. Growing for Gen s r a e Y 5 5 r eratio o f d e t ns. o o R
eport on Philanthropy 2026 R
Fall 2026
In This Issue
PAGE 2
Board Chair and Head of School Column PAGE 4
Report on Philanthropy PAGE 13
Professional Development PAGE 14
Celebrating Our Alumni
THE PERISCOPE Volume 36, Number 3 Editor: Amanda Perla Designer: David Mellen Design PS1 Pluralistic School 1225 Broadway Santa Monica CA 90404 (310) 394-1313 (310) 395-1093 fax To learn more about our school, visit our website www.psone.org
PS1 Advancement Team 2026/27 Kerri Speck, Director of Advancement Amanda Perla, Director of Communications & Marketing David Ramos, IT Manager Evelyn Cazún, Interim Director of Enrollment Strategy Tina Andrews, Development Manager
1
2025/26
Letter from Head of School and Board Chair
Dear PS1 Community, As we welcome our students back to campus, we find ourselves in a season of transition. The unhurried days of summer give way to the energy of a new school year. At PS1, transition is at the heart of what we do. Day by day and year by year, our students learn, grow, discover who they are, and become who they are meant to be, all under the steady, caring guidance of our extraordinary faculty and staff. But PS1 would not be the special place it is without the strength and generosity of our extended community. The past year has brought incredible growth and joy to our campus. While tuition makes much of a PS1 education possible, it does not cover the full cost of the PS1 experience each year. The generosity of our Annual Fund donors helps bridge that gap, allowing us to fulfill our mission and continue to invest in the people and programs that make PS1 thrive. We are deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity helped make that possible last school year, and we are pleased to share just a few of the ways your support has made a difference. Your contributions allowed us to continue developing and strengthening our specialist programs, provide meaningful professional development for our faculty, bring new resources into our classrooms, and expand opportunities for students to learn beyond campus through increased field trips. We also redesigned our school website and launched a new marketing campaign in partnership with our marketing support team, helping us better tell the PS1 story and connect with families who share our values. Annual Fund donations also support tuition assistance, helping us uphold our commitment to making a PS1 education accessible to students and families across a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. These investments shape the daily experience of our students and faculty and help ensure that PS1 can continue to provide an exceptional education grounded in our mission and values. The donors to the 2025–2026 Annual Fund are recognized in this Report on Philanthropy, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Your generosity is an expression of belief in PS1. It inspires us to imagine what is possible and to continue finding new ways to provide the very best educational experience for our students. As we begin a new school year, we look forward to sharing the ways your Annual Fund contributions are helping PS1 grow, evolve, and continue its important work.
Susannah Wolf Head of School
Jen Brown Board Chair, 2024–2026
With gratitude, Susannah Wolf, Head of School Jen Brown, Board Chair, 2024–2026 Liz Redman, Board Chair, 2026–Present 2
Liz Redman Board Chair, 2026–Present
PS1 Board Committee Members for 2025/26
A&F
Advancement
Pluralism
CHESS
A&F/Budget James Hicks, Chair Eric Zabinski Halina Avery Nisreen Al-Bassam Tony Lewis Zaahir Syed Susannah Wolf † Jess Cano †
Advancement Deirdre Gainor, Chair Halina Avery Jen Brown Stacey Staples Michelle An Tony Lewis Elise Loehnan Susannah Wolf † Kerri Speck †
Pluralism Halina Avery, Chair Kerri Speck Mychal Johnson Jeffrey Inaba Gabe Zaldivar Susannah Wolf †
CHESS Mychal Johnson, Chair Jen Brown Liz Redman Deirdre Gainor Susannah Wolf †
Audit* Brad Meyers, Chair James HIcks Kerri Speck Tyler Fenelon Susannah Wolf † Jess Cano † Investment* James Hicks, Chair Alex DeFeo Adrian Fairbourn Susannah Wolf † Jess Cano † Risk* Eric Zabinski, Chair Toby Kennedy Susannah Wolf † Jess Cano †
Strategic Planning* Stacey Staples, Chair Susannah Wolf † Master Planning* Zaahir Syed, Chair Gaf Gaffen Jeffrey Inaba Nisreen Al-Bassam Deirdre Gainor Alex Cameron Jordana Belke Elaine Shing Susannah Wolf † Kerri Speck †
B&G Buildings & Grounds Jeffrey Inaba, Chair Gaf Gaffen Stacey Staples Brad Meyers Susannah Wolf † Real Estate* Jeffrey Inaba, Chair Nisreen Al-Bassam Susannah Wolf † Kerri Speck †
Executive Executive Jen Brown, Chair James Hicks, Treasurer Liz Redman, Vice Chair Rosalia Ibarrola, Secretary Susannah Wolf †
Governance Governance Gabe Zaldivar/ Rosalia Ibarrola, Co-Chairs Eric Zabinski Jen Brown Nisreen Al-Bassam Susannah Wolf †
Enrollment Management* Liz Redman, Chair Michelle An Elise Loehnan Susannah Wolf † Beth Kemp † Jess Cano † Marketing & Communications* Michelle An, Chair Elise Loehnen Jen Brown Karalyn Holden Ann Rogers Rosita Medina Farag Leila Fenelon Susannah Wolf † Amanda Perla †
Legend: * Advisory Committee † Administrator Italicized text indicates non-Board member 3
2025/26
PS1 Board Members
Welcome, New Board Members!
Jordana Belke
is a Managing Director based in Santa Monica who brings 15 years of philanthropic and nonprofit experience to her work at Via-Nova. She works with UHNW individuals and families, partnering with donors to help them develop and implement grant-making strategies, define clear visions and articulate values to drive their charitable giving, and make meaningful impact. Jordana has a diverse portfolio of work spanning a range of public interest areas, including education, youth justice, and gun violence prevention. Prior to joining ViaNova, Jordana oversaw planning, evaluation, and improvement at a a large social service program that helped youth in the South Bronx re-engage in education and the workforce. In this role, she managed a portfolio of dozens of private and government grants and oversaw all grant reporting and compliance. Jordana began her career as a social worker working with children and adolescents. She worked one-onone with youth in foster care, the juvenile justice system, pregnant and parenting youth, and unhoused youth.Jordana grew up and lived in New York for many years before moving with her husband, Dan, and two kids, Miles and Laine, to Santa Monica.
4
Kanan Bhatt-Shah
joined the board in 2026 and led Brand and Marketing for the Professional Women’s Hockey League, overseeing brand development, audience growth, fan engagement, and integrated marketing and content strategy across the League and its twelve teams throughout the U.S. and Canada. Since the League’s inception in 2023, Kanan spearheaded its brand and storytelling strategy - amplifying athlete profiles, deepening fan connection and unifying diverse audiences around a singular mission - helping establish the PWHL as one of the fastest-growing women’s sports leagues globally. Kanan is passionate about the power of sport to elevate diverse voices and create experiences rooted in a sense of belonging. She holds a BS in Communication from Boston University and an MBA from NYU Stern. This fall, Kanan joined the Stanford University Athletic Department as Chief Marketing Officer. Kanan, her husband Ravi and their son Deven are excited to embark on this new adventure in Palo Alto while remaining closely connected to their PS1 and Santa Monica community.
Genevieve Cabanilla
has two children who currently attend PS1. Genevieve invests in affordable and workforce multi-family housing. She has thirteen years of experience in developing and financing income-restricted and market rate real estate, and previous employers include Century Housing, which is headquartered in Culver City, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and several non-profit organizations. She is also a board member with AJSOCAL (Asians Advancing Justice). Genevieve holds a B.S. in Finance & Marketing from the Boston College Carroll School of Management, and an M.S. in Real Estate Development from the New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate.
Alexander Cameron
is Vice President and Regional Director of Boston Properties, leading leasing, asset management, development, and capital initiatives across approximately 3.6 million square feet of Class A office and retail properties in Los Angeles, including Colorado Center and Santa Monica Business Park. He is recognized for executing complex leasing and development transactions, driving large-scale repositioning projects, and creating value through strategic capital investment, placemaking, and tenant engagement initiatives. Prior to Boston Properties, Alex held leasing leadership roles at CIM Group and Cushman & Wakefield, overseeing institutional office and mixeduse portfolios across major U.S. markets. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from Indiana University Bloomington. Alex currently serves as Chair of the Los Angeles Commercial Realty Association (LACRA).
Tyler Fenelon
joined the Board in 2026, and he and his wife Leila have two children who attend PS1. Tyler is a Managing Director at Guggenheim Investments, a global asset management firm, where he is focused on private investments. Tyler is a native Angeleno but does not really like the beach. Tyler holds a BAs in Economics and Political Science from the University of Chicago and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Shayna Gaffen
began her career in the Los Angeles contemporary art world, managing and directing local galleries. She later transitioned into construction project management with Gafcon, the construction consulting business founded by her parents in 1982, coordinating special projects, including a major student housing contract for UCLA. Since joining the PS1 Community as a parent, Shayna has chaired both the Parents Guild and the Annual Fundraising Gala. She is also a licensed Realtor in the state of California. Shayna graduated from UCLA with high honors.
Rosita Medina
joined the Board in 2026 and is the proud parent of a current PS1 student. Rosita brings deep expertise in brand management and C-suite consulting with an accomplished track record at industry leaders including Disney, Mattel, Kraft, and Mercer Consulting. Rosita is deeply committed to expanding opportunities for young people from underserved communities. She previously served as Board President of the PLUS ME Project, a Los Angeles based nonprofit that builds confidence in youth through the power of personal narrative storytelling. Rosita holds a B.S. in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California and an M.B.A. from the NYU Stern School of Business.
Departing Board Members
Halina Avery Yehudi Gaffen Tawni Laskar Brad Meyers Stacey Staples Eric Zabinski
PS1 extends its sincere gratitude to our departing Board members for their years of dedicated service. Through your leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment, you have strengthened our community and advanced the mission of PS1. We honor your contributions and lasting impact on the life of our school.
5
2025/26
PS1 Philanthropy
Total Contributions: $775,478.00
Thank you to our 2025-2026 Annual Fund Co-Chairs, Elise, Toby and Rosita, for leading an incredible team of volunteers. PS1 would not be able to raise the funds we need to support our efforts without their tireless work and the work of each member of the Annual Fund Committee. Thank you to each caller - both for their contribution to the Annual Fund AND for their efforts to inspire other PS1 families to give. You are each greatly appreciated!
2025/26
2025/26 Annual Fund Committee Nisreen Al-Bassam Matt Auron Jordana Belke
Operating Budget Income
Expenses
Tuition 76.75%
Endowment 12.5%
Salaries & Benefits 68%
Tuition Assistance 20%
Fundraising 8.25%
Auxiliary Services 2.5%
Program 8.2%
Facilities 3.8%
Emma Bing Ben Buadu Dominique Dawkins Adrian Fairbourn Rosita Farag, co-chair Lauren Ferrari James Hicks Jennifer Humphrey Rosalia Ibarrola HK Kang Jamie Keeton Soraya Kelly Wax Toby Kennedy, co-chair Liz Leknickas Elise Loehnen, co-chair Brad Meyers Liz Redman Tia Shung Eugenie Smith Wendy Sugarman Stacey Staples Staci Verk 6
Annual Fund Contributions: $610,924.00 List of Contributers
Parents, Alumni, Board and Former Board members, Alumni Parents, Grandparents and more allow us to be and do our best. We are grateful to all for their kindness and generosity. This year, we had tremendous support of both the Annual Fund as well as the PS1 Tuition Assistance Endowment. Total support of the past fiscal year is reflected below. The following lists represent a community committed to philanthropy at PS1.
Anonymous (17)
Jen & Tony Brown
Alex DeFeo & Courtney DeFeo-Gertler
Kelli & Peter Abraham
Meghan Brtnik
Margot & Laurent Desserrey
Beth & Stephen Abronson
David Bucchino
Chet Devaskar & Shivani Siroya
Nisreen Al-Bassam & Sami Rasromani
Genevieve & Carlo Cabanilla
Ortavia Manning-Dixon & Ebson Dixon
Charles An
Victor Cachoua & Maria Lopez
Joanna & Andy Edstrom
Tina Andrews
Alanna & Jazz Callner
Laurie & Rudi Ekstein
Emma & Simon Atik
Alexander Cameron & Vanessa Sunshine
Caroline & Marcos Escalante
The Auron Family
Kim Campbell
Kayla & Matt Estrada
Patty Auron
Jessica Cano
Zoe & Adrian Fairbourn
Halina Avery
Yvonne Carrillo
Rosita Medina-Farag & Sharif Farag
Fitsum Bekele & Lele Akalu
Robert Case & Eri Nakagami
Emily & James Farrell
Dan & Jordana Belke
Evelyn Cazún
Linda Fenner
Edet Belzberg
Alison & Garrett Chang
The Ferrari Family
Justine Kragen & Scott Bendar
The Chibane Family
The First School Community
Friederike Biggs
Debbie & Benson Chin
Billie & Steven Fischer
Milica Bison
Mel Cordeiro & Benjamin Buadu
Elise & Rob Fissmer
Avery Hill Breuer
Henry, Karen & Ryan Craig
Leslie Fissmer
Tracy & Adam Bromwich
Spandan Daftary & Aashini Master
Lauren & Austin Fite
7
PS1 Philanthropy
List of Contributers
Daijha Flonnoy
Jeffrey Inaba
Francisco Medina
Oleg & Nadia Fokov
Beryle Jackson
Keith Megna & Michelle An
Holly & Judd Frazier
Grace Jeon & Jonathan Tang
Golnaz & Kourosh Melamed
Stacy and Sam Freeman
Mychal & Valencia Johnson
Gina & Brad Meyers
Andrew Fried & Kristin Martin
Terry Kanashige
Linda & David Michaelson
Richard Gabriel & Kay Seymour-Gabriel
Bridget Kanashige
Bree Miller
Shayna Gaffen & Seth Baglin & Pam & Yehudi Gaffen
HK Kang & Chloe Choi
Esther & Howard Moggs
Loren Kaplan & Scott Packer
The Morikawa Family
Nicolina Karlsson
Genevieve Mow
Jamie Keeton & Keith Muenze
Meghana Mudiyam & Salil Phadnis
Beth & Chris Kemp
Lizzie & John Murray
Richard Kendall & Lisa See Kendall
Priya & Sanjay Nambiar
Tobias & Breana Kennedy
Amelia & Jason Ning
Hans & Lisa Kim
Jenica Ryu & Azumi & Edward Nomoto
Yejin & Hyun Kim
Pedro Ortega
Jonathan Kim & Atia Sattar
Courtney & James Pade
The Koo Family
Shannon & Michael Parry
Paula & Fred Kuhns
Gretchen Patch
The Larios Family
Joel & Eleanor Pelcyger
Judith Larsen
Amanda Perla & Josh Gelfand
Laura Siegel Larson
Rufina Piche
Joey Lee
The Pitts Family
Liz & Po Leknickas
Jeffrey & Lauren Platt
Robert Levine & Gili Meerovitch
Yong Qi & ChangSheng Guo
Anthony Lewis & Heidi Krilanovich
Sharat Raju and Valarie Kaur
Paul Lieberstein & Janine Poreba
David Ramos
Caroline Lindqvist
Leslie Rayos
Aurelian & Simone Lis
Gaby Recinos
Luke Lutz
Elizabeth & Andrew Redman
Dana & Patrick Maloney
Ken & Chris Reinhard
Karen Mayeda
Anna & Jeff Reyna
The McEvoy Family
Erica M. Rivera & Brick Rucker
Deirdre Gainor & Brenda Goodman Christina Garcia Patty & Jerry Word Taryn & Benjamin Gerry Haleh & Keyhan Ghotbi Dr. Carissa Gibson Henry Giddings Carlos Gonzalez Good Box Organics Shula & Adam Green Kelly Gresalfi Tisa Habas Brandon Hall & Jessica Foster LiAnne Hall Amer Hamdan & Leen Kawas Hugh Harrison & Ann Haskins Carol Ann Heath-Baglin & Gary Heath Diane Heller James & Ally Hicks Gary & Patty Hicks Kelsey Hodgkin & Sam Highley Billy Huynh Rosalia Ibarrola & Michael Egner
8
Leadership Gift Thanks to a generous leadership gift to the Annual Fund, PS1 is able to thoughtfully develop our garden property as a vibrant, flexible space, with improvements designed to remain valuable even as our campus and buildings continue to evolve. The Class of 2026 also left its own lasting mark on the garden: proceeds from Gradled fundraisers helped fund a new irrigation system and garden bench, creating a meaningful legacy that future generations of PS1 students will enjoy.
Founders Fund Contributions Anna and Jeff Reyna
Justin Rodriguez
Melva Thompson & Freddie Hollins
Jeremy Rogers & Ann Singhakowinta
The Toco Family
Jeff Rosenthal & Julia Saenz
Kendra Tolentino & Justin Fleischer
Judy Ross & Shelly Albaum
Lorena Tong
Eva Salamanca-Ortega
Omar Torrez & Masha Tsiklauri
Aletta Schaap
Michael Tovar
Emily & Chris Seet
Ellen Trantina
Barbara & Kenneth Seplow
The Truino Family
Marie & Joseph Serra
Jenn & Jack Tsai
Kanan & Ravi Shah
Josefine Vali
Brad Shimada
Brittany & Colter Van Domelen
Laurie & Rudi Ekstein
Elaine & Alex Shing
Jennette & Marko Vasiljevic
Lauren & Austin Fite
The Shorman Di Cillo Family
Staci & Jonathan Verk
Richard Gabriel & Kay Seymour-Gabriel
Kalsang & Sandeep Shrestha
Lorin Vogel & Donna Weiss
Deirdre Gainor & Brenda Goodman
The Silver Family
John & Liz Waldman
LiAnne Hall
Danielle Simantob
The Walt Disney Company
Ann Haskins & Hugh Harrison
Danone & Mark Simpson
Nancy Wamai
Chris Kuzina
Oliver & Eugenie Smith
Maria & Jeff Wauer
Laura Siegel Larson
Kerri Speck
The Wax Family
Robert Levine & Gili Meerovitch
Stacey & Will Staples
Sharon & Alan Wertheimer
Joel & Eleanor Pelcyger
Aaron & Amanda Stein
Allyson & Andrew Wesman
Maggie & Mort Rosenfeld
Brandon & Shaula Stephenson
Robert & Beverly Wesman
Judy Ross
Liam Stevens
Susan L Williams
Brad Shimada
Philadelphia & Christopher Stockwell
Owen Wilson
Sam Surloff & Joanne Van Emburgh
The Sugarman Family
Susannah Wolf & Douglas Gauck
Kevin Tamaki
Sadie Sugarman
Melanie & Bryan Wolff
Lorena Tong
Mafe & Chris Sumner
Jesse & Jina Yang
John Waldman
Sam Surloff & Joanne Van Emburgh
Nasimeh & Mahdi Yazdani
Maria & Jeff Wauer
Holly Swope
Eric Zabinski & Xiaorong Dai
Alan Wertheimer
Zaahir Syed & Faizah Malik
The Zaldivar Family
Sharon Wertheimer
Kevin Tamaki
Giving for 25+ Years This list represents recent donors whose first gift was made 25 years ago or more.
Susan Williams & Steven Poster
Carolina & Norman Thompson 9
2025/26
Parents Guild
Executive Board 2025/26
Shayna Gaffen, Chair Carlo Cabanilla Chloe Choi Dominique Dawkins Courtney DeFeo Emily Farrell Lauren Ferrari Alison Jordan Jamie Keeton Breana Kennedy Keith Megna Shannon Parry Erica Rivera Wendy Sugarman
As we settle into the 2026–2027 school year, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Parents Guild for the endless heart and energy they bring to PS1. Composed of every parent and guardian of our current students, the Parents Guild serves as the vibrant heart of our community — connecting families, honoring our exceptional faculty and staff, and cultivating the joyful atmosphere that makes PS1 feel like home. This past year, our parent community brought magic to life in so many remarkable ways: raising vital tuition assistance at our rockin’ Rock Revolution Gala, introducing interactive STEAM activities at the Fall Family Festival, organizing Family Beach Cleanups, and launching new Parent Clubs and Interest Groups. PS1 shines brightest through these communitydriven efforts, as well as our cherished traditions, like the Book Fair, Party Book, Happy Hours, and Staff Appreciation events. As we dive into this new year, we want to extend great gratitude to all the volunteers who made our initiatives possible. We look forward to seeing where the Parents Guild’s passion and ideas take us as we celebrate time-honored traditions and build new ones together. With endless thanks, Shayna Gaffen, (Wiley ’28), PS1 Parents Guild Chair Wendy Sugarman, (Sadie ‘27), PS1 Parents Guild Chair
10
Party Book $14,261.00 Book Fair $1,670.00 School Spirit $6,367.00
Party Book Hosts
Matthew Behr Kim Campbell Alex DeFeo and Courtney DeFeo-Gertler
Committee Chairs
Jeremy Rogers and Ann Singhakowinta
Book Fair/Book Share
Room Parents
Courtney DeFeo,
Megan Fenner
Emily and Chris Seet
Caroline Escalante, Keith Megna,
Elaine and Alex Shing
Janine Poreba
Zoe and Adrian Fairbourn
Kerri Speck
Emily and James Farrell
Wendy and Matt Sugarman
Shayna Gaffen and Seth Baglin
Vanessa Sunshine and Alexander Cameron
Ally and James Hicks Rosalia Ibarrola and Michael Egner Jamie Keeton and Keith Muenze Breana and Tobias Kennedy
Stefanie Truino Soraya Kelly Wax and Jonathan Wax Donna Weiss and Lorin Vogel Bryan and Melanie Wolff
Breana Kennedy, Jordana Belke, Clubs
Amelia and Jason Ning Erica Rivera and Brick Rucker
Vanessa Sunshine
Carlo Cabanilla, Lauren Ferrari, Ann Rogers
Special Event Treats Courtney DeFeo, Emily Farrell,
Community Coffees
Shayna Gaffen, Karalyn Holden
Jamie Keeton, Keith Megna Spring Fundraiser Community Service
Emily Farrell, Lauren Ferrari,
Karalyn Holden, Elaine Shing
Shayna Gaffen,
Caroline Lindqvist Aurelian and Simone Lis
School Spirit
Wendy Sugarman Day Of Volunteer Coordinator Courtney DeFeo
Staff Appreciation Ally Hicks, Amanda Tong
Family Festival Dominique Dawkins,
Staff Birthdays
Wendy Sugarman, Staci Verk
Kim Campbell, Amelia Ning
Library Support
Staff Gift Program
Faustin Carter, Jen Humphrey
Shayna Gaffen
Networking Happy Hours
Yearbook
Chloe Choi, Alex DeFeo,
Breana Kennedy
Michael Jordan New Parent Liaison Alison Jordan, Heidi Krilanovich One from the Heart Shayna Gaffen, Ann Rogers Party Book Shannon Parry, Melanie Wolff
11
Spring Fundraiser: $139,820
Thank you, PS1 community for raising essential funds for the Tuition Assistance Endowment at the Spring Fundraiser!
This year’s Spring Gala turned up the volume as the PS1 community gathered for Rock Revolution, a night filled with music, energy, and connection. With the incredible dedication of parent volunteers and the generosity of our community, the evening raised essential funds for Tuition Assistance, ensuring access to a PS1 education for a diverse range of students; something that benefits the entire community. The theme came to life through standout style, with guests embracing the spirit of rock in everything from vintage band tees and leather jackets to sequins, sparkle, and bold, expressive looks. Beyond the theme and festivities, what stood out most was the shared commitment to supporting one another and investing in the future of our community.
k c o R 12
! n o i t u l o v e R
Volunteers and Donors: Lele Akalu Michelle An Jordana Belke Scott Bendar Bonnie & Melva Brown Family Ben Buadu David Bucchino Carlo Cabanilla Alison Chang Chibane Family Chloe Choi Orissa Davila DeFeo Family Ortavia Manning-Dixon Rosita Farag Dominique Ferrari Jenn Frashure Frazier Family Stacy Freeman Pam & Yehudi Gaffen Julie Grosman Highley Family Holden Family Holly & Meghan Jennifer Humphrey Billy Huynh Rosalía Ibarrola Alison Jordan Jamie Keeton Breana Kennedy Yejin Kim Justine Kragen Heidi Krilanovich
Natasha Kukes Leknickas Family Caroline Lindqvist Lis Family Lucia & Josie Dana Maloney Keith Megna Noelle Orsini Pedro Ortega Pade Family Gretchen Patch PS1 Board of Directors Leslie Rayos Liz Redman Reyna Family Erica Rivera Rogers Family Julia Rosenthal Eva Salamanca-Ortega Lisa Serra Brad Shimada Shing Family Shivani Siroya Staples Family Stein Family Shaula Stephenson Matt Sugarman Carolina Thompson Michelle Tovar Vasiljevic Family Verk Family John Waldman Melanie Wolff
2025/26
Professional Development
Deepening Our Practice: Learning Together, Growing Together
At PS1, professional development has always been an important part of our commitment to exceptional teaching and learning. During the 2025–26 school year, we took a more intentional approach: rather than focusing primarily on individual conferences or one-time workshops, our entire faculty engaged together in sustained professional learning over the course of the year. The goal was depth. By returning to important topics multiple times, learning alongside colleagues across grade levels, and putting new ideas into practice between sessions, teachers had opportunities to reflect, experiment, share what they were noticing, and continue building their skills. Just as importantly, learning together helped us develop shared language and approaches across our K–6 program, strengthening the experience of children as they grow through PS1. One area of focus was executive functioning, through a yearlong partnership with Lindsay Astor Grant, MA, OTR/L, of Learning Redesigned. Lindsay led three faculty sessions designed to deepen our understanding of the skills children use to plan and organize, begin and complete tasks, manage time and attention, remember directions, regulate emotions and impulses, and adapt when challenges arise. These skills develop gradually and look different at every age. For a Kindergartener, executive functioning might mean learning to follow a classroom routine, gather materials, or pause before acting. By the upper elementary years, students are increasingly expected to set priorities, monitor their own progress, adjust strategies, and advocate for what they need. Through this work, faculty explored how to look beneath a student’s behavior to identify the skills that may still be developing and to provide tools and structures that build independence rather than simply compliance. Creating greater consistency in language, routines, and
supports across K–6 also helps students understand themselves more deeply as learners. Strong executive functioning supports academic achievement, but its impact reaches much further, building confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and readiness for the challenges ahead. Faculty also deepened their learning around health and wellness education through our ongoing partnership with Cara Natterson, MD, and Vanessa Kroll Bennett, creators of That Health Class. Their comprehensive, age-appropriate curriculum reflects a belief we share at PS1: children benefit when trusted adults give them accurate information, a healthy vocabulary, and space to ask questions openly and without shame. The curriculum begins in Kindergarten, long before conversations about puberty. Younger students explore concrete topics such as hygiene, nutrition, sleep, safety, feelings, personal space, privacy, self-esteem, kindness, and respect. Each year, students revisit important ideas with greater depth and developmentally appropriate language, building toward more complex conversations in the upper grades about anatomy, body changes, hygiene, body image, changing emotions, relationships, personal boundaries, and the influence of technology and social media.
For faculty, learning together ensures that health and wellness are not isolated topics taught at a particular age, but part of a thoughtful K–6 progression. Teachers develop the knowledge and confidence to respond to children’s questions, reinforce healthy messages, and help create a community in which students understand that their bodies, feelings, health, and questions can be discussed respectfully and honestly. The impact of this sustained approach to professional learning extends beyond any individual workshop or school year. When our faculty learn together, they develop a deeper shared understanding of children and a stronger, more cohesive approach to supporting them. Teachers bring new knowledge back into their classrooms, learn from one another’s experiences, and continue refining their practice over time. At PS1, we believe how children learn is as important as what they learn. Philanthropic support helps make sustained professional learning like this possible, giving our faculty the time, expertise, and resources to deepen their practice together. Investing deeply in the adults who teach, guide, and know our students is one of the most meaningful ways we can continue to strengthen both.
When teachers learn together, students benefit from greater depth, consistency, and connection across their entire PS1 journey.
13
Class of 2026
The Graduation Ceremony is a PS1 rite of passage. Each year, each graduate stands in front of parents, teachers, and fellow students to address the crowd. Teachers from all clusters and Specialist teachers read individual honorings of each child in the form of Moving Up Day words, and our Head of School introduces each student with personal impressions. We were thrilled to host our ceremony under the oak tree on June 4, 2026. This experience was incredibly moving as the graduates shared their words of wisdom before heading off to middle school. These are brief excerpts from their speeches.
Rose Behr “Somewhere between the first day and today, I learned who I am. Not all at once, but slowly—like sunlight finding its way through the branches of a tree.å Every lesson, every mistake, every friendship left its mark. This place did more than teach me facts; it helped shape my voice, my courage, and the person I am.” Jesse Campbell “PS1 has given me so much more than an education. It has taught me to be confident in any situation, to walk into a room and believe in myself even when doubt tries to sneak in. Now I am leaving with not only knowledge, but also courage, confidence, and joy.” Georgica DeFeo “Even after I turn the page to a new adventure, the things I’ve learned here at PS1 will still come with me, guiding a new path through a forest of unknown. I would never be me without my awesome teachers and friends who helped me be me—standing up here on a stage where I never thought I would be.” Conrad DiMauro “I wanted to be the kid who didn’t need help, but in time I learned that getting support is a good thing—and it’s how we grow. I found amazing people here who taught me so much, and I want to be remembered as someone who always cared for others.”
14
Rileigh Dixon “PS1 taught me not only how to be a better learner, but also how to better understand myself, my emotions, my actions, and the importance of expressing and caring for myself. The nervous student who walked through those doors became someone more confident, more open-minded, and more comfortable. PS1 helped shape the person I am becoming.” Mateo (Teo) Escalante “I used to be scared of going on stage, but now I see it as a place of opportunity. The main lesson PS1 has taught me—the one I’ll take into seventh grade—is to put yourself in the spotlight, even when you’re nervous. PS1 gives kids opportunities to be themselves.” Kai Fairbourn “Throughout my time here, I didn’t just grow as a student, but as a person. I learned to be patient, respectful, responsible, and to keep trying even when things were challenging. Even when I made mistakes, those moments helped me learn and get better.” Emiliia Fokova “The teachers helped me work through challenges while I was still learning English. This year I learned how important it is to keep trying when something is really hard, and I finally see myself as someone who is good at math. My teachers helped prepare me to do great in middle school.”
Annabelle Frazier “There was a little girl beginning her journey, learning to speak for herself and stand up for what she believes in. Today she knows herself. She knows what she loves, who she is, and who helped her become that person.” Micah Kim “After only a few weeks at PS1, I never hesitated to ask questions because asking questions was encouraged. I learned that if I put effort and hard work into
something, I could do it. This isn’t a farewell speech—it’s a ‘thanks for getting me started’ speech.” Ruby Kanashige “My teachers helped me with a plan that would help me grow. Through hard work, math became easier, my reading and writing improved, and I learned how to steer back onto the road when things are challenging. I’ll carry my PS1 journey with me as I continue discovering my life.”
Grad GIft: $2,436.75
Seon Kang “My journey at PS1 taught me to grow, learn, and express the creativity I kept bubbled up inside me. I’m forever grateful I was raised in a school where mistakes aren’t shamed and passions aren’t excused. Change is scary, but it’s scarier to never change.” Alexander Melamed “My time at PS1 has been magical. It gave me the freedom to express myself and helped me learn one of the most powerful lessons: joy. The challenges
helped me grow, the happy moments gave me memories I’ll never forget, and I’ll carry those lessons wherever I go.” Rhodes Megna “Thank you to all my amazing teachers for guiding me through all the colors of the rainbow here under this beautiful oak tree. I feel like I’ve become the best version of myself with your guidance and inspiration. PS1 will always be in my heart and will be the solid foundation upon which my house of life will be built.”
Thank you, Class of 2026, for their generous gift to the PS1 garden. The funds they raised provided a new irrigation system to help our garden grow and thrive, as well as a rocking bench where students can gather, connect, and enjoy the space for years to come.
Bryson Ning “When I came to PS1, I didn’t really like school that much. But PS1 let me be myself and collaborate with others. That confidence and love for school helped me thrive. PS1 gave me the freedom I needed to learn; I’ll never forget that.” Sebastian Wolff “When I think about my time at PS1, I’m reminded of a toolbox. At first it was empty, but now it’s overflowing. PS1 helped shape my creativity, determination, and inclusivity. Now I’m taking that toolbox with me to middle school.” Bodan Parry “PS1 taught me to be resilient and how to ask for help. I’m grateful for the PS1 community that supported me and kept me grounded. When I was five, the bubbles represented hopes and dreams. Now they represent growth, learning, and so many moments spent under this oak tree.” Willem Patch “Before I came here, school felt like a place where I didn’t quite fit in. But the moment I stepped on this campus, something felt different. Being welcomed into PS1, I learned how to do things at my own pace. Instead of worrying about what went wrong yesterday, I learned to think about how I could improve tomorrow.” Nico Recinos “When I first started here, I was a tiny seed. Scared and not knowing anyone, I began making small but meaningful connections that grew along with me. My teachers really helped with my personal growth, and my friends helped me break out of my shell.” Allison Reyna “Looking back now, I realize that all of those changes became part of our experience and helped shape who we are today. Before I came here, I never realized how much PS1 would end up meaning to me. I’ll miss it, but I’m grateful for everything it’s given me.”
Elsen Rogers “PS1 taught me how to lean on others during tough times, how to stand up for what I believe in, and how to turn frustration into something positive. Looking back, I realize the lessons I learned here go far beyond academics. Every challenge helped shape the person I am today.” Sonam Shrestha “PSOne made an impact on me. My confidence has really gotten to shine. I’ve become more social, tried new things, and learned that it doesn’t matter how much time you have—it’s what you do with it, and the people you choose to spend it with.” Chloe Truino “PS1 has given me a voice and inspired me to feel comfortable expressing myself, sharing my opinions, and standing up for what I believe in. My experiences here have shaped me into the person I am today. Thank you for helping me become myself.” Connor Vogel “I gained emotional maturity from PS1. From learning how to write a sentence to writing essays, from making oobleck to performing in James and the Giant Peach, I couldn’t get this wonderful experience anywhere else.” Nathaniel Wax “The opportunities I had at PS1 helped prepare me for the ISEE and get into schools I was excited about. But if someone ever asks, ‘Where did you come from?’ I will always be proud to say, ‘PS1!’” Finn Wilson “Thank you for making the little boy standing outside of PS1 seven years ago the person standing in front of you today. I think PS1 has shaped me into someone who helps people up when they’re down and always cares for others. PS1 is a second home—a place where kids find their passion.”
15
Class of 2026: Middle Schools
PORTRAIT OF A PS1 PLURALISTIC SCHOOL GRADUATE
As we celebrate this year’s graduates, we are thrilled to share the middle schools they will be attending this fall. We know they will bring their curiosity, compassion, confidence, and love of learning to the communities they join next: Brentwood School Crossroads School Geffen Academy Harvard-Westlake School John Adams Middle School Lincoln Middle School New Roads School Ocean Charter School
A PS1 GRADUATE IS: SELF-AWARE Demonstrates a strong sense of identity and resilience as an individual and a learner RESPECTFUL Exhibits kindness, consideration, and mindfulness of others
St. Matthews Parish School Whitgift School (UK) Windward School Wiseburn Middle School Congratulations once again to our Class of 2026. We cannot wait to see all that comes next for them.
EXPRESSIVE Confidently articulates thoughts, ideas, and emotions
Class of 2020: Colleges and Universities
INQUISITIVE Eagerly satisfies curiosities and acquires new knowledge
Sierra Abronson > Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
COLLABORATIVE Considers others’ ideas and points of view to deepen understanding PROBLEM-SOLVING Investigates problems, sets goals, and develops solutions encompassing multiple perspectives CONNECTED Balances needs of self and others; contributes meaningfully in community and society PROACTIVE Embraces responsibility to stand up to exclusion, prejudice, and injustice; advocates for change PREPARED Intrinsically motivated to meet the challenges of middle school and beyond
Gavin Asten > USC Quinn Barach > Tulane University Eze Baum > gap year Max Bratman > University of Denver Meyer Bruno > Penn State University Allegra Carney > Vanderbilt University Jack Fishman > Indiana University Grayson Fitzgerald > Williams College Samantha Gardner > Barnard College Jessie Greene > University of Wisconsin, Madison Jet Gross > University of Michigan Chase Lucille Peers > New York University, Tisch School of the Arts Mia Perttula > Tufts University Miranda Santana > Tulane University Sonia Hsieh Schumacher > Wellesley College Dylan Schwarz > Tulane University Nate Sherman > University of Oregon Elia Song > Barnard College Asamino Spong > University of Colorado, Boulder Athens Teitelbaum > USC Ally Yu > New York University
16
1225 Broadway Santa Monica CA 90404
PS1 Vision Statement Many voices build a better world. PS1 Mission Statement How we get closer to our vision:
Spark curious and critical thinkers who confidently contribute to their communities. PS1 Values
The guiding principles we hold dear:
Learn with joy
Honor our lived experiences
Children learn through unbridled curiosity, abundant questions, and opportunities to learn from failure. We embrace that spirit and understand learning journeys are not a means to an end, but one stage in lifelong exploration.
Our individual identities unite and enrich us. We respect diverse strengths, talents, and experiences and seek to understand how we each show up in the world, knowing we are stronger because of our interactions.
Discover your full self
Be part of something bigger
Students need safe environments where they can develop self-awareness, responsibility, and connection. We cultivate open minds and hearts so every learner can embrace challenges as opportunities, lead with empathy, and thrive in a complex world.
We encourage everyone to be part of something bigger than themselves, make connections, and see themselves as contributors to the PS1 community and the world beyond.
Connect With Us! To learn more about our school, visit our website: www.psone.org
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
NETWORK WITH US ON LINKEDIN
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM #PS1INSPIRED