THE JETWAY: WINTER 2025
Table of Contents
Welcome from HOS
A Forever Home
Building Dreams, One Agreement at a Time
Creative Movement
Walking for a Kinder Kindergarten
This is WNS
A Community of Changemakers
Mini Maker Faire
“WNS Makes Me Feel Happy”
Murals for Change
8th Grade SWIM Perspectives
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
Creating Global Citizens
Performing Arts
Athletics
Class of 2024
Alumni Highlights
Annual Fund
Complete the Dream: 5340 Alla Road
Ways To Support
Editors
Hannah Lawrence, Director of PR & Marketing
Daniel Brubaker, Director of Communications
Becky Lockhart Poulter, Assistant Director of Development
Printing
Ed Su, Studio Printing
Photography
Daniel Brubaker, Director of Communications
Mychal Braver, Development & Special Events Coordinator
Vince Bucci Photography WNS Community Members
TheJetway is published annually by Westside Neighborhood School for parents/caregivers, alumni, and friends. For more information or questions, please contact:
WNS Office of Marketing & Communications
I talk to students often about the concept of “the knot.” Perhaps you, as parents, caregivers, or valued friends of WNS, have also heard me talk about “the knot.” The knot is the place you live in when things feel tough, uncomfortable, sticky when it’s hard to find a solution. But ultimately, the knot is where you live when you’re in the midst of growth.
Being in the knot teaches children and adults alike the power of failure and iteration, how to be resilient, and the incredible feeling of accomplishment when you find your way out of it.
I find myself in the knot frequently, but a particularly “knotty” time has been over the past 15 months, as we worked tirelessly to position WNS to make the game-changing purchase of our future campus home at 5340 Alla Road. The odds were stacked against us. I heard “no” many times and experienced defeating moments where it looked like it wasn’t going to work out. But the resilience, dedication, and sheer determination demonstrated by a small team working around the clock allowed us to acheive what we thought was unattainable. WNS now proudly owns a 132,000 sq. ft. worldclass campus building on 5 acres of land in Playa Vista. We made it out of the knot.
We moved immediately into the next phase of the journey, working hard to design, finance, and build out what we know will be the premier PS-8 educational facility in Los Angeles. We did this without losing sight of our school’s identity, ensuring that our children are thriving in the current 2024-25 school
year. The knot continues. Meanwhile, our students encounter knots of their own, learning new skills, growing, playing, finding joy, making memories, and becoming global citizens who work to make the world a better place.
This is my hope for every member of the WNS community and for the school itself: that we make our mark. Our curriculum challenges students to leave a positive impact on their communities and on the broader global landscape, beginning right at the Early Childhood Center. By the time they are in middle school, our students are going out into their community, identifying sustainable ways to make a difference. Our faculty members are challenged to make their mark by helping shape the next generationa responsibility that they take on with great awareness of the weight that it carries. I am inspired to make my mark each day by seeing firsthand what our students are capable of. These students are our reason for being here. And with our new home coming in 2026, I am confident that WNS will continue to make its mark - an even greater mark than we could have ever imagined - on the city of Los Angeles, and the world as a whole as we send our graduates out to be the pathfinders and changemakers that we, in partnership with you, have taught them to be.
I hope this issue of TheJetway brings you a great deal of pride at what your students have accomplished and for this incredibly special community that you are a part of.
In partnership,
Brad Zacuto Head of School
A Forever Home
From The Neighborhood, To The World
Since our founding in 1980, Westside Neighborhood School (WNS) has always been futurefocused, preparing students to thrive and lead in a world that will likely look different to the present day. But this year, more than ever at WNS, all eyes are on the future.
We are on the precipice of a transformational change – a culmination of years of hard work to secure the school’s legacy. Last year marked a significant milestone for our school as we proudly purchased our own building, an expansive, state-of-the-art 132,000 square-foot building sitting on 5 acres of land in Playa Vista that will cement the future of WNS forever.
This ‘forever home’ at 5340 Alla Road, opening in fall 2026, is much more than a bigger building and double the acreage of land. It has provided our highly skilled team of future thinkers and expert educators to
collaborate on designing a PS-8 campus that will allow a diverse population of children to embrace a vibrant and rigorous future-focused academic program. It will set WNS apart from other schools in the Los Angeles market.
While visually stunning, more importantly, the building is being meticulously engineered to create an optimal learning environment for children, taking into consideration such details as the research-based impact of natural light, student access to light and green spaces, visual and spatial environments that provide a balance of calm and high level of academic engagement, and acoustic engineering in creating optimal conditions for students to thrive both academically and socially.
This will be accompanied by larger classrooms to reduce density, and space for a projectbased curriculum that includes innovative entrepreneurial studies, visual and digital arts, theater, music, core academics, and space for imaginative play. We can’t wait to have you along for the ride!
WNS has partnered with architects House & Roberton and design architects Smith Clementi on what will be the premier preschool-8 educational facility in Los Angeles.
Lobby View: Welcome to WNS! With the influence of wood and grounding colors, the lobby will be a welcoming hub for students and visitors.
Multimedia Learning Center, with middle school research center, dynamic learning spaces, and elementary school reading “treehouse”.
Pictured left: Exterior rendering featuring student walk-up entrance, with secuirty check-in desk.
Gymnasium, with stage for Community Gathering and Black Box Theatre behind.
Arts Hallway: More than just a passing space, the arts hallway will feature gallery-style walls where student art can be celebrated and shared with the community, ample seating areas, and navigation signs to help orientate around the school.
Middle School Commons: The commons will provide a dedicated space for middle schoolers to make their own, with a room to socialize, gather, hold student council meetings, do group projects, and feel a sense of ownership over their space.
Outdoor Play Yard: The yard will feature ample shade, numerous varied seating options, our wonderful play structure, and significantly more space for sports and games, including space for a U10 soccer field, basketball court, and running track.
Building Dreams,
One Agreement at a Time
At the beginning of the school year, the Sandpipers, one of our developmental kindergarten classes at the WNS Early Childhood Center (ECC), embarked on an important journey to create their own classroom agreements.
Over several weeks, they worked together to build guidelines that reflect their shared hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Instead of rules, these agreements are communallyagreed-upon principles that guide how they learn and grow together as a community!
The process began with the children thinking about what they wanted to achieve, both individually and as a class. Some wanted to make new friends, while others wanted to learn something new every day. As they shared, their ideas came together in simple but powerful ways: “Be kind,” “Be nice to each other,” and “Love people.” Some even expressed their wish to support one another through actions like, “Ask, do you want to play with me?” and “Say yes, no thank you, or maybe later.”
From these ideas, the Sandpipers agreed on their guiding principles: “Together, let’s be friendly,” “Love everyone,” “Be kind,” and “Teach me.” This last special agreement truly captures their spirit, where the children promise to help each other learn, whether it’s through reading books together, demonstrating how to do a cartwheel, or teaching how to draw a tiger!
Susan, one of the Sandpiper co-lead teachers reflected “watching the children share their hopes and dreams has been inspiring. The goal of shaping our classroom agreements is to create an environment where each child feels valued and heard.”
By starting the year with such a strong foundation, the Sandpipers are learning to build a community where kindness and cooperation lead the way. As the year unfolds, these young Jets will continue to grow, not just academically, but as kind, compassionate individuals, supported by their class agreements that reflect who they truly are!
Creative Movement
A New Space for Exploration & Joy
Olivia Howard, Dance Teacher
All preschool through first-grade students have the opportunity to engage in a brand-new Creative Movement program! Designed to inspire exploration, creativity, and collaboration, this class blends music, movement, and storytelling to support the whole child’s development.
The name Creative Movement reflects the guiding philosophy of the class: students are always invited to explore the concepts presented and interpret them in ways that feel meaningful to them.
In Creative Movement, each grade explores topics connected to their classroom learning, using movement to deepen understanding and create personal meaning. Students might form letters with their bodies, explore shapes and storytelling through dance, or express emotions like joy or curiosity through movement. This process fosters creativity, confidence, and teamwork while connecting students to physical expression and discovery.
Throughout class, there are moments to celebrate individuality, while classmates practice being an encouraging and attentive audience. This act of performing and observing fosters an environment of mutual respect and creative confidence.
Creative Movement is not about mastering steps or perfecting routines—it’s about the process of discovery. Each child’s movement style is celebrated, and the class is designed to inspire curiosity, joy, and a lifelong love of exploring the possibilities of their bodies and imaginations.
Walking for a Kinder Kindergarten
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
On November 14th, 2024, the WNS community took part in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. This meaningful day honors Ruby Bridges, who in 1960 was the first Black child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Six-year-old Ruby became a national icon for the civil rights movement, as she bravely walked into school, past a mob of people trying to block her entrance.
In honor of Ruby’s courage, and to celebrate the power of young people in affecting change, WNS students, parents, and faculty alike took part in this national day of commemoration by walking to school, as a community.
Conversations about Ruby Bridges continued throughout the week. In Kindergarten, Sachio’s mom read a book about Ruby to the class. Students were so excited to take part in the walk and proudly wore their purple outfits, in solidarity with Ruby!
In their reflection sessions, kindergartners discussed the importance of what Ruby had done, and how brave she was for doing it. This sparked a discussion about bravery, and Ms. Velazquez encouraged the students of KX to share a time they have felt brave. Here is what our courageous kindergarteners had to say!
“I was brave when I was scared when I first went to WNS but I got used to it. Like I can be scared of things but I can get used to it.” - Jace
“For me I would just walk to school. And a way for me to be brave is my Mom walking with me.” - Sachio
“On the first day of school I was a little bit nervous.” - Colette
“I had to be brave to walk into kindergarten. I had a lot of emotions to doing that..” - Adam
“I was brave when I first got into kindergarten.” - Alex “I was brave by speaking in morning meeting.” - Frankie
“I’m going to be brave to go to Jujitsu.” - Hutch
“That when I came to kindergarten I was brave, too.” - Remya
“I’m brave going in the forest if there are ghost bugs. A ghost bug is a bug whose face looks like a ghost.” - Carter
WNS walks to school in honor of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
This is WNS
A First Grade Adventure in Building Community
“This is WNS” - a new 1st grade project - introduced a hands-on, engaging way for first graders to get to know the heart and soul of their school — the people who make WNS such a special place! Through this creative project, students explored the important roles that help our school run smoothly, from teachers to staff members, and learned just how everyone contributes to the WNS community.
It all started with a big brainstorming session. The first graders made a list of all the people and places that are key to WNS. Of course, they started with their classroom teachers, but then their curiosity took off, and they added everyone from the operations team to the front desk team — and even people in all three school buildings! The class soon realized there were many more community members they should meet!
Dividing into two groups, the students set off on an adventure around WNS, visiting classrooms and offices to learn about different jobs. Armed with questions like, “What is your name?”, “What is your job?”, and “How do you help our WNS community?”, the students spoke with teachers, staff, and administrators, taking notes and drawing pictures of each person and their workspace. It was a great way for the students to see how everyone’s roles are connected and important!
Next up, first graders invited WNS community members back to their classrooms for interviews, including
familiar faces such Ms. Molly, Ms. Mac, Mr. Brubaker, and Ms. Zachman. Curriculum coordinators like Ms. Wolfe, Ms. Hillary, and Dewi joined in, as well as senior administrators, including Ms. Rodriguez, Tasha, Mrs. Johnson, and Head of School, Mr. Zacuto! During these interviews, the first graders got to ask all sorts of fun and interesting questions, like “What brought you to WNS?”, “What’s your favorite part of your job?”, and “What’s your favorite food?”
By asking these questions, the students learned how everyone in the WNS community works together to create a warm, welcoming, and safe place to learn. They realized that whether it’s a teacher in the classroom, a staff member behind the scenes, or a leader in the office, every person’s work is valuable and makes a big difference.
Once the interviews were done, each student created an “All About” page for one of the WNS community members. This was a chance for the kids to share what they’d learned and celebrate all the wonderful people who make their school such an amazing place.
“This is WNS” wasn’t just about learning facts — it was about building connections, strengthening the sense of community, and showing first graders how they can be active, engaged members of the WNS family. It taught them how important it is to appreciate and recognize the roles of everyone around them and how every person at WNS helps make the school a better place. It was a fun way for students to step up, get involved, and feel proud to be part of their community!
A Community of Changemakers
Second Grade Learns that Changemakers are Action-Takers, Leaders, and Innovators. And They Are all Around Us.
A highlight of the second grade is undoubtedly the Changemaker Project. At WNS, we talk about the concept of changemakers often. A changemaker is not just a dreamer, but an action-taker, an innovator, and a leader, committed to bringing about societal change. It is our collective commitment that when a student graduates from WNS, they are equipped with the necessary skills and mindset to continue on their path to becoming exactly that.
In the second grade, students embark on a project where they discover great changemakers of past and present. This multi-week, cross-curricular project culminates in the Changemaker Museum, where students step into the shoes of their chosen changemakers, explore what life must have been like for that person, and present their exhibition to the WNS community.
To kick off the project, second grade faculty invited changemakers from within our very own WNS community to come into the classroom and speak to the students! We are so lucky to have so many skilled and talented people in our community who have made their life’s mission to make a difference, in so many ways.
We welcomed Naja Johnson, Hendrix’s grandma, whose father, Rev. L. Francis Griffin, was integral in the Civil Rights Movement, working directly with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. himself. Mrs. Johnson grew up in Farmville, VA, where the public schools were shut down to avoid integration and to lock Black children out of schools, following the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954. As such, Mrs. Johnson’s father worked with Dr. King to help many Black families move their children to other cities to access education. Mrs. Johnson herself,
who met Dr. King during this time, was sent to Palo Alto, CA, to live with a white family so she could attend school. In 1964, the Supreme Court instructed the county to reopen its public schools. What an inspirational and moving story.
We also welcomed Sarah Fowler, John’s mom, who is a lawyer for the Screen Actors Guild and Writers strikes! Sarah spoke to second graders about collective action. She also partnered with other parents who could offer different perspectives of the strikes. This included Easton’s mom, who is a lawyer; Owen’s dad, who is an actor; and Greer’s dad, who photographed the strikes. Our students had a lot to say about this presentation because many of them had walked the picket line with their families!
We also welcomed some WNS Jets themselves! Sadie Kaplan , WNS class of ‘23, came to talk to the students about how young people can make a difference. Sadie founded Entrepreneurial Day while in her 8th grade year. This day encourages our middle school students to harness their entrepreneurial spirit and offers them a space to set up their venture at WNS to promote to faculty, staff, and fellow students. Sadie has also done extensive volunteer work, most recently in Costa Rica withGlobal Leadership Adventures’ Animal Rescue Project, where among many skills, she learned to neuter animals to prevent overbreeding. Sadie is also part of the Grades of Green SOAR EcoInnovation Academy, which she was referred to by Mr. Umekubo, WNS Director of Entrepreneurial Studies. The students were so excited to see Sadie back, especially her two former buddies!
We also welcomed Zachary F., current WNS 7th grader, to talk about his climate change podcast! Our second graders were very interested in who he’s spoken to on his podcast, and how to create a podcast. They also had questions about whether he was nervous talking to important people!
These are just a few of the incredible changemakers that we welcomed into our classrooms. We are so lucky to give our students first-hand access to such impactful and diverse stories. This year, faculty have introduced a new element to the Changemaker Project: students will do an action step inspired by their changemaker. For example, “Malala is brave so I can be brave by speaking at Community Gathering about the environment.” With this in mind, our classroom visitors gave ideas of actions that students could also take later for their changemaker project, from writing books to speaking up. There are so many ways to make a difference! We are so thankful to each of our visitors who spent time with our students.
Together, we are creating the changemakers of tomorrow!
TheJetway
WINTER 2025
7th grader, Zachary F., presenting about his climate change podcast.
Sarah Fowler presenting about collective action and the SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Sadie Kaplan (‘23) presenting about her volunteer work and how young people can make a difference.
Pictured left: Naja Johnson presenting about her father’s work in the Civil Rights Movement.
Designing for the Future
The Mini Maker Faire
Creators. Inventors. Innovators. Designers. Artists. Solutionaries. That’s what our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students became at the annual
This STEAM-focused activity faire sees WNS open its doors to current students and neighboring schools, where children can come together and discover, play, and create, led by our expert design-code-make and
Highlights of the faire were undoubtedly the robotics table, hosted by members of our championship middle school robotics team, some of whom just took first place at the First Lego League Southern California
Other top stations included laser cutting, coding, 3D printing, and sewing. The best part? Designing and creating their very own items to take home! We saw intricately decorated pencil cases that had been screen printed by the students themselves and adorned with colorful threads and sequins from the crafts table as well as wooden keychains that were freshly laser-cut and excitedly fixed onto backpacks!
The overarching goal of the Mini Maker Faire is to show children that they are capable of harnessing technology and other resources to create and innovate what they’d like to see in the world. This lesson sets the stage for our young makers as they journey through middle school and begin the more robust social entrepreneurship programs such as DIVE (Design Innovation for Environments) in the 6th grade, SPLASH (Solving Problems for Los Angeles Society and Health) in the 7th grade, and lastly, SWIM (Solutionary Work in
Thank you, Mini Makers, we can’t wait to see what you
WNS Makes Me Feel Happy
Joining WNS in Middle School
Starting middle school can be an exciting time of change for students full of new academic expectations, class structures, responsibilities, and experiences. It’s a time of self-discovery, where a WNS student grows and challenges themself. Moving to a new school for middle school presents a further layer of change: new faces, new hallways, and an entirely new environment. 6th grader Mila M. started at WNS in the fall of 2024. Now, in January 2025, Mila is thriving. Mila sits down with us to tell her about her experience joining WNS in middle school.
Hi Mila! Tell us a little about what brought you to WNS.
Mila: “So the school I was at before was Kentwood Elementary, and I came to WNS because my parents thought it was such an amazing school, they visited a lot before deciding, and they really felt it would be the perfect fit for me with the tight community we have here.”
How were you feeling before you started WNS?
Mila: “At first I was a little scared to start middle school; I knew it was going to be a big change and that it would be different. But in the summer before starting 6th grade, I came to WNS for the summer camp, and initially I was nervous but then I enjoyed every minute, every second, every day of the week. I had a lot of fun, and that’s when I knew it was a great fit!”
Tell us about your first few days in middle school!
Mila: “My first days were really good, but also they were a little complicated. I didn’t know my teachers. I didn’t really know my full schedule. So, it took some time for me to get used to it, but now I’m used to it and I love it!”
Thinking about the year so far, what would you say has been a highlight of your time here so far?
Mila: “I think the 6th grade trip to Catalina Island in the fall was a highlight. Before the trip, I didn’t know that many people at WNS, but I feel like on the trip I got to know everyone way more. And it was really fun trip with the whole 6th grade!”
What else have you been involved in since you’ve been here?
Mila: “For the fall season, I did volleyball. Miss Youngblood and Miss Jessica were my coaches. I had a really fun time! For the spring, I’m excited to try softball.”
What would you say are your favorite classes so far?
Mila: “My favorite classes so far would probably be math class, Spanish class, and theater arts class. For math class, my teacher is Ms. Koiles and she was also my teacher during the summer program, so it was fun because I already knew her. I’ve really enjoyed learning more about her and that she’s gotten to know me better. In Spanish, Ms. Lesso is one of the best Spanish teachers I’ve ever had. She’s always makes me laugh. She’s so funny, and she really supports me.”
How have you found making friends?
Mila: “Making friends has been good. At WNS, you have so many different groups, so firstly there’s my advisory - I’m in a really fun section. And then I really like my Affinity Group. Oh, and my 1st grade buddy, Elise. I really love my buddy! Lastly, Family Groups have been a great way to get to know everyone in the school. They really build a community.”
What are you looking forward to? Is there anything on the horizon that you’re excited to try?
Mila: “I’m really looking forward to starting the softball season here, to see who my coach will be, and who’s on my team. I’m excited to play for the school!”
What advice would you have for a student joining WNS at middle school?
Mila: “It’s okay to be nervous, but have a positive mindset with a good attitude. Trust me, you’ll see that it’s a really great school!”
Lastly, complete the sentence “WNS Makes Me Feel...” Mila: “WNS makes me feel... happy”
Thank you, Mila, for sharing your experience with us! We are so proud to have you as a WNS Jet.
Mila M. Class of 2027.
Diwali performance at Community Gathering, together with Mila’s mom, Tania.
6th grade retreat to Catalina Island.
Murals For Change
7th Grade Explores Chicano Murals & Social Justice
7th graders recently embarked on an inspiring field trip to The Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC LA), where they had the chance to explore the world of Chicano muralism and its deep ties to social justice.
This experience, including a visit to the Great Wall exhibition, introduced a new element to their Spanish curriculum, giving them insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Chicano community in Los Angeles. Through this project, students not only learned about the history of Chicano murals but also began thinking critically about how art can be a powerful tool for change.
This interdisciplinary project brought together the Spanish, Social Studies, and Art departments. Before their visit, students studied the history and significance of Chicano muralism, including the groundbreaking work of artist Judy Baca, who has used murals to reflect and challenge social and political issues. They explored how murals can capture and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. In Social Studies, students examined the impact of murals on local neighborhoods, while in Art, they learned how to transform their ideas into their own social justice murals.
After exploring the artwork, 7th graders participated in reflective discussions where they considered questions such as, “What social or political issues matter most in your community?” and “How can murals address challenges like racism or inequality?” As they reflected on the murals, students thought about what issues were important to them and what kind of change they hoped to inspire.
As part of the project, students will soon begin designing their own murals, incorporating these reflections and their ideas about the power of art to celebrate diversity and address societal challenges. This journey not only helped students appreciate the cultural significance of Chicano murals but also gave them a platform to express their thoughts on the role of art in creating a more just and inclusive society.
Making their Mark
Eighth Grade SWIM Perspectives
SWIM (Solutionary Work in Motion) is the culminating project of a two-year capstone experience that sees 7th and 8th graders venture into the community and put their ideas into action, with the aim of bettering society. This epitomizes the WNS goal of empowering students to become changemakers.
SWIM is about more than just identifying problems; it’s about crafting innovative solutions. Students collaborate, research, and engage directly with community members and organizations. As they engage in hands-on work and navigate the challenges of real-world projects, our Jets are not just learning; they are making a tangible difference in the community.
These young social entrepreneurs took time to reflect on their project so far. Take a look at what they have to say about making a difference!
Magnus L.
“John, Otis, and I collaborated on "Paws For A Cause," an initiative to support the Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control Centers. Recognizing the shelters’ capacity challenges, we decided to focus on improving the animals’ quality of life while they await adoption.
We created donation boxes for items like newspapers, blankets, towels, and pet food. We also hosted a bake sale at the Middle School Entrepreneurial Day, and we recently organized an Ice Skating Fundraiser at the Los Angeles Kings Training Center in El Segundo.
I would say the most challenging part so far has been making sure we were following up with our emails and keeping track of upcoming events!
I feel like we’ve also made a difference through collaborating with the Pasadena Humane Society to not just help animals in shelters but also the animals deeply affected by the ongoing fires in Los Angeles.
I’d like to think our team has made a meaningful impact on the lives of animals both in shelters and in crisis situations.”
Lily H.
“My name is Lily and I am an 8th grader at WNS. Along with my team members, Maddy and Stella, we have been working on our SWIM project all year. At the beginning, we found that we were all passionate about unhoused LGBTQ+ youth.
Focusing our attention there, we reached out to an organization called Safe Place For Youth, or SPY. They work to house and support homeless youth, many of whom identify as LGBTQ+.
In order to help their organization, I created an Amazon wishlist with the items SPY asked for. We then sent our wishlist to family, posted it on our Instagram account @ support.our.youth (run by my mom), and posted it on our parents’ social media accounts. We ended up getting hundreds of donations that we then delivered to SPY. Since it was around the holidays, we stayed for a few hours to wrap presents, make gift bags, and write encouraging notes for the youth.
The entire experience was extremely rewarding as it felt like we were really making a difference. We also have plans to donate our time to SPY’s community garden and help refresh the area. We hope to continue supporting our youth by fundraising and purchasing the resources they need to feel secure and live as their authentic selves. More than ever, these young people need our help.”
Anna C.
“My project is helping unhoused families and individuals get access to the hygiene products they need. We are partnering with an organization called SOFESA, which helps people in need of shelter, food, hygiene products and healthy friendships.
I have really enjoyed being able to volunteer at SOFESA’s Christmas party because I got to know all of the people I was working so hard to help. Although this was such a great experience, it was very challenging to see everyone who needed help, and to know that it was just a small glimpse into the bigger picture.
Despite the challenges, it was very rewarding to see all of the people getting their gifts and products that we donated for them.”
Magnus (middle) and the “Paws For A Cause” group (Otis and John), delivering their donations to the animal shellter, where they spent time with the animals.
Anna (left) and the SOFESA group (Gabrielle, Blakeley, and Eda), raising money for their organization at Middle School Entrepreneurial Day.
Lily (middle) and the Safe Place For Youth group (Stella and Maddy), packing gift bags to give to homeless young people.
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
One of our most-loved traditions at WNS is the day that we open our campus to our students’ grandparents and special friends!
Grandparents and Special Friends Day takes place every two years. On this magical day, students proudly show the important people in their lives around their beloved school, taking them to their classrooms, engaging in classroom activities, attending a special community gathering, and giving them a peek into life at WNS!
On the morning of November 22nd 2024 there was a palpable buzz of excitement in the air. The balloons were hung, the snacks were laid out, and the faculty and staff were eagerly waiting to open the doors to our special guests. As the gates opened, the joy radiated from each student and visitor alike!
Our youngest Jets at the ECC were the first to lead their guests through the gates. Little hands guiding their guests around the playyard, they were so excited to point out the play structure, the sand pit, and most importantly, introduce them to their friends and teachers! With giggles in the air and laughter echoing around the ECC, we settled into the amphitheater for a special Morning Sing. Dewi, our Director of Pep, raised the mic as voices hushed around her, and we began singing one of the much-loved songs of the WNS ECC: “We’ve been waiting for you to come to this place…”
Over at the K-8 campus, grandparents and their students gathered in the yard and made their way through the Art Walk, carefully curated by our art teachers and our student artists! We were wowed by the vibrant colors, and the intricate details of the students’ pieces!
Then it was time to embark upon the schedule of the day! Students showed their guests to their classrooms, while others gathered in the MPR for a very special Community Gathering. In classrooms, many had the experience of a morning meeting, spending time thoughtfully engaging with teachers and setting themselves up for a wonderful day ahead!
Over in the MPR, our student hosts opened up the show with a land acknowledgement and introduced Mr. Zacuto, who shared some wonderful updates about the history of WNS, the journey that the school has been on to get to this point, and the exciting, transformational change of which the school is on the precipice with our future campus home!
After these exciting updates, we were delighted by a performance from our 3rd grade, giving us a sneak peek of what families would see at the Winter Performing Arts Showcase. We also learned about lower school art and the 8th grade
SWIM (Solutionary Work in Motion) project - their capstone project that sees them head out into the community to make a difference through masterful videos that really immersed us into the curriculum of WNS.
Overall, it was such a special, heartwarming, and joyful day. We love seeing the smiles on the faces of our visitors and our students beam with pride as they showed off their school. Thank you so much to all who came to see us. We are so excited that by the time of our next Grandparents and Special Friends Day, we will be in our new campus home! We can’t wait to see you then!
Creating Global Citizens
Creating young global citizens who go out into the world and affect positive change requires an understanding of the world around them. Exposure to the world fosters an appreciation of the diverse experiences that exist, and an ability to better understand our neighbors.
At WNS, learning extends beyond the classrooms with a variety of trips and retreat, some within our very own backyard and others that cross international borders. The goals of these trips are many, but at their core, they are intended to enhance learning, enrich children’s experiences, and inspire them to leave their mark on the world.
Last summer, the middle school Global Studies program set off to Peru! The beauty of this program is that it not only gives students an opportunity to practice their Spanish, but also contains an element of service learning, where students learn about ways to build meaningful and sustainable community partnerships to better the lives of others. We had so much interest this year that we were lucky to run two trips! Our intrepid middle schoolers set off for Lima with their peers and the perhaps even-more-intrepid faculty chaperones! First up was a guided tour of beautiful Lima, where students were immediately immersed into the rich history and architecture that adorns the city. On the second of the two trips, we had an enthusiastic guide named Omar, who wisely emphasized to students that the things they notice are not necessarily ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ just differences to note which may be cultural or location-specific. Noticing, observing, and wondering are all good ways to approach a new place!
A highlight of the time in Lima was a visit to the beautiful Larco Museum, specifically dedicated to preColumbian art, housing artwork from over 5000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history. Over the following
days, students travelled from Lima to Cuzco to the Sacred Valley, which serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, the fabled “Lost City of the Inca.”
While the train up to Machu Picchu required a very early start, nothing redeems an early rising like seeing alpacas loafing on the courtyard outside your door! After the excitement of the alpacas, the train ride up through the mountains led to this incredible Wonder of the World. Students and chaperones alike were aghast at the sheer magnitude of the sights. It was a moment that is hard to convey in photos - truly an unforgettable highlight of the trip!
After exploring the ruins and learning about the rich history of the Inca population, our travels continued back to the city of Cuzco, where we saw the stunning Korikancha Temple - otherwise known as the Temple of the Sun - perhaps the most important temple in Inca history, but upon which the Spanish built a church. This sparked an interesting discussion about the impact of colonization.
After our time in Cuzco came a dramatic change in landscape as our journey led us to Puno and then on to Lake Titicaca - a lake estimated to be over 3 million years old, bordering Peru and Bolivia. Our Jets were excited to learn they’d be taking a boat out onto the lake itself! This experience led us to two very special places: first, to Uros Floating Island, which is an artificially-made island from Totora reeds - thin leaves of a plant that grows in the lake. The kids (and adults!) were astonished they were standing on a floating island! Next up, we took the boat to Taquile Island, which is inhabited by about 350 families who follow Inca customs. Here, we visited a family restaurant where we enjoyed a traditional meal of fried bread, pico de gallo, and quinoa vegetable soup. We were then introduced to the importance that the art of weaving plays for this community! The textile art is considered so important that it has a UNESCO designation for a cultural heritage. Both of these experiences were so memorable!
These trips are always so special and one of our favorite things to do is capture reflections from our students as they’re in the midst of this experience. We are constantly in awe of how thoughtful their takeaways are, which just serve to reaffirm the importance of these experiences.
Postcards From Student Reflections
“Everything is beautiful. All the people are generous and kind. I like the geography, even though I felt the altitude, it was worth it”
Charlie
“This is my internationalfirsttrip.
I’ve had the opportunity to try new things that I don’t normally do, but it brought me joy.”
Anna
“Seeing all of the old sites like Ollyantaytambo was really cool.
You can talk to kids without talking to them.
A smile is universal.”
Talya
“I really enjoyed bonding with new people.
Now I realize I have a whole new group of friends.
I’ve always wanted to go to Peru.”
Luna
“I feel grateful for what I have in LA.
I have a new perspective of how fortunate I am.”
Brandon
“I’ve been speaking more Spanish, and my mom’s side of the family speaks Spanish. This trip has helped me be more interested in speaking it. You don’t need phones and a lot of stuff to be happy.”
In SPLASH, we take unconventional field trips, visiting places where volunteers help fellow citizens, where people need a step up, or where the environment needs our creative ideas.
Raven
Lights! Camera!
Performing Arts: A Year of Creativity, Collaboration, and Celebration
What an incredible year it has been for the Performing Arts department at WNS! From high-energy musical showcases to original student-created plays, our talented students have brought their creativity, hard work, and spirit to the stage in ways that have inspired, entertained, and amazed us all. Let’s take a look at the standout moments from this year’s performances and projects, and what’s to come!
7th & 8th Grade Play - The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong: One of the most challenging performances we’ve tackled yet, this physical comedy which took place in our Black Box Theatre had the audience buckled over with laughter! Seventh and eighth grade students faced wordy dialogue, slapstick stunts, and a chaotic storyline—all while staying in sync as a tight-knit ensemble. Students demonstrated great teamwork, and the end result was a show packed with hilarious mishaps and unforgettable moments!
K-8 Winter Performing Arts Showcase - The Song Machine: This is Pop!: This year’s Performing Arts Showcase was truly a musical extravaganza! K-8th grade students treated their families to a high-energy celebration of pop music history. From LA hip-hop to ‘80s disco and from rock classics to a Beyoncé mash-up, the show was the perfect celebration before the winter break!
Middle School Spring Musical - Monty Python’s SPAMALOT: It’s not every day you get to bring a Broadway hit to life on our stage, but that’s exactly what our middle school students are doing with SPAMALOT! With original choreography created by both teachers and students, this comedic masterpiece will be sure to delight! We can’t wait to see the final performance in May.
The younger grades have been busy too. A much-loved 2nd grade tradition at WNS is the Community Dance, celebrating creativity and connection with families.
Meanwhile, 3rd graders are in the midst of creating their unique choreographies for “Everyone Can Dance,” demonstrating how teamwork can turn into a showstopping performance. Later this year, we look forward to the 1st-4th grade Spring Music Concert, which will feature a tribute to Latin music, with artists from Ritchie Valens to Selena.
In middle school, the 8th grade play is an important WNS tradition, which sees our graduating class take on the challenge of writing, producing, and performing an original play. This year’s title is The Great Escape: An 8th Grade Story. We can’t wait to celebrate our 8th graders as they showcase their hard work to their peers and families! The 7th graders got creative with Shakespeare, working on interactive storytelling and writing original monologues
inspired by Romeo & Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Macbeth. Sixth graders brought their storytelling to life through lip sync performances, gaining confidence and developing valuable creative skills.
In Mr. Rothbart’s middle school music classes, whether it’s strumming a ukulele in 6th grade, rapping to Llama Llama Red Pajama in 7th, or creating a dream concert playlist in 8th grade, middle school students have been exploring a wide range of projects that combine creativity with musical literacy.
The past year has been nothing short of magical, as our students have shown us that they are willing to learn new skills, persevere when things feel hard, and have FUN on stage. Here’s to another year of bringing the arts to life, on and off the stage!
Go Jets!
Liam Aceytuno-Whelan
Dylan J Ahn
Raven Alonso-Corcoran
Goldie Ames
Ruby Baker
Rishi Bhatt
Sienna Bhogal
Lila Grace Brylawski
Camille Paggi Caron
Bennett Collis
Jason D’Adamo
Harley Eason
Raphael Einzig
Maximus Essien-Ete
Caroline Faber
Lana Arí Frelix
Beck Friedberg
Oliver Furst
Sloane Elizabeth Geiselman
Sasha Gutrecht
Nolan Davis Henry
Lucinda Iris Herold
Harper R. Huxen
Rebecca Sylvia Spander Isenberg
Shiloh Leigh Johnson
Claire Jordan
Cyrus Kasravi
Jaxon Kendall
Tyler Kim
Leila Levine
Zoey Lewis
Cosimo Marcucci
Galileo Marcucci
Konner Brian Mason
Evan Moody
Arjun Nayar
Ezeh Victor Oje
Aubrey Marie Penny
Benjamin Edward Penny
Vince Presha
Lila Elena Reitman
Jack Reynolds
Violetta Rich
Camille Roberts
Isabella Rosales
Gabriel Rubinstein
Elijah Hamanaka Serra
Christina Marie Shiepe
Slayden Cole Simek
Kima Taylor
Olivia Inez Archibald Walker
Maddison Dior Williams
Maggie Williamson
Exerpt from Mr. Zacuto’s Graduation Speech:
“There is no point in just going through the motions… go BIG.
Put your stamp on the world. Fix some things that our generation doesn’t seem able or willing to do in social justice, in environmental sustainability, in financial equity.
Use your good mind AND your kind heart to make the precious moments life gives us as joyful and constructive as possible.”
WNS is proud of our Class of 2024! Take a look at where this class is making their mark this year:
Archer School for Girls
Bishop Montgomery High School
Chadwick School
Chaminade College Preparatory
High School
Da Vinci Design School
El Segundo High School
Hamilton High School
Harvard-Westlake High School
Los Angeles County High School for the Arts
Loyola High School
Marlborough High School
Marymount High School
Mira Costa High School
New Roads School
Pacifica Christian High School
Palisades Charter High School
Redondo Union High School
Santa Monica High School
Thacher School
Venice High School
Vistamar School
Windward School
Oh, The Places They’ll Go...
We are so proud of our alumni! In recent years, our alumni have been accepted to and are attending prestigious colleges, universities, and professional schools across the nation and internationally. Take a look at where some of our most recent alums are attending:
Amherst College
Barnard College
Beloit College
Boston College
Brown University
Claremont McKenna College
College of William & Mary
Columbia University
Cornell University
Davidson College
Duke University
Emory University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Loyola Marymount University
New York University
Northwestern University
Occidental College
Pepperdine University
Pomona College
Princeton University
Reed College
Rice University
Santa Clara University
Skidmore College
Spelman College
Stanford University
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Chicago
University of Edinburgh, UK
University of Pennsylvania
University of Southern California
University of St. Andrews, UK
University of Texas at Austin
University of Virginia
Washington University Worcester Polytechnic Institute
We want to stay connected with our alumni! Email alumni@wns-la.org to stay in touch.
ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
Sydney Moses ‘17 is a published author, again! Since her first published poem in 2023 she has published some more poetry and even some short stories too. She has her own website where you can check out her work! Sydney Moses is a senior at Beloit College where she is pursuing a double major in anthropology and creative writing. She has been writing her whole life and hopes to work in publishing in the future. Sydney’s goal is to write middle grade fantasy books with Jewish characters that include Jewish and Polish mythology. We are so proud of you, Sydney!
Maya Nyquist ‘14 is in her first year of graduate school at Pepperdine University. She is getting her Masters in their Marriage and Family Therapy Program. Maya graduated Magna Cum Laude from USC in 2022! We are so proud of you, Maya!
Ella Nyquist ‘16 just graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tulane University in 2024. She double majored in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Ella is now volunteering for Legal Aid and working at Joey Restaurant in Manhattan Beach while she takes a gap year to figure out her life path ahead. We can’t wait to see what’s next, Ella!
Hareena Johnson ‘14 is currently attending Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Island of St. Kitts! She graduated with her BS in Biology from Trinity College in Hartford. During her time at Trinity College, Hareena played volleyball and was awarded NESCAC (North Eastern Small College Conference) player of the week during her senior season! She was a founding board member of the Athletes of Color Coalition on campus and was on the executive board of the Black Student Union and a member of the Pre Vet Organization as well. Go Hareena!
A group of high school students and WNS alumni (Nalah Anderson ‘23, Kai Childs ‘23, Max Bye ‘23, Lucas Bye ‘23, Allison Knapp ‘23, Mezi Koch ‘23 and Mimi Koch ‘22, James Erlich Bell ‘23, Anna Scotto ‘23) have teamed together to start Project Purple Flower, a passion project with a mission to help those less fortunate than themselves. Their recent goal has been to help the Jacaranda School for Orphans in Malawi get the materials they need for a library, community center, and health clinic. Project Purple Flower’s hope is to give them the help they deserve to get a great educational experience. A few of the high schoolers are headed to Malawi this summer to assist with building the community center and library. We are so proud of them! The Instagram account, @projectpurpleflower, is tracking their fundraising progress and efforts so be sure to give them a follow!
Ella Parker ‘19 - is gearing up for her sophomore softball season at Oklahoma University. Last season, she gained national attention as Oklahoma’s leading hitter and primary Designated Player. Ella led her team in batting average and stolen bases, second in on-base percentage, doubles and RBIs, third in hits and runs scored and fourth in home runs average. Ella was named a top-three finalist for TUCCI/NFCA DI Freshman of the Year as well as named Most Outstanding Player at the 2024 Big 12 Championships. She also added WCWS All-Tournament honors, batting a team-leading .381 with a home run and five RBIs as the Sooners claimed their fourth-straight NCAA Championship. To cap the season, Ella earned third-team All-America honors from the NFCA and added Freshman All-American laurels from Softball America. OU is starting their season this year on the west coast so be sure to check out their schedule to catch a game while she’s in town! Amazing work, Ella!
Shiloh Johnson ‘24 makes the LA Times with her high school basketball debut! Shiloh is a freshman at Windward - one of only 6 freshmen playing on the varsity basketball team. After her debut game, a column was featured on her with nods to her family’s legacy in Los Angeles basketball. Shiloh played basketball at WNS during her middle school years and was on our 2023 championship team. This was the 1st championship for Girls Basketball ever at WNS. Be sure to root for Shiloh on as her journey unfolds!
Emmett Slavin ‘19 is completing his second year at University of Virginia. He is an economics major and the social chair of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu, while also maintaining a job at a local establishment near campus. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes him!
Jack Slavin ‘17 is currently a senior at UCLA majoring in art. He recently received a UCLA undergraduate scholarship award, exhibited his work at the Broad Art Center, and plans to pursue a graduate degree in art at some point in the future. He was also on the UCLA rowing team, taking a bronze medal at nationals before retiring his sophomore year. Congrats, Jack!
Lucy Russell ‘21 is a senior at Sierra Canyon and has loved her experience there! She is waiting to hear from colleges and so far has been accepted to Villanova! Lucy is an avid equestrian and was recently ranked 5th nationally with her horse, For Fun, for the 1.0 and 1.05 meter jumpers (for ages up to 18) by the United States Equestrian Foundation! Her team also recently placed 4th in the Jumper Championships in November 2024. Congrats, Lucy!
The success and innovation of WNS are made possible by the unwavering support of our community. As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to fuel the growth of our programs. The WNS Annual Fund plays a vital role in enhancing our educational offerings, providing essential resources to elevate the student experience and ensure that we continue to thrive.
The fund is also central to our commitment to socioeconomic diversity, enabling every child—regardless of background—to access the transformative education we offer. This is about more than just financial assistance; it’s about fostering a diverse community that enriches the learning experience for all.
Thanks to the generosity of our WNS community, we raised an incredible $1M last year in the Annual Fund! This support not only ensures the success of our students but also demonstrates the deep belief we all share in our school’s mission. It is this very support that enables us to attract additional foundation and organizational contributions.
We are proud to announce that we’ve secured a multi-year, $1.2 million pledge from The Children’s Education Initiative (TCEI) to fortify our tuition assistance program, to which WNS already budgets $3M annually. This funding will facilitate the enrollment of two students in kindergarten each year and provide financial support through eighth grade—offering them a life-changing educational experience they would otherwise be unable to access.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support, which propels us forward in our mission to provide an equitable, world-class education.
“TCEI is excited to partner with WNS. Throughout the proposal process, WNS excelled in all the criteria that TCEI values - strong leadership, curriculum, commitment to DEI, and to financial assistance. Personally, it is exciting to work with a school that I have known from a distance for years. I’m encouraged to know that students, who otherwise wouldn’t afford this opportunity, will be joining this great community.”
- AJ Yates, Executive Director, The Children’s Education Initiative
“Why I Give.”
The WNS Four Pillars Legacy Endowment has grown to almost $7 million thanks to the commitment and vision of our community. This fund is what enabled us to secure the funding needed to purchase our future home at 5340 Alla Road. The endowment is a long-term support for the school.
With the build-out of our future campus home on the horizon, building up our endowment is more critical now than ever before.
Our goal is $10M. That’s just $3M to go. With a collective lift, this is possible. Take a look at the pathway below:
Enabling The Future
While the build-out of our future home will be covered by the tax-exempt bonds that we secured at the time of purchase, the bonds will only enable us to complete what we call “Phase 1” of the plans. That is, a state-of-the art educational facility that is fully operational. However, our dream is to take WNS to the next level. And now we know what it will take. The facilities listed below fall into what we call ‘Phase 2’, and are what will make WNS the premier PS-8 educational facility in LA. If we can raise the funds now, our children will benefit from these incredible features when we open in fall 2026. This is it. This is completing the dream.
A Dream That Looks Like This:
These features, which will bring our new school facility to a whole new level, are contigent on your support in order to be completed by the opening date. Otherwise, they will have to wait until future phases of development. Help us complete this dream and let’s collectively elevate our school for your students and generations to come. Welcome to our forever home!
Infrastructure Outdoor
Community Meeting Room for uses such as Parent Group events, educational seminars, speaker presentations, and gatherings. A pantry with kitchen facility will allow for catering in the space. The West Campus Gym, once fully built-out, will include state-of-the-art
A Black Box Theatre, which can be closed off, will be behind it (pictured at back of the gym)
Ways To Support
Every single gift to Westside Neighborhood School is appreciated and vital to supporting the school’s mission. We welcome the support of our community and have listed below the many ways to give. We strive to make the process of giving back to the WNS community as straightforward as possible. WNS is a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization and therefore donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information on making an annual or legacy gift, please contact Nikea Johnson, Director of Development, at njohnson@wns-la.org or (310) 574-8650.
Make a Gift Online
Give an online donation using American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa. You may also use direct debit.
Gifts Of Securities/Stock
Please contact the Development Office at development@wns-la.org for transfer instructions or simply fill out the online form and choose the payment option of stock/other.
Donor Advised Fund Tribute Gifts
Gifts in honor or in memory of a friend, family member or special occasion may be given to any of our funds by leaving a comment on our online form or emailing development@wns-la.org
A donor advised fund (DAF), which is like a charitable savings account, gives you the flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted to Westside Neighborhood School and other qualified charities. You can recommend a grant or recurring grants now to make an immediate impact or use your fund as a tool for future charitable gifts. Please email development@wns-la.org if you have any questions regarding a DAF.
Pledge
In order to be mindful of each donor’s personal circumstances we can arrange a pledge payment schedule that accommodates your philanthropic needs and wishes. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please use the ‘Pledge to Give in the Future’ tab at the top of our online form. If you are interested in exploring this option or prefer to make your gift by phone, please email development@wns-la.org
Legacy Giving
We invite those who have experienced the magic of WNS and feel invested in the future of our school, to call us to discuss the benefits and long-term impact of giving an estate gift.
Creating your WNS legacy can be a simple and quick process. If you have a will or trust, consider adding the school as a beneficiary or include WNS as a beneficiary on your IRA or other retirement account. If you would like to discuss these and other legacy options, please contact Director of Development, Nikea Johnson at (310) 574-8650.
Visit wns-la.org/giving-at-wns to learn how you can make an impact.
Enjoy a look back at some of our community highlights from this past year! We are so grateful for this vibrant, connected, dedicated community. Together, we are shaping the next generation!
5401 Beethoven Street
Los Angeles, CA 90066