Harbor Highlights
ANNUAL GIVING REPORT 2020–2021
Letter From The Board of Trustees Chair
Through the worry, distress, and question marks, I hope that this school has been a safe Harbor that provided comfort, guidance, and security for our students, faculty, and community. This has been our goal with these steps we have taken to reach it: • Weekly testing (with thanks to our generous donors!) • Constant communication • Follow our mantra: have a plan, stay vigilant, and adjust • Carefully “open” the community with: • Return to a normal school schedule • Hold Trunk or Treat with more than 200 people in attendance • Soccer games with spectators • Weekly All School Meetings for K-8 students and teachers together in the gym • Field trips including an overnight trip for grades 7 and 8 • Faculty dedicated to our mission but with an added dose of patience, flexibility, and calm • Parent body that was supportive and communicative
A year ago, I hoped that 2021 would completely erase the COVID pandemic from my memory. While in some ways my life returned to the pre-COVID situation, many restrictions and constraints persisted throughout the entire year. I went back to in-person lecturing, but I had to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Most of my meetings and conferences were through Zoom video conferencing. My family and I felt secure enough to travel for our summer vacation, but not safe enough to visit our aging parents who live abroad. Now, as the year quickly comes to an end, the number of infections has once again risen, raising the real possibility that some activities, including school, might be online, at least for a short period. So, while I enjoyed some long-awaited return to normality, throughout the year I still was plagued by the anxiety, social isolation, and uncertainty caused by the pandemic. 2021 was, for me, only a partial return to the pre-COVID situation, and in many ways still looked like 2020. I wouldn’t be surprised if the experience for many of you was partially like mine. Despite the many challenges and uncertainties of 2021, Harbor Country Day School experienced a strong academic year and a robust financial performance. The two charts below and to the left summarize our expenses and revenues for the last year. Among all aspects, I focused on student enrollment in my write-up, as it is a key indicator of the quality of a school’s overall health. Over the last ten years, student enrollment has steadily climbed year-to-year until a slight drop in 2019/2020. This year enrollment picked up because of families who wanted their students to be in-person five days a week, which Harbor was able to offer despite COVID. A significant number of new families were brought to Harbor allowing it to resume an upward trajectory which is anticipated to continue. It is very meaningful that this enrollment increase happened during COVID and was in many ways due to the school’s approach to this unusual period. Harbor faculty and administrators under Mr. John Cissel’s leadership worked hard and incessantly to deliver effective education in a warm and friendly environment. The last months of 2021 were defined by our search for the next Head of School. The Search Committee, co-chaired by Mrs. Adrienne Owen and Dr. Cynthia Lippe, organized and conducted a successful search that involved our entire community; Mr. Andrew Sperling was selected as our next Head of School. We are thrilled to welcome him into our Harbor community. In 2022 we will continue our ongoing activities and efforts, such as celebrating the legacy of Harbor’s beloved Head of School Mr. John Cissel, continuing the transition process for the next Head of School, and preparing and hosting the school’s periodic reaccreditation to name just a few. In addition, we will work hard towards raising the funds needed for school operation and projects, including the future STEAM Center for which we hope that construction will commence sometime during the summer of 2022. Finally, I want to give thanks to the two people that wisely and compassionately led Harbor through the challenges of the COVID pandemics: Mr. John Cissel and Mrs. Corinne Hammons, the previous Chair of the Board. I also want to thank the school’s faculty, administrators, students and parents, Board, and our entire community for their steadfast belief and commitment to the school. We will continue working together as a community towards fulfilling the school’s values and aspirations captured in our mission statement—“Harbor cherishes childhood, cultivates wonder and inspires confident learners and leaders.”
This “formula” resulted in something that is most important to me: joyful children! 2020-2021 was an historic year for Harbor; one we will look back on decades from now, when Harbor demonstrated its true nature as a school that was: • United • Resilient • Optimistic • Determined • Resolute • Mission Driven There is no place that I would have rather been! P.S. At the time of this printing, I am delighted to add that we are now a mask-optional school and parents can come into the school for school events! With gratitude, John Cissel Head of School
2020-2021 Expenditures Summer Programs 5.4% Institutional 2.7%
2020-2021 Revenue
,
Other 11%
Salaries & Benefits
56.7%
State Aid 1.7%
Physical Plant 4.9% Harbor Fund, Parents’ Association and Other Gifts
18.8%
General Administration
19.5%
Technology 2.6% Financial Aid & Scholarship
8.2%
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Harbor Highlights • 2020– 2021
Summer Programs
6%
Dear Harbor Community
Dear Harbor Community
Letter From The Head of School
With appreciation, Alex Doboli Chair, Board of Trustees
Tuition 62.5%
2020 – 2021 • Harbor Highlights
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The Harbor Fund
The Harbor Fund
2020– 2021 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.
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 • 2020– 2021
100%
75%
Is my gift tax-deductible? Yes, contributions to The Harbor Fund are fully tax-deductible. 50%
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.
2020-2021 Harbor Fund All-School Participation
25%
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
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2s
K ePr
3s
K ePr
4s
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2020 – 2021 • Harbor Highlights
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View of Main Space
Looking to the Future Harbor Country Day School’s objective is to ensure that future generations of students have continued opportunities to learn, to express themselves, and to grow as thoughtful and inspired young people. Toward that end, Harbor Country Day School’s board of trustees, and school leadership have established the Vision for Harbor Country Day School, a roadmap of the strides we plan to take throughout the next several years. That roadmap is composed of five specific goals: strengthen BUILDING - 3D DRAWINGS our financial foundation, support IMPROVEMENTS and empower the faculty and staff, foster an innovative academic program, modernize our campus and physical plan, and enhance internal and external communications. To secure the resources necessary to accomplish this ambitious vision, the school has launched a $10 million comprehensive Campaign for Harbor Country Day School with more than half of those funds raised, to date! The campaign has been divided into the categories below, which will provide financial support for the specific goals outlined above. With this campaign, which is unlike anything the school has seen in its 63-year history, Harbor Country Day School is poised to become the premier independent BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS - 3D DRAWINGS elementary school on Long Island. To learn more, or to give a gift, please visit our website and click the blue banner at the top or contact the Advancement Office at (631) 584-5555 x121.
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS - 3D DRAWIN
STEAM and Art hallway Dining room
STEAM & Art Hallway
Dining Room
$10 Million Campaign Goal
Workspace with Closed Partition
$6.1 Million Raised as of 3/1/2022
Assembly Hall STEAM and Art Studio
Main Space
Images above are architectural renderings.
View of Rear Exterior
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.
Gingerbread Extravaganza
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.
Book Fair
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.
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.
Following is a list of events and programs the Parents’ Association sponsors. Some events may be canceled, postponed or virtual for 2021-2022, 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
Therese DeAngelis, CPA, P’08, P’11, Treasurer
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.
Nancy Langdon Hickerson, Ph.D, P’12, P’15, Secretary
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.
Harbor Closet
2020-2021 Board of Trustees Corinne Hammons*, P’20, P’22, Chair Neal Mellert*, Esq., P’23, P’25, P’27, P’29, Vice Chair
Alex Doboli, Ph.D., P’17, P’20, Member at Large Rose Antilus*, M.D., P’25, P’27 Robert Antonacci, M.D., P’17, P’17 Seema Bhansali*, Esq., P’19, P’21
John Cissel, ex-officio, Head of School Vincent DellaPietra, Ph.D., P’15 Agnes Ferro*, D.P.T., P’19, P’21 Michele Filosa*, Esq., P’25 Robert McCarroll*, ‘78, P’23 Adrienne Owen, Trustee Emerita, P’20 Marina Polonskaia, Ph.D. HP Wei* * = Parent of current HCDS student P = Parent of HCDS graduate
Monica Bugallo*, Ph.D., P’30
2020-2021 Faculty and Staff
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Harbor Highlights • 2020– 2021
Diane Abrams ++
Dawn King
Artie Weissbach ++
Amanda Baron
Carly Lange
Ken Wilken +
April Bier +
Janine Leone
Dawn Woods ++
Jackie Burt
Christine McBrien ++
Nancy Busa +
Lynda McKenna ++++
John Cissel ++
Lynette Mutschler
Annette Costa
Susan Napodano ++
Cindy Cutalo
Caitlin Packard +
Debbie Decker +++
Krissy Paul ++
We welcome the following new
Gretchen Dobrowolski
Ralph Pepe +
faculty and staff members to
Nicole Fotis ++
Sonia Rodriguez
the 2020-2021 school year:
Marge Gabriele ++++
Donna Siani ++++
Nick DeZenzo
Krystina Gallo +
Terry Skoff +
Brianna DiPaola
Sarah Griffiths
Hong Li Snyder +
Dave McClure
Laura Huang Ernst ++++
Jennifer Taggart
Dave McClure
Kimberly Jungen
Meredith Valasek
Helen Judge
Kandra Kane +
Rachel Weir +++
Jackie Schoelermann
2020-2021 Board of Trustees, Faculty and Staff
Parents’ Association
Parents’ Association
+ = 5 years of service ++ = 10 years of service +++ = 15 years of service ++++ = 20 years of service
2020 – 2021 • Harbor Highlights
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July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021
Founders Circle $20,000 or more Barbara Amonson & Vincent DellaPietra*+ Anonymous Donor The Herrnstein Family+ David & Cynthia Lippe*+ Adrienne and Jeffrey Owen*+ Steven & Lisa Radgowski+ Sue & Neal Ryan*+ Hsin Jung Wu & H.P. Wei*+
Trustee Society $10,000–$14,999 Anonymous Donor Anonymous Donor Dr. Christine Ruggiero & Neal Mellert*+
Head of School Society $5,000–$9,999 Anonymous Donor Central Semiconductor Corp.+ The Claire Friendlander Family Foundation Therese DeAngelis* Leyi Gao & Jun Lu* The Koranyi Family+ Joshua & Ariya Lapan+ Richard & Camila Lippe* MARS (Motors & Armatures, Inc.)* Ming Zhao Carrie & Keith Zuckerman*+
Harbor Benefactor $2,500–$4,999 ALINE Wealth+ Michael Ardolino, Realty Connect USA+ George & Joan Bubaris+ The Finamore Family Michael & Abigail Fiore Heidi & Geoffrey Giffuni Corinne & Lee Hammons* Dr. Chris’ Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, PLLC+ 10
Harbor Highlights • 2020– 2021
The Ioannou Family Marko Kleine Berkenbusch & Valerie Briston Kerry & Kerry Phelan* Sand Shore, LLC+ Simmons Point Group of Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC+ The Vogeney Family Xinxia Zhang & Dongsheng Men
Anchor Society $1,000–$2,499 Rose Antilus & Gomer Thomas*+ Morgan & Barbie Chen+ Gail Chesler* John Cissel & Peggy Harwood* Andrea Dagnelli ‘86 & Santiago Cristobal*+ Kathleen de Reisthal Josefina & David Essex* Phil & Agnes Ferro The Field & Kim Family+ Beth & Alex Finger* Michael Geraci Judith Gibbons The Hickerson Family*+ The Klein-Rosner Family The Leggio Family* Mark and Jennifer Manno+ Anna & Robert McCarroll ‘78*+ Nassau Suffolk Radiological Associates PC+ Plycon Transportation Group+ Brett Rosenblatt and Alisa Altman+ Jennifer Smith Stony Brook Children’s Hospital+ Stony Brook University Medicine: Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery+ Jennifer & Thomas Tona*+ Leo Wong & Loic Rentiers* Kay Wong
Harbor Hawks Club $500–$999 Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental PC & Orthodontics Too!+ Advanced Orthopedics+ Anonymous Donor Paula & Curtis Arnold Mustafa Beler & Zenaida Lopez*+
Christopher & Jody Burke Sergey Butkevich & Irina Gulina Cedar Knolls Homes+ Cerini & Associates, LLP+ Jennifer Chai & Alfred Lorenz The Doremus Family Searle & Lauralee Field Matthew & Michele Filosa* The Good Steer+ Vincent Gubin Tali Hinkis & Kyle Lapidus+ Erik & Melinda Johnson Ryan and Stephanie Kelly Roxanne Kiefer & Gaetano Mollo The Kumar Family The Labelson Family Michael & Kimberly Lauri* Uraine Louis+ The Pan Family Dr. Bridget Perkins & Dr. Robert Antonacci The Short-Eigenbrod Family* Stony Brook University, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering+ The Udarelli-Pagliughi Family The Van Bemmelen Family Bruce & Nikole Willman
Three Sisters Club $250–$499 Anonymous Donor Andrew Baer & Margaret Pai Monica Bugallo* Cy & Genevieve Carter The Dawson-Lin Family David M. Duffy, Jr. The Family of Andrew & Alex Veneracion The Gagliano Family* Garnett DePasquale Projects Mark C. Greco ‘83 The Hamdani Family* James Hayward Philly Hefferson David Michael Horowitz, M.D., P.C.+ Shang & Tina Loh* Richard & Anna MacDonald* Anna Minutillo Ogden’s Design & Plantings, Inc.+ The Puchner Family Kerry & Christopher Rothemich* Robert & Gerri Reilly-Sardegna*
SchoolNova+ Emily & Elizabeth Valadez The Varghese Family The Venkatesh-Bhansali Family* Wiggs Opticians+
Green and White Club Up to $249 Diane Abrams* Dana Amir Sarah Anderson The Anderson Family An Anonymous Donor Jennifer Antilus Amanda Baron* Barry Brothers Landscape Design LLC+ The Beardslee Family* The Bergen Family April Bier* Despina Bubaris ‘08 Jackie Burt* Nancy Busa Nicole Casali* The Cataudella Family* Ana Celia The Chambers Family Jun Chen The Ciotta Family Annette Costa* Aly Cristobal+ The D’Aulerio Family* Norma Dagnelli Debbie Decker* Joseph Dennis Nic & Analiese DeZenzo Brianna DiPaola Alexa & Simona Doboli Gretchen Dobrowolski* Thomasena Ellison Montgomarie Essex ‘17 Sydney Essex ‘12 David Fischler* ‘62 Stephen Fleming & Sisa Suriel The Fotis-Connelly Family* Marge Gabriele* Krystina Gallo* Rebecca Garnett & Peter DePasquale Kathy & Christopher Giffuni The Gribbin Family Sarah Griffiths James Grillo ‘19
Elena Grossman Caroline Hammons ‘20 Sarah Hickerson Alison & Jonathan Hinkaty Meghan Hoey Laura Huang Ernst* David & Susanna Huntington+ The Imran Family Elba & Bart Jones Helen Judge Kimberly Jungen Kandra Kane* Graham Keir Dawn King* Jennifer Kirkpatrick* ‘69 Carly Lange* The Larsen Family Michael & Maryellen Lauri Edgar Lee & Winnie Hugh Lawrence & Shellon Lees* Janine Leone* The Lepolszki Family Danielle Lettiere Maggie Lin Ze Yun Lin Virginia & Jeremy Linzee Jacob Lippe* ‘21 Rachael Lippe* ‘24 Gretchen Mangione Christine & Bruce McBrien* Kelly McCabe & Vincent Oliver Lynda McKenna* Lorri McManus Gretchen Mockler Lynette Mutschler* Susan & Jay Napodano* Jeffrey & LaNae Netter Newbrook Insurance Agency, Inc.+ The Nichols Family Amabelle and Daniel Ottley Caitlin Packard* Catherine Paradise Thomas & Kristine Paul* Kathleen Paulson Ralph Pepe* Marina Polonskaia Peter & Betsey Puchner Tracy & Kenneth Robkoff Sonia Rodriguez Jeffrey & Jennifer Salmon* The Schmidt Family Jaclyn Schoelermann Jennifer Shea The Shinin Family
Donna Siani* The Silva Family* Terry Skoff* Hong Li Snyder* The Sparacio Family Regina Spencer Jennifer Taggart Madeleine Tona ‘24 Meredith Valasek Rachel Weir* Artie Weissbach* Ken Wilken* Dawn Woods* Warren Wynter
Harbor Giving Circles
Harbor Giving Circles
HARBOR GIVING CIRCLES
In Memory Of Josefina ‘Josie’ Alba Josefina Lagniton Alba Thomas P. Burke Edward W. Cissel Judith ‘Judy’ Johnson Evelyn V. McConlogue John F. McKenna, Jr. Steve Moll, Trustee YQ and Michon Wong
In Honor Of Jacob Lippe
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 2021 Spring Benefit. 2020 – 2021 • 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