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ISSUE TWO | WINTER 2021

TH E BEACON / ISSUE TWO - WIN TER 2021

a note from the head of school Roy Danovitch

Dear Northern Light Community, We are thrilled to present the Winter edition of our school

So much of our work is made possible through the

newsletter, The Beacon, which highlights so many of the

contributions of educators, supporters, friends, families,

exciting and inspiring developments taking place across

and alumni like yourself. Though our stories may differ, what

the NLS universe. Our newsletter theme – Lighting the

brings us together is a shared belief in helping young people

Path Forward – draws attention to the stories of inspiration,

light the path forward with their interests, passions, and

innovation, and impact which capture our approach to

dreams – something NLS has done for over 30 years and will

education, even in the face of great difficulty and challenge.

continue doing for generations to come. Thank you for your

What keeps us excited and energized? As always, it’s the kids. Walk across our campus, and you’ll find evidence of

continued support, generosity, and love! Wishing you and yours a fulfilling and joyful holiday season,

purposeful and passionate learning, whether it’s middle school students prototyping their own positive pressure masks in our yearlong entrepreneurship elective or 1st graders practicing and publishing personal narratives. You’ll learn about students like London Mack, who plan community meetings at each grade level so that each child feels heard, valued, and seen, not just by their teachers but by their fellow classmates. Finally, you’ll experience lively Morning Circles where students interact with artists, musicians, poets, and performers representing a diverse array of cultures and traditions, all of which help foster the values of global citizenship and community engagement.

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Dr. Roy Danovitch, Head of School

contents Lighting the Path Forward - A Note from the Head of NLS

Welcoming New Faculty

Interview with Mr. Derek Boyd, Dean of Student Life

Letter from the Board Chair & Board News

6–7

Faculty Milestones

8–9

Empowering Education

10–13

By the Numbers

14–15

NLS Community Word Cloud

My favorite thing about Northern Light School is the teachers. They are super supportive in making sure that we understand the work. Also, they make learning fun. BRYCE, 7TH GRADE STUDENT

TH E BEACON / ISSUE TWO - WIN TER 2021

welcome to our new faculty Ms. Jamila Smith Kindergarten Teacher This fall we welcomed Ms. Jamila Smith to our school family as our kindergarten teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Family and Consumer Science and a Master of Arts in Education. Jamila has been a graduate assistant teacher and has worked in kindergarten, second, and third-grade classrooms at two other Oakland private schools. I joined NLS because I was looking for a school that valued me as an educator and saw the potential in me to grow with the school. When I came on the campus I could literally feel the love of the school and the commitment that the staff and teachers have towards NLS.

Ms. Gabriela Molina-Avila

Spanish Teacher

A native Spanish speaker, Gabriela has extensive experience as a foreign language instructor throughout the Bay Area. She has a dual B.A. in Applied Linguistics and Spanish-Community and Culture Studies from UCLA. She has worked with children of all ages in bi-lingual contexts through community literacy-projects, as well as college students and adults from all walks of life. Gabriela’s work as a Spanish Teacher allows her to keep her mother tongue alive in her own life by sharing it with her students. She teaches Spanish as an expression of her pride in both her mother tongue and culture in hopes that her students will grow to see beauty and asset in linguistic diversity.

Ms. Sharon Williams Fourth Grade Teacher A Bay Area native, she grew up in Berkeley, and attended Berkeley Unified Schools for her elementary years and later moved to the Oakland/Piedmont area. Sharon attended San Francisco State and University of Phoenix, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Sharon pursued her passion and attended Patten University, where she completed a teacher credentialing program and received units towards a Masters of Education. She taught kindergarten through middle school in the Diocese of Oakland for over 15 years. Her passion is working with lower school students, and most of her experiences have involved teaching grades three ,four, and five.

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interview with mr. derek boyd Dean of Student Life, Former NLS student and current parent Derek began his tenure as Dean of Student Life in July 2020. He is no stranger to Northern Light School. Derek was a student from 1990 -1995 and is excited to return as an administrator and parent. His son is in kindergarten this year. In this Q&A, Derek shares some of his memories from being a student, why he chose NLS for his son, and his role at NLS.

What memory stands out to you from your time as an NLS student?

As Dean of Student Life, what do you appreciate most about the NLS community?

The most distinct memory I have is of the Spell-a-thon. People would pledge a certain amount of money for the number of miles/kilometers we walked. The prizes for walking the most or getting the most pledges were always incredible. One year, my brother and I won, and we were able to choose our prize first. We both decided on the most adorable puppy we’d ever seen. Not a toy puppy, or a stuffed animal. A living, breathing, Labrador and German Shepherd mix, puppy!

The joy of the students and the depth of skill of the staff amaze me on a regular basis. We strike a good balance between students building critical academic skills, while also sustaining the unbridled joy of childhood as long as possible. The state of our country and world can push children to grow up faster than they should. There’s something about seeing 8th graders skip in a circle with kindergarteners or play musical chairs together, that makes some of that fade away momentarily. This combined with the collaboration we have with outside organizations and the support of our families, make this school a joy to be a part of.

Why did you choose NLS for Josiah’s education? I always kept my eye on NLS from afar. I taught for a decade in Oakland and had a good sense of the available Kindergarten offerings. When I returned to the school as an administrator last year, I knew I wasn’t only coming in as an employee, but as a prospective parent as well. As I worked with the teachers, I saw how intentional they were with every decision they made, and the care they put into teaching each student. The emphasis on giving back and strengthening our community was a huge plus for me as an Oakland native and resident, and revealed how my family’s values and that of the faculty aligned. The fact that I could see him every day didn’t hurt either! I’d be lying if I said him going to the school that I went to as a child wasn’t a huge draw as well. Some of my best and proudest memories as a K-12 student happened at NLS.

Looking ahead, what most excites you about NLS’s future? If the last year has taught me anything, it’s that we can’t wait for what our students deserve. I’m excited for the opportunities and experiences we can provide to our students as a consistent part of their education here, simply because they deserve it. There’s energy to continue what has worked for us, and actualize ideas that may have been just hopes before. I’m excited for what’s to come when we look at how we can engage the opportunity in front of us, and adapt to anything that may shift again in the future.

TH E BEACON / ISSUE TWO - WIN TER 2021

Family was everything to him. A lifelong bachelor, he played a large role in the lives of his niece and nephews, and was a

a letter from the board chair

cherished brother, uncle, and son.

Liz Wright

community, and hard work. His financial support allowed

Hosting his week-long 90th birthday celebration with his extended family of 18, whom he had flown to Montana I saw that twinkle in his eyes as he held his darling great-grand niece. It is no surprise, given his upbringing and experiences, that Cornell was a huge believer in the mission and values of Northern Light School – to afford children access to a quality whole child education, focused on compassion, character, NLS to provide reduced tuition to a vast number of students, enabling their pursuit of the American Dream. He funded

Friends & Families of Northern Light School, It was with great sadness that we said goodbye to our beloved Cornell Maier on August 13, 2021. His influence on our school, and his lasting impact on the lives of so many Northern Light School graduates, families, faculty, and staff cannot be overstated. We are forever indebted to his kindness, compassion, and generosity. May he rest in peace.

field trips and playgrounds, performances and community outreach. In short, his support helped students’ dreams become a reality. We are forever grateful for his presence in our world. This Wall Street Journal article beautifully captures Cornell’s past. His future legacy is still being written in the halls of Northern Light School. God bless you, Mr. Maier. Sincerely,

Mr. Maier, as he was known to the children of Northern Light, grew up poor with his sister and mom in a small South Dakota town, abandoned by his father before he was born. His mom worked hard in a general store to support the family, and moved them to California when he was 17. After graduating high school he volunteered for the Army Air Forces during World War II. Flying the required 25 bombing missions, with a mere 50% survival rate, he volunteered for another 25, and flew a 51st when there was an opportunity to bomb the Nazis’ key supply infrastructure. A selfless, gracious war hero, Cornell embodied the traits we so want our graduates to emulate. I was lucky to meet Cornell at an NLS Impossible is Nothing lunch 15 years ago. I was moved by his gentle soul and kind heart, and learned of his deep commitment to the children of Oakland, not just through his weekly visits to the boisterous playground and halls at NLS, but also reflected in his volunteering at the local children’s hospital where he could be found rocking sick children in the neonatal ward. Though he retired young, he kept very busy.

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Liz Wright, Board Chair

board news We would like to thank Dave Fenton and Doreen A. Bullard for their many years of service to Northern Light School. Dave worked tirelessly as Chair of Development for over a decade, and continues to advise in that capacity today; Doreen, also serving more than a decade, was instrumental in our partnership with Allen Temple Baptist Church and other preschools. We are excited to introduce three new Board members: Geary Johnson, Dick Bradford, and Ann Hertelendy. Geary is an NLS alum, current parent, and brings great financial expertise, serving on the Board’s Scholarship and Finance committees. Dick Bradford is a retired educator, most recently the Head of Athenian’s upper school, and is serving on our Governance and Executive committees. Ann Hertelendy, our newest addition, is an Oakland native with a breadth of experience in fundraising and philanthropy, and is serving on our Development and Governance committees. She is also a former girls’ soccer volunteer coach at NLS. We are honored and thrilled to have them join the NLS team. Thank you to our incredible supporters who dug deep and helped us through the Covid pandemic. Thank you to our fantastic faculty and staff for your tireless efforts and commitment to our students and families. And thank you Northern Light School families for your belief in us. Onwards and upwards NLS! This is what Paki Gordon, Class of 1995 had to say in regards to Mr. Maier: Mr. Maier is the true definition of the beliefs of Northern Light. He demonstrated daily how to respect, love, appreciate and give unselfishly. Mr. Maier reminded me to Dream Big, believe in my dreams and make sure to pursue them to the fullest. One of my all-time favorite memories in 8th grade was hanging out in his home. He allowed us to treat it as if it was our own. Every child of Northern Light that was ever in Mr. Maier’s presence always felt like they were a very, very special part of him, and that he loved us all as if we were his own.

Every child of Northern Light that was ever in Mr. Maier’s presence always felt like they were a very, very special part of him, and that he loved us all as if we were his own. PA K I G O R D O N , C L A S S O F 1 9 9 5

TH E BEACON / ISSUE TWO - WIN TER 2021

celebrating faculty milestones I started volunteering as a reading tutor in 1990 after my husband Paul and I attended a fundraising event for Northern Light School. A few years later in 1994, I was asked to assist the first 8th grade class with preparations for private high school applications and entrance exams. It was a challenging and rewarding experience, especially when all the students were accepted at a number of schools. Since that first 8th grade class, I have continued to assist each class and support the middle school ELA classes.

Celebrating 30 Years Maureen Marshall • High School Prep Teacher • Volunteer since 1990 • Teacher since 2004

Both Paul and I encouraged friends to become supporters of the school. Paul joined the NLS Board of Directors and was the Treasurer for a few years. By then we were also working with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program and I was on the Jane Goodall Institute national R&S mentor team. I was delighted when Jane was able to visit the school and she was so impressed that she mentioned Northern Light during many of her following public lectures. It has been a true pleasure to be a part of this amazing school throughout the last 31 years. Watching the students grow, seeing them off to high school, and delighting in their stories when they return to visit has been an enormous gift for which I am endlessly grateful.

Nostalgia (noun), wistful affection for the past. As an ELA teacher, I begin with a term meant to evoke the grace one encounters in service to this community. The nostalgia experienced through connection to Northern Light holds precious meaning: it’s a reminder of a long obedience in the same direction toward the goal of serving. I’ve been on both ends of the grace spectrum at Northern Light: to be served and to serve. It reminds me of where I’ve been and where I’m going: Morning Circle sitting on Mr. Maier’s lap in preschool; 4500 Redwood Road classrooms where I found my love for language and storytelling; the “fireside room” and learning to never give up on the Dream.

Celebrating 10 Years Caitlin Alegre-Thiry • Language Arts Teacher

I stand on hallowed ground in my classroom: walls covered in student work; bookshelves stocked with antiracist literature; mementos from donors who bring to life the human experience; everything a reminder of the gift of grace in being served and in serving. Service demands we look toward the future keeping the past in mind. As an educator at Northern Light, I consider the ways in which I was nurtured so I continue to be part of the light illuminating the way forward.

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I still remember my first time visiting NLS. Ms. Michelle walked me over to Morning Circle, sharing anecdotes the entire time, and when I arrived I was blown away by the energy and joy of the students. I knew at once that this was a place I wanted to be. Ten years later, and I’m still here. In that time I’ve gone from a traveling Math teacher to having my own classroom and homeroom class. I’ve played music in Morning Circle, grew the TeacherPowered model from idea to reality, and transitioned back to a more traditional model.

Celebrating 10 Years Peter Welch • Middle School Mathematics Teacher

I’ve worked as director of NLS Summer Camp, designed t-shirts, sliced Costco pizza for Pizza Fridays, coached soccer, DJ’d dances, traveled to Yellowstone and Washington D.C, and watched so many 8th graders head off to high school confident in their Math skills. I’m immensely grateful for all of these experiences, but even more so for the people I got to share them with. So much has changed in ten years at NLS, but one thing remains constant: the warmth of our incredible community of students, families, teachers, and supporters. Thank you!

Northern Light School is about family and community. I was a teacher and school leader for over 10 years at Northern Light and know the commitment and dedication of the teachers and staff for the students. When my daughter and I were looking for another school for her 5th-grade year, Northern Light was the first and only school we considered. I wanted my daughter to be in a school and with a teacher that built her up. Ms. Dana and Northern Light gave her that last year. Being at Northern Light with the teachers, staff, and students has given my daughter the opportunity to build her confidence and know her greatness. I am confident this year and the rest of her middle school experience will be amazing. I will forever be grateful to Northern Light School. T O N YA TAY L O R , N L S S I X T H G R A D E PA R E N T

TH E BEACON / ISSUE TWO - WIN TER 2021

empowering education Marcus committed to play basketball for Cooper International Academy, a transitional program that bridges the gap between secondary and higher education. At Cooper, Marcus will work closely with experts in the Division I circuit who will support him in his academic, athletic, and interpersonal goals. Marcus recently shared the following about his alma mater: Northern Light is my home and my history. It transformed me and shaped me into the man I am today. Out of the many things I’ve learned, what stuck with me through my time there was the meaning of family. Blood is not what makes a family, it’s the emotions and actions. Since day one, I always had my guard up; That’s just how you’re raised when you’re black and live in Oakland. Nobody looks at you to become

Marcus Henderson

great, and even if they say they do they don’t really mean it.

• NLS Class of 2017 • St. Mary’s College High School Class of 2021 • Cooper International Academy

Ms. Michelle showed me something different. When she said she cared about me, she meant it and through time she showed it. She would always tell me that there’s more to life than just basketball and girls… “IQ over GQ”. I eventually understood that what she was saying was that I am more than just an athlete with pretty eyes, I have more to me and I shouldn’t limit myself. Basketball is my dream. But even though basketball is my life there are other layers to me. I wouldn’t be the same man I am today without Northern Light.

Joey Lewis is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Sacramento State University where he plays wide receiver for the Hornets Football team. Joey first came to Northern Light School in the first grade. When his cousins graduated from Northern Light School in 2003, Michelle Lewis, founder of NLS, opened her home to Joey, who remained in her care until he began his studies at Azusa Pacific. Joey credits Michelle and Northern Light for shaping him into who he is today. My entire family owes everything to not just Northern Light, but Michelle. The love she has had for all of us has been something that has transformed our lives individually and collectively. Michelle and Northern Light have saved us and kept us not only alive, but striving for greatness and success, even though our circumstances and where we came from should have kept us from where we are now in life. I am personally the luckiest person in my family because Michelle took me in, loved me as her own son, and helped shape me into the man I am today.”

Joey Lewis • NLS Class of 2011, De La Salle High School Class of 2015 • Azusa Pacific University Class of 2018, B.A. Business Administration • Sacramento State University, M.A. Candidate in Educational Technology

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Avi’Tal is currently a junior at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. While at Saint Mary’s Avi was scouted by several Division I schools and committed to UNLV where she has continued to “go for the gold”, competing in early Olympics Track and Field qualifying events. Avi credits Northern Light School with her ability to persevere, to never give up, and to continue to push towards the finish line. Northern Light set the foundation that I live my life by, and it has taught me that no dream is too big. The level of support I felt from the staff and my classmates played an integral part in who I am today. My time spent in the classroom ignited my love for science, I enjoyed my Math classes, and I developed a strong work ethic that taught me a lot about accountability. I learned so much about the world in and out of the classroom and I’m eternally grateful for those lessons. There are times where I remind myself that impossible really is nothing. I have received full athletic-scholarship opportunities to pursue my graduate degree from five universities. None of this would have been possible without the life experience I gained from this school.

Avi’Tal Wilson-Perteete • NLS Class of 2013 • Saint Mary’s College High School Class of 2017 • UNLV Class of Class of 2021

I learned so much about the world in and out of the classroom and I’m eternally grateful for those lessons. There are times where I remind myself that impossible really is nothing. AV I ’ TA L W I L S O N - P E R T E E T E

congratulations classes of 2021 and 2017

Congratulations Class of 2021 on receiving acceptances to the following high schools: • Bishop O’Dowd High School

• Moreau Catholic High School

• St. Mary’s College High School

• Cristo Rey De La Salle

• Oakland Unity High School

• Stevenson School

• Holy Names High School

• Orinda Academy High School

• The Athenian School

• Maybeck High School

• St. Joseph Notre Dame High School

Congratulations Class of 2017 on matriculating to the following institutions: • Agnes Scott College

• Laney College

• Merritt College

• Chabot College

• Las Positas College

• St. Olaf College

• Cooper International Academy

• Louisiana State University

• Universal Technical Institute TH E BEACON / ISSUE TWO - WIN TER 2021

celebrating latinx heritage month Northern Light School honors and celebrates the countless contributions, powerful influence, and critical impact the LatinX community has had on American history, culture, and achievements. We had an exciting month of LatinX presenters, vibrant performances, school art projects, classroom curriculum, and more during LatinX Heritage Month.

student voices My name is London Mack, and I am a 7th grade student here at Northern Light. Since the beginning of the school year, I’ve been taking an elective focusing on student leadership and social justice, where students decide what we want to work on to improve our school community. The project I chose was Community Meeting. When I decided to start Community Meeting, my vision was to help students improve their teamwork skills, both inside the classroom and on the playground. Teamwork skills are essential because, at NLS, we are all brothers and sisters, and we have to be able to work together. In addition to Community Meetings, together with my classmates, we organize presentations on the issue of gun violence for students in different grade levels. Our goal is to foster awareness about gun violence prevention and emphasize the importance of creating communities where children, teens, and adults feel safe. LONDON, 7TH GRADE STUDENT

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I believe the purpose of education is to advance yourself in the classroom, but adding the component of leadership allows students to take responsibility for their education. Northern Light School helps students become confident leaders by empowering them to use their voices to make a difference.

impossible is nothing Speaker Series Our first Impossible is Nothing Luncheon of the 2021-2022 school year was on October 13, 2021! We were honored to host Dick and Gretchen Evans, long-time friends and dedicated supporters of Northern Light School, to learn about Dick’s latest photographic creation San Francisco’s Chinatown that he published with Kathy Chin Leong, an awardwinning journalist, in October 2020. Our Middle School students enjoyed seeing spectacular pictures and benefited greatly from Dick’s lecture regarding the history, culture, and architecture of San Francisco’s Chinatown.

This school is an incredible beacon for those who believe that a nurturing and loving academic environment can overcome serious economic disadvantages and cultural biases in developing outstanding young students and citizens. It is an honor to be associated with such a dedicated and worthwhile institution. D I C K A N D G R E T C H E N E VA N S

TH E BEACON / ISSUE TWO - WIN TER 2021

northern light by the numbers

Students avg. class size

Different languages

38 300+ 1989

Different zip codes

Alumni

Year the school was founded

Thanks to your contributions,

19%

we can fulfill our mission of

UNASSISTED

providing a high-quality education

81% ASSISTED

T U I T I O N A S S I S TA N C E S T U D E N T P O P U L AT I O N

to children from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. With your support, we were able to provide $1.4M in tuition assistance during the 2020-21

P E R C E N TA G E

school year.

31% 38% 18% <$25,000

$25–50,000

$50–75,000

$75–100,000

HOUSEHOLD INCOME 2020–2021

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$100–150,000

8th annual vida blue celebrity golf invitational Thank you to everyone who participated in the Vida Blue Celebrity Invitational on Monday, October 4, 2021. We were blown away by the support and generosity of everyone who participated in the tournament including our sponsors, players, volunteers, and athletes. In particular, we would like to send a very special THANK YOU to Vida Blue for his tremendous support over the past eight years.

ways to give AmazonSmile

Online Giving

I support NLS because I see what an

Donor-Advised Fund

Planned Gifts

amazing nurturing place it is, and I know

Employee Matching Programs

Stock Donations

Facebook Fundraiser Check Donations - Mail Payment to: Northern Light School, 3710 Dorisa Ave, Oakland, CA 94605

get involved VISIT our school VOLUNTEER at school, at a special event, or on a committee RECOMMEND A SPEAKER for our Impossible is Nothing Speaker Series CONTRIBUTE to our school DONATE requested items from our Wish List on Amazon PURCHASE an item from our NLS Swag Shop SHARE your alumni or donor story

that the research shows that this type of education and support can make all the difference in a child’s life. We all know the saying “it takes a village,” well NLS is that village and I really admire how they get the older kids involved with the younger kids so they all belong and are responsible to each other and to the village. The commitment from the teachers and the administration are par excellence; I am grateful that I can support them in their work. K I M B E R LY W I R T Z S T R A U B

Send an email to development@northernlightschool.com to learn more about how you can help. TH E BEACON / ISSUE TWO - WIN TER 2021

Recently, our faculty & staff participated in an exercise which asked them “what drew you to Northern Light School” and “what makes Northern Light School unique?” With the responses we created a word cloud to visually represent how we feel about our school. There were several recurring themes in the responses but the number one word that was used was COMMUNITY...and what a beautiful community we have!

3710 Dorisa Avenue Oakland, CA 94605 Phone 510.957.0570 www.northernlightschool.com