Pages from viewpoint ar 2014 15 single pages

OUT OF MANY, ONE COMMUNITY VIEWPOINT SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT 2014 -15



 THE BEST WAY

TO FIND YOURSELF IS TO LOSE YOURSELF

IN THE SERVICE

OF OTHERS. – Mahatma Gandhi

OUT OF MANY, ONE COMMUNITY VIEWPOINT SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT 2014 -15

Ê

4

Facts & Figures

34

Annual Fund

7

Letter from the Head of School

48

Special Gifts

10

Letter from the President of the Viewpoint Educational Foundation

49

Endowment Funds

11

Board of Trustees — Chair's Report

53

Memorial & Tribute Gifts

14

New Trustees

20

Financial Report

22

Advancement Report

26

Leadership Giving

28

Capital Campaign

54 $GPGƂV 58

VSSA Report

60

Matriculation, Class of 2015

61

Ways to Give

62

Gift Planning

VIE WP OINT SCHOOL

1

JOEL CONTRERAS Ê TRANSPORTATION, SHIPPING & RECEIVING ASSOCIATE Katya Leal ’20, Cassidy Samovar ’18, and Kristen Lee ’19 are three of the 238 Viewpoint students who UVCTV VJGKT UEJQQN FC[ WPFGT VJG YCVEJHWN G[G QH QPG QH VJG 5EJQQNoU ƂXG UVCHH OGODGTU GPVTWUVGF VQ QXGTUGG their safe and timely transport to and from campus. With 10 bus routes, students travel from Thousand Oaks, 5KOK 8CNNG[ #TNGVC 'PEKPQ 5VWFKQ %KV[ /CNKDW 2CEKƂE 2CNKUCFGU CPF 9GUV .QU #PIGNGU 1WT 6TCPURQTVCVKQP 1HƂEG C FKXKUKQP QH 8KGYRQKPVoU (CEKNKVKGU &GRCTVOGPV OCPCIGU CP CFFKVKQPCN CPPWCN UVWFGPV ƂGNF trips, and an average of six daily trips for the School’s sport teams in Grades Five through Twelve.

47 Ê 17% 1,215 Ê OPERATING BUDGET:

$

MILLION

STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID:

ENROLLMENT:

Ê

FACTS & FIGURES

Ê HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2014 -15 Ê 10 &'%'/$'4 following a comprehensive international search, Viewpoint School’s Board of Trustees unanimously selected Mark McKee as Viewpoint’s next Head of School. A recognized educator of national repute with impressive leadership skills, McKee began his tenure on July 1, 2015 and has made an enthusiastic and promising start. Energetically engaged in every aspect of school life, Mark is committed to Viewpoint’s goal of academic excellence, and to the continued development of our unique and extraordinary learning environment. Ê 6*' $#.#$#0 9'$56'4 6'#/ %'06'4 (BWTC) opened in February 2015 to students and coaches with great fanfare CPF ITCVKVWFG 6JG USWCTG HQQV DWKNFKPI RTQXKFGU spacious team rooms, and strength and conditioning facilities to enhance the School’s existing athletic facilities.

This project was a shining example of our community coming together to boldly meet a need. The BWTC will improve the competitive athletic experience for Viewpoint’s students and visiting teams now and into the future. Ê CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE III of Viewpoint’s Master Plan – a new 22,000 square foot Learning Center with Primary School classrooms, Primary and Lower School enrichment classrooms, The Benjamin Franklin Library, The Innovation Space, and playgrounds – was completed on schedule on #WIWUV HQT VJG UVCTV QH VJG UEJQQN [GCT With music, excited students, and the genuine joy of our community, this milestone was yet another major addition EQPUVTWEVGF QP QWT ECORWU CU RCTV QH C OWNVK RJCUG OCUVGT plan that began in 2000.

4

OUT OF MANY, ONE COMMUNITY

Ê 1( 6*' %.#55 1( '#40'& 0#6+10#. /'4+6 recognitions, which included 13 National Merit Commended 5EJQNCTU ƂXG 0CVKQPCN *KURCPKE 4GEQIPKVKQP 5EJQNCTU and one National Achievement Scholarship Program Outstanding Participant. Ê OUR UPPER SCHOOL ORCHESTRA YCU QPG QH QPN[ ƂXG string ensembles invited to participate in the 2015 Heritage Festival of Gold in Chicago, an invitation they earned after a stellar performance the previous year at the Heritage Music Festival in Anaheim. One of the most memorable highlights of the trip was performing on the stage at Orchestra Hall, the home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ê 6*' 5%*11.o5 24'56+)+175 %7/ .#7&' SOCIETY welcomed 23 new members in April ceremonies. The Cum Laude Society is modeled after Phi Beta Kappa, the academic honor society for college graduates, and recognizes superior scholarship in select high schools in the United States.

Viewpoint has been a member since 1992 and is one of only 33 schools in California to have earned this distinction. Ê 6*4'' 8+'921+06 567&'065 9'4' +08+6'& to participate in the prestigious YoungArts Los Angeles RTQITCO KP (GDTWCT[ VJCV KFGPVKƂGU CPF UWRRQTVU VJG next generation of artists in visual, literary, design, and performing arts. The program was established in 1981 not only to assist sophomores, juniors, and seniors at critical junctures in their educational and professional development, but to raise awareness and appreciation for the arts in American society.

NUMBER OF FULL-TIME & PART-TIME FACULTY:

158

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY & ADMINISTRATORS WITH ADVANCED DEGREES:

68

%

ĂŠ

ĂŠ

10:1

STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO:

ĂŠ

Ê IN 2007 VIEWPOINT YCU QPG QH VJG ƂTUV UEJQQNU KP VJG 7PKVGF 5VCVGU VQ QHHGT 6JG &WMG QH 'FKPDWTIJoU #YCTF VQ QWT 7RRGT 5EJQQN UVWFGPVU +P QWT UVWFGPVU GCTPGF )QNF #YCTFU 5KNXGT #YCTFU CPF $TQP\G #YCTFU 6JG $TKVKUJ 4Q[CN (COKN[ GUVCDNKUJGF VJKU RTQITCO KP VQ TGEQIPK\G and honor young people for achievement in the following areas: service to others, adventurous journey, practical or vocational life skills, and physical recreation. Ê .+0&5#; '/+ o YCU QPG QH QPN[ ƂXG CYCTFGGU HTQO %CNKHQTPKC UVWFGPVU PCVKQPYKFG YJQ GCTPGF TGEQIPKVKQP for superior writing in the annual competition sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. Nominated by her English teachers, Lindsay wrote an original essay and CUUGODNGF C RCIG YTKVKPI RQTVHQNKQ HQT VJKU EQORGVKVKQP Ê FOR THE FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR, Viewpoint’s Annual Fund realized a record amount in giving! Thanks to the diligent efforts of more than 100 volunteers, comprised of parents, grandparents, alumni, and members of the Class QH VJG (WPF TCKUGF DTGCMKPI VJG mark for the second consecutive year.

A FEW OF OUR NEW ENHANCEMENTS IN 2014-15: ĂŠ 174 5'%10& #0& 6*+4& )4#&' 567&'065 incorporated a new technology, Book Creator, to their collaborative Continents and Native American projects.

This application inspires students to be more creative in their explorations and enables them to publish books VQ UJCTG VJGKT Ć‚PFKPIU

ĂŠ 6*' /+&&.' 5%*11.o5 Eighth Grade English faculty KPVTQFWEGF C UVWFGPV OCFG Ć‚NO RTQLGEV VQ VJG EWTTKEWNWO 6JKU UVWFGPV EGPVGTGF RTQLGEV DCUGF NGCTPKPI KPKVKCVKXG gives students a creative way to work collaboratively and VQ NGCTP KP PGY YC[U 6JG 9QTNF .CPIWCIGU &GRCTVOGPV adjusted their course offerings of French and Mandarin Chinese to allow students to enroll based on their ability and experience rather than by their grade level. This process streamlines and accelerates students’ foreign language studies. ĂŠ 6*' /+&&.' 5%*11. 4'&'5+)0'& their Advisory Programs curriculum and adopted Viewpoint’s Brand Promise. The Sixth Grade Advisory Program is known as Community, which aligns with the “Give Your Bestâ€? promise; the Seventh Grade Advisory Program is Identity, or “Find Your Voice;â€? and the Eighth Grade’s theme is Global Citizenship, or “Go Beyond.â€? ĂŠ 8+'921+06o5 722'4 5%*11. -+%-'& 1(( YKVJ VJG KPCWIWTCN [GCT QH VJG 5EJQQNoU QHĆ‚EKCN Bring Your Own Device $;1& RTQITCO KP YJKEJ UVWFGPVU DTKPI VJGKT own laptop or iPad to allow teachers to fully integrate the classroom experience with technology. Our IT &GRCTVOGPV CNUQ KORNGOGPVGF pFGUMVQR XKGYRQKPV QTI q which makes School software resources and network folders available to our students and employees from anywhere in a CKVTKZ ENQWF DCUGF GPXKTQPOGPV ĂŠ 174 722'4 5%*11. +0641&7%'& 0'9 advanced academic courses, including Behavioral Neuroscience and Statistical Reasoning in Sports.

VIE WP OINT SCHOOL

5

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) EXAMS MAY 2015

ACCREDITATION AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Ê UVWFGPVU UCV HQT GZCOU KP UWDLGEVU

Ê National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

Ê 23% of sophomores took AP exams

Ê California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

Ê QH LWPKQTU VQQM #2 GZCOU

Ê Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC)

Ê 87% of seniors took AP exams

Ê Cum Laude Society

Ê 32% of the exams earned a score of 5

Ê Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS)

Ê QH VJG GZCOU GCTPGF C QT A score of 4 or 5 is considered exceptional Ê 81% of the exams earned passing grades of 3 or above Ê These scores are among the highest in the nation Ê Viewpoint’s average AP score in 2015 was 3.89; the State’s average score was 2.87, and national average score was 2.82

ATHLETICS 2014-15 Ê %+( 5VCVG 5QWVJGTP &KXKUKQP 8 4GIKQPCN 5GOK (KPCNKUV %+( &KXKUKQP 8 ## 4WPPGT 7R Boys Basketball Ê Varsity League Champions: Boys Swimming Boys Tennis Boys Volleyball Girls Swimming Ê 'NGXGP OGODGTU QH VJG %NCUU QH CTG UVWFGPV CVJNGVGU KP &KXKUKQP + ++ CPF +++ EQNNGIGU CPF WPKXGTUKVKGU FWTKPI

ALUMNI 6*'4' #4' 8+'921+06 )4#&7#6'5 residing in UVCVGU CPF HQTGKIP EQWPVTKGU

Ê National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Ê Western Association of College Admission Counseling (WACAC) Ê Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Ê National Association of Principals of Schools for Girls Ê National Association of Secondary School Principals Ê A Better Chance Ê 8KGYRQKPV KU C 0QOKPCVKPI 5EJQQN HQT VJG /QTGJGCF %CKP Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation Scholarship at the University of Virginia.

MISSION STATEMENT VIEWPOINT SCHOOL IS A WELCOMING, vibrant, and collaborative community that offers a challenging and enriched college preparatory education in a nurturing environment for students in Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. The School embraces students and families from diverse cultures of the world and teaches the history and wisdom of these traditions.

VIEWPOINT INSPIRES A LOVE OF LEARNING and develops those qualities which provide strength and direction for a lifetime. The School promotes among its students respect, integrity, responsibility, and optimism.

THE SCHOOL CELEBRATES its love of country by EQOOGOQTCVKPI QWT PCVKQPoU JQNKFC[U CPF JQPQTKPI KVU Æ‚PGUV VTCFKVKQPU 8KGYRQKPV CHÆ‚TOU KP KVU CUUGODNKGU CPF RTQITCOU VJG ethical principles inherent in all religions.

8+'921+06o5 567&'065 .'#40 the importance of service to others and to the greater community with the expectation that this introduction becomes a lifelong commitment.

VIEWPOINT RECOGNIZES THE UNIQUENESS of each child and is committed to the preservation and development of that individuality.

6

OUT OF MANY, ONE COMMUNITY

“ THROUGH YOUR SUPPORT, WE ARE ABLE TO INSPIRE TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS TO DEVELOP NEW PROGRAMS AND FIND NEW LEVELS OF EXCELLENCE.�

MARK MCKEE

ĂŠ HEAD OF SCHOOL

DEAR VIEWPOINT FAMILIES, +6 +5 9+6* )4'#6 (70 #0& '06*75+#5/ that I am coming to know the Viewpoint community. Our school is an intentional community of shared values and common purpose, and I have DGGP KORTGUUGF YKVJ VJG ENQUG MPKV UGPUG QH EQOOWPKV[ CPF VJG belief in Viewpoint’s mission.

10' '8+&'0%' 1( 6*' 564'0)6* #0& *'#.6* of our community bonds, our belief and common purpose, is the strong support of our parents and families for the giving programs that support our education. The countless volunteer hours, successful $GPGƂV TGUWNVU EQPVTKDWVKQPU VQ ECRKVCN GHHQTVU CPF QWT COC\KPI Annual Fund participation — all are signs of a community that comes together to support the excellence that is Viewpoint.

That community drew me here, and that support gives us a foundation for future excellence.

5+0%' /; #44+8#. + *#8' $''0 (1%75'& on understanding Viewpoint’s excellence and identifying strategic priorities for the future. I am fortunate for the talented and experienced leadership of our new Associate Head Bob Bryan, and by our capable division leaders, Primary School Head Cathy Adelman, Lower School Head Claudia Antoine, Acting Middle School Head Elizabeth Scott, and Upper School Head Alan Howie.

Viewpoint is blessed to have a strong leadership team, and together with our colleagues we met in retreat this summer to foster collaboration and identify strategic priorities, charting

C EQWTUG VQ EQPVKPWG VQ )Q $G[QPF 6JKU TGRQTV TGĆƒGEVU VJG outstanding achievements and support of our students, faculty, and community, in which we all can take pride. I am especially grateful not only for my colleagues on the faculty and administration, but also for the leadership of our Board of Trustees and by my colleague Dr. Bob Dworkoski, our President of The Viewpoint Educational Foundation and former Headmaster.

VIEWPOINT IS A THRIVING INSTITUTION, with a proud past and an important mission. Through your support, we are able to inspire teachers and administrators to develop new programs and Ć‚PF PGY NGXGNU QH GZEGNNGPEG 9G CTG CDNG VQ DWKNF VJG HCEKNKVKGU that are equal to the quality of our people and programs. And we CTG CDNG VQ CURKTG CU C EQOOWPKV[ VJCV NQXGU NGCTPKPI Ć‚PFU PGY vistas, and prepares to journey there together.

ON BEHALF OF THOSE WHOSE WORK YOU INSPIRE and whose education you make possible, thank you for your support of Viewpoint.

GO PATRIOTS!

Mark J. McKee Head of School

VIE WP OINT SCHOOL

7

CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ Ê CAMPUS SAFETY SENIOR OFFICER 'CEJ UVWFGPVoU CTTKXCN CPF FGRCTVWTG HTQO ECORWU KU RCTV QH C YGNN QTEJGUVTCVGF FGUKIP VJCV MGGRU cars moving cautiously on and off campus, while ensuring their safety. A team of 19 Campus Security 1HƂEGTU ECP DG HQWPF RTQVGEVKPI QWT ECORWU JQWTU C FC[ WPFGT VJG FKTGEVKQP QH *GCNVJ 5CHGV[ CPF 'OGTIGPE[ 2TGRCTGFPGUU &KTGEVQT %CTNQU 5CPEJG\

“WITH THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE OUR STUDENTS WILL CONTINUE TO FIND THEIR VOICE, GIVE THEIR BEST, AND GO BEYOND.�

DR. ROBERT J. DWORKOSKI

ĂŠ PRESIDENT OF THE VIEWPOINT EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

VIEWPOINT SCHOOL

has never shied away from embracing a grand vision and dreaming what our School could become.

Likewise, our teachers imbue our students with that same cheerful optimism, and inspire them to accomplish their ambitious goals while simultaneously enjoying the journey.

THIS FALL OUR COMMUNITY celebrated the realization of one of our loftiest and most cherished dreams by opening the new educational space for our Primary and .QYGT 5EJQQN UVWFGPVU 6JGUG UVCVG QH VJG CTV HCEKNKVKGU match the excellence of Viewpoint’s teachers, students, and programs. For me these buildings have a particular UKIPKƂECPEG 6JG EWNVWTG CPF URKTKV QH 8KGYRQKPV 5EJQQN VJCV we cherish and nurture in our entire School are incubated in our earliest grades among our youngest students. Now, they too will have unmatched places to learn and grow. +0 174 %1//70+6; gathered with one heart and mind and merged our energy and resources to enrich the present and future for our students. As a result, the #PPWCN (WPF KP UGV CP CNN VKOG TGEQTF HQT VJG UGEQPF EQPUGEWVKXG [GCT D[ TCKUKPI YKVJ of our faculty, staff, and trustees and 90% of the parents participating. These funds will enrich the educational QRRQTVWPKVKGU QH QWT UVWFGPVU KP CPF DG[QPF Our community brought similar energy to the Capital Campaign whose proceeds helped to meet the cost of our new facilities. Our donors and volunteers helped to make these efforts successful.

10

OUT OF MANY, ONE COMMUNITY

+ 9+5* 61 #%-019.'&)' those who helped to achieve QWT IQCNU KP /[ VJCPMU VQ VJG $QCTF QH 6TWUVGGU and its Chair, John Nadolenco; the Advancement Committee Chair, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard; the leaders of the Annual Fund, Karen Faulhaber, Patrick Finn, Jon French, and Ron Gillyard; the Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee, Jeremy Helfand VJG %Q 2TGUKFGPVU of the VSSA, Leslie Frost, Lisa Stutman, and Ani Zakari; VJG %JCKT QH VJG $GPGĆ‚V Setareh Zahedi; and to my colleagues on campus. Finally, I thank our students who make it a joy to come to Viewpoint every day.

9+6* 6*' %106+07'& 5722146 of our community I have GXGT[ EQPĆ‚FGPEG QWT UVWFGPVU YKNN EQPVKPWG VQ Ć‚PF VJGKT voice, give their best, and go beyond. Under the visionary leadership of our new Head of School, Mark McKee, I am EQPĆ‚FGPV VJCV 8KGYRQKPVoU DGUV FC[U UVKNN NKG CJGCF 9JKNG my contributions to Viewpoint School will formally end after VJG CECFGOKE [GCT + CO EQPĆ‚FGPV VJCV YJCV YG JCXG built will endure and prosper.

With gratitude,

4QDGTV , &YQTMQUMK 2J & President of the Viewpoint Educational Foundation

“OUR COMMUNITY HAS ALWAYS BEEN FIERCELY DEDICATED TO OUR STUDENTS AND TO THEIR DEVELOPMENT INTO WELL-ROUNDED ADULTS WHO ALWAYS KEEP STRIVING.�

JOHN NADOLENCO

ĂŠ CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

VIEWPOINT IS

not complacent. I sat in my backyard last summer talking with a nationally renowned consultant to independent schools. I had just laid out UQOG QH VJG OCLQT RTQLGEVU VJCV VJG 5EJQQN HCEGF KP VJG school year:

ĂŠ Search for a new Head of School;

Continue developing and implementing the School’s Ê strategic vision;

Build our new Primary and Lower Schools; ĂŠ

ĂŠ %QORNGVG CPF QRGP VJG $CNCDCP 9GDUVGT 6GCO %GPVGT CPF ĂŠ Finish acquiring three adjacent properties, thus increasing 8KGYRQKPVoU ECORWU HTQO VQ CETGU CPF IKXKPI WU CPF HWVWTG IGPGTCVKQPU UKIPKĆ‚ECPV NCPF WUG ĆƒGZKDKNKV[ UPON HEARING THE LIST, the consultant recommended that we focus just on the head search, and leave the rest to future years. I explained that wasn’t the Viewpoint way. By working together, we would meet these goals. And we did! #5 # $1#4& our two most important functions are to plan for the School’s future and hire the Head of School. For almost 30 years, a Viewpoint Board has never had to hire a Head. But this one did. And it did so the right way. Thanks to our Search Committee, led by Joe Carieri, we looked all over the world for SWCNKĆ‚GF ECPFKFCVGU KPVGTXKGYGF OCP[ QH VJGO CPF DTQWIJV Ć‚PCNKUVU DCEM VQ OGGV QWT EQOOWPKV[ 9G WNVKOCVGN[ UGNGEVGF Mark McKee to build upon Bob Dworkoski’s tremendous legacy. And we made that selection collectively, as a community.

That’s also the Viewpoint way.

I WANT TO SINCERELY THANK my fellow trustees for their work throughout the year. Few will know the many hours and late nights we spent discussing these – and so many other – KORQTVCPV KUUWGU 5RGEKCN VJCPMU VQ 8KEG %JCKT Jon Wolfson, Finance Chair Rob Webster, Buildings and Grounds Chair Jay DiMaggio, Strategic Plan Chair Charles Schetter, Committee on Trustees Chair HalÊ Behzadi, Advancement

Chair Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, and Capital Gifts Chair Jeremy Helfand. Of course, the Board recognizes that none of this was possible without the help of the administration, staff, faculty, and countless parents. As a community, we oversaw C ETKVKECN NGCFGTUJKR VTCPUKVKQP YJKNG DWKNFKPI UVCVG QH VJG CTV facilities ensuring that Viewpoint will continue to provide VQR PQVEJ QRRQTVWPKVKGU HQT KVU UVWFGPVU VQ Ć‚PF VJGKT RCUUKQP We should be proud of our efforts.

BUT IT’S NOT OUR NATURE to rest on our laurels. So this year, the Board has set even more ambitious goals, including ensuring Mark McKee’s smooth transition, working to support UV EGPVWT[ GFWECVKQPCN RTKQTKVKGU EQORNGVKPI VJG EQPUVTWEVKQP CPF FGNKXGTKPI CP CVJNGVKE ƂGNF QP VJG YGUV GPF QH ECORWU Although it’s a lot to do, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

174 $1#4& +5 564'0)6*'0'& by seasoned trustees, and energized by the regular infusion of new trustees with a fresh perspective and professional expertise. This past year, two dedicated trustees retired from the Board: Dirk Gates, who completed a remarkable 18 years of service on the Board, and Christina DeRonde who completed eight years of service on the Board. Thank you for your wisdom, leadership and tireless contributions made over the years to Viewpoint School. We also welcomed four new trustees, Michael Kelly, Anne Leonetti, Dick Robertson, and Peggy Jones. (+0#..; 9' #4' /156 2417& of our students. As a community, we celebrate the joy in their eyes, and help when VJGTG CTG VGCTU 1WT EQOOWPKV[ JCU CNYC[U DGGP Ć‚GTEGN[ dedicated to our students and to their development into YGNN TQWPFGF CFWNVU YJQ CNYC[U MGGR UVTKXKPI +VoU YJCV OCMGU Viewpoint so special.

John Nadolenco Chair, Board of Trustees

VIE WP OINT SCHOOL

11

MILDRED GALINDO Ê KITCHIN’S KITCHEN SUPERVISOR $[ C O GCEJ OQTPKPI VJG OQWVJ YCVGTKPI CTQOC QH HTGUJ HTQO VJG QXGP JQOGOCFG HTQO UETCVEJ EJQEQNCVG UEQPGU DCPCPC OWHƂPU CPF EKPPCOQP TQNNU ƂNNU VJG CKT CPF VJG OQTPKPI TWUJ KP Kitchin’s Kitchen begins. Viewpoint’s dining service staff of 13 provides an average of 900 meals each day in both Kitchin’s Kitchen and the new Helfand’s Harvest for our Primary and Lower School students. Viewpoint is proud to offer a wide array of fresh, locally sourced, and healthy options for our students and employees to enjoy throughout the day.

PEGGY JONES

ĂŠ NEW TRUSTEE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-15

John Nadolenco, Chair Jonathon Wolfson, Vice Chair Michael Murphy, Secretary Robert Webster, Chair – Finance Committee HalÊ Behzadi, Chair – Committee on Trustees, Delegate-at-Large Joseph Carieri, Delegate-at-Large %JTKUVKPC &G4QPFG Delegate-at-Large Jerry Paul, Delegate-at-Large Tom Boone Seth Casden ’91 ,C[ &K/CIIKQ Chair – Buildings and Grounds &KTM )CVGU Andrew Gengos Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, Chair – Advancement Committee Brian Glicklich Jeremy Helfand, Chair – Capital Gifts Committee Peggy Jones Michael Kelly Anne Leonetti Robert Lopata Bill Malcolm Tom Moran &KEM 4QDGTVUQP Charles Schetter, Chair – Strategic Plan Committee Matthew Serletic Jeffrey Stibel Kumar Yamani Keith Zimmet

14

OUT OF MANY, ONE COMMUNITY

“WITHOUT A DOUBT,

there’s an enormous difference between 8KGYRQKPV VQFC[ CPF VJG 8KGYRQKPV VJCV ITGGVGF WU VJCV Ć‚TUV day of school 25 years ago,â€? remarked Peggy Jones, who joined the Board of Trustees last year as both an alumni parent and a new parent of a Kindergartener. “I am happy to report, however, that one very important quality has TGOCKPGF WPEJCPIGF CPF VJCV KU VJG QPG QP QPG VGCEJKPI CPF mentoring that takes place in our Primary and Lower Schools – you cannot ask for a better start for your child.â€?

2')); ,10'5 #0& 2#4+5' .+8#015 recently celebrated their 15th anniversary, and share a long and happy association with 8KGYRQKPV VJTQWIJ VJGKT Ć‚XG EJKNFTGP 2GII[oU FCWIJVGT -T[UVCN &T[ o NGF VJG YC[ CPF YCU HQNNQYGF D[ JGT UKUVGT ,CEN[P &T[ ’05, and Parise’s sons, Georgio Livanos ’10 and Paris Livanos o YJQ EQPVKPWGU JKU UVWFKGU CV 9GUVOCTM 5EJQQN 2GII[ CPF Parise’s youngest son Brodyn (Brody) Jones ’27 continues the family tradition and is now in First Grade. She commented, “It’s such fun watching him grow at Viewpoint. He’s happy and GPICIGF CPF YG JCXG ITGCV EQPĆ‚FGPEG KP JKU UWEEGUU DGECWUG we’ve seen the end product. We have great kids and are proud of them.â€? “THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME FOR VIEWPOINT,â€? explained Peggy. “It’s a time of transition and change, and change is a good thing. It brings new thoughts, ideas, and directions and is much like the change I am experiencing in my own company.â€?

Peggy is the CEO of Jones and Jones Management Group, +PE C 9QQFNCPF *KNNU DCUGF HCOKN[ QYPGF CPF QRGTCVGF property management business founded in 1971 by her father.

The company owns and manages over 2,900 units throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Krystal joined the company after earning a degree in Finance at Tulane, followed by an /$# CPF OCUVGTU KP 4GCN 'UVCVG &GXGNQROGPV HTQO 75% p+ CO fortunate to have her on board,� said Peggy. “She now handles VJG GUUGPVKCN FC[ VQ FC[ QRGTCVKQPU VJCV JCXG GPCDNGF OG VQ take a step back and give back.�

2')); #0& 2#4+5' *#8' $''0 .1;#. and dedicated supporters of Viewpoint – both through volunteer service to VJG $GPGĆ‚V CPF 855# KP CFFKVKQP VQ VJGKT IGPGTQWU Ć‚PCPEKCN support of the School’s varied campaigns. “I want to help the School continue to grow,â€? said Peggy. “Viewpoint has been XGT[ IQQF VQ QWT HCOKN[ CPF + UGG VJG NQPI VGTO GHHGEVU KP our older children.â€? She added, “If I can help by lending my expertise to this great group of trustees, I am honored to do so.â€?

MICHAEL KELLY

ĂŠ NEW TRUSTEE

ANNE LEONETTI

ĂŠ NEW TRUSTEE

MICHAEL KELLY HAS HAD

WHEN YOU MEET ANNE

IT WAS AMGEN THAT BROUGHT the Kelly’s from Texas to California in 2002 and soon after, to Viewpoint. “Mara was ready to begin Second Grade, and Bonnie and I got to know the community and local schools.� Michael explained. “We prize excellent academics and found that Viewpoint had the best reputation and an academic approach wrapped in a nurturing environment.� He added, “While touring the campus, we couldn’t ignore the fact that the students just looked happy!�

“BEFORE WE BEGAN OUR FAMILY, we traveled extensively and worked wherever the challenge and opportunity presented itself. Now, with three children, it is important for me to focus on their lives.â€? The Leonettis came to the U.S. eight years ago when Olivier’s work at &GNN NCPFGF VJGO KP #WUVKP 6GZCU %JCTNQVVG o 6JQOCU ’20, and Benjamin ’22 attended the Austin International School with a comprehensive trilingual curriculum. As a RCTGPV XQNWPVGGT #PPG YCU UQQP CUMGF VQ LQKP VJG $QCTF QH 6TWUVGGU YJGTG UJG JGNRGF FGĆ‚PG VJG UEJQQNoU KFGPVKV[ through a redesign of its logo and Web site.

C Ć‚XG [GCT hiatus from his last term on Viewpoint’s Board of Trustees – a period that took his family – spouse Bonnie, and their two children, Mara ’15 and Jared ’18, to Zurich, Switzerland for his work with Amgen, Inc. As he explained, “So much has taken place in our lives, particularly with respect to our children’s extraordinary educational experiences,â€? said Michael. “It is my wish as I rejoin the Board, that I may share these unique experiences as we work together to enhance Viewpoint’s prominence as a nationally recognized independent school.â€?

IT HAS BEEN AN EXCITING JOURNEY, both in terms of professional growth, as well as foreign travel for Michael, who is now the senior vice president of Global Business Services for Amgen, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest independent DKQVGEJPQNQI[ Ć&#x201A;TO *KU TGNQECVKQP VQ <WTKEJ KP however, was a turning point for the entire family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We approached it as a teaching opportunity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a chance HQT QWT MKFU VQ NGCTP VQ DG Ć&#x192;GZKDNG CPF VQ GZRCPF VJGKT PQVKQP QH VJG YQTNF CPF JQY VJG[ Ć&#x201A;V KPVQ KV q JG GZRNCKPGF â&#x20AC;&#x153;They experienced how big the world is, but how small it becomes when you start to travel yourself. Each year I saw them growing exponentially.â&#x20AC;? Now that Michael and Bonnie are back in California, they fully realize how HQTVWPCVG VJG[ CNN YGTG VQ JCXG JCF VJKU NKHG EJCPIKPI opportunity. Mara graduated from St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School in New Hampshire and is a freshman at Cal Berkeley studying her passions of German, Art, and International Studies. Jared is continuing his studies at Brooks Academy in Andover, MA where, he too, is passionate about German and International Studies.

18'4 6*' ;'#45 $16* /+%*#'. #0& $100+' have been loyal advocates and volunteers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Viewpoint will always be an important part of our familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life,â&#x20AC;? said Michael. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish that each new family would take the opportunity to get to know the School beyond their own childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class and activities. It is then that you fully appreciate what a remarkable place it is!â&#x20AC;?

Leonetti, you are immediately charmed by her delightful accent. She and her husband Olivier are French citizens whose careers have taken them far and wide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have now lived longer abroad than we have lived in France,â&#x20AC;? explained Anne, whose work in marketing and category management KPENWFGU VJG &KTGEVQTUJKR QH /CTMGVKPI CV .o1TĂ&#x2026;CN Fragrances in London. She has held positions at many of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exclusive beauty brands including 5CPQĆ&#x201A; ;XGU 5CKPV .CWTGPV 8CP %NGGH #TRGNU 4CNRJ Lauren, Maybelline, and L'OrĂŠal Paris.

6*' .'10'66+5 /18'& 61 %#.#$#5#5 four years ago when Olivier joined Amgen and recently Western &KIKVCN p9G JCXG HQWPF C JQOG KP 5QWVJGTP %CNKHQTPKC q Anne explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is such a wonderful mosaic of perspectives here and, best of all, our children are happily thriving. Charlotte and Thomas enrolled at 8KGYRQKPV CPF VJG Ć&#x201A;V YCU TKIJV HTQO VJG UVCTV q UCKF Anne. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have their individual passions, but also are discovering new interests along the way. We look forward to Benjamin starting Viewpoint next year from the LycĂŠe International.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I LIKE TO SAY THAT VIEWPOINT IS AN AMERICAN independent school with a twist,â&#x20AC;? explained Anne. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, it is very academic and committed to achieve top collegiate acceptances, but the big difference is that Viewpoint genuinely cares about the journey of its students. With tradition and a strong value system at the core, our children feel safe and encouraged to reach beyond their comfort zone and that is what makes Viewpoint extraordinary. Our students are our best ambassadors.â&#x20AC;?

VIE WP OINT SCHOOL

15

JILL SCHECTER

Ê NEW TRUSTEE

SARAH CROCKETT SPANO ’05

Ê NEW TRUSTEE

JILL SCHECTER KNOWS

VIEWPOINT IS PROUD

firsthand what outstanding, independent, secondary schools are about. Both she and her husband Dan graduated from two of Los Angeles’ top prep schools – the predecessors of Harvard-Westlake School.

“The interesting thing is that our daughters’ Viewpoint experience is very reminiscent of our own at Westlake and Harvard,” said Jill, who begun her tenure as a trustee this fall and is already contributing to the School’s Building and Grounds Committee. “From the caliber of the academics and the focus on college prep, to the college-level energy on campus with so many diverse activities,” she commented, “the enthusiasm is almost palpable at Viewpoint.”

“THERE IS NO PROFILE OF A VIEWPOINT STUDENT. Each of our daughters are incredibly different individuals. Sarah ’14, a junior at Northwestern, Jamie ’16, and Grace ’21, all have followed their interests yet been encouraged to stretch to be multi-dimensional. I think that is why the School works so well for our daughters,” explained Jill.

VIEWPOINT HAS LONG BEEN ON JILL’S RADAR. “My parents moved to Calabasas when I was 11, a very different place than today! There were no stop signs, let alone traffic signals. My school was 25 miles away – definitely a commute I did not want for my own children,” she said. “It took time and effort to get back to Calabasas, but we are happy to live here and enjoy Viewpoint’s proximity.”

JILL AND DAN ARE BOTH ATTORNEYS who graduated from Cal Berkeley’s undergraduate school, followed by UCLA and USC Schools of Law respectively. After a career focused in construction law, Jill is now directing her expertise to philanthropic endeavors. “I have always served on our daughters’ parent-faculty executive boards,” said Jill. “I believe that parent involvement is critical to the success of any school. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for collaboration, because at its roots, all parents are in pursuit of the same mission, improving the educational opportunities for its students.” In addition to her board service at Viewpoint, Jill is the president of the board of directors of The Oaks at Calabasas, a community of 557 homes, and supports the good work of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

“VIEWPOINT HAS EXPLODED IN ITS GROWTH and prestige over a very short period of time. I am honored to take my place on the Board of Trustees and to further support the School’s passionate goal to be at the forefront of independent school education.”

16

OUT OF MANY, ONE COMMUNITY

to welcome alumna Sarah Crockett Spano ’05 to the Board of Trustees. “I am honored to have this opportunity,” said Sarah. “Viewpoint has given me so much that it is gratifying to consider my service as ‘closing the circle.’” Sarah is a resident of Silver Lake, and she and her fiancée, Phil Kropoth, will wed in the summer of 2016.

“WHEN I LOOK BACK ON MY YEARS AT VIEWPOINT, I now appreciate the rigorous academic program that truly made all the difference,” explained Sarah. “None of my studies has been more demanding than Viewpoint’s, and yet it was that process of learning to communicate, to organize, and to think that is so critical to success in higher learning and beyond.”

MALIBU BORN AND BRED, SARAH spread her wings upon graduating with her eyes and heart set on far-away lands.

While studying anthropology and archeology at NYU, she pursued a love of Etruscan history from seeds planted in family travels to Europe that began for her as early as age seven. Before graduating Magna Cum Laude and earning Phi Beta Kappa honors, Sarah spent much of her collegiate career abroad, investing extensive time at numerous archeological digs throughout Italy. However, it was her time spent working on organic olive farms in Tuscany that changed her path in a whole new direction.

JOINING AMERICORPS, SARAH WORKED with the Eastern Sierra Land Trust in Bishop, CA to support land conservation and sustainable environments in rural communities. She commented, “I have always been interested in conservation and loved the outdoors, but this unique opportunity changed my life.” In 2011 Sarah began work at Environmental Science Associates in downtown Los Angeles where she is a Senior Associate managing water and energy projects throughout the state. She conducts environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which is required for large-scale infrastructure projects.

AS A LONG-TIME ALUMNI BOARD MEMBER, president, and most recently, member of the Head of School Search Committee, Sarah has once again made her mark at Viewpoint. “I am looking forward to my service as a trustee,” said Sarah. “There’s a place at the table for young alums where they can make a valuable contribution. I, myself, hope to grow from working with these accomplished and diverse individuals, and this period of transition is an exciting time for Viewpoint. There is great energy and enthusiasm, and you can feel that something exciting is about to happen.”

DAVID ZEBRACK

Ê NEW TRUSTEE

IT’S REALLY ALL ABOUT

family for David ZeBrack.

From his career working alongside his father in their West Los Angeles commercial real estate and development company, ZeBrack Group, to enjoying regular vacations and spending time with members of his family.” David explained, “It’s who we are, and what’s important to us,” which is why David generously consented to taking on the volunteer role of a Viewpoint trustee. “There is nothing more valuable than our children,” said David. “Serving one’s school is part of how we stay engaged in their lives by showing them that who they are, and what they do, truly matters to us as their parents.”

BOTH CHLOE ’19 AND BEN ’21 CAME TO VIEWPOINT following their graduation from Los Encinos School where David serves as a trustee. “Choosing Viewpoint was an easy decision. We fell in love with the campus’s natural setting, but were sold on the nurturing environment, rigorous academics, and diverse opportunities. Chloe and

Ben are both inclined toward science and technology, and it’s heartening to witness them discover their passion and path for their future,” explained David.

DAVID WAS BORN AND RAISED in Southern California and graduated from The Buckley School and USC. He and his wife Christine have been married 17 years and recently moved to Hidden Hills. “We are so happy to have both our children in the same school, and to live in the same community as Viewpoint,” said David.

“THERE IS A STRONG SENSE OF TRADITION at Viewpoint, and while we are in a time of exciting transition, there is deep respect for the success that has been achieved,” said David. “A good Board of Trustees gives the School the tools it needs and makes sure that the right people are in place. Viewpoint has got it right, and I am excited to engage in the important work of this board. I can think of no better use of my time.”

“THE BIG DIFFERENCE IS THAT VIEWPOINT GENUINELY CARES ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF ITS STUDENTS. WITH TRADITION AND A STRONG VALUE SYSTEM AT THE CORE, OUR CHILDREN FEEL SAFE AND ENCOURAGED TO REACH BEYOND THEIR COMFORT ZONE AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES VIEWPOINT EXTRAORDINARY.” — Anne Leonetti, New Trustee

VIE WP OINT SCHOOL

17

DR. KRISTIN HERKSTROETER Ã&#x160; MUSIC PROGRAM CHAIR Viewpointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant music program trains young musicians beginning in Kindergarten to appreciate music.

Each Fifth Grade student selects a favorite instrument to study and is immersed in the training that, HQT UQOG DGEQOGU C NKHG NQPI NQXG $[ 5GXGPVJ )TCFG UVWFGPVU CTG RTQÆ&#x201A;EKGPV CPF OQTG VJCP EJQQUG to continue their instruction and play in one of the two Middle School orchestras under the direction of /WUKE 2TQITCO %JCKT &T -TKUVKP *GTMUVTQGVGT 6QIGVJGT QWT 7RRGT 5EJQQN 1TEJGUVTC CPF 9KPF 'PUGODNG number more than 70 students who perform and compete with great success.