La Scuola Annual Report 2008-09

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New York City

2008-09

ANNUAL REPORT

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LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

GUGLIELMO MARCONI a Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi is the only school in North America that provides a classical, bilingual education rooted in the Italian and European traditions. It was founded in 1977 by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet the academic needs of Italians living in the New York City area. Thanks to an ever increasing interest from American families, La Scuola has grown into a unique bilingual educational institution, from the Preschool level through Liceo (grades 9-12), reflecting the best features of the Italian and American instruction systems.

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

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La Scuola is committed to providing a thorough multicultural education to foster international understanding and openness in order to prepare students to become citizens of the world.

The challenging bilingual curriculum, deeply rooted in the European tradition, offers an intensive academic program that encompasses both the Italian and the American cultures and is open to scientific and technological innovations.

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La Scuola d’Italia is legally recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education and chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York as a private, independent co-educational American school. It is also a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools and the Guild of Independent Schools.

Rooted in Tradition

OPEN TO INNOVATION

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CHAIRMAN

HONORARY PRESIDENT

MEMBERS

Stephen Madsen, Esq. Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore

H.E. Ambassador Alessandro Cortese de Bosis

VICE CHAIRMAN

MEMBER EMERITA

Daniele Bodini, Chairman, American Continental Properties & Ambassador to the UN for the Republic of San Marino

Stephen Acunto President, CINN Worldwide, Inc.

Matilda Raffa Cuomo Founder & Chairman, Mentoring USA

SECRETARY

EX-OFFICIO Minister Francesco Maria Talò Consul General of Italy

Piera Palazzolo Falzone Senior Vice President— Marketing Dale Carnegie Training

Prof. Anna Fiore, Headmistress

Marco Martella US Representative of Banca d’Italia Hon. Dominic R. Massaro Justice, Supreme Court of New York

Joanna Crispi, Esq.

Francesca Verga, M.D.

Valerie Debler, Esq., Parent Trustee

Prof. Ethyle R. Wolfe VP Emerita, Brooklyn College, CUNY

Fabrizio Ferri, Photographer Richard Marotta, Headmaster, Garden School

Baroness Mariuccia ZerilliMarimò Founder, Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, New York University

FACULTY AND STAFF

2008-2009

Pia Pedicini Deputy Head of School & Director of Admissions

THE TEACHERS Maria A. Cinquemani Anna Bartocci Salvatore Castronovo Luigi Cavandoli Andreina Colarullo Evelyn Cheung Myriam Dal Dosso Antonia Di Maggio Aimee Freedman Felton Anne Fitzgerald

Jose Rubiera Chiara Senatore Ilana Seror Oriana Stracuzzi Nikos Tzavaras Simona Tarchiani Christina Tobajas Cynthia Ungaro Jillian Waldman

THE ASSISTANT TEACHERS Rosa Maria Di Maggio Serafina Ferranti Giovanna Gambino Migena Jonif Rita Grimaldi

THE STAFF Rosanna Cervone Mary Jones Filomena Lavermicocca Leonora McClernan Paola Migani Adriana Rivas Ismael Ruiz Paola Serrone Astrit Tena Ara Torossian

Annual Report 2008-09

Dott.ssa Anna Fiore Headmistress

Augusta Fleischer Maria Graci Mary Giaimo Giannalisa Klein Marisa Lo Magno Petrika Melo Father Victor Muzzin Christine Morga Marta Pettenella Nels Pierce Ilenia Pitti Michael Prater Linda Randolph

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

THE ADMINISTRATION

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PARENT ASSOCIATION (PA) SOME OF THE OUTSTANDING INITIATIVES IMPLEMENTED BY THE PARENT ASSOCIATION THROUGHOUT THE 2008-09 ACADEMIC YEAR September 19: Welcome breakfast for

all the families of La Scuola

Exchange program students from the Liceo Farnesina in Rome

School Directory project in collaboration with the school administration

March: Breast Cancer Awareness

October 13: Collaboration in the organization of the Columbus Day Parade

Project Cicero: From March 2nd -5th

November 3rd: Wine Tasting Fundraising at Pepolino restaurant November 14th: Harvest sale

fundraising at 96th Street School Campus Thanksgiving Charity 2008: Food

collection program for the Yorkville Common Pantry, an organization devoted to helping those in need December: Organization of the Winter

Holidays parties January: Financial support of the Library project at 96th School Campus plus a donation for purchasing books

Fundraising La Scuola collected gently used books to donate to Project Cicero, an organization that gives books to underprivileged schools April: Financial support and

collaboration with teachers and students in the Yearbook project May 8th: Mother’s Day breakfast event May 16th: Middle School Dance

Abruzzo earthquake victims. The money has been donated to the Italian Red Cross directed to Abruzzo June 8th: End of the year Picnic in

Central Park

February: Welcome party for the

Annual Report 2008-09

VICE PRESIDENT Marina Bianchi (Graziani) COMMUNICATIONS Joanna Delson (Venderbush) Antonella Fongaro (Gallo) TREASURER Joanne Sarro Borini PARENT TRUSTEE Valerie Debler

May and June: Collection for the

Fundraising Event

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

PRESIDENT Consuelo Di Muccio

at Alloro restaurant

February 6th: Pampered Chef

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Executive Committee

NEW PARENT COMMITTEE During the spring a new marketing committee of La Scuola parents was created thanks to the initiative of Dr. David Luna, an experienced marketing professional who is the parent of one of our young students in pre-K B. The aim of this committee is to help the school in increasing public awareness of La Scuola in New York City and better develop strategies to attract more students and to retain those already enrolled with us.

Parents focus groups have been held at La Scuola to discuss strategies that will facilitate the school population growth. A new description of the school for the new edition of the Manhattan Family Guide to Private School has been submitted.

Moreover, the marketing committee is helping the school Head and the administration to redesign our school web site, in order to make it more interactive, user friendly and dynamic.

Committees WELCOMING Damaris Niedermann FUNDRAISING PROJECTS Marina Bianchi (Graziani) PROGETTO CICERO Emma Edelson Paola Eisler JOINT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Joanna Crispi CARNEVALE Lucretia Moroni (Oliensis) PICNIC Emma Edelson JUNIOR SPORTS (PREK3RD GRADE) Susanna McCance PARENTS LEAGUE REP Joanna Delson

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FROM THE HEADMISTRESS

All these days at La Scuola have been exciting, intense, sometimes overwhelming, but I hope that you will consider them productive and beneficial towards all our students and La Scuola community.

One of my main goals has been to build a strong school community where all the components, Teachers and Staff, Parents and Students are extremely proud of being part of this unique bilingual and bicultural institution: an institution where each individual, being a teacher, a parent or a student, acknowledges and supports each other.

Since my arrival, I have fully dedicated my efforts to continue improving the high quality bilingual and bicultural education of this unique institution, which offers a rich and challenging curriculum, equally balanced between the classics, the humanities and the sciences, comprising the best of the Italian and American educational systems.

I concentrated my efforts on several fundamental goals, such as building renovation with the creation of a new bilingual library, equipped with a smart-board, at the elementary school. We were also able to acquire new classroom spaces that will enable us to accommodate more students at the pre-K and K and the elementary grades.

In addition, I have worked hard in order to forge a network between La Scuola and the various Italian institutions and Italian-American organizations, in order to open up the school to the tremendous cultural offering of this extraordinary city of New York. La Scuola has gained more and more visibility and popularity by becoming itself “a cultural promoter”: through the May 28th performance of the famous Italian actress Monica Guerritore, we were able to launch a series of cultural encounters that we hope to continue and further enrich in the next 2009-2010 academic year.

These goals have been pursued so far also thanks to the strong collaborative commitment of our Consul General Francesco M.Talo`and the Education Office of the Consulate, as well as to Renato Miracco, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute and Dott. Alfio Russo, Educational Director at the Consulate General of Italy.

To strengthen the bonds with Italy and benefit our Liceo, I initiated an exchange program with the Liceo Farnesina in Rome, which promises to further our international involvement. Finally, I was very proud and pleased to be able to organize for the first time in the history of La Scuola d’Italia, two successful graduation ceremonies. The first one for our 8th graders took place on June 23rd at the Consulate General of Italy and the second one for our High School graduates, a formal cap and gown ceremony, was organized on July 3rd in the theater of our Middle-school and Liceo.

Our Teachers and Staff at La Scuola have worked extremely hard all year to provide the best in academic instruction and education for our students. I want to sincerely thank all of them for their commitment and for making a difference in the lives of our students.

Lastly, we could not have accomplished anything this year without the dedication and support of our tenacious P.A., Parent Association, along with all of you parents who contributed so much throughout this academic year.

I would therefore like to extend my deepest thanks to all of you for your ongoing commitment.

With the continuing commitment of our families, Board members, faculty, staff and of all our friends who share our strong beliefs in the mission of our school, La Scuola d’Italia will move forward to a better, brighter future and offer the wonderful children of New York, Italians, Americans and of other nationalities, the best possible international education.

I look forward to the next school year and the endless possibilities for our students.

Anna Fiore

Annual Report 2008-09

As the new Headmistress at La Scuola d’Italia, I cannot believe that almost one year has already passed since I initiated my work here at the beginning of September 2008.

FAMILIES, FACULTY, STAFF AND FRIENDS,

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

Dear La Scuola

July 15, 2009

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FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Friends

OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES July 17, 2009

OF LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA:

Enclosed is our Annual Report, covering the 2008-2009 school year. The Board of Trustees and the Administration intend this to be an annual communication to parents, faculty and friends of La Scuola d’Italia so that all can see where we are, and how we are doing.

This Report also coincides with the completion of Dr. Fiore’s first year as our Headmistress. Under her academic leadership, and notwithstanding ongoing disturbances in the economy, La Scuola has continued to move forward, and there is much in the record this year of which we can all be very proud. It was, indeed, a year of many “firsts”.

A successful school year like this one depends on the efforts of many people, including Dott.ssa Fiore and Mrs. Pedicini, our resourceful and hardworking teachers, our dedicated staff, the energetic leaders and members of our Parents Association, our distinguished friends at the Consulate General and other offices of the Government of Italy, and, of course, our beloved students. I hope you will join me in congratulating Dott.ssa Fiore upon the completion of her first year as Preside. This brings her, and to all of you, thanks and gratitude from all the members of the Board of Trustees for all of

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

Annual Report 2008-09

your efforts on behalf of La Scuola d’Italia.

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With very best regards, Sincerely yours,

Stephen S. Madsen Chairman, on behalf of the Board of Trustees

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

2008-09

Revenues Total School Revenue $4,817,461

TUITION AND FEES: Based on 232 full year students.

ITALIAN GRANT 1% MISC. 1%

DONATIONS 5%

Tuition & Fees $4,452,839

DONATIONS (INCLUDING GALA): Net Gala proceeds and other contributions.

ITALIAN GOVERNMENT GRANT: 50,000 euro at applicable exchange rate.

Donations (Including Gala) $235,937 Italian Government Grant $63,500 Miscellaneous $65,185

MISCELLANEOUS: Includes interest and other income.

93%

Tuition & Fees

Expenses

2% OTHER SCHOOL EXPENSES 6% RESERVE FUND

Total Expenses $4,817,461

9%

PHYSICAL PLANT: Includes property insurance, building repairs and maintenance, depreciation, mortgage amortization and mortgage interest.

6%

ADMINISTRATIVE & GENERAL

Salaries & Related Expenses $2,810,018

SALARIES AND RELATED EXPENSES: Includes salaries and wages, payroll taxes and applicable insurance.

Scholarships-Financial Aid $384,920 Administrative & General $409,627

17%

PHYSICAL PLANT

Other School Expenses $112,161 Reserve Fund $285,136 Physical Plant $815,599

8%

58%

ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL: Includes Annex and gym rent, student transportation, professional fees and other administrative expenses.

SALARIES & RELATED EXPENSES

SCHOLARSHIPS FINANCIAL AID

SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL AID: Includes scholarships, financial aid and sibling discounts.

Number of students in each level of instruction: 2008/09 120

Pre-School = 54 Elementary = 106

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LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

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RESERVE FUND: Amount reserved for final mortgage payment due May 2010.

Annual Report 2008-09

OTHER SCHOOL EXPENSES: Includes various miscellaneous expenses.

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7

80

Middle School = 40 High School = 32

60

0

Total School Population 232 excluding 10 at limited time

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LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

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PRE-K

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LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

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ELEMENTARY

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LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

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MEDIE

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LICEO

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Why Donate?

THE ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN

ACADEMIC YEAR 2008 / 2009

In order to sustain the high quality of La Scuola’s bilingual and bicultural education giving the children a lifelong love of learning, we need strong support from parents, alumni and friends.

We can all be proud that La Scuola d’Italia has earned a reputation in the independent school world of being a small unique school that does excellent work in educating tomorrow’s leaders, world citizens for a global world.

La Scuola’s population has increased over these past few years creating the need and the search of a new building that will host all our students.

YOUR GIFTS WILL HELP US

ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING GOALS

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

Annual Report 2008-09

1. Financial Aid Assistance Many La Scuola families have applied due to the ongoing economic crisis. We sought external financial assistance, with a minimum response.

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2. Elementary School Renovation The new library is almost complete and about to be furnished with a smart-board; we would like to install smartboards in every Elementary school classroom. Moreover we are planning more space renovation work to better reorganize the lunch time and recess for each floor.

3. Middle school and High School furniture renovation We would like to install at least two smart-boards, one for the Middle school and one for the Liceo division. It is also necessary to refurnish the classrooms with new desks for our students.

4. Technology and multimedia development With the help of the newly formed parents marketing committee, during the month of July 09 we are planning on redesigning La Scuola’s website.

5. Creation of a language Lab We are planning to create two language labs for both buildings with the help of your contribution.

6. Contribution to Personnel expenses We are planning to hire two part-time psychologists, one for Early Childhood and Elementary and the other for Middle and High School grades. Like the other NYSAIS independent schools, we would also like to provide the Media-Liceo Campus with the services of the Freedom Institute on a regular basis, twice a week, for the next academic year 09-10.

7. Contribution towards cultural projects La Scuola wants to continue to offer our students and school community outstanding cultural programs and events. Many proposals are available for the upcoming fall, among them the Bruno Munari’s Lab, the Burattini Cortesi, the Piccolo Teatro di Milano, famous Italian writers and singers, such as Jovanotti and Valeria Parrella, a special musical for the Middle School with the musician Anna Caterina Cornacchini.

8. Improvements for the After School Activities for all grade levels We would like to offer a high quality outstanding program for the after school, including a journalism and a film making course for the Media-Liceo students. Another important after school project to begin in the fall is “Italian classes for adults.”

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THE ANNUAL FUND

La Scuola has strived for all its years to grow and become competitive and unique among all other independent schools and is now entering a new crucial innovative phase. Support of the Annual Fund is one of the ways that you can help the school reach its full potential.

The 2008 – 2009 Annual Fund campaign raised $87,245. We extend our gratitude to the following friends and families who have supported our Annual Fund campaign this year:

Gifts under $500

Gifts $500 to under $1,000

Gifts $2,500 to under $5,000

Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore Corea Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Cruz Mr. and Mrs. Carlo di Florio Mr. and Mrs. Christian Gillis Ms. Barbara Hazan Peter Homel, M.D. Edward Jackson, Ph.D. The Lanari Family Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Law Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Leavy Mr. and Mrs. Constantino Leon Mr. and Mrs. Charles Longobardi Mr. and Mrs. David Luna Ms. Dorothy E. Nicolosi Mr. and Mrs. Mario Nigro Mrs. Carmela D. O’Connell Ms. Ann S. Perugini Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Richman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rizzo Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Rojas Mr. and Mrs. Martin Sandler Cav. Joseph Sciame Mr. and Mrs. Stefano Sola Ms. Flaminia Spina-Gleizer Mr. and Mrs. Guy Sudsataya Mr. and Mrs. Giuseppe Tarillo Dr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Tromba

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Diamond Drs. Anna and Pawel Dyczek Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Eisler Mr. and Mrs. William M. Hawkins Mr. and Mrs. Amine Lamrabat Mr. and Mrs. Stefano Maroni Mr. and Mrs. Guido Mosca Mr. and Mrs. Marco Oppici Mr. and Mrs. David Venderbush

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bellacosa Mr. and Mrs. Giancarlo Canavesio Mr. and Mrs. Louis Cioci La Federazione Siciliana del New Jersey Mr. and Mrs. Gianluca Mozzoni Mr. and Mrs. Fulvio Renoldi Bracco

Gifts $5000 and above Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Barnum Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Borini Dr. and Mrs. Edmund A. Debler Mr. and Mrs. Paolo Del Gatto Mr. and Mrs. W. Eric Egan Mr. and Mrs. Stephen S. Madsen Mrs. Rosana S. Mazzia

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

Ms. Kathleen Caronna Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D’Agostino Mr. and Mrs. Yevgeny Fundler Mrs. Caroline H. Hyman Mr. and Mrs. Mario Loreto Mr. and Mrs. Richard Palandrani Drs. Eva and Robert Peracchia Mr. and Mrs. Paolo Taddonio Mr. and Mrs. Jason Trennert Mr. and Mrs. Robert Valentino Mr. and Mrs. Giovanni Zocche

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Gifts $1000 to under $2,500

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PIA PEDICINI

Auguri e congratulazioni a

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

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PIA PEDICINI, Vice Preside che ha celebrato 30 anni di servizio presso La Scuola d’Italia

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l 2009 segna un anniversario speciale per la nostra Vice Preside, Pia Pedicini, che quest’anno compie 30 anni di ininterrotto servizio presso La Scuola d’Italia. La signora Pia, che e` sempre stata un solido ed essenziale punto di riferimento per la scuola e per la sua crescita nel corso degli anni, continua a svolgere un ruolo fondamentale per la nostra istituzione, riconosciuto ed apprezzato dall’intera comunita` scolastica, alunni, genitori, docenti e personale amministrativo.

Nel corso di questi 30 anni di totale dedizione alla scuola, la signora Pia, prima maestra e poi Vice Preside, ha saputo guidare la nostra istituzione con coraggio, lungimiranza e competenza anche nei momenti piu`difficili, come l’anno scolastico 2001-02 in cui ha svolto le funzioni di Preside ad interim.

Con il suo entusiasmo costante, la professionalita` e la capacita` di rispondere prontamente ed efficacemente alle molteplici esigenze della comunita` scolastica, la signora Pia e` sempre stata un modello e una fonte d’ispirazione per generazioni di studenti, per i docenti e per tutto il nostro personale.

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Il Board of Trustees, la Preside, i docenti, i genitori, gli alunni e tutto il personale desiderano esprimere in questa occasione tutta la loro gratitudine e ringraziare immensamente la signora Pia per l’inestimabile preziosa opera educativa svolta nel corso di questi 30 anni per La Scuola d’Italia.

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COLUMBUS DAY PARADE

OCTOBER 13, 2008

xcellent outcome! The Columbus Day Parade was truly an outstanding success for La Scuola.

We made many headlines, such as the New York Times, America Oggi and a video interview with RAI International. Thanks to all the parents, students and teachers who participated in the parade La Scuola d’Italia was able to shine on its own float representing the only Italian Bilingual-Bicultural institution in North America.

A special thank you was extended to our parents Letizia Moroni, Michael Lucero and Consuelo Di Muccio who worked so hard in preparing banners and headbands for our students to carry and wear during the Parade. The support given to La Scuola by the President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, Mr. Louis Tallarini demonstrated that it is possible to establish very productive relationships with the ItalianAmerican organizations.

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THE WEEK OF THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE

AT THE ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE he Week of the Italian language” was celebrated during the month of October at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York with the program “La Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi in Piazza” with shows presented by our 4th and 5th grade through Liceo students. Their performances reflected the topic of the Italian piazza with linguistic games, poems and prose from famous Italian authors as well as contents written by the students. The audience at the Istituto was amazed by our 4th Liceo students who performed a dialog between the scientists Galilei and Guglielmini in the form of a puppet show. We also set up an exhibition of artworks done by the students at the Istituto, with drawings and sculptures on the theme of the Italian Piazza, including a project about Michelangelo’s Campidoglio in Rome.

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LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

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LA SCUOLA IN THE PRESS

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LA SCUOLA IN THE PRESS

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GIORNATA DELLA MEMORIA

JANUARY 27, 2009

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ur Liceo students participated in a project with the Centro Primo Levi. The Centro is part of The Center for Jewish History, which is one of the great public Jewish historical and cultural institutions in the world. Inspired by the humanistic legacy of the Italian writer Primo Levi, Centro Primo Levi is dedicated to studying the history and culture of Italian Jewry. On Tuesday January 13, 2009, our fourth Liceo students Elio Di Muccio, Bruno Fortunato, Stefano Longobardi and Angelo Russo visited the Centro accompanied by Head of School Dott.ssa. Anna Fiore, journalist Letizia Airos and some teachers. During this three hour after school visit, the students learned about the Centro and then interviewed Mrs. Stella Levi, who survived Auschwitz, and Mrs. Natalia Indrimi, Executive Director of the Centro. Our Liceo students worked on writing the article that was published in America Oggi newspaper.

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On January 27, 2009 the 8th grade class together with all the Liceo classes actively participated in the “Giornata della Memoria”, a commemorative event organized by the Consulate General of Italy in conjunction with the Centro Primo Levi and the Italian Cultural Institute.

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LA SCUOLA IN THE PRESS

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LICEO EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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FEBRUARY, APRIL 2009

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uring the month of February our Liceo students had the opportunity to host an Exchange Program with the Italian Liceo Farnesina in Rome.

Throughout their stay in New York, the 16 exchange students from Rome along with our Liceo students participated in many different educational and recreational activities such as: scheduled visits to Museums one of which the MOMA, where Dr. Renato Miracco, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, guided our guests together with the 4th Liceo students and lectured them about modern Art and the Futurism; to the U.N. where they participated in a guided tour and attended a special event of the Philanthropy and the Global Public Agenda; they also had the opportunity to see Ban Ki –moon, Secretary General of the U.N. and experience many different aspects of the United Nations. Other visits were to the Italian Consulate, Italian Cultural Institute, Ellis Island, to mention a few. The group also attended a Broadway Musical,

a Moni Ovadia performance and a Knicks Basketball game.

Our 3rd and 4th Liceo students had the same exiting experience when they visited the Liceo Farnesina students in Rome during the month of April. Together with their classmates of the Liceo Farnesina, our students participated in several outstanding cultural activities such as the U.N. project with other European schools, the visit with a lecture at the Physics Department of the University La Sapienza in Rome, a one day field trip to Florence, a visit to the Vatican Museums and to the Futurism exhibition as well as to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and participation in the RAI television program Ballarò.

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LA SCUOLA IN THE PRESS

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GALA BENEFIT DINNER

MARCH 13, 2009

n March 13th, 400 guests including our Parents, Faculty and Staff, as well as many Friends of La Scuola d’Italia participated and attended La Scuola’s Annual Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street. Thanks to our indefatigable Gala Committee who proved once more to be outstanding in the organization of this successful event, this year’s Gala was a great success for our school. At this memorable event, we congratulated and applauded two of our key assets who have been role models of La Scuola: Prof.

Ethyle R. Wolfe, an outstanding academic leader, a founder of La Scuola and a current Board Member, and Mrs. Pia Pedicini our Deputy Head of School and Director of Admissions who celebrated her 30th anniversary of continuous dedicated hard work with our institution.

We were very pleased to have honored Mr. Frank G. Fusaro, President of the Forum Group and Philanthropic Chairman of the Columbus Citizens Foundation. Our special guest was Monica Maggioni, lead presenter of RAI 1 News and one of the most famous Italian journalists.

Our Middle and Liceo students, accompanied by maestro Petrika Melo were applauded, for their talented choir performance of the National Anthems and of Verdi’s Nabucco. Moreover, our Liceo students skillfully performed a presentation on the theme “2009 International Year of Astronomy” where they recited aphorisms of philosophers and excerpts from Dante Alighieri and Giacomo Leopardi.

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Annual Report 2008-09

Preparation for the following Gala has already begun and we look forward to making it an even greater successful event!

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GALA 2009

FINANCIAL RESULTS Revenue Source Advertising Dinner Raffle Donations Auction

Revenue 09 $14,200 $175,700.00 $7,926.50 $29,760.00 $25,411.00

Percentage 6% 69% 7% 12% 18%

Gala Revenues 09 Total Revenue $252,997.50 Expenses $115,559.83 Net Revenue $137,437.67

7%

6% ADV.

RAFFLE

Dinner $175,700

12% DONATIONS

Auction $25,411 Donations $29,760 Raffle $7,926.50

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Advertising $14,200

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18% AUCTION

69% DINNER

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Annual Report 2008-09

LA SCUOLA IN THE PRESS

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April 21-22

During the course of the month of April 2009, La Scuola d’Italia was proud to present the extraordinary figure of Gianni Rodari, the most important author of Italian children’s literature of the 20th century.

This outstanding project was carried out in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy, Education Office, the Italian Cultural Institute, IACE, and implemented by the AIDA Foundation.

The show La freccia azzurra (The blue arrow) was performed in the Theatre-Gym of our Middle school and Liceo Campus on April 21st and April 22nd and was attended by all La Scuola d’Italia community as well as by other Independent School students such as Philosophy Day School and Nightingale School.

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A special reading about Rodari’s work conducted by experts from Fondazione AIDA took place in the new library of the 96th street Campus for our 2nd-5th grade students.

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The AIDA Foundation set up a beautiful exhibition about Rodari’s work in the gym at the Middle School and Liceo Campus. Moreover we were able to acquire about 40 books by Gianni Rodari together with posters that have allowed us to create a Gianni Rodari’s corner in the Elementary school library.

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AN ENCOUNTER WITH

MONICA GUERRITORE

INCONTRI

Monica Guerritore May 28, 2009

In between the performances, the audience had the opportunity to place bids on Silent Auction items while enjoying delicious refreshments thanks to the generosity of some of our wonderful parents.

La Scuola d’Italia highly acknowledged and thanked Alessandra Ferri and Fabrizio Ferri for providing us with this outstanding performance and fascinating space at Industria Superstudio and extended a special thank you to our Event Committee Members for organizing this special evening.

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

On May 28th, 2009 there were about 300 guests who attended Monica Guerritore’s New York debut staging Dall’Inferno all’Infinito and Joan of Arc at Industria Superstudio. Her dramatic interpretation revealed her expertise as an actress and interpreter of the classics. This show was a great success leaving the audience enchanted including the nonItalian speakers.

Annual Report 2008-09

As the only bilingual and bicultural pre-K through 12 grade institution in North America, La Scuola d’Italia has been proud to launch and present to its audience unique encounters that showcase outstanding excellence in the Italian culture through a series called “Incontri” designed to help enhance La Scuola’s fundraising efforts throughout the school year.

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TRIP TO WASHINGTON

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JUNE 3RD-5TH, 2009

uring the month of June, our 9th – 11th Grade students accompanied by their Professors enjoyed a trip to Washington DC. They paid a special visit to The White House, the Federal Triangle, the Italian Embassy and the United States Capitol Building. Our Students also benefitted from visiting Museums such as the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History.

This cultural visit was a great opportunity for our bi-lingual and bi-cultural students to view the different American historical sites and landmarks.

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LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

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SOCCER TEAM

ith the help, spirit and enthusiasm of our Gym Teacher and Coach Mr. José Rubiera, La Scuola was able to organize two division teams: Middle School and High School Soccer. Our Liceo Students were able to compete with other schools in tournaments and exhibition games. Our soccer teams were outfitted with brand new jerseys and they enjoyed a stellar season of camaraderie and competition.

Thanks to our fearless coach, La Scuola’s name is now known among New York City’s varsity Sports world.

We are now planning to extend our Fall 2009 Soccer Season to our Middle School students who will be involved in several games with other schools, with the help of a young Italian soccer coach who will join the gym teacher Mr. Rubiera in training both our Middle School and High School Soccer Teams.

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GRADUATION

JUNE 23rd AND JULY 3 , 2009 RD

or the first time in La Scuola d’Italia history our 8th Grade and 12th Grade Students were honored with a formal Graduation Ceremony.

Thanks to the Consul General of Italy Francesco Maria Talò, on June 23rd, our 8th Grade students were hosted at the Consulate for the celebration of their graduation. The Consul General awarded their diplomas making this a memorable event for our entire school community.

On July 3rd, our 12th Grade students, after completing their challenging “Maturità Exams” were awarded their diplomas from the Vice Consul General Giovanni Favilli. This was an important step in their lives and La Scuola d’Italia is proud to have organized a formal cap and gown ceremony for the first time.

Present at these ceremonies were special honorable guests such as: the Director of the Italian Cultural

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

Annual Report 2008-09

Institute Renato Miracco, and Director of the Educational Office at the Consulate Alfio Russo, who showed continuous support throughout the school year. La Scuola d’Italia is proud that all our 12th Grade graduates were accepted into highly recognized Colleges and Universities worldwide.

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8th Grade Graduates

12th Grade Graduates

Assante, Di Coppilo Davide Aversa, Sophie Balakhovsky, Catherine Bellacosa, Juliette C. Carnesciali, Jonathan Davide-Luca Carocci, Pietro Di Muccio, Chiara Falzone, Veronica R. Garte, Giancarlo Graziano, Nicolas Joabar, Alessandro Manica, Mariangela Pericotti, Giampaolo Poliero, Paolo

Cioci, Anthony Di Muccio, Elio Fortunato, Bruno Iaccarino, Monica Lasalandra, Luca Longobardi, Stefano Rapetti, Chiara Russo, Angelo Shedrinsky, Maria Antonia Tonelli, Renato

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La Scuola Alumni ALUMNI NEWS CORNER

We want to hear from you!

Please send in your news, announcements, and photos for publication in an upcoming La Scuola newsletter. Submissions should be addressed to Leonora McClernan in the Development Office by mail to 12 East 96th Street, New York, NY 10128 or via email to develop@lascuoladitalia.org Leonora can also be reached by phone at 212-369-4433

1996/1997 Bellotti, Anthony Cerami, Gianluca Fiorelli, Nicola Fiorelli, Pasquale Gottlieb, Nicholas Marino, Tiziana Mazza, Fulvio

Hunter College, CUNY, NY — Economics Università “La Cattolica,” Milan, Italy — Law New York School of Interior Design, CUNY, NY — Architecture John Jay College, CUNY, NY — Pre-Law University of Florida Università Statale, Rome, Italy — Law New York University, NY — Journalism

1997/1998 Brusciotti, Silvia Canseco, Alexis Gennarini, Maria Malavarca, Oscar

Università “La Sapienza,” Rome, Italy — Natural Science Hunter College, CUNY, NY — Economics and French Rutgers University, NJ — Medieval History Università Statale, Parma, Italy — Literature and Music History

1998/1999

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Aliquò, Alessandra Cacchi, Marco Casartelli, Ulisse Gennarini, Stefano Manaigo, Carlotta

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Fordham University, NY — Political Science Hofstra University, NY — Political Science Università Statale, Bologna, Italy — Philosophy Allen Hall, London, England — Theology and Philosophy Rhode Island School of Design — Art and Photography

1999/2000 Ippolito, Arsenio Mascolo, Arcangelo Michele Vezzoli, Greta

Università Statale, Salerno, Italy — Modern Languages Università Statale, Rome, Italy — Economics Università Statale, Padova, Italy — Biology

2000/2001 Chiarini, Francesco Gennarini, Francesco Lo Gullo, Arturo Lo Gullo, Roberto Mazza, Fabio Spada, Stefano Tonelli, Adriana

Università Statale, Bologna, Italy — Modern Languages Rutgers University, NJ — Fine Arts Università Statale, Pisa, Italy — Chemical Engineering Università Statale, Messina, Italy — Medicine Richmond American International University, London, England — Communication Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — Law

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2001/2002 Bove, Anna De Leo, Omar Fiorelli, Elizabeth Ippolito, Angelo Marinai, Matilde Michetti, Gabriele Quaranta, Guja Senni, Nicolo Spalten, Valentina

SUNY Purchase, NY — Drama New York University, NY — Business and Economics Manhattanville College, NY — Political Science Università Statale, Salerno, Italy — Modern Languages Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Università Statale, Rome, Italy — DAMS Visual Arts and Music Università Statale, Rome, Italy — DAMS Visual Arts and Music Boston University, Boston, MA — Psychology

2002/2003 Francesconi, Federico Gallo, Alessandro Garretti, Alice

Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy — CLEA Business Administration IULM (Libera Università di Lingue e Communicazione), Milan, Italy — Communication and Modern Language

2003/2004 Castronovo, Fadi Conlon, Gabriel Modabber, Venus Gennarini, Giuseppe Luongo, Marco Smith, Hilary C.

Polytechnic Institute, NY Università degli Studi di Bologna, Italy — Political Sciences Università Bocconi, Milano, Italy — DIEM International Economics and Management Columbia University, NY — School of Engineering Università LUIS, Roma, Italy —Political Sciences Università Statale di Milano, Italy — Mathematics

2004/2005 Gennarini Carmen Padovano Valentina

University of Southern California – Liberal Arts Universita` degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy – Business Administration

Binghamton University, Scholars Program, NY Boston University, Boston, MA SUNY Purchase, NY Universita’ di Roma, Italy Accademia di Belle Arti, Milano, Italy Bristol University, England

LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA

Falzone, Jessica Marichal, Mickaela Marinai, Chiara Minoli, Stefano Parodi, Giorgia Richardson, Gemma

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2006/2007

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i-Italy.org

The future Italian/American Digital Project

www.i-italy.org | www.i-italy.us

OF OUR CHILDREN DEPENDS ON YOUR SUPPORT TO LA SCUOLA D’ITALIA AND THE WORLD’S FUTURE DEPENDS ON THEM

New York City

12 East 96th Street, New York N.Y, 10128 www.lascuoladitalia.org phone: (212) 369 3290