Chatsworth Hills Academy Annual Report

Annual REPORT

2009-10

Mission Statement

Emphasizing character development and critical thinking, Chatswor th Hills Academy’s mission is to provide oppor tunities for our students to fulfill their individual potential in a suppor tive, natural environment.

Nestled away in the hills, the School boasts 14 acres of green, including a variety of native and planted trees, and plants. Children interact with nature daily whether studying under one of the ‘grandpa’ oak trees, playing on natural rock formations, or enjoying the natural spring that runs throughout the campus. Preschool students care for various animals, including sheep, goats, and bunnies.

ead Ann Gillinger-H

of School

S E A S O N O F H A R V E S T. . . . .

What an amazing first year for me as Head of School at CHA! A year of challenges and surprises, it proved to be record-breaking in many arenas. Impor tantly, it was a year of coalescing around our mission and recommit ting to CHA’s success. I found resilient families and joy ful children working, growing, and learning together in this beautiful place.

Our faculty, reenergized and ready to guide their students through the lens of the ear th@CHA theme, stretched and grew the learning experiences in amazingly creative ways. Working with this inspired CHA faculty was a rewarding aspect of the year. What a thrill it was to have two of them recognized in the larger community and the entire school acknowledged as “Best Private School” for the second year in a row.

CHA continues to thrive and grow, proving its vitality.

We are forever grateful for the dedication of our faculty, staff, and families.

Page 4

CHA 2009-10 Annual Repor t

Our school-wide, interdisciplinary theme, ear th@CHA, brought our community of faculty, parents, and children together in diverse ways. CHA parents are a wonder ful blend of people: energized and laid-back, appreciative and anxious. Commit ted to providing for their children’s grow th and development, they gave of their time and were most receptive to the evolution of ideas from our new Administration. I look forward to many years of working together as we suppor t our children in this warm and nur turing place.

I want to thank each of you for playing an impor tant role in helping us achieve our mission of providing oppor tunity for our students. Your suppor t and advocacy have made it possible for CHA to have a transformative ef fect on the lives of its students. Thank you all for a fabulous first year!

nur ture enc

ourag

e

i st

mulate

“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.”

- Confucius

Growing strong is what a CHA education is all about.

tino Victor Cosen President CHA Board

ALL WORK IS A SEED SOWN; I T G R O W S A N D S P R E A D S A N D S O W S I T S E L F A N E W.

Page 6

CHA 2009-10 Annual Repor t

The 2009-2010 school year was a good year for CHA and its students. Although CHA and its families did not avoid the ef fects of the country’s severe economic downturn, our school community—the faculty, administration, Trustees, parent volunteers, and donors—rallied to keep CHA a safe, vibrant place to learn.

The year star ted with the appointment of Ann Gillinger as Head of School. In September, Ann led us through a moving Remembrance Ceremony that eased the lingering emotional toll taken by the 2008 Chatswor th train crash and the Sesnon fire. This ceremony echoed the theme of the academic year, ear th@CHA, which was rich with concepts of preservation, renewal, and grow th. Under Ann’s leadership, those concepts were not merely taught, they were experienced.

During the school year, new technology and enhanced professional development for teachers raised the ef fectiveness and standards of a CHA education.

Very good got even bet ter. CHA students learned in a stimulating, small-class environment that integrated the best of traditional educational methods with the newest

technology. At the same time, CHA remained a place where our youngest students learn in a warm, nur turing environment while our older students gain the confidence and encouragement to be themselves and know who they are. Cer tainly, the awards won by our school and teachers validated our subjective assessment of CHA. As parents, we look for value in education, par ticularly in these dif ficult economic times. As impor tantly, we look for an environment in which our children will grow to be smar t, strong, and confident and fulfill their individual potentials, so they will succeed in life despite the ups and downs they will experience when they become adults.

Growing strong is what a CHA education is all about.

Looking back, 2009-2010 was a wonder ful year for CHA and its students. While the theme of 2010-2011 is now Ancient Worlds @ CHA, the seeds planted in 2009-2010 will continue to grow for many years.

“Reflecting on this past year, I am amazed and proud – amazed at how new friends and colleagues can join together in common pursuit and proud of the many traditions we supported while revitalizing targeted projects. The year’s success could never have happened without the untiring devotion of the Board of Trustees under the wise leadership of Victor Cosentino.”

Ann Gillinger, Head of Scho ol

In 2009-10 CHA had its strongest fundraising year ever with a 300% increase in fundraising dollars received.

Additionally, there was a 96% increase in the number of donor families.

R E V E N U E

4% 3%

77%

Net Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid Contributions & Gifts Auxilliary, Camp & Misc.

PTO Fundraising

19%

18%

9%

56%

Faculty & Administration Programs & Supplies Facilities Auxilliary & Camp PTO Fundraising

CHA 2009-10 Annual Repor t

6%

Page 7

8%

EXPENSES

Every effort has been made to publish accurate information. If an error has occurred, please accept our apologies and contact the School Office at (818) 998-4037 regarding any corrections.

2009-2010 Donor List Founder’s Society $50,000 and above Dan and Delores Flynn Anonymous Head’s Leadership Council $25,000 - $49,999 Dan and Kathy Nikolai 1977 Society $10,000 - $24,999 Victor and Susan Cosentino Ann and Bill Gillinger Jay and Gina Gould Dr. Imad and Mrs. Araceli Rasool Peter and Wendy Schifrin Marsha and Bill Summers Anonymous Chatswor th Hills Academy Circle $5,000 - $9,999 Glenn and Jennifer de Caussin Daniel and Heike Bernstein Chris and Kathleen Stickney Kevin and Stacy Sullivan

Page 8

CHA 2009-10 Annual Repor t

Blue & Gold Club $2,500 - $4,999 Bruce and Teri Bailey John and Lynn Eissele Top of the Hill Club $1,000 - $2,499 Dr. Dennis and Mrs. Suzanne Kasimian Rob and Michelle Baron Tim Gerrity Bruce and Jean Pope Pete and Angie Robbins Verizon Benefactor’s Circle $500 - $999 Scot t and Janine Alber ts Mr. and Mrs. David Bobrosky Dr. Jorge and Mrs. Melissa Cuellar Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Epping Paul Garcia and Joseph Babeu Jef f and Sinthia Haber Rusty and Pam Hoyt Rober t Hsia Nickolas and Stacy Mook Rober t and Lisa Mestepey Scot t and Gaynor Rabin Patrick and Cinda Romano

Other Gif ts Kirstin Miller Mike and Mary Jane Abalos Alice Min Paul and Catherine Allen Rober t and Gioconda Mitas Eugene and Diane Arnold Lori Monkarsh Tom Boulanger Rose Marie Mook Varuzhan Bagtatlyan and Azatuhi Budagyan Greg and Jeanne Morgan Alusine and Natacha Bangura Grant and Patricia Mulford Mary Barragan Leigh and Caitlin Myers Glenn and Connie Barry Bradley Olin and Frieda Illion Dee Bender Joy Orosky Shelley Bloom Kathy Orsini Phil Blowey and Raquel Mendoza-Blowey Joyce and Bill Prescot t Rich Boerner Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rabwin Paul and Carolyn Boland Katie Robison Ed Brown and Quincy Hollands Donna Rainville Dr. Paul and Mrs. Gina Buzad Bill Guss and Angie Roman Irene Castaneda Steven Rosen and Christina Fenimore Brant Childers Mr. and Mrs. Mar tin Rosenbaum Raymond and Paulet te Collins Lani Sakiyama Joshua and Mary David Gregory and Yara Salman Dean and Nancy de Caussin Carol Shibel Don and Anne DeCampos-Measures Alex Silvestre Leon Devers Stephanie Simon Diab and Yola Diab Bill and Barbara Sullivan Manuel Diaz and Beth Macias Andy Sun Eddie and Diana Dove Susan Taubman Bernard and Julie Dresel Joanna Taylor Howard and Renee Durlester Dawn Tit tiger Peter and Camille Ehrhardt Michelle Warbur ton Henry Emma Susan and Martin Washton Fardad Farhat and Becky Breitbar th Cathy and Andy Weinstein Richard and Diane Feay Brandi Williams Mason Funk Ned and Nan Wolfe Nora Gerson Steven and Svetlana Zonis Pamela Green Anonymous Julio Gutierrez Mary Hislop The Ho Family Scot t and Jennifer Hubbard Anita Jackman Dr. Brian and Mrs. Nicole Jacks Kerry Kugelman Michael and Alyson Landis “When you invest in Chatsworth Hills Academy, Ardy th Larsen Drew Lichtenberger you play a part in shaping the future through Dennis and Winslow Loomis education. There is no finer place to send our Samantha Loy Judie Malkin children. CHA does a remarkable job providing Yoram and Marie Elena Manzur opportunities for each child to reach their highest The Markota Family Colin Martin potential in a safe, secure environment. The students Ryan McDaniel are encouraged and free to be who they are.”

Michael McIlvery and Kim Oliva Erich and Beth Miller The Flynn Family Heather Miller

Like every independent school, Chatswor th Hills Academy relies significantly on charitable donations to maintain its excellent faculty, small classes, innovative academic programs, and our beautiful 14 acre campus. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, Chatswor th Hills Academy provides for all donors specific ta x benefits for making qualifying restricted and/or

unrestricted gif ts for essential programs and significant projects benefiting each student at the school.

Gif ts to the Chatswor th Hills Academy Annual Fund are a primary source of income to augment the operating budget beyond tuition. Independent schools like Chatswor th Hills Academy rely on every

parent, all alumni, former parents, many grandparents, faculty, and Trustees to contribute at a level commensurate with their financial ability. No gif t is too small, nor is any gif t too large! Together, the entire school family can provide the financial resources for expanding oppor tunities and educational facilities for their children, grandchildren, and students.

You must give to get, You must sow the seed, before you can reap the harvest.

There is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone else.

The PTO, led by President Angie Roman, generously gave of its time and talents to the School. I especially appreciate the amazing women and men who suppor ted the sense of community perpetuated with their open, responsive manner. Outstanding in the Field, this year’s Gala, honored the theme by utilizing our natural set ting. Parents came to the outdoor venue in the same spirit of adventure they exhibited all year – embracing the set ting and suppor ting the school in a wonder fully CHA way as they enjoyed one another’s company.

Ann Gillinger, Head of School

Introducing CHA, PTO President ANGIE ROMAN

Angie Roman has always been involved in her children’s education. As a parent volunteer, she has held several different roles in CHA’s PTO. As PTO president for two school years spanning 2008 to 2010, Angie continued dedicating her time in service to Chatsworth Hills. She has two children currently attending CHA, Andy in 8th grade and Dylan in 3rd grade.

What would you say to another parent who was considering sending their child to CHA? Your kids will get a great education and they will be nur tured. The teachers love them and know them really well. At CHA, the kids learn to be comfor table speaking publicly early on. This fosters confidence and a great level of necessary skills to move on in their educational journey.

CHA 2009-10 Annual Repor t

Why do you think it is impor tant to be involved in your child’s education?

When parents get involved, it shows our children how much we care about their education and where they spend their day. Also, our volunteer parents are suppor tive of the teachers at CHA. We respect them and try to work with them - and our kids see this. We aren’t just sending them of f to school - we care and we want them to know.

Why is CHA a special place?

My oldest son star ted at CHA when he was in preschool.

He was an early reader but struggled with being introver ted. At CHA, both my children are happy and flourishing. The community at CHA is unbelievable. When my mother-in-law passed away about two years ago, the entire school was there to comfor t my kids and family.

We received numerous cards and suppor tive phone calls.

Page 11

Tell about the PTO at Chatswor th Hills Academy and the role it plays: At CHA, the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is very active and involved. Our parent volunteers are willing to do whatever is needed to serve the School. We host a variety of events geared toward fostering and growing the community spirit that is so impor tant to CHA. It helps ensure the vitality of the School through various fundraising ef for ts. PTO is a great oppor tunity for parents to par ticipate in school activities.

Every year, the Chatswor th/Por ter Ranch Chamber of Commerce honors exceptional educators in the community with their Unforget table Educator Awards.

The chamber recognizes educators “who, through their special skills, hear t and dedication, have made an indelible educational impression on us, making them ‘unforget table’ to us all.” In 2010, two of the five awards went to CHA faculty members.

“It was such an honor to be recognized - especially because I love this job and I work very hard,” explained Shelley Bloom, recipient of the Creative Ar ts Unforget table Educator award.

“It moved me in a way that I wasn’t expecting.”

Middle School students benefit from Shelley’s unique ar t curriculum, The Adolescent Perspective through Ar t Exploration. In addition, Shelley manages the Middle School Advisory Program.

“CHA empowers children for when they leave af ter 8th grade.

They’ve been on a journey that helps them to not only have confidence and self-esteem, but they have confidence in and respect for each other,” shares Colin Mar tin, recipient of the Unforget table Educator award.

As a Middle School History teacher, Colin is a favorite with the students for his engaging classroom experiences and for his easy way of communicating with each student. He currently serves as liaison for eighth graders and their families as they apply out to high schools.

“Academic excellence goes beyond the classroom.

A significant moment during the 09-10 school year for me was par ticipating in the evolution of a specific student,” shares Colin. “This student came to CHA struggling with making friends and transitioning.

The school collaborated - administration, counselors, teachers - to individualize education for this student. He began blossoming. CHA nur tures this and understands that if students do not feel good about themselves, they will not be able to learn at an optimal level. To see this student have a break through was incredible.”

CHA congratulates these two outstanding educators on receiving these awards. Their dedication and passion for teaching enhance and enrich our students and the entire school community.

Shelley Bloom Creative Arts

Chatsworth Hills Academy CHA 2009-10 Annual Repor t

From your perspective, what makes CHA a great choice for kids, preschool through 8th grade?

CHA treats every student as an individual. We are aware of who each child is. We know their strengths and challenges. We are commit ted to helping them learn in the best way possible.

There is no “cookie-cut ter” formula to teaching children. Here, they are treated like the unique creatures that they are!

Explain the Advisory program in the CHA Middle School: The advisory program is structured so each child keeps the same advisor throughout the middle school experience. It is a place for celebration and a place to discuss issues that could get in the way of learning. We teach them strategies to cope with challenges. The advisory program helps them through the adolescent period by suppor ting them educationally and emotionally. We discuss relevant topics through creative, kid-generated ideas that allow them to speak freely and ask questions.

Page 13

Why is CHA a special place?

I grew up in New York City, so for me, entering the CHA campus every day is nothing less than magical – from the history to the wildness to the way it’s laid out. Every day I’m here is truly unique and I love to soak in the environment. Also, the families and children are as close to family as you can get. My work at CHA ex tends beyond just being a teacher and it becomes a special place for community. I have the freedom to explore ar t in a unique way that elevates what I do to a much greater level.

Academic Excellence

Page 14

CHA 2009-10 Annual Repor t

Small class size and project-based learning are trademark qualities of a Chatsworth Hills Academy education. Excellent teachers create learning environments geared to the needs of the entire child from prescho ol through 8th grade. The college preparatory curriculum promotes critical thinking, decision making, and problem-solving skills.

Michelle Baron - Rachel, 1st grade, Jonathan, 3rd grade, and Rebecca, 6th grade “At CHA, learning goes beyond the tex tbook. They embrace a variety of technologies, including computers, Smar t Boards, and projectors to broaden and deepen lesson plans,” states parent Michelle Baron. “Even the campus, which boasts a variety of biomes and Chumash cave paintings, is used as an educational tool. CHA rounds out ‘the three R’s’ with creative and per forming ar ts, foreign language, music, and physical education, giving students oppor tunities to develop their approach to problem solving.”

Renee Durlester Aaron, 3rd grade

“The focus on academic excellence and personalized education at CHA is evidenced through our experience.

We are amazed at the number of high quality adults there meeting the daily academic, social, and emotional needs of children,” explains parent Renee Durlester. “Aaron is flourishing under the amazing leadership and efforts of his teachers. He is learning to persevere and is conquering at an early age because of CHA.” Gioconda Mitas - Andrew, 3rd grade and Jordan, 6th grade “Our first impression of CHA remains the same - they care about the success of our children. We have never felt that either of our boys are just students in the classroom. Our CHA experience has exceeded expectations; the well-being and education of our children has been the priority of every single teacher, staf f member, and administrator,” explains parent Gioconda Mitas. “The teachers not only challenge students but they encourage them to challenge themselves.”

Core Values Program

Respect

“At the hear t of all student interactions are CHA’s Core Values of Responsibility, Respect, Citizenship, Generosity, Trustwor thiness, Fairness, Caring, and Integrity,” said Dean of Students Tim Gerrity. “These values are at the hear t of campus life. Students have the oppor tunity to work together to keep the Café clean for others and show respect for the CHA campus.”

Through the Core Values Program, CHA emphasizes the impor tance of character development for children of all ages. A Spirit Assembly is held the first Friday of every month. During the assembly, the core value of the month is introduced in a creative, kid-friendly way. Throughout the month, teachers focus on the core value through age-appropriate activities, including discussion, ar t projects, games, and special speakers.

Fairness

Arts & Athletics

A most impor tant word in the Chatswor th Hills Academy mission is ‘oppor tunities.’ If a child desires to try a cer tain spor t or per formance ar t activity, the oppor tunity is available. The CHA ‘no cut’ policy allows all students to have multiple oppor tunities in various activities they may not have once they move on to high school.

Citizenship

Technology at CHA

Colin Martin Teacher

All students are given oppor tunities and encouraged to serve the surrounding community. In middle school, every student par ticipates in Service Learning. CHA students travel of f campus to interact with various community nonprofit organizations and to learn how to get involved with community work.

Admissions

Students graduate from CHA well prepared for high school. Beyond knowledge and academic achievement, they are known for their learning and study skills as well as their ability to organize themselves and manage their time. To prepare students for this, personal planning begins in 3rd grade.

Students learn how to manage their activities and responsibilities on a daily basis through the help of a provided day planner and teacher suppor t.

In 2010, 100% of graduating middle school students were accepted into all of the high schools to which they applied.

CHA 2009-10 Annual Repor t

“Students graduate with the skills to self-advocate and they have a strong sense of who they are as people. When you have a go od sense of self and that you matter - it makes a huge difference in the choices you make.”

Community Service

Page 15

Integrity

Campus-wide, CHA boasts more than 80 laptop and desk top computers, both Mac and Windows, Smar tBoards in the middle school, as well as overhead digital projectors and printers in every classroom. Upgrades to the CHA technology infrastructure, including increased broadband capacity, wireless networking capabilities, and an upgraded network, enhance the educational technology mission of the School. Communication has been broadened through technology as teachers post homework to the online database daily for parent access as early as 1st grade, and families receive a weekly newslet ter posted to the CHA-T wiki.

21523 Rinaldi Street Chatsworth, CA 91311 Phone: (818) 998-4037 Fax: (818) 998-4062 Email: info@chaschool.org www.chaschool.org

Chatsworth Hills Academy 2009-2010 Board of Directors: Victor Cosentino, President Scott Alberts Bruce Bailey David Bobrosky Don DeCampos-Measures Jennifer de Caussin Kathy Nikolai Scott Rabin Pete Robbins Angie Roman Peter Schifrin Chris Stickney Stacy Sullivan Bill Summers Founded in 1977, Chatsworth Hills Academy (CHA) is an independent college preparatory school serving students from Early Childhood (ages 2 1/2 – 5) through grade 8.

CHA is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by both the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Winner of the Daily News Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Private School” for the second year in a row.

Winner of two of the five 2010 Unforgettable Educator awards.

Of the four schools to receive awards, CHA was the only school to receive multiple awards and the only private school to be recognized.

During the 2009-2010 school year, 32% of CHA students in 3rd through 8th grade qualified as Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth scholars by achieving at the 95th percentile or higher on our standardized testing.

Renewable resources were used to produce this Annual Report. A donation will be made on behalf of the Chatsworth Hills Academy for the planting of 23 trees.