sign in sign up
<<
Home , Michael Froman, Princeton Day School, Spence School, The Beacon School

WORD Volume 19 • Issue 2 • Summer 2013

The Highest Things Modern life...is...only a mosaic of cultural hypertrophies of archaic behavioral adaptations.”

E.O. Wilson, On Human Nature, 1978 Let some holy ambition invade our souls, so that, dissatisfied with mediocrity, we shall eagerly THE EAST HARLEM SCHOOL desire the highest things and shall toil with all our strength to obtain them, since we may if we wish. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2012-2013 Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola, Oration on the Dignity of Man, 1486

Debra Beard Violence. Race. Class. Our angry foundational myth. A strong and good one. I think, at moments, this is how we began 20 years ago. Fearsome and Diana D. Brooks fearful - flak jacketed outriders from drug wars in our neighborhood and Jeffrey Brown assassinations around the world, we would bring justice and a really good Stephanie Coleman school, at least to our block. And we really did. But, looking back, I think we Rebecca de Kertanguy were wrong to think it was finally about justice or even a really good school. Peter Gluck It was instead about joy. The dignity of true happiness - and the happiness of Stephanie W. Guest true dignity - it was joy we were after. From 103rd Street just past the cusp David R. Haas of our new millennium - and down past stony edges of The Great Rift Ivan M. Hageman Valley and on through the salad days of our common humanity, it has always Robert Heine, Chair been about that pursuit of happiness. Even while life and liberty were still Christopher Heinz in the process of being secured, it has always been about chasing happiness. And time and time again, as a species, we have fallen short, using Gregory Heyman, Vice-Chair different ways and means. From heroin to Game Boy, from the ayhuasca to Rebekah McCabe the Harley, from crystal meth to test prep, from peyote to elBulli, then on Jonathan Patricof to the spin class, we are all in pursuit of something higher and happier. And Amber Patton after the pork rinds or the Porsches, after some poor measure of pleasure, Robert Potter we still sat stalled several car lengths short of joy. Russell Shepard But up here, in the righteous and rough pursuit of justice, we stumbled upon Carter Simonds the final goal of humanity – joy. Archaic, enduring, Attic happiness, where Daniel Singer one’s actions become, through practice, tethered to timeless virtues. Joy, we Beatrice Tompkins find now, is our true mission. We build a community where students learn Bronson van Wyck, Jr. to live complete and happy lives, sparking and shining with actions of Jeffrey Zukerman, Secretary wisdom, courage, compassion, justice, temperance, and transcendence.

You will find when you visit, the archaic and foundational actions of INSIDE THIS ISSUE dynamic stillness, graceful motion, disciplined discovery, mindful and 2013 Poetry Slam (3) compassionate meals, principled speech, gallant competition, and play. We have, first in the name of justice, and now in the grand pursuit of human EHS Class of 2013 (4-5) dignity and joy, defeated the daunting new challenges of urban education – EHS Athletics (6) fat, weak bodies; flaccid, facile thinking; ubiquitous bullying. EHS Alumni (7) EHS & the Community (8-9) We hope you tell people about us, our 20 years of joy and dignity, and those EHS & the Arts (10-11) highest things awaiting a nation’s children. Summer at EHS (12-13) EHS Spotlight (14) Yours in truth, Funding Support at EHS (15) Ivan FACULTY AND STAFF

Ivan M. Hageman Co-founder, Head of School THE EAST HARLEM SCHOOL AT EXODUS HOUSE Khadija Ahmed High School Placement Coordinator Small school. BIG impact.

Donald Albert Our mission: The East Harlem School at Exodus House is an independent Superintendent that serves students in grades 4-8 from low-income Kathleen Alexander families in Harlem who exhibit an earnest desire to rise to their academic Director of HS Placement, Math Teacher potential. EHS targets children from underserved families and then helps Peter Bianco them develop academic excellence, moral integrity, courtesy, and an Physical Education Coordinator unshakable commitment to their future and the fate of their community. Sarah Brand EHS provides an intensive year-round academic program over an Humanities Teacher extended school day (8:00AM-5:00PM) and offers a comprehensive learning experience for students through a challenging combination of Thea Burstin academic, extracurricular, summer, travel, and alumni programs. 4th Grade Teacher

Jonah Chasin Our history: Exodus House has been an anchoring and iconic institution Executive Chef in Harlem since its founding in 1963 by Reverend Dr. Lynn and Mrs. Leola Y. Christine Kell Hageman as a drug rehabilitation center. Due to a heightened concern Director of Finance & Operations for the welfare and well-being of the community’s many underserved, Katherine Crotty at-risk children, Exodus House was converted in 1984 to an after-school Humanities Teacher and summer program facility. Then, in the fall of 1993, inspired by the Maria Giarrizzo steadfast commitment of the Hagemans to the East Harlem community, Drama Teacher the couple’s sons, Hans and Ivan, opened an independent year-round Sofia Huertas middle school on the original Exodus House site to better address the critical Program Assistant needs of these children and their families. Today, EHS is chartered by the Courtney Knowlton State Department of Education and accredited by the Middle Program Director, Humanities Teacher States Association of Colleges and Schools. The East Harlem School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Alyssa O’Gallagher Humanities Teacher Jessica Panzarella Program Associate, Humanities Teacher SAVE THE DATE! Cathy Pedrayes November 11, 2013 Science Teacher The East Harlem School Fall Benefit Rosa Perez Kitchen Assistant Honoring Alan and Susan Patricof Sheila Post With Guest Presenter Director of Development Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Kevin Rohn Science Teacher Tickets available online at: Chastidy Roman https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/EastHarlemSchool/Online Spanish Teacher Registration.html Anne Ross Dean of Faculty & Staff, Math Teacher Jake Taylor Math Teacher Julie Tkac The East Harlem School admits students of any race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, Program Associate, Humanities Teacher national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded Fiorella Velasquez or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, Development Associate disability, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational polices, employment or hiring practices, financial aid or scholarship programs, athletic or other school-administered programs.

(2) 2013 POETRY SLAM

The 2013 Spring Poetry Slam was a record-breaking success! Thirty-two students from EHS captivated over 350 guests with their original prose at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in . Our poets spoke of family sacrifice and love, immigration, the sights and smells of Harlem, the humble histories of their ancestors, and the dreams of their futures. This year, our poets elicited more sponsorships and support than ever before! Emcee Jordin Ruderman and Deejay Kevin “Sugar” Shand returned this year to host the evening. A lively and diverse panel of celebrity judges included:

Lisa Falcone: Television & film producer and philanthropist Aimee Mullins: Paralympic winning athlete and model Rives: Multimedia artist and acclaimed performance poet Bronson van Wyck: EHS Trustee and celebrity event planner Bryan Zapata: Graduate of EHS Class of 2011 and aspiring actor

Thank you to our poets, supporters, and judges for making the evening an overwhelming success!

To read the winning poems from the 2013 Poetry Slam, and to view original poetry prints available for purchase, please visit: http://www.eastharlemschool.org/events/PoetrySlamSponsorship.aspx

EHS BY THE NUMBERS Annual cost of educating an EHS student: $16,407 Percentage of EHS families that pay reduced tuition: 100%

Photos (Top to Bottom): B.B. King Blues Club & Grill marquee; Panel of Judges; Student Poets; 8th Grader Sofia with first place prize; 6th Grader Imani reciting her poem. Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography

(3) GRADUATION

On Saturday, June 15, families, trustees, friends, and faculty gathered to celebrate The East Harlem School’s Class of 2013. On a banner blue day in our beautiful green yard, thirty graduating 8th graders brought joy and pride to their community and to themselves. Honorable Ruth Shillingford, Supreme Court Justice of Kings County, NY, and EHS alumna parent delivered a poignant commencement speech, urging our graduates to pursue passion and greatness. Awards were presented for outstanding academic achievement and community involvement. The School’s highest honor, the Lynn and Leola Hageman Warrior Award, was awarded to 8th graders Daniel and Donaldo. We are so proud of the Class of 2013 for their growth and accomplishments!

EHS BY THE NUMBERS Number of 2013 EHS graduates: 30 Amount of Scholarship aid awarded to students attending boarding and parochial schools, Boys Hope Girls Hope, and Student Sponsor Partners (SSP) for 2013-2014 year: Over $324,470

Photos (Top to Bottom): Class of 2013; 8th Grader Evelyn receiving her diploma from Dean of Faculty and Staff Anne Ross; EHS Choir; Graduation speaker Hon. Ruth Shillingford; 8th Grade graduation procession; Daniel and Donaldo receiving the Warrior Award from Head of School Ivan Hageman and Dean of Faculty and Staff Anne Ross. Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography (4) 2013 HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT

2013 was a highly competitive year for boarding, private, parochial, and specialized high schools. Our 8th grade class had very strong placement results, and we are confident that they will continue to shine in high school!

Evelyn Adorno –Tom’s River East High School Nana Amoh –Cardinal Hayes High School Graciela Arias – Cristo Rey School Zion Baez – Village Academy Zion Baldwin – Church Farm School Alexander Batista – Beacon High School Deshawn Battle – UA School for Performing Arts Daniel Benitez – Essex Street Academy Tatyana Davis – Essex Street Academy Nasir Bly – Obadiah Bobb – Beacon High School Tyler Brown – Essex Street Academy Yadira Castilla – Essex Street Academy Perla Figuereo – Cristo Rey High School Sofia Flores – Cathedral High School Shcara Fowles – Cathedral High School Gregory Lee – Bronx High School of Science Jonathan Maldonado – Essex Street Academy Kai McCalla – Williston Northhampton School Jonathan Morales – Ibukun Ogunwomoju - Donaldo Reyes– Beacon High School Alexis Rosales – Xavier High School Odalys Sanchez – Cathedral High School Leonel Santos – Cristo Rey High School Fanta Soumahoro – St. Jean Baptiste High School Julissa Springer – Essex Street Academy Eduardo Torres – La Salle Academy Aissatou Toure – St. Jean Baptiste High School Brandon Williams – Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Juan Carlos Zurita – Essex Street Academy

Photos (Top to Bottom): 7th Grader Alejandra practicing interview skills for high school admissions; Hope Through Health Club Members; Class of 2013; 8th Grader Nana giving the student commencement speech at graduation; 8th Grader Ibukun in graduation procession; Students at “Circle”

(4) (5)

EHS ATHLETICS

BOYS’ TEAM The boys’ lacrosse team, sponsored by the Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation, had a successful season strengthening skills and competing against other schools. EHS was thrilled to have new Head Coach Jay Hayes join the team this season! A highlight of the season included a full day clinic hosted by the , where the EHS and Hotchkiss teams practiced drills and scrimmaged, and then watched a high school game. We thank Hotchkiss for their gracious welcome.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE TEAM The girls’ lacrosse team, also sponsored by the Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation, had a wonderful season! With new and returning players, the group worked to improve their understanding of the game and achieved a new level of fitness. This year, the team had the enormous privilege of watching the Yale Women’s and Men’s lacrosse teams play in New Haven. Our athletes were inspired by the players’ talent and teamwork, and learned so much from observing their communication and strategy on the field. They look forward to incorporating lessons learned into their training next year!

TRACK This year’s track season was full of excitement! We are thrilled to report that 5 students competed in this year’s Gotham Games. Many of our athletes set personal records, and 8th grader Yadira was only a few seconds shy of taking the bronze medal in the girls 1500 meter run. During the 5th and 6th grade meet, Gonzalo set the standard for next year with impressive times in the 200 and 800 meter dashes. We are looking forward to expanding into field events and hurdles for next year!

This Page (Top to Bottom): 2013 Girls’ lacrosse team players; Boys’ track; Boys’ lacrosse team during a scrimmage at Hotchkiss; 8th grader Alexander in a lacrosse match Opposite Page (Top to Bottom): 8th Grade “EHS Got Talent” student fundraiser; 2013 Alumni Panel; Alumni visitors

(6)

EHS ALUMNI

ALUMNI ACTIVITIES On June 12, several alumni returned to EHS to participate in our annual Alumni Panel. This occasion gives current EHS students the opportunity to hear about the transition, challenges, and joys of high school as experienced by their older peers. Our alumni answered probing questions and gave insightful advice to their student audience. Afterwards, they joined students, families, faculty, and staff for a whole school pot luck dinner in our beautiful back yard!

BROOKS FELLOWS The Brooks Fellowship for Community Service, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brooks, provides stipends for The East Harlem School alumni to work in summer internships at non-profit and community-based organizations. These internships are supplemented with weekly check-in meetings at EHS, site visits, weekly written reflections, summer reading assignments, presentations, self-evaluations, and evaluations by site supervisors.

We would like to thank our partner sites: Booker T. Washington Learning Center, Boys’ Club of New York, Carter Burden Center for the Aging, Family Justice Center, East Harlem Tutorial Program, Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter, Mother Hale Learning Center, and CitySquash.

The following alumni were selected to participate in the 2013 Brooks Fellowship program:

EHS ‘09: Darius Moore

EHS ‘10: Karen Lee

EHS ‘11: Che Maria Baez, Janice Frazier, Alexander Gonzalez, Ruben Perez, Iliana Smith, Sulaiman Tyler, Alexis Vargas, and Bryan Zapata

EHS ‘12: Claudette Ramos, Arlene Alvarado, Jeffrey Figuereo, WHAT PEOPLE ARE and Melissa Patino SAYING ABOUT EHS: EHS ‘13: Alexander Batista, Nasir Bly, Tyler Brown, Perla Figuereo, Ibukun Ogunwomoju,and Donaldo Reyes “EHS is the most phenominal foundation a person can have. Thanks to Ivan, Ms. Ross, and everyone that helped me grow, I was able to build my future even at a young age.”

-Candace Moreno, Alumna 2005 (6) (7)

EHS & THE COMMUNITY

EHS VISITS 192 BOOKS In May, the 4th grade visited 192 Books, a small independent bookstore in Chelsea. Lisa Knowlton, mother of our Program Director Courtney Knowlton, curates the children’s collection at the store. She spoke with the students about the role books have played in her life and then read aloud one of her favorite picture books. The children asked questions about her experiences with books and about the store. The students then had the opportunity to explore the store’s selections.

HOPE THROUGH HEALTH EHS began an ongoing partnership with the non-profit organization Hope Through Health (HTH). This organization works to expand access to health care for individuals in Togo, West Africa. This year, a group of 7th and 8th graders started their own club to learn more about HTH’s work, correspond with the beneficiaries of its services in Togo, and fundraise for future success. Among other efforts, the club coordinated an EHS talent show and a “Loose Change” grade based competition to raise funds to send to Togo for food, medication, and services.

NAMASTE YOGA Michael and Julie Wald of Namaste New York continued their partnership with EHS by offering a free yoga series to students, parents, and faculty. Now in its third year, this ten-week program builds centering, flexibility, relaxation, and strength.

CORNELL KIDS The 6th grade’s education extended beyond the walls of East 103rd Street this year as our students were lucky enough to continue their work with the medical students of Cornell Weill Medical College. Cornell Kids exposes our students to the world of medicine through weekly visits to the medical school, one-on-one instruction from medical students, and hands on demonstrations. The program inspires many of our students to pursue careers in medicine!

EHS AT TASTING TABLE Our trustee, Amber Patton, hosted an etiquette lunch at the Tasting Table. Our 8th grade students enjoyed learning basic fine dining etiquette over a delicious four course meal. Students also received a published guide on professional and business etiquette.

This Page (Top from bottom): 4th Grade students at 192 Bookstore; Student Emcee’s hosting Hope Through Health fundraiser; 6th Grade students participating in Cornell Kids; 8th Grade students at Tasting Table (8)

FIELD TRIP TO THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART The 5th grade class had an exciting day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. On a thorough tour of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, our students saw everything from mummies and funerary equipment to ancient models of gardens and workshops. The 5th graders used the information they learned to inform their discussions and independent research on Ancient Egypt in their Humanities Class.

WHOLE SCHOOL TIME SPEAKER SERIES This spring, EHS continued its weekly Whole School Time Speaker Series with a group of dynamic presenters who shared their professional and personal experiences.

Chris Ahearn, Entrepreneur and Businessman Dr. Andrew Kaplan, Veterinarian, Founder & President of The Toby Project Dr. Susana Morales, Doctor of Internal Medicine at Weill Cornell Physicians Mr. Laveen Naidu, Executive Director of Dance Theater of Harlem Ernesto Qui–onez, Author of Bodega Dreams Hillary Schafer, Former Head of Institutional Equity Sales at Phil Falcone, Founder, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer at Harbinger Capital Partners LLC.

This Page (from top to bottom): 8th Grade students with Trustee Amber Patton at etiquette lunch; Whole School Time with Dance Theatre of Harlem; Students at the in-school promotion ceremony.

(9) EHS & THE ARTS

SPRING DRAMA PERFORMANCES

The spring semester of Drama featured fantastic talent and enthusiasm! The 4th graders impressed the audience with a full-length musical title “We Come from Everywhere,” which focused on the theme of immigration, a topic they studied in their home classroom.

Not to be outdone, the 5th grade performed “The Wanderings of Odysseus,” and supplemented their work by delivering original Egyptian-themed monologues in their Humanities class.

The 6th graders portrayed our country’s history in their performance of “The American Revolution,” which featured themes of courage, democracy, and freedom.

Seventh graders mounted their adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” exploring themes of love and imagination and the of comedy.

Last, but certainly not least, the 8th graders wowed the crowd with their original adaptation of the “The Wizard of Oz.” The singing, acting, set-design, and overall feeling of camaraderie and creativity on stage made for a very memorable interpretation of a well-loved classic.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT EHS:

“EHS truly felt like an oasis; a safe haven for these kids that might not otherwise have opportunity. It’s a place of hope and a place I want to support.” This Page (Top to Bottom): 4th grade students performing “We Come From Everywhere”; 7th grade students performing a scene from “West Side - Andrew Kaplan, WST Speaker Story”; 8th graders performing “The Wizard of Oz”; 6th graders performing “Respect” Opposite (Top to Bottom): Spring Choir Concert; Scenes from 7th grade showcase (10) SPRING MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

The East Harlem School Choir had a wonderful spring semester learning and singing new music. With an emphasis on developing their musical theory skills and understanding of dynamics, the choir strengthened their repertoire with a wide variety of song choices. They performed “For Good” by Stephen Schwartz from the musical “Wicked,” “Home” by Phillip Phillips, “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, and “Price Tag” by Jessie J. The Spring Concert Program featured many soloists who impressed all listeners with their poise, confidence, and of course their voices!

FROM THE EHS KITCHEN Chef Jonah’s Raw Kale Salad Recipe SALAD INGREDIENTS: -2 bunches of Kale (I like red russian kale); stems removed, washed and dried -1/2 of a butternut ; cubed and roasted until soft with a little olive oil, salt, and fresh black pepper -1/4 cup roasted pine nuts DRESSING INGREDIENTS: -1/2 of a ripe avocado -2 cloves of garlic, chopped -4 tsp olive oil -1 tsp red wine vinegar -1 tsp salt, or to taste -2T fresh squeezed lemon juice -A pinch of fresh ground black pepper -Combine all ingredients for dressing in a blender. DIRECTIONS: 1. Place clean kale in a bowl. Pour dressing over kale. 2. With clean hands, massage the dressing into the kale until the kale begins to feel soft. 3. Toss roasted squash and pine nuts into the salad and serve.

(10) (11)

2013 SUMMER STAFF Courtney Knowlton Program Director Khadija Ahmed SUMMER AT EHS EHS High School Placement Coordinator Jay Hayes EHS Math Teacher Jessica Panzarella SUMMER SESSION EHS Program Associate The Summer Semester is a critical component of The Chastidy Roman East Harlem School’s year-round educational program. Brooks Fellowship Advisor In order to provide even more skill-building and Anne Robinson enrichment opportunities, East Harlem School students Faculty at St. Bernard’s School participated in a mandatory 5-week session in addition Bea Tompkins to the regular 10-month school year. Summer session EHS Trustee classes were taught by professional teachers and high Julie Tkac school and college interns. EHS Program Associate

2013 SUMMER INTERNS EHS Summer Humanities Curriculum Lauren Albert, Cornell University The theme for Summer Session this year was Jacob Ehrlich Backer, Yale College Compassion in Action. To explore this theme, the Adele Cornwall, Rollins College entire school read the new novel Wonder by RJ Palacio. Ali Cox, This incredibly moving #1 New York Times Best Seller Stephen Green, Collegiate School tells the story of Auggie Pulman, a boy from New York Joshua Friedman, with a severely deformed face who goes to school Sarah Holm, Bowdoin College for the first time in 5th grade. The novel follows Hannah Jones, Northwestern University the struggles and triumphs of his school experience Angelica Laburda, Skidmore College through the voices of Auggie, his sister, his parents, Erin Gail MacDonald, and his classmates. Paired with the book, we studied College of William and Mary Compassion in Action in our morning workshops Takuya Maeda, Emory University through an exploration of the work done by Paul Ricky Martinez, Stony Brook University Farmer, Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Las Madres de La Plaza de Mayo. Tom Means, CUNY Italian Professor Sarah Murphy, Vassar College In addition to daily work in Math, Humanities, Current Anuj Shah Williams College Events, and Sports, students participated in a diverse Gaby Papper, array of elective courses. This year’s summer teaching Courtney Spetko, corps brought a broad range of knowledge to the George Washington University summer session, with interns teaching fifteen elective Julia Trencher, Riverdale Country School courses including Art, Model UN, American History, Isabelle Turchetta, St. Paul’s School Theatre Improvisation, Urban Planning, Chinese, Latin Dianne Uwayo, Wake Forest University and Fiction. Tracy Warner, The Mother Rachel Woolf, Horace Greely High School

EHS thanks Jody Steinglass and Empire Edge for donating their test prep services to our 8th graders!

(12) Photo: 4th grade students during a library field trip

EHS Goes To Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. Trip This spring, a small group of EHS students traveled to Washington, D.C. where they met with Senators and Congressmen, explored the city, and learned about our national government. We were delighted to be hosted by Tim Reif, the General Counsel to the US Trade Representative, and a dear friend of The East Harlem School. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

TUESDAY, MAY 21 Arrive Washington D.C. 1:30 Meeting with Congressman Xavier Becerra 3:00 Meeting with former Congressman Jim McCrery

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 8:30 Coffee with Senator 10:00 Visit to U.S. Department of State 12:20 Meeting with Cathy Novelly, Vice President, Apple Corp.

THURSDAY, MAY 23 8:30 Meeting with Tim Reif 9:45 Meeting with Michael Froman, Deputy National Security Advisor & U.S. Trade Representative-Designate 10:30 Meeting with Congressman Charles B. Rangel 11:15 Meeting with Meghan Taira, Senior Legislative Assistant, Office of Senator Charles Schumer

This Page (Top to Bottom Left): Students with Ben Bernake, Chairman of Federal Reserve; EHS students at the Capitol; Student conversing with Senator Portman; EHS with U.S. Trade Representatives Tim Reif and Michael Froman

(12) (13) EHS SPOTLIGHT

STAFF: SHEILA POST

Sheila Post joined EHS in the fall as the new Director of Development. Sheila grew up in San Francisco and attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where she studied International Relations and Development. After graduating, Sheila moved to where she taught students with special needs for three years and obtained a Masters in Education from . Sheila also “I was so impressed by the EHS earned a Masters in Public Administration from Science Po Paris philosophy and your phenomenal and . Prior to joining EHS, Sheila worked at the students. I appreciated how Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) students were learning not only how to nurture their minds, but in the Education Directorate. In her free time, Sheila likes to practice also how to nourish and respect yoga, run, read, travel, and spend time with her friends and family. their health and wellness. ...And She is recently engaged and will be married next June! Her favorite each and every student with whom part about EHS is the equal emphases placed on developing healthy I spoke with completely impressed minds and bodies. She is thrilled to be a part of such a vibrant me!” community! - Sarah Graham Director of College Counseling Princeton

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: MAYRA CAJAMARCA

We are pleased to share the recent accomplishments of Mayra Cajamarca (EHS ‘09, ‘13). Mayra spent her first two years of high school at Mother Cabrini, an all-girl’s Catholic school. There, she was involved in numerous activities while maintaining her positions in the Science, English, and National Honor Societies. Mayra was a co-captain of the school choir, a peer tutor, and editor of the school’s literary magazine. Her strong grades and passion for volunteering earned her a coveted spot as one of Mother Cabrini’s Mission Volunteers. In this position, she traveled to Syracuse to help mentally disabled adults as well as to various soup kitchens and children’s hospitals. During her junior year, Mayra transfered to The Beacon School in search of more rigorous academics. There, she maintained solid grades and gained admission into the School of Human Development and Social Change. Mayra was also accepted into NYU’s honors program, and she “I had a wonderful time visting received a full academic scholarship! She is hoping to major in early you and talking with you last childhood education. She aspires to one day become a pre-school teacher, month, and left full of inspiration as she believes that this impressionable age is the best time to teach and at having met such smart and thoughtful young people. I very instill positive values in children. We are excited to see what great things much appreciate the tour I was Mayra does at NYU! given, and then so enjoyed our discussion.” Opposite Page (Top to bottom): EHS building; EHS featured on 2012 Openhouse New York Weekend brochure; Alumni - Dr. Susana Morales, WST Speaker with students after mock interviews

(14) FUNDING SUPPORT AT EHS

NEW PARTNERSHIPS & RENEWED FUNDING SUPPORT:

Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation: In March, EHS received a grant for $33,750 in support of our summer semester program.

Tiger Foundation: EHS was awarded a renewed grant of $100,000 to support the School’s operations.

Jean and Louis Dreyfus Foundation: In June, EHS received a $10,000 renewed grant to support the daily operations of the School.

Credit Suisse Americas Foundation Partnership : EHS was featured in Credit Suisse’ “White Book” as one of their philanthropy partners. This foundation focuses on “high performing schools and human capital programs that enhance the academic achievement of students from traditionally underserved communities.”

Princeton University Alumni: In April, EHS partnered with a group of Princeton University 2012 Open House New York Alumni for an exciting day of mock interviews! While Weekend 7th graders focused on their upcoming high school EHS was once again selected as one of placement interviews, 8th graders had the chance to learn the hundreds of buildings and spaces about different professional industries of interest. With throughout the five boroughs to opens its backgrounds in Finance, Law, Medicine, Art, Education, doors to the public as part of the 10th annual and Government, our 18 alumni volunteers catered to openhousenewyork (OHNY) Weekend, the diverse interests of our students through one on America’s largest architecture and design one meetings. The day concluded with an engaging event. EHS architects, Peter Gluck and Partners, led tours to the public. presentation of the college admissions process.

(15) Exodus School The East Harlem School at Exodus House 309 East 103rd Street New York, NY 10029

T: 212.876.8775 F: 212.876.8776 E: [email protected]

TheEastHarlemSchool AT EXODUS HOUSE

Small school. BIG impact.

Please make your tax-deductible gift to The East Harlem School today and make a BIG impact on a child’s life forever. Please contact the development office with any questions at 212-876-8775 x304.

The East Harlem School at Exodus House is a

501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. New and We have worked to ensure the continued support from our donors allows us to accuracy of this newsletter and apologize for any errors or omissions. If there has provide an innovative and comprehensive education been an inadvertent error or omission, please accept our sincere apologies and to middle school students from low-income families notify: in Harlem. With your assistance, we can continue Sheila Post Director of Development to provide an exceptional learning experience to [email protected] our ever-growing student body, to offer academic ______counseling to our alumni, and to forge ahead with Design Concept Jessica Giles the School’s growth and expansion. www.jessicagiles.com Building Photography www.eastharlemschool.org Kevin Chu + Jessica Paul Tel +1 646.483.1155