CURTIS CENTENNIAL As Curtis turns 100, we honor our past, celebrate our present, and look ahead with gratitude and excitement for the century to come.
publications@curtisschool.org 18
CLIC Beam Topping
CURTIS
OUR ALUMNI
5
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Moments of awe inspire curiosity and connection, shaping the way students learn, grow, and build community at Curtis.
6 PERSPECTIVES
A conversation with the Doheny-McCoy-Fermelia family, whose four generations at Curtis embody the school’s history and mission.
8 FEATURES
Student Leadership in Action
Through the new Student Programming Committee, 5th Graders stepped into leadership roles, planning assemblies and helping run a mock election.
Curtis Students Cast Their Votes Curtis students explored the democratic process through a school-wide mock election that turned learning into action.
Giving Back
Ryder Kleinman ’25 and classmates volunteered at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, preparing meals for those in need and discovering the power of teamwork, service, and compassion.
Educational Technology
The Educational Technology Task Force is helping define healthy screen use while ensuring that technology enhances learning and creativity across grade levels.
The Writing Revolution
Using The Writing Revolution, students learn to organize ideas clearly, build comprehension, and write with confidence across subject areas.
16 IN PHOTOS
Centennial Celebration
Beam Topping
20 FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS
Faculty & Staff News
Milestones of Service Retirements
24
6TH GRADE
Student Voices
Secondary School Outplacement
6th Grade Awards
27
ALUMNI
Community Service Grant News
Celebrating Our Alumni
Matriculation of the Class of 2019 Alumni Class Notes
Senior Send-Off
40
2024-25 ANNUAL REPORT
42 BOARD
Letter from the Board Chair
Board of Trustees
Board Committees
New Board Members
48
SCHOOL FINANCES
50 PARENTS ASSOCIATION
Letter from the PA President PA Committees
Curtis Fair
Curtis Celebrates!
60 REPORT ON PHILANTHROPY
Think Forward Campaign
Curtis Fund Leadership
Curtis Fund Donors
Travel Fellowship Grant
Honorary and Memorial Gifts
Donors by Constituency
Dear Curtis Community,
What does it mean to feel awe?
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
It’s that quiet, expansive moment when you realize you’re part of something much bigger than yourself. You may feel it when standing under a vast night sky, hearing a piece of music that stirs something deep inside you, or watching someone show extraordinary kindness. Awe isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s subtle and silent. But when we feel it, we know it. It pulls us out of ourselves and reminds us that we belong to a greater story.
Awe is not just an emotion—it is a powerful connector. It brings people together, fosters gratitude, encourages curiosity, and even improves our health. Studies have shown that children who regularly experience awe—whether through nature, art, learning, or community—tend to be more engaged, more empathetic, and more open to discovery. Inspired by the research of Dr. Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley, at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, I charged our faculty, staff, administrators, students, and parents to look for moments of awe in their daily lives.
This issue of our school magazine explores that sense of wonder through creativity, reflection, and shared experience. In these pages, you’ll find stories, artwork, interviews, and insights that reflect how our students experience moments of awe through the curriculum, opportunities for leadership and giving back, and our rich extracurricular programming. Whether in the collective spirit of a team, a simple act of generosity, or a writing assignment, each moment captured here speaks to the vast, interdependent web of which we are all a part.
As you read, we invite you to pause. Reflect. Let yourself be awed. Because in a world that often feels fast, competitive, and isolating, awe reconnects us. It opens our eyes to each other and to the beauty of learning, growing, and being part of a community.
Welcome to this special issue. May it stir your curiosity—and maybe, just maybe, leave you a little more awestruck.
With deep gratitude,
Dr. Meera Ratnesar Head of School
LEFT: Every Curtis student, from Developmental Kindergarten through 6th Grade, created a self-portrait this year, using a variety of techniques, colors, and materials. On Grandparents and Special Friends and Spring Concert/Open House days, families were greeted by hundreds of colorful, creative portraits of our students, covering the walls of the Pavilion.
ABOVE: Dr. Ratnesar and Mr. John Querio, Marion ’32, and Philip ’30 enjoyed a visit from “Papa” and “Popo,” Drs. Rajendra and Queelan Ratnesar, on Grandparents and Special Friends Day 2025.
A Family’s Century-Long Connection to Curtis
Stories of enduring connection remind us that Curtis is more than a school. It is a community shaped by generations of families whose values and experiences reflect our mission. We are grateful to the Doheny-McCoy-Fermelia family for sharing their century-long history with Curtis, offering a vivid portrait of the traditions, relationships, and purpose that continue to define our school.
On the eve of Curtis School’s 100th anniversary, we were honored to have the opportunity to hear recollections and stories shared by alumni whose family’s connection with the school has been sustained through four generations. Few embody the school’s century-long history as deeply as the Doheny-McCoy-Fermelia family, whose ties to Curtis School date all the way back to its founding in 1925. The very land on which Carl Curtis built his eponymous school was initially leased from the Dohenys and later purchased by his widow, Josephine Curtis, who continued to operate the school following her husband’s death.
But the Dohenys’ early connection to the school was more than transactional. It was woven into the daily life of a young Curtis community in which the Doheny children were shaping, and being shaped by, the school’s founding mission: to develop young people with strong minds in strong bodies.
tradition.
The family’s association with Curtis began with Edward L. Doheny, Jr. (only son of the prominent businessman Edward Doheny, Sr.) and his wife, Lucy Smith Doheny. The couple had five children, all of whom attended the Carl Curtis School at its original location at 8008 Beverly Boulevard in what is now the Beverly Grove neighborhood of West Los Angeles. In birth order, the children were Lucy (“Dicky”), Edward Laurence III (“Larry”), William Henry (“Billy”), Patrick Anson (“Pat”), and Timothy Michael (“Tim”). The Doheny children were active and enthusiastic participants in their school community, earning awards and recognitions, and admission into the school’s coveted Leaders’ Club, an honor reserved for students of notable character and achievement.
The family’s children have continued to be educated at Curtis through successive generations. Pat’s daughter, Kacey Doheny McCoy ’57, and son, Ned Doheny, Jr. ’66, both attended the school, then led by Carl F. Curtis, nephew of the founder, at its second location on a small half-acre lot on Beverly Place, adjacent to Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Carl F. Curtis had directed the physical education department at the school’s first campus and, like his uncle, he was intensely focused on educating children to become healthy young people of good character.
Kacey recalls how swimming and athletics were central to the school and that Mr. Curtis excelled at all of it. She and her brother Ned can still picture the school’s tiny but charming classrooms—”little, old schoolhouse rooms with about 10 kids per class”—and the pool, with “the warmth of the water and the sharp scent of chlorine,” as they swam every day. Willard “Baddy” Badham, Carl F. Curtis’s director of physical education and successor as headmaster, embodied the family feeling that made Curtis special, creating a school culture that was a true extension of home. Kacey says, “He knew every student and parent, offered
The Halloween parade is a cherished Curtis
Shane McCoy Fermelia ’84 (left) and Shane with her brother Patrick McCoy ’82 as a skeleton (right, at center).
hugs, and fostered the warmth and connection for which Curtis continues to be known. It makes me smile to think of both of them.”
Ned warmly recalls the day he returned decades later to enroll his own child, Paddy Doheny ’01. Seeing Ned walk into his office after 30 years, Baddy rose from his desk, shook Ned’s hand, and all the years in between melted away. For Kacey’s son, Patrick McCoy ’82, as for so many Curtis alumni, it’s the friendships that endure. Patrick’s best friends from Curtis kindergarten stood beside him at his wedding. Shane McCoy Fermelia ’84, Kacey’s daughter, treasures memories of Curtis traditions like the Halloween parade, and the caring community that surrounded her when her family moved to Washington, D.C., sending her notes and poems written “in beautiful Palmer-method penmanship.” Some of Shane and her husband Louis Fermelia’s favorite memories of Curtis are of their sons’ (Peter ’24 and Timothy ’25) DK years in Mr. Steve Hall’s classroom, where they hatched chicks, the daily touchpoints with Coach Jeff Albert, and the deep sense that, at Curtis, teachers like Ms. Susan Woolley and leaders like Dr. Meera Ratnesar always have your back—and you know they care.
As a multi-generational Curtis family, the Doheny-McCoy-Fermelias hold a unique perspective. They have seen Curtis evolve across campuses, programs, and generations and have experienced the school as students, alumni, parents, and grandparents. And yet, with all the growth and change, some things have stayed beautifully constant: cherished traditions, and the joy of small daily rituals like
“It wasn’t just that we were part of the school— it was part of us.”
Three generations of the Doheny-McCoy-Fermelia family were present to celebrate Timothy’s graduation (l-r): Peter McCoy, Shane McCoy Fermelia ’84, Peter Fermelia ’24, Louis Fermelia, Timothy ’25 Fermelia, Kacey Doheny McCoy, Patrick Doheny McCoy ’82, and Jennifer McCoy.
greetings (from “Sparky” (Coach Sparks), to Coach Albert, to Baddy, to Meera) at the start and end of the school day. These meaningful, sustained acts carry the spirit of Curtis through the decades.
The family is grateful to have been part of Curtis, part of a school that develops young people of good character who are confident learners and academically well prepared. And the family takes deep pride in the sheer number of its own members who attended the school. “Curtis is part of our family,” Ned reflects. “It wasn’t just that we were part of the school—it was part of us.”
As Curtis celebrates its 100th birthday, the family offers wishes for the century ahead: that the school will continue to excel and retain its feeling of family; that every child continues to feel cared for and understood the way they did; and that families stay connected with one another and involved with the school long beyond graduation. “It’s really quite remarkable that Curtis has lasted as long as it has,” Ned reflects, “going from the little, asphalt-covered place next to a pony park [Ponyland] we knew, to where it is today.”
As Curtis looks to the future, the DohenyMcCoy-Fermelia story is a reminder that the school’s greatest strength lies in the generations of families who have helped shape and been shaped by its mission. We are honored to have this family be an enduring part of our school’s history and the Curtis community—from Beverly Boulevard to Mulholland Drive, from 1925 to 2025, and beyond.
MOMENTS OF AWE IN THE LIFE OF A YOUNG LEARNER
Awe is not reserved for the extraordinary. It lives in everyday moments that spark curiosity, gratitude, and reflection. Whether through civic engagement, meaningful writing, acts of service, or hands-on learning, Curtis students experience learning that connects them to something greater than themselves. These stories reveal how awe deepens thinking, nurtures empathy, and supports the development in every child of a sound mind, sound body, and compassionate heart.
Growing Leaders through the Student Programming Committee
BY GINGER HEALY, DIRECTOR OF GRADES 3-5
One of my primary goals this school year was to create more leadership opportunities for upper elementary students—specifically, those in Grades 3 through 6. As I began planning the first round of monthly Life Skills assemblies, I had a lightbulb moment: Students shouldn’t just attend these assemblies—they should lead them. While 6th graders already enjoy a variety of leadership opportunities at Curtis, I realized that 5th Graders were ready and eager to step into similar roles.
Child development research from the Center for Responsive Schools, published in Yardsticks, by Chip Wood, shows that upper elementary students “listen well, enjoy talking and explaining, and can appreciate others’ perspectives.” Additionally, it is well accepted that student-tostudent learning resonates with children, making the lessons meaningful and relevant.
To realize the goal of increasing leadership opportunities for 5th Graders, I formed the Student Programming Committee (SPC) in 2024-25. Members of the SPC collaborate to deliver student programming, including monthly Life Skill assemblies. To prepare for these assemblies, students brainstorm the elements of the month’s designated life skill and think about the different ways to look at that skill and how it applies to children their age at school and in their everyday lives. From there, they decide how best to teach the life skill, and then plan the different components of the assembly. In 2024-25, the students experimented with whole-grade assemblies, individual classroom activities, and panels featuring guest speakers.
Third Grade Teacher Kate Carone expressed how much she appreciates the addition of student-led assemblies. She says, “Student-led assemblies
“As I began planning the first round of monthly Life Skills assemblies, I had a lightbulb moment: Students shouldn’t just attend these assemblies—they should lead them.”
have benefited all students involved. The committee members engage in the planning and presenting to younger students, through which they develop leadership and public speaking skills as well as build confidence. The younger students are engaged and active listeners. The student-led assemblies make the Life Skills lessons relatable and allow students to see how young voices can have a positive impact in their community.”
In addition to the monthly assemblies, SPC members played a critical role in the November 2024 Mock Election day for Curtis students. The SPC supported the faculty Election Design Team in creating elements of the lower elementary ballot measures. Additionally, SPC members served as poll volunteers on election day, distributing ballots and “I Voted!” stickers, and keeping the polls running efficiently. Most importantly, SPC members presented each class with a preamble that explained the purpose of the mock election, what it means to cast one’s vote, and that votes should remain private. Thanks to the hard work of the SPC and 6th Grade student volunteers, the Mock Election was a meaningful learning experience for Curtis students that modeled the democratic process.
Throughout the year, SPC members practiced collaborative skills such as active listening, compromise, and creative problem solving. During their presentations, they had ample opportunities to practice speaking with confidence in front of a large audience, both from scripted notes and extemporaneously. The students did an excellent job sharing the
advantage
stage with their teammates and making sure that everyone had a chance to participate in the planning and execution of the program. SPC members have even helped troubleshoot other moments that popped up for presenters, such as getting the technology to work and learning how to turn on the lights in the Pavilion!
SPC member Aaron E. ’26 shared his reflections as a member of the inaugural Student Programming Committee: “The team bonding and creating new friendships were two of my favorite parts of SPC. Also, what I really took away from all of that is how each person can understand the topic differently; we each add onto one another’s ideas to make an even better idea.”
It has been a pleasure to watch the SPC grow from just an idea to a team full of confident student leaders. I am positive that SPC participants will continue to blossom as student leaders as they transition to 6th Grade and their secondary schools.
Curtis Students Cast Their Votes: A Schoolwide Celebration of Democracy
BY GINGER HEALY, DIRECTOR OF GRADES 3-5; JAYME KRITZLER, 3RD GRADE TEACHER; D’VORA TAUS-KAHN, 6TH GRADE TEACHER; AMELIA ZALDIVAR, 1ST GRADE TEACHER
In fall 2024, a small task force of educators from the lower and upper elementary divisions came together to plan how Curtis could use the upcoming November election as a meaningful learning opportunity. Reflecting on Curtis’s past traditions—from beloved library mascot elections to mock presidential voting—we developed an age-appropriate approach tailored to each division’s goals.
In the Lower Elementary, we introduced foundational concepts of democratic elections by making the experience personal and relevant. Students learned that their voices matter. Teachers used resources focused on two outcomes: listening to differing opinions with empathy and understanding that every vote counts. In November, students excitedly cast ballots to determine their winter party snack menus. The experience was both fun and empowering.
In the Upper Elementary, we aimed to deepen students’ engagement. They voted on selected California ballot propositions and participated in a mock presidential vote. To personalize the experience further, students also weighed in on a student store proposal.
Election Day was a highlight. Fifth grade Student Programming Committee members and 6th Grade volunteers guided peers through the voting process, welcoming classes, assisting with sign-ins, and distributing festive “I Voted!” stickers.
The student store measure passed, reinforcing the idea that student voices shape campus life. Members of the Roots and Shoots service group named the store and selected items for sale. Cougar Corner, run by students, opened in May. It gave students a tangible example of democracy in action.
Across all divisions, the mock election offered a hands-on, developmentally appropriate way to engage with civic life, reinforcing the values of participation, leadership, and thoughtful decision-making that are central to our school community.
LEFT: 5th Graders took eager
of the leadership opportunities offered by the new Student Programming Committee.
RIGHT: Student Programming Committee members lead a 3rd Grade Life Skills assembly, with guidance from Ms. Healy.
Giving Back
BY RYDER KLEINMAN ’25
In January, our 6th Grade class volunteered with an organization that delivers over 250,000 meals per year to people in need. Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles (OBKLA) is a community-run, non-denominational kitchen that prepares meals for distribution to those who are food insecure throughout Los Angeles. OBKLA’s mission made an impact on me, because I recognized how fortunate we are to have food to eat every day. I was also so interested because there are not many places where kids are able to help prepare the meals that will go out to the community. This makes OBKLA special.
During our volunteer session, we prepared meatballs and chocolate chip cookies. Kids were able to help with rolling meatballs and scooping cookie dough, and at the end of the session, we assembled the meals so they were portioned and labeled to distribute to those in need.
My favorite part of the volunteer session with my class was putting together the meals. The meals are created to be nutritious because many people in Los Angeles are food insecure and require certain types of meals to remain healthy. We created an assembly line with rice, meatballs, vegetables, and sauce to make each individual meal. Packaging the meals gave us the chance to see what we had made for our community.
Volunteering can bring people together, and it is a fun experience. I really enjoyed sharing OBKLA with my classmates because it is a very important place to me. I spend so much time volunteering there because I can help our community while having fun with friends and family. Many of my friends and classmates have already returned to OBKLA to volunteer. I hope additional members of the Curtis community feel the same way and many more will volunteer in the future.
There are a few different ways to support the organization. There are volunteer sessions, opportunities to sponsor an event at OBKLA, or you can donate to support a food-making/assembly session if you can’t make it to help out in person. More information can be found at www.obkla.org. Anything you can do to support OBKLA will make a difference and help someone struggling with food insecurity.
“OBKLA’s mission made an impact on me, because I recognized how fortunate we are to have food to eat every day.”
LEFT: 6th Graders bring the Curtis spirit to mealmaking at OBKLA. BELOW: Ryder ’25 and Benjamin E. ’25 volunteering at OBKLA.
At Curtis, we believe in using technology to inspire exploration, spark innovation, and support learning in impactful, age-appropriate ways through thoughtful and meaningful integration and instruction.
Essential Uses for Technology in the Classroom
BY MARK GUTIERREZ AND THE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE
As technology continues to advance, the skills required to succeed in our digital world are evolving, but balance is key. How do we assess whether there is too much or too little use of technology in our classrooms?
After the pandemic, it became essential to reexamine how and how much technology should be used in the classrooms. In the 202425 school year, the Educational Technology Task Force, comprised of faculty and administrators, was formed to help guide the school in making decisions and plans moving forward about the use of technology in educating students at Curtis.
Through our initial research and review of existing literature, we identified several concerning trends related to screen time among children and adolescents, the primary age group served by our school. We found that children aged 8-10 were spending an average of six hours daily on entertainment screens. Notably, these figures do not include screen time associated with educational activities during the school day or time used to complete homework away from campus. These findings, taken in conjunction with insights from Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, served as a catalyst for our task force to develop a set of guiding goals to inform and direct our efforts.
Our initial objective was to cultivate greater awareness of screen time among both students and faculty. Faculty tracked and discussed their screen time in meetings, while students explored screen habits using Common Sense Media’s digital citizenship curriculum.
The task force developed a philosophy statement designed to shape our ongoing work and assist the school in promoting balanced and healthy technology use and practices.
As a next step, we organized meetings with grade-level teams and departmental groups to gather additional data regarding technology use in the classroom. During these sessions, we posed guiding questions to better understand current practices.
Initial findings showed that older students used technology more frequently and that devices were most often used for instruction, reinforcement, and displaying schedules. In the coming school year, the task force will undertake a more structured data collection process to inform our next steps and ensure a balanced and developmentally appropriate approach to technology use across grade levels. As part of this ongoing work, we aim to adopt a framework for evaluating classroom technology use and enabling faculty to assess its effectiveness in supporting instructional goals and student learning.
The task force will continue to meet and collaborate during the 2025-26 school year with the goal of aligning the school’s practices with its core philosophy and encouraging both educators and students to cultivate healthy digital habits. Our ultimate goal is to design a balanced approach wherein both the pencil and stylus are still utilized—because, whether it’s a stroke on paper or a swipe on a screen, the real magic lies in what students create, not what they hold in their hands.
Director of 6th Grade and Secondary School Outplacement
Stacey May
Library and Digital Media Specialist
Haruka Mori
Director of Lower Elementary
Nicholas Plaska
6th Grade Teacher
Loren Sobul
Educational Technology Integration Specialist
Strengthening Comprehension Through the Power of Writing
BY KATE CARONE, 3RD GRADE TEACHER; JANET LEE, DIRECTOR OF EQUITY, CURRICULUM, AND INSTRUCTION; KATHERINE LENIS, 2ND GRADE TEACHER; HADAS PETERS, 4TH GRADE TEACHER
The Writing Revolution is a research-based approach to writing instruction that is being used by Curtis teachers to reinforce strong foundational skills through explicit teaching of strategies from the sentence level to multiparagraph compositions. Rather than following a linear progression, The Writing Revolution revisits key concepts throughout the school year and across content areas, strengthening students’ critical thinking and reading comprehension skills.
At the sentence level, students differentiate between sentences and fragments, identify various sentence types (declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory), and expand a simple sentence to incorporate answers to question words (who, what, when, where, why, and how). They also learn to construct compound and complex sentences using conjunctions, transition words, and appositives (nouns or phrases that rename or explain another noun in a sentence). At the paragraph level, students learn to develop topic sentences, supporting details, and concluding sentences using a systematic outline approach. In the upper grades, students also learn note-taking skills, which they use to construct single-paragraph outlines. Students then take their knowledge of singleparagraph construction to develop multi-paragraph essays that tie in all the previous sentence-level work.
[Our] students not only become stronger writers but also better-equipped critical thinkers who are capable of navigating, problem-solving, and contributing meaningfully in an increasingly AI-driven world.
WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE AT CURTIS?
Teachers in Grades 2-5 began piloting The Writing Revolution approach about two years ago to systematically improve students’ writing, critical thinking, and reading comprehension skills. Through explicit instruction, students learn how to organize their thoughts clearly and coherently and demonstrate their understanding of what they read through notetaking and writing. Noting the demonstrated success we have seen in student work, we are looking forward to expanding the practice to 6th Grade as well.
In 2nd Grade, students explore how human activity has altered land over time and the resulting impacts on people, animals, and the environment. As part of this study, they read A River Ran Wild, which examines the effects of dam construction on an indigenous community. Afterward, students expand simple sentences related to the story, enhancing their writing skills by incorporating conjunctions and demonstrating and deepening their understanding of the material by adding key details and information.
In 3rd Grade, students use a single-paragraph outline structure to write plot summaries of the texts they read, including Because of Winn-Dixie,
a novel about unexpected friendships, and The Hero Two Doors Down, a story about Jackie Robinson written by his daughter Sharon. Students practice crafting strong topic and concluding sentences by using various sentence types, incorporating subordinating conjunctions, and adding appositives. Through this work, students learn to identify key story elements such as characters, setting, plot, and theme.
In 4th Grade, students research the positive and negative effects of the Transcontinental Railroad and organize their ideas using a multi-paragraph outline. They then transform their outlines into three-paragraph essays, incorporating compound and complex sentences, appositives, and clear introductory and concluding sentences.
In 5th Grade, students regularly use the singleparagraph organizer to plan succinct, written reflections on themes discussed in their class novels, Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, and The Best at It, by Maulik Pancholy, and when they draw connections in social studies topics such as Native America, the Colonial era, and the American Revolution.
WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN FOR CURTIS STUDENTS?
In a landscape that is rapidly changing with the use of AI, The Writing Revolution offers students an advantage by grounding them in clear, structured thinking and effective communication skills that are more vital than ever. While AI can assist with generating content, it cannot replace the cognitive development that comes from organizing ideas and writing with purpose. By mastering the sentence-level strategies and logical frameworks emphasized in this approach, students not only become stronger writers but also better-equipped critical thinkers who are capable of navigating, problem solving, and contributing meaningfully in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Awe-some moments
DEBATE
Curtis hosted the Golden West Debate League’s Championship Tournament this spring, welcoming 40 teams from eight schools. Eighteen Curtis students competed in four rounds, with two of our teams advancing to the final stage. Team STH—Safa S. ’25, Dalia T. ’25, and Connor H. ’25—won the grand final, earning first place at the tournament. Throughout the season, our 6th Grade debaters developed confidence, critical thinking, and public speaking skills that will serve them well for years to come.
PIRANHA POOL
As part of the second-semester Stock Market elective, 6th Grade students participated in the national Stock Market Game and capped off the course with Piranha Pool, a Curtis-style take on Shark Tank. In teams, students pitched original products or services to a panel of faculty investors, fielding thoughtful questions about cost, shares, and profitability.
CHESS
Now in its second year as part of the Curtis extracurricular program, the Chess Team continues to thrive. Students with prior chess experience meet weekly to develop their skills and strategies while competing in monthly tournaments. This year, Curtis proudly hosted its first on-campus chess tournament, marking an exciting milestone for the team.
ROBOTICS
Our very own Stacy Colwell, 4th Grade Science Teacher, received the First LEGO League Challenge’s Coach/Mentor Award this year. Her leadership and encouragement inspired Curtis students to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and approach challenges with confidence. The honor recognizes her dedication to both science education and the growing success of the Curtis robotics program.
ATHLETICS
Curtis athletes had an outstanding year, with strong performances across every season. League championships were earned by 4 White Football, 5 Red Football (second year in a row), 5 Red Boys Basketball (also a repeat win), 5 Gold Volleyball, and 5 Red Boys’ Soccer. The Swim Team placed second overall, and 4 Baseball, 4 Red Boys’ Basketball, and 5 Blue Volleyball had impressive seasons. 2024-25 also marked the return of Track and Field, giving students another opportunity to compete and grow. Teamwork, sportsmanship, and Curtis spirit flourished all year.
GROWING TOGETHER
At Curtis, working in the soil has always been about more than planting seeds. From early garden plots to today’s greenhouse, students connect with nature and practice responsibility, reflection, and care for the world around them.
AT THE BOARD
From dusty chalkboards to interactive displays, Curtis classrooms have evolved over time. What has never changed is our commitment to thoughtful teaching and learning that nurtures curiosity and critical thinking.
SUPERSTARS DAY
A beloved Curtis tradition, Superstars Day brings students in all grades together for an afternoon of friendly competition and rollicking fun that builds teamwork, friendships, and school pride.
GROUNDBREAKING
Every Curtis groundbreaking signals more than a new building. Each step forward reflects our mission to provide purposeful, joyful spaces where students develop sound minds, sound bodies, and compassionate hearts.
JOIN THE CELEBRATION
This school year will be filled with joy, community, and connection as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and embrace a future full of promise and purpose. Whether you’ve stayed closely connected or it’s been years since your last visit, this is your moment to come home. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone together.
Save the Date
MAY 2, 2026
Homecoming Centennial Celebration
Visit www.curtisschool.org/curtis100 to learn more and follow along throughout the year.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
We are deeply grateful to our Centennial Committee for their vision, creativity, and dedication in helping us bring this once-in-a-century celebration to life.
The Beam Topping Ceremony marked a meaningful milestone in the construction of Curtis’s new Collaborative Learning and Innovation Center (CLIC). On December 11, 2024, students and faculty gathered to witness the final steel beam being lifted into place, decorated with an evergreen tree, an American flag, and a Curtis School flag. Beam topping is a longstanding ironworker tradition signaling that the structure has reached its full height. It symbolizes both the safe completion of that phase of work and the promise of continued progress. Just ten months later, on the morning of November 10, 2025, we gathered again to witness and celebrate the official opening of the CLIC. We look forward to sharing more about the opening in the next issue of this magazine. Our community looked on with pride and anticipation for all our students will create and discover inside this new space.
Faculty & Staff News
Our dedicated faculty and staff give so much of themselves to Curtis each day. Their commitment, talent, and care enrich every aspect of our community and leave a lasting impact on our students and families.
We extend heartfelt congratulations to these teachers and staff members who shared happy news of weddings and births, and gratitude for those who reached five-year milestones of service to our school.
SARAH BALLAS and her husband, Billy, were thrilled to announce the arrival of their son, Alexander George Ballas. He was born on January 16, 2025, at 11:04 am. He weighed 8 lbs 6 oz and measured 20 inches.
STANDING (l-r): Kate Fox, Drew Beckmeyer, Alexandra Baeurle, Feli Domínguez, Dominique Reynolds, Leronda Williams, Ashley Williams, Gina Favre, Katie McKenna. SEATED (l-r): Karly Fontaine, Janet Lee, Dr. Meera Ratnesar, Debra Cohen, Karen Ivy, Jennifer Cansick, Liz Rahi, Issac Castro
ISSAC CASTRO tied the knot. He was married in September 2024. Congratulations to the happy couple.
VINCENT MENDIETA
welcomed a new addition to the family. Baby Luisa was born on June 3, 2025. Welcome to the world, Luisa.
AMERICA MARTINEZ and Gerardo Martinez were married in a joyful ceremony, on May 25, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.
JENNE CANSICK welcomed a baby girl. Libby Anne Cansick arrived on November 5, 2024, at 8:40 pm. She weighed 8 lbs 7 oz and measured 20.5 inches.
CELEBRATING MILESTONES OF SERVICE
In 2024-25, the Curtis community recognized 17 long-serving employees for their many contributions to our school, students, and families. We are grateful to these dedicated individuals for all they do to support our mission to inspire engaged, healthy, and empathetic young learners.
40 YEARS
Karen Ivy
30 YEARS
Kate Fox
25 YEARS
Debra Cohen
20 YEARS
Gina Favre
Ashley Williams
15 YEARS
Drew Beckmeyer
Katie McKenna
Leronda Williams
10 YEARS
Dr. Meera Ratnesar
5 YEARS
Alexandra Baeurle
Jennifer Cansick
Issac Castro
Feli Domínguez
Karly Fontaine
Janet Lee
Liz Rahi
Dominique Reynolds
FACULTY & STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
RETIREMENTS
In June, we bid farewell to two deeply respected and cherished members of our learning community, 4th Grade Teachers Debra Cohen and Karen Ivy. Debra and Karen have each served Curtis with extraordinary dedication, care for students and families, and a strong commitment to the school’s mission and values. Their work has left a lasting impact, and they have brought joy, wisdom, and heart to our community throughout their many years of service.
Debra Cohen
Debra Cohen has retired after 27 remarkable years at Curtis and more than four decades in the classroom. With warmth, devotion, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child, Debra has shaped the lives of countless students and families. Her journey at Curtis began in 1998, first as a long-term substitute teacher and as a parent of Hope ’05 and Brandon ’06. “I immediately fell in love with Curtis,” she says. “I knew my family belonged here.” Curtis felt the same, and she soon became a full-time faculty member.
While many in our current community know Debra as a core member of the 4th Grade team, she spent her first 16 years at Curtis teaching 6th Grade. When 6th Grade became departmentalized, Debra chose to move to 4th Grade, where she could continue as a homeroom teacher and build the deep relationships with students and families that have always been at the heart of her teaching. A natural educator, Debra knew by age 12 that she wanted to teach and went on to dedicate 43 years to the profession. In her letter announcing her retirement, she wrote, “Curtis School will always hold a very special place in my heart. My life has been filled with the joy of working with children and feeling as though I have made a difference in their lives…I know they have in mine.”
“[Debra] has inspired generations through her dedication, kindness, and belief in each child’s potential.”
Debra’s impact at Curtis reached far beyond her classroom. She helped organize the very first 6th Grade Retreat, established the school’s long-standing partnership with St. Joseph Center, and created the cherished pumpkin bread-making tradition that has brought comfort and joy to so many. She co-led the Roots & Shoots service group for nearly a decade, introduced student-led conferences to Upper Elementary, and developed the 6th Grade unit “Justice in an Unjust Society,” which continues to this day. Debra mentored new teachers, chaperoned nearly every overnight trip, and served on numerous committees throughout her time at Curtis.
Her colleagues speak of her with deep admiration. Debbie Taus-Kahn shares, “She has inspired generations through her dedication, kindness, and belief in each child’s potential.” Hadas Peters adds, “She has poured so much of herself into her students, their families, and the entire community. All of us at Curtis are better because of her compassionate heart.”
Debra has been a steady and uplifting presence in our community. While we will miss seeing her daily, we are comforted to know she will continue to stay close. She plans to return for the school’s Centennial and will continue to shepherd the pumpkin bread tradition she began so many years ago. Her legacy of love, kindness, and service will always be part of Curtis.
Karen Ivy
Karen Ivy retired in June after an extraordinary 40-year career at Curtis, making her the school’s then-current longestserving employee and one of a very few to dedicate four decades to our community. A master teacher, trusted colleague, and beloved presence, Karen has touched the lives of generations of students and families.
Though she taught in other grades early in her teaching career, Karen found her calling in 4th Grade, where she says, “I knew it was home.” She has long cherished this age for its curiosity, independence, and love of learning.
“Prior to 4th Grade, children are learning to read. Once they’re in 4th Grade, they’re reading to learn, and that’s very empowering,” she says. Still, her central message to students has always been simple and lasting: “First, be kind.”
Karen joined Curtis in 1985, just after the school moved to its current Mulholland campus. She has witnessed the growth of the school through five heads of school and the construction of nearly every building on campus. Through it all, she has anchored the 4th Grade team with expertise, care, and steady guidance. Admissions Director Mimi Petrie, whose daughter and granddaughter were both students of Ms. Ivy, shares, “Karen is the teacher everyone wishes they had. She cares deeply about her students.” Colleague Hadas Peters adds, “She is smart, witty, and always finds creative ways to help others succeed. We’ll miss her beautiful energy.”
Karen’s impact extends beyond the classroom. She helped shape traditions such as American Appreciation Day and created the 4th Grade Sacramento trip, a highlight for many students over the years. She also developed the school’s first earthquake preparedness program and introduced the practice of parents providing comfort packs, to be distributed to their child in the event of emergency, reflecting her understanding of children’s emotional needs.
Known for her loyalty and positive spirit, Karen always brings calm and levity, even in challenging times. Dr. Ratnesar notes, “Whether teaching on Zoom or navigating evacuations, she never complains and always looks for the good. In her final year at Curtis, she remained fully engaged in her own professional development and actively supported the learning of her colleagues.”
We are deeply grateful for all Karen Ivy has given to Curtis. Her dedication, warmth, and belief in the power of kindness have left a lasting mark on our community. While we will miss her daily presence, her legacy will continue to inspire students and teachers for years to come.
“[Karen] is smart, witty, and always finds creative ways to help others succeed. We’ll miss her beautiful energy.”
MY MOMENT OF AWE
BY MADISON SCHUMER ’25
“Curtis School has provided me with a high-quality education that serves as a solid foundation for my future academic endeavors in secondary school.”
I heard someone call out my name. “Madison,” she yelled, “your buddy is right here!” I took a step forward, and standing quietly in front of me was my new favorite DK student, named Charlotte. She was as sweet as a lily and would always smile from ear to ear every time she saw me. Just watching her face light up would make my day. I didn’t know it then, but I was a mentor. I was someone whom she looked up to, not just someone who was older, but someone with whom she felt comfortable. Throughout my time at Curtis, I had always been the person who looked up to others and never the other way around. At that moment, I saw how I had become a role model. It was a moment of awe for me because I recognized that Curtis had not only helped mold me into the person and mentor I am today, but the friend, supporter, and learner I have become.
At the heart of our school community are the values that guide every interaction, every lesson, and every step forward. Integrity, respect, responsibility, and compassion are not just words; they are the principles we strive to embody each and every day. Developing these skills at Curtis has not only helped form the learner I am, but they serve as a reminder to always put forth my best effort. The morals and lessons that I have been following at my school truly convey a vision of what Curtis students strive to be.
Curtis has worked endlessly to make each student’s experience memorable. The relationships I have made here, both with my teachers and friends, have been unforgettable. As I developed my sound mind, sound body, and compassionate heart—the three elements of our school’s mission—I celebrated through victories, pushed through struggles and challenges, and set a path for my future self. I can wholeheartedly say that my experience at Curtis has been incomparable.
With the Curtis community by my side, I have been able to foster an unseen part of myself that explores both my interests and the friendships I made. I hadn’t realized it yet, but the people I used to sing with on the playground in DK would become my closest and lifelong friends. From the people I sit with at lunch to my teammates in sports, every Curtis Cougar is part of my family. As I reflect on my time at Curtis, I realize just how much this place and the moments I have spent here have helped shape who I am today. The lessons learned, both inside and outside of the classroom, the friendships that have developed and grown each year, and the teachers and coaches who believed in me have all made my experience unique and special in every way. As I graduate and take my next steps beyond Curtis, in another moment of awe, I realize that I have become a confident leader, a fearless student, and a supportive teammate. Most importantly, I have transformed into a role model and a mentor who not only has grown a sound mind, sound body, and compassionate heart but is also someone who inspires others to grow the same way I did.
(Written in May 2025, on the eve of graduation.)
Madison and Charlotte enjoy time together during a Buddies meeting. The Buddies program pairs grades to work on fun projects and promote friendships and community between students of different ages. Sixth grade is paired with DK.
SECONDARY SCHOOL OUTPLACEMENT
Curtis teachers, administrators, and staff work alongside students and families to navigate the process of middle school outplacement together. We are proud that our graduates are highly regarded by the admissions offices of the finest secondary schools in Los Angeles and beyond. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025 and wish them every success in their future academic journeys.
AWARDS & GRANTS
6TH GRADE AWARDS
ACADEMIC AWARD
This award recognizes the students who have continually displayed outstanding effort and achievement in all subject areas of academic work. Faculty selection.
Poppy Fox
Connor Hsieh
CONTRIBUTION AWARD
This award recognizes the students who have continually contributed to the betterment of Curtis School and its student body. Faculty selection.
Jade Jasper
Ryder Kleinman
THREE-RULE AWARD
This award recognizes the students who exemplify the school’s motto of “kindness, honesty, and respect for oneself and others.” Faculty selection.
Bella Magee
Theo Noble-Creznic
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARD
The 6th Grade students were asked to reflect on their time at Curtis and to identify two peer students who consistently inspired them, through their actions, to become better people themselves.
Poppy Fox
Leo Huang
COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT NEWS
The Curtis Alumni Community Service Grant recognizes the meaningful service work our alumni in Grades 7 through 12 are performing in their communities. This competitive opportunity supports the passion and dedication of young Curtis graduates who are making a difference in the lives of others. The Alumni Council extends its sincere thanks to all who applied and shared their time, talents, and commitment to causes that reflect the Curtis mission of a compassionate heart.
Curtis Alumni Community Service Grant 2025 CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S GRANT RECIPIENTS.
MASON WETZSTEIN ’19 (Harvard-Westlake ’25) has been a dedicated volunteer and student leader with the Northridge Little League’s Challenger Division, a program that gives children and teens with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in a supportive and inclusive setting. As the designated program lead for Harvard-Westlake, Mason organized volunteers and helped ensure that each Sunday game ran smoothly. With the support of the Curtis Alumni Community Service Grant, Mason purchased essential adaptive equipment, including specialized gloves and helmets, to better meet the needs of the players and help them feel confident, safe, and excited to participate.
THANK YOU to these generous donors for supporting this program.
Jill ’85 & David Carmel
The Jacoby Family (Allison ’83)
Shana Levin Zarcufsky ’85
LAYLA BHATIA ’23 (Brentwood ’29) and LEAH MILLER ’23 (Brentwood ’29) created Room to Bloom, a project focused on improving the hospital experience for young patients. With the support of the Curtis Alumni Community Service Grant, they plan to visit local hospitals with a Wellness Cart stocked with toys, snacks, and small comforts to brighten a child’s day. Over the summer, Layla and Leah spent time each week planning visits, gathering supplies, and bringing care and connection to children through simple acts of kindness.
Curtis graduates have a purpose beyond themselves: they recognize how their contributions can bring about change and positivity, and understand their responsibility to the greater good.
2025 AWARD WINNERS with Dr. Meera Ratnesar (l-r): Mason Wetzstein ’19, Layla Bhatia ’23, Leah Miller ’23
CURTIS SCHOOL PURPOSE STATEMENT
Celebrating our Alumni
With the dynamic leadership of the Alumni Council and President Ashley Warne ’96, the school’s alumni program hosted a series of successful events that fostered community engagement.
ALUMNI COUNCIL 2024-25
Ashley Warne ’96, President Margaux Lushing ’96, Vice President
Cat Krantz Benner ’85
Natalie Boren ’02
Darren Cohen ’88
Jared Cohen ’88
Marshall Cole ’96
David Gross ’90
Kat Haydarzadeh ’88
Interested in joining the Alumni Council?
Allison Jacoby ’83
Emily Levine ’00
Max Mednik ’96
Mimi Paley ’00
Jeff Porter ’91
Shana Zarcufsky ’85
Email mmalone@curtisschool.org to learn more.
BEYOND CURTIS
To help prepare our 6th Graders and their families for the transition to middle school, we once again hosted our annual Beyond Curtis event in late spring. The evening began with students writing letters to their future selves, which will be mailed back to them in six years when they return for their high school Senior Send-Off. Afterwards, families enjoyed dinner from the Pie ’N Burger food truck before gathering for two thoughtful panels. A group of young Curtis alumni spoke with students about what to expect in middle school, while a separate panel of alumni parents, moderated by Dr. Ratnesar, shared advice and reflections with current 6th Grade parents.
This year, Krishaan Assomull ’23, Kyle Kono ’24, Finn Peters ’23, Ella Raiman ’23, Addison Raminfar ’24, and Ava Torres ’23 returned to campus to talk about the middle school experience at schools to which our students matriculate.
COUNCIL MEMBERS Top (l-r): Margaux Lushing, Jared Cohen, Jeffrey Porter, Max Mednik; Bottom (l-r): Cat Krantz Benner, Ashley Warne (President), Kat Haydarzadeh.
ALUMNI COUGARS AND CUBS BREAKFAST
The Alumni Cougars and Cubs Breakfast continued to be a joyful and much-loved tradition within the Curtis community. Held at the Head of School’s residence, the event welcomed alumni who are current Curtis parents, along with their children, for a casual and happy get-together before the school day began. It was a moment for families to reflect on their own Curtis experiences while sharing in the excitement of their children’s journeys. The gathering served as a reminder of the lasting connections formed at Curtis and the special role alumni families play in the life of Curtis School.
ALUMNI SOCIAL HOUR
In 2024-25, we continued our new tradition of welcoming alumni aged 21 and older for an evening of connection and camaraderie. Our second Curtis Alumni Evening, once again held at the Hillcrest Country Club, brought together alumni from across three decades to share memories, laughter, and great conversation. Guests enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces and forming new friendships, all rooted in their shared experience as Curtis Cougars.
PIN CEREMONY
The Pin Ceremony remains a cherished tradition that warmly and officially welcomes our soon-to-graduate 6th Graders into the Curtis alumni community. At the June event, Alumni Council President Ashley Warne ’96 shared a thoughtful message with the Class of 2025. She encouraged students to stay connected to Curtis and to one another, and highlighed the lasting importance of community and the lifelong relationships that have begun here.
JAREN SAVAGE ’11
COUGAR CATCH-UP
JACKIE SCHWARTZ ’13
Jackie Schwartz, Class of 2013, grew up at Curtis surrounded by inspiring teachers, close friendships, and a community that felt like family. Today, she has come full circle. She is back on campus as a Curtis teacher and a colleague to some of the very educators who once taught her. In this Q&A, Jackie reflects on her time as a student, her return to the classroom, and the enduring values that continue to shape her journey.
How does it feel to be teaching at Curtis? “Amazing! I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of the Curtis community again. I love working with the kids, the amazing teachers, and an administration that’s helping me become the teacher I’ve always wanted to be.”
How did Curtis prepare you for the challenges you face now — whether in school, work, or life in general?
“Curtis helped prepare me by giving me the confidence to stand up for myself and be proud of who I am. It also made
For Jaren Savage, Class of 2011, Curtis was the place where his ideas took shape and his creativity found a home. It was where individuality was honored and dreams were encouraged, no matter how bold. In this Q&A, Jaren reflects on the lasting impact of his Curtis experience and how it continues to guide his entrepreneurial work, his values, and his vision for the future.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Curtis School?
“The creative outlets were probably my favorite—the writing and all of the arts that we did. In second grade we wrote
and illustrated picture books. In third grade I wrote my first screenplay. In sixth grade we even wrote a play as a class. We were never told not to create, and that was huge for me.”
Are there specific values or character traits you developed at Curtis that guide you today?
“I think the key takeaway I got from the artistic side of Curtis was dream as big as possible. If you can dream it, you can make it a reality. From the academic side it was focus and try your best. Every teacher gave us a structure for that.”
me comfortable asking for help when I needed it, whether academically or socially, because the faculty and staff were always so supportive.”
Are there specific values or character traits you developed at Curtis that guide you today?
“To be kind. That was one of the biggest things I learned while at Curtis, that everyone is different—and that’s okay. Everyone should be treated as an individual, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
Is there a moment or experience from Curtis that you find yourself reflecting on now as an adult?
“Pretty much everything I’m doing now is just some version of art that has a foundation at Curtis. When I look back, I’m reading the script I wrote when I was eight years old in Ms. Reed’s class and I think, we were never told not to do this. Curtis gave us the structure to let our dreams run wild but also ground them in reality.”
How have the skills or lessons you learned at Curtis influenced your current path — academically, professionally, or personally?
“Curtis prepared us for so many different things—adversity, being able to be ourselves. Even when things happened, nothing was swept under the rug, it was always addressed. That kind of human side of Curtis is something you can always respect and appreciate.”
FAIR 2007 (l-r): Curtis 3rd Grader brothers, Jared and Jaren.
Is there a moment or experience from Curtis that you find yourself reflecting on now as an adult?
“I often reflect on all the experiences I had with the teachers and faculty. Whether it was Jeff Albert greeting everyone each morning with a smile and a joke, or my daily hugs and check-ins with Ms. Kolbe, I’m beyond grateful for the people who made my years at Curtis so special.”
If you could give one piece of advice to current Curtis students, what would it be?
“To really enjoy your surroundings, your friends, and your teachers. Curtis is such an incredibly special place with amazing teachers and students, and it truly is a once-in-alifetime experience.”
FAMILY COOKIE DECORATING
In 2024, we introduced a new alumni tradition with our first-ever Family Cookie Decorating event, held on campus during the holiday season. Alumni of all ages, from recent graduates to long-time members of the community and their children, returned to Curtis for a casual and festive afternoon filled with cookie decorating, laughter, and connection.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Curtis students, what would it be?
“As much as possible, enjoy the moment as much as you can. Elementary school years are some of your best years—you don’t have to worry about bills, you don’t have to worry about any of that. To be in a place like Curtis… Curtis really was almost like a Disneyland for elementary school. Let the time go by as slowly as possible. Do everything that you can, even if you’re tired.”
SPORTS NIGHT SPEAKERS
Each year, we invite former student-athletes to speak at Sports Night, a cherished tradition and special event organized by the Athletics Department that celebrates the year in Curtis athletics and the growth and achievements of our student-athletes in Grades 4–6. This year’s honored speakers were Addison Jean and Jack Laffitte, both members of the Class of 2019. Addison spoke about how her love of sports began at Curtis and how those early moments on the field helped shape her passion and drive. Jack shared that while he wasn’t the strongest athlete during his Curtis years, his coaches taught him to persevere and believe in himself. That mindset stayed with him, and he is now headed to the University of Michigan on a sports scholarship. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the lasting influence of Curtis athletics and the values it instills.
6th Grade Class Of 2019
We celebrate the achievements of the Curtis 6th Grade Class of 2019, who graduated from high school in 2025. We are proud of these exceptional individuals who have shown dedication to their education. We are confident that they will continue to excel in their academic pursuits, using their knowledge, talents, and compassionate hearts to make a positive impact and contribute to the greater good.
Matriculation of the Curtis Alumni High School
HELENA AUGSBERGER
New York University
Tisch School of the Arts
MADELEINE BEAUBAIRE
Colgate University
PIERCE BENDIKSON
Texas A&M University
DANIELA BENUDIZ
Boston University
NOA BLACKMAN
University of Michigan
HARPER BROOKS
University of Texas
CADE BROWNSTEIN
Tulane University
RYDER BROWNSTEIN
Vanderbilt University
ROYCE CHAFFIN-MORRIS
New York University
TYLER CASTANON-HILL
New York University
AMELIA CHIARELLI
University of Chicago
JADE COLERIDGE
Colgate University
RYAN DANESHRAD
University of Wisconsin
ALDEN DETMER
George Washington University
BRADY ENG
Vanderbilt University
VYVIEN ESTES
University of California, Berkeley
CHASE FIDLER
Chapman University
GIDEON EVANS
New York University
SCARLETT FISHER
University of Southern California
Graduates of 2025
GENTRY GARCIA
Howard University
PEARL GATINS
New York University
RILEY GLENNON
University of Arizona
TABITHA GREEN
University of St Andrews
AVA GUAGLIANO
Texas Christian University
MAYA HARRISON
University of Chicago
SAMANTHA HSU
University of Washington
ADDISON JEAN
Emerson College
TAJ KAPOOR
University of California, Los Angeles
NASIB KELLEY
New York University
JACK LAFFITTE
University of Michigan
MAPLE MAND
Tulane University
CHARLIE MATTHEWS
Middlebury College
ALEXANDRA MEYER
University of Pennsylvania
DANIEL MITTLEMAN
New York University
COLE MOELLEKEN
Indiana University
JULIA NEHORAI
University of Southern California
SAM REINER
University of Pennsylvania
RILEY RICHARDS
New York University
NATALIE RO
Georgetown University
ELLE ROBICHAUD
University of St Andrews
JOHAN SAMUEL
Parsons School of Design at The New School
JONAH SCHWEITZER
Vanderbilt University
AMELIA SCOTCH
University of Wisconsin
JACOB SKLAR
University of California, Los Angeles
ISABELLA SPENCER
Howard University
SYDNEY TANNENBAUM
Texas Christian University
HARRISON WALLINE
Boston University
MASON WALLINE
University of Chicago
MASON WETZSTEIN
University of Chicago
ALONZO WICKERS
Bowdoin College
INDIA WICKERS
Middlebury College
ELIJAH WILLIAMS
Long Beach City College
FRANKLIN WIMBISH
Elon University
EMMA WOLLAEGER
Northeastern University
JACKSON ZINN
University of Southern California
Alumni Class Notes
1950s
John Pratt Bingham ’57 just published his sixth book, Buddies Share Their Spiritual Journeys. About it, he relates, “Seventeen articulate men, [aged] 65-85, write about their unique spiritual journeys. The men are generous in telling their stories, which offer a compelling invitation to examine our sacred journeys.”
1970s
Lisa Niver ’79 Award-winning journalist, TV host, and author Lisa Niver is celebrating a milestone year. Her memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, received ten awards. She also received a prestigious Telly Award for her travel
segment filmed in Ireland for The Jet Set TV show. At the 67th Southern California Journalism Awards, hosted by the Los Angeles Press Club, Lisa was recognized with her first-ever first place win in the Lifestyle Feature category for her podcast Make Your Own Map. She was also awarded third place for Online Journalist of the Year and named a five-time finalist this year, bringing her career total to over 40 nominations across categories including broadcast, print, digital, TV, and podcasting. Lisa continues to inspire audiences through her writing, media appearances, and passion for storytelling and global exploration. You can find her travel videos on YouTube, where she has nearly 2.5 million views. Lisa is a former DK-3rd Grade Curtis science teacher as well as an alumna.
1990s
Max Mednik ’96 has been busy building his fourth startup, Epsilon3, which makes software tools for advanced manufacturing, testing, and operations for deep tech industries like aerospace, robotics, and beyond. Max and his wife, Suzanne, a dermatologist, recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. Their son, Benji, is currently a 4th grader at Curtis, and their daughter, Millie, is in preschool in Santa Monica. The Medniks live in Brentwood and enjoy playing outside, putting on magic shows, and being near the ocean whenever they can.
Ashley Warne ’96 is excited to share that her son, Cooper Schild, started DK at Curtis this fall. She looks forward to connecting with the Curtis parent community.
Nick Melvoin ’98 writes, “It’s been an exciting year for our family as my wife, Kim, and I welcomed our first child, Hugo, on July 16 (also our third wedding anniversary!). His uncle Charlie (’99) promptly flew out from London to meet him, and he’s eager to meet his cousins when they come from London for Thanksgiving. I am still enjoying serving on the LA Unified School Board and will be up for reelection to a final term next year. I think often of my own wonderful education at Curtis as I strive to improve outcomes for the over half a million kids who attend LA’s public schools. I also continue to serve as the Camp Director for Camp Harmony and encounter many Curtis alumni of all ages through that wonderful organization. We live in the greater Hancock Park area and always enjoy running into fellow alums on the street, on the soccer field, or as new parents looking for good school options for their kids.”
Charlie Melvoin ’99 is the author of Intending: A Gay Dad’s Guide to Surrogacy, which is published and available to read free, online, at intendingbook.com. The book is an honest, accessible, and heartwarming account of Charlie’s own experience that is meant to be a helpful resource for anyone considering surrogacy or curious about the topic.
2000s
Mimi Paley ’00 Following Curtis, Mimi attended Brentwood School and USC. She and her husband, David Miller, have two children, Goldie (3) and Arthur (1), and the family lives in Encino. After 18 years in the entertainment business, acting and singing, Mimi now runs a family business with her brother, Evan Paley ’01, providing specialized care to patients in long-term care facilities.
Kelsey Rose (Weber) Thomas ’03 is celebrating her third year living in Nashville with her two boys, Foster (3) and Cecil (1) and her husband, Russell. She continues to lead marketing efforts for Wild Alaskan Company while spending any spare time adventuring nearby. She can’t wait to bring her boys to the Curtis Fair in coming years!
Ben Sprung-Keyser ’05 shares, “I am currently an Assistant Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. I got married this summer and the best man at our wedding was my Curtis classmate Chris Holthouse ’05. I still keep in touch with many members of the Curtis debate team of 2004-05.”
2010s
Brendan Rose ’11 graduated from Yale in 2022 with a double major in classics and molecular biophysics & biochemistry. He is currently pursuing an MD-PhD at UCSF.
Jared Savage ’11 honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by partnering with Tuskegee University and the Red Tail Scholarship Foundation to support underrepresented pilots. Through this work, the Red Tail Flight Academy has helped produce dozens of new pilots, with Jared serving as the foundation’s first flight instructor after receiving a scholarship himself. He volunteers with Angel Flight, SouthWings, and Pilots and Paws, and appears in the aviation documentary Red Horizon Jared currently flies for Southwest
Airlines and resides in Georgia with his wife, Emilia, and their two children, Malcolm and Emery.
Julianne Goldmark ’13 has reached an exciting milestone in her entrepreneurial journey. In 2009, while still in school, Julianne co-founded Emi Jay with her mother, a brand inspired by bold femininity and known for its stylish, high-quality hair accessories. What began as a small business with a classmate has since grown into a celebrated name in hair care. Now, 16 years later, Emi Jay is launching in Sephora, marking a major moment of growth and national visibility. The brand’s products are also carried by leading retailers including Bloomingdale’s, Selfridges, Urban Outfitters, and Revolve.
Vienna Webb ’13 , a recent USC alum, has founded a nonprofit organization called Stellify, which supports young autistic adults by focusing on independent living and communication skills, physical wellbeing, and job training. She hosts a weekly meeting for non-speaking adults at Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills, and invites other Curtis alums to join in as guest speakers. This fall, Stellify will be attending Autism Speaks’ Empower Walk & 5K Run, on November 23, at UCLA, and Vienna hopes that other Curtis alums will come to support Stellify and the cause. You can follow Stellify on Instagram @stellifyusa.
Josh Hsu ’16, a senior at Loyola Marymount University, is following his passion for flying. While he finishes his last year at LMU’s School of Business, Josh is also working as a helicopter flight instructor and tour pilot. His ultimate goal is to work as a helicopter pilot in news and media or emergency medical services. He still loves playing the guitar and recently performed with his band, Midfield Avenue, at the iconic Troubadour in West Hollywood, where the band debuted their first EP, “Used To.”
Vetea Wolf Mahony ’16 hit the ground running in his professional journey, joining the esteemed RE/MAX real estate team. Wolf’s drive and determination, forged through years of playing competitive baseball since the age of 5, have already led to three successful home sales, and it feels both natural and rewarding to him to connect clients with their dream homes. He credits Curtis School with helping him finetune his strengths while instilling compassion, grit, and resilience.
Jack Kern ’18 is currently a student at UC Davis, where he continues to study Japanese. He has been studying the language for several years and is now fluent.
Jade Coleridge ’19 graduated from Marlborough School in June and now attends Colgate University. As a student at Marlborough, she served as co-managing editor of The Ultraviolet , completed an Honors Research project on California’s literacy crisis, and was co-chair of the Violets’ Giving Circle, a studentled philanthropic organization. Jade received the National Scholastic Press Association Leadership Award in Student Journalism for her exceptional contributions to student media. The award recognizes students who demonstrate journalistic excellence, provide strong staff leadership, and uphold the high ethical standards of the NSPA Model Code of Ethics.
Sammy Hsu ’19 graduated in June from Chadwick School, where she was a volleyball stand-out and a Cum Laude Society inductee. She is now a freshman at the University
of Washington, after being recruited to play beach volleyball for the Huskies.
Nasib Kelley ’19 writes, “I’m now heading into an exciting new chapter: attending NYU, where I’ll be majoring in fine arts and business, with a focus on studio art. Since graduation, I had the amazing chance to travel to Spain, where I hiked the final 160 kilometers of the El Camino with friends and family—a charity walk that turned into both a physically and emotionally rewarding journey. It was a powerful experience of growth, reflection, and bonding with wise and generous adults along the way. As I look ahead to college life, I just want to send all my love to Curtis. Coming back to visit reminded me how much this place shaped who I am. I have so much love and gratitude for this school. To all the students, make the most of every moment. Curtis is a special place.”
Riley Richards ’19 graduated from Harvard-Westlake in June and spent the summer exploring Europe with her best friend before heading off to college. She shares, “As I’m moving into the next chapter of my life, I wanted to take a moment to thank the place where it all began. This fall, I’ll be heading to New York University— something I’ve dreamed about for years—and I couldn’t be more excited to start this new adventure. ... Even as I look forward to all that’s ahead, I know none of it would be possible without my roots at Curtis. The community,
the teachers, the friends I made, and the values I learned there all helped shape the person I’ve become. Curtis gave me the confidence to dream big and the foundation to chase those dreams. I’ll carry a little piece of Curtis with me wherever I go.”
Jacob Sklar ’19 graduated from Viewpoint School in June as a distinguished recipient of the Belonging and Community Life Award and the STEM Scholars Honors distinction. He shares, “I’m currently a freshman at UCLA, double-majoring in art history and psychobiology, on a pre-med track, with the goal of becoming a plastic surgeon.”
2020s
Cyrus Zahiri ’20 is a senior at Harvard-Westlake School, where he excels academically and pursues a diverse array of interests, including Varsity Tennis, robotics, Jazz Band, biotechnology, and research. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the National Merit Award. As the lead alto saxophonist in the Harvard-Westlake Jazz Band, Cyrus showcases his passion for music, both in performance and composition. His musical journey began at Curtis School and has blossomed into notable achievements, including State Honors as a classical pianist. His commitment to community service has also been recognized with the prestigious Gold Congressional Service Award, highlighting his efforts to positively impact the
lives of those around him. Cyrus demonstrated his innovative thinking and business acumen at the Wharton Entrepreneurship Competition, where he was a runner-up. His love for technology was further recognized when he won a Harvard-Westlake Hackathon, reflecting his passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world challenges. Committed to promoting social impact through technology, Cyrus founded both the AI Club and Computers for a Cause at HarvardWestlake, creating platforms for collaboration and creative problem-solving among his peers. He also co-leads several clubs, including the Music Composition Club, where he fosters an environment of creativity and teamwork.
Camellia Zahiri ’20, a senior at Harvard-Westlake School, is a student leader, captain of the Varsity Volleyball team, and an entrepreneur committed to education, women’s wellbeing, multiculturalism, and environmental protection. She received the Young Hero Award and the Gold Congressional Service Award for her work with the Aquarium of the Pacific and Harvard-Westlake’s inaugural Dig Pink partnership with the Side-Out Foundation, which raised several thousand dollars for breast cancer treatment and research. Camellia has participated in the LAFD Junior Guard (Lifeguard) program and volunteered with organizations such as Heal the Bay and the SideOut Foundation. In recognition of her leadership and dedication, she received the Philanthropic Dig Pink Ambassador’s Award for exemplary service to HarvardWestlake’s women’s volleyball program. For several years, Camellia has presented The Nowruz Spring Festival during the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Annual International Children’s Festival, leading program development and educational activities that
help young attendees explore and celebrate cultural diversity. She is the founder of FedUp Care, a startup focused on women’s healthcare that promotes sustainable living and wellness solutions that serve women across cultures—underscoring her commitment to environmental protection. She is additionally collaborating with a research group studying the impact of environmental toxins on women’s health.
Parker Kern ’21 is a junior at Buckley School. His passion is cooking, and he cooks for two different chefs on the weekends.
Quinn Albrecht ’24 recently helped lead the Los Angeles Lions Girls Tier I 14U hockey team to qualify for the USA Hockey National Championships, marking the team’s fourth appearance in five years. Known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Lions team represents a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds and identities, and has become a national standout. Quinn not only excels on the ice but also gives back as a mentor to younger players through programs like The Empowerment Effect, which builds leadership and confidence in girls through sports. Her dedication to fostering community and inclusion in hockey continues to inspire the next generation of players.
Camellia ’20 (l) and Cyrus ’20 (r) Zahiri with Congressman Brad Sherman (32nd District)
Class of 2019
Senior Send-off
Each spring, we celebrate our Curtis alums who are graduating from high school, marking this meaningful milestone with a heartfelt send-off. This year’s Senior Send-Off honored the Curtis Class of 2019 and brought a wonderful turnout of alumni and their parents, all excited to return to campus. Former students reconnected with their teachers, caught up with old friends, and shared memories of their time at Curtis. The event was filled with joy, reflection, and a strong sense of community as we cheered them on for the journey ahead.
MISSION
To develop, in every child, a sound mind in a sound body, governed by a compassionate heart.
VISION
By pioneering programs that inspire engaged, healthy, and empathetic young learners to embrace the next phases of their education and lives with joy, confidence, and purpose, Curtis School sets the standard for elementary education in the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond.
PURPOSE
Our graduates are dexterous learners: they have learned how to learn and are intellectually curious, agile, and inspired to be problem seekers as well as problem solvers.
Our graduates have healthy, sustainable habits of body and mind: they understand that the mind and body connect and take responsibility for living healthy lives.
Our graduates know and understand the impact of their own character on others: they are aware of their feelings, regulate their actions, and empathize with others.
Our graduates have purpose beyond themselves: they recognize how their contributions can bring about change and positivity, and understand their responsibility to the greater good.
VALUES
Educate in balance
Equal emphasis of academic, physical, social-emotional, and character education is the guiding principle that defines a Curtis education.
Improve, always
The Curtis community has a growth mindset, which is modeled by faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to the best practices in their craft.
Roam freely
Curtis students have space to learn and play on their campus and feel safe and secure.
Embrace diversity
Students learn best, and flourish most, when they encounter perspectives, people, backgrounds, and experiences other than their own. Diversity, equity, and inclusion speak to our highest ideals for a just society.
Cherish childhood
Childhood is brief and precious, a time of limitless potential and essential development. It is also a time to be savored for its own wonders, as it will not come again. A Curtis education honors these truths.
Live with purpose
In all we do, a Curtis education strives to provide students with the skills, tools, and sense of purpose they need to be good people.
Annual Report 2024-25
Board of Trustees
2024-25
Craig Varnen, Chair
Lee Chu, First Vice Chair
Harshith Ramesh, Second Vice Chair
Karla Diaz Sayles, Secretary Steve Chang, Treasurer
Erikson Albrecht
Dr. Kavitha Bhatia
Dilip Bhavnani
Marshall Cole ’96
Dr. Dana Coleman
Talib Fakhri
Ann Kono
Nicholas Matus
Dr. Kevin Newman ’83
Dr. Sarah Shulkind
Leslie F. Vermut
Jon Wimbish
Thea Andrews Wolf
Dr. Rachel Yang
2025-26
Lee Chu, Chair
Harshith Ramesh, First Vice Chair
Marshall Cole ’96, Second Vice Chair
Karla Diaz Sayles, Secretary Steve Chang, Treasurer
Dilip Bhavnani
Dr. Dana Coleman
Talib Fakhri
Ann Kono
Nicholas Matus
Dr. Kevin Newman ’83
Hannah Redfern
Dr. Sarah Shulkind
Craig Varnen
Leslie F. Vermut
Jon Wimbish
Thea Andrews Wolf
Dr. Rachel Yang
FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dear Curtis Community,
As I reflect on this past year, and on my final year as Chair of the Board of Trustees, I am filled with gratitude for all that Curtis has meant to me and my family. Serving this school has been both a privilege and a joy. As the parent of two Curtis graduates, I have seen how this community lifts children up, challenges them to grow, and helps them become the best versions of themselves.
At the Class of 2025 graduation, I shared with our 6th Grade students that they are just getting started. That message holds true for all of us. Curtis is a place where every child is encouraged to aim high, explore new paths, and stretch beyond what feels familiar. And throughout that journey, they are supported by a community that believes in them. I have seen it in my own children and repeatedly during my time on the board.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank every member of the Curtis community for your continued partnership. Your generosity and engagement helped make the 2024–25 Curtis Fund a tremendous success and provided vital support for all areas of the Curtis experience.
I am especially grateful to the Parents Association and to last year’s President, Katie Gebhard, for the many ways they have strengthened the spirit of community. We welcome Cara Rich as the 2025-26 Parents Association President and look forward to her leadership in the year ahead.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to two exceptional trustees, Erikson Albrecht and Dr. Kavitha Bhatia, who completed their terms on the Board. We are deeply grateful for the time, care, and wisdom they have shared with Curtis. We are pleased to welcome Hannah Redfern to the board for the 2025-26 school year. Her perspective will be a valuable addition to our work. I am also proud to share that Lee Chu, a thoughtful leader and engaged community member, is the next Chair of the Board of Trustees.
A highlight of last year was the Beam Topping Ceremony for the Collaborative Learning and Innovation Center (CLIC). Watching the final beam rise, signed by members of our community, was a moment filled with pride and possibility. It reminded me that what we build here is not just physical space but opportunity. The CLIC represents our commitment to preparing students for the future by giving them the tools, spaces, and inspiration to think boldly and learn with joy. We are grateful to our Curtis community for their belief in this vision and their commitment to the future of learning at Curtis.
As I conclude my time as board chair, I do so with deep appreciation for the people who make Curtis what it is. It has been a true honor to serve alongside Dr. Ratnesar, whose steady leadership and deep commitment to Curtis continue to inspire all of us. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in this school. I am grateful to have been part of this chapter and look forward to all that lies ahead for Curtis.
Go Cougars!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Craig Varnen Chair, Board of Trustees, 2024-25
The Varnen family (l-r): Ashley, Hunter ’24, Luke ’24, and Craig
Board of Trustees Committees
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Craig Varnen, Chair
Lee Chu, First Vice Chair
Harshith Ramesh, Second Vice Chair
Karla Diaz Sayles, Secretary
Steve Chang, Treasurer
COMMITTEE ON TRUSTEES
Craig Varnen, Ex officio
Dilip Bhavnani, Co-Chair
Karla Diaz Sayles, Co-Chair
Kavitha Bhatia
Marshall Cole ’96
Dana Coleman
Nick Matus
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
Craig Varnen, Ex Officio
Dilip Bhavnani, Co-Chair
Thea Andrews Wolf, Co-Chair
Lee Chu
Talib Fakhri
Ann Kono
Leslie Vermut
Rachel Yang
Kim Borman, Non-trustee member
Katie Gebhard, Non-trustee member
Keishia Gu, Non-trustee member
Jaya Hathaway, Non-trustee member
Monica Johnson, Non-trustee member
Mili Patel, Non-trustee member
Hannah Redfern, Non-trustee member
Lindsey Gordon Rey, Non-trustee member
Ashley Warne ’96, Non-trustee member
Dr. Meera Ratnesar, Head of School
Jennifer Johnson, Director of Advancement
Melissa Malone, Events and Alumni
Relations Sr. Manager
Sandra McGarry, Advancement Manager
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Craig Varnen, Ex Officio
Talib Fakhri, Co-Chair
Rachel Yang, Co-Chair
Erikson Albrecht
Kavitha Bhatia
Oliver De La Hoz, Non-trustee member
Beverly Galashan, Non-trustee member
John Peters, Non-trustee member
Elina Wineburgh, Non-trustee member
Dr. Meera Ratnesar, Head of School
Brian Hollis, Chief Financial Officer
Kate Fox, Director of Accounting
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Craig Varnen, Ex Officio
Harshith Ramesh, Co-Chair
Karla Diaz Sayles, Co-Chair
Steve Chang
Marshall Cole ’96
Jon Wimbish
Chuck Block, Non-trustee member
Adam Daneshgar, Non-trustee member
Aziz Rahimtoola, Non-trustee member
Dr. Meera Ratnesar, Head of School
Sarah Tinsley, Chief Operating and People Officer
Jeff Albert, Director of Facilities
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE
Craig Varnen, Ex Officio
Erikson Albrecht, Co-Chair
Ann Kono, Co-Chair
Dana Coleman
Kevin Newman ’83
Sarah Shulkind
Thea Andrews Wolf
Jordan Church, Non-trustee member
Iva Shah, Non-trustee member
Sharion Young, Non-trustee member
Dr. Meera Ratnesar, Head of School
Sarah Tinsley, Chief Operating and People Officer
Janet Lee, Director of Equity, Curriculum, and Instruction
Earleen Kennedy, School Counselor and Community Liaison for DEI
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Craig Varnen, Ex Officio
Steve Chang, Co-Chair
Lee Chu, Co-Chair
Nick Matus
Kevin Newman ’83
Harshith Ramesh
Leslie Vermut
John Donnelly, Non-trustee member
Emily Lee, Non-trustee member
Jon Levine ’88, Non-trustee member
Dr. Meera Ratnesar, Head of School
Brian Hollis, Chief Financial Officer
Kate Fox, Director of Accounting
Welcoming New Leadership
We are pleased to introduce Hannah Redfern, who joins the Curtis Board of Trustees in the 2025–26 school year. Hannah brings a thoughtful perspective, deep business experience, and a strong commitment to our school community. We also thank Lee Chu, a dedicated trustee and parent, as she begins her role as Chair of the Board. Lee’s leadership and longstanding service to Curtis continue to strengthen the vision and stewardship of the board. We are grateful to all our trustees for the time, care, and dedication they bring to Curtis.
HANNAH REDFERN
Hannah Redfern is a dedicated Curtis parent and an active member of the Advancement Committee, in which she also co-chairs the Advancement Ambassador Program. She brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship and strategic growth to the board.
Hannah is the founder and CEO of Kilte Collection, a digitally native knitwear brand known for its machine-washable cashmere. Prior to launching Kilte, she led strategic initiatives at Lucky Brand and worked for Bank of America Merrill Lynch Investment Banking and the private equity firm Sterling Partners.
She holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BS in Finance, cum laude, from the University of Southern California.
Hannah also serves on the Council for Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Center and is a member of the Irene Dunne Guild Foundation at St. John’s Health Center, where she previously served as Head of Public Relations.
Hannah and her husband, Luke, are the proud parents of Curtis students Rowan ’30, Hank ’32, and younger sibling Bobby.
LEE CHU, OUR NEW BOARD CHAIR
We’re pleased to share that Lee Chu is the Chair of the Board of Trustees. A dedicated and thoughtful leader, Lee has served on the Committee on Trustees, Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and Advancement Committee. She brings sound judgment, deep experience, and a strong sense of purpose to this role, along with a mission-centered commitment to Curtis. Lee is also an engaged parent in our community, with three Curtis Cougars: Iris ’28, Astrid ’31, and Amias ’33.
School Finances
OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2024- JUNE 30, 2025
INCOME
EXPENSE 2
CONTRIBUTIONS & DRAWS
Financial figures noted above are from the board-approved school year 2024-25 revised budget and exclude CLIC project expenses except Debt Service.
1Other is Investment Income. The budget reflects bank interest only estimate. Curtis School’s operating budget does not include investment fund (endowment) growth or interest estimates.
2Operating Expense includes fixed-asset purchases and excludes depreciation. Facilities includes planned PPRSM funding. Financial Access Program includes tuition remission.
3Unrestricted gifts reflects annual fund goal.
FROM THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Dear Curtis School Community,
With the close of the 2024-25 school year, I find myself reflecting with profound gratitude on all that we’ve shared. What has stood out most is not just what we’ve done, but how we’ve done it: with open hearts, generous spirits, and a deep commitment to one another.
This community continues to astound me, not because of any single moment, but because of the steady, unwavering way you show up. Again and again, our families have offered their time, their talents, and their wholehearted care to help our children and one another flourish.
Throughout the year, I’ve witnessed how love quietly leads so much of what happens here. Whether it was welcoming a new family, lending a hand at Blooms, or sharing a tradition during Cultural Celebrations, the spirit of Curtis is rooted in connection and care. That spirit came into sharp focus during the Los Angeles fires, a moment that reminded us how quickly life can change and how essential community truly is. In that time of uncertainty, our community came together with strength and compassion. Your unity became a source of comfort and reassurance, showing our children, through action, what it means to truly care for one another.
I am especially grateful for the adaptability and resilience that carried us through a dynamic year. With the exciting and transformational construction of the new Collaborative Learning and Innovation Center underway, we experienced a temporary shift in how we used our campus spaces. And yet, true to the spirit of this community, you embraced the changes with flexibility, creativity, grace, and optimism. Whether it was hosting our first Curtis Fair at the Santa Monica Pier, reimagining International Lunch Day, or pivoting on Curtis Cares Day, your willingness to adapt made space for even more voices, ideas, and experiences to shine.
The generosity I’ve seen this year goes beyond the visible; it’s a generosity of spirit. From creative energy to quiet encouragement, every contribution mattered. Together, those contributions created something beautiful: a community rooted in kindness, rich with culture, and strong in connection.
To the Curtis faculty, staff, and administration, thank you for the love and dedication you pour into our children each day. To the tireless Parents Association Executive Committee and our incredible parent and guardian volunteers, thank you for your vision, your commitment, and your unwavering support. To every family, thank you for showing up in ways big and small, visible and unseen, with such sincerity, joy, and care.
Serving as your Parents Association President has been a great honor. Thank you for the trust, the collaboration, and the shared belief that, together, we are building something truly special.
With gratitude,
Katie Gebhard Parents Association President,
2024-25
The Gebhard-Schackne family (l-r): Raney, Bowie ’26, Flynn ’24, and Katie
INTERNATIONAL LUNCH DAY (l-r): Amanda Schutzbank, Mili Patel, Melissa Deutsch, Phatthana Johnson, Marie Flandin, Marissa Nazzal, Christina Dunlop ’93
GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY (l-r): Dianna Mannheim Sternberg, Sapna Vyas, Erica Lai, Jennie Kwon, Keishia Gu
PA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2024-25 (l-r): Assistant Treasurer Beverly Galashan, 1st VP Danielle Molina, 3rd VP Cara Rich, Corresponding Secretary Hila Farasat, Immediate Past President Sharon Eshaghoff, Recording Secretary Daniel Branscome, President Katie Gebhard, Treasurer Christine De La Hoz, 5th VP Danyel Lau, 4th VP Iva Shah, and 2nd VP Hannah Yang
Parents Association Committees
Curtis is incredibly fortunate to have a robust community of families who consistently contribute to our school through the Parents Association. Their dedication and generosity of time, talent, and resources enhance the learning environment and overall experience for our students, families, faculty, and staff. We are deeply grateful to these committed volunteers for partnering with the school to ensure that Curtis remains an extraordinary place.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Katie Gebhard, President
Danielle Molina, 1st Vice President - Communications
Hannah Yang, 2nd Vice President - Admissions Liaison
Cara Rich, 3rd Vice President - Fundraising
Iva Shah, 4th Vice President - Community
Danyel Lau, 5th Vice President - Enrichment
Christine De La Hoz, Treasurer
Daniel Branscome, Recording Secretary
Hila Farasat, Corresponding Secretary
Sharon Eshaghoff, Immediate Past President
1ST VP COMMITTEES - COMMUNICATIONS
Grade Representatives
Fredricka Richards, Developmental Kindergarten
Audrey Anhood, Kindergarten
Cara Heckenberg, 1st Grade
Hila Farasat, 2nd Grade
Stephanie Lee-Felker, 3rd Grade
Marla Raminfar, 4th Grade
April Topp, 5th Grade
Anna Gross, 6th Grade
Michelle McGruder, 6th Grade
Amanda Miller, 6th Grade
Salimah Shamji, 6th Grade
Lost & Found
Misha Assomull
Seda Bayrak
Phatthana Johnson
Rachel Kirenga
Syldy Nida
Maggie Tang
Practically New Uniforms
Misha Assomull
Seda Bayrak
Phatthana Johnson
Rachel Kirenga
Syldy Nida
Maggie Tang
PARENT EDUCATION
Curtis Director of Equity, Curriculum, and Instruction
Janet Lee with Maggie Yolen (l-r), who presented a parent education event on Lower Elementary Literacy in February 2025
PAST PA PRESIDENTS (l-r) Jennifer Hilton (2022-23), Sharon Eshaghoff (2023-24), and Katherine Meyer (2021-22)
2ND VP COMMITTEES – ADMISSIONS LIAISON
New Family Ambassadors
Maryam Burchett, Developmental Kindergarten
Megan Edmonds, Developmental Kindergarten
Anna Josephson, Developmental Kindergarten
Fredricka Richards , Developmental Kindergarten
Alison Arzac, Kindergarten
Lee Chu, Kindergarten
Amanda Schutzbank, Kindergarten
Iva Shah, Kindergarten
Ali Weinberger, Kindergarten
Kacie Griffin, 1st Grade
Keishia Gu, 1st Grade
Renu Jivrajka, 1st Grade
Emily Shuwarger, 1st Grade
Angela Struck, 1st Grade
Ritu Jain Viswanath, 1st Grade
Lindsay Herman, 2nd Grade
Dorie Weiss, 2nd Grade
Syldy Nida, 3rd Grade
Julia Richter, 3rd Grade
Ciara Castro, 4th Grade
Candice Naysan, 4th Grade
Meg Resnikoff, 4th Grade
Misha Assomull, 5th Grade
Lara Dolecek, 5th Grade
Karoline Hilu, 5th Grade
Sean Topp, 5th Grade
Christine Zenjiryan, 5th Grade
Jenny Cole, 6th Grade
3RD VP COMMITTEESFUNDRAISING
A ssistant Treasurer
Beverly Galashan
Boutique
Stacey Fish
Kacie Griffin
Kimia Klein
Elsie Mendoza
Danielle Molina
Cougar Wear
Renu Jivrajka
Nami Kim
Jae Lee
Wendy Luan
Youyang Xu
Curtis Celebrates! 2025
Julia Chang
Stacy Cohanim
Ariane Klein
Yasmine Maghami
Christine Zenjiryan
Curtis Fair 2024
Courtney Fennimore
Lisa Goh
Mili Patel
Hannah Yang
Fundraising Members-at-Large
Jennifer Hilton
Katherine Meyer
Party Book
Kacie Griffin
Anuja Gupta
Dianna Mannheim Sternberg
Angela Struck
4TH VP COMMITTEECOMMUNITY
Book Spree
Daniel Branscome
Lara Dolecek
Jackie Harman
Ann Kono
Wendy Luan
Jill Peters
Regina Rudyak
5TH VP COMMITTEESENRICHMENT
Blooms (Grades 5-6)
Lara Dolecek
Amy Kestenbaum
Ryan Komori
Buds (Grades 3-4)
Audrey Anhood
Natalie Javaheri
Rayna Marz
Orly Tabibi
Cultural Celebrations
Stacy Cohanim
Leena Fakhri
Amy Kestenbaum
Iva Shah
Lindsey Simon
Curtis Cares Day
Audrey Anhood
Stephanie Seib
Angela Struck
Laura Zahrawi
Families Helping Families
Maryam Burchett
Ciara Castro
Megan Edmonds
Kelly Gafni
Kacie Griffin
Phatthana Johnson
Seedlings (Grades DK-2)
Audrey Anhood
Maryam Burchett
Michelle Dar
Megan Edmonds
Cara Heckenberg
Renu Jivrajka
STANDING COMMITTEES
Admission Tours
Leena Fakhri
Heidi Grey
Jaya Hathaway
Marla Raminfar
Meredith Rettinger-Silver
Amanda Schutzbank
Emily Shuwarger
Dianna Mannheim Sternberg
Seema Stewart
Angela Struck
April Topp
Shana Zarcufsky
Curtis Celebrates! 2025
Kat Crowe, Design & Decor
Chad Eshaghoff, Wine Cella r
Hila Farasat, Auction
Cody Fuhrman, Auction
Amy Kestenbaum, Auction
Historian
Jennifer Hilton
International Lunch Day
Hila Farasat
Rachel Kirenga
Jin Sun Lee
Angela Struck
Library Chairs
Daniel Branscome
Christine De La Hoz
PA Members-at-Large
Cathy Del Prete
Yelena Vayner
Past PA Presidents
Sharon Eshaghoff
Jennifer Hilton
Katherine Meyer
Student Lunch Service
Jennie Kwon
Julie Pincus
Regina Rudyak
Elizabeth Schwartzman
Treasury Committee
John Peters
Brian Richards
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Michelle Dar
Christine De La Hoz
Galit Donnelly
Michelle Etebar
Stacey Fish
Heidi Grey
Jennifer Hilton
Katherine Meyer
Ali Weinberger
ROOM PARENTS
Developmental Kindergarten
Megan Edmonds
Melody Jazaeri
Kindergarten
Michelle Dar
Linda McDonough
Lindsey Palumbo
Amanda Schutzbank
Orly Tabibi
Ali Weinberger
1st Grade
Cathy Del Prete
Courtney Glickman
Anna Josephson
Lauren Ross
Casey Shaftal
Emily Shuwarger
2nd Grade
Brielle Block
Kat Crowe
Stacey Fish
Lindsay Herman
Joyce Komori
Dorie Weiss
3rd Grade
Lara Dolecek
Heidi Grey
Jaya Hathaway
Nadia Javaheri
Wendy Luan
Jackie Marciano
Carolin Michel
Dianna Mannheim Sternberg
4th Grade
Carolyn Huang
Natalie Javaheri
Rayna Marz
Candice Naysan
Jill Peters
Laura Pozarny
Yelena Vayner
Elina Wineburgh
5th Grade
Ben Apley
Julia Chang
Jung Lee
Katherine Meyer
Amy Siegel
Seema Stewart
Stacey Worth
Christine Zenjiryan
6th Grade
Anna Gross
Michelle McGruder
Amanda Miller
Salimah Shamji
The Best Day Ever 2024 Curtis Fair was an unforgettable celebration filled with laughter, joy, and a true sense of community. From the thrilling rides to the exciting games, mouthwatering treats, and priceless memories, the 2024 fair captured the spirit of our beloved Curtis tradition. Your support lit up the Curtis campus, and we couldn’t have rocked this party without you!
Curtis Fair Event Sponsors
Anonymous
The Atwater Family
The Barton-Jasek Family
The Begland Family
The Bernshteyn Family
The Blencowe Family
The Block Family
The Borman Family
The Branscome Family
The Bumbery-Lazarus Family
The Burchett Family
Jack Choi & Julie Jang
The Chow Family
Curtis Adoption Affinity Group
Curtis Asia Pacific Affinity Group
Olivia & Amelia De La Hoz & Family
The de Neufville Family
The Del Prete Family
The Deutsch Family
The Dolecek-Condie Family
The Dunlop Family
The Edmonds Family
The Ellenbogen Family
The Eshaghoff Family
The Ezor Family
The Fakhri Family
The Farasat Family
The Federman Family
The Fennimore Family
The Fermelia Family
The Galashan Family
The Gebhard-Schackne Family
The Golditch Family
The Greenman Family
The Gross Family
The Grace Qi & Chang Guo Family
The Ha Family
The Harman Family
The Hilton Family
The Maverick Ho Family
The Hotchandani Family
The Hu Family
The Jamshidi Family
The Jade Jasper Family
Anli Chen & Xiaohao Ji
YiTing Jiang & Family
The Joe Family
The Luke & Theo Johnson Family
The Johnson Family
Brandy & Moe Keshavarzi
The Kestenbaum Family
The Paul Kim Family
The Kolbrenner Family
The Koo Family
The Kreymer Family
Nami Kim & Minseok Kwon
The Lai Family
Holly Lake & Roger Chen
The Sofia & Elena Lee Family
Rachel & Jimmy Lee
Lee Chu & Jongmin Lee
Aria & Evelyn Lee
Stafford & Emily Lee
Jung & Ted Lee
The Orlando Li Family
The Lu/Luan Family
The McCaffrey Family
The Mir Family
Ryan & Liz Mirkin
The Mungcal Family
The Naysan Family
The Palumbo Family
The John & Emily Park Family
The Partridge Family
The Ajay & Renu Patel Family
The Pelland-Norskog Family
The Perrette Family
The Poursalimi Family
The Pujji Family
The Redfern Family
The Richards Family
The Rock Family
The Rozenberg Family
The Rupp Family
The Schwartz/Weiss Family
Ayan & Jaya Shah
The Shamji Family
Annabelle Shi & Family
The Shuwarger Family
The Spencer Siegel Family
The Siegel Family
The Silver Family
The Sims Family
The Sternberg Family
The Sun Family
The Tabibi Family
The Maggie Tang Family
The Tennenbaum Family
The Toure Family
The Vargas-Seay Family
The Wang Family
The Wineburgh Family
Hannah & Eric Yang
The Yi Family
The Zagalsky Family
The Zarcufsky Family
EVENT SPONSORS
Curtis Checkmate, on February 22, was a winning move for our community, with families gathering for an evening of dancing, fun, and connection. Thanks to the creativity and commitment of our Parents Association, the event sparkled with energy as queens and kings filled the dance floor and every move led to laughter and joy. We are so grateful to all who helped make this Checkmate celebration an unforgettable success.
The success of Curtis Checkmate was made possible through the thoughtful support of our generous family and corporate sponsors. Your commitment helped turn the evening into a truly memorable celebration.
Anonymous (3)
The Alban Family
The Alston Family
The Beker Family
Brielle & Charles Block
Ashita Shah & Arun Bohra
The Bouchey Family
The Branscome Family
Curtis Asian Pacific Affinity Group
Ryan & Alexandre Cerf-McComb
Steve & Julia Chang
The Chow Family
The Dantzler Family
Michelle & Amir Dar
Oliver & Christine De La Hoz
The Del Prete Family
The Deutsch Family
The Dueñas Family
Sharon & Chad Eshaghoff
The Fakhri Family
The Farasat Family
The Fermelia Family (Shane ’84)
Elizabeth Goldstein ’95 & Christopher Franjola
Cody & Jeffrey Fuhrman
The Fujikawa-Kwon Family
The Galashan Family
The Gebhard-Schackne Family
The Greenman Family
Adam & Kacie Griffin
The Gross Family (David ’90)
Hang Zhang & Zhishan Guo
Sarah & Peter Ha
Jacqueline & Daniel Harman
Cara & James Heckenberg
Lindsay & Ben Herman
The Hilton Family
The Hilu Family
Dr. Cassie & Mr. Robert Holmes
Sue & Charles Hsieh
Bella Bai & Ray Hu
Danny & Carolyn Huang
The Jamshidi Family
Benjamin & Natalie Javaheri
The Ji & Chen Family
Phatthana & Jermaine Johnson
The Josephson Family
The Kennedy Family
The Kilstein Family
The Kim Family
Randie & Alan Kleinman
Sean & Ann Kono
The Lahiri Family
Holly R. Lake
Danyel & Chris Lau
Edneisha Lee & Brooke Harris
Rachel & Jimmy Lee
Lee Chu & Jongmin Lee
Jung & Ted Lee
The Lee-Felker/Felker Family
The Martin Family
Brandon & Rayna Marz
Aaron & Michelle McGruder
The Mendoza Family
Katherine & Andrew Meyer
Ryan & Liz Mirkin
Sapna Vyas & Gaurav Misra
The Nyarwaya Family
The Palumbo Family
The Panguluri Patel Family
The Parnes Family
Ajay & Renu Patel
The Perrette Family
Sol & Stephanie Poursalimi
Payal Kadakia & Nick Pujji
Harshith & Amita Ramesh
Marla & Arash Raminfar
Hannah & Luke Redfern
The Sayles Family (Matt ’94)
Iva & Vishal Shah
Sarah & Andrew Shulkind
Emily & Ryan ’97 Shuwarger
Lauren & Ross Siegel
The Simon Family
SOMOS Curtis Affinity Group
de Winter, Seema, & Satara Stewart
The Struck Family
The Tang Family
The Tennenbaum Family
The Toure Family
The Viswanath Family
The Weidenbaum Family (Haley ’99)
Ali & Alex Weinberger
Drs. Quinton & Tracee Williams
The Wineburgh Family
Stacey & Stephen Worth
David & Renee Yang
Hannah & Eric Yang
Jae & Annie Yi
The Zahrawi Family
PADDLE RAISE DONORS
Thank you to all who contributed through Text-to-Give during Curtis Checkmate. Your generosity ensures Curtis School’s ability to continue to provide an extraordinary education and opportunities for every student.
Anonymous (3)
The Alban Family
The Beker Family
Brielle & Charles Block
The Bouchey Family
The Branzburg-Fisher Family
The Bulochnikov-Paul Family
Jennifer Cansick
The Chow Family
The Chu Family
The Cole Family (Marshall ’96)
Michelle & Amir Dar
Oliver & Christine De La Hoz
The Deutsch Family
The Dolecek-Condie Family
Gavin & Galit Donnelly
The Dunlop Family (Christina ’93)
The Edmonds Family
Sharon & Chad Eshaghoff
The Fakhri Family
The Farasat Family
The Fermelia Family (Shane ’84)
Elizabeth Goldstein ’95 & Christopher Franjola
Cody & Jeffrey Fuhrman
The Galashan Family
The Gebhard-Schackne Family
Adam & Kacie Griffin
The Gross Family (David ’90)
Sarah & Peter Ha
Ginger Healy ’97
Cara & James Heckenberg
Lindsay & Ben Herman
The Hilton Family
Dr. Cassie & Mr. Robert Holmes
Ruth & Timothy Hotchandani
Sue & Charles Hsieh
Bella Bai & Ray Hu
Danny & Carolyn Huang
Benjamin & Natalie Javaheri
Nadia & Josh Javaheri
The Jenkins Family
Annie Yanfen Zha & Hunter You Jiang
Ciara Castro & Gabriel Johnson
Jennifer & Ryan Johnson
The Jones Family
The Kennedy Family
Mark & Amy Kestenbaum
Randie & Alan Kleinman
Loryn & Adam Kolbrenner
Sean & Ann Kono
Danyel & Chris Lau
Rachel & Jimmy Lee
Lee Chu & Jongmin Lee
Tom & Ashley Ma
Mr. Steve Maghami & Dr. Yasmine Maghami
Mia & Milo Martin
Brandon & Rayna Marz
Sandra McGarry
The Mendieta-Pastor Family
The Mendoza Family
Katherine & Andrew Meyer
Ryan & Liz Mirkin
The Molina Family
The Nazzal Family
The Noecker-Robert Family
The Palumbo Family
The Emily & John Park Family
The Parnes Family
Ajay & Renu Patel
Pank & Deepti Patel
The Pelland-Norskog Family
The Peters Family
The Pincus Family
Sol & Stephanie Poursalimi
Payal Kadakia & Nick Pujji
Meera Ratnesar & John Querio
Harshith & Amita Ramesh
Marla & Arash Raminfar
Hannah & Luke Redfern
The Rich Family
The Rock Family
Norberto Romero
The Sayles Family (Matt ’94)
The Schutzbank Family
The Shin Family
Emily & Ryan ’97 Shuwarger
Amy & Adam Siegel
Pica + Sullivan
The Tang Family
The Tennenbaum Family
The Toure Family
The Turcios Family
The Varnen Family
Jorge Velazquez
The Viswanath Family
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Weg (Patricia ’94)
Ali & Alex Weinberger
The Wineburgh Family
Thea & Jay Wolf
Stacey & Stephen Worth
Hannah & Eric Yang
Kevin & Victoria Yee
Jae & Annie Yi
The Zahrawi Family
The Zenjiryan Family
Think Forward
Curtis has embarked on a multi-phased initiative that begins with the Collaborative Learning and Innovation Center, a hub for collaborative excellence that brings together our core arts, science, and technology programs, expanding learning opportunities across disciplines in flexible, well-equipped, dynamic learning spaces. Curtis School is grateful to the following donors for their early and generous commitments to our Think Forward campaign.
$1,000,000+
The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation
Alex von Furstenberg & Alison Kay
$500,000 - $999,999
For Our Children, Aria & Evelyn Lee
Rachel & Jimmy Lee
Amita & Harshith Ramesh
The Tang Family Education Foundation
$250,000 - $499,999
Anonymous (2)
The Ahmanson Foundation
The Bumbery-Lazarus Family
Julia & John Donnelly
The Fakhri Family
Rob & Shari Friedman Family
Kelly Hale, in memory of Robert C. Hale
The Pujji Kadakia Family
Amina & Aziz Rahimtoola
The Redfern Family, in memory of Robert C. Hale
Allan ’79 & Lily Schweitzer
Jennifer Yen & Jaehee Yen
$100,000 - $249,999
Martin & Alison Arzac
The Beker Family
Drs. Sunny & Kavitha Bhatia & Family
The Bhavnani Family Foundation
C&R Newman Family Foundation, in honor of Kevin Newman ’83
Jack Choi & Julie Jang
Curtis Parents Association
The Doheny McCoy Fermelia Family
J.J. & Adela Dudum
Tom & Courtney Fennimore
Michael & Stephanie Greenman
Jaya & Jordan Hathaway
The Hotchandani Family
Ting Zhang & Gang Ji
The Kirchner Family, in honor of Justin ’21 & Milena ’23 Kirchner
Matthew ’91 & Ariane Klein
Randie & Alan Kleinman
The Kolbrenner Family
Sean & Ann Kono
Minseok Kwon & Nami Kim
Lee Chu & Jongmin Lee
The Li Family
Yunpeng Li & Yan Yu
Ryan & Liz Mirkin
The Emily & John Park Family
Drs. Ninna & Bharat Patel Family Foundation
The Perrette Family
Sol & Stephanie Poursalimi
Jason & Olivia Qiao Family
John Querio & Meera Ratnesar
RBSL Bergman Foundation
The Schwartzman Family
The Shaw Family
The Shuwarger Family
Jud & Blair Tanner
The Toure Family
The Wineburgh Family, in honor of Meyer & Adler Wineburgh
Thea & Jay Wolf
Annie & Jae Yi
$50,000 - $99,999
Brielle & Charles Block
Ashita Shah & Arun Bohra
Julia & Steve Chang
Sabrina & Adam Daneshgar
The Lau Family
Allison & Jeff Mirkin & Family
Zaheeda & Nav Rahemtulla
$25,000 - $49,999
Kimberly & Casey Borman
The Capital Group Companies
Charitable Foundation
Shirley Che & Vincent Chen
The Fish Family
Yong Qi & Chang Guo
Jacqueline & Daniel Harman
Katie & Phil Holthouse
The Mall-Miller Family
Andrew & Katherine Meyer
The Panguluri Patel Family
Purlisse Beauty Inc.
Iva & Vishal Shah
TO $24,999
Anonymous
Ryan Boccuzzi
The Cole Family
Ché & Dana Coleman
The Del Prete Family
Gavin & Galit Donnelly
The Edmonds Family
Expedia Group
Heather & Michael Ezer
The Federman Family
The Ferguson-Mikita Family
Zhishan Guo & Hang Zhang
Lindsay & Ben Herman
Rachel Yang, Don Ho, Joy & Glory Ho
The Ji & Chen Family
William Jiang & Karen Wu
Ciara Castro & Gabriel Johnson
The Johnson Family
Eunjeong & Jay Kim
The Lusk Family
Amanda & Nicholas Matus
Farris & Marissa Nazzal
The Partridge Family
Nana One, Inc.
Maureen & Don Querio
The Rich Family
Reid Ross & Megan Marsanico-Byrne
Rothschild & Co
The Sayles Family
Iris Bai & Nathan Shi
Sarah & Andrew Shulkind
The Simon Family
Spike, Inc. Hollywood Body Jewelry
Tamaqua Foundation
Andrew Tennenbaum & Ali Strocker
The Tu Family
The Varnen Family
Leslie Vermut & Tom Weinberger
The Walt Disney Company Foundation
Dr. Jinqiang Wang & Mrs. Hui Cheng
Ali & Alex Weinberger & Family
Candace & Barry Weisz
Kathy & Laird Wilson
The Wimbish Family
Hannah & Eric Yang
The Yang Family
INSIDE THE CLIC
This new 21,000 ft 2 three-story building houses all our arts, science, and technology classrooms under one roof.
Engineering Lab
When elementary school students are provided learning facilities of the kind typically only available in secondary education, there’s no limit to what they’ll create. These age-appropriate spaces provide all the tools imaginable for collaborative, project-based learning.
Movement Studio
The Movement Studio is a flexible space for reflection and mindfulness, which are needed for true collaboration and creativity to freely flow.
Maker & Collab Courts
When we take down the walls between classrooms and nature—in this case, literally—students develop into curious and dexterous problem solvers. The Maker and Collab Courts provide extended outdoor learning spaces on the north and south sides of the building.
Robotics & Digital Lab
With a dedicated space to expand our robotics program, students can dream bigger with forward-thinking technology.
Ceramics provides the opportunity for students to unplug from technology and use their minds, bodies, and hearts in a physical and tactile way.
Ceramics Studio
Curtis Fund Leadership 2024-25
Thank you to the entire Curtis community for your generous support in making the 2024–25 Curtis Fund a success. Through the collective efforts of parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, and foundations, we surpassed our $1.8 million goal. Your commitment strengthens Curtis’s mission and makes an immediate and lasting impact on our students. We are especially grateful to the Advancement Committee, grade-level Curtis Fund Ambassadors, and the Advancement staff for their outstanding leadership and dedication.
Advancement Committee
Dilip Bhavnani, Co-Chair
Thea Andrews Wolf, Co-Chair
Kim Borman
Lee Chu
Talib Fakhri
Katie Gebhard
Lindsey Gordon Rey
Keishia Gu
Jaya Hathaway
Jennifer Johnson, Director of Advancement
Monica Johnson
Ann Kono
Melissa Malone, Events and Alumni Relations Sr. Manager
Mili Patel
Dr. Meera Ratnesar, Head of School
Hannah Redfern
Craig Varnen, Chair, Board of Trustees
Leslie Vermut
Ashley Warne ’96
Rachel Yang
ADVANCEMENT OFFICE SUPPORT
Sandra McGarry, Advancement Manager
Curtis Fund
Grade Ambassadors
Co-Chairs
Keishia Gu
Monica Johnson
Hannah Redfern
DK
Danielle Molina
Jennifer Mintz
Kindergarten
Alison Arzac
Christina Dunlop ’93
1st Grade
Anna Josephson
Julia Richter ’94
2nd Grade
Beverly Galashan
Laura Zahrawi
3rd Grade
Jaya Hathaway
Hannah Yang
4th Grade
Elizabeth Braiman
Rebecca Mall
5th Grade
Seda Bayrak
Jonathan Levine ’88
David Press
Jennifer Smiley
6th Grade
Jessie Ezor
Randie Kleinman
Meredith Rettinger-Silver
Yelena Vayner
The Impact of Your Support
At Curtis, every professional development opportunity is ultimately an investment in our students. Our faculty and staff participate in professional development each year, an effort made possible by the Curtis Fund. These ongoing learning experiences refine our educators’ skills, deepen their expertise, and inspire new approaches to teaching. By supporting our teachers, we ensure that every child benefits from a dynamic, responsive, and enriching learning experience.
WRITING REVOLUTION
In the past three years, a number of faculty members have been trained in The Writing Revolution, an approach that aims to help all students become proficient writers, readers, and critical thinkers. In the 2024–25 school year, teachers used The Writing Revolution in 2nd through 5th Grades, and this year, our teachers are implementing it in 6th Grade language arts, social studies, and science as well.
The Writing Revolution is an explicit set of sequenced strategies for teaching expository writing that can be integrated into any content area. Specific strategies are presented to improve the structure, coherence, and clarity of students’ writing, beginning at the sentence level and progressing to paragraphs and essays. Students also learn how to take notes and summarize, which strengthens their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Read more about the impact of The Writing Revolution on page 14.
InquirED
InquirED is a literacy-rich social studies program that teachers in Grades 2–5 used during the 2024–25 school year. Due to its success, the program expanded to 1st Grade in the current year. Units begin with a compelling question, move through sustained investigation of content, and culminate with students taking informed action. Teachers integrate anti-bias work with InquirED units and lessons in civics, history, geography, and economics.
Explore, Research, and Connect
The Educational Travel Fellowship Program, made possible by the Curtis Fund, offers our teachers a unique opportunity to engage in fieldwork, conduct research, and collaborate with educators and organizations anywhere in the world. These experiences enrich our learning community by creating new perspectives, promoting cross-cultural competency, and fostering global thinking in our classrooms.
A LESSON IN CONNECTION, CREATIVITY, AND COFFEE
BY JAYME KRITZLER, 3RD GRADE TEACHER
In spring 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Finland through Curtis’s generous Educational Travel Fellowship Program, and what I experienced at Auroran Koulu, a neighborhood school in Espoo, was nothing short of inspiring. Nestled in a woodsy suburb just outside Helsinki, the school offered me a window into a system where education feels deeply personal, joyful, and thoughtfully paced.
One of the first things I noticed upon entering the school building—besides the neat rows of enormous cubbies holding snow boots and coats—was the calm. It wasn’t the quiet of a silent hallway, but the calm of a space where students felt entirely at home. Shoes were off, conversations were friendly, and teachers were called by their first names. This sense of ease and mutual respect between students and teachers was evident in every classroom I visited. Students and staff warmed up to me quickly, eager to teach me about Auroran Koulu and curious about my school in the faraway land of Los Angeles (they could not believe we have an outdoor pool at Curtis!).
hesitation to be out in the cold. In Finland, outdoor play happens no matter the weather. And it pays off. After those brisk recess breaks, students came in ready to focus and engage. It was a beautiful rhythm: active, unstructured time in the bolstering cold followed by calm, concentrated time in class.
Creativity is highly valued at Auroran Koulu. The school features robust programming in the arts and handicrafts, including a stunning loom in the art room that took up nearly one entire wall. Students were designing and creating with confidence—something that clearly stemmed from years of practice and encouragement. It was a reminder that children need time and space to explore their creativity just as much as they need time for reading and math.
Scan the code to see our teachers’ travel blogs.
The 4th Grade class I observed was led by Noöra, a teacher who had been with her group of students since they were in 1st Grade. The long-term relationship she had built with her students was clear in the way they interacted— there was familiarity, trust, and care. It reminded me how powerful it is for students to be known deeply by the adults who teach them.
Despite the falling snow, the children played energetically during recess, showing no
Perhaps most notably, the school felt like a true community hub. Families are connected to Auroran Koulu even before their children are born. The school serves as a pillar in their lives for years, from offering parenting classes when the family is expecting a baby, to providing heavily subsidized daycare and preschool, through 6th Grade. That sense of community, and the deeply-rooted teacher-student relationships, are foundational to the success I observed.
Beyond the classroom, I also came to understand how Finnish society as a whole supports strong educational outcomes. One major contributor is Finland’s generous parental leave policies, which allow families extensive time together during a child’s early years. This emphasis on bonding, paired with a broader cultural value placed on togetherness with family and friends, helps create emotionally grounded, confident children who are ready to learn.
Francesca Gerbino Ireland
Zelisha Zigler
England
France Switzerland
I was also struck by the diversity within the school community. I met students from Russia, Egypt, Ukraine, Kenya, Bosnia, Albania, and Congo—all engaged, multilingual, and remarkably proficient in English. There were Finnish language classes for students with other primary languages and ample support for neurodivergent students. It was clear that Auroran Koulu is not only a neighborhood school, but a welcoming place where all children can thrive.
After spending time in Finnish classrooms and neighborhoods, I now understand why the United Nations has ranked Finland the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row. That happiness isn’t loud or flashy—it’s a calm assuredness grounded in community, a deep connection to nature, and a slower, more intentional way of living. These are not only ingredients for a content life but also the perfect conditions for robust learning at school.
Jayme Kritzler
Sweden
Finland
And of course, I fell in love with the Finnish way of life: afternoon coffee breaks, unhurried walks through the many city parks and massive public libraries, and even picnics in 25-degree weather. The commitment to balance—in family life, in education, and in daily routines—left a lasting impression.
I returned home with a full heart and a head full of ideas. Most of all, I was reminded that when we prioritize connection, creativity, and time to play, we give our students exactly what they need to thrive.
“I was reminded that when we prioritize connection, creativity, and time to play, we give our students exactly what they need to thrive.”
HANDS AROUND THE WORLD: A JOURNEY THROUGH DEAF COMMUNITIES
BY ZELISHA ZIGLER, DEVELOPMENTAL KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
A World of Sign Languages
Sign language is a visual language that uses the hands, face, and body, with over 300 distinct languages spoken around the world. Each one reflects the unique rhythm, history, and identity of its community. In the course of my travels, I encountered languages like French Sign Language (LSF), British Sign Language (BSL), and Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS), and was struck by the deep connection, pride, and resilience uniting these diverse communities.
Louhans: Preserving the Past
My journey began in Louhans, a charming town in eastern France with a deep connection to Deaf heritage. It’s home to the Musée de la Civilisation des Sourds, or the Deaf Museum. Inside, I found a powerful collection of early communication tools: vintage hearing aids, large mechanical cochlear implants, and early TTY machines, ancestors to today’s texting and video calls. I learned about Ferdinand Berthier, a Deaf educator and activist from the 19th century who fought fiercely for Deaf rights. His legacy underscores just how long Deaf people have been advocating for access, autonomy, and visibility.
Paris: Where Deaf Education Began Paris holds a special place in Deaf history. I visited the Institut National de Jeunes Sourds, the world’s first public Deaf school, founded in the 1760s by Charles-Michel de l’Épée. One of his most famous students, Laurent Clerc, later co-founded the first Deaf school in the U.S., shaping American Sign Language, which still shares roots with French Sign Language today.
Modern Paris also offers a glimpse into Deaf entrepreneurship. I had lunch at Furahaa, a Deaf-owned vegan restaurant founded by Deaf entrepreneur Arthur Devillers. The staff signed
fluently, the vibe was warm, and the food? Incredible. Fun fact: It’s the only place in Paris where you can get a Beyond Burger! Devillers is creating a space where Deaf culture, identity, and inclusion thrive.
London: Inclusion in Action
Crossing the English Channel, I landed in London, where I visited Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children. This bilingual school uses British Sign Language to teach Deaf students alongside hearing peers. BSL is a distinct language from ASL, with different grammar and a two-handed fingerspelling system.
Zurich: A Tapestry of Signs
My final stop was Zurich, where I explored Swiss German Sign Language. In a country with four national spoken languages, it’s no surprise that the Deaf community is multilingual as well. From early education centers like Güxi to advocacy groups like the Swiss Federation of the Deaf, families receive strong support from the very beginning.
This journey through Deaf communities across Europe reaffirmed what I’ve always known in my heart: Deaf culture is rich, resilient, and beautifully diverse. As a CODA (child of Deaf adults) and educator, this experience deepened my commitment to fostering inclusive spaces where every child, whether hard of hearing or hearing, feels seen, valued, and empowered. At Curtis, it inspires me to integrate global Deaf perspectives into my teaching, celebrating sign language as a cultural asset, not just a tool. Whether through curriculum design or classroom practices, I return with a renewed passion to amplify Deaf voices, honor lived experiences, and continue building bridges of understanding, hand in hand, sign by sign.
