Harbor Highlights
ANNUAL GIVING REPORT 2019–2020
Dear Harbor Community
Letter From The Head of School
“Daddy, I need to go back in!” cried a three-year old. “I left my mask in the classroom,” he pleaded with tears rolling down his cheeks. As Harbor’s huge team of teachers, administrators, and parents created plans for our reopening last summer, we really did not know how this grand experiment would work. One of our worries, among many, was how the students would respond to the mask requirement. With desks six-feet apart, no mixing of grade “cohorts,” and visitors not allowed into the building, our plan was an antithesis to the normal way of life at Harbor - one founded on relationships and collaboration. But, reflecting back on our first two months of school, our plans are working exceedingly, if not surprisingly, well. The patterns and styles of teaching are so different from the past norms and it has taken some adjusting, but it is working and all the credit goes, beyond the planners’ intricate plans, to the resilience of our teachers and students. After three months of online learning, we are so happy to be back together on campus. With frequent mask breaks, PE in the parking lot (the gym has two classes in it), and an 11-acre campus for classes outdoors, everyone is enjoying getting outside, at least, three or four times a day. What’s a little rain or cold? Let’s go outside! We held an indoor Halloween Parade and zoomed it to parents and family; almost 100 people watched! We have had two socially-distanced, with masks, parent coffees outside. For a third year in a row, the Eighth Graders are welcoming everyone to school each morning with announcements over our P.A. system. At the weekly All School Meetings, we haven’t skipped a beat with a couple eighth graders presenting a tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Nissequogue/Nesconset inductions in the head of school office. Art, music, technology, library, makerspace all push into classes too. It is like no school I have ever experienced, but we are all here together, safe and of sound mind. I wish you could all be here to see us in action, but through Zoom events like the third grade publishing party, I think there may be more people able to join us for events in the future. Zoom has been a boon to our program in many ways, too. I think it may be here to stay. Through it all, though, we must remain vigilant by staying safe, being smart, and following all the necessary guidelines. We love being together and want it to stay that way!! Welcome back everyone, thank you for all you are doing, and, please, stay safe and smart. With gratitude, John Cissel Head of School
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we apologize that the 2018-2019 Harbor Highlights Annual Report was not printed and mailed. That report can be found on the Harbor Country Day School website under the Harbor Highlights category beneath the ‘Community’ drop down menu. 2
Harbor Highlights • 2019– 2020
2020 has been a year that the world will never forget. Early on, COVID-19 began making headlines as a deadly pandemic and has continued to ravage the world’s population across six of the Earth’s continents, with this great loss touching many of us directly in our families and among our friends and coworkers. On May 26, a Black man named George Floyd was killed during an arrest by a White police officer, launching global protests against racial injustice. The summer brought with it a tropical cyclone season with storms forming at record-breaking rates and producing 27 named storms, 11 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes through the end of October. And, if all of that isn’t enough for one year, the United States is markedly divided along political lines as we close in on the 2020 presidential election. One bright spot that has continued to shine its light through all of this, however, is Harbor Country Day School. From the earliest suggestion of school closings and quarantines, Harbor was poised and prepared to maintain a robust, healthy and nurturing educational environment for its students. Online learning plans and protocols were in place prior to the March 13th Executive Order from Governor Cuomo that New York State schools and businesses would be closed until further notice ensuring students did not miss a single day of learning. Harbor faculty and administrators worked tirelessly through the summer to create a reopening plan that would allow for the full student population to return to in-person learning, five days a week in a safe and socially-distanced manner. Seven weeks into the academic year, the Harbor community remains COVID-free thanks to these efforts along with weekly surveillance testing. In short, what the adults and children of Harbor have accomplished in their safe return to the 20202021 school year is nothing short of amazing, and I am touched by it every day. I want to especially thank Mr. John Cissel for his steadfast, caring, and calm leadership through it all. Nothing is promised in the future, and as a community, we will continue to take it day by day. Despite what the world may have in store, at Harbor, it’s our mission that remains of central focus. Harbor cherishes childhood, cultivates wonder and inspires confident learners and leaders… qualities that are so important, now more than ever. With appreciation,
Dear Harbor Community
Letter From The Board of Trustees Chair
Corinne Hammons Chair, Board of Trustees
2019-2020 Expenditures Summer Programs
8%
Institutional 4% Physical Plant 5%
2019-2020 Revenue
,
State Aid 1%
Salaries & Benefits
63%
Other 1%
Harbor Fund, Parents’ Association and Other Gifts
18%
General Administration
8%
Technology 2%
Summer Programs
14%
Financial Aid & Scholarship
10%
Tuition 67%
2019 – 2020 • Harbor Highlights
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The Harbor Fund
2019– 2020 What is the Harbor Fund?
How much should I give?
It is an annual fundraising campaign that directly supports the school’s programs—and your children—this academic year.
We simply ask that you do your best within your financial means. Every gift, of every amount, is appreciated and valued.
Why is the Harbor Fund necessary?
How do I make my gift?
It is necessary because tuition income is not enough to cover our annual expenses. In fact, nearly one-third of our expenses are not covered by tuition and must be funded through other means, such as the Harbor Fund.
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.
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.
Is my gift tax-deductible? Yes, contributions to The Harbor Fund are fully tax-deductible.
Thank you for your support!
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, 2021. 4
Harbor Highlights • 2019– 2020
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 Harbor Fund 2019-2020 Harbor Fund All-School Participation* *The 2019-2020 Harbor Fund campaign was unfortunately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, participation percentages reflected are through March 13, 2020. 100%
75%
50%
25%
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2s
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3s
K ePr
4s
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2019 – 2020 • Harbor Highlights
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Parents’ Association 8
Parents’ Association 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.
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
Below is a list of events and programs the Parents’ Association sponsors. Some events may be canceled, postponed or virtual for 2020-2021, due to limitations caused by COVID-19.
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.
Annual Spring Benefit
Family Fun Night
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
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.
Harbor Highlights • 2019– 2020
Trunk or Treat
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.
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 Super Raffle
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.
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.
Harbor Closet
2019-2020 Board of Trustees Corinne Hammons*, P’20, P’22, Chair Cynthia Wong Lippe, Ph.D.*, P’21, P’24, Vice Chair Therese DeAngelis, CPA, P’08, P’11, Treasurer Nancy Langdon Hickerson, Ph.D, P’12, P’15, Secretary Rose Antilus*, M.D., P’25, P’27 Robert Antonacci, M.D., P’17, P’17 Seema Bhansali*, Esq., P’19, P’21 Monica Bugallo*, Ph.D., P’30 John Cissel, ex-officio, Head of School Vincent DellaPietra, Ph.D., P’15
Alex Doboli, Ph.D., P’17, P’20 Agnes Ferro*, D.P.T., P’19, P’21 Michele Filosa*, Esq., P’25 Robert McCarroll*, ‘78, P’23 Neal Mellert*, Esq., P’23, P’25, P’27, P’29 Steve Moll, Friend Adrienne Owen, Trustee Emerita, P’20 Marina Polonskaia, Ph.D. * = Parent of current HCDS student P = Parent of HCDS graduate
2019-2020 Faculty and Staff Diane Abrams + Dana Allen Dana Amir Amanda Baron April Bier + Jackie Burt Nancy Busa + John Cissel + Annette Costa Cindy Cutalo Debbie Decker +++ Kimberly Deutsch Gretchen Dobrowolski Donna Dowling Nicole Driscoll Nicole Fotis + Marge Gabriele ++++ Krystina Gallo + Bryana Gensinger
Sarah Griffiths Laura Huang Ernst ++++ Kimberly Jungen Kandra Kane Dawn King Carly Lange Janine Leone Christine McBrien ++ Lynda McKenna ++++ Lynette Mutschler Susan Napodano ++ Katherine O’Brien Caitlin Packard Krissy Paul ++ Ralph Pepe + Sonia Rodriguez Donna Siani ++++ Amarilis Singh Terry Skoff +
Hong Li Snyder + Nikki Strull Jackie Thomas Rachel Weir +++ Artie Weissbach ++ Ken Wilken + Dawn Woods ++
2018-2019 Board of Trustees, Faculty and Staff
Gingerbread Extravaganza
+ = 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 2019-2020 school year: Jennifer Taggart Meredith Valasek 2019 – 2020 • Harbor Highlights
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Harbor Giving Circles
HARBOR GIVING CIRCLES July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020
Cedar Knolls Homes+ Carrie Short & Gretchen Eigenbrod* Ellen & Bob Gaffney ‘76+ Nicole & Lynn Klein-Rosner Nancy A. Langdon, Ph.D. &
Founders Circle
Anchor Society
$20,000 or more
$1,000–$2,499 Michael Ardolino, Realty Connect USA + Carmelo & Cynthia Cataudella* Bingjing Chen & Zan Sun* Gail Chesler* John Cissel & Peggy Harwood* Andrea Dagnelli ‘86 & Santiago Cristobal*+ David & Josefina Essex* Beth & Alex Finger* Michael Geraci Meifeng Lin & Chris Dawson Nancy & Steven Mancini+ Anna & Robert McCarroll ‘78*+ Kerry & Chris Rothemich+ Dr. Christine Ruggiero & Neal Mellert* Kim & George Sparacio*+ Stony Brook Childrens Hosiptal+ Stony Brook Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery+ Stony Brook University Electrical & Computer Engineering+ Suffolk Medical Imaging PC Jennifer & Thomas Tona*+ Xinxia Zhang & Dongsheng Men+
Barbara Amonson & Vincent DellaPietra* Anonymous David & Cynthia Lippe*+ Sue & Neal Ryan*+ Hsin Jung Wu & H.P. Wei*+
1958 Society $15,000–$19,999 Therese DeAngelis*
Trustee Society $10,000–$14,999 Adrienne & Jeffrey Owen*+
Head of School Society $5,000–$9,999 Central Semi Conductor+ The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation Lee & Corinne Hammons*+ Peter Klein
Matthew L. Hickerson* Shang & Tina Loh Magic Gutters+ Owen Brothers Landscape Development+ Stonyhill Equestrian Center+ Löic Rentiers & Leo Wong*
Three Sisters Club $250–$499 Austin & Co.+ BB & GG Farms & Nursery+ Cerini & Associates, LLP+ Dr. Jules Cohen* Tony & Monique D’Aulerio* Joe Dennis* Philip & Agnes Ferro* Nicole Fotis-Connelly* Goldstein, Rubinton, Goldstein & DiFazio PC+ Mohammed Hamdani & Dina Ahmed* David M. Horowitz, M.D. Concierge Medicine+ Home Care at its Best, Inc.+ Laura Huang Ernst*
Joshua & Ariya Lapan
Roxanne Kiefer
Richard & Camila Lippe*
Kimberly & Michael Lauri
Leyi Gao & Jun Lu*+ Carrie & Keith Zuckerman*
Harbor Benefactor $2,500–$4,999 Rose Antilus & Gomer Thomas*+ George & Joan Bubaris*+ MARS (Motors & Armatures, Inc.)* 10
Dr. Bridget Perkins & Dr. Robert Antonacci Kerry & Kerry Phelan*+
Harbor Highlights • 2019– 2020
Harbor Hawks Club $500–$999 Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics, PC+ Advanced Orthopedics+ Mustafa Beler & Zenaida Lopez*+ Brooke & Garrett Bergen Seema Bhansali & Prassana Venkatesh*
Anna & Rich MacDonald* Steve & Angela Moll Philip & Brittany Odackal The Perez-Solis Family Dietrich Ryan ‘08 & Erica Vicari Gerri Sardegna* Dr. Michael & Lori Schwartz+ The Good Steer+ Michelle & Vishal Varghese*
Up to $249
Seth & Elena Grossman The Inclan Family*
Diane Abrams*
Erik & Melinda Johnson*
Dana Allen
Kim Jungen
Dr. Farzana Alekseyev
Kandra Kane*
Dana Amir
Dr. Sami Khan &
Acupuncture Wellness Services,
Dr. Tehmina Haque
PLLC+
Dawn King*
Aline Wealth+
Jennifer Kirkpatrick ‘69 &
The Agnus Family
Eric Zicht
Anonymous
Russell Korn ‘18
Amanda Baron
Carly Lange
Morgan & Sharon Beardslee*
Kiersten Lees ‘19
April Bier*
Lawrence & Shellon Lees*
Mark & Tess Bremer
Anthony & Jennifer Leggio*
Jackie Burt
Janine Leone
Nancy Busa*
Dani Lettiere*
The Cardi Family
Lend My Biz+
Carter Designs+
Jeremy & Virginia Linzee
Cy & Genevieve Carter*+
Jacob Lippe* ‘21
Jun Chen
Rachael Lippe* ‘24
Anthony & Allison Coleman
Stephanie Lombardo*
Annette Costa*
Jean & Uraine Louis*+
Anne Marie & Kevin Craine*
Paolo Masakayan
Come Study USA+
Inna & Boris Matvenko*
Debbie Decker*
Made to Move Tennis & Wellness+
Kimberley Deutsch*
Michael Anthony Group+
Alex Doboli*
Christine & Bruce McBrien*
Gretchen Dobrowolski*
Lynda McKenna*
Donna Dowling
Angela Mouqin
Nicole Driscoll
Lynette Mutschler
Elite Parking Systems+
Susan & Jay Napodano*
Alexa Montgomarie Essex* ‘17
Newbrook Insurance Agency+
Sydney Essex* ‘12
Peter & Brooke Nichols
Matthew & Michele Filosa*
Ogden’s Deisgn & Plantings, Inc.+
David Fischler* ‘62
Kate O’Brien*
Dr. Joseph & Dr. Denice Franco
Caitlin Packard*
Marge Gabriele*
Krissy Paul*
The Gagliano Family*
Kathy Paulson
Krystina Gallo*
Ralph Pepe*
Sarah Griffiths*
Christina Poor
James Grillo ‘19
The Racca Family*
Salvatore & Debbie Grillo*
Kenneth & Tracy Robkoff
Sonia Rodriguez The Salmon Family* Erik & Elizabeth Schmid Lynda & Tim Sheppard* Cecilia & John Shinin* Donna Siani* Nelson & Maria Silva* Jade Silverstein ‘19 Amarilis Singh Simmons Point Group+ Terry Skoff* Smash Studio+ The Smirnov Family Hong Li Snyder* Nikki Strull Surface Resto+ Kent & Karen Valadez* Meredith Valasek Rachel Weir* Artie Weissbach* Ken Wilken* Dawn Woods* Colleen Wright* Warren Wynter Ozkan & Fatma Yazici
Harbor Giving Circles
Green and White Club
In Kind Donors 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.
Christine & Bruce McBrien* Paul Trafas
*These donors have made gifts to the Harbor Fund for three consecutive years or more. +These donors were sponsors of the 2020 Spring Benefit. 2019 – 2020 • Harbor Highlights
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Harbor cherishes childhood, cultivates wonder and inspires confident learners and leaders.
17 Three Sisters Road • St. James, New York 11780 • 631-584-5555 info@hcdsny.org • www.hcdsny.org • www.campharbor.org