2024-2025 NPES Annual Report

INVESTING IN OUR INCLUSIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY

2024-2025

Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS The Heart of NPES: Our Shared Investment, Ravi Kalhan

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Strength in Numbers

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Portrait of a Graduate

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Core Educational Beliefs

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Class of 2025

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High School Placement

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Board of Trustees

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Financial Aid, Lynn Lawrence Award

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A Community-Centered School, John Novick, Jr.

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Immersive Learning

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Paddle Raise - Playlot Enhancements

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Drama and Choral Performance Studio and New Annex

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Cultivating a Diverse Educational Community

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Parent Engagement and Events

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Alumni Golf Outing

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Gala 2025 and Recognizing the Nielsen Family

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LEAPP: Leaders Exploring a Professional Passion

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Donor Honor Roll

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Financials

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Tuition - Margin of Excellence

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Community Partners and Sponsorships

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THE HEART OF NPES: OUR SHARED INVESTMENT I have now been a part of the North Park Elementary School community for nearly twelve years, and it still makes me smile when I recall the twinkle my now high schooler (but then pre-school student) had in her eyes each day that she entered NPES. It reflected a mind open for growth and an early appetite for discovering the world with peers. My middle schooler, despite an increasingly slower wakeup, remarkably still enters the school with positive energy about seeing longtime classmates, the day ahead, and the opportunities to learn something new. The joy that is apparent in our students as they move through their years at NPES is not an accident: it is the result of our school’s collective mission-aligned effort to cultivate a genuine sense of belonging and engage students enthusiastically in meaningful academic inquiry. Belonging propels growth.

Indeed, the things that distinguish NPES from our peers are anchored in our inclusive community approach with faculty, staff, students and parents acting purposefully in concert. Our faculty’s pedagogy employs communities in Chicago and beyond as extensions of our classrooms, developing a willingness to express one’s point-of-view in a variety of venues and mediums including public speaking, art, performance, and writing.

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The volunteer work of our parents and caregivers supports a richness in cultural celebrations and service learning that stands out among schools of our size. Perhaps most extraordinarily, the NPES stakeholders’ shared commitment to investing together in building an inclusive and engaging learning environment is and always has been an essential ingredient of our sustainable success.

Just a few of the many ongoing successes of our school, faculty, staff, and students last year are documented in this annual report. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank you so much for the many contributions you continue to make to the wonderful success of North Park Elementary School.

RAVI KALHAN BOARD CHAIR

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

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Local high schools who attended our community-wide high school fair

Zip Codes represented from Chicago and Nearby Suburbs

23.5% Teachers who identify as people of color

33%

8:1

86+

Students who identify as people of color

Average Student : Teacher ratio

Clubs, Activities, and Athletics

(average class size is 22 students)

29% Trustees who identify as people of color

100% Eighth graders who received an offer from their first-choice high school in 2025

97%

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Parents who feel that NPES “consistently helps their children grow as individuals“ (from the most recent parent survey)

Net promoter score among NPES parents on 0-10 scale

We love the Community and engagement the kids get at NPES. I couldn’t imagine them attending any other school.

- Parent of primary and middle school students

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THE NPES DIFFERENCE At North Park Elementary School, our mission and values come to life through our Portrait of a Graduate and Core Educational Beliefs. Together, they reflect the qualities we nurture in every student - confidence, curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning. Guided by these principles, NPES empowers students to think critically, act with compassion, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

THE NPES PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE

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CORE EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS 1. Students flourish when they are engaged and energized by their school and teachers 2. All children deserve to feel safe bringing their authentic selves to their teachers and peers, knowing they belong 3. Students learn in impactful and enduring ways when their academic studies are inquiry-based, collaborative, innovative, challenging, and fun 4. Human beings develop a richer understanding across fields of study when they seek out and learn from multiple and diverse perspectives 5. Students achieve success in high school and beyond when they develop flexible and creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills 6. Children develop cognitive, social-emotional, and life-skills–with an appreciation for the power of the human imagination–through the study of the arts, world languages and cultures, innovation, and physical education 7. Students are positioned to fulfill their potential when educators and parents work together to prioritize the social-emotional strength of the child, including a positive self-concept, processing and expressing their feelings in healthy ways, flexible thinking, resilience for struggle, selfcare, and social conflict resolution skills 8. All learners benefit from neurodiverse classrooms, since considering unique points of view and interacting with a variety of thinking styles are expansive for everyone 9. Students grow curiosity, cultural literacy, empathy, and agency in new ways through purposeful off-campus educational experiences that engender new perspectives 10. Children thrive in their quest to develop their best selves when they seek to help their communities become more inclusive and just

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CLASS OF 2025

41st Commencement 23 Graduates 9 High Schools 08

HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT Confidence, Connection, and Purpose

At NPES, our Portrait of a Graduate reflects our deep commitment to preparing students not only for high school but for lives rooted in confidence, connection, and purpose. Through active engagement in academics and enrichment programs, our students develop essential 21st-century skills - critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving - within a community that values diversity, equity, and belonging.

NPES graduates enter high school as curious, capable learners who know how to build relationships and contribute meaningfully to the communities they join. They are known for their intellectual curiosity, initiative, and leadership, as well as for the empathy and teamwork they’ve cultivated at our school.

To support this important transition, NPES provides personalized high school placement counseling led by Kim Smith, Director of Learning Services. Families receive individualized guidance on identifying best-fit schools, navigating admissions, and preparing application materials [all with the reassurance of a trusted partnership.] This process reflects our belief that when students feel seen, supported, and connected during their early years, they thrive for a lifetime.

HIGH SCHOOL SELECTION FOR THE CLASS OF 2025 Attended CPS choice or neighborhood HS

9% Attended an independent or parochial HS

17%

Attended CPS Selective Enrollment HS

74%

100%

Eighth graders who received an offer from their first-choice high school in 2025

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LEADING WITH HEART AND VISION

Leadership at NPES is defined by thoughtful stewardship, generosity of spirit, and a shared commitment to our mission and values. Our Board of Trustees serves as fiduciaries, strategic governors, and ambassadors of the NPES experience.

Their strategic insight and collaborative leadership continue to strengthen the foundation on which our community thrives. Through their dedication, NPES remains a place where every student is known, families are engaged, and a strong sense of connection endures - ensuring the school’s continued growth and success for generations to come.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS Ravi Kalhan, Chair Lauren Rocklin, Vice Chair Darren Lubotsky, Treasurer, Finance Chair Michelle Weber, Secretary, Governing & Nominating Chair TRUSTEES Hilary Goldfine Harisha Haigh, Facilities Chair Andrew Herman Anita Pancholi, Educational Excellence Chair Davin Peelle, Development Chair Josh Samis Goran Simic Grey Tanzi Dana Weed Wei Lin Wong

DEVELOPMENT COMMITEE Davin Peelle, Chair Jonathon Adlestein Anoop Anekal Samantha Carroll James Haigh Danny Jacobson Libby Keribar 10

Bryan Lamb Emily Little Elizabeth Newman Grey Tanzi Dana Weed Sharon Wise

STRATEGIC PLANNING MAJOR OUTCOMES

OPENING DOORS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHT

Lynn Lawrence Financial Aid Award The NPES Financial Aid Program provides need-based tuition assistance for students entering kindergarten through eighth grade, ensuring that more families have access to the exceptional education and community experience that define NPES. Through this program, we affirm our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students from a range of backgrounds - enriching the academic and social experience for all.

This year, we were thrilled to award our first-ever Lynn Lawrence Financial Aid Awards, named in honor of Lynn Lawrence, a co-founder of NPES and our longestserving Head of School, whose vision, leadership, and dedication helped shape the foundation of our school community. Financial aid grants cover 25% to 50% of annual tuition and fees, depending on financial need, and all recipients also receive a 50% discount on clubs, activities, student travel, and school events, along with free Before and After Care.

We are deeply grateful to our donors, including NPES alumni and alumni parents, whose generosity makes this program possible. Their support ensures that every child at NPES can thrive, learn, and belong. We enrolled four students this year through the program, with a total of $35,000 in need-based grants.

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A COMMUNITY-CENTERED SCHOOL Our Shared Values and Human Scale

The advantages students enjoy in small independent schools like NPES are well-documented. A more personalized school setting like ours – with a positive and healthy social-emotional climate, a strong studentto-teacher ratio, clarity in mission and philosophy, and shared values across the community – results in more enthusiastic and motivated student engagement in learning and higher academic achievement. NPES JOHN NOVICK, JR. excels at developing an authentic sense of belonging HEAD OF SCHOOL within children, an appreciation for how diversity and multicultural education enriches everyone’s experience, and as a result our students develop higher levels of personal contentment, strong communication, self-advocacy, and creative problem-solving skills, and an enduring self-confidence.

NPES graduates thrive in even the largest secondary institutions. Our alumni are known for their earnest and impactful engagement and their leadership in the best public and private high schools across the city and suburbs. We are proud that 100% of our recent graduates received offers from their first-choice high schools, including selective enrollment and international baccalaureate schools, college-prep parochial schools, and independent schools like ours.

Small independent schools like NPES are also more responsive to the needs of families, offering a unique combination of transparency, nimbleness, and stability in a broader societal context that is unpredictable, volatile, and unsettling. As Stuart Grauer has noted, small independent schools move faster than big systems, pivoting for the good of students with minimal bureaucracy. We know our students personally, possess greater agility in meeting their needs, and we pursue our mission, values, and philosophy authentically, with consistency, rather than chase after passing fads. We adapt and strengthen our programs with purpose, with our Core Educational Beliefs and Portrait of a Graduate in mind. NPES’ Signature Experiences, from play with purpose in early childhood to place-based learning beyond our walls, and our unique middle school experience - the capstone of an eleven-year journey rich in connection, skill-building, and joy- empowers students to reach their full potential.

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NPES is also enriched by connection with a diverse community of exceptional independent school educators across the Chicago area, the Midwest, and the country through our active engagement and leadership in organizations like the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, and the National Association of Independent Schools. We belong to the national Small Schools Coalition, as well, as we embrace our intimate human scale, exceptional faculty and staff, and responsiveness.

Thank you for your generous charitable giving to NPES. It matters. Not only does giving ensure our tuition remains the most affordable among area independent schools, it also empowers us to develop and launch new programming that benefits all students and families. It is this community spirit that lies at the heart of our school.

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IMMERSIVE LEARNING

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHT

The Community as Classroom

NPES teachers integrate our local community and communities beyond Chicago into our curriculum. Our place-based approach includes civic engagement with local service-learning partners; frequent field studies across the city; local business partnerships; Chicago neighborhood explorations; design-thinking projects aimed at addressing community challenges; and purposeful educational travel, including day and overnight trips like our civil rights tour of Georgia and Alabama and trips to Washington, D.C., Springfield, Illinois, outdoor education in Wisconsin, and an optional week-long immersive experience to a Spanish-speaking nation in the Americas, most recently to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

Research shows that travel and other place-based experiences “foster a sense of belonging, increase student learning, improve student academic persistence, and narrow equity gaps (Johnson et al. 2020).” Furthermore, according to the University of Nebraska, students report positive feelings regarding outdoor field experiences while also perceiving the experience as increasing their understanding of the course content (Boyle et al.). Instructors report higher student engagement with place-based learning than with traditional classroom lectures (Goodlad and Leonard 2018). All place-based learning programs at NPES except the optional international trip are included in our tuition because it is an integral, unique, and powerful aspect of our curriculum. By employing communities beyond our walls as classrooms, our students expand their learning, experience first-hand a wide variety of cultures and lived experiences, and strengthen their capacity for informed and impactful citizenship. These rich and diverse place-based learning experiences expand our students’ understanding of “community” beyond their own immediate world, and are funded, in part, through the generous charitable giving of NPES supporters who donate to our DEIB programs.

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STRATEGIC INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHT

Play It Forward - Paddle Raise at the Sapphire Soirée In August 2025, North Park Elementary School celebrated the grand opening of its newly enhanced play lot with a joyful ribbon-cutting and ice cream social for families and donors. Funded through the Play It Forward Paddle Raise at the Sapphire Soirée Gala, which raised close to $80,000, the project added new climbing equipment, updated surfacing, and inviting gathering spaces that foster connection, inclusivity, and play across all grade levels.

More than just a playground, this new space reflects the heart of the NPES community – a place where every child is encouraged to explore, connect, and belong. The project stands as a testament to the generosity of NPES families and donors whose support continues to strengthen the sense of joy, growth, and togetherness that defines the NPES experience.

Dan and Rachel Aaronson Sarah and Jonathan Adelstein Gregory and Claire Barnes Steven and Alana Block Anita Pancholi and Nevin Boparai Heather and Chris Boran Dennis and Taylor Boyer Mindy and Kyle Brack David and Valentina Burciaga Samantha and Daniel Carroll Laura Christman Erica and Ben Davis Ashley and Andy Dempsey Matthew Meador and Anita Denes-Meador Rob Burciaga and Julia Dryden Burciaga Lauri Frankowski and Logan LaHive Melissa Oglesby and Matthew Gambino Rebecca Gonzalez and Josh Greenberg Daniela Gorostiza and Mark Feldman Harisha and James Haigh Jamie Harju and Ryan Hallquist Rebecca Harris and Andrew Ketterer Michael and Angela Heitz Chad and Samantha Hendrickson Meredith and Ian Hepburn Andrew Herman and Carolyn Braff Erik Hogstrom and Grey Tanzi Ashley Holmes Danny and Julie Jacobson Samuel and Lindsay Johnson Ravi Kalhan and Susan Tsai (Donor-Advised Fund) Libby and Alan Keribar 16

Peter and Lisa Knight Melissa Lewis and Scott Huegerich Emily and Patrick Little Jorie and Dan Lombard Darren and Elizabeth Lubotsky Laura and Brian McCammack Deena and Eric McCauley Adam and Brittany Miller Jennifer and Jonathan Miller Justin and Elizabeth Newman Dana Angotti-Novick and John Novick Chirag Patel and Emily Barnes Jennifer and Davin Peelle David and Shannon Poe Khushboo Rami-Patel and Sagar Patel Lauren and Ross Rocklin Dinakar Vinnakota and Susan Russell Gerald Saltarelli Steve Schneider and James Schroeder Anthony Del Rio and Jennifer Seo Tim Gallagher and Andrew Sokol Priya and Chris Stipe Annie Thomas Luo Wang and Hyounsang Yoo Julie Webb Michelle and David Weber Irena and Bryan Weiss Jessica and Bryan Westhoff Anne and Wei Lin Wong Kirkland & Ellis LLP Exelon (Nevin Boparai) Renaissance Charitable Fdn (Anne and Wei Lin Wong) Tsai Kalhan Family Charitable Fund

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STRATEGIC INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHT

MAKING AN IMPACT The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new NPES Annex and the Nielsen Family Drama and Choral Studio marked an exciting milestone in the school’s ongoing growth and commitment to cultivating creativity and connection.

The newly-dedicated space provides students with enhanced opportunities for artistic expression and collaboration, while also expanding essential administrative and faculty work space. Thanks to the generous support of the Faith and Peter Nielsen Family, NPES students now have a dedicated environment to explore drama and chorus - programming that enriches the student experience, helps students develop voice, and strengthens community.

The Annex, adjacent to the school and purchased in spring 2024, was recently renovated, including business and development offices, a board room, faculty meeting space, and drama department storage. These updates allowed NPES to repurpose rooms in the main building, creating a green room recording studio, small-group tutoring space, and a faculty quiet room - enhancing both learning and teaching across our campus.

The Annex stands as a testament to the power of strategic investment and shared vision, ensuring that every student has the space to find their voice and shine.

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PHOTO FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Sarah Yates, Choral Teacher, Wendy Andrews, Drama Teacher, Ravi Kalhan, Board Chair, Ken Nielsen, Justin Past, Band and Music Teacher, Luo Wang, Art Teacher, (3-8th), Anna Nardulli Art Tacher, ( prek -2nd)

CULTIVATING A DIVERSE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY Diversity, Equity and Inclusion NPES is committed to sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community, with every student, employee, and family being treated with dignity, respect, and compassion as they develop a genuine sense of belonging at our school. We want all students to feel that when they are absent our community is not whole, and to know that their school loves them.

The diversity of our community matters a great deal to NPES for four primary reasons: 1.Per our Core Educational Beliefs, academic inquiry and discourse are strengthened for all students when cohorts include a rich diversity of lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.

2.Research is clear that student motivation, achievement, and aspiration are strengthened when a child has both identity mirrors in their school (reflecting back who they are) and windows into other identities (causing them to consider other ways of thinking and being) to help us grow our diversity and strengthen our belonging.

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3.In light of our aim to promote informed, empathetic, compassionate, and actively-engaged citizenship in a representative democracy, a diverse community that includes, embraces, and celebrates difference is essential.

4. From a strategic standpoint for a small independent school, the more folks who can see themselves at our school the more sustainable our small school with a big impact becomes.

While our work is not complete (it never can be in DEIB), the NPES community has much to celebrate as a result of our school-wide efforts to become more representative of our city in recent years.

Here are just some encouraging data points to consider: Our percentage of students of color schoolwide in September 2022 was 12%; today that percentage is 33% (80 of our 243 students self-identify through their parents as students of color); the national independent school average is 34% - we have nearly tripled our percentage of students of color since 2022 Today 63% of students of color at NPES identify as Asian/Pacific Islander (21% of all NPES students), 29% of students of color identify as Latinx (9% of all students), and 9% identify as Black/African-American (3% of all students; our number of AfricanAmerican/Black students has tripled since 2021)

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46% of all students of color at NPES identify as Multi-Racial In 2021, NPES had 0% of teachers or associate teachers who self-identified as people of color; today 23.5% of NPES teachers or associate teachers self-identify as people of color (the independent school national average is 21%) Among Trustees, 8% self-identified as people of color in 2021; today that number is 29% We know we have cherished students, employees, and parents/caregivers who selfidentify as LGBTQ+, and who represent a wide variety of faith traditions, including an array of Christian denominations, Judaism, Hinduism, agnostic, and humanist/athiest – however we currently do not collect that data formally across our community. In terms of socioeconomic diversity, about 5% of NPES students are enrolled through our new financial aid program or tuition remission program for exempt employees. This is an all-time high, with an average financial aid award this year of 43% of tuition. While we recognize that this is a good start, we acknowledge that it is very much a work in progress.

While who we are matters, so does how well we include all students, employees, and families in the life of our school. How well we treat everyone with respect, dignity, and equity is the ultimate measure of our fidelity to NPES’ mission and core educational beliefs. For our school and community, belonging is a foundational aim that propels learning and growth.

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PARENT/CAREGIVER ENGAGEMENT Since our founding in 1980, the partnership between parents and faculty has been a cornerstone of NPES culture - built on empathy, transparency, and shared dedication to what’s best for children. Families seeking a strong, supportive community find it here, with many ways to contribute their time and resources.

Each year, parents and caregivers volunteer as Room Parents, chaperones, event planners, and ambassadors, or share their expertise in the classroom; they also serve as paretn group leaders, committee members, and trustees. Their involvement fosters connection, belonging, and a nurturing environment where every student feels valued, supported, and eager to learn.

At NPES, our community thrives through the genuine partnership between parents/caregivers, faculty, and staff. When families invest their time, talents, and resources - whether in the classroom, at events, or by welcoming new families - they strengthen the fabric of our school and enrich every child’s experience. This deep sense of connection and shared purpose is what makes NPES such a remarkable place to learn and grow. ~ Davin Peelle, Board of Trustees, Development Committee Chair

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Community is at the heart of everything at NPES. As a Room Parent, I’ve seen how families, teachers, and students come together to support one another in meaningful ways celebrating milestones, lending a hand, and building connections that last well beyond the school year. It’s this genuine sense of belonging that makes NPES so special.

-Alana Block, Room Parent, Association Steering Committee Member

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EVENTS AND ENGAGEMENT The heart of North Park Elementary School is its incredible community, and this year has been a wonderful reminder of just how connected we are. From families and alumni to grandparents, faculty, and friends, your participation in events, from the Fin Run and VIP Day to the Gala and community gatherings, has created joyful experiences and lasting memories for our students.

I am deeply grateful to each of you for showing up, engaging, and helping us build a vibrant, welcoming, and fun-filled environment for all. Your generosity, time, and spirit continue to strengthen our school and make every day at NPES meaningful. Thank you for helping us create a community where students thrive, and every moment counts. ~Erin Leyden, Director of Development and Marketing

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VIP DAY May 9, 2025

VIP Day is one of NPES’s most cherished traditions - a celebration of the special people who help shape and support our students’ journeys. This year marked our largest VIP Day yet, welcoming 179 guests from 15 states for a morning filled with classroom visits, music, and joyful connection. More than just an event, VIP Day reflects the heart of our community - honoring the grandparents, relatives, and friends who nurture our students with love, encouragement, and wisdom. Their presence reminds us that learning at NPES extends far beyond the classroom and is rooted in a network of care and belonging that strengthens our entire school community.

CULTIVATING LIFELONG CONNECTIONS This past summer, the NPES Alumni Committee hosted our inaugural NPES Golf Outing at Tam Golf Course in Niles. This fun and spirited event brought together current families, alumni students, alumni parents, and grandparents to celebrate NPES. The relaxed 9-hole scramble benefited the NPES Financial Aid Program and concluded with a lively post-golf reception at The Howard Street Inn. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of our Alumni Committee and participants, the outing was a resounding success and marked the start of a wonderful new NPES tradition. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and look forward to seeing even more alumni and friends at future gatherings.

At North Park Elementary School, our alumni community reflects the lasting impact of an NPES education - one rooted in curiosity, compassion, and connection.

Cultivating relationships with alumni students, parents, and grandparents strengthens our community and celebrates the values that make NPES special.

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On December 3, 2024, the NPES community came together in the spirit of generosity for Giving Tuesday - a global celebration of giving and community impact. This year’s campaign featured a Matching Challenge, with every dollar donated to the NPES Fund between December 3 and December 31 matched up to $30,000, thanks to the remarkable generosity of the Board of Trustees and Development Committee. Together, our community raised an incredible $69,425, doubling the impact of every gift. These contributions directly supported innovative teaching, faculty development, and enriching student experiences.

We are deeply grateful to the generous members of our community for their support.

Sarah and Jonathan Adelstein Priti and Anoop Anekal# Linda and Bruce Baron Steven and Alana Block Lyman Chapin, Catherine Chapin, and Chetah Bhupali Patty Brummet Greg and Kristina Gawor Anne Thomas and Brendan Gilmore Matthew and Hilary Goldfine* Joanna and Don Gwinn James and Harisha Haigh* Ashley Holmes and Katharine Dryden Mark and Judy Inserra Julie and Danny Jacobson# (St. Louis Community Foundation) Samuel and Lindsay Johnson Susan Tsai and Ravi Kahan* Alan and Libby Keribar# Julie and Bryan Lamb# Erin and Patrick Leyden

Elizabeth and Darren Lubotsky* Jennifer and Jonathan Miller John and Dana Novick Melissa Oglesby and Matthew Gambino Anita Pancholi* and Nevin Boparai Gene Parcellano (Relativity) Tracy and Bryan Paull (Bank of America) Jennifer and Davin Peelle*# Stephanie and David Petti (BMO Financial Group) Ross and Lauren Rocklin* Jill and Joshua Samis* Emer and Goran Simic* Sneha Soni and Marcus Turnbo (Marsh & McLennan Companies) Dinakar and Susan Vinnakota (Vertex Pharmaceuticals) David and Michelle Weber* Dana Weed*# Sharon Wise* and Nicholas Sinnott Wei Lin and Anne Wong* *Trustee #Development Committee Member

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On March 1, 2025, this year’s gala, themed The Sapphire Soirée, celebrated 45 years of excellence at North Park Elementary School with an evening dedicated to the arts, community, and the lasting legacy of NPES’s founders.

As part of this milestone celebration, we were honored to recognize the Nielsen Family for their extraordinary contributions to NPES and their enduring advocacy for the arts. Faith and Peter Nielsen’s belief in the power of creativity has shaped generations of students, inspiring a vibrant Fine Arts program that continues to flourish today. We were deeply grateful to welcome their daughter, Kristin (Nielsen) Schoon (‘84) and her husband Michael to accept the award on behalf of the family and in memory of Faith Nielsen.

Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our community, the event raised over $300,000 - a record-breaking success that will have a lasting impact on the NPES student experience.

The Sapphire Soirée was a true reflection of what makes NPES special: a community united by creativity, compassion, and commitment to helping every child fulfill their potential in and out of the classroom.

THANK YOU NIELSEN FAMILY Over the years, the Nielsen family has demonstrated extraordinary generosity and a deep commitment to enriching the NPES experience for every student. Their thoughtful gifts have supported programs across the arts and beyond - from choral risers, art room furniture, ukuleles, to a stage, a sound system, a kiln, laser printers, and most recently the Nielsen Family Drama and Choral Studio in the NPES Annex.

The impact of their giving can be felt in classrooms, performances, and creative spaces throughout our school. We are deeply grateful for the Nielsen family’s continued support and belief in the mission of North Park Elementary School.

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WATCH HONOREE VIDEO

SUPPORTING LEAPP: LEADERS EXPLORING A PROFESSIONAL PASSION At North Park Elementary School, exceptional educators are the foundation of student success.

That philosophy inspired the creation of LEAPP - Leaders Exploring a Professional Passion - an enrichment grant program that empowers NPES teachers, managers, and administrators to pursue meaningful professional growth through educational travel and innovative learning experiences. By supporting LEAPP, we invest in our educators’ curiosity and creativity, ensuring they return to the classroom with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and inspiring perspectives that directly benefit our students.

This year’s Spring Appeal invited our community to help bring LEAPP to life, raising more than $30,000 to fund future faculty enrichment grants. We are deeply grateful to the Class of 2025, whose 8th Grade Legacy Gift matched donations dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000, helping us exceed our goal and amplifying the impact of every contribution.

The generosity and leadership of the Class of 2025 have set a meaningful precedent for future graduating classes, demonstrating how collective giving can strengthen our community and sustain programs that enrich teaching and learning for years to come. Thanks to the support of families and donors, LEAPP will provide new pathways for creativity, innovation, and connection, helping our teachers grow while making learning even more engaging for students.

We are honored to recognize the generous donors whose support made the launch of the LEAPP program possible: Jonathan and Lori Arnold* Marni Berliner Nevin Boparai and Anita Pancholi* Chris and Heather Boran* Roger Boyer Ben and Erica Davis* Daniel and Tara Todd Farris* Josh Greenberg and Rebecca Gonzalez Eric Hall and Reyna Smith* Brian and Elizabeth Harper* Ginny Hotaling Scott and Melissa Lewis Huegerich* Mark and Judy Inserra Christopher Johnson Erin and Patrick Leyden John and Dana Novick Intercontinental Exchange (Matching Gift, Molly and Andrew McSween)

Ravi Kalhan and Susan Tsai* Brian Krumm and Laura Coy* Alan Littlechild and Claire Thomas Kerry Maloney Eric and Deena McCauley* Jerry McEntee and Lynn Anderson* Molly and Andrew McSween Kelly and Ted Moore* Mark Pascaris and Jennifer Morris* Manish and Neepa Patel* Tracy and Bryan Paull Josh and Jill Samis* Herb and Jennifer Seitz* Jane Seo Susan Shure John Stoops and Katie Hill* Dana Weed Randy and Lisa Weinstein* Eric Weinstein and Denise Burch* *Class of 2025, 8th-Grade Family

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DONOR HONOR ROLL Philanthropy is a vital part of the culture at North Park Elementary School, where the generosity of our community - alumni, parents, grandparents, relatives, friends, and employers - has always been central to our mission. Every gift, regardless of size, helps shape the exceptional experiences we provide our students. Whether through special events or contributions to the NPES Fund, your support has an immediate and lasting impact on our students, faculty, and the entire NPES community. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our shared future. Thank you for making it all possible.

Donations received July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025: $20,000+ The Nielsen Family ~ $10,000 - $19,999 Arthur and Suzanne Chapin # Judy and Mark Inserra Kalhan Foundation ~ Susan Tsai and Ravi Kalhan # Libby and Alan Keribar Jorie and Dan Lombard Brittany and Adam Miller # NPES Dads' Club ~ Shannon and David Poe Jennifer and Mark Sampias Anne and Wei Lin Wong# $5,000 - $9,999 Albany Bank* Priti and Anoop Anekal # Taylor and Dennis Boyer ° Valentina and David Burciaga Julia and Robert Burciaga Samantha and Daniel Carroll # Heather and Ian Cooper Erica and Ben Davis Eowyn and Matt Ford # Hilary and Matthew Goldfine ° Harisha and James Haigh Hoellen Family Foundation ~ Ashley Holmes

Intercontinental Exchange (Andrew McSween) ° Laura and Erik Joss Jeffrey Levoff Darren and Elizabeth Lubotsky Anita Pancholi and Nevin Boparai ° Aly and Nathan Prater # Khushboo and Sagar Patel Lauren and Ross Rocklin # Jill and Josh Samis Steve Schneider and James Schroeder $2,500 - $4,999 Rachel and Dan Aaronson Sarah and Jonathan Adelstein Maria Logli Allison and James Allison Alison and Gareth Anthonisz Tracy and Bryan Paull (Bank of America) Bertsch Properties, LLC* Deepak and Niyati Bhandari ° Alana and Steven Block Heather and Chris Boran Jillian Inserra and Brian Burcham Jennifer Seo and Anthony Del Rio Daniel and Tara Farris Daniela Gorostiza Jean and Mark Feldman 33

Kristina and Greg Gawor Mindy and Kyle Brack # Rebecca Gonzalez and Josh Greenberg Karry Clarke and Jason Grocholski Danny and Julie Jacobson # Lindsay and Samuel Johnson Kirkland & Ellis LLP (Anthony Del Rio)° Peter and Lisa Knight Mia Quintana and Anjum Koreishi Laura Coy and Brian Krumm ° Julie and Bryan Lamb Cassidy and Theodore Lasser Claire Thomas and Alan Littlechild Andrew and Molly McSween Jennifer and Jonathan Miller Kelly and Ted Moore Motorola Solutions Foundation (Dennis and Taylor Boyer) ° Elizabeth and Justin Newman NPES Moms' Club Neepa and Manish Patel Jennifer and Davin Peelle Jennifer and Rustin Rethemeyer Rita and Sam Shah Chicago Photo Classes LLC (Nicholas Sinnott) * Tim Gallagher and Andrew Sokol Priya and Chris Stipe Elizabeth Vadas and Paulos Strike Sneha Soni and Marcus Turnbo Susan Russell and Dinakar Vinnakota Michelle and David Weber Dana Weed Jessica and Bryan Westhoff Courtney Baron and Nic WhitePetteruti $1,000 - $2,499 Anonymous Ally Financial (Deepak and Niyati Bhandari) ° 34

Lori and Jonathan Arnold John Arnold Claire and Gregory Barnes Linda and Bruce Baron Catherine Chapin and Chetan Bhupali Brookfield (Hilary and Matthew Goldfine) ° Leslie Patterson and Todd Brown Patty Brummet Bucktown Academy (Rebecca Gonzalez)* Laura Christman Ashley Dempsey Cindy Do Shanti and Siva Elangovan Susan and Scott Feldman Andrea Bingen and John Forbeck Melissa Oglesby and Matthew Gambino Brendan Gilmore Hilary and Matthew Goldfine ° Carla Suffi-Greenstein and Justin Greenstein Emily Hall and Peter Gwinn Kristine and Robert Hall Jamie Harju and Ryan Hallquist Shannon Heidloff Michael and Angela Heitz Meredith Hepburn Katie Hill and John Stoops Michelle and Dennis Hodges Melissa Lewis and Scott Huegerich Abigail Claiborne and January Jarecki Leslie Crea-Kammerer and Christopher Kammerer Rebecca Harris and Andrew Ketterer BeFoundOnline (Steve Krull)* Irina Vodonos and Chris Kupcho Melissa Lewis Interiors, LLC (Melissa Lewis)* Lisa Key and Kevin Lint Emily and Patrick Little

Laura and Brian McCammack Deena and Eric McCauley Anita Denes-Meador and Meador Maya and Anil Menon Rosemary Feit and Matthew Moren Anne and Kevin Morrissey McKinsey Gives (Elizabeth Newman) ° Dana and John Novick Andrea Flores and Alejandro Ome Options Clearing Corporation (Lindsey Jukes) ° BMO Financial (David and Stephanie Petti) ° Relativity (Gene Parcellano) ° Alicia Gonzalez and Gerald Saltarelli Christy and Chris Sears Jane Seo Modern Smiles * Julia Singh and Davor Sicel Marci and Jeff Sieracki Emer and Goran Simic Deconstruct Architecture * Sharon Wise and Nicholas Sinnott Jenna Hess and Paul Sutphin Teddy's Ice Cream (In-kind) * Laurie and Michael Thompson Greg Pearson# Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Dinakar Vinnakota) ° Kerry Warner Amy and David Webb Denise Burch and Eric Weinstein Lisa and Randy Weinstein Irena and Bryan Weiss William Blair and Company (Laura Coy and Brian Krumm) ° Taylor and Christopher Wood $500 - $999 Marni Berliner Erin Block and Steve Bernacki Chicago Speech and Reading Center*

Catherine Chapin and Chetan Bhupali Melody and Bill Cross Lauren and Martin Daly DCS Mechanical (Nick Cellini) * Vicki and Richard DuFour Tara Todd Farris LLC * Franczek P.C. (Amy Dickerson) * Taylor and Matt Golden Jaime and Eric Grodsky Joanna and Don Gwinn Soniya Shrivastav and Erick Harris Stephanie and John Hlywak Kelsey Hornbach and Matt Dicker Jessie and Rhodi Hotaling Christopher Johnson Mallory Johnson Lauri Frankowski and Logan LaHive L&M Fine Foods * Lynne Mann Erika and Matthew Massaro Lynn Anderson and Jerry McEntee Jennifer Morris and Mark Pascaris Nurturing Wisdom Tutoring, Inc (Erin Doyle) * Emily Barnes and Chirag Patel Kathleen Pereles Aly and Nathan Prater Katrina and Thomas Price Sr Ravenswood United Church of Christ* SensAble Kids, P.C. * Kab Seo Marsh and McLennan Companies (Sneha Soni) ° Sports Connection Gear * Annie Thomas Shamik Trivedi Cara and Rob Verigan Julie Webb Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant *

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Up to $499 Rolando Acosta Devra and David Adelstein Amy Alessandri Anonymous Hannah Anthony John Astle Gary Austin Steven Axler Janet Barton Robert Bennett R.W. Berliner Seth Berliner Wendy Andrews and Paul Bertsche Erin Bhansali Rupa Bhansali Brenda Bhansali Brianna Bieker Roger Boyer Mel and Ian Burkow Maura Carroll Mary Ellen and Dan Carroll Nai Chang Brad Claggett David Claiborne Eileen Claiborne Compass Transportation (Mazal Kornberg) * Katie Cory Cynthia and John Coy Nedra Coyle Amy Croen Elaine Daly Dandelion Therapeutic Art Center * Lori and Michael Del Rio Victoria Drew Katharine Dryden Helene Dryden Mariel Dryden Sandra Estill Rosanne Farris

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Carol Felsenthal Gladys and Yvette Garcia Kathryn Gates Josh Greenberg Emily Haffner Lyndal Hanna Joan Harris Julianne Harris Kim Harris John Hartley John Heidloff Daniel Hornbach Ginny Hotaling Dinah Johnson Fran Jones Margaret Ketterer Joanna DuFour and Kyle Kirk Soula Knibbs Robin Knowles Debra Kreutzer Sandra and Timothy Krumm Mary Kupcho Daniel Kupcho Sky Lacamu Melinda Lawrence Lynn and Ira Lawrence Nikki Lawrence Jill Levi Erin and Patrick Leyden Lexi and Sarah Licavoli Toni Logli Robert Lubotsky M and M Cleaning Services, Inc. * Kerry Maloney Carol and Clark Manus Friends of Matt Martin * David Mason James McCammack Janet McCauley Barbara McKenzie Kathleen McNamara

Mineralogy (Theresa Cowan) * Larissa Modesitt Pamela Morooka Katie Newell NPES Cultural Celebrations Committee Susan and John O'Connell Gene Parcellano Justin Past Tara and Mark Patek PepsiCo (Carolyn Braff) ° Susan Perlstein Lauren and Ryan Perry Stephanie and David Petti Vicki Piehl Paypal (Rachel Plasse) ° Bella Anatoly Polyachenko Theresa Cowan and Alex Portillo Janice Powers Reclaims Resale LLS (Jennifer and Herb Seitz) Kay Rethemeyer Richard H. Driehaus Museum Fern Rocklin Jennifer and Herb Seitz Mina and Ramesh Shah Slim's Chicago (Mohammed Shahzeb) * Susan Shure John Simoniello Reyna Smith Kim and Sean Smith Soccer Stars of Chicago * Yellow Spoke Patrick Simoniello and Jeffrey Stanfield Patrick Stelzer Gayle Stipe

Teresa Sullivan Michael Sullivan Lawrence Tanzi Pam and Robert True Susan Tumino Samuel Vallicelli Schueler Varde Catherine Vincent Tom Warner Wendy Kotrba Wharton Deborah and Thomas Williams The Yay Company Luo Wang and Hyounsang Yoo FOUNDATIONS $20,000+ The Nielsen Family $10,000 - $19,999 Kalhan Foundation NPES Dads' Club $5,000 - $9,999 Hoellen Family Foundation

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS $10,000 - $19,999 Chapin Family Fund (Arthur and Suzanne Chapin) Tsai Kalhan Family Charitable Fund (Susan Tsai and Ravi Kalhan) The Miller Family Charitable Fund (Brittany and Adam Miller) The Wong Family Fund (Anne and Wei Lin Wong

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$5,000 - $9,999 Daffy Charitable Fund (Priti and Anoop Anekal) Carroll Family Charitable Fund (Samantha and Daniel Carroll) The Ford Family Fund (Eowyn and Matt Ford) Croen Foundation, Inc (Aly Prater) Rocklin Giving Fund (Lauren and Ross Rocklin) $1,000 - $2,499 Tracy and Bryan Paull (Bank of America) Diamond Family Fund (Mindy and Kyle Brack) St. Louis Community Foundation (Danny and Julie Jacobson) CORPORATIONS $5,000 - $9,999 Albany Bank* $5,000 - $9,999 Intercontinental Exchange ° $2,500 - $4,999 Bertsch Properties, LLC * Deepak and Niyati Bhandari ° Kirkland & Ellis LLP ° Motorola Solutions Foundation ° Chicago Photo Classes LLC * $1,000 - $2,499 BMO Financial ° Exelon ° Google, Inc. ° Relativity ° Modern Smiles * Deconstruct Architecture * Teddy's Ice Cream (In-Kind) * Vertex Pharmaceuticals ° 38

William Blair and Company ° $500 - $999 Chicago Speech and Reading Center* DCS Mechanical * Tara Todd Farris LLC * Franczek P.C. * L&M Fine Foods * Nurturing Wisdom Tutoring, Inc * Ravenswood United Church of Christ * SensAble Kids, P.C. * Marsh and McLennan Companies ° Sports Connection Gear * Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant * Up to $499 Compass Transportation * Dandelion Therapeutic Art Center * M and M Cleaning Services, Inc. * Friends of Matt Martin * Mineralogy * PepsiCo ° Paypal ° Reclaims Resale LLS Richard H. Driehaus Museum Slim's Chicago * Soccer Stars of Chicago * Yellow Spoke The Yay Company ° A special thank you to these donors, who generously secured a matching gift from their employer. * Event Sponsor or Community Partner # Donor Advised Fund We have made every effort to accurately list all donors. If we have made a mistake, please accept our sincerest apologies and contact the development office so that we may update the online posting.

We are grateful for your investment in our small school. Your support is creating a profound impact, enriching the lives of our students and uplifting our community.

THANK YOU!

FISCAL YEAR 2025 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Revenue Other Income

2.26% Fundraising

12.03%

Extracurriculars

11.76%

Tuition & Fees

73.94%

Expenses Development

3.15% Management & General Operations

33.65% *Faculty and staff compensation and benefits account for approximately 70% of total expenses, reflecting NPES’s deep investment in the educators and professionals who bring our mission to life.

Educational Program

63.20% *Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

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MARGIN OF EXCELLENCE

NPES has long prided itself on being among the most affordable and accessible outstanding independent schools in the city, as this 2024-25 chart demonstrates. As a result, charitable giving to NPES provides an essential margin of excellence, enabling us not only to meet our operating budget but also to pilot and develop new programming to benefit the student experience.

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COMMUNITY PARTNERS At North Park Elementary School, we are fortunate to be part of such a vibrant and supportive neighborhood. Our community partners and sponsors play an essential role in enriching student learning and strengthening the fabric of our school. Their generosity not only enhances the NPES experience but also fosters meaningful connections between our students, families, and local businesses-benefiting everyone in our shared community.

If you would like to join our honor roll of community partners and sponsors, contact us at info@npeschool.org 42

THANK YOU GALA SPONSORS

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OUR MISSION North Park Elementary School is a small school with a big impact. We educate students in our inclusive and engaging school culture, affirming, challenging, and supporting each child as they achieve their full potential as reflective learners and involved, empathetic members of their communities.

773.327.3144 2017 W. Montrose, Chicago, IL 60618 www.npeschool.org