THEHEARTOFNPES:OUR SHAREDINVESTMENT
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.
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
STRENGTHINNUMBERS
24
Local high schools who attended our community-wide high school fair
8:1
Average Student : Teacher ratio
(averageclasssize is22students)
97%
Parents who feel that NPES “consistently helps their children grow as individuals“ (from the most recent parent survey)
16 Zip Codes represented from Chicago and Nearby Suburbs
33%
Students who identify as people of color
23.5%
Teachers who identify as people of color
86+
Clubs, Activities, and Athletics
29%
Trustees who identify as people of color
100%
Eighthgraderswho receivedanofferfromtheir first-choicehighschoolin 2025
WelovetheCommunityand engagementthekidsgetatNPES.I couldn’timaginethemattendingany otherschool.
-Parentofprimaryandmiddle schoolstudents
9.2
Net promoter score among NPES parents on 0-10 scale
THENPESDIFFERENCE
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
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
41st Commencement
23 Graduates
9 High Schools
HIGHSCHOOLPLACEMENT
Confidence,Connection,andPurpose
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
FOR THE CLASS OF
LEADINGWITHHEART ANDVISION
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
Bryan Lamb
Emily Little
Elizabeth Newman
Grey Tanzi
Dana Weed
Sharon Wise
STRATEGIC PLANNING MAJOR OUTCOMES
OPENINGDOORS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
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.
ACOMMUNITY-CENTERED SCHOOL
Our Shared Values and Human Scale
JOHN NOVICK, JR. HEAD OF SCHOOL
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 excels at developing an authentic sense of belonging 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.
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 spirit that lies at the heart of
IMMERSIVELEARNING
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, DC, 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.
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
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
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.
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, (3-8 ), Anna Nardulli Art Tacher, ( prek -2nd) th
CULTIVATINGADIVERSE EDUCATIONALCOMMUNITY
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
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)
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 235% 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 so economic diversity, about 5% of NPE are enrolled through our new financi program or tuition remission program exempt employees This is an all-time with an average financial aid award t 43% of tuition While we recognize th good start, we acknowledge that it is much a work in progress.
While who we are matters, so does h we include all students, employees, a families in the life of our school. How treat everyone with respect, dignity, is the ultimate measure of our fidelity mission and core educational beliefs school and community, belonging is foundational aim that propels learnin growth
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
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 wayscelebrating 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
EVENTSANDENGAGEMENT
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
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.
CULTIVATINGLIFELONG 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.
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
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.
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
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 Rami-Patel 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
Kristina and Greg Gawor
Mindy and Kyle Brack #
Rebecca Gonzalez and Josh
Greenberg
Karry Clarke and Jason Grocholski
Dan 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) °
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, PC *
Kab Seo
Marsh and McLennan Companies (Sneha Soni) °
Sports Connection Gear *
Annie Thomas
Shamik Trivedi
Cara and Rob Verigan
Julie Webb
Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant *
Up to $499
Rolando Acosta
Devra and David Adelstein
Amy Alessandri
Anonymous
Hannah Anthony
John Astle
Gary Austin
Steven Axler
Janet Barton
Robert Bennett
RW 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
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
$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 (Dan 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 °
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, PC * 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!
FISCALYEAR2025 FINANCIALOVERVIEW
Expenses
*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
*Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
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
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.
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.
7733273144 www.npeschool.org
2017 W Montrose, Chicago, IL 60618
