FROM THE ADVANCEMENT TEA
It’s been an exciting few months here at PBS, and I’m eager to share what we ’ ve been up to!
The summer turned magical with a trip to Disneyland, an item won by a lucky PBS student at the Spring Benefit 2024 auction. Having worked at Disneyland in college, it was especially fun to host this experience and revisit the park and see it through the eyes of a firsttimer. The fun-filled day served as a great reminder of how our PBS community comes together in joyful and meaningful ways to support the school we love.
As we transition into fall, we ’ re hitting the ground running with the Annual Fund sprint. The PBS Annual Fund plays a vital role in supporting the programs and opportunities that make PBS such a special place, and we ’ re grateful to all who have already contributed. I’ve been working closely with the Annual Fund Co-chairs to ensure we engage our whole community, and I’m inspired by the generosity we ’ ve seen so far. Your support directly enhances the experience for every student, and for that, we ’ re truly thankful.
Looking ahead, we ’ re already planning for the next Spring Benefit, our premier fundraising and social gathering of the year. 100% of the funds raised through the Spring Benefit will go directly toward our Financial Aid program.
Whether you ’ ve stayed closely connected or are re-engaging with PBS, we ’ re excited about the future and the strong network of alums that make our community so special. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for your continued support
With gratitude, Amanda Tachis ‘03, Assistant Director of Advancement and Community
Amanda Tachis with Mariam and Aaron, Annual Fund Co-chairs
Amanda Tachis and Ian, the lucky Spring Benefit auction item winner at Disneyland, Summer ’24
Cover Photo:
Annual Fun Run to kick off this year ’ s sprint to the Annual Fund Finish Line!
GREETINGS FROM BROOKS
Hi, it’s me, Brooks! The school year is well underway here at Phillips Brooks School! I’m pawsitively proud to congratulate our Head of School Search Committee on appointing our Head of School Elect Jennifer Bohnen, who will take the reins in July ‘25 - what a great decision! And whew! I’m exhausted but thrilled… last month, I joined the Annual Fund Co-chairs Mariam and Aaron, and the Class Captains on their race to the Annual Fund Finish Line, and it’s NOT too late to join us! Together, we can accomplish amazing things for our students. And when I haven’t been busy cheering on our Annual Fund sprinters, I’ve been making big eyes at our friendly campus owls... It’s true - they live in our campus trees and they’re a HOOT! Let’s make the rest of the year roar-some! If you have an idea, please submit it to alum@phillipsbrooks.org.
Brooks the Lion, PBS Mascot
One of our resident campus owls, watching over PBS with their wise eyes and quiet charm!
Jennifer Bohnen, PBS Head of School Elect, and her family
FROM THE INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL
I hope this 4th edition of “Brooks” finds you well and enjoying the Fall season Since I arrived on campus this past summer, I have had the pleasure of getting to know our students, faculty, and staff, and I’ve already come to appreciate the many unique PBS ways of doing things. There is a warmth of spirit here that truly sets our community apart, and it’s been wonderful to experience it firsthand.
In my role this year, my goal is to serve as a bridge between the meaningful work of our former Head of School, Scott Erickson, and the exciting future that lies ahead under our newly appointed 6th permanent Head of School, Jennifer Bohnen, who will join us in July. It has been an honor to support the excellent and tireless work of the Head of School Search Committee in selecting such a remarkable leader for our next chapter.
I’m also incredibly proud of the new initiatives we ’ ve been able to bring to life this year, thanks to the generosity of our community through the Annual Fund. Some examples include a new partnership with Children’s Health Council, new math and science associate teachers, significant campus improvements, new ELC play structures, and an inaugural speaker series entitled “Educating the Whole Family.” These initiatives are already making a difference in the day-to-day experiences of our families.
I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months and learning more about your PBS experiences. This is such a special community, and I am grateful to be part of its history, even for a short time
With gratitude and warm regards,
Diane Rosenberg, Interim Head of School
Diane and her husband, Bob, get into the spirit of Halloween at PBS!
Diane Rosenberg, Interim Head of School
PBS welcomes Jennifer Bohnen, Head of School Elect effective July 1, 2025
HAPPENINGS ON CAMPUS
We were excited to confirm Jennifer Bohnen as the next Head of School at PBS, starting July 1, 2025. Her appointment followed a rigorous national search, and the Board of Trustees unanimously approved her selection. With over 25 years of experience in elementary and early childhood education, Jennifer has proven herself as an exceptional educator, administrator, and leader We're thrilled to have her join our community!
On a professional development day in early October, PBS faculty and staff brought our core values of Community and Kindness to life! From lovingly replanting Laine’s Garden to crafting blankets for Project Linus and writing heartfelt cards for There With Care and the Birthday Project, we spent the day making a difference together
Professional Development Day activities centered around our core values of Community and Kindness
PBSA Festival Co-chairs
Celeste and Catherine
HAPPENINGS ON CAMPUS
The annual PBSA Festival was a fantastic success, filled with fun and excitement for everyone! Students had a blast bouncing in the bouncy house, trying their hand at carnivalstyle games, and indulging in a variety of sweet and spooky treats from the Bake-off It was a perfect afternoon of Fall celebration, bringing together our community for an unforgettable time!
After a COVID hiatus, the beloved Families program is back at PBS! This initiative connects our youngest and oldest students for cross-grade learning and mentorship, building friendships and community through shared activities such as “chalk gratitude”! Our Families come together for activities several times a month!
This year has seen the return of “Families” fostering cross-grade connections!
Students try their hand at the Pig Race, a PBSA Festival favorite!
The PBS Fun Run (cover photo) officially kicked off this year ' s Annual Fund! Fun Run Cochairs Ellen and Laura successfully passed the baton to Annual Fund Co-chairs Mariam and Aaron, who led our sprint toward the finish line! Our PBS students had a grand time racing, jogging, laughing, and enjoying fruity cool-down popsicles.
For more about Philanthropy please take a look at “Inspire”, the ‘23/’24 Impact Report at: www.phillipsbrooks.org/support-pbs/inspire
100% of funds raised at our Spring Benefit benefit our Financial Aid program. Last May, Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club was transformed into a glamorous Casino-Royale setting. The evening was filled with the elegant thrill of James Bond, as guests enjoyed casino-style games and gave generously.
We are excited to invite you to the next Spring Benefit on Saturday, April 26, 2025! Be sure to save the date as we hope you will join us We invite all alums 21+ and alum families to join us for what promises to be another fantastic celebration.
Thank you to our generous PBS donors for making an exceptional education possible for every student.
The PBS Fun Run kicked off the Annual Fund
PBS Alum and Faculty Member Cristina Floriani Collins tries her hand at casino-style games
FACULTY FEATURE: CRISTINA FLORIANI COLLINS, ‘82
This edition’s Faculty Feature shines a spotlight on PBS Alum and Kindergarten Teacher Cristina Floriani Collins (‘82). We had the pleasure of catching up with Cristina to learn what inspired her return to PBS, bringing her journey full circle from student to educator.
Please tell us a little about what led you to teaching!
I never planned to become a teacher. Unsure about my next steps, Barbara Dulik, the director of the PBS Early Learning Center and a family friend, reached out to my mom needing someone urgently to fill a role. Without consulting me, my mom accepted, and though I was far from thrilled, I showed up the next day To my surprise, I had an amazing day! I connected with the kids, laughed, and painted, and by the end, I couldn’t wait to return. That day turned into three years at the ELC, and the rest is history
How did your time as a PBS student influence your role as a teacher?
My PBS years are filled with wonderful memories science fairs, school plays, and the lifelong friendships I formed. I joined in 3rd grade during the school’s inaugural year, and PBS’s focus on kindness, inclusivity, and curiosity left a lasting impression I wasn’t just taught academics; I was taught to approach life with compassion and an open mind. These values are still central to my teaching PBS laid the foundation not just for my role as an educator, but for the person I am today
How does PBS encourage professional development?
Professional development has always been a cornerstone of my experience as a PBS faculty member The school consistently offers a variety of opportunities to help us grow, and there is always encouragement from mentors, colleagues, and the administration to take part in programs that align with our individual interests and areas for improvement. Ultimately, these development programs benefit our students. Every professional development experience so far has helped me refine my teaching and bring fresh ideas into the classroom.
Tell us about your Responsive Classroom Advanced training last summer!
The Responsive Classroom Advanced training this summer was fantastic. Responsive Classroom is all about engaging with children in a positive, intentional way, meeting them where they are, and addressing their individual needs I took the introductory course earlier and loved the hands-on techniques for engaging positively with students The advanced course reinforced practical ways to support students’ individual needs I use these strategies daily, helping kids build self-regulation skills they’ll carry for life, and I’d recommend this training to anyone working with children.
Anything else to share, Cristina?
PBS is my second home and has played a central role in shaping me. I’m grateful for the strong friendships and support from colleagues, and I feel lucky to be part of PBS as both an alum and a teacher Every time I return, it feels like coming home to the same special community that influenced me all those years ago
To add some extra fun and Fall flavor to this edition of Brooks, we ' re sharing the famous banana bread recipe of PBS Alum William (‘23)!
STEP 1:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease your bread loaf pan.
STEP 3:
Peel your 3 light brown bananas and mash until broken down but still chunky in a separate bowl
STEP 5:
Melt 6 Tbsp. butter in the microwave and add to your banana mixture. Mix it all together.
STEP 2:
Combine and mix your 2 c. flour, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 3/4 tsp. baking soda with a whisk.
STEP 4:
Add 3/4 c sugar, 2 eggs, 1/4 c yogurt, 1 tsp vanilla extract to bowl with bananas and whisk until combined
STEP 6:
Mix your dry ingredients in with your banana mixture.
STEP 7:
Mix in 1/2 c. coconut, 1/2 c. chocolate chips, and 1/2 c. chopped pecans. Pour the mixture in the bread pan.
STEP 8:
Bake for 55 minutes at 350. After 55 minutes, check if a knife comes out clean. If it doesn’t, bake in additional 5 minute increments until the knife comes out clean.
INGREDIENTS:
Vegetable oil spray
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 light brown bananas
2 eggs
1/4 cup yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup dried coconut
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
ALUM SPOTLIGHT: PHILIP ANDERSON, ‘04
Let’s take a look at what your classmates have been up to in recent years!
Philip Anderson, ‘04, has returned to his Bay Area roots as he builds a career in Private Equity. After graduating with an Economics degree from Washington and Lee University, he began in Investment Banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York. In 2018, he pivoted to Private Equity at Symphony Technology Group (STG), based in Menlo Park, focusing on software investing As Vice President on the investment team, Philip partners directly with CEOs and management teams of enterprise software companies to achieve long-term success and organizational impact, enjoying the analytical problemsolving, real-world learning and personal relationships built within STG and at portfolio companies.
Now based in San Francisco, he spends weekends exploring Marin and Napa, enjoying time with friends, and visiting his parents, who still live in his childhood home
What lesson or value from your time at PBS do you feel influenced you the most?
“PBS fostered a true joy to learn and the importance of being a good citizen The positive culture on campus is something I look back on fondly as it allowed me to become the person I am today by instilling positive values at a young age Our motto was “PBS are Kind Kids” and I feel that this ideology created a positive and supportive community we all cherished.”
“I feel grateful for the wonderful environment that PBS created for me throughout my time at the school and remain close with many friends since joining Room 9 (ELC) at PBS A couple of my friends from my time at PBS remain my closest friends and will one day be my groomsmen. ”
Philip Anderson in Room 9
Philip Anderson today!
ALUM SPOTLIGHT: GEOFFREY HUNT, ‘96
Geoffrey Hunt, ‘96, is creating compelling stories and immersive experiences for players through the art of game design Growing up with a librarian for a mother, Hunt developed a lifelong love for reading. When thinking about a career path, there were two things he was interested in: writing and video games. As he explored various educational options, he chose to study Computer Science and Writing, combining his passions for gaming and storytelling. He graduated from Redlands College with his degree in Computer Science.
Today, Hunt is the Head of Game Design at Midnight Evergreen He remains passionate about storytelling and has been able to shift his version of narrative to revolve around the gaming experience. “It's exhilarating to use the game ' s mechanics and structure to inspire emotional shifts in players.” Hunt now lives in Reno and enjoys his time hiking, playing the banjo, seeing live shows, reading, and visiting his nephews (children of Alice Hunt ‘92)
What lesson or value from your time at PBS do you feel influenced you the most?
“My Fourth Grade Teacher, Mr. Sherman, instilled the importance of time management and prioritization for me during my time at PBS I wasn’t always extremely interested in homework assignments during school. Realizing this, Mr Sherman helped me to understand that if you get the unfavorable tasks out of the way, I could move on and spend more time on the assignments I was passionate about. This change in perspective is something I still remember and carry with me both in life and through my career. ”
Geoffrey Hunt circa ‘96
Geoffrey Hunt today!
UPCOMING EVENT: YOUNG ALUM HOMECOMING PICNIC
Young Alum Homecoming Picnic Friday, April 4, 2025
PBS Campus
We are excited to invite our Young Alums and their families from the Classes of 2018-2024 to the PBS Young Alum Homecoming on Friday, April 4! This year, we ’ re bringing back the tradition bigger and better than ever, with an evening full of PBS spirit Join us for local food trucks, beverages, a photo booth, and some awesome PBS swag! Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for the official Save the Date we can’t wait to see you again!
Please
Young Alums reunite with Librarian Maeve Knoth at last year ’ s Young Alum Homecoming Picnic
