Whitfield Receives Transformational Gift to Expand Academic Success Team

Whitfield School has received a transformational gift from Kyle Kerner ’96 and Lauren Weissman Kerner ’96 to endow a full-time Learning Specialist position and expand the school’s Academic Success team, currently led by The Kerner Family Director of Teaching & Learning Mead Ploszay.

The Kerners, who have been giving back to Whitfield for 13 consecutive years, both benefited from the personalized learning experience of a Whitfield education. They care deeply about helping schools create equitable educational experiences for neurodiverse students, while at the same time, expanding academic programs and support for all students.

“At Whitfield, we empower all students to understand and leverage their cognitive and personal strengths,” said Head of School Chris Cunningham. “The Kerner gift will expand professional development opportunities for our faculty, deepening their understanding of learning differences and broadening their repertoire of strategies for teaching our neurodiverse students. But research shows that good teaching for neurodiverse students is just good teaching–so this gift will improve the academic experience for all of our students.”

Gifts of this magnitude allow Whitfield to be even more competitive in the independent school marketplace.

"Supporting neurodiversity means celebrating the unique ways in which we experience the world and recognizing that the contributions of our diverse minds can drive positive change and create a thriving, vibrant world," said Lauren Weissman Kerner ’96.

As active and engaged alumni, the Kerners’ commitment to advancing the school’s mission is an inspiration for our entire community.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Kyle and Lauren Kerner,” said Director of Development Kelly Edwards. “Their extraordinary support will enhance academic programs for all students, providing more challenge, support, and learning opportunities.”

“Supporting neurodiversity means celebrating the unique ways in which we experience the world and recognizing that the contributions of our diverse minds can drive positive change and create a thriving, vibrant world.

-Lauren Weissman Kerner ’96, alumna

Whitfield would like to dedicate this edition of Insights to Becky Marsh who served as the voice of the school for 29 years.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES • 2023-2024

Ron Fox ’74 (Chair)

Paul Minorini

MISSION: A small school community committed to kindness and trust, Whitfield inspires a diverse student body to lead lives of curiosity, integrity, and purpose

VISION: Empowering young people to discover and become their best selves.

Chris Cunningham, Ph.D. Head of School

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION:

Whitfield School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school for grades 6–12. Whitfield seeks to maintain a student body diverse in geographic, economic, racial and religious backgrounds. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or color in administering its academic policies, admissions policies, athletic policies, financial aid program or other school activities.

Derik King (Vice Chair)

David Ressner (Treasurer)

Karen Myers (Secretary)

Andy Bryan

Brian Chao ’08

John Corn

Dave Cooperstein

Tamara Estrill-Lett

Jeffrey Evitts

Corey Jones

Kris Mannen ’05

Melissa Howe O’Connor ’08

Asim Raza

Scott Rhodes ’98

Geneen Von Kloha

Philip B. Cady Jr. ’70

Bruno B. Schmitter

Wayne L. Smith II

Chris Cunningham, Ph.D.

Head of School (Ex-Officio)

IMAGE BY GEOFF STORY