Message from the Board of Trustees

It is with immense pride, gratitude, and optimism that I report on our current state of affairs. Last year marked the conclusion of my second term as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Los Encinos School (LES), a group of enormously dedicated volunteers tasked with protecting our mission and addressing the big issues of running our small school in support of Ilene and her administrative team. Budgets, facility updates, and human resources are just a few of the items on a typical meeting agenda. LES continues to stand on solid ground, and I am continually inspired by the talents and resources of our students, faculty, staff, and broader community.

2023-2024 was a year that challenged us to think differently, collaborate more deeply, and work harder to ensure that every student, no matter their background or circumstances, has access to the best possible education.

While we have much to celebrate, for the sake of our children our work can never be done. As we look ahead to the coming year, we will continue to build on the successes of this past year, while also addressing the challenges that remain. Our focus will be on fostering innovation in teaching and learning, ensuring equitable access to resources, and prioritizing the health and well-being of our students and staff.

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our entire community. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our parents, guardians, and families who partner with us every day in supporting the growth and development of our students. Your involvement and advocacy are essential to our success.

I also want to recognize our dedicated teachers, administrators, and support staff. You are the backbone of LES, and your tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for always putting students first. Last, but not least, I want to recognize the exceptional leadership skills of Ilene Reinfeld, our head of school, and Jonathan Beckmann, our assistant head.

Our sixth-grade teachers lead their students through the “hero’s journey” in relation to Greek mythology. I was visiting the school one day and noticed a group of yellow stickie notes lining their classroom door. One of the notes read, “A hero is someone who does something powerful for another person. Someone who puts your needs before theirs.” I can’t help but think how apt a description that is for the Los Encinos School leadership.

Together, we have built a strong foundation. I am filled with optimism for our future, and I am confident that the best is yet to come. Los Encinos School is an extraordinary place, and I attribute that to the collective efforts of everyone in this community who helps us grow and thrive. Thank you for your partnership and continued trust with the most important people in your lives… your children. Here’s to another year of learning, innovating, and success!

Respectfully,

David ZeBrack
Chair, Board of Trustees

Message from the Board of Trustees

It is with immense pride, gratitude, and optimism that I report on our current state of affairs. Last year marked the conclusion of my second term as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Los Encinos School (LES), a group of enormously dedicated volunteers tasked with protecting our mission and addressing the big issues of running our small school in support of Ilene and her administrative team. Budgets, facility updates, and human resources are just a few of the items on a typical meeting agenda. LES continues to stand on solid ground, and I am continually inspired by the talents and resources of our students, faculty, staff, and broader community.

2023-2024 was a year that challenged us to think differently, collaborate more deeply, and work harder to ensure that every student, no matter their background or circumstances, has access to the best possible education.

While we have much to celebrate, for the sake of our children our work can never be done. As we look ahead to the coming year, we will continue to build on the successes of this past year, while also addressing the challenges that remain. Our focus will be on fostering innovation in teaching and learning, ensuring equitable access to resources, and prioritizing the health and well-being of our students and staff.

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our entire community. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our parents, guardians, and families who partner with us every day in supporting the growth and development of our students. Your involvement and advocacy are essential to our success.

I also want to recognize our dedicated teachers, administrators, and support staff. You are the backbone of LES, and your tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for always putting students first. Last, but not least, I want to recognize the exceptional leadership skills of Ilene Reinfeld, our head of school, and Jonathan Beckmann, our assistant head.

Our sixth-grade teachers lead their students through the “hero’s journey” in relation to Greek mythology. I was visiting the school one day and noticed a group of yellow stickie notes lining their classroom door. One of the notes read, “A hero is someone who does something powerful for another person. Someone who puts your needs before theirs.” I can’t help but think how apt a description that is for the Los Encinos School leadership.

Together, we have built a strong foundation. I am filled with optimism for our future, and I am confident that the best is yet to come. Los Encinos School is an extraordinary place, and I attribute that to the collective efforts of everyone in this community who helps us grow and thrive. Thank you for your partnership and continued trust with the most important people in your lives… your children. Here’s to another year of learning, innovating, and success!

Respectfully,

David ZeBrack
Chair, Board of Trustees