Photo: Angie Platt - President of the Board of Trustees
Letter from the Board President
Dear Los Encinos Families and Friends,

As I recall the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, I clearly remember the big plans we were making for our 40th birthday year. First, we redesigned the logo, then we mapped out several parties, in-person and on-campus (I had never even heard the term “socially distant”)!  Instead, we saw how quickly plans can be altered by forces beyond our control.  I’m extremely proud of us for quickly and effectively pivoting to meet the demands of the pandemic, coupled with the social and racial unrest. 

Contemplating the 40th anniversary logo in Ilene's office.
As president of the Board of Trustees, I saw firsthand how the LES administration and my fellow board members stepped up to meet the various challenges. Our mission of creating life-long learners, change agents, advocates, risk-takers, problem-solvers, and collaborators with a program that embodies social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion was the beacon that led our decision-making.  We leaned in to our commitment to serve our community of students, parents, families, teachers, and staff. I’d like to offer my deepest thanks to everyone for their support and commitment as we worked together in truly meaningful and impactful ways.
LES teachers and staff, your perseverance and dedication amaze me. LES students, your strength and resilience has grown exponentially. Parents and families, thank you for your belief and trust in us as we weathered the storm together. Everyone went above and beyond the call, and for that I will be forever grateful.
 
Traditions & Celebrations was our theme for the year. While many of our traditions and celebrations looked a lot different virtually, it was exciting to see the creative ways everyone adapted, along with an unexpected bonus: We welcomed a wider community (extended out-of-state family, in particular) who would otherwise not have been able to participate if it were a regular school year. As we move forward, I can imagine a “new normal” that changes the way we do things, all for the better.
 
Dr. Thompson holds a Q&A with LES grandparents about the effects of the quarantine.
So while our 40th birthday year wasn’t exactly what I expected, I think we now have even more reasons to celebrate.  I am excited to see where we go from here.  One thing I know for sure, in 2080 (40 years from now), LES will be passionately and relentlessly delivering on our mission and core values. We have strengthened the foundation for that future, together.

Sincerely,

Angie's signature
Angie Platt
President of the Board
Photo: 2019-2020 Board of Trustees

(L-R, Front Row) Anne Guenther (Secretary), Kathy Gordon, Angie Platt (President), Monica Harb
(L-R, Middle Row) Ilene Reinfeld (Asst. Treasurer), Lori Guggenheim
(L-R, Standing) David ZeBrack, Michael Yee, Chad Tew, Ron Milkes, Stewart Bloom, Nick Rich
(Not Pictured) Doug Shellow (VP of Development), Chris Adams, Jason Keller, Justine Schreyer Lewin (Treasurer)