AVS Annual Report 2025_v5b

2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Reflecting on 15 years of Curiosity, Creativity, and Community

2024-25 AVIATORS by the numbers 306 Students enrolled JK to 8th grade

Alta Vista School Board of Trustees 2024-2025 CHAIR Mary Szczepanik SECRETARY Joma Jones TREASURER Stephen Perkins

14 Average homeroom size across all grades

47 % Students of color

39 % Faculty & staff of color

AT-LARGE EXECUTIVE MEMBERS Michelle Johnson Philip Zeyliger TRUSTEES WHO SERVED ALL OR PART OF 2024-2025 Manjari Bavishi Andrew Blachman Elizabeth Drew Patti Kangwankij Kruthika Katragadda Lauren Lippman Kate Long Saya McKenna Kimi Peters Sarah Rose Lauren Quint Tania Shah Zachary Thomson Karen Whitaker EMERITUS TRUSTEES Abdur Chowdhury Stewart McDowell

100 % STEAM curriculum (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics)

1:1 Device-to-student ratio, beginning in Kindergarten

ZIP codes represented among the student body $ 1.7 M Budgeted for Tuition Assistance grants in 2024-25

Received in charitable giving in 2024-25 $ 1.5 M

Joanna Mroz Garth Spiller Elena Ro Yang

for curious young minds

FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARY SZCZEPANIK (Ali ‘26)

Fifteen years ago, the first iPad had just launched, President Obama was in his first term, and I was blissfully unaware of what it truly meant to be a parent (though I was pretty sure I knew exactly what to do). That same year, Alta Vista School opened its doors to eighteen brave students in the Greek Orthodox Church on Valencia Street, planting the seeds of a school that now serves more than 300 curious and compassionate young learners. As we look ahead, the Board remains focused on supporting AVS’s continued growth and maturity—strengthening our campuses, ensuring access through financial aid, and investing in the development and well-being of our extraordinary faculty and staff. Their dedication, creativity, and heart are at the core of everything AVS has achieved. We are deeply grateful to you, our families, for your partnership, trust, and generosity. Together, we are advancing the school’s mission to prepare students to serve as creative thinkers, innovators, and catalysts for positive change in the world. Every day, AVS brings learning to life through hands-on, experiential education—igniting the curiosity of young minds. With the continued support of our remarkable community, I can’t wait to see how our school grows in the next fifteen years and beyond. Together, we are building a legacy that empowers future generations to shape a more innovative, thoughtful, and connected world. With heartfelt thanks, Mary Szczepanik Chair, Board of Trustees

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL ROB COUSINS

BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS As I begin my second year as Head of School, I’m excited about the momentum we’ve built and the clear direction ahead. This past year at Alta Vista has been marked by thoughtful growth and strategic investment in our future—thanks to fifteen years of dedication from the teachers, families, and administrators who have built our remarkable school. Over the past year, we completed our STEAM definition development process, a collaborative effort guided by dedicated faculty working alongside external facilitators through workshops and community feedback. This work produced a shared vision that balances deep learning with hands-on, project-based experiences. We’ve also made significant investments in our learning environments—from the new greenhouse supported by the Annual Fund, which is already transforming how Lower School students engage with science and sustainability, to comprehensive technology upgrades across both campuses. These improvements reflect the generosity of families who contributed more than $1 million to the Annual Fund and the thoughtful stewardship of resources by our administrative team. We’ve deepened our commitment to supporting every learner through focused professional development, building on feedback from faculty and families about how to best serve the diverse needs of our students—from those requiring additional support to those seeking greater challenge.

Our work with Universal Design for Learning will continue to be a focus this year and beyond. None of this would be possible without our families who entrust their children’s education to AVS, the visionary teachers who have shaped our pedagogical approach, and the dedicated administrators who have guided our growth with wisdom and care. Our collective commitment over fifteen years has created the strong foundation upon which we continue to build. Looking ahead, we’re carrying forward this remarkable legacy while staying true to our mission: to prepare students to be creative thinkers, innovators, and catalysts for positive change. With gratitude, Rob Cousins Head of School

DEFINING THE FUTURE OF STEAM LEARNING

During 2024–25, the AVS STEAM Committee embarked on a collaborative design process to refine and strengthen our approach to STEAM education. Guided by Leadership + Design facilitators Carla Silver and Tara Curry-Jahn, faculty representatives devoted five full days and one half day to empathy interviews, student shadowing, and iterative feedback. The result is a bold vision that balances rigorous, discipline- specific study with hands-on, project-based inquiry. This framework connects deeply to our new Portrait of a Graduate, which maps five inner roles and five outer descriptors into 25 unique attribute pairings—capturing the adaptable, curious, and ethical learners AVS cultivates.

Next steps include school- wide professional development and community engagement to bring this vision to life in every classroom.

“Kids want to be at AVS—and it’s obvious. The potential to serve students who are engaged and enthusiastic is both wonderful and exciting.”

— Jocelyn Plant, Innovation & Computer Science Teacher

PORTRAIT OF AN ALTA VISTA GRADUATE

Curious

FROM THE FOUNDING HEAD OF SCHOOL ED WALTERS (2010-2018)

Charting the Course: 2010 – 2025 Congratulations AVS on fifteen years of cutting- edge educational leadership. Way to go, Aviators! Led by Heads of School Sean Hamer, Rob Cousins, and their exceptional faculty and staff, Alta Vista School has become a benchmark for progressive education in the Bay Area. The Alta Vista School began through the efforts and support of an amazing group of seven families, joined by a very forward-thinking group of faculty members—Gessi Romero, Casey Cushing, and Taira McKinney. At its founding, Alta Vista occupied four rooms in the annex of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Mission Street. There, eighteen students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade were challenged by these innovative educators to think

creatively and problem- solve, while meeting and exceeding all educational standards associated with those age groups. Besides

the outstanding programs they created for their classrooms, this

was also the beginning of AVS traditions such as student-created Rube Goldberg

demonstrations, exploratory morning meetings, interactive student admissions visits, and student engineering challenges.

The following year, as the school expanded and moved to its current Lower School location on Somerset, the founding faculty were joined by the talented Glenn Heuser and Sophie Koshland, and a cadre of other similarly minded and equally gifted faculty members. I remember the invigorating faculty “round-table discussions” to improve programs, generate enthusiasm for STEAM subjects, and incorporate the arts into every school day—as well as Casey Cushing, our first Lower School Director, going out to purchase cubbies from IKEA to use as lockers. When she returned, everyone—faculty and parents alike—helped in the building and placement process. I also remember those delicious Dominican meals prepared by Gessi’s mom for all of us to enjoy during in-service meetings.

Charting the Course: 2010 – 2025

Together, this gifted faculty developed a very hands-on educational approach that engaged students in the process of understanding the world around them. With their guidance, AVS set a course to develop a STEAM curricular program based on experiential learning, knowing that children were capable of comprehending and using complex science and mathematical concepts when they were presented in an engaging and practical manner.

As the school grew, it expanded to the Middle School campus on Mission Street, adding the J-Term to the traditions while maintaining, at its core, an expanded but age-appropriate program developed during the school’s formative years. It is a tribute to the founding families, the faculty, and the current leadership that AVS has set the standard for educational excellence in the Bay Area. As the founding Head of School, I feel very proud and fortunate to have been part of this process. I have continued to follow AVS on social media, feeling so thankful to the current leaders, faculty, and staff of AVS for embracing and valuing the methodologies developed fifteen years ago by the founding faculty and continuing to apply many of those concepts.

Thank you all for continuing to promote and further develop the AVS educational philosophy into an even more outstanding program.

Charting the Course: 2010 – 2025

DYLAN SABENFASS (Alum 2019) Reflects on His AVS Journey

It’s been almost fifteen years since I was in kindergarten, but I’m still the same unapologetically curious, outgoing, and expressive kid. I remember having the freedom and resources to learn through doing, whether that was constructing Rube Goldberg machines or navigating team-building exercises during recess. AVS was constantly changing during my K–8 years: we changed campuses, built temporary units in the parking lot which served as my 5th-grade “campus,” and moved to an in-construction campus on Mission Street where I finished 6th–8th grade. Since graduating AVS in 2019, I attended Urban High School for four years and am now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Economics at Northeastern University in Boston. Here’s a picture from my first year at AVS (2010) and a current headshot from this year:

“As the PE teacher and Athletic Director at Alta Vista, I’m extremely proud of the growth and success of our sports program. When I first joined the school twelve years ago, there was no athletic program in place. We struggled just to recruit enough students to field a single team. Today, athletics have become an integral part of our school culture and a source of pride for our entire community. Our sports program has helped strengthen school spirit, build character in our student-athletes, and bring positive recognition to Alta Vista. In many ways, athletics have served as a bridge—connecting our school to the wider community and raising awareness of the great things happening here.

Thanks to the dedication of our students, support from families, and investment from school leadership, we’ve achieved impressive results both on and off the court. I truly believe our athletic success has helped put Alta Vista on the map, and I look forward to seeing how much further we can go together.”

— Carlos Aguayo, Physical Education Teacher

ALTA VISTA SCHOOL TIMELINE

AVS is incorporated

AVS welcomes 13 students and 7 faculty members at its Valencia Street location in the Mission

AVS moves to Somerset, where a former basketball court is transformed into the AVS garden

Katie Gibbons joins AVS as Head of Lower School

AVS Middle School welcomes its first students to the Mission Street campus

AVS Lower School becomes a JK–5th grade program

ALTA VISTA SCHOOL TIMELINE

AVS’s first graduating class takes flight

Founding Head of School, Ed Walters, retires

Dr. Sean Hamer and Dr. Liz Davis join AVS as Head of School and Head of Middle School

2025 & Beyond

A thriving community of over 300 learners and 75 faculty members— poised for a world of possibility ahead

The AVS Annual Fund surpasses $1 million

Rob Cousins joins as Head of School

The COVID-19 pandemic begins, and AVS transitions

to online learning

AVS ALUMNI TAKE FLIGHT

AVS ALUMNI SHINE AS NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS! Congratulations to three members of the AVS Class of 2022 who have been named National Merit Semifinalists—an honor reserved for the top 1% of high school seniors nationwide.

Tallulah McKennon- Peterson International High School

Emmett Davitian University High School

Sydney Liu The Nueva School

This remarkable achievement highlights their years of dedication, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to learning. At AVS, we’ve always believed in nurturing bold thinkers and compassionate leaders, and it’s inspiring to see our alumni continue to soar. KEEP REACHING NEW HEIGHTS, AVIATORS!

CLASS OF 2020 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Leo Needleman recently completed their first year at Olin College of Engineering and describes the experience as “amazing so far.” They’ve been an active member of the rocketry team, contributing to the development of the airbrakes system and stepping into the role of Structures Lead for the upcoming year. They also joined CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR GRADUATES and best of luck in your next endeavors. Don’t hesitate to send updates on your adventures to advancement@altavistaschool.org!

PowerChords, Olin’s a cappella group. Jordan Hawkins-Collins recently finished her freshman year at Howard University with a strong commitment to advocacy and community engagement. She led the Juvenile Justice Committee of Howard’s NAACP chapter, organizing volunteer efforts for a book club supporting formerly incarcerated individuals and lobbying at the Capitol for increased HBCU funding. This past summer, she interned with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, where she helped provide legal services to incarcerated people.

CLASS OF 2021 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Imogen Cornes graduated from The Bay School of San Francisco and is now attending Scripps College in Claremont, California, where she is majoring in Environmental Science. In her final semester at Bay, she joined the track team, reconnecting with competitive running after several years. She also concluded her long-standing involvement with the Young Women’s Choral Projects of San Francisco, finishing her time with the organization as a member of its premiere touring choir.

AVS ALUMNI TAKE FLIGHT

CLASS OF 2022 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ava Flynn recently completed an animated series, launched a webcomic, and embraced their identity by coming out as nonbinary. At Drew School, they balance their creative projects with ongoing self-discovery and learning. CLASS OF 2023 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Jude Shumaker enjoyed a season of beach volleyball at The Thacher School, describing the experience as “super fun.” AJ Nassi just wrapped up his third rowing season at Marin Academy, where his boat placed second in the region. He also recently got his driver’s license! Nolan Chu will be a junior this fall at San Francisco University High School. He has been enjoying his time at UHS, especially his involvement in art and playing on the tennis team. Recently, he was honored with a Congressional Art Award from the House of Representatives for his painting about the unseen and undocumented, which will represent San Francisco and be displayed at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for a year.

CLASS OF 2024 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Lucero Avalos has deepened her passion for playing bass since attending Alta Vista School, inspired by Mr. Bozich. She attends Drew School and recently joined BAYCS (Bay Area Climate Youth Summit), a youth-

led and run program. She is excited to share her commitment to climate justice with fellow students across the Bay Area and become more active in future protests. Follow the Youth Summit journey on IG @bayareaycs! Alexis Boshernitsan joined the robotics team at Lowell High School last fall and enjoyed a successful season. She started playing tennis again in January and plans to join the sophomore dance team this year. Maddy Williams is currently playing volleyball at The Bay School of San Francisco. She also launched a crochet Etsy shop, showcasing her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit: @sunnydaisycrochet Eilis Murphy spent the summer traveling through Ireland and the UK, visiting friends and family. In September, she performed at Flower Piano in the San Francisco Botanical Garden, singing as part of a friend’s piano performance. She’ll also be joining the Vocal Ensemble at Lick- Wilmerding High School and looks forward to participating in both the school play and musical again this year.

Aviators in the Class of 2025 were accepted to the following high schools

(Parentheses indicate the number of students attending)

Archbishop Riordan High School (1) Bay School (7) Branson School College Preparatory School (1) Design Tech (1) Drew School (1) Fessenden School (1)

Gateway High School Indian Mountain School International High School (4) Jewish Community High School Lick-Wilmerding High School (2) Lowell High School (3)

Madeira School (1) Mercy High School Burlingame (2) Notre Dame High

Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School SF Waldorf High School Sterne School Stuart Hall School University High School (3) Urban School (3)

School Belmont Proof School (1) Ruth Asawa SF School of the Arts (1) Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory (3)

FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL KATE GIBBONS

The Living Tradition of Community Meetings For fifteen years, Community Meeting at the Lower School has been a cherished tradition at AVS—a place where curiosity, creativity, and connection come to life. When the school first opened, a Community Meeting was held every morning. In those early days, a large chair—far too big for the children who sat in it—became the stage for students to share current events. The gatherings quickly grew into lively spaces filled with wonder. Science demonstrations were a staple, designed not only to entertain but also to spark inquiry. One memorable experiment involved a container of water slowly spilling from a large basin while children worked together to stop it. The lesson was more than gravity or volume; it was about collaboration, persistence, and curiosity. “The questions raised in the Community Meeting didn’t stop when the gathering ended. Students carried their wonder back into classrooms, onto the playground, and into their homes. A single experiment often ignited days of exploration, investigation, and discovery.” When COVID-19 forced schools to close in 2020, Community Meeting never stopped. Instead, it transformed into a virtual hub. At first, pre-recorded videos circulated to keep the tradition alive. Soon after, families, students, and teachers gathered live on Zoom—over 300 participants at times— coming together through storytelling, music, and shared questions. At this time, social and emotional learning was crucial. The “Moodish Players,” who personified the four core

emotions of joy, anger, sadness, and calm, became a weekly salve to the emotional rollercoaster we were all experiencing. Even in isolation, the spirit of community held strong. Since its inception, Community Meeting has also been a stage for bold ideas and joyful expression. When I joined AVS in 2017, the founding Head of School, Ed Walters, invited a teacher, student, and parent to collaborate with him for months on designing a machine powered by air that could actually play a tune. The room filled with laughter and awe as air pushed through instruments to make music, and they played together as a band on stage. Community Meetings have also become a way to celebrate and honor the diversity of our school. In 2017, we hosted the first Cultural Community Meetings— the Lunar New Year celebration introduced students to traditions, food, and stories from across Asian cultures. Since then, these cultural gatherings have become a regular feature, highlighting the many backgrounds, identities, and strengths that make our school vibrant. Today, Community Meeting continues to embody the heart of the Lower School. It is a place for inquiry, innovation, and connection; for lifting each other up; and for celebrating both the extraordinary and the everyday. Whether in person or online, the tradition reminds us that learning is richer—and joy feels deeper—when experienced together.

FROM THE HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL DR. LIZ DAVIS

Innovation & Leadership in Action During the 2024-25 school year, Alta Vista Middle School introduced several exciting initiatives designed to strengthen academic engagement, leadership, and community connection. We launched a hybrid block schedule which includes 45 minute periods 3 days a week and longer, 80 minute periods, once a week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This new schedule was designed by a middle school committee, piloted extensively and included feedback from both teachers and students. This reflects our commitment to thoughtful, community-driven change. The new block schedule led to the creation of Flex Time, held once or twice a month during Wednesday community blocks. This new initiative allowed students to explore affinity groups, participate in community service, or engage in Academic Cafés—spaces for academic support and enrichment. Students enjoyed the freedom to choose and rotate offerings, making Flex Time both purposeful and personalized. Parent-teacher conferences also saw a major change this year, transitioning from student-led conferences to meeting time for parents with all of their student’s teachers. This shift supported meaningful connections between families and teachers. Student leadership thrived, highlighted by a joyful Winter Festive Event featuring music, dancing, and games for the entire middle school. Engineering challenges were

another major success—students designed energy- storing devices, wind-resistant towers using recycled materials, and hydroponic systems for growing plants. C4 Days continued to include The Harvest Festival which brought students together across campuses, with middle schoolers running booths for younger peers. We also celebrated service and cultural learning, including assembling care packages, honoring first responders, and celebrating MLK day with visiting artist Charles Holt. Finally, we celebrated academic achievement with our MathCounts Team placing 4th in a regional competition, and unforgettable experiences on the 6th-grade Santa Cruz, 7th-grade Monterey and 8th-grade Seattle trips.

The AVS ANNUAL FUND YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION

At Alta Vista School, curiosity drives everything we do. Our commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based STEAM learning shapes not only what our students learn—but how they see the world. This vibrant vision is made possible through tuition and the incredible generosity of our community. Fundraising keeps AVS strong, dynamic, and accessible. By giving to the Annual Fund, you’re helping every student, teacher, and program thrive. Your support powers three essential pillars of the AVS experience:

Professional Development for Faculty & Staff Investing in the lifelong learning of our educators— because inspired teachers ignite inspired students. STEAM Education Fueling curiosity and innovation through enriched curricular and after-school programs that inspire creative thinkers and problem-solvers. Financial Aid Opening doors for families from all backgrounds, strengthening our inclusive community, and ensuring that belonging is at the heart of every classroom.

On the next pages, hear directly from our teachers about how the Annual Fund—AVS’s cornerstone of community giving— continues to shape their growth and bring learning to life.

THE MONTEREY EXPERIENCE By Jeremiah Stricklin, Science Teacher

Each year, AVS seventh graders journey to Monterey, CA, for a week of exploration, discovery, and science in action. The trip includes a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a kayaking excursion, a beach day, several memorable dinners, and even a stop at a tree grown from seeds that traveled to the moon and back. As a STEAM school, AVS uses these experiences to nurture the growth of young scientists. This year, we introduced two new activities to deepen learning. The first was a scavenger hunt at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where students—armed with resources—identified pairs of organisms within the same taxonomic groups. The second involved collecting water samples during our kayaking trip. Back at school, students analyzed their samples with a spectrophotometer to quantify phytoplankton populations at varying distances from the shore. We predicted that samples closer to shore would contain higher concentrations due to upwelling—a process in which strong coastal currents draw nutrient-rich water to the surface. Our beach day brought a delightful surprise. As students gathered to bury me in the sand, they built a “sandcastle city” on top of me, naming it Strickland and developing its own districts, rivers, historical events, and even a national anthem: “Strickland, Strickland, we made it out of sand…” It was funny, creative—and an unexpected opportunity for reflection. When students jokingly declared I was being “punished” for teaching them so much, I took it as a sure sign that the lessons had stuck.

ANNUAL FUND IMPACTS OF THE

COMPUTER SCIENCE AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL By Andrew Verrilli and Steven True, Computer Science and Math Teachers

Last year, our classroom computer cart opened the door to incredible learning in coding, design, and digital creation. With full Windows laptops, students gained access to industry-standard tools such as Visual Studio Code, Unity, Godot, 3D-design software, and the Adobe Creative Suite. They learned to host their own websites, explore networking, and dive into everything from game development to digital art and animation. Our computers also connect directly to 3D printers, allowing students to bring digital designs to life. It’s been inspiring to see learners take initiative, explore their passions, and develop real-world skills used by professionals. Access to these resources has transformed our classroom into a vibrant studio of creativity and innovation.

ROBOTICS IN 3RD AND 4TH GRADES By Jordi Rodriguez and Sakshi Srivastava, Lower School Teachers

In last year’s robotics project, students tackled a hands-on challenge combining mathematics, coding, and social-emotional learning. Using Dash & Dot robots, they applied angle rotation and proportional reasoning to design precise movement sequences that guided their robots through a series of obstacles. Through coding, students translated abstract mathematical ideas into real-world problem-solving, strengthening computational thinking and logical sequencing. Along the way, they faced the natural limitations of their robots—learning creativity, resilience, and perseverance. Working in teams, they practiced collaboration, encouraged one another through trial and error, and celebrated success together. The project deepened their understanding of STEM while highlighting the importance of persistence, adaptability, and teamwork.

ANNUAL FUND IMPACTS OF THE

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHCOUNTS COMPETITION By Diana Ramzy, Math Teacher

Last year’s MathCounts program brought together a passionate group of middle schoolers eager to strengthen their problem- solving skills and compete at a high level. We met weekly to explore advanced math concepts, collaborate in teams, and prepare for regional competition. Our students performed impressively at the local chapter event, with several placing in the top tiers. More importantly, they gained confidence, learned to think critically under pressure, and built lasting friendships. As a coach, it was inspiring to watch their growth—not just as mathematicians, but as collaborative learners and resilient thinkers. This program continues to thrive thanks to the support of the AVS community, reflecting our shared values of curiosity, challenge, and connection.

A NEW LOWER SCHOOL GREENHOUSE BLOOMS AT AVS By Liana Zafran (Farmer Li), Garden and Sustainability Teacher Thanks to the generosity of the Annual Fund, we’ve added a solar- powered greenhouse to the AVS Garden! This vibrant new space has sparked excitement among Lower School students, providing a protected environment where plants can thrive year-round. Students now have the opportunity to explore a wider variety of crops and experiments than ever before. In the coming weeks, I will guide students through a hands-on microgreens project focused on healthy eating and sustainable practices. Beyond growing food, the greenhouse serves as a living laboratory where students can study plant life cycles, energy conversion, and the impact of climate on growth. This addition ensures that our students not only grow plants—but also curiosity, problem-solving skills, and environmental stewardship.

ANNUAL FUND IMPACTS OF THE

DEEPER LEARNING CONFERENCE By Isla Murphy and Jay Levin, MS Dean of Students and English Teacher

“So, you’re going to write and perform a rap with teachers from around the country you just met!” announced Lizzy Jeff, an artist and educator from Los Angeles who led our session at the Deeper Learning Conference. Surrounded by educators from across the U.S. and around the world, we applied the Deeper Learning Competencies—content expertise, collaboration, self-directed learning, critical thinking, communication, and academic mindset—to create a social-justice- themed rap. Our group wrote about the effects of ICE raids in urban areas and their impact on teachers and students. Lizzy cultivated trust and openness in our small classroom, reminding us of the power of collaboration, creativity, and courage. Performing our rap for a cheering audience of fellow educators was both exhilarating and affirming—a powerful reminder of what it means to learn bravely together.

ART OF TINKERING WORKSHOP AT THE EXPLORATORIUM By Atreyee Ghosh, Art Teacher

Last spring, I had the opportunity to attend The Art of Tinkering workshop at the Exploratorium in San Francisco—a three-day, hands-on exploration of playful, open-ended learning. Alongside 22 educators from around the world, I immersed myself in creative challenges and rich reflection on what it means to teach through tinkering. The workshop reminded me why I love teaching: it was messy, collaborative, joyful, and full of possibility. I learned to start where you are and use what you have; to design with low floors, high ceilings, and wide walls; and to see facilitation as guiding, not answering. Back in the classroom, I’m reimagining my art units to be more open- ended, collaborative, and process-driven—inviting students to tinker, wonder, and discover together.

ANNUAL FUND IMPACTS OF THE

INVESTING IN ACCESS AND BELONGING By Abby Miller Gudich, Director of Admissions & Enrollment

At Alta Vista School, we’re dedicated to making our learning community accessible to a wide range of families. This year, 25 percent of our students received financial aid, with more than $1.67 million awarded to ensure that cost is never a barrier to an AVS education. But the impact goes far beyond numbers. Financial aid fosters a dynamic, inclusive school culture enriched by the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our families. As one parent shared:

“We wouldn’t have been able to consider AVS without financial aid. It made it possible for our child to learn in an environment where they feel like they belong and are thriving.”

Support for this program is more than financial—it’s a shared commitment to accessibility and to the values that define our community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helps sustain this essential part of our mission.

FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL & OPERATING OFFICER CHRISTINE KOIDIN

Sustaining Our Vision Responsibly Alta Vista School continues to inspire and nurture the creativity and curiosity of our students! During my first year at the school, I was constantly wowed by the heightened levels of inquiry and innovative approaches sought by our students. I witnessed the school thrive in its dynamic and ever-changing educational environment while balancing a commitment to financial sustainability by exhibiting thoughtful and prudent expense management. Nearing 75%, our personnel costs continue to be the largest portion of our expenses. We are grateful for our dedicated faculty and staff and the wonderful learning spaces they provide for our students. While most of our operating support comes from our tuition and program fees, the generosity of our community continues to be an important component of bridging the gap between tuition and funding the full cost of educating each student. Gifts to the Annual Fund surpassed the $1 million (!) milestone. We are grateful for our parents, alumni, and friends for their steadfast commitment to the operations of the school. As we continue to build our future we remain committed to empowering our educators, connecting our community, and supporting the whole child education that is core to AVS!

EXPENSES PRELIMINARY 2024-25 (JUNE) FINANCIALS

INCOME

Personnel

$10,246,276

Tuition & Program Fees

$13,522,927

Facilities & Debt

$1,118,877

Annual Fund & Gala

$1,112,835

Educational

$648,727

Financial Aid

-$1,669,145

Operational

$1,699,909

Interest & Other*

$837,445

TOTAL

$13,713,789

TOTAL

$13,804,062

* Includes short term unrealized gains. The Alta Vista School fiscal calendar runs July 1-June 30 of each year. Final budget numbers are audited in Fall 2025.

Community Celebration 2025 AVS GOES TO THE MOVIES

And the Oscar goes to… the AVS Community! Last April, parents, faculty, and friends lit up the red carpet at AVS Goes to the Movies, donning dazzling costumes and celebrating with the most Count Me In events ever offered, our largest Silent Auction lineup to date, and—let’s be honest—the most fun we’ve ever had! Count Me In (CMI) events are themed gatherings generously hosted by AVS community members, where participants purchase set-price spots to join the fun. Whether it’s a dinner party, outdoor adventure, or kids’ craft day, CMIs are a beloved AVS tradition that brings families together while raising funds for important school-wide initiatives. Together, we reached our $100,000 fundraising goal, a true box-office hit that funded exciting technology upgrades for AVS students. Bravo to our stellar directors—Co-Chairs Nikon Guffey, Tanya Dorosh, and Gail Finne—and our incredible cast of volunteers for producing an unforgettable, award-winning night!

Community Celebration Expenses & Revenue Count Me In Tickets:

$30,535 $23,300 $31,060 $16,250

Silent Auction: Gala Tickets: Full Donations: Total Revenue: Total Expenses:

$101,145.00 $28,118.00 $73,027.00

Net Income/Profit:

Thanks to your support, AVS technology is stepping confidently into the future! WHAT YOUR CELEBRATION MADE POSSIBLE Last year, we launched a major hardware upgrade—replacing every student’s Chromebook and refreshing faculty laptops to ensure fast, secure, and reliable tools for teaching and learning. Over the summer, we rewired both campuses with brand- new network equipment, creating a stronger, faster, and more dependable system. We’ve also upgraded cameras and audio in the Lower School Community Room for high- quality livestreams and are improving sound systems and microphones across both campuses. NEXT UP: transforming our learning and performance spaces. We’re installing modern projectors, testing interactive classroom displays, and developing Middle School podcast and recording space. Your celebration made all this innovation possible — thank you for helping AVS stay connected, creative, and future-ready!

AVS PARENT & FAMILY GROUP The Heartbeat of Our School

The AVS Parent & Family Group (PFG)—our school’s parent and caregiver association—focuses on two key goals: building community among AVS families and supporting the school through appreciation and volunteer efforts. In 2024–2025, PFG highlights included training and supporting Grade Parents, organizing thoughtful faculty recognition throughout the year, keeping faculty kitchens well stocked, and bringing back the ever-popular chair massages during Teacher Appreciation Week. The group also managed the AVS School Store, welcomed new families at Admissions events, and hosted community-building gatherings such as the Back- to-School Picnic, school camping trips, and parent socials. PFG Chairs and Committee Leads partner closely with school leadership throughout the year to help shape and enrich school life. A heartfelt thank-you to the incredible volunteers who make our community feel so welcoming, connected, and full of joy. Want to get involved? We’d love to have you—reach out anytime at parentgroup@altavistaschool.org. Thank you for being part of the AVS community! AVS PFG Co-Chairs: Erica Lively Akshaya Subramanian Nichole Guy Caroline Dow

Brenda Adams, Camping Committee Chair Olive (‘26)

AVS camping is an integral part of the AVS community experience and has been since the school’s founding in 2010. Our camping trips afford our city children the opportunity to run wild, be independent, and explore and appreciate nature, while our families enjoy building community across grade levels. Our camping trips are organized by parent volunteers who make up our Camping Committee. Together we plan, organize, and facilitate at least two camping trips per year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Our fall trip is held annually at the River Bend Resort, which has both tenting and glamping options and is therefore more accessible to our less adventurous community members. Our spring trip is a more traditional tent-camping trip and typically entails children floating down the river while parents talk and drink under the shade trees, and, as always, at least one community meal. We are excited for another fun camping year and the opportunity to make everlasting memories and new friends. We hope to see you and your family at one of our upcoming trips!

2024 - 2025 GRADE PARENTS

JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN Jean Liu, Jiyung (Jenny) Shin KINDERGARTEN Adam Donovan, Elisa Kannegaard, Michelle Nam, Tanya Dorosh FIRST GRADE Ronak Derakhshandeh, Catherine Bradshaw, Nikon Guffey, Gabriela Piasta-Tworek SECOND GRADE Marianna Ferris, Quynh-An Phan, Matt Gloier, Ray Nagatani THIRD GRADE Jen Brodsky, Kate Long, Namhee Koo, Shawn Tseng FOURTH GRADE Stephen O’Driscoll, Gautam Shah, Manjari Bavishi, Jessie Heng FIFTH GRADE Chitra Phatak, Tracy Briones, Alex Ko, Jennifer Lou SIXTH GRADE Nandita Borisov, Daniela Blei, Melissa Blizzard Brown SEVENTH GRADE Katie Loux, Lisa Ruff, Vivian Kwok EIGHTH GRADE Mara Murphy, Lou Yawitz

PFG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2024-2025 CHAIRS: Erica Lively, Akshaya Subramanian, Nichole Guy, Caroline Dow

TREASURER: Caroline Sekar

SECRETARY : Lauren Chircus

GRADE PARENT COORDINATORS: Miranda Dietz, Rebecca Walsh

TEACHER APPRECIATION: Monika Kavipurapu, Page Rockwell

INCLUSION & BELONGING COMMITTEE: Nikon Guffey, Daniela Blei, Kimi Peters

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING: Jill Nisson, Kristen McGuire, Amy Howard, Amanda Barnett CAMPING COMMITTEE: Brenda Adams, Phil Zeyliger

Celebrating Who We Are — Together!

Angela Fisher, Director of Equity and Community

The past year at AVS was filled with meaningful cultural experiences and heartfelt acts of service that brought our community even closer together.

We celebrated the richness of our diverse school community through vibrant traditions and shared moments of joy. During Diwali, families filled our campus with light, music, dance,

and storytelling. For Black History Month, students performed creative skits highlighting “Everyday Inventions” by African American innovators—reminding us that even simple objects can tell extraordinary stories. Our second graders added rhythm and energy with a musical journey through the history of Black music in America. Lunar New Year brought artistry and imagination to life, as students built a movable lion for a spirited lion dance and crafted shadow puppets to retell ancient tales. When wildfires devastated parts of Southern California, the AVS community stepped up. Families and students collected books and stuffed animals for affected children, while Middle Schoolers joined Lower School students to pack care bags and write thank- you cards for firefighters. The Parent and Family Inclusion and Belonging Committee launched our first Affinity Gatherings for Families of Color, offering joyful space for connection, conversation, and belonging. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a year of learning, giving, and celebration. Here’s to continuing to grow together at AVS!

The Next 15 YEARS Rooted in our belief that learning comes alive through curiosity and action, the 2023–2028 AVS Strategic Plan reaffirms what defines us: students and hands-on learning at the heart of all we do. This five-year vision deepens our distinctive inquiry- driven, STEAM-powered approach while strengthening the systems that empower our innovative educators— those who ignite curiosity, inspire confidence, and prepare students to thrive.

SEE THE FULL STRATEGIC PLAN HERE

G R OW TO LET’S

Here’s how you can make your gift to AVS today!

CHECK

Give by check, payable to Alta Vista School. Mail to: Advancement Office 450 Somerset St. San Francisco, CA 94134

CREDIT OR TRANSFER

Give online with your credit card or bank transfer. altavista.school/donate

STOCK

Give a gift of publicly traded securities or privately held stocks. For transfer instructions and donor recognition, please notify us at: advancement@altavistaschool.org .

With a donation of appreciated stock, you eliminate capital gains taxes and increase the amount available for your charity by up to 20%. Please consult with your tax professional.

G E T HER

MATCHING GIFTS

Did you know you may be able to double or even triple your gift with help from your employer? Many companies will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Visit our website to see if your company participates. doublethedonation.com/avs

LEVELS OF GIVING

Innovators Plus: $15,000 - $19,999* Mavericks: $20,000+*

Innovators: $10,000 - $14,999*

Inventors: $5,000 - $7,999 Visionaries: $8,000 - $9,999* Builders: $1 - $2,999 Makers: $3,000 - $4,999

* Please consider donating at the AVS Leadership Donor level of $10,000 and above in a school year to be invited to AVS Leadership Donor events

Thank you for 15 years of Curiosity, Creativity & Community!

Alta Vista Lower School • 450 Somerset St • San Francisco, CA 94134 Alta Vista Middle School • 2558 Mission St • San Francisco, CA 94110 www.altavistaschool.org

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