PAGE ONE
Message from the Head of School
by, Ilene Reinfeld
The ‘narrative year’ is one of my favorite school-wide themes because it speaks so beautifully to all we do. We are constantly in the midst of exceptional stories. I feel surrounded by super-heroes — both figuratively, and sometimes literally — all day long!
First, I’d like to acknowledge the incredible teachers we have at Los Encinos School. I have a simple mandate when it comes to the daily classroom: fill this precious time we are given in a child’s life with engaged and relevant learning. The teachers share my mission and rise to the challenge with exceptional creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm.
The administrative staff, with the leadership of Assistant Head of School, Jonathan Beckmann, also rally to support that mission by making sure the obstacles to operating an efficient school are kept to a minimum.
Thanks to the generosity of the parents, the teachers want for very little. It’s a powerful triad we have here – teachers, parents, administrators – all united in support of the children, and I’m forever grateful.
This past year saw the efforts of all our labors pay off in big ways, each with its own compelling storyline.
The fundraising gala, “A Novel Night,” was a tremendous success. While we were entertained by some bright and witty comics, we not only enjoyed an evening out with friends, we also raised important funds for the school. Participation in “raise-the-paddle” was particularly strong, allowing us to build the new outdoor classroom that we’re calling NatureSpace.
In these pages, you will see how it all comes together. If it looks like we’re enjoying ourselves while doing the important and rewarding work of educating children, you’d be correct. Seems like a piece of fiction, but it’s definitely our reality.
Much of the joy comes from the service that is so integral to our program. With each grade tackling a variety of service projects that are age-appropriate to their understanding and abilities (see Jenny Lapidus’ article here), to the school-wide initiatives that include the parents’ involvement like the JDRF One Walk and Beautification Day on campus, I am proud to say that Los Encinos School “walks the talk.”
With Valerie at the helm, our Art Show continues to amaze me as it seems to get more dazzling year after year. The children are clearly excited to show off their work to the parents, grandparents, and special friends who come to visit. It’s always exciting to see alumni return as well, reminiscing about their own art show and reconnecting with friends and teachers.
Of course, this Annual Report cannot possibly encapsulate every extraordinary moment we experienced in 2018-2019, but it wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the most astonishing achievements: 100% participation in the LES Fund for the sixth year in a row!
Why the LES Fund is so critical to our mission is due mainly to the “extras” Los Encinos School is able to offer, and those things which make an LES education unparalleled in the world of independent schooling… it’s the generosity of the community that makes it all possible.
In keeping with the narrative theme, I want to thank Michael Weisberg, outgoing board chair, Angie Platt, incoming board chair, and the entire Board of Trustees for being key collaborators in support of our school mission.
It is my hope that as we begin our 40th year, the story of LES continues to enrich and influence the character and academic confidence of our students for many years to come.
With all best wishes,
Head of School
Letter from the Incoming Board Chair
by, Angie Platt
In the 10 years since I have been with Los Encinos, I have seen us go from a school that struggled to fill its classrooms and meet its operating costs, to a place with an abundance of applicants, full classrooms, and a strong financial outlook.
Angie Platt and Ilene Reinfeld at Grandparents and Special Friends Day (May, 2019)