Giving Circles

HARBOR

GIVING CIRCLES

July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

Founders Circle

$20,000 or more

The A&E Foundation

Barbara Amonson & Vincent Della Pietra *+

Generous Anonymous Family

Generous Anonymous Family

Generous Anonymous Family

Generous Anonymous Family

Generous Anonymous Family

A Generous Anonymous Family

A Gift Made in Memory of Jack & Dot Radgowski

Michael Geraci

The Herrnstein Family

The Kleine Berkenbusch Family David & Cynthia Lippe*+ Adrienne and Jeffrey Owen*+ Susan & Neal Ryan*+ Hsin Jung Wu & HP Wei*+

Trustee Society

$10,000-$14,999

Therese DeAngelis* Christos & Kathleen Ioannou+ YourCause, LLC

Head of School Society

$5,000-$9,999

Central Semiconductor Corp.+

The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation*

Robert Gaffney ‘76

Leyi Gao & Jun Lu*

The Gribbin Family+

The Kumar-Chimalakonka Family+

Joshua & Ariya Lapan*+ Richard & Camila Lippe*+

Loic Rentiers & Leo Wong*

The Zuckerman Family*+

Harbor Benefactor

$2,500-$4,999

ALINE Wealth Management+

Team Ardolino: Realty Connect USA+

Bank of America

George & Joan Bubaris+ Gail Chesler*

The Ferro Family* The Fiore Family Judith Gibbons+ The Good Steer+ David & Susanna Huntington MARS (Motors & Armatures, Inc.)+ Thomas Pai

The Phelan Family*+ Sand Shore LLC Thomas Szulc, MD+ UBS Matching Gifts Program

Anchor Society

$1,000-$2,499

Dr. Rose Antilus & Gomer Thomas*+

The Beler Family*+ The Bergen Family*+ Cedar Knolls, Inc.+ John Cissel* Santiago and Andrea Dagnelli Cristobal*+ ‘86

The Doremus Family Josefina & David Essex* Searle and Lauralee Field Devan & Brian Finamore+ Corinne & Lee Hammons*+ Nancy & Matthew Hickerson*+ Sami Khan & Tehmina Haque*+ The Leggio Family* The Lin-Dawson Family* The Lorenz Family+ Robert & Anna McCarroll*+ Ogden’s Designs & Plantings, Inc.+

Plycon Transportation Group+ R.J. Industries, Inc. Brett Rosenblatt & Alisa Altman*+ Steve & Elisa Schutz

The Short-Eigenbrod Family* The Simmons Point Group of Janney Montgomery Scott, Jennifer Smith* ‘63 Stony Brook Childen’s Hospital+ Jennifer & Thomas Tona* TonaLaw+

The Vogeney Family+ Kay Wong*

Harbor Hawks Club $500-$999

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics+

Advanced Orthopedics+

The Arnold Family+ Michelle Bender+ Cerini & Associates, LLP+

Come Study USA+ Alex and Simona Doboli*

The Family of Emilia Wellbrock+ The Family of William Mahnken*

The Field Family+ Andrew & Rose Finamore+ Beth & Alex Finger* Peggy Harwood*

Home Care at its Best, Inc.+

The Labelson Family*

The Lauri Family* The Ludin Family The Martinez Family+ Katherine Nix

Jack & Will Phelan* Peter & Betsy Puchner+ The Rothemich Family*+ Robert & Gerri Sardegna*

Three Sisters Club $250-$499

Monica Bugallo*

The Bui Family

The Carter Family* Nancy Cippitelli

Sally Cissel Greenwood

J. Cohen & R. Healy Sarah Cristobal

Will Farr & Rachel Thessin Heidi Giffuni*

The Goldmann-Delaney Family

Goldstein, Rubinton, Goldstein & DiFazio P.C.+ The Hamdani Family*

Dennis & Emily Hopper

David M. Horowitz, MD+ Roxanne Kiefer & Thomas Mollo* Lynn Klein*

The Kumar Family

The Mellert-Ruggiero Family Nathan Mittag

James & Dawn Petrocelli+ Katie Rivas

The Silva Family*+ The West Family*+

Green & White Club

Up to $249

Diane Abrams*

Maryellen Albrecht Dana Amir

The Anderson Family* Natalie Badolato Andrew Baer & Margaret Pai Amanda Baron

The Beardslee Family* Seema Bhansali* April Bier* Casey Bingham Jeffrey Brown Jackie Burt* Nancy Busa* John Ciotta* Margaret Cissel* Annette Costa* Sarah Cristobal & David Goldweitz The D’Aulerio Family* The DeLew Family Brianna DiPaola Alexander Doboli ‘20 Michael Doboli* ‘17 Gretchen Dobrowolski* Nicole Driscoll* Tyler and Amy Dunaway Montgomarie Essex* ‘17 David Fischler* ‘62 Stephen Fleming Nicole Fotis* Krystina Gallo* JoAnn Goldmann-Vignola Kathleen Guarino Caroline Hammons ‘20 Alison Hinkaty Laura Huang Ernst* Melissa Jamron Chris, Jody & Andrew Burke ‘21* Erik & Melinda Johnson* Elba & Bart Jones*

The Jungen Family* Kimbery Jungen* Kandra Kane* Arielle Kann Dawn King* Jennifer Kirkpatrick ‘69 & Eric Zicht* The Komich Family Carly Lange* Janine Leone Rory Lepolszki

Michaela Lettieri* Dani Lettieri* Hong Li Snyder* Jacob Lippe* ‘21 Rachael Lippe* Myla Lombardo Stephanie Lombardo* Danielle Martino Luella Mayzus Christine & Bruce McBrien* Dave McClure Lynda McKenna* Lynette Mutschler* Susan Napodano* Erica Pacheco Caitlin Packard* Krissy Paul* Emma Pearce* ‘88 Ralph Pepe* Marina Polonskaia* The Popovich Family The Puchner Family+ The Racca Family* Ken & Tracy Robkoff * The Roc Family Sonia Rodriguez* Adriana Rossein The Salmon Family* Jaclyn Schoelermann Jackie Schoelermann Logan Schwartz ‘08 & Morgan Schwartz ‘11 The Shinin Family* Donna Siani* Terry Skoff* Andy Sperling Lynn & Skip Sperling Sisa Suriel The Szulc Family Jennifer Taggart Meredith Valasek* The Varghese Family* Arjun Venkatesh ‘19 & Maya Venkatesh ‘21 Rachel Weir*

Laura & Philip Weiss Artie Weissbach* Dawn Woods*

In Memory Of Soo Ja Chai Lisa Cissel

Norm Komich Y.Q. & Michon Wong

In Honor Of Parker Goldmann-Delaney Lynda McKenna

In Kind Gifts

Harbor Country Day School is deeply grateful for the many contributions made throughout the year, particularly by our committed parents in support of the Parents’ Association’s activities, the Spring Benefit and other special events.

The Hopper Family Bobb Howard’s General Store David & Cynthia Lippe*+

COVID Testing

Sincerest thanks to the generous, anonymous donors who provided weekly COVID testing to help keep our community safe and healthy!

* These donors have made gifts to the Harbor Fund for three consecutive years or more.

+These donors were sponsors of the 2022 Spring Benefit.

Giving Circles