PeriScope - Winter 2021

PLURALISTIC SCHOOL ONE

Change!

ALMOST 50 YEARS YOUNG! DECADE SPOTLIGHT: THE 2000s

Winter 2021

PS1 Welcomes Students Back to Campus!

We were thrilled to welcome our first cohorts of Youngers students to campus in October! Students ran into their classrooms with joy and enthusiasm. Since returning to their on-campus schedules, they have had action-packed days filled with new routines such as Centers and Quiet Time and some familiar ones like Math Workshop and Readers’ and Writers’ Workshops. Students were so excited to connect with their small groups and teachers. We look forward to sharing more images of Bridge, Middles, and Olders students as they also anticipate returning to campus in the coming weeks.

In This Issue

Connect With Us! CMYK / .eps

SPECIAL SECTION:

PAGES 4–11

CENTERFOLD

Curriculum Connections

Almost 5O Years Young!

Decade Spotlight: The 200Os

PAGES 12–14

Alumni Corner

PAGE 1

Head’s Column PAGE 2–3

Traditions Old and New

BACK COVER

Save the Date: PS1 Celebrates 50 Years!

PS1 Earns Green Business Certification Connect With Us!

THE PERISCOPE Volume 31, Number 1 Editors: Amanda Perla Alan Ball

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Designer: Mary Cay Walp 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

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Head's Column

Keep The Change While contemplating the theme of Change for this issue of Periscope, a phrase kept coming to my mind. Way back when, we used to have a cash economy. Even as credit cards became more prevalent, you might say that cash was still king. Certainly that is not true anymore.

But one expression from the All Cash days still seems appropriate. As a reward for good service, we often told the recipient to Keep The Change. I am reminded of this as I think about a post-COVID world at our school. We have learned a lot of things and introduced new practices during the pandemic that we very well might want to incorporate when we return to “normal” while adhering to the values and principles we hold most dear.

COMMUNITY • I started holding regular Fireside Chats with the whole community once we could no longer see each other on campus. We have moved into bi-weekly Town Hall meetings the past few months.

• By recording those exchanges, people have been able to tune in at their convenience.

• We have done more parent surveys in taking the pulse of our community and have used the results to great advantage for everyone.

• We have reimagined community events that have brought our community together through these times of separation. The work of our parent volunteers to keep our closeness alive and well, with the help of our committed staff, has been a sight to behold.

I have attended many a meeting where someone has said, “Well, we have never done this before but what if we …?”. Because of the desire to stay close, we have!!

• Zoom meetings have enabled some parents and alumni to participate who might not have been able to attend gatherings in the past.

• We have organized a more extensive parent education series and sponsored more events that our community of schools have made available to each other. There is an even stronger sense of camaraderie than before in ways that can’t be achieved with on campus gatherings.

• Alumni outreach has been stronger than ever.

• We have gained an appreciation for being together over simple things because

the larger, more complex events and arrangements have not been available to us. (I attended a PS1 grad’s Bat Mitzvah this morning that became even more memorable because of circumstances which allowed more extended family and friends from all over to attend and participate equally in the celebration.) The same has been true for remote weddings and birthday celebrations I have enjoyed.

• We have reached out to people we love who, in the normal course of things, we don’t slow down enough to appreciate.

• Grandparents Live! in digital format has replaced on campus gatherings and it too has allowed for more participants from all over the world.

May we find ways to Keep The Change going forward.

PROGRAM • Everyone involved has demonstrated perseverance and resilience and sustained motivation by finding new ways to define and extend lessons and curriculum.

• We have used Google Classroom and many other programs that were tried by few and now have been turned into understood by all.

• Virtual field trips have widened the playing field — we are now able to experience sites all over the world while lessening our carbon footprint.

• Speaking of trips, we have learned that some children thrive in this environment just as some children thrive more at our annual all-school camping trip. Broadening ways of children finding success and fulfillment is always good.

• We have taken a deep dive into technology with teachers embracing the big change and finding new ways to interact with their students and for the students to interact with each other.

• We have made many purchases (curricular, new learning programs, technology) that will allow us to expand our offerings once we return to campus full on and in hybrid format.

• Students have made and shared more videos as a way of exhibiting their learning.

• We have had to find new ways to develop friendships.

• Though some adults have thought mainly in terms of limiting children’s time on line, I am confident that thoughts about quality rather than quantity will dominate conversations going forward as many of us have learned new benefits heretofore unknown and unexplored.

• Working remotely has become a viable option that may give new ways of approaching homework and demonstrating knowledge and process.

• Online and offline specialist activities have been made more accessible to students and alumni.

• Community wide celebrations, with as many as 220 screens focused together, have been conducted remotely without losing the closeness and intimacy that we so richly cherish.

May we find ways to Keep The Change going forward.

CAMPUS • We have learned a whole lot more about sanitizing and disinfecting!

• Every inch of the campus has been explored and extended to help us keep the benefits of a small school and yet find spaces to honor cohort groups in mitigating potential spread of the virus.

• We have taken on big maintenance and construction projects, upgraded ventilation systems, and purchased many supplies while we have been off campus. (I wonder how the next generation will seek to understand signage that promotes social distancing!)

• Because of the increased focus on health and safety, we all reap those benefits on an ongoing basis.

May we find ways to Keep The Change going forward.

Human connection is still at the root of all education and advancement. However, dealing with what we were handed by the pandemic, we have turned lemons into lemonade in many ways. Even lemonade that never goes bad. I write this on the eve of an Inauguration. May this be the end of the worst; it is time to bring on the better. And may the better be infused with some of what we have learned in the recent past.

—Joel Pelcyger, Head of School 1

Traditions Old & New

Fall in a Basket Our annual Family Festival presents a joyful opportunity to come together as one pluralistic community as we celebrate, play, eat, and CONNECT! This year’s “Fall in a Basket” theme was a huge success.

It’s amazing what the creative forces of PS1 parents can do. Even in a pandemic, we still were able to have a virtual Family Festival.

Our volunteers created and distributed colorful baskets of fall goodies for the whole family including books, pumpkins, apple pie ingredients, and more! The spirit of community and connection was palpable.

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Grandparents Live!

A wonderful way for PS1 grandparents to form strong bonds is through our group called “Grandparents Live!” Now in the format of Zoom meetings, this group is in its fifteenth year. Participants engage through storytelling, poetry readings, guest speakers, and the occasional special event designed specifically for PS1 Grandparents.

Grandparents join us monthly to share in story, reminisce with one another, build connections and camaraderie, and enjoy each others’ company with a new topic each month. From “Free Write” to “What is a favorite holiday childhood memory?” the writing prompts encourage participants to share a story or even re-live a long lost moment in time. It’s a fantastic opportunity to exercise their creative spirits and let their inner voices be heard!

We love seeing new faces and encourage both current and alumni grandparents to join us!

PS Serves PS SERVES, the after school enrichment program, conceived and

grown through the efforts of our service-minded students, families, and staff, continues to thrive in 2020–21. Each year we deepen our relationship with the nonprofit, The People Concern, through ongoing education about and service to our community partners.

The fall session included another successful drive for underwear, socks, and toiletries, led by students. This may have been our most successful drive to date! Residents received the socks and underwear along with a delivery of tasty cookies. Students, parents, and teachers created heartfelt artwork that was presented in a video to Turning Point residents. They were touched and grateful for this surprise from our PS1 community.

Thanksgiving Circle This annual celebration traditionally provides an opportunity to express gratitude together in the Multi-Purpose Room. While we could not do that in-person this year, as is PS1’s way, we figured out how to still come together and appreciate all that we do have! We gathered together virtually (faculty, staff, students, parents, and grandparents!) to read quotes of gratitude from all of us in the PS1 community, focusing during this year of the pandemic on what we are grateful for, as we retained the spirit of our annual kickoff to the holiday season.

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chang CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

This Periscope issue provides examples of the ways in which our expert faculty are incorporating the theme of Change into the curriculum. In attempting to write about what Change signifies as we transition into 2021, I find that I am looking toward poets who paint with words much better than I. This is a poem by Joy Hardo. Ms. Hardo is the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States and a member of the Mvskoke (Muscogee) Nation.

The poem explores the cycle of loss and rebirth — a fitting subject when discerning the way Change has impacted us all in recent months, from the way we plan curriculum and pedagogy to our understanding of our personal experiences.

Nancy Harding, Ph.D. Assistant Head for Teaching & Learning

RED Youngers Cluster Lucia Gina

Once the World Was Perfect Once the world was perfect, and we were happy in that world.

Then we took it for granted.

Discontent began a small rumble in the earthly mind.

Then Doubt pushed through with its spiked head.

And once Doubt ruptured the web, All manner of demon thoughts Jumped through— We destroyed the world we had been given For inspiration, for life— Each stone of jealousy, each stone Of fear, greed, envy, and hatred, put out the light.

No one was without a stone in his or her hand.

There we were, Right back where we had started.

We were bumping into each other In the dark.

And now we had no place to live, since we didn’t know How to live with each other.

Then one of the stumbling ones took pity on another And shared a blanket.

A spark of kindness made a light.

The light made an opening in the darkness.

Everyone worked together to make a ladder.

A Wind Clan person climbed out first into the next world, And then the other clans, the children of those clans, their children, And their children, all the way through time— To now, into this morning light to you —Joy Hardo

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Even on Zoom we hear about the daily changes happening in our students’ lives. By far the most talked about in a Youngers classroom is losing teeth! What an important change for our students.

Throughout the year we talk about the change of seasons through our calendar work and art projects. While our students are most interested and focused on the changes in their daily life, they also sense the changes happening all around them. In preparation for our country’s election, our hope was to include our students in these discussions and give them an opportunity to share their ideas.

After reading, If I Were President, the students in the Red Class shared their ideas about being President. Their initial thoughts were that they would eat ice cream or candy all day and stay up all night long. With further discussion focusing on how they could benefit the country, students shared that they wanted to help people. Some students wanted to make sure everyone had a home and they would stay safe and healthy. Another student shared that they wanted to make a new source of energy. Students even made a new dollar bill of their creation. Our goal in talks leading up to the election was to keep the conversation age-appropriate and take the children’s lead.

During this time we were also excited to participate in the Storypath mock election curriculum led by our Olders students. Many students were excited to have a chance to make their vote count.

By completing their own books about what they would do as president and participating in a mock election, students came to understand they are the future change makers.

nge ORANGE Youngers Cluster Holly S. Preethi

Youngers Cluster

Scientists in the Orange Class have been busy exploring the why and how around states of matter. In particular, Orange students became interested in how matter can change from one state to another. Based on a class discussion, students began to wonder what could melt and how to make something melt. One test was to see how many ways we could melt an ice cube without putting it outside in the sun. Ice cubes were melted in hot baths, hot tubs, ovens, microwaves and on the stove in a pan, to name a few methods. We came to the conclusion that heat melts ice, and heat comes from many sources.

Our scientists also wanted to explore what makes things become solid, and the freezer was at the top of the list. A variety of substances made it into the freezer, including soup, hand sanitizer, oil, melted butter, and lemonade. Students thought about why broccoli soup took less time to freeze than chicken noodle soup. As one student described, the oil that was in the freezer still wasn’t totally solid even after many days. Students discovered that two things made a difference when trying to freeze something: time and what a substance is made from. Curious? Ask the Orange Class scientists to tell you more, or try a few experiments yourself!

YELLOW Youngers Cluster While grown-ups were busy filling out their ballots and engaging in the civil discourse surrounding the election, students in the Yellow Class were thinking about the election process as a conduit for making change. We engaged in discussions about why our votes mattered, how it was important to vote your heart (not anybody else’s), and what it means to have to follow the majority decision.

The Yellow Class also read a variety of books in order to get students thinking about the role of a leader and how leaders can inspire change. They learned that a leader has many responsibilities, which can be challenging but also very rewarding. When they were asked to think about what they would do if they were President, the change makers in the Yellow Class vowed to tackle issues such as environmental protection, securing equal rights, and stopping COVID. With these topics in mind, students participated in the Storypath elections presented by the Olders classes. They looked to see which candidates’ platforms best matched their values and cast their votes accordingly. It was a fun way to experience democracy at play. After casting their ballots, students walked away with a sense of civic duty and an “I Voted” badge.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Bonnie Julie

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Bridge Cluster GREEN Bridge Cluster

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

McKendree Maren

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One way the theme of Change is weaved into Green Class is through our study of Growth Mindset. Students learn that intelligence and talent are things that we can develop through practice and hard work. We began this exploration by looking at the science behind growth mindset, investigating how the brain functions. Students made brain models to understand how the brain is composed of various parts that each carry out different jobs. Next, we learned how our brain communicates through pathways of neurons. Students illustrated this concept by creating a ‘neuron cap.’ They drew dots all over a bowl to represent the billions of neurons inside our brain and chose two skills that they wanted to improve. They created two neural pathways to represent each of these skills by connecting some of the dots and repeatedly drawing over them, demonstrating how every time you practice and even make a mistake, the neural connections become stronger, and your brain grows! Students also practiced saying statements to foster a growth mindset, such as, “I can’t do this YET” and, “Is this my best work?” They each crafted a ‘fortune-teller’ containing these statements, which they keep handy and use as a tool to support them in working through something difficult.

During the first semester, the Blue Class explored the physical features of Earth. Students learned the planet is ever-changing on the surface and well below the crust, too. Students discovered how weathering and erosion could change the Earth’s landscape and shape landforms over time. They made detailed salt dough models of various landforms to help visualize and have a hands-on application of this natural process. Their landform models included mountains, volcanoes, peninsulas, hills, islands, and other features. The handson project gave them a perspective of why specific landforms are in particular regions of the world.

Students learned how the movement of tectonic plates constantly changes and reshapes the Earth’s outer layer. They made a connection that volcanoes and earthquakes both result from the shifting of tectonic plates. They were able to research and discover that Inner Earth is comprised of hot molten rocks and that its internal structure influences plate tectonics. The students then made volcanoes from materials of their choosing and recreated an eruption using baking soda and vinegar. Students in the Blue Class have gained a deeper appreciation and respect for the Earth as they understand the changes it endures.

BLUE Bridge Cluster Billy Keondria

Middles Cluster INDIGO Middles Cluster Kayla Madeline

This semester, Indigo students spent time exploring different character traits and making connections throughout our book clubs.

We selected a range of novels that explored the lives of characters and their traits. Students enjoyed reading The Thief of Always, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Gooney Bird Greene, The Chocolate Touch and Because of Winn Dixie. In each novel students identified character traits based on the words and actions of the characters. This enabled them to understand the importance of their own words and actions, and how they can be interpreted through somebody else’s perspective.

The students developed their ability to analyze characters when reading by constantly searching for text evidence to support their views. They made strong connections and showed empathy towards the main characters as they had to overcome various struggles in each novel. It has been wonderful to see each child better understand the behavior, motivation, and relationships of the characters by analyzing each character’s unique thoughts, actions, and feelings.

VIOLET Middles Cluster Kitaka Kelly

Reading: “In reading, I learned that characters in a book change and develop different personalities, points of view, beliefs, and feelings to make a good story.”

Math: “We can use a strategy like adjusting to change addends to make the problem easier. For example, you can change 58 + 69 to 60 + 70 = 130 and take away 3 to get your final answer of 127.”

Science: “Kelly and Kitaka taught us that clouds can change their shape and there are many types of clouds. Some types of clouds include cumulus, cirrus, and stratus.”

Social Studies: “We learned that the Electoral College system can change the outcome of an election. In the class’ candy election, two states voted for M&Ms and another state voted for Kit Kat. That doesn’t mean that M&Ms will win… until all the electoral votes are counted.”

Writing: “We learned that you can change someone’s perspective by supporting your opinion with research. We wrote persuasive pieces about whether schools should stay open all year, if zoos should close, and if students should be able to get phones.”

Curriculum Connections continues on page 10

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

In the Violet Class, the theme of Change is integrated throughout the entire curriculum. Students were asked to brainstorm in groups the different ways that they noticed this theme in various subjects. After some group discussions and a whole group share out, here are some examples of what they shared.

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PE with Pedro, Brad and Jaime

Halloween Parade

Relationships with Students

Searching for Bugs

Christina the Librarian

The 2000s: A Decade of Joy, Growth Creativity of the Students and Discovery!

Dishversity

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Mutual Respect

Handball & Four Square

The Old Gate Code

Hatching Chickens

Making Butter on a Farm

Poetry and Creative Writing

The Waking Alex Band

All-School Camping Trips

The Girls in Motion Band

Exploring My Artistic Side

Graham Cracker Tectonic Plates

Precious Nature of Childhood

Theatricum Botanicum

Gold Dust or Bust

Scholastic Book Fair

Relationships with Teachers Leo Carrillo Trips

Jazz Music & Poetry Unit Best Friends

El Capitan Camping Trips

Dancing and Cooking

Book Breakfasts Class Cabaret

Love & Aliveness

P

1 S

Precious Nature of Childhood Shakespeare

Open House Nights Living Our Best Lives

The Gold Rush Unit

Faculty & Staff Bubbles The Old PS1 Library Playing in the Sandbox

Fun Activities

Back to School Picnic

Camping Trips

Community Good Friends

My First Crush

"8510"

Election Night 2008

Rain Forests

Thelonius Monk

Lifelong Skills

S

Being Celebrated as a Person

Let’s Gather!

Basketball with the Boys

Sleeping Under the Stars The Gold Rush-Era Town

Child Centered Approach to Learning

Poetry & Creative Writing

Three PS1 Specialists along with a PS1 alumna from the class of 2006 recently came together for a video Zoom to talk about PS1 in the 2000s. Avery Breuer, Christina Garcia, Lina Karlsson and Pedro Ortega all found their way to PS1 throughout this decade and are still actively involved in all things PS1.

They recently gathered for a conversation where they shared memories, finished sentences for each other, and talked about why the decade was so special to them. What follows is an edited account of their Zoom. It was a time filled with laughter, joy, favorite memories and more. We hope this reminds you of the many ways PS1 is special to all in our community.

Conversations with Teachers

Memories

The Old Picnic Benches

Going on Hikes

Avery Breur (Hill) PS1 Class of 2006 started the conversation with some memories …

“I remember crab soccer in the MPR with Pedro and Jaime on rainy days … ceramics with Lina, the patio in the old library, Capture the Chicken at Memorial Park, the punching bag outside of the old Art room … the honeysuckles outside the gate on the East campus, Dishversity Day, Common Ground potluck dinners, Fathers’ Breakfast, staff parties, playing White Elephant in Joel's attic, back-to-school picnics, the handball court next to the old sandbox … spending the day at the Book Fair, looking at books and collecting raffle tickets, and visiting Kathy at the sick room inside of the old office.”

Possibility & Hope

Drawing Pumpkins with Smelly Markers

Christina chimed in, “I always thought it was so funny that people didn’t have specific memories of what happened when. But everything goes into this big memory thing, and so the old handball court and the new handball court, and the old MPR and the new MPR … and all of it for me just gets all jumbled up into one big thing. I really have to take a minute and think about the hedge that divided the playground and the cross breeze that came into the door of the library. Before we had air conditioning it was always the coolest spot on campus. Always.

Standing in the doorway.”

Joel for a Day

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw you at school and they said, ‘Avery is an employee,’” said PE Specialist Pedro.

“And I said, ‘Wait a second, what? She's out of college and she's working with us now?’ I still talk to Avery all the time, and that puts a smile on my face because I can just see her and recall … I wouldn't say all, but most of the little things that she did.”

Circle Time Campfire Songs

“The bad things?” said Avery. “I always felt super safe at PS1, even when I got into trouble. I never felt that a teacher didn't like me, and I always wanted to be at school. After leaving PS1, I realized this is something that makes the school special."

My Old Library Card

Two-On-Two Basketball

Costumes and Music

The Host Family Program The Field of Dreams

The Specialist Family “I always thought the vibe of the flower shop and the patio was so beautiful,” Christina added. “It was very urban. The patio had been the loading dock and there were a lot of plants out there, and the umbrella table that is outside Joel's office was there.

I remember the library itself with its really tall ceilings and bookshelves from IKEA that wobbled because they were loaded to capacity. There were two steps for the students to sit on, as well as the same bench that I still use today to sit on and read stories. The Library, Art studio, MPR and PE office were side by jowl in the comparatively cramped quarters of the early 2000s — especially when remodeling forced the staff to squeeze even closer together. But the tight spaces and smaller student body engendered strong bonds.”

“I remember most clearly and naturally the library events. But also Circle Time in the old MPR, where there would be so many students packed on the floor that you couldn’t stretch out.”

“The once-a-month pajama story time I organized routinely attracted an enthusiastic overflow crowd of parents, staff, and students, but the evenings really took off when children themselves started reading the stories. It was just a gift from the story gods. It would be on Friday nights and we would have goldfish for the kids. You would think we were giving them giant Snickers candy bars. They loved it.”

Oliver Curry, PS1 Class of 2008 I am so fond of looking back on all of the soccer games I played on the little field at PS1 during lunch and during aftercare with Pedro, Eva and all of my friends. Hala, Abbie, John and Chris were some of the amazing teachers and people I remember.

For me some of my fondest memories were the camping trips and getting to go on hikes, as well as sleeping under the stars with the rest of my classmates.

I recently graduated from The George Washington University in 2018 with a major in political science. I was also the captain of the Division I soccer team there. Following graduation, I continued playing for about a year in Italy and recently returned to Los Angeles. I am now working at LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club) as a sales rep selling full season ticket memberships for whenever Major League Soccer is safely back.

“We were so united as a family,” said Pedro. “There was no other space for us to go to, so we were all one group.”

Play & Jobs Pedro recalled “PS1 didn’t have a big field at the time, so I often walked

my PE classes to Memorial Park, which in those days contained a tall rocket climbing structure. And all the kids used to jump! Some students who could be a handful would climb all the way to the top to get away from us. But I used to love climbing up there. They didn’t like that.”

“I remember enjoying basketball games with parents, playing with kids on the old wooden play structure, staff appreciation days, celebrating student birthdays, and just having that community with fewer students and a smaller campus.”

“That sparks a lot of memories for me,” said Avery. “And I feel that it was simpler, or more chill back then. There weren’t so many things you had to be careful about.”

“You know,” said Art Specialist Lina Karlsson, “I feel the kids used to have more responsibilities and jobs. I remember we used to always eat outside and there were monitors that would clean each table with sponges. They loved it.”

“I've seen my kids grow so much and see who they have become, and what we as a family have become, and how much the school helped us,” Pedro recalled. “I'm so happy and grateful for the education they got here.

That’s the common ground; those are the roots; and then the person starts growing. I can't wait to see the rest of the outcome.”

Maggie Blattel, PS1 Class of 2006 Fall at PS1 really reminds me of Halloween.

Some of my favorite memories were coming to school that day and parading around the campus in costume. I remember always being so excited to show off my costume and see everyone else’s. I recently came across photos of my brother and me one year in costumes! I was so excited that Spencer dressed up as my favorite Powerpuff Girl.

Maggie currently lives in New York City working as a photo coordinator for Parents magazine. She spent the first few months of the pandemic with her family in Los Angeles, but is now back in New York working from home with her recently adopted dog, JoJo.

Emily Gasster, PS1 Class of 2009

Cameron Roberts, PS1 Class of 2009

My favorite memory from PS1 was definitely being Joel for a Day! I still have my business cards and photos from that day at my home desk. Another favorite memory was punching in the old gate code and how it was a rite of passage to do it yourself. I am in touch with quite a few of my PS1 friends who still live in Los Angeles and actually spent the 4th of July with some of them. One of my favorite spots on campus was the old picnic benches on the corner of Broadway and Euclid — next to the old MPR. I used to eat lunch there almost every day with friends. PS1 is and was a very special place but it is hard to name just one reason why.

I think it has a lot to do with the community and the type of people who attend PS1 — usually open-minded and thoughtful individuals and families.

One of my fondest memories was running into the front entrance after pounding in the code (a code I will never forget) on the day after election night 2008. I had a mini speaker with me, and I was blasting Revolution by the Beatles — definitely against the rules — and the bell was ringing signaling the start of class. I ran towards another classmate who grabbed me and I grabbed him and we hugged and threw ourselves into the air screaming “We did it!

We did it! He did it! Obama Baby!” Keep in mind, we were two eleven year olds. It’s a funny image to look back on, and truly was one of my fondest memories ever.

Emily is just at the beginning of her career in Corporate Social Responsibility. She is studying to take the graduate school entrance exam to eventually get an MBA in Social Impact. She graduated from Colgate University with a BA in Environmental Geography.

Rachel Seplow, PS1 Class of 2011 I have too many PS1 memories to choose from, but a few of my favorite highlights throughout my time were the field trips to Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum to see Shakespeare plays as well as our annual Open House nights. I also loved the experiential learning opportunities such as the Gold Rush town and the Post Office.

Most of all, I cherish the memories of conversations with my teachers, the staff, and Joel. Also, I still miss my favorite corner in the back of the old PS1 library.

Right now, I am a senior at the University of Chicago and am still in touch with a few of my friends from PS1, mostly Rita Pisegna.

We have spent every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve together since our PS1 days.

Mason and I have continued to collaborate on music, and this winter we will be releasing a couple of Christmas songs. I just wrote a play last year which I produced in Chicago, and I am about to head to Atlanta to act in the television series, The Walking Dead. Life is crazy but I am incredibly blessed. Thank you for fostering my growth.

I would not be anywhere without my teachers. They are God’s greatest gift to me ever.

Lina Karlsson

Speaking From The Heart At PS1 I have learned firsthand how important it is to speak the truth, to make sure that you believe in yourself, follow your own passion, and live with it. And if that passion happens to be teaching — and mine is teaching Art — it makes the job so much fun. The school has always provided me with constant challenges so that I never stop growing; it's just a continuum.

I constantly learn from the students and they learn from me.

It's a give-and-take environment, and I have learned to speak up and say “no” when no is necessary, and to say “yes!” when yes can be done. For students at PS1, I see this same quality in them. We have an environment that nurtures leaders who are not afraid to speak up.

That is something that I always carry with me and use in my classroom.

Dreaming Big! Lina was contemplating a job offer to teach Art

and math at another private school when she interviewed at PS1. There was no Art program or full-time position, but her qualifications and passion inspired Joel to find a place for her, initially to teach Art in aftercare, then part-time in the classrooms. Today, Art is a cornerstone of the educational experience at PS1.

“Joel said he wanted to develop an Art program and I felt he really meant it,” said Lina. “I remember sitting in Joel’s office, and he brought out this big map and he said ‘Look. This is going to be the Art studio and it’s going to happen.’ I remember thinking ‘wow this looks amazing,’ and also ‘wow, this could take years and years.’

Six months after I started, I moved into the East Campus as a full-time teacher and proceeded (with the help of students) to remodel the space into a purple-walled Art room. Joel’s vow and my prediction were finally realized at the end of the decade, when the current Art studio was created.”

Pedro jumped in: “I can relate to what you said, Lina. Joel pulled me

to the side one day and showed me Phase One, Two, and Three. And he continued … ‘Hey, we're going to buy next door and we're going to create this soccer field and basketball court for you and the kids!’ I could just see how much more I could build and create and do with my program because, as tiny as it was, we were doing good things.”

Jake Mindel, PS1 Class of 2009 I often reflect on my time at PS1 because it shaped me into the person I am today.

The yearly camping trips to Leo Carrillo spurred my love for adventure; Circle Time on the Field of Dreams gave me the tools to feel comfortable while public speaking; PE with Pedro and Brad Shimada taught me teamwork; Book Breakfasts with Christina showed me the importance of reading and sharing stories; Lina brought out my artistic side; and Brad Gilbert, Chris, John, and Holly taught me the importance of building relationships. PS1 is simply a special place. The administration and faculty do a wonderful job of encouraging students to be free-spirited, share opinions, and love life.

Jake recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he double majored in Marketing and Real Estate & Land Urban Economics. He is currently a J.D. Candidate at the USC Gould School of Law.

A highlight of the Art program occurred in 2010 when Lina coordinated a memorable Art Show on the East Campus (where the Studio is presently located), an installation that filled the whole space with a maze made of white sheets, hundreds of “molecules” dangling from the ceiling — constructed in science class out of yarn wrapped around balloons — and artwork created by every single child. The students even created a soundtrack (recorded while the Art was being made) so that visitors could hear sounds of scissors cutting, wires being snipped, paper crumbling, ambient traffic sounds, violins, percussion, and vocals.

“It was so beautiful Lina, it was such an experience!” said Christina, “So arty, and I don’t mean that in anything other than just the most fabulous way because it did everything that true Art does for you – it was just a space that transformed you.”

“I think one thing that I really appreciate about work and school,” said Lina, “is the freedom that we have to use our own ways of teaching. We bring in our own knowledge, and embed that in the curriculum, and do out-of-the-ordinary types of projects.”

Claire Money PS1 Former Teacher I remember waking up early on camping trips and walking down to the beach before 6 a.m. with a bunch of early-risers and we saw frolicking dolphins. I remember Avery telling me to talk to the hand — how could I take that seriously! And I remember being the head of a committee entitled “For a Non-Traditional School Why Do We Have So Many Traditions!”

The cheek! My greatest lesson from PS1 was that regardless of abilities and histories, everyone has the right to live their best lives.

My children Tessa and Harry spent the day at PS1 on our first trip to Los Angeles. My youngest son Fletcher is just finishing primary school. He is 11 and full of vim and vigor. My eldest son Harry’s first experience of school life was at PS1 staff meetings being passed around to Joel, John, Abbie, and Holly. He plans to pick watermelons in Kununurra — look that up!

I think about my friends every day, and wish them all to be safe and happy.

Claire is still teaching in Australia, and volunteers for her local Council helping to re-write their inclusion policy.

Kristen DiGaetano Tone PS1 Former Teacher I have yet to find another community like PS1 — a group of people committed to growing and learning and honoring the precious nature of childhood. PS1 is a community based on mutual respect and curiosity, rather than dogmatic educational philosophies and popular opinion. When I think of PS1, I think of costumes and music, towers and classrooms transformed into rain forests. I think of dancing and cooking, laughing and crying, and learning so much from beings who had been on the earth a much shorter amount of time than I. The teachers and staff have some of the largest hearts and astoundingly creative minds. So mostly, when I think of PS1 I think of love and aliveness, possibility and hope. PS1 is a place I treasure. It is a treasure.

Zach Statler, PS1 Class of 2002 My absolute FAVORITE part of the PS1 experience was how the creativity of the students was celebrated and encouraged on virtually every level. I have been through a number of private school experiences all the way through college, and I continue to cite PS1 as being the most important of them all.

I have found that many educational systems are involved in defining how they believe their students should think, and grading poorly when that criteria is not met. I distinctly remember PS1 as having encouraged my own unique expression as a creative being, and for that I am incredibly grateful. It still impacts my experience of the world today.

As of now I am a visual artist, focusing primarily on large scale psychedelic oil painting. I currently live in Santa Monica with my beautiful life-partner, Corinne, and work out of my studio in downtown Los Angeles.

I am passionate about nutrition and health, aesthetics, music (especially my new obsession, the Handpan), consciousness exploration and the natural world.

Jaime Carraher (Patane) PS1 Former Teacher I miss the PS1 community and often think back to my time spent teaching there. So much of who I am as a teacher, began during my days at PS1. I joined PS1 in August of 2000 as a recent college graduate with a degree in Physical Education. After 4 years of teaching PE with Pedro and observing classroom teachers, I made the move into a Youngers classroom with Jennine. I learned how to be a progressive teacher that values a child-centered approach to learning. PS1 was special to me because of the relationships I built. I hold dear the relationships with students, families, and colleagues I made along the way. Some of my fondest memories include walking to the park with PE classes, Circle Times, the All-School Camping Trips and fundraisers. I will never forget wading through a deep river in Malibu on an Olders camping trip. Twenty years later, I live in Denver, Colorado and teach at Evergreen Country Day School.

Archer Brosh, PS1 Class of 2008

Madeline Stedman, PS1 Class of 2007

Keith Hill, PS1 Class of 2010

Rita Pisegna, PS1 Class of 2011

Emily Surloff, PS1 Class of 2009

I am extremely grateful to have attended a private school that offered the ability to share intimate relationships with teachers, progressive learning methods and a strong emphasis on community values. PS1 taught independent thinking and creative expression — a sensibility that led me to the rest of my educational career; attending high school at New Roads and college at The New School.

Favorite memories that come to mind from my elementary years include Dishversity Day, which was an amazing opportunity to learn about the different food cultures of my peers.

In addition, the annual camping trips provided a fun escape from the West LA bubble to which I was accustomed.

My all-time favorite memory was the Scholastic Book Fair. I loved browsing and would come to my parents with arms full of books. Another favorite memory was the Gold Rush unit in Middles. We did the Gold Dust or Bust musical and set up a gold rush town in the classroom. We were all assigned characters and throughout the day were given activities. I was a miner who got hypothermia, so I had to stay at “The Inn” to rest. My peers, who were playing the owners, made me pancakes and lemonade. It was such a fun day!

As a kid I was a little unruly, so from time to time I would be sent to the office as a punishment. Or at least that was the intention.

In reality going to the office (a punishment most kids would dread) was something I very much looked forward to, because I absolutely adored the administrative staff and loved spending time with them regardless of the context. My admiration wasn’t just limited to the administrative staff though. From the janitors, to the teachers, to the aftercare workers — every interaction I had with the staff was wonderful. This summer I was at a PS1 reunion event and I had the chance to speak with Christina. Before leaving PS1 I asked her to never delete my library card and when I spoke to her this summer she let me know that 10+ years later, my library card is still in the system. PS1 had a nice campus, fun activities, and many other positive attributes, but it was the staff that made the experience a phenomenal one for me.

Some of my fondest memories were born at PS1 and have most definitely shaped the person I am today. In John Waldman’s class I grew as a poet and creative writer. This led to my time in high school at Windward School where I received various recognitions including the National Gold Key award for my poetry.

Some of my fondest memories from PS1 in the 2000s would be the camping trips — going out to Sycamore Canyon and setting up our tents and going hiking on the trails.

We would all make S’mores over the fire and sing the campfire songs. In Abbie and Chris’ class, I really loved getting to watch the chickens hatch after they spent time in the incubator. That was one of my favorite class activities! I definitely miss my PS1 days, and going out to recess on the Field of Dreams to play basketball with the boys!

Fast forward to today, I remain a Los Angeles local and currently work with my father, Avi Brosh who owns the boutique hospitality brand, Palisociety. I remain best friends with Jake and Isaac Fenster; both of whom I met in the beginning of my PS1 career!

In Olders, we did a jazz music and poetry unit. I remember listening to a Thelonius Monk song that was 11 minutes long. I had a short attention span so I was annoyed at first, but after a few seconds, I knew I wouldn’t want it to end. We then wrote poetry describing our listening experience and I can still remember feeling so inspired in that moment. Thanks to John, I was introduced to some of my favorite musicians and found a deep love for poetry. I still write to this day and I always equate my dedication to the craft to him.

PS1 was the perfect place for a creative kid like me and I definitely am who I am today because of it. After PS1, I attended Wildwood for middle and high school and then went to NYU Tisch School of the Arts for a BFA in Film & Television Production. In November of 2019, I opened Finn Vintage, a specially curated vintage store in Brooklyn, NY. It’s been a tough first year due to the pandemic, but I feel so lucky to be doing what I love.

Keith recently graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a degree in Civil Engineering, and is working as a Junior Site Manager in Malibu.

In Middles, I created my own band The Girls In Motion with the help of Zachary Leete's father, Lisle. It involved a group of students ranging from musicians to dancers, and we performed for the whole school. I also fondly recall playing Queen Titania in the Shakespeare production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream where I had the chance to develop my passion for musical theatre. I still keep up with my friends from PS1, and remain particularly close with Rachel Seplow ’11 and Reece Robinov ’11.

Rita is currently a senior at the University of Southern California where she will receive a B.S. in Human Biology, a B.A. in Italian, and a minor in Finance.

Rudy Frayre, PS1 Class of 2010 In the 2000s, I can remember playing in the sandbox or playing soccer on the Field of Dreams. I always think about our great friend, Julio Cesar Gonzalez, who passed away during my time at PS1. I still to this day talk to his sister about once or twice a month — he will always be a part of me. Out of all the friends I made while at PS1, I’ve kept the most contact with Quincy Hunter-Daniels and Oliver Curry. And over the past couple of summers, Oliver and I have trained together on the same off-season team and we just talk regularly about life and soccer. PS1 helped me grow as a son, big brother, friend, and student. I will always hold fond memories of my time at PS1.

Rudy recently graduated college from The University of Redlands with a BA in Business Management and Religious Studies.

He aspires to become a recruiter and coach for a professional soccer team.

Avery Breuer (Hill), PS1 Class of 2006 I remember drawing pumpkins with smelly markers in October, searching for bugs and “rescuing” them during recess, and going to the fun all-school events like the Back to School Picnics, Book Fairs, and Fathers' Breakfasts. During breaks I remember just wanting to be back at school already! I really loved it. I was in Abbie Perttula and Chris Kuzina’s class for Middles and that was a really fun time. We made the classroom into a jungle, hatched chickens, and went on a lot of memorable field trips. We once went to a farm and got to make butter, dip candles and live like soldiers did during the Revolutionary War. That was a cool experience, especially for an LA kid!

I always felt the teachers and staff cared for me, even when I got into trouble! They always made a point to keep a connection with each child which made the school feel so much safer and close-knit, and I really appreciated that. I am thankful for the foundation I received at PS1 that I will always carry with me.

Christina Garcia

Speaking From The Heart Working at PS1 has been so meaningful for me. I joined this community after 28 years as a librarian, and it is here that I truly became the librarian I had always pictured myself being. We create and nurture an atmosphere at school — all of us — every single one of us — where students feel free and accepted and responsible.

More than at any other place I know, the children are comfortable with who they are.

When I share stories with them, and we're all together and we're all feeling the same thing, the students’ emotions play out on their faces. I always know exactly what is going on in their minds.

They're so immediate in their responses to our stories. They feel calm and comfortable, and are able to be completely free to respond to those stories, words, poems or whatever is being shared. We have that bond with one another that is so meaningful to me. What we do every day in nurturing children also nurtures my own heart.

Sam Gaynor, PS1 Class of 2009

Pedro Ortega

Speaking From The Heart There’s a saying by George Bernard Shaw that goes: We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. I’ve been an athlete since I was a little kid — all my life — and I think that you’ve just got to keep the kids playing. Do what you do, and enjoy the time together.

One thing that has made me grow is being at a school where I get to teach my lessons and don't have to follow an exact curriculum.

Yes, there is one for a base, but we get to play the games that are going to help our kids grow and thrive.

The biggest thing for me was having our own kids at school. For Eva and me, we got a chance to have all three of our children here — it was just so inspiring.

Every morning I see students running to school through the gate because they're happy to be here, and that's why we're here too. We make their day, and they make ours. I love the community. I love the people. I love the job. It's a great place to be.

One particular moment that stands out to me regarding my time at PS1 would be when Aidan Fite and I played a two-on-two basketball game vs. Chris and John after school one day. I believe this memory is a microcosm of what PS1 represents and strives for. To me, PS1 serves as a place where children are welcomed to grow, prosper, and build lifelong skills and relationships. This basketball game not only allowed me to form a relationship with my teachers outside of the classroom, but also showed me that my teachers genuinely cared for my interests and hobbies. Because of this, PS1 was a place where I could truly be myself.

The game wasn’t about winning or losing, but instead was about forming a strong bond between students, teachers and the school as a whole. I have stayed in touch with Aidan and Jake Mindel, and I am proud to call them both very close friends.

After graduating from PS1 in 2009, Sam went on to Brentwood School and graduated in 2015. From there he went to Syracuse University, and graduated in 2019.

Sam currently works at a talent agency in Beverly Hills.

Elijah Tilghman-Eddings PS1 Class of 2004 There are so many ways to express the amount of love, appreciation and gratitude I have for PS1. I was a little black girl who day dreamed of being anything and everything with a wild eye for creativity. The first interaction I remember with PS1 was through the Host Family program with a family whose child would be in the same class as me. Eva Everage was my first friend and I remember thinking how cool that her first and last name begun with an ‘E’, just like me.

My first day at PS1 felt more like a celebration than the first day of school. The parade of faculty and staff made me feel so welcomed and excited that they were excited to have me there.

This school shaped me to be the woman I am today. PS1 allowed me to think out loud and always encouraged me to voice my opinion, speak with conviction and stand up for what I believe. My teachers pushed me to think outside of what the world told us was right or wrong. I formed my own thoughts and opinions and will always and forever call PS1 my home.

Elijah recently joined the Alumni Committee and is assisting with a new program called Lend a Hand!

Emma Brown, PS1 Class of 2007 I have very fond memories of John as a warm, compassionate, connected teacher. He would stop and look you in the eyes and you felt embraced by him in a meaningful fashion.

I also remember always looking forward to PE with Pedro, Brad, and Jaime. I have been going to graduate school at Yale University getting my master’s degree to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

I have been very busy between my clinical rotations in the hospital and classes. I long to return to Colorado after my studies, but for now, I am enjoying New Haven and Yale.

So You Want To Camp?

Mason Summit Allport, PS1 Class of 2009 The camping trips hold a special place in my heart, especially the Grad trip to El Capitan.

PS1 was also where I had my earliest musical performance experiences, at the Circle Time Talent Shows, Class Cabaret, and at the Book Fairs with my dad and the parents band (The Pluralistics/13th St Band). I’m grateful that I got to explore my passion for music so early on in life. I’m still in touch with a few PS1 friends and very close with Cameron Roberts.

As for present day, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the USC Thornton School of Music this past May, and in June, I released my new self-produced album Negative Space.

Mason Summit is a singer-songwriter from Santa Monica, CA, raised on the music of Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Elliott Smith, and The Beach Boys. Since a young age, he has been performing around Los Angeles at venues such as Genghis Cohen, The Satellite, The House of Blues, and Hotel Café.

“On my first PS1 camping trip,” said Pedro, “I couldn’t understand why students were bringing along extra cash. Turns out there was a Coke machine in the campground, and when the kids asked ‘Pedro do you want one?’ I innocently said yes. Then I learned about the anti-soft-drink rule. ‘Oh, you guys got me!’”

Lina laughed. “One year I brought such a tiny tent that the

students were amazed I could even fit inside, let alone be joined by my children. Unfortunately, I pitched the tent on land claimed by hundreds of ground squirrels who, looking for food, destroyed it while we were at the beach. It was in tiny pieces! We had to throw it out! The kids thought it was hilarious.”

She recalled one camping trip almost didn’t happen. “The buses were already on the way when I drove up to Leo Carrillo State Park and was told ‘No you can’t camp here – the park was closed. Phone calls between the school and the Park Service ensued, and buses were eventually permitted to drive on the sand to the campground. We had the stunning surroundings all to ourselves.”

“It was my favorite trip ever,” said Christina. “But I was glad to go back to Sycamore Canyon at Point Mugu State Park just to see all those little legs hanging out of the branches when the children climbed the trees. Just like little monkeys — little hanging feet — just stacked up on the branches. It was so free and beautiful.”

“I got nervous on a previous trip when I saw how high some of the children were climbing,” said Pedro. “But Abbie reassured me. ‘They’ll go out as far as they feel safe, and then they’ll come back down.

Eventually, they’ll only go as far as they can, and they’ll come back.’ All right, I said. Go climb the tree.”

Lexi Fite, PS1 Class of 2005 I remember making graham cracker tectonic plates in Holly and Chris' class, and fondly recall playing handball, knock out, and four square during recess. And once, Joel was teaching a lesson when I wrote a short story as an Olders student. I specifically remember his encouraging feedback. This helped me grow confidence in my writing and creativity which still serves me today.

Lexi currently lives in Washington D.C., and works at Facebook on their Government, Politics and Advocacy team.

It’s A Wrap Thank you to our Zoom team of Avery, Lina, Christina and Pedro for sharing your memories of the 2000s Because specialists at PS1 have the privilege of teaching the same children year after year, graduation has always been bittersweet.

That is a breaking point of separation from PS1 — of letting the kids move on and take other plunges into life. Watching them from the time they are in kindergarten until they graduate, Specialists develop such a bond and such a responsibility. They love the community; they love the people; they love their jobs. PS1 is grateful to have such talent, creativity and heart in our Specialists.

PS1 Students From The 2000s Sophie Aaron Gavin Abraham Sadie Abraham Dean Abuneimeh Rosie AchornRubenstein Mason Ackerman Hope Adams Kate Adams Farid Adibi Jonathan Allen Mason Allport Jordan Alper Sam Alper Makai Andrews Julian Angus Tyler Ash Cruz Avendano Dreyfuss Lila Avendano Dreyfuss William BaskinGerwitz Jimmy Beck Alia Becker Lain Becker Emily BeckHallstrom Sara Beschloss Alex Beteta Ashley Beteta Jordan BittermanJace Maggie Blattel Spencer Blattel Kalia Bornstein Olivia Bornstein Hawkens BoryBaar Madeleine Boudov Gemma BrandWolf Sage Brand-Wolf Archer Brosh Elle Brosh Ella Brown Emma Brown Gavin Brown Jakob Brown Leo Brown Alex Burchuk Simone Burnett Ivey Burns Lola Butan Benjamin Cakir Caitlin Cameron Griffin Cappelletti Poppy Caris Adrian Ceron Milo Chamberlin Alana Champion Dylan Champion Ethan Chasen Richard Chin Christie Chun Juliana Ciccone Justin Ciccone Kylie Clark Sam Clement Wade Clement Kara Clerkin Peter Clerkin Eliza Cohen

Jake Colman* Margaret Conn Drew Cortrite Michelle Cortrite Sophia Crenna Peter CronBarshov Ally Cron-DeVico Nick Cron-DeVico Veronica Crow Elijah Cuffee Fisher Curran Oliver Curry Jake Dante Lucas Dante Jake Davidson Peter Defenderfer Lili Delisle-Cohen Samantha Demer Nathan Dent Tristan DeVito Bartholemew DiModica* Aaron Dinkin Andrea Dinkin Leslie Dinkin Robin Dinkin Liam Douglass Viswa Douglass Sofia Duffy Seana DuffyReddy Gabriel DurkinWhite James Dylan Judah Dylan Levi Dylan Jonah Eatman Justin Eatman Noah Eatman Angus Ebeling Jasmine Edwards Jessica Ekstein Johnny Elk Dylan Ellis Amanda Emtiaz Jack Ennis Savannah Ennis Maeve Enright Lily Belle Estes Austin Estwick Bautista Etchegaray Clara Etchegaray AnnaRose Etra Weylin Etra Erica Everage Eva Everage Jacob Faulkner Luke Feegel Lyle Feinberg Jacob Feldman Iggy Felix Ariel Fenster Isaac Fenster Jacob Fenster Luca Ferrario Matthew Field Benny Fillo Henry Fillo Olivia Fishman Teala Fishman

Aidan Fite Lexi Fite Sidney Fitzgerald Colette FletcherHoppe Destinee Flonnoy Satchel Folender Todahtiyah Forbes Daryn Foster Lucien Frank Milo Frank Rudy Frayre Jade Freed Troy Freed Delilah Freund Jack Friedson Brittany Gabriel Lily Gabriel Betsy Gaghan Gardner Gaghan Griffin Gamble Jackson Garland Lara Garrison Harry Garvey Ned Garvey David Gasster Emily Gasster Ben Gaynor Sam Gaynor Will Gaynor Peter Gebriel Asa Germann Frank Gerolmo Julia Gerolmo Samantha Gerolmo Faith Lily Gerstein Jack Gerstein Yale Gerstein Lily Ghodsi Yasmine Ghodsi Cleo Gold Jason Gold Brendan Goldberg Claire Goldberg Ben Goldman Ari Golin Hannah Gonera Maribella Gonzalez-Yanez Daniel Goodman Melody Grabel Oliver Graham Hanna Gratch Normandy Gray Elyse Green Maizy Greenberg Ted Greenberg Tia Greenfield Chassity Griffin Rylan Griggs Tom Guest Nicole Gurzeler Jake Hagelberg Lucas Haimes Max Haimes Julia Hallin-Russo Cooper Halpern Grace Halpern Ari Hamel Becket Hamel Ezra Hamer-Nagle

Pallas HamerNagle Adin Handler Julian Handler Jocelyn Hansson Lauren Hansson Julia Harreschou Griffin Harris Hayley Harrison Matthew Hart Alex Hartung Emma Hartung Lucy Hayes Alex Hayman Fiona Hayman Scott Heineman Tyler Heineman Kindyl Henley Roderick Henley Marcus HevesyRodriguez Avery Breuer (Hill) Haley Hill Keith Hill Alex Hirsch Jeremy Hirsch Haley Holbrow Will Holbrow Madelyn Holtzman Colin Hooks Olivia Hosbein Kuniko-Leilani Houston Quincy HunterDaniel Isabelle Hyman Vida Isaacs Eve Jackson Halle Jacobs Walker Jacobs Hakeem Jawanza Amelia Jenkins Claudia Johnson Stone Dakota Jones Samantha Karny Evan Karsian Phoebe Katims Konner Keith Ananya Kepper Matylda Kerry Helen Keyes Chloe Kiester Peyton KimLaTona Hannah Kirkpatrick Kalani Kiyohara Kiana Kiyohara Andy Klein Ben Knepper Angela Knight Victoria Knight Clio Sophia Koller Jak Koning Charlie Kortleven Roxy Kortleven Max Kozak Alexandra Kraemer Abigail Kuhns

Please let us know if you or someone you know were inadvertently omitted.

We are always working to update our alumni rosters.

Bud Kuhns Andy Kurstin Kevin Kurstin Noah Lahman* Toby Lahman Jude Landesman James Larson Michael Larson Emma Laurent Lilly LawrenceMetzler Zachary Leete Finn LeevesCoben Isabella LeevesCoben Olivia Legan Sanna Legan Elle Lenzini Gena Levin Perry Levine Conrad Liebowitz Bailey Lindley Marie Line William Line Emily Lippman Aiden Lloyd Hayley Lloyd Alanna Lynn* Wes Mahony Keanan Marble Coltrane Marcus Maggie Marks Django Marsh Alex Marshi Amelia MartinResnick Luke MartinResnick Nora MartinResnick Celeste MarvinStrong Henry Mason Louly Maya Nick Maya Samantha McCann Auden McCaw Alexandra McCown Colette McDermott Jazmine McGilbert Asha McNab Ayan McNab Cheval McNairy Reeve McNall Alonzo Meallet Celie Mednick Olivia Menchell Zoe Meredith Jasper Merlis Carver Messick Delaney Michaelson Avery Miller Madi Miller Maxim Miller Jake Mindel Sam Mindel Lukas Mitchell

Zoe Mooser Mina Moreland Colin Morentin Monique Morentin Zoe Morgenstern Dustin Morris Kyla Moss Madison Moss Clyde Mulroney Robert Munn Shannon Munn Violet Murray Brett Nagy Emily Nagy Trevor Nevell Zach Nicita Ava Novak Ben Nutter Alex Nwokekoro Dillon O’Doherty Zenji Oguri Luca Oliver-Green Harrison OrnestLeslie Joe Overbeck Laurel Ozersky Evan Pakshong Jasper Pakshong Diana Panish John Panish Kathryn Panish Alex Pantuck Morgan Pantuck Lucas Paul Lydia Perry Jonah Perttula Rita Pisegna Brooks Pressman Arlen Printz Jesse Printz Nick Rabinovitch Marika Radlauer Ruben Radlauer Katie Raphaelson Lindsay Rapkin Gabbie Reade Jack Rehnborg Matthew Reiner Steven Reiner Malia Reiss Amanda Reymer Hailey Reyna Billie Riess Ruby Riess Camille Riopelle Kelly Riopelle Andrea Ritter Alexa Robbins Ben Robbins Jack Robbins Luca Robbins Cameron Roberts Reece Robinov Gina Rockenwagner Hansi Rockenwagner Roxy Rockenwagner Bridget Rodman Alissa Rodriguez Justin Rodriguez

Alex Roesler Evan Rosen Jason Rosen Olivia Rosen Jackie Rosenberg Chloe Rosenstock Zoe Royo Aislinn Russell Cosette Russell Daniel Sabet Sheena Sada Ghiani Skyler Sam Frankie Samuel Dylan Santana Todd Schreiber Gabe Schuman Emily Schwartz Jack Schwartzman Lucy Schwartzman Gina Segall Claire Senda Daniel Seplow Rachel Seplow Nicki Shapiro Samantha Shapiro Rihab Shuaib Charlotte Siegel Sigurborg Sigurjonsdottir Hunter Silver Jonah Sim Delaney Simon Laura Simon Carli Singer Jonathan Smiley Charlotte Smith Stephanie Smith Yoko Smith Hilary Soloff Jamie Solomon Jamie Solomon Jordan Solomon Zander Solomon Kaelen Song India Sonnenfeld Max Staley Zach Statler Camille Stedman Madeline Stedman William Steinberg Liam Stevens Hero Stevenson Mason Stokdyk Elliot Storey Natalie Storey Emily Surloff Maia Sutton Reece Sutton Natalie Swain Scott Tamaki Dylan Tatum Chloe Taylor Nico Taylor Remy Teitelbaum Bryce Terman Zoe Thomas Bradley ThompsonMoreland Leo ThorsenRomero

Toby ThorsenRomero Olivia Tiffany Elijah-Linda TilghmanEddings Joshua TilghmanEddings Miles Tobel Dominique Tobey Jack Tobey William Tobey Hunter Todd Charlotte Toumanoff Matthew Tovar Michelle Tovar Frances TracyBlack Luke Trunnell Richard Ueno Yu Ueno Mandela Van Peebles Marley Van Peebles Maya Van Peebles Cole Vaughan Dylan Vecchione Jayjay Venegas Ande Versic Betty Villalobos Ava Vincent Stella Vincent Louis Waldman Melina Waldman Sam Walker Nick Wallace Xan Wallace Alexander Walters Ava Wasson Alec Watts Caroline Watts Ian Watts James Wauer Reanna Wauer James Weinberger Mathew Welch James Werner Molly Wertheimer Ella Weston Grayson Wilder Rachel WilliamsFeuerstein Emma Willison* Alexa Wilson Austin Wilson Joseph Wilson Sara Wilson Carly Winant Hallie Winant Wyatt Winfrey Emma Wolfe Maggie Wolfe Gus Wortman Leo Yablans Alex Yellin Haley Yellin Caris Yeoman Grace Youngers Justin Yu Sofia Ziman

*Denotes deceased.

Alumni Spotlight Check out how PS1 alumni students are tackling sustainability and anti-racism in their own communities.

Aiko Offner, Class of 2017

Delaney Michaelson, Class of 2014

Anti-Racist WorkThrough Harvard Westlake’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program

Environmental Activism at Marlborough, Barnard & Beyond

Diversity, equity and inclusion is important to me because if we are striving to be a successful heterogeneous society, it is necessary that people of all backgrounds can not only exist in society, but can become anyone they choose to be. DEI enables more representation, diversity, and naturally, a more creative and advanced team in any situation. However, DEI isn’t just important to me because of the benefits, it’s important to me because I fundamentally believe that no one should lose opportunities or their lives because of the color of their skin. I can’t understand what black and brown people have experienced, but I know that the privilege I hold as a Eurasian person, where my existence isn’t questioned in a classroom setting or walking down a street, should not be a privilege but be a right for all people of any race. PS1 influenced these beliefs because from a very young age, I was taught to think of others besides myself. I think that mindset has shaped who I am today.

In order to address the climate crisis, we must emphasize the importance of inclusivity to allow for meaningful discussions on how to mitigate the crisis. It is critical for youth and local government to collaborate to implement inclusive legislation.

In Harvard-Westlake’s DEI Program, we are working on introducing an anti-bias reporting form where students can report racist instances. We’ve also made sure all student leaders receive anti-bias training, and we’ve also reviewed and are working on the school’s honor code to contain more inclusive language. We are truly trying to build a community where if one sees something, they’ll say something.

We worked to bring in Wes Moore, who was an incredibly engaging speaker and inspired us to think more as a community.

A lot of our work has also been introspective, where we observe and analyze the systems in place (like the way we accept student clubs and don’t accept clubs, or even the AP exams testing that focuses on white authors, which in turn shapes our English curriculum) and whether there is any bias in our school’s decision-making processes.

At Marlborough, I led the Campus Environmental Committee of students and faculty and was elected as the all school environmental representative. We led conversations on campus with both faculty and students about the climate crisis and the importance of composting and reducing food waste. In addition, we focused on reeducating the community on the idea of a circular economy and emphasizing the importance of reducing one’s carbon footprint to help mitigate the climate crisis.

I am currently the Director of Advocacy at One Up Action, an international youth-led non-profit supporting marginalized youth through the circulation of resources needed to tackle the climate crisis within local communities. As a part of this work, I spearheaded the development of our first campaign during Earth Month to educate communities on direct action.

Currently, I am developing the Youth Climate Commission program which will be modeled off the procedure I used to implement the first ever in the world Youth Climate Commission in Los Angeles County. I am working with youth in New Jersey to start their own commission in hopes of developing a structure that can be replicated in local governments worldwide.

I now attend a Barnard College, Columbia University two-part virtual co-curricular program to respond to critical questions about how to envision the world and implement strategic actions to mitigate the climate crisis. As a member of Barnard’s Citizen Assembly, we focus the conversation on sustainability, inclusivity, and access to all through affordability to reframe how we understand sustainability. For Barnard’s BUILD fellowship, I decided to tackle Columbia University’s waste issue by collecting research on the impact of reintroducing reusable containers in the cafeteria during COVID along with how to safely donate food to local pantries.

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Olders Cluster LH OLDERS 4 LiAnne Holly F.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

The students in Olders 4 learned powerful lessons about change and changemakers this fall.

This started by identifying important issues, learning more about the causes and possible actions that would create positive changes, and then taking their knowledge to create party platforms for a simulated presidential election. The Oak Party (so-named because of the strength and symbolism of PS1’s landmark oak tree), the Atlas Party (holding the world in its hands), the Activist Party (committed to taking action), and the Hope Party (“With Hope, anything is possible”) all embraced significant social and environmental issues, which they conveyed through the party platforms, candidate speeches, and commercials and advertisements they created. Students took on roles as candidates, campaign managers, art directors, treasurers, and the “get out the vote” team to help create, communicate, and publicize their visions for change, before finally holding an election on November 3rd.

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Inspired by their visions of social change and their increasing understanding of elections and government, students took the opportunity to express their own hopes and opinions to newly elected officials after the November 3rd election. Students wrote heartfelt and persuasive letters to President-Elect Biden, Vice President-Elect Harris, and other public figures, while also diving headfirst into graphic novel book clubs to learn more about change-makers of the past and present. Students immersed themselves in learning about topics such as gender, race, ethnicity, and immigration status, and how individuals have experienced and worked to change injustices around these issues.

Through all of these experiences and on-going powerful discussions, our students have become keen observers of the world around them, and have become more aware of and committed to using their voices to “Be the change you want to see.”

Olders Cluster JA OLDERS 5 John Aarika

We engaged in experiments to describe the physical change of dissolving sugar in water, watching water move from liquid to solid to gas, and seeing how food coloring changes the appearance of ingredients in a recipe. From there we pivoted to vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals and noticed how the presence or absence of these nutrients impacts change in the human body. Now when our students walk into the kitchen they see the scientific potential and the power of change.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Examining the impact of change on a multitude of levels and in every academic area is everpresent in our Olders classrooms. Our Distance Learning Community Program adds new layers to this experience! When considering how we would approach Chemistry this year, we wondered how to pursue this subject without having access to our classroom laboratory. Our solution was to turn the kitchens of our students’ homes into their labs. We focused on the food chemistry we knew students could experience first-hand (for example, the chemical change that takes place when sugar becomes caramel, when milk turns sour, when the presence of carbon dioxide changes the results of a cake recipe, and how heat acts as a catalyst for so many of these changes).

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CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Specialists

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Art

Music

Lina

Virginia

Through teaching virtually, I am still able to create incredible art with my students.

I have learned how to run a Google Classroom, and I have become a YouTube expert, creating art lessons for my students to support our DLCP. My work space is in nature outside the kitchen window in our tiny but magical garden. I say magical garden because I have had the opportunity to befriend a squirrel that I named Dan, a tiny bird that I named Tweet, several Monarch caterpillars transforming into butterflies, a possum and a rat. I am excited that I have been able to integrate my natural surroundings with your children and that my students have had a chance to meet some of these creatures on Zoom and even draw my squirrel friend Dan. I am grateful to have had the chance to learn and create inventive new digital ideas to enrich the Art Program for your children. I am certain that I can take everything I have learned with me back to the classroom when we all are able to teach in person and run an even richer and more inventive Art Program than before!

Music, movement and drama are part of our identity. They help define our culture, religion, age, geography, ethnicity, values, and interests. Music can also unite us.

It is a form of expression and a universal language. Music is a force that has been present for every call to action, protest march, resistance and demonstration throughout history around the globe.

Music is the commonality amongst strangers who gather to voice a call for change.

At PS1, student musicians are learning about anti-racism, and how music, movement, and drama are powerful vehicles for social and political change.

Using music, movement, and drama, students are creating performing arts pieces about diversity, equality, and inclusion. Through research, analysis, and discussion, the student musicians are developing an understanding of the role that the performing arts continuously play in creating change. They are honing the skills needed for artistic expression in pursuit of sending a message of change to the world.

Library

The Studio

Pedro

Christina

Chris

While our form of teaching Physical Education has changed, our work continues to provide children with positive lessons and experiences to engage and empower them to succeed and make a difference. We have learned to adjust to change and adapt to new challenges and ideas, including class sizes, minimal equipment (or no equipment!), instant activities, and most of all, trying to motivate students through technology by creating exciting and fun activities.

Thankfully, we all still need stories — perhaps now more than ever. Stories keep us connected — that hasn’t changed (thankfully!). Zoom has offered wonderful opportunities to make things be the same but different.

PS1 students develop and practice STEAM skills and positive attitudes to help them become capable problem-solvers in our Studio classes.

Physical Education is crucial during this present time because we need to offer our students a way to move and find happiness. When children stay active, they feel good about themselves. This reduces stress, relieves tension, and promotes mindfulness. It has been a wonderful experience working with our PS1 students. They have brought a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and many insights into Physical Education.

What has changed is the world children inhabit while they are listening—with a screen to focus on, and with headphones on, they are in a self-contained world. The focus and concentration are a beautiful thing to see. And the advantages of Zoom are myriad, offering opportunities for kids that would just never happen in real Library Time: they can chew gum (horrors!), they can move around, pets/stuffies/ siblings/visiting cousins can listen to the stories. Holiday decorations can be shared; books they are reading can be shared; things they are creating can be shared.

I want to celebrate that while we are all at home. In some classes, I have shared co-hosting duties with children—giving them the opportunity to share limited responsibilities for the Zoom session while empowering them to be masters of the Zoom universe at the same time. They can be seen sharing expertise, giving great directions to help out another student, sharing possibilities, easily sharing what they have to say — these are all really good things to see!

In The Studio program, we have been working hard to provide positive outlets to your child’s experience. Each class presents making and building challenges so that students feel connected (and reconnected) to The Studio and to each other while participating in the Distance Learning Community Program. Our DLCP has changed the way students interact with one another to solve problems and building challenges. Hands-on activities are as critical as direct instruction.

Projects connect math and science to students’ daily lives, we employ authentic, hands-on tasks and activities that the whole family can enjoy, and we incorporate student decision-making into the lessons. Problem-solving is a group effort addressed by everyone in our Zoom classes, and later off-screen addressed individually or with family members.

Our goal is to get our students thinking differently, taking risks with their designs, and engaging each other with questions and answers while building unique projects that they can feel proud to share.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

P.E.

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Alumni Corner

The PS1 Alumni Association

Joe Willis, Class of 1984 Joe attended SAMO High and UC Santa Cruz.

He remembers, “PS1 let me learn at my own pace, with creativity in the classroom and very stimulating teaching!” Joe and his wife Shayna started City Threads in 2002, a locally made (in L.A.) children’s clothing company.

He adds that they are busy making cotton reusable face masks!

Jack McGary, Class of 2017

Brandon Bogajewicz, Class of 1994 Brandon lives in Los Angeles and runs Vinyl Moon, a subscription record club featuring new music each month. We were thrilled to see Vinyl Moon featured recently on The Today Show as one of the best subscription gifts for the holiday season!

2000–2009 For updates about alumni in the Classes of 2000–2009 check out the gatefold section.

Brandon Bogajewicz, Class of 1994

PS1 ALUMS! Stay tuned for an upcoming alumni survey to learn more about how we can best connect with you.

Gavin Abraham, Class of 2010 Gavin notes, “PS1 made learning fun!”

After PS1 he attended Palisades Charter High School and went on to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Currently he is working in construction and managing the Cal Poly dairy farm.

Nicole Gurzeler, Class of 2014 Nicole graduated from Marlborough School and now attends UCLA. She spends her time playing beach and indoor volleyball, coaching volleyball, and running a small resale shop for clothing. She adds, “PS1 provided me with the fundamentals I needed to succeed in a relatively hard high school because of PS1’s progressive vision of learning.”

Jack McGary, Class of 2017 Jack is studying overseas in Mallorca, Spain. He spent the last semester at Raphael Nadal’s tennis academy. Jack’s mom, Christina Musrey, was also able to spend several months in Spain near Jack’s school and wrote that it was an incredible adventure where she fell in love with the country, its people and the way of life.

Bo Ebeling ‘19 Alumni Class Reps in 7th through 12th grade meet regularly to help plan alumni events and outreach. One of our class reps led activities at the Grad Alumni Party at the end of October. Class Reps are currently planning a virtual Alumni Movie Night which will take place February 19th!

We try to include as many Alumni updates as space allows. If you were not included in this column, and you sent us an update, please look for your feature in an upcoming issue. We love hearing your news!

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Grad/Alumni Party Thanks to all who joined and thanks to the alumni students who helped plan this event! Pictured are Halloween themed activity bags that were picked up and delivered to PS1’s Class of 2021 “Grads” and 7th and 8th grade alumni students. It was a fun night filled with lots of Among Us, Kahoot, and Halloween cookie decorating! To learn more about or to become more involved in alumni events and planning, email avery@psone.org.

Life After PS1 Life After PS1 was a huge success! Our alumni panelists this year represented seven different schools. The audience was moved by each panelist’s personification of PS1’s Portrait of a Graduate and how they seamlessly shared the air time while supplementing, countering, and complementing each other’s responses with grace and respect.

PS1 students are clearly prepared for the next step. You can view the recording of Life After PS1 2020 on the PS1 website.

Thank you to our panelists: Aiko Offner Alex Hyman Claire Asten Eli Kaplan-Packer Jesse Rosen Joe Trilling Minnie Jellinek Olivia Rosen

PS Swim: Tuesdays and Thursdays at Dawn Ian (‘19) and Elio (‘20) La Porta have reconnected with nature during the pandemic by making Sunrise Swims a frequent ritual at the beach in Santa Monica.

There’s quite a PS1 following as their group has grown to 14 people! They report that this has been a game-changer in finding balance during this time of distance learning. Anyone interested in “PS Swim” is welcome Tue/Thu at Dawn: Tower 26!

Class of 2020 Leaf of Wisdom The leaf reads the Oprah Winfrey quote, “Know what sparks the light in you. Then use that light to illuminate the world.” The Class of 2020 chose to put their Grad Gift toward financial aid. Their gift choice was especially influenced by the pandemic and potential increase of those in need of assistance.

We thank the Class of 2020 for their contributions to our community!

Charlotte Siegel Erika Tinsley Mary Rogers TaLynn Flonnoy

Alumni Care Packages We sent out care packages at the beginning of December to alumni one year out of high school. Our alums are on many different paths and we are so proud of the way they are navigating through this unpredictable time during their first year of their adult lives!

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENT

Alumni Party

February 19th, 4:30–6:00pm

We will be hosting a virtual alumni event in the place of the Alumni Bowling Party.

More information is to come so stay tuned!

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1225 Broadway Santa Monica CA 90404 www.psone.org

Save the Date: Sunday, November 14, 2021

PS1 Celebrates 50 Years!

Come one, come all as we kick off the celebratory year of PS1 Pluralistic School turning 50. All are invited! Alumni, Alumni Parents, Grandparents, Current Families and Students, Teachers, Staff and more will gather to celebrate, connect and share in the rich history of our PS1 community.

This coming year’s Fall Festival will incorporate many traditions from our past 50 years including: Fathers’ Breakfast, the PS1 Book Fair, Dishversity, Camping experience, Shakespeare on Stage, Archives and Memory Shares, Games and more!

Your help is needed in these and many more aspects of the planning. If you would like to assist in the planning of this special celebration, email Celebrate50@psone.org Details will follow in the coming months: Mark your calendars now!

Sharon Morrill and Kerri Speck, 50th Anniversary Co-Chairs

PS1 Has Officially Earned a Green Business Certification!

The application process took almost a year and we thank Brad and Ani for working tirelessly from start to finish.

The certification signifies and recognizes excellence in the many steps PS1 continues to take to incorporate sustainable practices into our operations.

The Santa Monica Green Business Certification Program is an official certification program of the City of Santa Monica and is part of the California Green Business Program Network (CAGBN). CAGBN leads the state and nation in working with small to medium-sized businesses

to grow a vibrant and healthy green economy, alongside Santa Monica Travel and Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, Arts Earth Partnership, and Sustainable Works.